NOVEMBER 2022 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 Go Movember this November Always coming shortAutomating the problems away 01.qxp_Layout 1 31/10/2022 10:23 Page 1www.oms.uk.com 01530 833 533 info@oms.uk.com Helping you to perform at the highest level OMS have delivered consultancy and training services throughout the Midlands and UK for over 22 years. We are a leading authority in health and safety, employment, quality, environmental and business continuity management systems and training. Our tailored solutions support organisations throughout the UK. Could we help you too? 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Visit www.oms.uk.com , call us on 01530 833 533 or email info@oms.uk.com to learn more about us and how we can enhance your organisation. Our customers say Excellent 4.8 our of 5 based on 336 reviews 02.qxp_Layout 1 31/10/2022 10:24 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 3 EDITORS NOTES Another month; another Prime Minister Writing these notes has become dicey in recent months. We obviously have to write ahead of publication and printing, which means that these notes will be written toward the end of one month, for inclusion in the next. That hasn’t been a problem many times in the past, but the recent Governmental upheaval (we’re told it’s not chaos) has left me rolling the dice. Do I quote the PM as Liz Truss, suspecting as I might that she won’t remain in power? Will I look the fool for saying someone is the PM when, by the time the magazine is on people’s desks, they have been relegated to the role of janitor? This time, I’ve been lucky. This time. I’m not the only one, however. Financial companies and associations have been emailing me none stop with their deep and well thought out analysis of a budget that keeps being yanked away and changed every few seconds. It quickly got to the point where eager financial advisors desperate for my time were telling me, in their own words, that they “couldn’t be a***d” to make comment until they knew for certain that Truss’ budget would stay. Two days later, one day after telling us she was not a quitter, she quit. So, we have a new person at the helm, taking over after Liz Truss’ record- breaking (not in the way she might like) stint in power. It’s hard to imagine what Rishi Sunak will be able to do, not for reasons of doubt toward him or his policies (what little we know of them) but because of the sheer sense of defeat among the party. Already, allies of Boris Johnson are suggesting it is over, and that a General Election must be held, while others who supported Liz Truss over Rishi Sunak before have suddenly been struck with amnesia and are assuring us they believed in Sunak from the very beginning. Business, unfortunately, cannot sustain itself on half-truths and non- comments. A General Election may well be the “right” thing to do morally speaking, and in keeping with democracy, but our economy needs quick and decisive action to fight inflation, and to tackle the cost of living crisis, and a messy and scrambled election battle is, in my opinion, not the answer. If Rishi Sunak and the Conservative Party want to show us they deserve to be, or stay, in power, then now is the time to make that clear. Mr Prime Minister, the country is watching, and it is time to make your case. Michael Fisher Editor 03.qxp_Layout 1 31/10/2022 10:25 Page 1@BLMEastMidlands BLMEastMidlands Latest news 6 A round-up of the latest news from our region. Commercial property 16 November it may be, but the commercial property market has not been slowing down for Christmas, and there are big moves across Nottingham, Derby, Leicester and further afield. Manufacturing spotlight20 Automation is the answer to so many of the manufacturing sector’s problems, and yet few people are asking the question. Materials handling23 The cost of materials handling accidents is high, as are the costs of recruitment and keeping staff. The region’s many distribution centres are having to contend with this and ever-increasing demand for their services. Networking 26 Fiona Duncan-Steer, founder of RSViP Business Networking Agency, discusses the importance and the many different forms of communication. Business services 28 Some business services are essential, and others not so much, but think twice before you decide to ignore the potential they offer; non-essential services may well be the answer to the problems many companies are facing. Tax 32 James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, considers the barriers to, and avenues for, business growth. Training and education34 Skills shortages are not new in certain industries, but the list of sectors struggling to recruit has been growing in recent years thanks to Brexit, COVID and now changing attitudes toward work. Men’s health 37 Men’s health is in people’s mouths, or above it, this November. Are you taking part? Public relations 40 Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR, reflects on his recent meeting with Sara Davies. Water and waste management 42 As the population in the UK grows, water is becoming ever more important, and recent failures in water treatment and disposal have brought uncomfortable attention on the sector. While some businesses have been doing things the right way, others have prioritised profits over the environment – and been punished for it. • RammSanderson Q&A AutoLink 48 Winter is just around the corner, so we check out three 4x4s that may well whet your appetite for on- road driving - and the rough stuff! NOVEMBER 2022 EAST MIDLANDS £3.50 LEADING BUSINESS MA AGAZINE November Go Movembe Always com er this awa Automing short ay oblemsomating the pr www.blmgroup.co.uk Cover photographs courtesy: stock.adobe.com/thodonal • Kletr • ipopba • jdarius • allouphoto Contents November 2022 Corporate hospitality 52 A business cannot run without employees, and unhappy employees will not stay at a business. In a tough economy where wage rises might not be on the cards, corporate hospitality might be the answer to keeping staff around. 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. 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 31/10/2022 10:25 Page 142 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. 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 31/10/2022 10:25 Page 2 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk GENERAL NEWS Lincolnshire power station chosen for UK first by adding hydrogen to gas supply Centrica Business Solutions is to start injecting hydrogen into its gas peaking plant in North Lincolnshire as part of a UK first trial with HiiROC aimed at better understanding the role of hydrogen in power production. The 12-month trial will be part funded by a grant from the Net Zero Technology Centre, which has given 20 projects a total of £8m through its Open Innovation Programme. Each is aimed at developing technology which could reduce emissions offshore, accelerate clean energy production and enable the delivery of the UK’s net zero ambitions. The 49MW gas fired plant at Brigg is designed to meet demand during peak times or when generation from renewables is low, typically operating for less than three hours a day. It’s anticipated that during the trial, getting under way later next year, no more than three per cent of the gas mix could be hydrogen, increasing to 20% incrementally after the project. Longer term, the vision is to move towards 100% hydrogen and to deploy similar technology across all gas-fired peaking plant. HiiROC’s proprietary technology converts biomethane, flare gas or natural gas into clean hydrogen and carbon black, through an innovative Thermal Plasma Electrolysis process. This results in a low carbon, or potentially negative carbon, ‘emerald hydrogen’. Because the byproduct comes in the form of a valuable, solid, pure carbon it can be easily captured and used in applications ranging from tyres, rubbers and toners, and in new use cases like building materials and even as a soil enhancer. Greg McKenna, MD of Centrica Business Solutions, said: “Gas still plays a huge role in maintaining a secure, stable supply of power in the UK, with around 40 per cent of our power coming from natural gas. So, it’s vital that we find ways to reduce the carbon intensity of gas plants like that at Brigg.” Legal 500 Directory highly ranks Sills & Betteridge LLP Another proud announcement from the firm as it reveals news of its latest results in the world’s leading legal directory The Legal 500. The firm’s position as one of the region’s top legal services providers, has been reaffirmed by retaining its position as a ‘Leading Law Firm’. Their family law team achieved Tier 1 status for the first time and all other service areas submitted held their positions in the tier rankings. 15 lawyers across 7 practice areas were given special individual mention for their standout contributions in their field, including Corporate Lawyer James Conduit who retained his position as a Leading Individual, Family Lawyer Chrystal Theofanous who was newly recognised in the same category and Siobhan Thompson also a Family Lawyer who received the accolade of Next Generation Partner. To view the firm’s results please visit www.legal500.com/firms/3052-sills- betteridge-llp/1604-lincoln-england/ Onsite wastewater treatment – a solution to Nutrient Neutrality Not enough space for wetlands? One of the most commonly explored solutions by developers for offsetting their Nitrogen and/or Phosphorous inputs, is the creation of wetlands. These systems take up a significant amounts of space and have varying nutrient removal efficiencies. Onsite wastewater treatment Building a compact onsite wastewater treatment works (WwTW) may provide enough nutrient removal capacity to achieve Nutrient Neutrality without any additional mitigation measures. In addition to being compact, innovative treatment processes means these systems will have minimal noise and odour profiles. Satisfying Natural England The evidence required to satisfy Natural England that a site benefiting from onsite wastewater treatment, is able to meet Nutrient Neutrality requirements in perpetuity, is considerably smaller, than compared with alternative forms of mitigation. 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 31/10/2022 10:37 Page 1Derby Arena set to stage major careers event Derby Arena is to stage one of the UK’s biggest careers events, which aims to encourage the next generation of technicians in science, technology and the creative arts. TechxFest is due to be held at the arena in March, with more than 100 companies and organisations, including Rolls- Royce and the University of Derby, expected to attend. It is being organised by TALENT, a transformation programme designed to promote opportunities for technical skills, roles and careers, in partnership with the university and Derby North MP Amanda Solloway, who launched the Research England funded project. Around 500 school children in years nine and 10 are expected to attend TechxFest where employers will exhibit alongside practical demonstrations bringing technical skills to life. Mrs Solloway said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be involved with TechxFest, which looks set to be one of the biggest careers events of its kind, here in Derby, the birthplace and home of science and innovation. “It is vital to inspire the next generation of technicians whose ingenuity, creativity and determination will help shape our society. “These skilled professionals are needed in almost every industry, and it is today’s young people that will help ensure our changing world develops for the better. “TechxFest promises to connect that burgeoning talent with the very best educators and the leading industries, harnessing their potential and building an exciting new generation of technical talent.” Mark Jefferies, chief of university research liaison at Rolls-Royce, said: “Technical expertise and a strong, diverse cohort of talent are essential to Rolls-Royce’s success. “We’re delighted to be supporting TechxFest – a unique event in collaboration with the University of Nottingham and the University of Derby that focuses on technical roles and careers. “We’re particularly thrilled it is being hosted here in the Midlands and we look forward to meeting our potential technical talent of the future.” 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. New PM must restore business confidence says BCC Reacting to the announcement of the new Prime Minister, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “We would like to congratulate Rishi Sunak on his appointment as Prime Minister. “The political and economic uncertainty of the past few months has been hugely damaging to British business confidence and must now come to an end. “The new Prime Minister must be a steady hand on the tiller to see the economy through the challenging conditions ahead. This means setting out fully costed plans to deal with the big issues facing businesses; soaring energy bills, labour shortages, spiralling inflation, and climbing interest rates. “We cannot afford to see any more flip-flopping on policies – the UK’s businesses need a sustainable, long-term economic plan they can believe in. The BCC is writing to the Prime Minister to set out the action needed to tackle the main challenges facing business. It is vital we see progress made in these areas to keep doors open and promote investment.” 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 31/10/2022 10:37 Page 2APPOINTMENTS Fiscal Engineers appoints new CEO Nottingham-based wealth manager Fiscal Engineers has named KPMG’s Anthony Hambleton as its new CEO. Hambleton will succeed Wayne Cox, who will retire from the role at the end of 2022 after seven highly successful years with the company. Cox will retain an advisory position and will also work alongside Hambleton during a carefully planned handover period. The pair were previously colleagues at KPMG, where Hambleton has served as a partner and led the firm’s Audit practice in the East Midlands. Hambleton said: “I’m extremely excited by this move, because everyone in our profession is aware of Fiscal Engineers’ outstanding reputation. I’ve also known Wayne and other members of the team for many years, so I really feel like I’m joining a family I’ve been close to for a long time.” Hambleton added: “Wayne has done an amazing job, and I know I have a tough act to follow. The fact that we’re going to be able to work side by side while I settle in will ensure a seamless transition, which is what our clients would expect.” East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Raft of new appointments as Rowleys expands its team Leicester-based accountants Rowleys has made a number of new appointments across its team as part of the firm’s strategic growth plans. The recent appointments include nine new team members in various departments across the firm, including: James Hutchinson who joins the Audit & Accounts team as an audit & accounts senior, Mohammed Rahman, Hollie Harvey-Rowley and Jenson Eley who join the Audit & Accounts team as trainees, and Lucy Elsom who joins the Payroll Team as a senior payroll advisor. Neesha Bali joins the Tax team as a trainee and Isaiah Campbell and Rachael Briggs join the Medical Team as trainees. Senior manager Claire Wright joins Rowleys from Grant Thornton, where she had previously been for over 12 years. She will work with new and existing audit and accounts clients, to provide an efficient and effective process tailored to them. Claire’s experience ranges from working with small businesses to larger corporations, including owner managed and private equity. BHW Partner appointed Deputy District Judge Paul Davis, Partner and Head of Litigation at Leicester based BHW Solicitors, has been appointed as a Deputy District Judge on the Midlands Circuit. Paul will be sitting as a Judge 2-3 days a month, alongside his busy litigation practice at BHW. Paul qualified as a solicitor in 2012 and specialises in commercial litigation, property litigation and contentious probate. He became Head of Litigation at BHW in 2019 and since then has overseen a rapid expansion of the Litigation Department, which has become one of the most respected teams in the region. The department’s work was recognised by the leading independent law firm guide, the Legal 500, for the first time earlier this year. Commenting on his appointment, Paul said: “I am delighted to get through the very competitive process and be appointed as a Deputy District Judge, which involved numerous challenging tests in a selection process that lasted over 12 months. I look forward to carrying out this important work alongside my job as a solicitor at BHW”. 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 31/10/2022 10:37 Page 3Nottingham firm appoints equine law partner Partner Caroline Bowler joins Rotheras’ dispute resolution team where she will specialise in equine law including disputes relating to the sale and purchase of horses and co- ownership of horses in addition to negligence claims predominantly involving the veterinary profession. Caroline also has considerable experience in commercial litigation and property litigation matters. Her practice in property litigation has focused on disputes relating to rights of way and adverse possession. In the context of commercial litigation, she is regularly instructed on contractual disputes, partnership disputes and professional negligence claims against surveyors, solicitors and other professionals. In recent years she has been instructed on a number of high-profile matters related to peer-to-peer lending. Caroline was previously a director and head of dispute resolution at Actons and has 15 years’ experience in litigation. Caroline said: “I am delighted to be joining Rotheras. The firm has a reputation for providing an excellent service. Having known a good number of individuals from the firm for a number of years I have first-hand knowledge of the quality and calibre of their work. I am also aware that they are a down to earth and friendly bunch of people. I am excited to introduce my specialism of equine law into the firm in addition to bolstering the already strong dispute resolution team.” New appointment strengthens team at Mineral Products Qualifications Council The Mineral Products Qualifications Council (MPQC) has appointed a new member of staff to help the sector connect with younger audiences by championing the diverse career opportunities within the quarrying and mineral products industry. Emily Noble joins MPQC as its future careers manager at its Eastwood offices near Nottingham. She is a qualified and experienced career development practitioner and careers advisor, with previous roles at D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, Derby College and Derby City Council. Viv Russell, CEO of the Mineral Products Qualifications Council, says: “Emily has a great deal of experience from her previous job roles and qualifications; it’s clear that she is passionate about raising the aspirations of young people. “MPQC is looking forward to benefiting from Emily’s experience, expertise and enthusiasm as she champions our sector. We wish her luck and are delighted to welcome her to our team.” Emily’s new challenge at MPQC involves raising the profile of the sector and inspiring young people to become the next generation of mineral products professionals. She will form part of the team leading the ‘Minerals Matter’ initiative, working in collaboration with sector organisations to increase participation of industry ambassadors within education, and develop strategic partnerships to support and target key projects more effectively. www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link APPOINTMENTS New appointment to college with campus in Leicestershire North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) is pleased to welcome a new member to its executive team. Colin Butler will join the college later this month as Executive Director People and Culture with a brief to lead on workforce and organisational development. Colin, who has a strong background in working within the further education sector, most recently for Loughborough College, is currently employed in a senior private sector HR role for Parking Facilities, part of Hill & Smith Holdings plc which manufactures sustainable infrastructure for transport applications. He said, “I am excited to be joining NWSLC and welcome the opportunity to support the team across all its campuses to deliver the best possible experience for students. In my experience, this depends on building an ethos where employees are well- supported, enjoy coming to work and feel valued.” With a background in retail management and more than 12 years in the logistics sector, Colin led the HR division of DHL Aviation in the UK and Europe, gaining industry plaudits for his work to develop maths and English skills in the workplace. In addition, Colin spent time teaching on a master’s level HR programme at De Montfort University in Leicester. 06-15.qxp_Layout 1 31/10/2022 10:37 Page 4Next >