NOVEMBER 2024 EAST MIDLANDS LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www..co.uk WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK WWW.EASTMIDLANDSBUSINESSLINK.CO.UK £3.50 Clearing the lineThe cost of key skills Promoting men’s healthJULY 2024 EAST MIDLANDS LE £3.50 LEADING BUSINESS MAGA MAGAZNE The key to success T JU£2.95 ULY2024 Support Cancer Macmill l Health a HaHorncas Visiting d tl tin motorin County fitness WWW.LINCWWW.LINC CONSHREOCONSHREO ODAYNETODAYNET BLM www.blmgroup.co.uk M&Ad rld o our guide to the pharmaceutical wY Issue 32 olume 1V reh aa W Dealsindem M d warehouse Making the dd and a r f iib mainte Cleani w id egular andR t df Often Imitated - Never Equalled www.blmgroup.co.uk INTERN NATION AL New ws ge challe Up to the or Cold st aag yetyand c th, saf Heal te e hh ygiene y 2024y jul yorkshire & lincolnshir £3.50 hire’s leading business mag agazine VOLUME 39 ISSUE 7 .blmgroup.co.ukwww first impr Designin crisis? The solution to the skills Business as usual ession r nghepeecV wwww.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 3 EDITORS NOTES It’s hard to want to look at any news currently with every newspaper and site under the sun bemoaning a budget that has yet to come out. The budgets of the last few years have all been relatively painful, and most have failed to stimulate the kind of growth those delivering them espoused. That seems to be something people forget every time one comes around. Given the state of the economy, taxes will almost have to increase – and economists said this would be the reality no matter which party won the election. Here, in our region, businesses are caught in a strange state of perception it sometimes seems, with repeated surveys of business leaders reporting that “business confidence is high” and yet commentary from those same leaders later talking about how bad the economy is. It raises questions of how confident businesses are, and whether it’s a good rate of measurement at all since it’s in the best interests of a business for its leaders to fake confidence even – or especially – when they don’t feel it. In fact, this faking of confidence has led to the curious rise of “ghost jobs” in the UK, which are when companies promote fake jobs online and in print not with the aim of taking on new staff, but to make it “appear” as though the company is in a strong position of constant growth. Sometimes, they even exist to make current staff feel expendable and to imply that a person’s job could be at risk if they don’t perform well enough. Obviously, appearances are important in business and everyone is guilty of a little window-dressing to make things look better than they are. The same goes for political parties and budgets as well. However, if leaders aren’t honest when looking at the health of their business then it’s no different to lying to one’s doctor on a medical visit – it may make you look healthier than you are, but the consequences can be catastrophic. Better to be brutally honest, at least internally, and to look at what areas need to be improved to help a business, rather than exaggerate confidence to look good on a survey. Good reading, as always. Michael Fisher Editor@BLMEastMidlands BLMEastMidlands Latest news 6 A round-up of the latest news from our region. APSS Q&A 16 Stuart Wall, Design Director at APSS, talks to East Midlands Business Link about “How good office design can improve employee productivity.” Commercial property 18 Progress is being made across the East Midlands on significant redevelopment and regeneration projects. Tax 22 James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, considers the changes we face at work as we grow older. Manufacturing spotlight 24 Line clearance is an overlooked part of processing, and one area in which vast efficiencies can be made. Materials handling 27 In a modern world, the supply chain process in food manufacturing cannot survive without efficient and well-planned materials handling. The East Midlands Bricks Awards 202430 With the East Midlands Bricks Awards complete for another year, it is time to reflect on the glittering event and reveal the winners. Education and training 46 With soaring inflation and the cost of living, training staff may feel like a painful expense – but training staff internally is likely to be cheaper than trying to recruit someone perfect for the role, especially in the current climate. Water and waste management 49 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. Movember 52 Movember is the leading charity changing the face of men’s physical and mental health, but they can’t do it alone. Business services 55 Business services have focused on cutting costs and increasing efficiency for the longest time, but the introduction of AI is leading some to suggest a new direction is upon is. It’s not one without risk, however. Public relations 58 Greg Simpson, founder of Press For Attention PR, shares why businesses should be entering awards. Corporate hospitality 60 Christmas parties are seen by some as a hassle and others as a necessary evil, but everyone knows there are risks involved when alcohol starts to flow. NOVEMBER 2024 EAST MIDLANDS LE £3.50 EADING BUSINESS MAG AZINE UK .co.ukwww. The cost of key sk WW killsClearing the WEASTMIDL healt omPr line ANDSBUSINE th s ESSLINKCOU moting men’ w Cover photographs courtesy: • stock.adobe.com/Shuo • Antony Weerut • Hamik • Lia Aramburu • paulacobleigh Contents November 2024 AutoLink 62 As we move toward the end of 2024, it’s worth taking a look at the future to see what motors are being revealed and what we can look forward to seeing on our roads. • We take a look at the new Aston Martin Vanquish Events68 A timely look at forthcoming business events around the East Midlands. And finally...70 Here’s Frazer’s collection of the weird and wonderful ‘news’ that came his way over the last few weeks.49 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 Vaillant and DCG unveil strategic partnership reshaping heating apprenticeships Taking a proactive approach to how heating apprenticeship training is designed and implemented in the UK, and to help provide the skills needed to support the decarbonisation of heat, Vaillant has built a new, strategic partnership with Derby College Group (DCG). Working closely together, Vaillant and DCG have developed a blended learning experience for both those leaving school and mature students, providing the wide range of skills needed for a career in the heating industry, as well as a working knowledge of business and the many opportunities that lie across the sector, to ensure that together, they can support the journey towards decarbonisation. Through this first of a kind collaboration for Vaillant, a new strategic partnership has been formed to develop new enhanced college schedules enabling students access to the best learning from an educational and real-life business perspective. Integrated with practical training, a new Vaillant Low Carbon Technology Training Room has also been officially opened at the Derby College Roundhouse campus. Incorporating Vaillant’s heat pumps and controls, it provides hands-on learning. Leicester creative agency becomes employee-owned Full-service creative agency, Rock Kitchen Harris, has become 100% employee- owned, through the establishment of an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). After 42 years as an independent agency, the move from direct to employee ownership marks a new chapter and demonstrates the agency’s commitment to putting its team of over 60 employees at the heart of its future. Employees are now the sole beneficiaries of the EOT and will benefit from the company’s success. In addition, a team of internally elected Trustee Directors will ensure that employee interests are at the forefront, now and in the future. In a joint statement, the Directors of Rock Kitchen Harris, Paul Petherick, Jamie Mollart and Paul Sculthorpe, said: “Since 1982, we’ve proudly championed and supported each other, with one shared goal: to create great work for our clients. “We believe in people-powered growth, where everyone matters, so we’ve turned that into our lasting legacy. By embracing the opportunities that employee- ownership presents, we’re confident in our ability to grow and exceed the expectations of our clients, as well as ourselves.” Derbyshire engineering firm awarded multi-million-pound contract at Manchester Airport Derbyshire-based Rayden Engineering Ltd (REL) have been awarded a multi- million-pound contract to construct a new Aviation Fuel Pipeline as part of the Terminal 2 upgrade at Manchester Airport. This project is a key element of the Airport’s extensive £1.3 billion Transformation Programme. Manchester Airport, the UK’s third busiest airport, is undergoing a major redevelopment, funded by owners the Manchester Airport Group (MAG). This project, known as the Manchester Airport Transformation Programme, is designed to modernise and enhance the Airport’s infrastructure and facilities. Now in its second and final development phase, the remaining works will deliver further expansion to Terminal 2 (T2). Key developments include the construction of a new Pier 2 with 13 boarding gates, improvements to the Refuelling System, and various Airfield reconfigurations. RELs role in the Transformation Project involves installing a new Fuel Pipeline along with Hydrant Spurs, a new Valve Chamber and Isolation Valve. This will serve the West side of the new Pier 2 at T2, enabling the refuelling of aircraft directly at their designated bays. Mandie Stravino OBE - CEO of DCG, Henrik Hansen - Managing Director at Vaillant Group, UK and Ireland, Andrew Cochrane - Chair of Governors at DCG, Mark Wilkins - Technology and Solutions Portfolio Director at Vaillant Group, and Carol Dixon, Director of Employer Partnerships at DCGwww.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. Council launches new business innovation initiative with universities Rutland businesses are set to unlock new growth and innovation opportunities, thanks to a partnership with regional universities. Rutland County Council has launched the new Rutland Innovative Businesses Support (RIBS) project, spearheaded by Loughborough University (LU) on behalf of the Civic Universities Partnership with De Montfort University (DMU) and University of Leicester (UoL). This project is set to bolster the growth of Rutland’s businesses. The RIBS project leverages the collective strengths of the three universities to offer Rutland-based entrepreneurs and businesses unprecedented access to expertise, innovation support, specialist equipment, and facilities. With a proven track record of regional, national, and international business support, the universities will assist businesses in scaling through innovation and create collaborative partnerships that benefit the local economy. This project has received £91,552 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Nottingham software company signs deal with Virgin Voyages Nottingham-headquartered software company, Ideagen, has signed a partnership with Virgin Voyages to enhance the health and safety of all guests and crew on board their global fleet of luxury cruise liners. The partnership, incorporating Ideagen’s specialist maritime safety solution, Ideagen Tritan, creates one of the most comprehensive medical management agreements in the industry. Ideagen will provide Virgin Voyages with complete end-to-end support to ensure passenger and crew wellbeing, from electronic health record management and global medical support through to pre-employment medical examination, claims, administrative services and case management. Ideagen will work closely with Virgin Voyages to deliver not just innovative bespoke services but also technology and customized software that meets their specific needs. As well as providing a more comprehensive and streamlined health, safety and wellbeing service to all guests and crew, the collaboration will benefit from Ideagen’s global regulatory expertise, providing complete confidence that the company is fully compliant within the ever-evolving healthcare landscape. © stock.adobe.com/ Jacob Lund © stock.adobe.com/SkórzewiakGateley RJA appoints new technical director in Nottingham Gateley RJA, the specialist quantity surveying, employer’s agent, project management and clerk of works arm of professional services group, Gateley, has strengthened its residential team with the appointment of Chris Tutin as a technical director in Nottingham. Chartered quantity surveyor, Tutin, joins from Diafora and brings more than 20 years of experience spanning the construction sector. This includes ten years specialising in the affordable housing sector both as a contractor, as well as working in-house for housebuilders and developers on residential schemes such as joint ventures with local authorities. In his role at Gateley RJA, Tutin will be responsible for growing and developing the residential team and its offering in Nottingham, as the consultancy continues to increase its number of affordable and social housing sector projects across the region. Tutin is also a RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) counsellor and East Midlands board member, as well as a Chartered Institute of Building mentor. He will contribute to Gateley RJA’s internal APC programme to support team members with the chartership process. APPOINTMENTS Michael Cummins Employment Solicitors welcomes new senior associate Specialist law firm Michael Cummins Employment Solicitors has welcomed Katie Baker-Clifton as its new senior associate. The solicitor has joined the Leicestershire-based legal firm which provides employers with advice and representation on all aspects of employment law. A qualified solicitor since 2010, Katie previously worked at the Black Country commercial law firm Enoch Evans. The Staffordshire University graduate has a long track record in providing tailored, strategic and pragmatic legal solutions to businesses and individuals. Her work has encompassed addressing employment grievances, navigating complex exit strategies and representing at Employment Tribunal proceedings, for a diverse client base including multi-nationals, HR teams, owner-managers and independent consultants. Katie has joined the now six-strong team at Michael Cummins Employment Solicitors, which includes partner Fabienne McAllister and was founded by its director Michael Cummins in 2022. East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Rothera Bray promotes five key team leaders to director roles following ABS conversion East Midlands law firm, Rothera Bray, has converted to an Alternative Business Structure (ABS) following approval from the Solicitors Regulation Authority. As part of this strategic transformation, Rothera Bray has promoted five key team leaders to director roles: HR Director Sarah Poole, Business Development and Marketing Director Marie Walls, IT Director Robin Davies, Finance Director Philipa Roberts, and Operations and Innovation Director Tony Woodward. The firm’s conversion to ABS allows it to draw on a broader spectrum of talent, with individuals from non-legal backgrounds taking on leadership roles and contributing to the firm’s business operations. This change follows Rothera Bray’s most successful financial year to date and supports its ambitious growth trajectory. The firm’s workforce has also seen substantial expansion, with the team now nearing 250 employees. Despite the regulatory change, Rothera Bray will retain its LLP status, ensuring continuity in the firm’s structure while positioning it for future growth and innovation. Chris Tutin and Hardeep Kooner Katie Baker-Clifton Top left: HR Director Sarah Poole. Top right: Finance Director Philipa Roberts. Centre: Business Development and Marketing Director Marie Walls. Bottom left: IT Director Robin Davies. Bottom right: Operations and Innovation Director Tony Woodward PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEX HANNAM PHOTOGRAPHYFlint Bishop recruits Head of Operations in Debt Services Law firm Flint Bishop has announced the appointment of Lee Osborne as Head of Operations to support the continued growth of its national Debt Services division. Bringing over 25 years of experience in banking and financial services, Osborne joins from CHL Mortgages, where he served as Services Director, managing a £3.2 billion servicing book and overseeing teams across primary servicing, collections, litigation, complaints, and quality assurance. Prior to this, Osborne held the position of Head of Operations at Aldermore Bank PLC, where he spent nine years leading key functions, including mortgage collections and commercial and property development originations. The appointment is intended to support Niall Gilhooley, Head of Debt Services, by expanding the existing leadership team, building on the growth and success of the practice, and to support the planned investment in technology and investment. Gilhooley said: “We are delighted to welcome Lee to the firm. His extensive experience as a senior operations leader will be invaluable as we continue to grow our high-performing Debt Services division. His track record in implementing transformational change and delivering exceptional quality and compliance results aligns perfectly with our strategic goals.” Nottingham legal tech company appoints head of operations & team performance Nottingham-based legal tech company, ReviewSolicitors, has appointed Jack Hickey as head of operations & team performance. The fast-growing firm, based at Aspect Business Park, currently partners with over 4,000 solicitors, helping them gather and showcase client reviews, ensure transparency and improve service for legal professionals across the UK. Jack’s appointment marks a significant step in ReviewSolicitors’ ambitious expansion plans, which aims to double its workforce (currently just over 40) over the next two years. CEO Michael Hanney said: “We are delighted to welcome Jack on board to the leadership team. He brings fresh ideas and experience in the business world to help us on the next stage of our journey.” Hickey joins the team after three and a half years in national business news and media, where he played a key role in shaping industry discussions and building visibility for both his publications and his clients. Prior to his media career, Jack was deeply involved in politics, having run for Parliament in Leicester West. www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link APPOINTMENTS New Director joins Board of East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster Cyber security specialist Rob Kneller has become the third Director of the East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster. He joins Dr Ismini Vasileiou and David Nicholls in leading the Community Interest Company, which supports regional economic growth by helping organisations to protect their digital assets from cyber threats. Rob has spent more than 15 years in the cyber security industry and is currently the Director of KIT365 Ltd, a Cyber Security Managed Service Provider and Consultants. He is vastly experienced in assessing organisations for Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certification and is also a Cyber Scheme Team Member (CSTM), Cyber Essentials Plus Lead Assessor, and NCSC- approved Cyber Advisor. Rob joins EMCSC in committing to help organisations of all sizes achieve robust cyber security. He provides practical solutions to cyber security challenges faced by businesses today. “My approach is to communicate complex technical concepts to non- technical audiences and businesses looking to improve their cyber security posture,” Rob said. “Getting involved with EMCSC is a great way to raise awareness of cyber security across the East Midlands and the UK.” Rob Kneller Jack Hickey Lee Osborne PHOTO COURTESY OF Kit365Next >