Business MK September edition

In print and online, Business MK is published in Milton Keynes and North Bucks for the area’s business community www.businessmk.co.uk

Deep losses force construction firm to suspend trading

Construction company the Buckingham Group has suspended trading amid ‘deep losses’ on its major current contracts.

The company, based at Stowe near Buckingham, said that problems on four contracts - three stadium and arena projects and a substantial earthworks scheme – had been caused by inflation due to the war in Ukraine and “other challenges” facing the sport and leisure sector.

In a statement, the company said it has filed a Notice of Intention to appoint administrators to protect the business while it seeks potential buyers.

The Buckingham Group board and its advisors has been in talks with potential investors but without success, the statement added.

On the Buckingham Group website, the statement continued: “It is with immeasurable regret that the Buckingham board has to announce that rapidly escalating contract losses and a sharp reduction in

Buckingham Group files Notice of Intention to enter administration

liquidity, together mean the company is unable to continue trading at this current time.

“We know that this will come as a shock to all our valued stakeholders.”

Commercial performance and delivery has been strong across most of the business but those have been outweighed by losses and cash deficits on three major stadium contracts - including the 7,000-seat expansion at Liverpool FC’s home ground Anfield and Sixfields Stadium, home of Northampton Town FC - and the earthworks contract in Coventry.

“This situation on these four long-term major projects developed through a combination of unexpected impacts such as the extreme inflation linked to the Ukraine conflict and other challenges in the sports and leisure division,” the statement said.

Directors have been seeking ‘substantial new investment’ to enable the company to continue trading as a going concern. Those efforts have ended in failure and the board opted to file the Notice of Intention to enter administration.

“We will be liaising with clients and interested parties to optimise any solution and secure the best outcome for creditors,” the statement said.

As Business MK went to press, Buckingham Group had not entered administration. “Our main aim at present is to seek to protect jobs, and to preserve as much of the business as possible,” the statement said.

Huel, which manufactures plant-based food products for export all over the world, has agreed a pre-let deal on a warehouse and manufacturing facility currently under construction at the new PLP Milton Keynes logistics park next to the A5 at Bow Brickhill. Full story: Page 3.

Niftylift platforms take their place in history. P7

National assessors hail BID’s second-term performance

The Business Improvement District looking after the Central Milton Keynes area has become one of an elite band of BIDs to receive national accreditation from the industry body British BIDs.

MyMiltonKeynes BID began its second five-year term last year after a ballot of levy-paying employers based in the city centre. British BIDs assessors concluded the BID to be well managed and financially sound.

They praised the BID’s performance management and its close links with levy payers through face-to-face meetings, its annual report and the well-attended AGM. However, the assessors also recommended various improvements to

MyMiltonKeynes’ operations, including a register of interests for all directors and BID officers, a formal procurement policy, a mid-term review of progress against targets and the creation of a documents marketing and communications strategy.

The assessors’ report said: “Overall, Milton Keynes BID is very wellmanaged with some excellent processes both internal and external. It is a BID that has achieved a considerable amount in a short space of time, excelled during the pandemic, has a well-supported business crime reduction partnership and plans to implement a green strategy in the coming months.”

Developer: Building refurb’ will set green benchmark

Work is set to start on refurbishment of a city centre office building that will turn it into the most sustainable in Milton Keynes.

The RO Group is putting the finishing touches to its plans for Silbury House, including introducing new technology that will take the building to best in class green premises.

The group is aiming Silbury House at achieving Fitwel accreditation - the global certification system that optimises buildings to support health and wellbeing.

The RO has invested in Milton Keynes for more than three decades, having developed neighbourhood centres in North Furzton, Shenley Brook End and Newport Pagnell as well as two convenience stores.

The group also owned and operated two Jigsaw Day Nurseries, a scheme of 25 light industrial units and a

small office development at Eastlake Park.

More recently it acquired a farm near Beachampton, where it now has planning consent for a 5MW solar park, has planted several hundred cricket bat willow trees and leased part of the farm for 80MW of battery storage.

Managing director Edward Rowlandson said: “Our redevelopment of Silbury House demonstrates our commitment to producing the best possible commercial property with the highest standards of environmental and wellbeing excellence. The city’s extraordinary environmental goals surpass legal requirements, aligning with the UK’s net zero and other environmental targets. We aim to do the same at Silbury.”

RO’s plans for Silbury House include state-of-the-art heating control, water saving and energy use reduction.

firm looks to keep pace with growth

Law firm Howes Percival is looking to create 50 new jobs in the next two years.

It is looking to fill new roles across its six offices, including in Milton Keynes and Northampton, at partner, solicitor and support staff level.

The expansion plans follow record growth for Howes Percival. Its corporate team completed more than 150 deals last year with a combined value of £170 million and has increased its headcount by almost a quarter. The litigation team

has grown by 38 per cent and commercial property by 30pc. Employment and private client work has also increased. In Milton Keynes, the firm’s office at Knowlhill has doubled in size.

“The firm has enjoyed significant success which has created more interest in our business and more demand for our services,” said Howes Percival chairman Geraint Davies. “It has definitely been a case of success breeding more success. “

Howes Percival will continue to invest in its

The accreditation panel added that the BID has a “driven team that work in harmony with one another, their board, and other stakeholders.”

The BID has secured new funding totalling £510,000 in the first 12 months of its new term, a figure described as ‘particularly impressive’ by the panel.

MyMiltonKeynes BID chief executive Melanie Beck, inset, who steps down from her role this month, told Business MK: “Only a handful of BIDs achieve this and it is therefore quite an accolade. I am particularly pleased with the feedback from the panelit is nice to receive this before I leave.”

Cambridge-based proptech company InferSens will install sensors to measure and control water usage.

Power sockets from measurable.energy in Reading will indicate when energy is being supplied from renewable sources, encouraging use when energy is green and enable devices such as computer monitors and printers to be turned off during out of office hours to save energy and reduce emissions.

The planned works also target BREEAM Excellent and EPC A, will incorporate recovered and reused flooring

and encapsulate around 40 per cent less embodied carbon compared to the RIBA 2030 target. RO will also install onsite PV solar power generation and electrical vehicle chargers, heat recovery VRF air conditioning and RESET air quality monitors.

The project is being carried out with quantity surveyors Gardiner and Theobald, architects GSSArchitecturewhich has an office in Milton Keynes - contractor Thomas Sinden and joint agents Bray Fox Smith and LSH.

Completion is planned for early next year, Mr Rowlandson said.

people, he added.

The firm recently launched its LEAPS leadership development programme to enhance its existing training programme. Now it is looking to bring in new young talent and to build its non-fee earning activity,

said head of people Natalie Clarke.

She added: “While we have remained extremely busy, and we hope there are signs that the market is looking brighter, we do see the next year as an opportunity to attract top talent.”

Howes Percival chairman Geraint Davies is pictured with the firm’s head of people Natalie Clarke (centre) and head of employment law Paula Bailey

Forum puts spotlight on workplace wellbeing

Health and wellbeing in the workplace comes under the spotlight at a special forum as experts outline how employers can best invest in their staff to improve performance, productivity and profitability.

Delegates will hear from the Public Health Workplace Health team run by Bedford, Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes City Councils about the benefits and support for inclusive employment.

The event on September 26 at The Forest Centre, Marston Moretaine, will also discuss the Healthy Workplace Standards, a best practice framework dedicated to improving workforce health and wellbeing.

Limited places are available for local employers who are keen to participate in this transformative event.

Cllr Martin Towler, portfolio holder for health, public health and wellbeing on Bedford Borough Council, said: “We firmly believe that every business, regardless of its size or sector, should prioritise the health and wellbeing of its workforce.

“The Healthy Workplace Standards serve as a framework to enhance practices and foster an environment where employees can truly flourish. Happy and healthy individuals are more productive, take fewer sick days, and significantly contribute to the overall success of their organisations.”

Investing in the health and wellbeing of employees reaps long-term rewards, including increased recruitment, enhanced productivity, and improved staff retention, he added.

The Workplace Health and Wellbeing event, which runs 9am-12.30pm, is aimed at employers, HR leads, Health and Wellbeing leads, and managers based within the three council areas.

The event will also outline the Healthy Workplace Awards, designed for small, medium, and large organisations and which are intended to cultivate a positive working environment, boosting morale, improving motivation and driving growth. Find out more at www. healthyworkplaceaward.org.uk

n Book your place for the event on September 26 at www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/breakfasthealth-and-wellbeing-event-tickets666866735357?aff=oddtdtcreator.

For more about the Healthy Workplace Standards, visit www. milton-keynes.gov.uk/health-andwellbeing-hub

Food firm to open manufacturing site

Food manufacturer Huel has agreed a pre-let of a 71,000 sq ft warehouse unit at the new PLP MK logistics park.

The unit, currently under construction, is due to complete in December and will provide Huel with a new manufacturing and distribution base to serve its growing customer base in the UK and Europe.

Huel, which manufactures plant-based food products, expects to begin its warehousing operations early next year, with manufacturing up and running by the summer.

The unit is one of ten being delivered in Phase 1 at PLP MK, next to the A5 near Bow Brickhill. Four units, totalling 849,000 sq ft, are

already complete with six now under construction. All will be delivered by January, developer PLP said.

Huel expects to create around 30 new jobs at the facility, taking its employee total to 300.

Chief operations officer Ruvan Mendis said: “We are extremely excited to announce the opening of our new state of the art manufacturing site in Milton Keynes in early 2024. The site developed by PLP will have some of the best sustainability credentials in the country and reinforces our commitment to minimising our impact on animals and the environment.

“This factory is a key part of our growth ambitions for the future.”

PLP MK is the first industrial

and logistics business park in the UK to be carbon net zero in construction. The site was acquired in 2021 by PLP’s investment vehicle, the PLP UK Logistics Venture 1, which is owned by majority investor Ivanhoé Cambridge alongside Peel L&P, Macquarie Asset Management and PLP senior management.

PLP development director Edward Jackson said: “Delivering best-in-class buildings, and a best-inclass business environment, speculatively at PLP MK demonstrates how confident we are in our product. Huel stands out from the crowd. We are delighted to welcome them to PLP MK and we look

forward to welcoming many more customers in the near future.”

Huel is moving to the warehouse as part of its expansion plans. It updated its management structure earlier this year and has sold more than 300 million meals worldwide in the past 12 months.

A company statement said:

“This opening marks another important milestone. With some of the best sustainability credentials in the country, our new manufacturing site helps reinforce our commitment to minimising our impact on animals and the environment.”

Commercial property consultancy Kirkby Diamond advised PLP in the lease negotiations. Knight Frank represented Huel.

The Mansion House at Bletchley Park is to host a global summit on the safety implications of Artificial Intelligence

Bletchley Park to host global AI summit

Bletchley Park is to host a global AI Safety Summit attended by governments, tech company bosses and academics from around the world.

The two-day event takes place on November 1-2 and is the first forum to consider safety measures to evaluate and monitor the most significant risks from Artificial Intelligence.

Delegates will discuss the dangers of AI, particularly in development, and how they can be mitigated through internationally coordinated action.

Preparations for the summit are already under way. Matt Clifford, chief executive of Entrepreneur First and chair of the Advanced Research and Invention Agency, and Jonathan Black, Heywood

Fellow at the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford and former UK G7 and G20 Sherpa and deputy national security adviser have been appointed as the Prime Minister’s representatives.

They are tasked with ensuring the summit provides a platform for countries to work together to agree necessary safety measures.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “The UK has long been home to the transformative technologies of the future so there is no better place to host the first ever global AI safety summit than at Bletchley Park this November.

“To fully embrace the extraordinary opportunities of artificial intelligence, we must grip and tackle the risks to ensure it develops safely

in the years ahead. With the combined strength of our international partners, thriving AI industry and expert academic community, we can secure the rapid international action we need for the safe and responsible development of AI around the world.”

Thames Valley Police are working on the policing plan for the event, which will include any road closures. Milton Keynes City Council will work closely with the police to support the summit and will provide guidance to businesses and residents about the impact of the event.

Iain Standen, inset, chief executive of the Bletchley

Park Trust, said:

“Bletchley Park Trust is immensely privileged to have been chosen as the venue for the first major international summit on AI safety. It is fitting that the very spot where leading minds harnessed emerging technologies to influence the successful outcome of World War Two will, once again, be the crucible for international co-ordinated action.

“We are incredibly excited to be providing the stage for discussions on global safety standards which will help everyone manage and

monitor the risks of artificial intelligence.”

Milton Keynes South MP Iain Stewart, above, said the roots of AI can be traced back to the leading minds who worked at Bletchley during the Second World War, with codebreakers Jack Good and Donald Michie among those who went on to write extensive works on the technology.

“The home of the World War Two codebreakers and the location of early computer science development will welcome international governments, leading AI companies and experts in research for talks about the AI technology frontier,” Mr Stewart added. “I am delighted Bletchley Park has been announced as the location for the UK government’s AI Safety Summit.”

Christmas Tree Festival returns as festive countdown begins

Get ready to “Deck with balls and make them jolly” once again… Midsummer

Place proudly announces the return of its Christmas Tree Festival campaign for this year.

Launching on September 1, Midsummer

Place is thrilled to announce its annual Christmas Tree Festival community initiative returns, inviting local organisations to embrace the spirit of giving and sponsor their very own Christmas trees within the mall, all in support of charitable causes. This festive campaign features a limited opportunity to sponsor one of the 20 available trees for a fee of £250. In exchange, sponsors will receive complimentary mall space during the bustling holiday season, granting them unprecedented exposure for their brand.

They will also benefit from free PR, marketing assistance, and social media support, while also raising the profile of a charity of their choice.

Kirsty McGiff, Marketing and Commercialisation Manager

at Midsummer Place, said: “We are thrilled to once again collaborate with the local business community, offering them a prime spot within our mall during the peak footfall period. This unique opportunity is ideal for local businesses, organisations and individuals looking to showcase their brand to hundreds of thousands of visitors.”

Local businesses eager to participate can indicate their interest by visiting https:// midsummerplace.co.uk/blog/be-part-of-ourcommunity-christmas-tree-festival-2023. Each participating party will then be tasked with adorning their 6ft Christmas tree with creativity and imagination, with the trees set to be on display from November 18.

Visitors and shoppers will have the chance to partake in the festivities by voting for their preferred tree design. Follow the provided instructions at each tree display until December 24.

The three trees with the most votes will be rewarded with a portion of the total funds collected during the campaign, to be donated to the charity of their choice.

Adding to the Yuletide excitement, Midsummer Place will also host the highly anticipated Milton Keynes City Light Switch On event, scheduled for Saturday, November 18.

THEY’RE NOT GONNA DRESS THEMSELVES!

Awards celebrate city’s STEM heroes

Milton Keynes is preparing to celebrate the success of its thriving science, technology, engineering and maths sector.

The inaugural MK STEM Awards are to be presented at Unity Place, Santander’s new UK headquarters building in Central Milton Keynes, in February.

Entries are already coming in and Milton Keynes-based organisations are backing the initiative put together by events specialist Meena Chander, inset, of event management company Events Together. She said: “I believe that STEM has always been the future of Milton Keynes and this city continues to build its reputation as one of the UK’s

premier Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics hubs. Its long-standing focus on STEM-related activities in business and education including R&D, start-ups and incubators, continues to attract inbound investment from larger national and global companies.”

Unity Place is the awards’ venue sponsor. The event is also supported by the Milton Keynes-based Women Leaders UK group and production company Outlook Creative.

“These dedicated awards will focus and connect our STEM community and recognise and celebrate our

STEM heroes,” said Ms Chandee. “Building our STEM reputation nationally and internationally is vital for our local economy and will cement this city’s position as a critical hub for STEM within the UK.”

The Gala Awards Dinner at Unity Place on February 29 will be attended by some of the most prominent and pro-active STEM leaders in the city. Women Leaders UK chair Dr Julie Mills said: “The awards will amplify MK’s reputation as a high-tech, highskill, high-wage economy and one of the UK’s best cities for tech.”

n The awards are free to enter, with the deadline for entries October 29. To find out more and to enter, visit https://events-together.co.uk/stem-event/.

Red Bull chief backs college link-up to train motorsport’s next generation

Red Bull Technology Campus is to create a new Education Centre at its campus in Milton Keynes to encourage the next generation of talent to study the STEM subjects science, technology, engineering and maths.

The F1 giant has finalised a partnership with Milton Keynes College Group to develop the centre at the campus on Tilbrook, targeting students aged between nine and 14. Red Bull and the college will develop courses in line with the national curriculum, guided by a Curriculum Advisory Board of selected technology industry partners to advise on the skills needed for the future.

Oracle Red Bull Racing team principal and chief executive Christian Horner said: “The launch of the Education Centre on our Technology Campus is a landmark moment on the journey towards a more diverse motorsport community. Since

its inception, Red Bull has placed the development of young talent at the core of its existence, with inclusivity at the heart of our culture. We feel strongly that the talent pool we are recruiting from should better reflect the diversity of wider society but to achieve this we must disrupt the STEM talent pipeline from grassroots level.”

Research by the UN’s education body UNESCO in 2021 showed that the main drop-off point for underrepresented groups in STEM is pre-GCSE level. By the time they make their subject selections, most students will have made a choice as to what they enjoy, are good at and what has the most appealing career. “Our aim is to inspire young people to pursue STEM subjects at school, at university and to eventually translate that passion into successful careers,” said Mr Horner.

The Education Centre aims to deliver curriculum-relevant

away days for schools and students. Pre-work packages will be offered to teachers so students can take part in a fourto six-week programme of motorsport-themed learning, culminating with a visit to the Red Bull Technology Campus. The international STEM competition F1 in Schools is also supporting the project.

Milton Keynes College group’s chief executive and principal Sally Alexander said:

“I congratulate colleagues at the College Group for negotiating yet another massive collaboration with a major engineering partner. It is by working with employers large and small that we ensure that what we are teaching is what business needs. Science and engineering are two of the key in-demand skills across the UK. We are looking forward to a partnership that will greatly improve the life chances of so many in the city.”

The Education Centre is scheduled to open in 2024.

Red Bull’s head of employee experience Zoe Mills (left) with Sally Alexander, group chief executive and principal at Milton Keynes College

R&D reclaim success is a breath of fresh air

Purifier manufacturer poised

next phase of development after £95k relief

The company behind the world’s first filter-free air purifier is set to create a portable version thanks to a tax relief boost from the government.

Medical technology manufacturer

Air For Life created a device that destroys air- and surface-borne impurities rather than trap them in filters which then require regular changing.

The Sanifier, developed at the company’s base on Wolverton Mill in Milton Keynes, is already helping millions of people who suffer from hay fever, asthma and other allergies and could reduce the need for anti-allergy medication such as antihistamines.

Now Air For Life has begun work on developing a portable version after receiving R&D tax relief totalling more than £95,000.

Jay Vitale, Air For Life’s founder and chief executive, said: “The money we have received back from this R&D claim will help us continue with our research and development and let us create new products that help people breathe more easily.”

One of the company’s proprietary technologies, AFL PCO, uses a fan to draw air past an ultraviolet lamp to eliminate contaminants. The UV light also reacts with a nano metal catalyst that releases human-friendly negative ions that break down bacteria and viruses in the room and remove allergen-causing substances such as dust, pollen, pet dander and

PM2.5 pollution particles from the air.

Mr Vitale developed the technology behind the Sanifier while researching a NASA technology that removes the ethylene gas produced by fresh fruit and vegetables. The tax relief was received for research into miniaturising the Sanifier, work in which Air For Life investigated how many LED lights would be needed to replace the purifier’s UV bulb. The company also needed to reduce the speed of the fan and its noise level for guests using the mini device in hotels and apartment buildings.

Air For Life’s experts improved its AFL Plasma ionising technology by using carbon electrode brushes, which deliver 100 times the volume of ions. Circuit boards were redesigned to allow the Mini Sanifier to be installed in larger vehicles such as public buses and HGVs.

Air For Life sought the help of tax relief expert Catax (a Ryan company) in claiming the R&D relief. The scheme, administered by HM Revenue & Customs, allows companies seeking technological or scientific advancement within their industry to claim a corporation tax reduction or refund for qualifying R&D activity.

If a company has developed a new process, product or service or has modified an existing one, it could be eligible for R&D tax relief. Despite recent reforms to the tax relief scheme, it still remains a valuable

Advertiser’s Message

Employers eager to start city’s premier jobs show

Higher inflation and higher interest rates have not made it any easier for companies to recruit staff.

Organisations are still struggling to fill their vacancies, with over one million vacancies still available and unemployment still at historically low levels.

Milton Keynes is no exception with more and more businesses choosing this region to move to. Good news though… Milton Keynes also is preparing to host one of the UK’s busiest and most successful job events. The MK Job Show will take place at Middleton Hall in centre:mk on September 8-9

Over 70 organisations are taking part, including sponsors Silverstone, West Midlands Trains, BP Pulse, British Transport

Police, Lockheed Martin, Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Network Rail, Santander, Escapade and main sponsor University of Bedfordshire.

“We are delighted to have such a great array of sponsors and we would like to thank them all for taking part again,” said exhibition organiser Mike Bickerdike. “All our exhibitors must be hiring some great people from the MK Job Show because they keep coming back.”

All but two sponsors have sponsored the show at least five times and two have been sponsors since the shows began.

The MK Job Show is a great place to meet the future stars of your business. More than 10,000 people have already registered to attend.

for employers looking to hire. To find out more, email info@jobshows.co.uk.

incentive for innovating companies. Air For Life secured a total £95,296 in tax relief. Catax’s associate director Kully Nijjar said: “Air For Life is building on research that originated with NASA to create its state-of-the-art products so it is hard to imagine a company that is more deserving of R&D tax relief. Its filter-free air purifier will help millions of people who suffer from asthma and hay fever and this R&D claim helped them in their quest to produce a portable version. The tax relief received by Air For Life should allow them to keep innovating and creating for the coming years.”

More charities are set to benefit from a law firm’s annual fundraising challenge to local businesses.

Franklins Solicitors has unveiled plans to extend the number of charitable organisations benefiting from its annual £50 Challenge to six - three in each of the Milton Keynes and Northampton areas.

The firm, which has offices in Milton Keynes and Northampton, is inviting charities to nominate themselves to be added to the list of beneficiaries. The £50 Challenge entails participating teams from local employers taking the cash and using it to generate as much profit as possible over three months. The Franklins £50 Challenge 2024 runs from February 20 until May 21. The charities currently supported are Willen Hospice and domestic abuse charity MK Act in Milton Keynes and the Hope Centre and Cynthia Spencer Hospice in Northampton. Franklins is looking to add a third charity from each area.

Marketing manager Rosanna

Stimson said: “Following the success of this year’s challenge, we received such positive praise from the charities involved and the teams that we wanted to expand the opportunity so that more people could be supported by the campaign.”

Launched in 2018, the Franklins £50 Challenge has raised a total of more than £100,000. Franklins is focusing the next challenge on charities working with those affected by the cost of living crisis or that are committed to improving health and wellbeing.

“These are issues that affect so many of us and numbers only continue to rise,” Ms Stimson said. The campaign not only generates financial support but also raises awareness and engages the community, she added.

n Charities based in Milton Keynes and aligned with the campaign’s themes are encouraged to apply to join the beneficiary list. Visit www. franklins-sols.co.uk/50-challenge/ charities or email marketing@ franklins-sols.co.uk by September 29 to register interest.

Organisers seek more charities to benefit from £50 challenge

Jay Vitale

for

Suzuki GB renews Dons sponsor deal

Suzuki GB PLC has agreed a new three-year deal as title partner of Milton Keynes Dons FC. The global automotive giant, whose UK headquarters is at Snelshall in the west of the city, has been the club’s title partner since 2014. The new deal extends the association to the end of the 2026-27 season.

The Suzuki logo will remain on the Dons’ first-team playing shirt and replica kits and extensive Suzuki branding will continue around Stadium MK. The company will also maintain its investment in the club’s community initiatives, including the MK Dons Sport and Education Trust.

Takanori Suzuki, managing director of Suzuki GB PLC, said: “Our long-established sponsorship of MK Dons has

once again proved a successful and mutually beneficial partnership. Continuing as title sponsor for another three years provides a solid foundation on which to further our relationship with the club and maintain the support of the renowned and invaluable work of MK Dons in the community.”

Suzuki sees the partnership as a valuable way to build

Campaign gets creative with supporter links

Creative specialist MOTUS has begun work on a brand development campaign for MK Dons FC.

Index rates city as UK’s

pride, unity and engagement with its head office employees, Mr Suzuki added.

MK Dons chairman Pete Winkelman said: “Suzuki are a credit to our city and we are extremely proud to have this association with them. It is a privilege for us to work alongside a company who care so much about our football club and Milton Keynes.”

Accountants bank on Eisa for promotion bid

The new football season is in full swing and MK

Dons have announced sponsorship deals of two players with city-based chartered accountants Mercer & Hole.

The firm is to sponsor striker Mo Eisa, already off the mark this season, and Hannah Warren, mainstay of the Dons women’s team defence.

Mercer & Hole private client partner Lisa Spearman, inset, said: “It is so

important to us to sup port local talent and what better way than to sponsor two players across both teams. Those who know me know I am huge MK Dons fan. I am very excited for the season ahead.”

The Milton Keynes office has sponsored striker Eisa, above, for the past two seasons and is a member of the Friends of the club’s

Sports & Education Trust. “Their support stretches further than being just a player sponsor,” said MK Dons business development manager Ed Arnold.

Women’s football development officer Ethan Wallbank said: “As part of the Sports and Education Trust, the support offered allows the MK Dons Women to sustain and offer growth on top of what was the most successful campaign to date last season.”

The partnership is the agency’s first with a professional football club and MOTUS has already begun work on initiatives to increase engagement with existing and new audiences.

MOTUS founder and managing director Fraser Singleton is a MK Dons fan. “The MOTUS team is extremely excited to get started on this,” he said. “We believe we can help this great football club build stronger connections and help grow the football club commercially.”

MK Dons chairman Pete Winkelman said: “We know winning is the single biggest thing we can do, turning our stadium into a place where people can regularly see our team do well but fan engagement will be at the top of our list too.”

The MOTUS collaboration with MK Dons is a significant milestone for the company, which launched earlier this year and is already developing creative campaigns for brands and businesses across the UK.

The Dons campaign is set to go live late this year, Mr Singleton said.

most competitive

Council vows to back investment to keep business flourishing

Milton Keynes is officially the UK’s most competitive city, according to a new study.

The city has topped the UK Competitive Index for 2023, which ranks places on how well they are set up to help businesses flourish.

Academics at the University of Cardiff and Nottingham Business School measured UK places for their attractiveness to investors and businesses, based on factors including the number of business startups and ‘knowledge based’ businesses - including in finance and technology - and the productivity of workers.

The report also predicts that Milton Keynes is set for one of the highest longterm growth rates among UK cities outside London.

Milton Keynes has high levels of entrepreneurship with 62.3 business registrations per 10,000 people compared to 54.3

in the UK as a whole, researchers found. A third of businesses in the city are classed as knowledgebased, relying on innovative practices, technology and/ or skilled employees. Nationally, less than a quarter of businesses are knowledgebased.

“We know that Milton Keynes is greatly attractive to business, especially the kind of innovative firms who are creating high-quality jobs to make the most of our local skilled workforce,” said Cllr Robin Bradburn, deputy leader at Milton Keynes City Council and cabinet member for economic development.

“We will keep encouraging investment, helping companies to put down roots and grow and giving our support where it is needed, such as our recent multi-million pound fund to promote economic recovery.”

Ten years ago, Milton Keynes was ranked 43 in the Index.

Scania concludes landmark truck fleet deal

Staff at commercial vehicle manufacturer Scania’s UK head office in Milton Keynes have completed a deal to deliver 2,500 trucks over a 12-month period to the Consortium Purchasing Group.

The order will be split across the Culina Group, WS Group, AW Jenkinson Group and its subsidiaries. The deal includes 2,250 internal combustion engine trucks, 150 of which will be destined for Consortium’s German and Dutch operations. The final 100 vehicles will be among the first Scania battery-electric regional-haul 4x2 tractor units on UK roads.

Scania has had a successful relationship with Culina Group, WS Group and A.W. Jenkinson Group for many years. Scania UK’s managing director Chris Newitt said: “It is testament to the strength between the two organisations that we can make this announcement, also to those involved in making it possible over the many years that this deal is built upon.”

Sales director Vincente Connolly added: “I am absolutely delighted to get a deal of this magnitude over the line as it recognises the longstanding partnership we have with Culina Group, WS Group and A.W. Jenkinson Group.”

The order is one of the largest European and battery-electric vehicle fulfilments to be completed over a single calendar year by Scania.

The vehicles will be delivered to the Consortium Purchasing group in batches of around 500 per quarter.

“It has been a difficult time for OEMs with global supply issues but Scania has worked closely with us over the past two years to minimise the impact for both parties,” said Culina Group’s deputy chief executive William Stobart.

Christian Levin, chief executive officer for Scania UK parent company Scania AB, said: “This is a significant deal that marks a milestone on our continued journey towards sustainable transport.”

It has been an integral of the city’s business community for 35 years. Now Niftylift’s production line manufacturing high-access platforms takes its place at Milton Keynes Museum. The company has installed a fully interactive machine display at the museum’s new Milton Keynes City Gallery, complete with a real HeightRider12LE All-Electric machine that museum visitors can try their hand at operating.

“The HR12LE is one of our new zero-emission all-electric mobile elevating work platforms and we build them, as we do every Niftylift, at our world headquarters in Shenley Wood, Milton Keynes,” said Niftylift’s marketing manager

Manufacturer takes its place in city’s history

Simon Maher. “The HR12LE is a shining example of British manufacturing, showcasing some of our best innovations and our focus on environmental performance. Its predecessor was the reason we came to Milton Keynes in 1988 so we think it is the perfect choice for the exhibit.”

Museum visitors each become an honorary member of the Niftylift test team. They don a hi-vis and

hard hat and take the HR12LE through its final function tests as they control its movements.

There is also a video of the HR12LE’s journey from design concept to its arrival at the museum, along with some fun hands-on activities to challenge assembly skills and - coming soon - an interactive display of the different disciplines that come together to produce a Niftylift machine.

Niftylift manufactures mobile elevating work platforms with working heights from 12 metres to above 28 metres. Founded in 1985, the company has production facilities at its Milton Keynes head office and at Hoyland in Yorkshire.

Energy firm acts on growth plans

TEAM Energy has appointed business development and key account manager Luther Chan to drive its business plans supporting customers across southern England in reducing energy usage and carbon emissions.

He joins TEAM’s Milton Keynes office at Knowlhill from sustainable fuel storage solutions company Western Global, having previously worked for monitoring and targeting start-up Enerlytic and for procurement and management service provider The Energy Desk as business development manager.

“Luther’s experience means that he can provide our customers with indepth knowledge on how to get beyond the compliance regulations and find the benefits for their organisation,” said TEAM’s sales manager Pete Morrell. “He will play a key role in helping businesses understand the next steps in becoming energy efficient and how best to start their carbon reduction journey.” The appointment of Mr Chan, inset, is part of TEAM Energy’s plans to grow activity in its carbon reduction and net zero consultancy business.

Head outlines vision for school

Nick Holloway is relishing the prospect of the new academic year as he settles into his new role as head of Swanbourne House School. He takes over from senior deputy Simone Mitchell, who stepped in temporarily after the departure of previous head Jane Thorpe.

“I am passionate about the role a prep school plays in the

Expert’s hire boosts immigration service aim

Specialist corporate immigration lawyer

Bilal Ehsan has joined law firm Howes Percival as a director.

Mr Ehsan has moved from global professional services firm Deloitte, for which he was an associate director (solicitor), and supports businesses with sponsor licence applications, work-related visa sponsorship, permanent residence and right to work considerations.

Mr Ehsan’s appointment is in response to growing demand from Howes Percival clients facing recruitment pressures and an increasing need to look for talent outside of the UK.

The firm, which has offices in Milton Keynes and Northampton, is looking to develop a

specialism in immigration law.

“Immigration is both highly political and a rapidly changing area of law,” Mr Ehsan said. “Since Brexit, the UK has seen a significant increase in businesses applying for sponsor licences and a large increase in visa sponsorship for migrant workers across the board. This is largely due to skills shortages and consequently, a relaxation of the immigration rules.”

Paula Bailey, partner and head of employment and HR law at Howes Percival, said: “We want to be seen as one of the best UK immigration service providers in the country and an extension of our clients’ HR/ global mobility teams.”

Marketing agency unveils leadership team

lives of its pupils, particularly in a modern world that is evolving in so many ways,” said Mr Holloway, above, who was deputy head at Brambletye School in Sussex before his move to Buckinghamshire. He was appointed in November and has been working alongside Ms Mitchell, who will remain as deputy head.

Full service marketing agency Interdirect has unveiled the results of a fresh new brand identity alongside a raft of promotions.

The firm, founded in 1995, has created a new leadership team to drive its growth plans. Interdirect has also uploaded its new website and logo.

Newly appointed client director Katie Jenkins, who has worked at Interdirect for 13 years, said: “We are a forward-thinking agency

and this new brand and direction – taking more of a partnership approach - will allow us to offer brands a stronger proposition. We are excited to see where the future takes us.”

She is joined on the leadership team by Janine

n Sally Dennis has been appointed sales director, Mercedes-Benz Cars UK. She takes over responsibility for new car sales alongside her previous role with used cars and remarketing.

Ms Dennis, below, joined Mercedes-Benz in 2012 and has held various senior roles, including head of fleet, used cars and remarketing, and customer operations director in Mercedes-Benz Financial Services.

Irwin, who becomes client services account director, and digital leads Helen Billingham and Tom Jenkins. Emma Scott is promoted to communications lead and will head Interdirect’s PR and comms division.

How to avoid paying Inheritance Tax after sale of a business

Whatever the reason, people often neglect to review the Inheritance Tax implications that could arise from selling their business writes Tony Byrne, managing director of Wealth & Tax Management. This is particularly important in instances where the individual’s business qualified for Business Relief as the sale of the business is likely to mean the proceeds become liable to IHT whereas previously the business qualified for 100 per cent tax exemption.

One useful option available to business owners would be to reinvest the proceeds from the sale of their business into an investment that qualifies for BR. Provided the proceeds were reinvested within three years of the date of sale, this

would mitigate the IHT liability while ensuring the individual retained control over and access to their money.

The individual can expect to either retain or regain IHT exemption on the proceeds almost immediately - as soon as the week after making the investment - which could prove particularly important for a person in ill health.

Also, people do not have to wait a further two years for their BRqualifying investment to become free from IHT. Once the proceeds have been invested, their investment benefits from Replacement Relief. This allows business owners and investors to replace one BRqualifying asset with another within three years without resetting the twoyear holding period.

Tony Byrne

For business people, one of the most appealing aspects of this solution is that it ensures they retain control over their investment, without having to gift money to reduce their IHT liability.

The money is available should they need it to pay for care costs or any other outgoings, although any money withdrawn from the investment no longer becomes IHT-free and could form part of their taxable estate.

n New head of fleet at Mercedes-Benz UK’s van division is Calum James. He moves from the brand’s passenger car division, where he has worked in fleet sales development, customer services and most recently, as a national fleet sales manager.

He will report to Sarah Palfreyman, sales director for the UK’s Van division.

n Starting his new role as head of product planning at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ head office in Milton Keynes is John Ricardo-Neto, above. He replaces Tom Macintyre, who becomes head of direct sales. Mr Ricardo-Neto switches from previous roles with Audi UK and Volkswagen Commerical Vehicles.

If you are interested in ways to save taxation, take advantage of a one-hour Discovery Meeting either at our offices or via a video conference call at our expense worth £270 to each of the first three readers who contact us before September 30. You know it makes sense. We offer a great cup of coffee too...

Ring us on 01908 523740 or for free on 0800 980 4516 or email wealth@wealthandtax. co.uk and quote September 2023 offer to book your free discovery meeting.

www.wealthandtax.co.uk

Immigration law specialist Bihal Ehsan with Howes Percival partner Paula Bailey

Be ‘that person’ for Kat.

Can you think of a person who helped you become who you are today? By supporting YMCA, you could be ‘that person’ for someone else.

Someone like Kat, who came to YMCA after years of homelessness and sofa surfing. She had an incredibly difficult childhood, which led to mental health issues and substance misuse in her teens. When we first met her, she told us she felt at ‘rock bottom’.

But today, Kat’s life is completely different. She lives independently in a flat of her own, has had mental health support and built a healthy network of friends, and is taking part in employment coaching to find work that gives her purpose. She is safe and supported, just as she deserves to be.

Every year, YMCA supports thousands of young people like Kat. Young people who simply haven’t had a fair start in life. We stop at nothing to ensure they get the opportunity and acceptance they need.

This is the impact you could have with a gift in your Will to YMCA. By supporting us in this special way, you can be ‘that person’ who helps someone like Kat transform their future. It’s a gift that will stay with them for life.

Request a free YMCA Will Guide to find out more.

I’d like to know more about leaving a gift in my Will. Please send a copy of the YMCA Will Guide to:

First name: Surname:

Address:

Email Address:

Postcode:

Return this form (no stamp required) to: Freepost Plus RUBJ–GEJY–EZEX, YMCA England & Wales, Cobbs Wood House, Geerings Business Centre, Chart Road, Ashford TN23 1EP SCAN

Keeping in touch We will keep in touch, by post, so that we can tell you how your support is transforming the lives of young people and to update you on our campaigns, news and fundraising activities.

If you would like to hear from us by email, please tick this box.

You can change the way you hear from us or how often you hear from us at any time, by calling 020 7186 9518 or  emailing supporterservices@ymca.org.uk. To find out how we manage your data, visit ymca.org.uk/privacy-statement

to request your free online copy. OFPREBUSMK

Sponsorship helps young athlete strike gold

Helping young athletes at the start of their sporting careers is a key driver for chartered accountants MHA’s support and sponsorship of the regional charity SportsAid.

The firm, which has offices in Milton Keynes and Northampton, sees the fundraising and support of events as crucial to playing its part in assisting the sports stars of the future with their training and transport costs as they prepare for major national and international events.

MHA has partnered with SportsAid since announcing the link-up at the Milton Keynes Sporting Lunch in December last year.

And the firm’s partner Liz Newell was on hand at the latest sporting lunch in June to present a cheque to 16-year-old athlete Ayesha Jones of Marshall Milton Keynes Athletics Club, the UK’s top under-17 javelin thrower, as she targets a place at the Commonwealth Games in 2026.

“We are delighted to be able to support SportsAid’s commitment and dedication of everyone involved

Gaming firm backs Africa planting project

MHA has played its part in Ayesha’s success this season. She was selected to represent England at the Youth Commonwealth Games in Trinidad & Tobago last month and returned with her first international title after throwing her best ever distance of 52.79 metres. She represented Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the under-18 European Championships in Jerusalem last year.

“I have worked very hard to be at the top of my event and to be recognised as an elite athlete,” Ayesha said. “My dream is to try and get to the Olympics.”

and SportsAid trustee Steve Robinson, partner at chartered accountants Mercer & Hole and help to make a difference for athletes across so many sports,” Ms Newell said. “It is an honour to be affiliated with such talented people like Ayesha and we cannot wait to see what a difference we can make together.”

The Milton Keynes and Northampton Sporting Lunches are run by SportsAid Eastern. Partnership

Gaming company MERKUR UK is backing the planting of a total 25,000 trees in two reforestation projects in Africa.

The company, whose UK head office is at Knowlhill in Milton Keynes, is supporting climate

means support for the network of lunches across the Eastern region, an award for an individual athlete and joint promotion of fundraising opportunities to increase the benefits to young athletes in the region.

“The sponsorship from MHA is hopefully the first of many more corporate partners who are committed to supporting our young

action platform Ecologi’s work planting 10,000 trees in Kenya and 15,000 in Mozambique.

The initiative is part of the company’s wider 360 social purpose programme. Director of public and political relations Tony

people be their very best,” said SportsAid Eastern chair Mark Ormerod.

Ms Newell added: “It is important for us to support the local community of sports people, to give them opportunities that they may not have had without the support on SportsAid Eastern.”

And the support from SportsAid and

Boulton said: “The 360 programme was established with a remit to address broad social responsibility issues, not least those related to the environment. The Ecologi platform has more than 40,000 customers funding tree planting and high-

Ayesha first threw a javelin aged 11 in 2018, enjoyed it and began training with MMKAC’s javelin coach Janina Pownall up to three times a week.

“When I moved into the U17 age group in 2022 I had made the decision that javelin was the discipline in athletics that I wanted to be my main focus,” she said. “I have competed in other disciplines for the club but javelin is where my heart is.”

quality climate solutions, all of which are independently certified.

“MERKUR UK is delighted to contribute to such a fantastic programme and we are looking forward to working with Ecologi on this initiative.”

Left: Ayesha Jones celebrates her gold medal at the Commonwealth Youth Games and is pictured above with (from left) SportsAid Eastern chair Mark Ormerod, MHA partner Liz Newell, lunch speaker Neil Back

Theo Chalmers

Theo Chalmers is director of Verve Public Relations and chairman of Urban Eden.

“Democracy is an awful way to run a country, but it’s the best system we have”, Winston Churchill famously said. He reportedly said it many times and in many different forms but the gist was always the same. Others are less polite or sanguine about our dominant system of government, often comparing democracy to two lions and a lamb voting for lunch.

Here in Milton Keynes, I suspect that most of us feel that we live democratically in a reasonably fair democracy and one that fairly represents the majority view, whether we agree wholeheartedly with that majority view or not.

And yet in recent columns I have amply demonstrated that this is not the case.

Back in 2010 I wrote about the planned 5,300 homes of the then-named Salden Chase development which was set to be tacked on to the south western borders of Milton Keynes with no support infrastructure of its own, with all the council tax going to the then-Aylesbury Vale District Council and with no grid system extensions. This was later reintroduced, in

stages, as a new development starting with just a portion of the original site and including only around 1,885 homes. To make it more acceptable it was renamed as South West

Milton Keynes, or effectively no name at all. We weren’t fooled.

In 2010 I also wrote that the Boundary Commission - which is part of the Electoral Commission - would be conducting a review of boundaries which may take a considerable time, years even. My hope then was that Milton Keynes will eventually be able to exercise control over expansion on its own borders, particularly the south west and south east because these areas might eventually be ceded from Aylesbury Vale (now Buckinghamshire Council) and Mid Bedfordshire (now Central Bedfordshire Council) to Milton Keynes City Council.

Today, 13 years on, it seems that the changes planned are simply to move your MPs’ constituencies - putting Bletchley into Buckingham and Stony Stratford into Milton Keynes North which would change its name to the Newport Pagnell Constituency, for instance - not to change the boundaries of the city council-controlled area.

So we are no better off and the Boundaries Commission is irrelevant so far as the Milton Keynes City Council borders are concerned.

More recently I wrote about newer plans to ‘dump’ even more housing on the borders of Milton Keynes, making its residents largely responsible for providing police, fire, ambulance, hospital, schools, nurseries, secondary and tertiary education, buses and decent roads for traffic access, doctors and dentists as well as causing huge future traffic snarl-ups on the Buckingham Road/A421H8 Standing Way, as it is called as it enters Milton Keynes.

The plans submitted for what will become known as Shenley Park showed 55 hectares of land available for development to achieve at least 1800 new homes and/or density of 35 dwellings per hectare and it even acknowledged that “the development will use some facilities in Milton Keynes, given its proximity”.

Then, only last month, it started happening again. This time with 750,000 sq ft of massive warehouses instead of housing in the north of the city between Cosgrove and Old Stratford at Furtho Pits. The responsible local

Give

authority doing the ‘dumping’ this time is West Northamptonshire Council. It is, I wrote, reasonably expected to generate high levels of truck traffic with upwards of 3,000 trucks per day up to a potential maximum of 4,608 trucks. Such traffic levels would block the A5, A508 and the A422 and impact the residents of Milton Keynes who have no say whatsoever in the decisions of West Northamptonshire Council which fundamentally affect them.

So what can our beleaguered citizens do? It seems to me that any democratic rights we have are being lost. We do not vote in Buckinghamshire Council wards. We do not vote in Central Bedfordshire Council wards. We do not vote in West Northamptonshire Council wards. We are, therefore, voiceless. But wait a minute... Milton Keynes has two MPs and they have a voice in Parliament. Surely we should - indeed, must - insist that they act.

The Conservative MP for Milton Keynes South is Iain Stewart MP. If you live in Milton Keynes South, you can contact him fairly easily and ask him to sort this mess out. His e-mail address is iain.stewart.mp@parliament. uk. His telephone number is 01908 686830. Mr Stewart holds regular surgeries and a visit can be booked on the same number.

The Conservative MP for Milton Keynes North is Ben Everitt. If you live in Milton Keynes North, you can contact him fairly easily and ask him to sort this mess out. His e-mail address is ben.everitt.mp@ parliament.uk. His telephone number is also 01908 686830. Mr Everitt also holds regular surgeries and a visit can be booked on the same number.

Go on... For the city of Milton Keynes needs your help. It will only take ten minutes tops. Please, urgently contact your MP and ask him to stop these ever more onerous encroachments on our borders. Ask him to push central government - the government of which both MPs are members - to give our elected local council representatives the right to determine what developments we allow and to stop the unwarranted dumping.

Milton Keynes thanks you in advance. I thank you in advance. I strongly suspect that your children and your children’s children will, eventually, thank you too. Cheerio.

MPs Ben Everitt (left) and Iain Stewart on stage at their MK Big Chat event at the Ridgeway Centre, Wolverton, in June

our elected local council representatives the right to determine what developments we allow

Clearview Intelligence won the Technology award at MKBAA 2023. Now the sector takes centre stage at the Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards 2024

Tech sector leads the way as MKBAA marks its tenth anniversary

Its thriving technology sector is leading the way both in Milton Keynes and across the UK. The area is seen as having a major role to play in the UK’s economic growth.

Now the booming tech industry in Milton Keynes is taking centre stage at the 2024 Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards.

Next year’s competition opens its doors for entries this month. And it is a milestone for MKBAA, which will be celebrating its tenth anniversary at the ceremony, to take place at Stadium MK in March.

The theme for the 2024 awards is Forever Innovative: Leading the UK’s High-tech Future, in recognition of the city’s thriving tech ecosystem.

The awards have seen the number and calibre of entries soar since the first competition in 2014. The 2023 competition drew the highest number of entries across all categories in its history underpinning MKBAA’s position as the region’s premier annual celebration of business.

Synonymous with accurately echoing the ambitions and objectives of Milton Keynes through its annual themes - from sustainability through to recovery and diversityMKBAA 2024 will be no different as it reflects on the city’s status as a leading centre for technology and innovation.

The technological prowess within the city boundaries was recently highlighted in a report

Technology is paving the way for our city’s brilliant future

Technology is ever changing writes MKBLP chair Nicholas Mann. From the days of having people come into your home to install the internet to now the intricately clever inventions we see affecting our daily lives - from AI to automation - it is developing at an incredibly fast pace.

I have seen at first hand with my own company, Interdirect, the power of collaboration, using the best parts of individual companies and agencies working together to offer customers a unique, refreshing proposition in one package as opposed to them seeking individual elements.

by Whitecap

Consulting. The scetor generates GVA Gross Value Added equivalent to £3.4 billion of Milton Keynes’ £14.7 billion total - higher than larger cities such as Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester.

Nicholas Mann, chair of MKBAA organiser Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership, said the awards celebrate the success of businesses across the city, inspiring others and helping to pave the way for future growth.

“Milton Keynes has a strong and thriving tech sector that demonstrates pockets of exciting innovation,” Mr Mann added.

“However, there is room for even further growth. We have a very real opportunity to become a dominate player in the UK’s technology sector, but to do so we must continue to be characteristically bold and share in our successes and strengths. We want Milton Keynes to be on the lips of everyone in Silicon Valley when they are looking at a map of the UK and where to place their next site.

“By choosing Forever Innovative: Leading the UK’s High-tech Future as the theme for MKBAA 2024, we hope to play our part in this journey to success.”

Headline sponsors confirmed for MKBAA 2024 are Milton Keynes City Council, The Open University and Brioche Pasquier UK. More businesses have pledged their support.

When I first started in business, you could only use one font, you could not use graphics and you could not use colour. Nowadays people can design bespoke designs for their businesses without necessarily being an expert in a certain subject.

AI has allowed people to write blogs. Numerous applications allow them to design for themselves and their businesses in a fraction of the time (and of the cost).

Milton Keynes has long been a home of innovation and we are proud that business giants such as Oracle Red Bull Racing, Santander, and Network Rail call our city home.

A recent report conducted by Whitecap Consulting found that a third of Milton Keynes residents work in and around technology and a fifth of its 12,675 businesses are related to technology in some way. However, plenty of work can and should be done to achieve the realistic potential to turn Milton Keynes into a technological powerhouse like Silicon Valley in California.

This may seem like a lofty goal. But why not? You cannot travel around this great city without seeing great examples of technology that have been trialled and proven a success.

Only five years ago the Starship Robots made their first deliveries in one of the first full-scale uses of that kind of technology. Three years ago e-scooters appeared along our redways. Now, they are readily available and accepted as a green transport solution for those travelling a few miles for both business and pleasure activities.

This technology was not only unthinkable a decade ago but if these and others can continue to be successful in this city then the dream of a MK-based Silicon Valley does not seem too implausible. We want the world’s tech giants to have Milton Keynes in their thoughts as they plan where to build their next base.

steps and beyond. Companies should be open to these new technologies and we need residents to welcome them and their headquarters because we cannot and will not be a major player in this space if those companies cannot even get past the planning stage because of opposition and closed-minded thinking.

At a MKBLP dinner in June, we were joined by Nilesh Sachdev, the non-executive chair of East West Rail. He spoke about the growth of Milton Keynes and the importance of growing the city’s east-west connections from areas such as Oxford and Cambridge by rail.

The announcement of the proposed route for the “most challenging” eastern part of East West Rail from Bedford to Cambridge was something that filled us all with excitement. In the not too distant future Milton Keynes will be well connected by rail to a number of areas and with significant advances in technology, that will enable us to attract and retain the best business talent. It will also add a planned £110 billion in Gross Added Value to the city and for that to potentially happen in the next decade is worth getting behind. In 2024, the theme for the tenth anniversary of Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards will be Forever Innovative: Leading the UK’s High-tech Future I genuinely believe that Milton Keynes is doing just that: remaining a key innovator and a city taking the lead when it comes to the future of technology around the world.

n MKBAA 2024 is due to launch on September 14. For all the MKBAA details, visit www.mkbaa.co.uk and follow on Twitter @mk_baa, Facebook and LinkedIn.

As a city we may be making the right noises to achieve our lofty technological goals, but, as with everything great in business, collaboration is needed to take us to the next

Nicholas Mann

Feature: SME MK & Buckinghamshire Business Awards

“Aureum Finance is absolutely delighted to get shortlisted as a finalist for the High Growth Business of the Year award.

“This year has been an exceptional year for the business and we have launched a new business finance team to support the already established property team we have grown.

“To be recognised in a prestigious awards local to our business is fantastic and a real testament to the efforts of our team to grow the company profile in our area.

“We look forward to assisting even more businesses in Buckinghamshire and beyond.”

At CJ White Group Ltd, we offer bespoke services for residential mortgages, commercial finance, mortgage protection, home protection and business protection, all under one roof.

www.aureumfinance.co.uk

“We’re delighted that CLM has been announced as a finalist for the Sustainability Award this year.

“As a fleet management business, we have a responsibility to protect the environment and reduce our impact on the planet. Over the last few months, we have achieved ISO 14001 certification and become carbon-neutral by improving our energy efficiency and investing in carbon offset projects. We also provide a Go-EV salary sacrifice scheme which allows our customers to reduce their fleet’s carbon emissions. “To be recognised for our work helping businesses drive greener is fantastic.”

Whatever stage of the journey you are at, from buying your first home to planning for your retirement, we can provide a fully personalised service to help ensure all of your financial needs are met.

www.cjwhitegroup.com

01908 010370 enquiries@cjwhitemortgages.co.uk

C J White Mortgages is a trading name of C J White Group Limited, which is an appointed representative of The Stonebridge Mortgage Solutions, a trading style of Stonebridge Mortgage Solutions LTD, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Harrisons Accountancy are so pleased to be finalists of these great SME MK & Buckinghamshire Business Awards and we look forward to a great night with other nominated businesses.

We would like to thank our clients for voting and the judges for shortlisting us. We are proud to give a great service to our clients and have been offering great support for our clients for the past ten years.

Good luck to everyone involved in the awards and we look forward to the next ten years of providing accounts, tax and support to our clients.

THE FINALISTS

BAME BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Rivaro Travel.

BEST ENTERPRISING BUSINESS

A Little Big Kid; AxiaMetrics; Incubation Nation CIC; Inond; Love Local Hub CIC; Seymour Taylor; Yellowyoyo.

BEST NEW BUSINESS

A Little Big Kid; CJ White Group Limited; Gifts Instead of Flowers; Interactive VA Ltd; Mint Technology South; MSP Dark Web; NU ERA SPIRITS; The PupClub Official.

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Sponsor: Buckinghamshire Building Society

Active in the Community; Bucks Garden Rooms Ltd; La Aesthetics; MA Group Property Claims; ORN (Int) Ltd; The Apple Orchard; The Engineering Quest; Vinyl Interiors Ltd.

BUSINESS INNOVATION

Harry’s Rainbow; I-bodi Technology; Inond; MA Group Property Claims; MyMiltonKeynes BID; Ortom8 Ltd; TechNET IT Recruitment Ltd; United UK LLP.

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (less than 50 employees)

Sponsor: Business Doctors

Active in the Community; AxiaMetrics; The Apple Orchard; The PupClub Official; The Sweet People Ltd; United-UK LLP

BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR

Sponsor: Queensbury

Sarah Watt – Alt Street Property; Sam Jethwa – Bespoke Smile; Hannah Seraj – Beyond Pubs & Dining; Samantha Poole – Incubation Nation; Mandy Hamerla – Modern HR; Prof. Dr Shabnam Delfani – RAMTEECH CONSULTANT LTD.

One YMCA work in Bucks, Beds and Herts providing community critical support to some of society’s most vulnerable people in Buckinghamshire. We currently provide housing for those experiencing homelessness in the south of the county and delivering Airplay youth clubs for RAF families.

We are, however, looking to expand our domestic abuse and sexual violence support, early help for families, youth work and youth counselling into the area.

We’re delighted to be finalists in this year’s SME MK & Buckinghamshire Business Awards and shine a light on the life-changing and saving work that we do.

Herts

www.harrisonsaccountancy.co.uk 01767 312696 info@harrisons.net

Graham: One YMCA resident

Inond are incredibly proud to be a finalist for Business

Innovation and Best Enterprising Business at this year’s SME MK & Buckinghamshire Business Awards.

Inond Product Realisation help turn ideas into reality. Our approach focuses on ensuring product innovation is accessible to all.

Our holistic ‘Product Realisation’ service goes beyond design and engineering - from assessing a product’s business model to funding and user trials. Viability is assessed early, minimising costs, delays, and surprises. Projects are structured in flexible phases, enabling regular stakeholder, market, and legislative alignment. We are able to set up long-term client supplier relationships while offering continued advisory support.

As a forward-thinking law firm, Neves Solicitors are committed to implementing sustainable practices, recognising our responsibility to minimise our ecological footprint by continually seeking ways to reduce waste and conserve resources

We believe that our comprehensive approach, which encompasses both major technological initiatives and smaller but equally important measures, helps to foster a culture of sustainability within our firm, with members of staff regularly contributing ideas and suggestions for improvement. Therefore, the whole of the Neves team is thrilled to receive this recognition of our collective efforts.

As a small, independent theatre company, we are delighted to be a finalist in the Positive Impact category at these prestigious awards.

For many years we have been dedicated to producing professional and community performances for local and national audiences, hosting interactive workshops with local schools and businesses, supporting local talent, providing platforms for local voices and more.

We are overjoyed to be recognised for our efforts within theatre.

We aim to bring a cultural infrastructure to MK to inspire theatre within our community. By being a finalist, we can shine a spotlight on our dream and hopefully bring it to fruition. www.playsthethingtheatrecompany.co.uk

BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR

Sponsor: Wealth & Tax Management

Sonali Samani – Bespoke Smile; Hannah Seraj – Beyond Pubs & Dining; Fidelia Brett – Brettish Property; Dina Rana – CJ White Group Limited; Katherine Hill – Hill’s Canine Hydrotherapy Ltd; Samantha Poole – Incubation Nation; Melanie Beck –MyMiltonKeynes BID; Sarah Thorne – Queensbury Group.

COMMUNITY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Sponsor: Wealth & Tax Management

Al’s Pals; Harry’s Rainbow; Love Local Hub CIC; One YMCA.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Harrisons Accountancy Ltd; La Aesthetics; ProKleen; Seymour Taylor.

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

EWI Store; Ortom8 Ltd; Pragmatiq; ProKleen; Seymour Taylor; Tech-People; The Engineering Quest; Wealth & Tax Management.

FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Sponsor: Neves Solicitors LLP

A Little Big Kid; Alt Street Property; Bucks Garden Rooms Ltd; Culwood House Ltd; ORN (Int) Ltd; The Engineering Quest; TOP Physiotherapy; Voucherline.

HIGH GROWTH BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Aureum Finance; AxiaMetrics; EWI Store.

HOSPITALITY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

The Apple Orchard; The Cross Keys.

MILTON KEYNES BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Sponsor: Milton Keynes Business Centre

La Aesthetics; United UK LLP; Wealth & Tax Management; Yellowyoyo.

POSITIVE IMPACT

Sponsor: Buckinghamshire Building Society

Harry’s Rainbow; Love Local Hub CIC; MyMiltonKeynes BID; The Arches Theatre; The Play’s The Thing Theatre Company.

SERVICE EXCELLENCE

Sponsor: Aegis

B P Collins LLP; George Davies Turf; Interactive VA Ltd; Ley Hill Solutions; Rachel’s Dog Grooming; The PupClub Official; Wealth & Tax Management; Xiria.

STONY STRATFORD BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Stony Cleaning.

SUSTAINABILITY

Sponsor: IKEA

CLM Fleet Management; Harrisons Accountancy Ltd; HK Hair; Neves Solicitors LLP; ORN (Int) Ltd; RAMTECH CONSULTANT LTD; The Willen Ice Cream Company; Total Carbide Ltd.

WEBSITE OF THE YEAR

Brettish Property; It’seeze Websites Milton Keynes; NU ERA SPIRITS.

YOUNG BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR

Sponsor: Queensbury

Reece Hussain – Global Exposure; Katherine Hill – Hills Canine Hydrotherapy; Feroze Shamughanathan – Rivaro Travel; Alexander Morgan – Trekkers B.

ProKleen is a commercial cleaning company based in Milton Keynes providing professional cleaning services for offices, schools and commercial premises.

We are absolutely delighted to be nominated as finalists for Corporate Social Responsibility and Employer of the Year at the SME MK & Buckinghamshire Business Awards. Thank you to the judges for recognising the work we do.

We would also like to say a massive thank you to our amazing team for your dedication over the last 20 years and our clients for your continuous support.

Congratulations to all the finalists... see you on the big night.

Feature: SME MK & Buckinghamshire Business Awards

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on September 20 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Stadium MK. Book your tickets for the celebration at www.eventsandpr.co.uk/sme-mk-andbuckinghamshire-business-awards/awards-night/

Total Carbide is the leading European manufacturer of sintered Tungsten Carbide wear parts. Through constant evaluation of our methods and processes, we have developed a unique approach which ensures customers receive a rapid, personal service and superior, high-quality, finished hardmetal products. We are incredibly excited and proud to be a finalist in the Sustainability Award category. With a global customer base covering over 40 industries, we produce bespoke products for applications ranging from aerospace, measurement tools and advanced recycling processes to specialised corrosion- resistant materials. In addition, we are at the forefront of sustainability, not only in our processes but also with our products. We cannot wait for the winners to be announced in September. Good luck to all the amazing finalists.

United are proud to be shortlisted for Business Innovation and Milton Keynes Business of the Year Innovation, productivity and helping our customers to consolidate their business supplies and services is at the forefront of who we are, saving our customers time and money by delivering promises and making life easier. United is full of people who really care. We care about each other and about our customers and the service we provide. We want to be the best, we want to deliver the best service.

We look forward to the event in September. Best of luck to all attendees.

Making Life Easier

Producing great tasting, award-winning ice cream is what we do. It’s our passion. But creating it in a sustainable way and being recognised for it just makes things even sweeter.

We are absolutely delighted to have been recognised in the IKEA Sustainability Award category.

Sustainability is at the heart of what we do. As a small independent business, we have worked hard to reduce our ecological footprints and create patterns that lead to a more sustainable future.

We have even updated our branding and product packaging to reflect this.

‘Great tasting ice cream, sustainably made, sustainably packaged’. willenicecream.co.uk

We are Yellowyoyo, the dynamic, forward-thinking business transformation specialists. We’re incredibly proud to be finalists for the Best Enterprising Business award. With a legacy spanning 25 years, we have honed our expertise in enabling sustainable growth, ultimately helping SMEs to realise their exit plans. Our unique approach challenges, reshapes and enhances businesses, guiding them through every phase. From comprehensive discovery workshops to strategic branding, design and tailored marketing and exit plans, we drive success.

As champions of the SME sector, we’re committed to empowering businesses, promoting diversity and fostering equity. We relish the journey of innovation.

Voucherline are delighted to be a finalist for Family Business of the Year with 2023 celebrating our 20th anniversary. Voucherline provides gift cards and e-gift cards to consumers, corporate customers, charities and organisations who enjoy choosing from over 300 branded products in our platforms.

We also have one of the lowest-cost solutions in employee rewards, called Reward Panda, enabling many businesses to reward and engage with their teams without paying monthly fees. So take the stress of rewards and incentives away by using Voucherline and allow our family team to get it all organised for you. www.voucherline.com

To also have been shortlisted for the Milton Keynes Business of the Year award is truly humbling and we are very grateful. As a dynamic and forward-thinking business transformation company with over 25 years’ experience, Yellowyoyo has strategically evolved to focus on helping SMEs to accelerate their growth.

Our distinct approach merges business, brand and marketing strategies with design excellence to fuel sustainable growth, paving the way for seamless exits. This recognition is a celebration of our vision as we empower businesses to realise their goals.

It gives us immense pleasure to proactively work with organisations that influence positive societal change. We are passionate about supporting local charities and community initiatives.

Networking

The business networking events this month across Milton Keynes, North Bucks and Bedfordshire

provide. This includes pledging to encourage new magistrates and promoting the role. Free event. To book, visit www.hertschamber. com/mers

Networking lunch.

AYLESBURY

2nd Tuesday 12 noon-2pm: Online

MILTON KEYNES

2nd Thursday 12 noon-2pm: Online

BUCKINGHAM

3rd Tuesday 12 noon-2pm: Online

CAPPUCCINO CONNECTIONS

4th Thursday 10am-12 noon: Online

Contact: Anna Atkins-Carter, regional director North Bucks / West Chilterns. 07540 097776, email anna.atkinscarter@theathenanetwork.com or visit www.theathenanetwork.com

BEDFORD

2nd Wednesday 12 noon-2pm: Online

SOUTH & EAST BEDFORDSHIRE

4th Tuesday 12 noon-2pm: Online

WOBURN

3rd Thursday 12 noon-2pm: Online

Contact: Kate Cherry, regional director Bedfordshire & St Albans. 07909 675333 email kate.cherry@theathenanetwork.com or visit www.theathenanetwork.com

To book on to Chamber of Commerce events, visit www.chamber-business.com/events

Business networking and referral group.

Price: £6.

MILTON KEYNES

2nd Thursday, 7.30am-9.30am:

Abbey Hill Golf Centre, Two Mile Ash

VIRTUAL NETWORKING

Tuesday Brunch

significantly improve the chance of securing contracts. Free event.

BEDFORDSHIRE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE & HERTFORDSHIRE VIRTUAL NETWORKING

September 21 10am-11am: Online. Free event for FSB members and non-members. To book on to FSB events, visit www.fsb.org.uk

If you are serious about growing your business, BNI works. Last year BNI members in the UK generated more than £482 million worth of business for each other. To find out how, visit a local chapter meeting and see for yourself. Each chapter has a personality of its own - finding where you fit best helps you get connected.

DIAMOND

Tuesday 6.45am: Abbey Hill Golf Centre, Two Mile Ash

APOLLO

Wednesday 10am: MK Gallery

PHOENIX

Friday 9.45am: The Bedford Golf Club

ENCORE

Friday 6.45am: Holiday Inn London Luton

More information: www.bni.co.uk Airport

PIONEER

Wednesday 9.30am: Online meetings

More information: www.bni.co.uk

2nd Tuesday, 9.30am-11am

Wednesday Breakfast

4th Wednesday, 7.30am

Thursday Breakfast

3rd Thursday, 7.30am

Friday Breakfast

2nd Friday, 7.30am

THE ACCOUNTABILITY CIRCLE

Monday 10am-11am: Online

Helping small businesses get tasks from ‘to do’ to ‘done’. Advice and tips on time management and productivity.

Price: £6 per session or £12 per month. More information: www.buscomm.co.uk

Alt. Fridays 7am:

Abbey Hill Golf Centre, Two Mile Ash Networking breakfast with speaker. Price: £15. Contact: www.businessgrowthclub.co.uk or Mark Orr 07903 655169.

BANK OF ENGLAND: VIRTUAL ROUND TABLE

September 12 10am-11am: Online

Discussion on the current situation regarding inflation, interest rates and their effect on businesses.

Free event, Chamber members only.

SPEED NETWORKING

September 29 11.30am-1.30pm:

Delta Hotel by Marriott, Kents Hill Networking and buffet lunch. Price: £18 + VAT, Chamber members only.

To book on to Chamber events, visit www.chambermk.co.uk/events

September 20 7.45am-9.15am:

The Bedfordshire Golf Club, Stagsden

Sponsors: Ginger Cow Marketing; Mazars; Metro Bank; Woodfines Solicitors

Speaker tbc. Price: £20. Contact: Kerry Ransby email kransby@woodfines.co.uk or visit www. bedfordbreakfastclub.co.uk

September 5, 19 7am-8.30am: Villiers Hotel, Buckingham Breakfast meeting + speaker. Visitors: £10.

More details: www.bucks-fizz.biz

3rd Friday, 7am-9am

Astral Park, Leighton Buzzard

Breakfast networking with speaker. Price: £13. Contact: info@buzzardnetworking.co.uk or visit www.buzzardnetworking.co.uk

LIVING WELL: WORK/LIFE BALANCE

September 12 5.30pm-7pm:

Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, Waterside Way, Northampton Workshop outlining how to build a wellness routine to support personal and professional development, including stress management techniques and resources for mental health first aid. Free event. To book, email info@nextgenerationchamber.co.uk.

SUNDOWN SOCIAL

September 6 5pm-7pm:

Talk UK Telecom, Butterfield Business Park, Great Marlings, Luton Informal networking hosted with Willow Tree Gin, distilling in Sandy. Free event.

RECRUITING FOR YOUR BUSINESS

September 14 12 noon-2pm: Chamber of Commerce offices, Luton

A Lunch & Learn event, presented by Stuart Amies, of Kenect Recruitment. Advice on how to recruit the right people for your business. Price: £10 Chamber members; non-members £20.

CONNECT OVER COFFEE

September 21 9.15am-11.15am: Courtyard Luton Airport Hotel, Airport Way Sponsored by Greystone Solicitors. Informal networking. Free event - Chamber members only.

MAGISTRATES EMPLOYER RECOGNITION

SCHEME

September 27 10am-11am: Online

The Magistrates Employer Recognition Scheme encourages employers to support the role and work of magistrates and to inspire others to do the same. It is a new scheme supported by Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Chambers of Commerce and the Lord-Lieutenants of both counties and each county’s Bench.

The scheme encourages employers to support the role and work of magistrates and offers a tiering system for employers depending on the level of assistance they

Regional sponsor: Business MK and Business2Business

No fuss, no membership, pay as you go... The Business Buzz format is relaxed, informal, conversational B2B networking.

Town focused events meet face-to-face, allowing visitors to build better, more robust relationships.

Complemented by regional virtual events. All Business Buzz events run 10am-noon

BEDFORD

1st Wednesday: George & Dragon, Mill Street

BIGGLESWADE

2nd Wednesday: The Crown Hotel, High Street.

Price: £6, payable in advance on the Business Buzz Booking App https://app.business-buzz. org/app or at the event.

BRACKLEY

1st Thursday: Paisley Pear, Northampton Road.

Price: £8 + VAT

MILTON KEYNES

3rd Friday: Pop World, Lower 12th Street, Central Milton Keynes.

TOWCESTER

4th Friday: The Saracen’s Head, Watling Street.

Price: £8 + VAT

EAST MIDLANDS

1st Friday: Online. Price: £10

BEDFORDSHIRE

4th Tuesday: Online

Price: £10, payable in advance on the Business Buzz Booking App https://app.business-buzz. org/app or at the event.

September 6 7.30am-9am: YMCA, North Sixth Street, Central MIlton Keynes Networking breakfast event hosted by the longest-established breakfast networking club in Milton Keynes.

Speakers: Sarah James, public health principal for workplace health and worklessness at Milton Keynes City Council; Louisa Hobbs, operations manager at the charity MK Food Bank.

Book at www.citybreakfastclub.co.uk

12 noon-2pm, networking lunch.

Bedford & Ampthill

1st Tuesday: The Swan Hotel, Bedford / Online

Leighton Buzzard

3rd Wednesday: The Dukes, Heath & Reach / Online

Luton

2nd Monday: South Beds Golf Club/ Online

Sandy & Biggleswade

1st Wednesday: Stratton House Hotel, Biggleswade

Contact: Louise Yexley on 07989 020647, email louise.yexley@wibn.co.uk or visit www.wibn.co.uk

Milton Keynes

1st Tuesday: The Brasserie at Milton Keynes College, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley

Contact: Edith Samambwa on 07802 581838, email edith.samambwa@wibn.co.uk or visit www.wibn.co.uk

MILTON KEYNES VIRTUAL NETWORKING

September 8 10am-11am: Online.

Networking + an update on the benefits of FSB membership. Hosted by James Anderson, FSB development manager for the Thames Valley. Free event for FSB members and nonmembers

PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITIES WITH MILTON KEYNES CITY COUNCIL

September 20 12 noon-1.30pm: Online. An exclusive event designed to foster connections between small businesses and Milton Keynes City Council. Find out about the goods and services required by the council, how to navigate the procurement process, align with the council’s expectations and

NETWORKING LUNCH and AGM

September 26 noon-2pm:

Aiimi, Central Milton Keynes

Price: £18 WiE members; non-members £21. To book, visit www.womeninenterprise.co.uk

Business2Business

Expansion plan needs decision, ministers told

Chamber calls on government to back airport growth proposal

Ministers must make a swift decision on plans by London Luton Airport to increase its annual passenger capacity to 19 million.

A decision is critical for the airport’s ongoing operations and future development, say business leaders. Uncertainty around the application, originally submitted to Luton Council in 2021, is holding back the airport’s ability to provide clarity and certainty over its future development.

Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Justin Richardson has sent an impassioned appeal to Michael Gove, Secretary of State of Levelling Up, Communities and Housing and the Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper calling for a resolution on the application by London Luton Airport Operations Ltd to increase its annual passenger limit from 18 million to 19 million.

Mr Richardson highlighted the critical role played by London Luton Airport within the region. The application entails a capacity increase that makes the best of existing infrastructure, its potential benefits are extensive and hold great significance for regional economic growth, he said.

Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce represents the views of hundreds of businesses across the county. It said that the airport plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth within Mr Richardson has implored the Secretaries of State to issue a ‘positive and timely’ decision. He stressed that any further delay and uncertainty could obstruct London Luton’s capacity to continue delivering its existing and expanding benefits to the local and regional economy

“LLA plays a vital role in the local region as well as across the UK by providing connectivity, jobs, and investment, with 53 per cent of the airport’s supply chain spend going to suppliers based within a 25-mile radius of the airport,” Mr Richardson added.

“The benefits of the capacity increase are far-reaching and it is time for government to stop dragging its heels and make a decision.”

The appeal from the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce highlights the airport’s central role in propelling economic progress within the region

London Luton Airport plays a critical role in the region’s economy. A decision on its expansion is imperative, said Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Justin Richardson (pictured right)

Entrepreneurship students celebrate global contest win

Five students from Cranfield University are celebrating after winning the world’s largest student social entrepreneurship competition. They have brought home to Bedfordshire the Hult Prize, which challenges students from more than 120 countries to come up with

People Power Makes Business Great – Let’s Work Together

Across the country, thousands of businesses are members of a Chamber of Commerce. Why? Because the Chamber is renowned the world over for helping foster connections and enabling local businesses to thrive and grow.

• Connects you with a large network of businesses.

• Provides you with unrivalled access to help, support, and advice to grow your business.

• Opens new business opportunities for you in local, national and international markets.

• Ensures your views are heard within Government and other policy makers.

Our role is to ensure that, working together, we create connections within our ever-growing network and become an enabler for business growth – after all, business is done better together.

“The Chamber is not only there to give support of local connections and guidance on export and trade, but go above and beyond to help us nurture business collaborations that results in business growth.”

innovative and sustainable solutions to global issues.

This year’s challenge was to create a socially responsible clothing and fashion venture that promotes sustainability.

The INNOVIOUS team of Chenali Bisen, Ksheetij Patel, Dhiyaneshwaran Radhakrishnan, Suci Nurwidia and Surender Kumar - all students on Cranfield’s Msc in management and entrepreneurship - triumphed in the competition’s Global Summit over 900 teams from 12 cities at the event in Tunisia last month.

Their success has earned them a spot in the Global Accelerator phase and the chance to compete in the Global Finals in Paris, with the opportunity to win $1 million USD to fund their innovative idea.

Their winning idea involved developing biodegradable packaging for the fashion industry, an idea which stood out for its originality, social impact, and clear alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The global final event takes place in Paris later this month. The Hult Prize is named after Swedish billionaire and philanthropist Bertil Hult, who founded educational and language school company EF Education First.

Dr Oksana Koryak, director of Cranfield’s MSc Management and Entrepreneurship programme, said: “The team’s journey to success is a testament to their unwavering focus, relentless hard work, and the indomitable spirit of entrepreneurship.

“Their victory not only highlights the talent and entrepreneurial mindset nurtured at Cranfield but also underscores the university’s commitment to fostering socially responsible leaders who drive positive change on a global scale.”

Free parking trial aims to lift footfall

Looking to boost business in the town centre, Bedford Borough Council has begun a trial of free parking for four hours in the Allhallows car park.

The scheme, which began last month, runs until February. It is one of a series of new projects the council hopes will support local businesses.

Deputy mayor Cllr Jim Weir, portfolio holder for environment, highways and transport, said: “It is brilliant news for Bedford – a true boost for our town.”

Cllr Andrea Spice, portfolio holder for town centres and planning, added: “We are hoping this trial will prove successful in supporting our local businesses and cultural venues and will measure this to see how it influences shopper behaviour, as well as continuing to consider other ideas to attract more residents to our Town Centre.

“I am sure people will want to take advantage of this free period and we will be keen to see how results could influence future parking policies.”

Events head settles into new role

Settling into the newly created role of head of meetings and events at training and conference centre Wyboston Lakes Resort is Lydia Tickner.

She has arrived at the venue near Bedford with more than 12 years of experience in planning and delivering outstanding events, mostly recently with the historic Royal Institution of Great Britain and Rothamsted Enterprises.

Her career began at English Heritage where Lydia, pictured above, curated large-scale public events that included jousts and battles. She has also worked in corporate events at a major London agency where she orchestrated award ceremonies and Christmas parties for up to 2,000 guests for

Pallet partnership pays dividends for haulier

Alogistics partnership which plays a vital role in getting household goods on to shelves as well as providing a significant boost to the environment has reached its 15-year milestone.

Coventry-based IPP, one of Europe’s leading poolers of sustainable wooden pallets, joined forces with Bedfordshire haulier F.A. Hawkins Transport to improve efficiency. Together, they play an active role in reducing empty running - the environmentally harmful process of a vehicle returning to base without any goods on board.

IPP’s transport planners work with F.A. Hawkins, based at Eaton Bray, to ensure efficient pick-up and delivery of

goods ranging from cut flowers to paint and crisps, with the aim of reducing unnecessary miles.

The relationship with IPP has played a significant role in the company’s growth and longevity, which started with one vehicle per day on IPP work. F.A. Hawkins now employs more than 30 staff and moves around 88,000 pallets per week for IPP.

Managing director Jim Hawkins said: “We are fully loaded nearly all of the time we work for them, which is obviously good for the environment compared with running empty and has a significant impact on the carbon footprint of those goods. IPP is a very easy company to work with.

“We have a great relationship; the team is very approachable and I get on with everyone there. They are always happy to help.”

David Bage, IPP’s operations manager, said: “We work closely with our customers and hauliers to co-ordinate the back loading of used pallets on return journeys, eradicating the need for other vehicles to collect them for repair and repatriation. F.A. Hawkins is one of our most successful examples of this type of partnership.”

F.A. Hawkins, was founded by Jim’s grandfather Frederick Alfred Hawkins in 1926. The family-run firm has now entered its fourth generation with Jim’s niece Lizzie Hawkins joining him at the helm.

clients including professional services firm Deloitte, Pret a Manger and McLaren.

“Her wealth of experience and passion for event management align perfectly with our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for our clients,” said Wyboston Lakes’ director of revenue Christine Gomez.

“With Lydia’s support, we are confident in reaching new heights and setting new industry standards.”

Lydia, who has also worked as deputy head of events for The Scouts, said: “I have a great passion for creating brilliant experiences while delivering successful strategies and superb service. I am thrilled to have this exciting opportunity.”

Author takes on Chancellor post

Author, journalist and screenwriter Sarfraz Manzoor has been officially installed as Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire.

His role as Chancellor is an honorary position. Mr Manzoor will not be involved in day-to-day activities but will act as an ambassador for the university, helping to raise its profile and to seek opportunities for students and the wider community, such as hosting workshops and arranging talks with friends from the creative industry. He also wants to inspire students from minority backgrounds or those who would be the first in their family to go to university and encourage them to shape their

path through education.

Mr Manzoor, pictured above, moved to Luton from Pakistan in the 1970s and set his memoir Greetings From Bury Park in the town. He was chosen for the Chancellor’s post because of to his influence, career journey and his roots and connection to Luton.

University of Bedfordshire vice chancellor Professor Rebecca Bunting said: “His passion for learning and his remarkable career are things we hope our students can take inspiration from during their studies here at Bedfordshire. We are looking forward to working with him and we are sure his role will create a real impact with our student body and local communities.”

The pitfalls of lending to family or friends

It has always been common to lend small amounts of money to friends and family members on an informal basis writes Simon Porter, senior associate - company and commercial at Neves Solicitors. However, increasing numbers of people are taking larger loans from friends and family members.

These larger loans have pitfalls for the unwary so it is critical that you take expert advice in order that you are aware of the implications before committing to any loan.

There are some key factors you need to consider:

Affordability

n Can you afford to make the loan?

Consider possible changes in your circumstances. Would lending the money leave you enough of a buffer? Think about the consequences to your personal relationship with the borrower.

n Can the borrower afford the loan?

Will they be able to repay it within a timeframe that you are happy with?

Sometimes, the ‘borrower’ is looking for a gift and has no real intention of repaying the money so it is essential to

be clear on this.

You might decide that you want to make a gift (perhaps of a smaller amount) but both parties should be aware of the decision to make a gift and why.

Legal implications

It is possible that your loan may be regulated by the consumer credit rules of the Financial Conduct Authority. If it falls under the FCA regulations, there is a risk that any loan agreement may be unenforceable. Exemptions are available but these should be checked.

A written loan agreement should be considered so that both you and the borrower are fully aware of the terms and repayment. For example, a written loan agreement trumps any misunderstanding by the borrower that a gift was intended in the event of a repayment issue.

Security

If the security is over land, tread very carefully and take advice as it is possible that your loan could be subject to separate FCA rules on regulated mortgage contracts.

Interest

Consider charging interest to recoup lost

n If you are considering making a loan and want to speak with a specialist lawyer, contact Simon Porter in the Neves Commercial team.

Colleagues join fellow fundraisers for the annual Big Sleepout

Hundreds of fundraisers are preparing to sleep outside for a night next month to raise money for Luton-based charity NOAH Enterprise.

Kingham Chartered Accountants, Greystone Solicitors and H Squared. NOAH Enterprise is the chosen charity of Foxley Kingham’s Anniversary Foundation for 2023.

Simon Porter

earnings on the money loaned. Charging interest will also discourage the borrower from viewing the loan as a gift. If you charge interest, it is taxable income in the eyes of HM Revenue & Customs.

Enforcement

If the borrower does not repay in accordance with the terms of the agreement, establish what the problem is and whether it can be resolved. You may wish to vary the terms in the initial agreement - to give them more time to repay, for example. If the agreement has been breached and you want to take legal action to get your money back, you will need to seek legal advice.

It acts as a lifeline for people in poverty in the town and across Bedfordshire, supporting those in need through its Welfare Centre, street outreach programmes and employability training.

And its activity is set to receive a major boost from its annual the Big Sleepout initiative which takes place at Stockwood Park Athletics centre in Luton on October 6. Businesspeople across Luton and Central Bed fordshire will be among those taking part, including colleagues from the Big Sleepout’s sponsors Foxley

NOAH’s community fundraiser Shannon Murphy said: “The cost of living crisis has caused a substantial uptake in our services - almost doubling, in fact. Our Welfare Centre is vital to so many in the community and the training we are providing through the NOAH Academy is making a real difference in securing people work, “If we can raise more awareness about what we do, the more donations of food, clothing, and funds we will receive.”

visit noahenterprise.org/the-big-sleepout.

THE POWER of Three

The Power of 3 runs through the core of OCM as we have three professional disciplines brought together allowing us to deliver such a powerful client focused proposition.

As an Independent Chartered Financial Planning Firm, a Discretionary Asset Manager and Tax planning specialist, we utilise the power of 3, to ensure we deliver a seamless and first class, cost and time efficient service to clients. This is because at OCM we truly believe Our Clients Matter.

CHARTERED Financial Planners

ocmwealthmanagement.co.uk

TAXATION & Accounting

DISCRETIONARY Asset Managers

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate the activities of tax planning, estate planning or IHT planning. OCM Wealth Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (www.fsa.gov.uk/register/home.do). FCA Registration No: 418826. OCM Asset Management is a trading name of OCM Wealth Management.

Hospital wants your view on expansion programme

Milton Keynes University Hospital has unveiled its plans for the future of the hospital estate, including a state-of-the-art Women’s and Children’s Hospital, funded by the government’s New Hospital Programme.

The site development plans, known as MK View, are on show at a dedicated microsite mkuh.nhs.uk/mkview/. It presents the hospital’s estate expansion plans up to 2030, which will see MKUH increase capacity and bring in the latest technology to to meet future care needs.

The MK View programme includes a new Women’s and Children’s Hospital housing paediatric and maternity care

and extra surgical capacity. MKUH programme director Rebecca Grindley said: “Meeting the needs of Milton Keynes is incredibly important to us. Expanding the hospital estate while harnessing the best in technology advancement to support our workforce is paramount in allowing the hospital to deliver exemplary modern acute healthcare services.”

The MK View site also highlights MKUH’s plans for a new imaging centre, additional wards and parking and the work under way to provide further cancer care services. The new Radiotherapy Centre is due to be completed in late 2024.

Evidence will change practice: Hospice

CEO’s verdict on palliative care study

A PhD student whose research into child palliative care and the impact on families was part-funded by Luton-based charity Keech Hospice Care has been celebrating her graduation from the University of Bedfordshire.

Georgina Constantinou has completed her research after four years of study and published a paper entitled Children’s palliative care: Parent and professional

Fun

day aims to help work with homeless

Staff at Cranswick

Convenience Foods in Milton Keynes have been putting the finishing touches to plans for the company’s Family Fun Day in aid of The Winter Night Shelter MK.

The charity, which supports vulnerable people across Milton Keynes experiencing or being at risk of homelessness, is one of Cranswick’s longterm charity partners. The food manufacturer, based at Snelshall, has raised more than £70,000 so far for the charity - funding the equivalent of five qualified welfare workers for a year - and is on track to beat its £90,000 fundraising target by March next year.

“Our welfare team see

around 250 people a month, and thanks to Cranswick’s fundraising efforts they have helped fund countless hot meals, showers and laundry washes for our guests, along with numerous counselling and welfare appointments,” said The Winter Night Shelter MK’s fundraising manager Russell Marriott.

The Winter Night Shelter MK runs services including a year-round welfare team who offer practical and emotional advice. Its latest figures show that in June this year, nearly 50 per cent of the shelter’s guests had not experienced homelessness before. Around 20pc needing advice regarding their finances.

“Cranswick has a long history of supporting The Winter Night Shelter MK,

providing volunteer hours and food donations to its café and employing the Shelter’s guests, helping them get back on their feet after being homeless,” said the firm’s Milton Keynes site manager Sam Pearl. “Our local community is incredibly important to Cranswick as we strive to make a lasting positive impact on our employees, their families and society as a whole.”

The Fun Day takes place on September 3, 11am-3pm at Middleton Pavilion in Worrele Avenue. Cranswick is promising a great family day out on the last weekend of the school holidays, with fairground rides, food and drink, craft stalls and entertainment including a football tournament.

perspectives of unmet needs, access & expectations Her findings have already been read by healthcare professionals worldwide and her paper has been featured by paediatric care publication the Journal of Child Health Care.

“I always wanted to work in health psychology and prior to my PhD I used to work with children with brain injuries and their families, particularly in

providing support for them to move forward in life following injury,” said Ms Constantinou. “I had witnessed first-hand how trauma can have a ripple effect on a family network and how they cope so I felt this PhD research area suited my existing experience.”

The opportunity to take part in the funded PhD came about after Keech Hospice Care and the university met to discuss the need for more

research into child palliative care and the impact on families. Applicants were invited to explore the topic in more detail and Georgina discovered a lack of research around unmet needs and expectations of services from a parental perspective, such as barriers faced when guiding their child through care.

“We have a big background in research and innovation,” said Keech Hospice Care chief executive Liz Searle. “But this particular piece of work was a great partnership with the university and allowed us to really look at the needs for our families with children who have life-limiting illnesses. The evidence will change practice, which is so important.”

Keech has already used the findings of Ms Constantinou’s research to enhance its services. “This research has made us more aware of what is needed and desired,” said deputy chief executive and clinical

Smile: Initiative brings a boost to patients

Anew project is under way that is designed to uplift and bring a smile to the faces of cancer patients, their families and caregivers.

SMILE is a collaboration between Milton Keynes Community Foundation, skincare products manufacturer Naturally Tribal Skincare and The Lewis Foundation, a charity that delivers parcels of gifts and support packs to adult cancer patients in hospitals across the Midlands.

The project aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of cancer patients by providing interactive workshops and essential wellbeing kits.

The Community Foundation’s latest Vital Signs report highlights the higher rates of death

from cancer, circulatory and respiratory diseases in deprived areas of the city and has prompted the launch of its Transformation Grant, which will fund the SMILE project for the next 12 months.

The foundation’s philanthropy manager Peter Bakare said: “The Transformation Grant will enable this initiative to positively impact diverse populations and create meaningful experiences for cancer patients and their caregivers.”

The grant gives participants in SMILE free opportunity to attend the workshops and receive wellbeing kits. The Lewis Foundation’s founder and chief executive Lorraine Lewis, said: “Through our work on cancer wards, oncology units and within

the community, we hear firsthand about the unmet needs of cancer patients and their carers - stories such as skin concerns, suitable exercise, mental health and more. We knew we had to do something about it.”

She sought the help of Stony Stratford-based Naturally Tribal Skincare and founder Shalom Lloyd.

“We identified that the best way to address this was running workshops that would provide everyone with the tools and information they need so they can support themselves in the community, coupled with the opportunity to connect with others, creating further networks of support. We are excited that, with the funding from Milton Keynes Community Foundation, we will be able to do this.”

n Find out more at www.thelewisfoundation.co.uk/event-details/smile-workshop-skincare

MKUH will engage with staff, patients and the wider community as its plans develop. Find out more at mkuh.nhs. uk/mkview or email mkview@mkuh.nhs.uk

Georgina Constantinou is pictured with Keech Hospice Care chief executive Liz Searle (left) and clinical director Elaine Tolliday