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Powering businesses across the country

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contents

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER2023

4 welcome

Chamber CEO Louise Wall celebrates a packed summer events calendar

5 business report

Vitamin company awarded the royal seal of approval

24 business partners

Commsave Credit Union expands the team

27 going global International Trade Forum brings companies together

30 talking business

Rob Brittain, director, Opus Energy

36 issue spotlight

Financial services, logistics, freight & transportation and health & safety

42 sector focus

The latest news from the manufacturing & engineering, finance & legal and skills sectors

54 events & training

The latest comprehensive list of Chamber training courses and events

57 community zone

Community garden project wins top award

60 chamber chat

Meet Chamber members and learn about the latest member benefits

61 next generation

Introducing the next generation of the region’s business leaders

62 new members

We welcome new members

inbusiness

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF NORTHAMPTONSHIRE CHAMBER AND MILTON KEYNES CHAMBEROF COMMERCE

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business partners

The summer months are always the best time for getting out and about meeting our members and the past few weeks have certainly been no exception. The Northamptonshire Chamber and Milton Keynes Chamber have brought our business community together at a number of high-profile events including the MK Big Chat, Meet the Neighbours, organised in collaboration with our colleagues at the Bedfordshire Chamber, and the Women in Vision networking event and barbecue which was held on one of the warmest afternoons of the year so far.

We were also delighted to see so many members and visitors taking part in the MK Showcase held at Kent Hill Park Conference Centre in July, an event which was followed by a barbecue to help us celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Milton Keynes Chamber in style.

We were very proud to announce partnerships with two new charities of the year - the Lewis Foundation and MK Food Bank.

The Lewis Foundation does extraordinary work supporting people living with cancer across Northamptonshire while the MK Food Bank offers a helping hand to people across the city who are struggling as a result of the cost-of-living crisis. We are very proud to be supporting both charities and look forward to working with them both in the coming year.

As we look ahead to the autumn, we have some major events coming up including the Northamptonshire Business Exhibition on September 7 at the home of Northampton Saints, Franklin’s Gardens. The event promises to be bigger and better than ever and will feature a Q&A session with legendary boxer, Frank Bruno MBE.

And who can forget the Northamptonshire Business Awards, sponsored by Wilson Browne, which are being held on November 23.

We’ve been overwhelmed by the quantity and quality of the entries we have received this year and we are really looking forward to celebrating with you all.

Louise Wall

CEO, Northamptonshire Chamber and Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce

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business report

inbusiness keeps Northamptonshire Chamber and Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce members up-to-date with the latest business news

A royal honour for Viridian

Ethical vitamin company Viridian Nutrition is honoured to be the first to receive the royal seal of approval, the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise.

The family-run supplement firm, based in Daventry, Northamptonshire, has been recognised for excellence in business in International Trade for Outstanding Continuous Growth in overseas sales over six years.

Founded in December 1999, Viridian specialises in the UK manufacture and sale of effective, ethical and pure health supplements. The multi-award-winning range spans 220+

nutritional oils and supplements, tinctures and topicals, all developed by expert nutritionists using clinically evidenced research.

Cheryl Thallon, Viridian founder and MD, said: “It’s a great honour to accept this regal award acknowledging not only the success of our team and customers, but also our ethical commitment to spreading health and happiness across the globe. King Charles has long championed organics and complementary medicine and we applaud his continued work in these and other fields."

The King’s Awards for Enterprise was previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, and the new name reflects His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses.

Innovative and a driving force for ethics, Viridian has been pioneered ethical issues and led the way in many world firsts. These include the world’s first organic fish oil and the world’s first palm-oil free vitamin company.

Partnership promotes the arts

Giving students the chance to grow and broaden their horizons in performing arts is the aim of an exciting new partnership between Beccy Hurrell Voice & Arts and musical theatre college, Emil Dale Academy (EDA).

The partnership will allow both organisations to share resources, create expert masterclasses, and provide unique opportunities for students to gain industry insights from EDA, who are renowned for their commitment to high-quality performing arts education.

“EDA is the ideal partner for us as we continue to strive for excellence in

the creative arts provision,” said Lindsey Atkins, director at BHVA.

A unique aspect of this partnership is the long-standing relationship between the two institutions. BHVA’s founder, Beccy Hurrell, worked as a resident singing teacher at EDA before establishing BHVA.

She said: “We’re excited to be joining forces with EDA, and this collaboration marks a proud moment for us. Both organisations are committed to fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment for anyone who is interested in the creative arts. We look to what the individual needs to thrive and succeed.”

The Viridian team celebrate gaining the King’s Award

Beccy Hurrell and Lindsey Atkins from Beccy Hurrell Dance & Arts

New logo celebrates past - and rings in the future

Aoldest stores, has been unveiled to mark its 125th anniversary.

Melissa Bratton, a student from the University of Northampton, designed the logo after entering a competition organised by Bell of Northampton in partnership with the university. Her winning design, chosen by Bell from 18 entries, was inspired by the original Bell logo which she enriched with a gold centrepiece to make it fitting for a celebration.

Melissa, who studies interior architecture at

see it through from our initial discussions right through to the completed design.

“To know that it will also play an important part of Bell’s celebrations this year is very exciting to me as a designer.”

Managing director of Bell of Northampton Lee Ferris said: “We are delighted with Melissa’s design which really captures the heritage of Bell of Northampton and includes our current company brand colours, which ties it in nicely with the present day.

throughout this milestone year. Our anniversary is a huge event, not just for Bell of Northampton itself but the whole community which continues to support us to this day.

“Partnering with the university has been a great way to get more people involved in our anniversary and we hope everyone will join us as our celebrations continue throughout the year.”

As well as Melissa’s design being used by Bell of Northampton throughout the year, the student also received a £250 Amazon voucher as a prize.

A year of Peer2Peer success and growth

It’s almost a year since local business coach Peter Woods (pictured) launched his Northampton and Milton Keynes Peer2Peer Board.

Based at Whittlebury Park, Peter’s Board offers an opportunity for serious business owners and successful entrepreneurs to take one half day a month to work on their own personal development journey and their business growth strategy.

Peter said: “It’s hard to believe it’s been a year already. The time has gone so quickly, and I always feel that Peer2Peer day is my favourite day of the month. I have some great members on the Board. They have grown into a strong group who have come to rely on each other’s

input and support. It really is very satisfying to see how the group has evolved over the year.

“As a Board member, you will spend four hours focusing on yourself as a leader, aiming to become the best version of yourself. Working with other likeminded business people, you will be sharing discussions and challenges with your own NED Board, helping you to drive your business forward.”

Peter plans to offer a new, afternoon board over the next few months and would encourage any forward thinking, and ambitious business owner to try Peer2Peer for themselves. You can visit a meeting free of charge to see if being a member will help you.

A number of exciting events are being planned to celebrate Bell’s 125th anniversary including charity challenges, schools competitions and a very special customer event in the store later in the year. There will also be a range of themed cakes and bakes from the Victorian era through to the present day being served at the in-store café, Love Lunch @ Bell.

For more information about Bell of Northampton, visit the website at www.abell.co.uk

Organic growth for IT services specialist

IT services specialist, RTS, has celebrated 21 years at the heart of the Northamptonshire business community.

The company, which started life as Retail Technology Services back in 2002, provides businesses across the UK with IT and communications solutions across a range of industries. With clients as diverse as market leading pub and restaurant chains, communication platforms for London Borough Councils, CCTV systems and airport logistics, the company has a breadth of skills and experience to assist many types of organisations.

The business has grown organically, with a number of core employees being still with the company from the early days. Chief commercial officer Giles Forrester said: “We are very proud that during Covid we managed

to retain all or our staff and since then we have grown rapidly, taking on more office and production space to allow for the expansion of services for both our existing customers and new ones.”

The business is actively looking to work more with local transport and logistics companies. Giles added: “The high density of transport and logistics businesses in this area makes it a logical market for us with the sector being core to our growth plans over the next few years. Northampton is an ideal location for us with the rapidly expanding industrial and warehousing sectors, meaning that we are close to a huge potential customer base.”

Since its launch, RTS has grown to a team of over 40 staff, with plans for further expansion in the near future.

New studio is picture perfect

Photography, video and content creation company Chalk Original has opened a new studio in North East Northamptonshire.

The company has moved into a converted barn with a 650sq ft studio perfect for bringing its clients’ projects to life and offering the kind of services usually reserved to studios in the big cities.

Director Wayne Lennon said: “I have been looking for a nice space for a while, and when I spotted the barn I knew it was the right place to build the studio that it would fit our clients’ needs, and be a lovely place to come and work.”

The new studio will give more options to clients requiring new content, from ecommerce images, headshots and video interviews all the way through to having a custom set built to fit their brand for bigger projects.

Situated between Northampton, Peterborough and Milton Keynes, and just off the A14 it has easy travel links for people to visit for their shoots and enjoy the countryside around the barn.

For more information on the studio visit www.ChalkOriginal.co.uk

Staff at RTS celebrated the company’s 21st anniversary in February

Managing Director of Bell of Northampton, Lee Ferris is pictured with University of Northampton student Melissa Bratton who designed a new logo to celebrate the store’s 125th anniversary

Wayne Lennon of Chalk Original pictured inside the company’s new studio

Camphill MK starts expansion

A£15m pound expansion of Camphill MK officially got underway at a special ceremony held in the city in June. The Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, Countess Howe, Dame Ann Limb, High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Mayor and Mayoress Mick and Mandy Legg were present at the ground-breaking ceremony which will enable Camphill MK to double the number of people it supports.

Countess Howe said: “I have absolutely loved my visits to Camphill MK this year and in the past; I have always been impressed by the warmth and sense of community that Camphill MK offers. But we are all ageing and will need additional support in the future, so this is a really

exciting ground-breaking opportunity. Congratulations to all of those who have masterminded the project.”

Buckinghamshire’s new High Sheriff Dame Ann said: “I want to draw attention to the value of preciousness and uniqueness of every human being, which is embodied here in Camphill. I am delighted to see a team with Tim (CEO), the architects and builders selected for their eco credentials, aiming to work towards the standards set by Passive Houses.”

The breaking of the ground was a community effort, with the ceremonial spades gifted to their partner charity Tools for Self-Reliance MK, which the Camphill MK residents refurbished, painted and sharpened ready for the VIPs.

Cawleys celebrate double award win

Cawleys, the region’s largest independent recycling company, has won not one but two prestigious RoSPA Awards for their exceptional health and safety performance.

Beating thousands of applicants, the family run business was recently announced the coveted RoSPA winner of the Waste Management and Recycling Industry Sector Award.

Historically an accolade for large national waste companies and with only one winner, it is an incredible achievement for Cawleyshighlighting their outstanding commitment to providing a safe working environment for staff, customers and stakeholders.

Also awarded a RoSPA Fleet Safety Gold Award for their welldeveloped occupational health and safety management systems and culture, outstanding control of risk,

and very low levels of error, harm and loss – Cawleys were presented with both awards at the official ceremony in London.

Amanda Clark, safety, health, environment and quality (SHEQ) manager at Cawleys said: “Winning these awards demonstrates our outstanding control of risk and high levels of performance within the industry internationally. It is a huge accolade for us as a family run business.

“We secured our first Silver award last year but we were determined to go further to improve our existing health and safety strategies, systems and procedures to achieve Gold.

“Safety has and always will be our main priority, these awards are recognition of the whole team effort and the culture that we have created to ensure we keep our employees, customers and the

Local contractors Watson & Cox are the leading contractors bringing to life the plans created by architects Studio Ageli. They hosted an on-site metal detection day with the residents before the foundations were dug. The building of the first house will take several months to complete, with residents planning to move in 2024.

wider community safe.”

As part of the entry, Cawleys was recognised for their positive, integrated health and safety

culture, dedicated SHEQ department and excellent monitoring and reporting procedures.

‘I want to draw attention to the value of preciousness and uniqueness of every human being’

The ground-breaking ceremony gets underway at Camphill MK

Cawleys health and safety team

The best hour you’ll spend this year – let’s talk about growth.

To grow, you need more sales. It’s common sense, isn’t it? You sell more and that funds growth. Unfortunately, the issues that sometimes accompany an increase in sales can easily restrict or stagnate your growth plans.

Even if you already have a high performing sales team that is far from the end of the story. When a business struggles to meet their growth goals it is often because there is a weakness in one or more of the following areas.

• They didn’t review the customer journey. You need a holistic view of how your buyers move from initial contact to repeat sale to service them properly.

• The sales plan wasn’t comprehensive enough. Growth will be easier if you plan for it in all related areas… not just the sales team.

• The team needed additional training. The sales team were great but not ready for the growth period.

• The processes needed to be revised. When you push for growth, it isn’t uncommon for the sales processes to be unable to cope with the pressure.

Even big names like Tesla, Nike, H&M and McDonalds have had sales growth issues, so how can you avoid them? Well, it’s hard to see the wood for the trees when you are looking to grow, so I can help with a free 60minute sales strategy review. Book in on the website and let’s look at how your business can grow without the growing pains.

Julie Futcher

Step back into the past and visit history

A fabulous opportunity to explore West Northamptonshire’s many historic buildings, churches and cultural attractions is on offer as part of the Heritage Open Days festival.

Running from September 8-17, England’s largest festival of history and culture offers a once-a-year opportunity to explore historic sites for free. Among the venues opening their doors will be:

Northampton Transport

Heritage Bus Tours

Daventry Market Square (NN11 4BH),

Saturday 16 September, 10am-4.45pm

View a display of classic and heritage buses and enjoy free bus rides to surrounding villages.

Canons Ashby, NN11 3SD

Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September.

All day.

An Elizabethan manor house set in 18th century gardens near Woodford Halse.

Lamport Hall, NN6 9HD

Saturday 9 September, 10am-4pm

Offering garden tours, an art exhibition, kids crafts, workshops and more

St Peter’s Church, Northampton, NN1 1SW

Saturday 9 September, 10am-4pm and Sunday 10 September, 2-4pm

Enjoy a visit to this 900-year-old Norman church.

Weedon Royal Ordnance Depot, NN7 4PS

Sunday 10 September, 10am-4pm

Built during the Napoleonic era to store equipment, ammunition and weapons for the British Army, the depot remained in use until the 1960s.

78 Derngate, NN1 1UH

Friday 15 September, 1.30-4pm

Experience a 30-minute guided tour of The Charles Rennie Mackintosh House and see original features among some astonishing and unique interiors.

College leader fears reform repercussions

Tleaders to voice her concerns that plans to reform vocational education risk leaving thousands of school leavers without access to Level 3 further education when they reach 16.

The government is aiming to complete the rollout of new T Level qualifications, which began in 2020, over the next two academic years for 16 to 18-year-olds in subjects such as business, construction, health and science.

Pat Brennan-Barrett described T levels as a ‘good ambition and a good qualification’ and emphasised that Northampton College is committed to developing the pathway for those that can meet the criteria but warned the lack of a ‘coherent implementation plan’ for those who could not do a T Level is a concern.

YMCA MK - the perfect location for your next event

If you’re looking for somewhere to hold your next conference, YMCA MK could be the perfect place.

The friendly and professional team at YMCA MK will work closely with you to create your perfect conference, meeting or event. They offer affordable, flexible spaces for gatherings of up to 100 people.

Rachel Tudhope, of Cranswick Foods, said: “The facilities are modern, bright, and it’s great to know that the money we are paying is going right back into this amazing charity. It has a

more personable feel than most corporate facilities – the conferencing team know us by name, and they cannot do enough to make us feel welcome.”

By booking your next event at YMCA MK you will also be playing a vital role supporting young people in Milton Keynes to belong, contribute and thrive. Income from conferencing and events enables them to provide a safe home for over 200 young people as well as a wide range of support services.

Northampton College – said they broadly supported the overall concept of a more rigorous vocational qualification but were concerned the government was ‘sleepwalking’ into a situation that would only make the country’s shortage of skilled workers worse, potentially damaging the economy further.

Mrs Brennan-Barrett said: “While T levels are undoubtedly a very good alternative for some students, the students most likely to be impacted by these reforms are those from the lowest socio-economic groups, those with additional learning needs and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

“The timing of the reforms, along with the defunding of qualifications is potentially damaging economically. We are asking for the defunding of level 3 qualifications to be delayed.”

Principal of Northampton College, Pat Brennan-Barrett

Light and heat your workplaces with InterLED

InterLED is a lighting business with its own UK-manufactured products.

We carry out lighting projects in all commercial settings. Not only do we supply, but we also advise, train & offer lighting simulations, and fit to specification.

Alongside our lighting products, we have also designed a fully electric heating system (interRAY). With its unique controller, this works alongside our lighting system to look ultra sleek and professional.

The system

We are able to distribute the heat evenly throughout the workspace by switching the heaTRAY heaters on and off, getting the right levels of heat to where it is needed the most.

The Dynamic Drive Controller

Our Dynamic Drive Controller can operate ten 3.9kW heaters from a 32A 3 phase supply. We have three versions of the controller: a basic timed switch, a seven-day thermostat controller and a full PLC controller that can monitor areas

of high activity, predict weather conditions and alert if any faults were to occur.

The benefits

A huge benefit of far infrared technology is that it targets objects and solids; therefore the heat does not get wasted on air that can easily drift outside and be completely unusable in the workplace. Another plus to using FAR Infrared heating are the health benefits that come with it. For example, it helps to improve blood circulation, it strengthens the cardiovascular system, boosts immunity... the list goes on!

Why us?

We can provide you with the exact heat your workplace needs in the correct places. Our innovative product is not only environmentally friendly, cost effective and controllable, but it also comes with many health benefits. So, not only are you looking after your wallet, the environment and your workplace, you are also looking after your own health and your employees too!

MAIN PICTURE: Automotive vehicle preparation centre with 200 trayLED fittings & 90 heatRAY heaters

INSET LEFT: 3.9kw far infrared heater installed in a Mercedes Benz workshop

INSET BELOW: interLED installing their trayLED system into an accident and repair centre

Fossil fuel free

From warehouses and body shops to showrooms, factories and more – our versatile systems can be tailored to fit the design of your workspace. An easier way to keep your workplaces comfortable at a stable, ambient temperature without having to run your gas heating all day.

For further information please contact

Kerri Nicholson, National Sales Manager, interLED on:

T: 01933 418499

E: kerri@interLED.co.uk

Or Visit: www.interLED.co.uk www.interRAY.co.uk

Looking and feeling fabulous

With wellbeing in the workplace more important than ever, the team at Beauty Withinn are always there to help you look and feel fabulous.

Whether its corporate packages or wellbeing afternoons held in your office, the team at Beauty Withinn, which is based in St James, Northampton can create bespoke packages to suit you and your team.

Accountancy firm in new acquisition

Accountancy firm, Cottons is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of Street and Street Accounts Ltd, a specialist accounting firm catering to the pub, restaurant, and beverages industry.

The acquisition is part of Cottons’ strategic growth plan to expand its expertise and client base in the Midlands area.

Street and Street Accounts Ltd has firmly positioned itself as a reliable and trusted provider of comprehensive accounting services, catering specifically to the pub and restaurant industry. They work alongside their clients to help them grow sustainable and profitable businesses.

Mark Palmer, who oversaw the deal from Cottons’ side, said: “The transfer negotiations were very straightforward. Debbie Street made it clear that she wanted to ensure her clients and colleagues were positively affected, and we believe we have jointly succeeded in this aim.”

It has been a busy time for salon owner Natalie Faulkner, who is a keen supporter of the Lewis Foundation and Cynthia Spencer Hospice. She will also be stepping out in her dancing shoes to when she takes part in Strictly Come Dancing Northampton at Northampton’s Royal and Derngate Theatre.

She said: “We host monthly wellbeing mornings for people living with cancer which are

completely free, so if anybody knows anyone who would benefit we would love to hear from them. These are causes which are very close to my heart so I am keen to do everything I can to support them.”

For businesses with a special occasion coming up, Beauty Withinn can create hair and makeup as well as offering group discounts and special offers for Chamber members.

Recruitment consultancy Wallace Hind join Chamber

Retained recruitment consultancy Wallace Hind has joined the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce.

Established in 1992, Wallace Hind provides services to major organisations and SMEs across the UK and Europe. Its recruitment services cover a full range of job disciplines and market sectors, sourcing key talent for a diverse range of clients, from owner-managed businesses to some of the UK's most recognised FTSE 100 Brands.

Matthew Hogg from Wallace Hind said: “Having a clear understanding of where your business is within your market, against your competitors and of course how your employer branding is represented and understood by current and potential employees is crucial, as is a systematic succession planning process. Through our unique understanding of the skills, experience and personal attributes required across a variety of disciplines and can provide guidance and support where necessary.

“Building relationships is at the heart of everything we do and we are dedicated to

providing our clients with tailored solutions that are designed to fit their specific requirements.

“We know that every client is unique, so whether you’re currently recruiting, have a difficult role to fill or would like an informal chat, we would be delighted to connect!”

The team from Beauty Withinn, pictured at the Northamptonshire SME Awards

dbfb enters new era with impressive office refit

Cransley Hospice Trust in new fundraising partnership

Cransley Hospice Trust are thrilled to have signed their first new business partnership agreement with one of Northamptonshire’s leading accountancy firms, Elsby and Co.

Anyone booking an appointment with James Pearson of Elsby Estate Planning will be asked to make a £5 donation to reserve their meeting, there will be no admin fee and 100% of the booking fee will go to the charity.

Rachel Herrick, director of income generation for Cransley Hospice Trust, said: “Being the chosen charity by Elsby & Co is fantastic, especially as this is a very big year for us as we celebrate the 25th anniversary and we wholly appreciate their support.

“We have an exciting fundraising calendar planned, including the #25for25 challenge where we are asking businesses to dream up their own fundraising ideas around the number 25. We are aiming to raise an additional £250,000 from the campaign to support essential end of life services for our community and we want people to continue to have free access to high quality, hospice and end of life care if they need it, together we can be there for the next 25 years!”

Cransley Hospice Trust is committed to raising funds that will support and develop the delivery of hospice and end of life services to the community of North Northamptonshire.

For further information about the business benefits of supporting a charity please get in touch with the fundraising team on 03000 274040, fundraising@cransleyhospice.org.uk or www.cransleyhospice.org.uk

As dbfb enters its 25th year, the Northampton-based telecoms company has undergone a huge office refurbishment and expansion on the very same business park where it all began.

The revamp marks a huge milestone for the growing company, with more space for the expanding team, including new collaborative workspaces and a large communal kitchen area. A state-of-the-art tech suite has also been introduced meaning customers can come and view the conferencing products which dbfb offer, in person and try them out for themselves.

With their first office opening in Moulton Park back in 1995, dbfb has become an established member of the Northampton community. They pride themselves on partnering with and supporting local businesses, sponsoring NTFC academy and NTFC Women’s team and recently chose Cynthia Spencer Hospice as the company’s charity of the year.

Workplace and sustainability director Jess Ansell said: “Having looked around at

different office plots in our efforts to expand, it became clear to dbfb that their true roots remained at Moulton Park, and they decided to stay and refurb their current office, as well as purchasing unit 4 on the same park, which is opposite their current building.

“Staying in the same place where the business began makes it all the more special. Investing in our people is a key part of our business plan and that’s exactly what this office refurbishment is to dbfb.

“It is designed to inspire our people, so they understand their value to us and to promote a workplace of collaboration and stimulation. We have invested in low energy and smart energy technology wherever possible, plus other green initiatives, to future proof the space and as part of our larger sustainability commitments which is extremely important to all at dbfb.

“We are delighted with the results, and we are beginning to see the impact already.”

Claire Emery, James Pearson and Louise Gurney celebrate the new partnership

‘We want people to continue to have free access to high quality, hospice and end of life care if they need it’

Working together to build a more sustainable future

Establishing plan of action to address the shared challenges of sustainability was one of the aim of the University of Northampton Sustainability Summit attended by Leyland Packaging.

More than 150 delegates from over 40 organisations attended to identify their shared sustainability challenges and establish an action plan to address these through collaborative research, enterprise and knowledge exchange. Leyland Packaging, along with the other attending stakeholders, have committed to being part of the solution to improving sustainability across the county, and to monitor their progress in pursuing shared sustainability goals.

Leyland packaging managing director Mark Bates said: “Sustainability is a vital consideration for any business, especially those of us in the packaging industry. However, it is important that we do not silo ourselves into thinking this is just about materials. Sustainability is a global issue and an event like this is an excellent opportunity for us to work collaboratively with other local organisations.

“We are committed to improving our sustainability through our own business practices and the products we supply, as well as having the knowledge and expertise to guide our customers to become more sustainable. We are looking forward to attending future summits.”

AFP Services looks to growth

Outsourced business service provider AFP Services provides accounting and supply chain support to SMEs across the country.

After being founded in 2002, the company is celebrating its 21st birthday with new growth opportunities and a significant investment in new software.

As a professional services provider with more than 20 years of experience, AFP works with SMEs on a variety of platforms and softwares, creating bespoke reporting tailored to client needs. Due to this adaptability, they have gained a reputation for delivering tailored, trustworthy services to their growing client base.

AFP recently worked with Circyl to create a new data system to store their customer information, which they then used to create a secure, seamless experience for internal teams.

As part of the 2023 project, the team investigated an all-in-one solution that could accommodate the nuances and differences clients bring while still being adaptable and scalable. Consultations with Microsoft Partner

Akita led to the conclusion that Microsoft Dynamics was the best solution.

Founder Richard Peel said: “We are excited about the possibilities Microsoft Dynamics offers us. Microsoft Dynamics will enable us to achieve our next stage of growth, present greater efficiencies within the business, and offer greater satisfaction for our clients.”

The team at AFP is celebrating its 21st birthday with a significant investment in software

A quintessentially British summer

British country classics with a twist are very much on the menu at Kettering Park Hotel and Spa this summer.

Using local produce, the hotel offers delicious food in its One Rosette restaurant, complete with a crackling fire and an outdoor terrace for al fresco dining.

A spokesperson said: “Our approach to food is pretty straightforward. It’s got to be totally delicious. That’s the bottom line.

“Our new outdoor bar The Lawn Club has been cleverly constructed and transformed with barn-style doors, cedar and living wall cladding, pergolas and floor lights, providing a unique setting for alfresco drinking and dining.

“The bar serves all things synonymous with summer, including Pimm’s, a selection of gins paired with Fever Tree tonic, draught beer and the award-winning Hambleden range of English sparkling wines along with a ‘Quintessentially British’ menu. The finest way to the summer with family and friends!”

The hotel also offers a summer afternoon tea menu complete with delicious sandwiches, scones, cakes and pastries in its al fresco dining area and throughout July and August a complimentary glass of rose prosecco will be included.

Save money with NSR Management

NSR Management, based in Milton Keynes, is one of the UK’s premier procurement solutions for managing maintenance works for domestic and commercial.

The company produces the National Schedule of Rates that not only save businesses time and money but also offer transparent pricing, cost certainty, and ease of audit.

The schedules, which include building works, mechanical works, electrical works, highways, housin, access and adaptations, painting and decorating and retrofit, are updated annually bringing the most up to date prices. Schedules are available in both paper copy and eBooks and more recently bringing their monthly subscription service allowing customers to pay per month and cancel anytime.

They have been trusted by many organisations including the NHS, Network Rail and local authorities.

Company co-founder steps down after 32 years

European

Health and Safety Consultants

Ltd (EHSC) has said goodbye to its co-founder Margaret West who has retired from the business after 32 years.

Margaret, who helped to set-up the Milton Keynes-based business in 1991, stepped down in April after more than 30 years at the helm.

At the same time, EHSC has welcomed two new recruits, Anouska Panikker and Jade Ainsley.

Anouska joined the team in February as EHSC’s Compliance Coordinator, having previously worked at Sciensus. With a Master of Arts in Public Policy, Anouska’s role will ensure that all EHSC’s clients are fully compliant with the latest health and safety legislation.

Jade joined EHSC in May as the company’s executive assistant and workplace manager, having previously worked in the facilities team at Xero UK Ltd for eight years. She brings with her extensive experience in facilities management, workplace/event operations and people leadership.

Managing director Beckie Staincliffe said: “Although Margaret is deeply missed within our

business, it is fabulous to see the business going through growth, and I am overjoyed to welcome two wonderful new employees to our family.

“I look forward to seeing how the team can evolve together, so we can continue to provide the most effective and reliable health and safety services to our clients.”

New faces: Anouska Panikker and Jade Ainsley

event in focus

It’s back - and better than ever! Book now for business expo fact file

This premier event, organised by the Northamptonshire Chamber, will take place on Thursday 7 September. Join us at Franklin’s Gardens, home of the Northampton Saints Club from 10 am to 3.30 pm for a day of invaluable discussions and networking opportunities, all completely free of charge.

This year's exhibition is set to be bigger and better than ever, with an array of esteemed organisations already on board, including key stakeholders like the West Northamptonshire Council and the University of Northampton.

Exhibitors already announced include Chamber Business Partners, Wilson Browne Solicitors, MANNOL UK, dbfb, Opus Energy, hireful, and WT Transports.

Louise Wall, CEO of the Northamptonshire Chamber, and the Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce, emphasised the significance of this event: “The Northamptonshire Business Exhibition is an unmissable opportunity for anyone doing business in our region. With over 60 stands, it's a chance to witness first hand why Northamptonshire is hailed as one of the UK's top business destinations. Our community is the beating heart of industry in Northamptonshire, where we have been

• Thursday 7 September

• Doors open 10am

• Open to both members and non-members

• Networking opportunities and events

• Free to attend

championing local businesses and their people for generations. When it comes to or ganising events on this scale and bringing our county’s innovators together, nobody is better placed to deliver. We look forward to seeing you there.”

The action-packed schedule kicks off with our Business Before Hours event, an exclusive networking event from 8.30 am to 10 am. For a nominal fee of £10 + VAT (members) or £20 + VAT (non-members), enjoy a delicious breakfast

roll and a cup of coffee while co nnecting with fellow professionals.

At 11 am, join us for our Q&A session with the legendary boxer Frank Bruno MBE. Discover the inspiring story of Frank's remarkable career as a professional boxer and his courageous battle with mental health. This event is free for all attendees. In the afternoon, don't miss the opportunity to participate in the highly soughtafter Speed Networking event in collaboration with NNBN, taking place from 1.30 pm to 2.30 pm. It's an efficient way to expand your network and forge valuable connections.

Last but not least, brace yourself for the thrilling announcement of the finalists of the esteemed Northamptonshire Business Awards 2023 at 2.30 pm. Be among the first to witness and celebrate the exceptional achievements of local businesses.

For further details about the exhibition, please visit www.northants-chamber.co.uk. Stay up to date with the latest news and updates by following our dedicated LinkedIn page. And remember to catch all the buzz surrounding the exhibition using the hashtag #NNEXPO.

Foundation hub to offer support to young people

Young people at risk of permanent exclusion from education or being lured into a life of crime will be among those who are put on the path to a brighter future following the opening of Northampton Saints Foundation’s Corby Hub.

The hub, based at Stewart and Lloyds Rugby Football Club in the town, was officially opened by the new Mayor of Corby, Councillor Leanne Buckingham at an event on Wednesday attended by representatives from Northampton Saints Foundation, Northamptonshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Stephen Mold and the

Flexible meeting spaces to suit your every need

Milton Keynes Community Foundation offers a variety of flexible working, meeting and office spaces for local businesses and organisations, with all profits sent to local causes in need. Through FairspaceMK, the Community Foundation, which provides funding through its grant-giving programme, offers meeting space for two to 120 people in Central Milton Keynes.

For more information about the facilities available, visit the FairspaceMK website at www.fairspacemk.co.uk or their new social media pages on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn - @fairspacemk.

Foundation’s ambassador, Jack Fleckney.

The new hub will allow the Foundation to support young people aged between seven and 16 from across the north of the county who have become disengaged from mainstream education through its social inclusion programme, Engage. Each session uses the values of rugby to inspire, support and educate young people to develop new skills and build their confidence.

Head of Northampton Saints Foundation, Jordan Letts said: “The opening of our sixth hub in Corby means a tremendous amount to all of us. We started off in 2017 with one hub and now

we have six, in Northampton, Milton Keynes, Ipswich and here in Corby. Back in 2017 we held 612 sessions this academic year we will be holding 5,100.

“Many of the young people are among the most vulnerable in our society and we are passionate about doing everything we can to support them.”

Northamptonshire Police and Crime

Commissioner Stephen Mold said the opening of the hub was an important moment for the town. He said: “We often talk about how we deal with crime and solve problems after they

FairspaceMK-funding fairness through co-working and meeting rooms

Supporters of Northampton Saints Foundation attend the opening of the Corby Hub

happened, but this hub allows us to look at the issues before they happen. I am completely in awe of the Foundation, and the work it does to support our young people.”

Corby mayor, Councillor Leanne Buckingham, said the opening of the hub was another example of the town using its strong sporting traditions to nurture the next generation.

To find out more about the work of the Foundation, or to make a referral to the hub, email admin@northamptonsaintsfoundation.org

Employment initiative helps disadvantaged

Pathways for Recovery is a part-funded European Social Fund, SEMLEP wide comprehensive employment support initiative focused on helping those most disadvantaged in our communities due to the impact of Covid-19. This initiative will be delivered by a regional partnership including specialist support providers, employment and skills organisations and strategic stakeholders.

Pathways for Recovery aims to build a locally integrated employment service that tackles the significant impact that Covid-19 has had on the region. We aim to support those most affected by the pandemic financially and with individual mental health/wellbeing.

Both the Northamptonshire Chamber and Milton Keynes Chamber are among the delivery partners for the project, which also includes Northampton Town FC Community Trust, which has supported Grant.

Grant has been a long-term volunteer and participant of the Disability department of Northampton Town FC Community Trust, supporting Disability and inclusion programmes for the last 12 years. Grant has Learning difficulties, struggles to hold conversations and keep eye contact.

Grant has attended various employment support programmes by the NTFC Community Trust Volunteer Coaching Academy.

Adventure comes to Holiday Inn

A brand new outdoor adventure area is being created within the grounds of Holiday Inn Corby/Kettering opening to public on 15 July.

Iron Pit Woods Adventure, which has been designed by Greenspan Projects Limited, will be a first for Corby, and will feature an 18-hole adventure golf course and aerial assault course and zip wire. The development emphasises the hotel’s commitment to enhance the hotel’s natural environment.

Sales manager Janette Weedall said: “With its innovative new adventure facility, the hotel will offer an exclusive experience and premium service to each of our guests and visitors.

“We expect there to be lots of friendly competition on our new adventure golf course, which is ideal for team building events. You may also enjoy our exciting aerial assault course and zip wire.”

Last year Grant attended the Pathways4Recovery employment support programme. Grant attended a warehouse tour, organised by Ian Crow.

Grant was supported in the application and interview process. He was successful within the process and is currently fulfilling two eight hour shifts per week.

Grant’s mother, Rosalind said: “We are very thankful for the support, Grant has been involved within the Community Trust for a long time, it’s amazing seeing him employed as it has helped his confidence”.

To find out more information about the Pathways for Recovery project, please visit our website: www.northants-chamber.co.uk

Enter the matrix to deliver expert training

If you feel as though you’re spread too thinly when it comes to ensuring your employees are up-to-date on their training, you are not alone.

According to the team at TUTS UK, many learning and development managers struggle to produce a Training Needs Analysis, but one way to do it is by creating a training matrix, which is often used in the construction industry to help facilitate health and safety training and the development of employees.

At TUTS UK, the team can do this for you, allowing you to organise employee training by mapping out skills, giving appropriate deadlines and ensuring compliance is maintained all year round.

‘Grant has been involved within the Community Trust for a long time, it’s amazing seeing him employed as it has helped his confidence’

Grant who has taken part in the Pathways for Recovery project

businesspartners

Chamber Business Partners are an exclusive group of influential companies within Chamber membership

Partnership to boost growth

Northamptonshire-based credit union Commsave is successfully recruiting and expanding this year – with expert support from recruitment and training company Four Talent.

The two Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce members have been working together for several years, with Four Talent supporting the credit union with both recruitment and leaderships training.

Trudi Brown, who joined Commsave in May 2023 as business development officer, said: “The Four Talent team were amazing while I

was looking for employment. They handpicked my role at Commsave according to my skills and experience, kept me informed of the hiring process throughout, and provided endless support and advice. They made moving to a brand-new career extremely smooth.”

The Commsave team, now 45-strong, has almost doubled since the lockdown and their

business plan projects a 75-strong team by 2025 – so recruitment via Four Talent will be key to their success.

Lucy Wright, Four Talent co-founder and director, said: “Commsave is going through a period of significant growth and we are privileged to be supporting the team on this journey. Commsave has a open-minded approach and their commitment to continually evolving and improving sees them secure great talent from the diverse candidates we are able to attract for them.”

Visit: www.commsave-careers.co.uk

A leading Northampton health and wellbeing provider is partnering with the town’s most talented individuals to support their commitment and hard work to be some of the world’s finest athletes.

Trilogy Active, which operates Cripps Recreation Centre, Danes Camp, Duston Sports Centre, Lings Forum, The Mounts Baths, the Forum Cinema, Berzerk Soft Play Centre and Thomas Becket Catholic School sports facilities, delivers a Talented Athlete Scheme that supports local talented sports men and women to reach their full potential.

The benefits of the scheme ensure Northampton’s budding future regional, national and international champions have the support in place to focus on their particular sport without the worry of added extra costs. Successful applicants receive membership worth over £300. This enables them to have unlimited use of all five Trilogy Active gyms, four swimming pools, over 100 fitness classes and three health suites.

Managing director John Fletcher said: “We are committed to supporting and developing local talented athletes to reach their full

potential. The Trilogy Talented Athlete Scheme aims to provide Northampton based athletes competing at county or regional standard and above with a free annual Supergold membership or Junior Active membership.

“This means we can empower local athletes to offset some of the costs associated with training and competing at the highest level in sport. We are also proud to be working with our partners at the University of Northampton to support its students on its Elite Athlete Scholarships through the Trilogy Active Talented Athlete Scheme.”

Helping athletes be the best that they can be

Commsave has joined forces with recruitment and training company, Four Talent.

‘Commsave is going through a period of significant growth’

Food Bank provides support through a crisis

MK Food Bank offers two main services –emergency short term food parcels and a Top-up Shop which allows people to buy 10 items from the food bank for £2.

The short-term food parcels offer temporary support in a crisis and consist of bags of long-life food designed to make meals for three to four days.

With more people need support over a longer-term, the MK Food Bank launched its Top-Up Shop as well as a Mobile Top-Up Shop which now stops in six priority estates in MK.

Operations manager Louisa Hobbs said: “The cost of living crisis rages on and in 2022, we gave out 26,000 emergency parcels and equivalent - 40% more than in 2021 and numbers are continuing to grow. A cruel

double blow is that high food prices have also contributed to a significant fall in donations of food from the community, meaning we’re spending thousands per month on food.

“This crisis isn’t going away any time soon and we predict that demand for both our emergency and longer-term support could double before the year is out. We now need your help more than ever.

“We know that the business community across the Milton Keynes network are incredibly generous and community-minded. By extending this network further and building stronger relationships within the sector, we know we can support all families and individuals in crisis in Milton Keynes through these difficult times.”

Lorraine launches book dream

Former barrister and Northamptonshire charity founder shared a simple but powerful message to guests during her official book launch recently - that ‘kindness matters.’

Lorraine Lewis, CEO of The Lewis Foundation was joined by supporters, friends and family at Delapre Abbey for the launch of her new book Dare to Dream, which tells the story of how she and her husband set-up a charity which now provides thousands of free gift packs to adult cancer patients.

The event was hosted by business author, broadcaster, leadership coach and brand ambassador, Dr Audrey Tang, who interviewed Lorraine about the challenges and successes she has faced while juggling her legal career with the charity.

Lorraine said: “The launch event was better than I had ever imagined, and I am very grateful to Delapre Abbey and to Dr Audrey Tang for hosting the event.”

Dare to Dream is available to purchase via The Lewis Foundation’s online shop: www.thelewisfoundation.co.uk/onlineshop

Richard Davies, Area Sales Director Towergate Insurance

Are your electric installations safe?

Did you know that as an employer it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of your employees in the workplace?

According to Towergate Insurance, one area which is often overlooked in workplace safety is electrical installations. To comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), it is important to have regular Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) done.

An EICR as an MOT for your electrical installations. It ensures that your wires, meters, isolators, and lighting are in good condition and comply with the Electricity at Work Act (1989), keeping things safe for use and your insurers happy. Regular EICRs can also help identify issues that can cause disruption or incidents that result in downtime.

‘Towergate can connect you with reputable and reliable engineers to visit your site’

The frequency of EICRs depends on your premises. According to IET Wiring Regulations BS:7671 (2018), the frequency ranges from every three months to every five years. Towergate can connect you with reputable and reliable engineers to visit your site to perform a full EICR and issue a detailed report upon completion. The engineers can then help you complete any remedial actions needed to get your workplace fully compliant.

Investing in regular EICRs can save you money in the long run by identifying issues before they become more serious and costly. It is not a legal requirement to have an EICR done, but failing to maintain your electrical installation properly can put your employees at risk and could invalidate your insurance, leaving you liable for any incidents that may occur.

Members of the MK Food Bank team are supporting those in need across the city

Lorraine Lewis with her book Dare to Dream.

going global

Expert advice, guidance and updates from the world of international trade

Expert exporting help from the DBT

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) supports businesses to invest, grow and export, creating jobs and opportunities across the country and internationally.

Why export?

More customers -Tapping into the global demand for UK goods and services can substantially increase your customer base.

Increased profitability - Trading overseas can often drive higher profit margins.

Faster growth - Selling internationally as well as in the UK can help your business grow at a faster rate.

More innovative - Working in more than one country drives new ideas and innovation.

More sustainable - Increasing the number of countries you sell in spreads your risk, helping you manage changes in demand or market conditions.

How can DBT help?

• The UK export academy supports smaller businesses increase their knowledge, skills and confidence to start selling products and services all over the world and overcome common challenges.

• Local international peer to peer group –meet like-minded business owners who share their challenges and opportunities of exporting, with expert facilitators on hand to help you export with confidence, competence and compliantly.

• Great.gov.uk

• Free online learning tools

• Build a profile and showcase your company

• Connect with international buyers

• Find export opportunities

• Find Seminars, webinars and events near you

• Access to international trade shows

• Introductions to colleagues in embassies around the world

• Export Support Service for one-to-one tailored export support from in-market specialists

• For larger businesses - free, tailored and impartial advice from our advisers.

Call: 07557 566052

Email: heather.martin@trade.gov.uk

International Trade Forum opens a world of new opportunities

The International Trade Forum held on 24 May was a fantastic opportunity for companies involved in overseas trade or interested in international business to come together. The forum successfully provided a valuable platform for companies engaged in international trade. Having speakers from both The Department for Business & Trade and Synergy in Trade made the discussions well-rounded and comprehensive, covering a wide range of important topics. It created the perfect environment for networking, where participants could make valuable connections and exchange their ideas and experiences.

Julie MacLennan, deputy chief executive of the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce and Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce, commented: “This event was a fantastic opportunity for our International Trade members to share experiences and learn about the new opportunities for export that The Department for Business & Trade can highlight. We look forward to the next one.”

Don’t forget to follow our LinkedIn page to stay up to date about the details for our next International Trade Forum.

L-R: Mark Cherry, sales director from Synergy & Trade; Julie MacLennan, deputy chief executive of Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce and Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce; Janice Wright, international trade manager at the Northamptonshire Chamber and Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce; Heather Martin, business development manager at Department for Business and Trade

‘This event was a fantastic opportunity for our International Trade members to share experiences’

t: 07971 434463

e: hello@nickfreemanphotography.co.uk

w: nickfreemanphotography.co.uk

Leading the L

energy sector revolution

Opus Energy is challenging the industry. From its Northampton HQ, Rob Brittain, director, discusses the power of the customer and the firm’s bright future.

aunched in 2002, Opus Energy is igniting the energy market, powering businesses and industries right across the UK. From its state-of-the-art headquarters in Northampton, Opus Energy has cemented its reputation as a strong competitor to the big six energy firms, supplying smart, renewable energy to over 102,000 businesses of all sizes - from household giants to SMEs.

While Opus Energy continues to lead the way when it comes to revolutionising the sector and the transition from fossil fuels to emerging sustainable options, director Rob Brittain admits the journey to this point hasn’t always been smooth.

Contd on page 32...

MAIN PHOTO: Rob Brittain, Director of Opus Energy

OPPOSITE: Opus Energy employs 800 people at its Waterside HQ

...from page 30

“Things were extremely difficult during Covid as business energy usage just completely tailed off. I was brought in two years ago at a time when the business needed to be turned around, especially looking at our returns.

“We reviewed our segmentation, reduced our portfolio and our footprint by around 25% and now we are in a much better place, but the market does still remain challenging.”

Customers are very clearly at the heart of everything Opus Energy does, and its staff are, quite rightly, very proud of the 4.4 rating they have earned on Trustpilot.

Rob said: “That rating has increased dramatically, from 1.6 to 4.4 and we are all extremely proud of that.

“We’ve been listening really carefully to our customers, and we’ve invested heavily in recruiting the right talent and training to ensure we get it right, first time, every time.

“Our customers have been through a lot over the past three years. With changes to energy legislation

and prices increasing, it has been very confusing and we can see the fatigue creeping in with our customers. To help, we are offering competitive energy plans and a range of ways in which our customers can get in touch with us. We also have the My Opus Energy platform which gives our customers all the information they need at their fingertips.”

There’s certainly a buzz around Opus Energy’s HQ on Northampton’s Waterside which the company moved into in 2018. The building, acquired from Northamptonshire County Council, now acts as the company’s hub, providing a sleek,

‘We take our role in Northamptonshire very seriously, and we are passionate about providing career opportunities within the energy sector’

ABOVE: Rob Brittain, pictured with Opus Energy’s Customer Service Operations Manager, Bonnie Muzam

OPPOSITE: Opus Energy is passionate about providing opportunities for employment across Northamptonshire

modern office space for the company’s 800 staff. Since Covid, the company has adopted a hybrid working model which sees members of staff in the office for two days a week. The company has also undergone something of a cultural transformation in recent months with a can-do attitude now firmly embedded in Opus Energy’s DNA.

As one of the county’s biggest employers, Opus Energy is very proud to be a Chamber Partner, playing a leading role in the business community right across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes.

Rob said: “We take our role in Northamptonshire very seriously, and we are passionate about providing career opportunities within the energy sector.

“We are very proud to offer summer internships to students as well as apprenticeships and we are delighted that many of them stay with us and become employees.

“We’re on a journey of continuous improvement to operational excellence and our involvement with the Chamber is a big part of that.

“As well as working with the Chamber on a number of events, we are also looking to improve

our links with local schools, teaching the next generation about energy and how we can all be kinder to the planet.”

As part of Drax – a FTSE 250 company which acquired Opus Energy six years ago – a greener future, with a commitment to zero-carbon, is very firmly in the company’s sights. It is already on its way to becoming carbon negative by 2030, helping the UK to achieve its own target which has been set for 2050.

Rob explained: “We are already moving away from gas having sold these assets back in 2019 and will be focussing our attention on providing electricity to our customers.

“As part of Drax, there has been tremendous investment in our plant in North Yorkshire, which is pioneering the use of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage.

“We are looking at other more sustainable sources too including solar and educating our customers to reduce their consumption in the right way.

“When it comes to redefining the energy sector Opus Energy really is leading the way and we are very proud of how far we’ve come.”

issue spotlight

Each issue of inbusiness takes a closer look at the key sectors operating in Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes

Making all the right financial moves

A Northamptonshire-based financial planner has moved into a brand-new office following a period of rapid growth, which saw his turnover increase by 270% in just two years.

Conor O’Sullivan, of O’Sullivan Financial Planning, has also had an influx of new clients, maintained profit margins and not raised prices following the pandemic.

He has also hired four new members of staff for the firm’s new Lamport Manor base.

There are now three certified financial planners in the firm, which puts them in the top five per cent of UK advisors, and Conor himself has recently been awarded the much-coveted chartered wealth manager status.

The team work closely with business owners and high net worth individuals to manage their investments and assets to create and maintain the life they want.

This includes pensions, insurance, estate planning, savings and investments. Conor makes it his mission to get to know his clients so he can help them to ‘create a life well-lived’. This has earned him a reputation of being the ‘lifestyle financial planner’, focusing not on a client’s money but on what that money can do for the client.

Moving into an office space will allow Conor to provide greater career development opportunities for his team, which he hopes to grow further in the coming months.

Conor, who is also a Northamptonshire Chamber board member, said: “All our advisors are in the top echelon of our industry, which makes me immensely proud.

“It is important to me that we offer a first-class service which we tailor to the needs of each individual client to help them reach their goals.

“The growth the business has experienced in the past 24 months is because we deliver this bespoke service dailytestament to the hard work of the team.”

Visit: www.osullivanfp.co.uk

Conor O’Sullivan of O’Sullivan Financial Planning

‘All our advisors are in the top echelon of our industry, which makes me immensely proud’

transportation

Brackmills BID aims for another five years

It is 14 years since Northampton’s Brackmills Industrial Estate first became a Business Improvement District (BID) and in 2024 businesses will be invited to vote yes to a further five years of BID status.

Brackmills is the only industrial estate in Europe to have secured BID status for three five-year terms and the team behind the estate are confident there is much more to come.

In the last year alone, the BID has organised a packed calendar of events and invested in a range of security enhancing initiatives, infrastructure, environmental and wellbeing projects. For the third year the BID’s voluntary directors voted to freeze the BID levy and not to increase it.

“We recognise how important it is to support businesses – and that is what we are committed to doing,” explained BID Chair Howard Wilson.

The estate has its own dedicated police community support officer (PCSO), helping keep

crime at an all-time low. The BID has also invested in a host of road improvements on and around the estate, relaying sections of road and reinforcing roads to protect underground power and communications cables. It also prioritises winter gritting. The lights on Salthouse Road are back on – thanks to the determination and hard work of the estate’s BID team.

Additionally, two ambulances packed with supplies were driven and delivered to Poland and Ukraine – thanks to a convoy co-ordinated by Brackmills BID, Goodwill Solutions, Northampton Supports Ukraine, Slavic Talalayenko, and Northampton Town Council. BID Chief Executive Sara Homer was behind the wheel. Brackmills is home to more than 180 businesses. Howdens recently left the estate after many years on Liliput Road, clearing the way for three huge new warehouses, one taken by Active Ants and a second by DSV Logistics.

Rising to the challenge! Island event a success

The team at Julia Charles Event Management were presented with the ultimate challenge when they were asked to organise a large-scale event on the Isle of Wight.

With transportation on the island limited, the team, which is based in Milton Keynes, drew on years of experience, working with suppliers on the island to help deliver a successful event.

Julia Charles, managing directorsaid: “The limitations of modes of transportation on an island meant we were far more limited in our choices than if we were on mainland.

“We had to ensure swift and

constant contact with island transport companies, ensuring the safe arrival of guests and staff.

“Island living also tends to mean a less developed infrastructure and limited facilities compared to urban areas. We also experienced challenges around ensuring suitable accommodation for guests, speakers and staff where availability maybe limited or scarce. We had to ensure we understood guests’ needs prior to the event with a dedicated website built especially for them.

“Finally, we had many staff hurdles to overcome! We really had to draw on our own

resources

box on how to deliver excellent

and think outside of the

service to guests and a successful and impactful event.”

PCSOs are now a regular sight around Brackmills

The event organised by the team at Julia Charles Event Management on the Isle of Wight

Amazon offers flexibility to parents

Amazon Daventry has launched an innovative new contract that offers parents, grandparents and guardians of school-age children the choice to work term-time only.

The new contracts, available at the Daventry fulfilment centre, guarantee time off for the six-week summer break, as well as the twoweek Easter and Christmas holiday periods, without affecting the comprehensive range of

benefits they receive, including private medical insurance and life assurance.

The contracts, aimed at better supporting family needs, were successfully trialled at three sites following employee feedback, and are now being phased in for employees in Daventry and across all Amazon’s fulfilment centres – the places where Amazon store, pick and pack items for sale.

They will be rolled out to sort centres and

delivery stations across the UK later this year.

Josh Vause, site leader at Amazon in Daventry, said: “We’ve listened to our employees’ views on flexible working and I’m really proud that we’ve introduced new and innovative options based on their feedback.

“Both of these contracts put a really important emphasis on work-life balance and I’m certain they’re going to make a positive difference for many of our people.”

Marlec are lighting up bus shelters across the Isle of Man

Lighting up bus shelters

Solar powered lighting created by Marlec is helping to make bus shelters safer on the Isle of Man.

To accommodate the growth of tourism on the island and the need for better transportation, the company, based in Corby, was asked to create a design to help make bus shelters even safer on dark nights.

Marlec opted to use their intelligent LC101 controller as the brain of the system. Marlec’s Spectralite S panel has been mounted onto the shelter’s roof and wiring runs from the panel and LED to a battery box housing the controller and battery. The battery stores power during daylight hours to provide electricity to the LED throughout the night.

The LED light is positioned in vandal-proof housing and will only illuminate when a motion sensor is activated from dusk to dawn, depending on the client’s required setting.

Marlec have worked on solar lighting in bus shelters since the early 2000s when the company designed a wind and solar hybrid bus shelter on behalf of a Scottish council.

Making safety a priority for all at Teamwork Trust

It’s safety first for Northamptonshire charity Teamwork Trust – who have brought in the experts to ensure service users, staff, volunteers, and visitors are protected and their wellbeing prioritised.

The charity, which has centres in Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough and supports autistic adults, people with learning disabilities and individuals with mental health needs, has commissioned the services of H&B Safety Consultancy Limited.

Helen Burdett-Wright, chief executive of Teamwork Trust, said: “Health and safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we are committed to putting it first and keeping everyone safe, which is why we wanted expert support.

“It is essential we are compliant, especially given we work with disabled service users. We want a culture in which everyone understands what

behaviours are acceptable and processes are necessary in terms of avoiding accidents or injury.”

Service user Ian, health and safety champion for the charity’s Kettering site, added: “I work closely with the centre’s lead to ensure our fire evacuation processes are followed correctly and I help other service users to use the correct door during fire drills.”

Louise Bamford, founder and director of H&B Safety Consultancy Limited, said: “Since working with Teamwork, it became apparent very quickly that they have a fantastic opportunity to not only involve their staff in the management of health and safety, but also their service users.

“We have had safety conversations with service users and found that many have the skills well suited to managing health and safety – they are methodical, don’t tire of repetition and have astute attention to detail. We feel really connected with Teamwork Trust and are proud to be working with them.”

Event expert goes back to school

When it comes to providing the very best service possible to all her clients, Sarah Threlfall, director of Brightspace Events always goes the extra mile.

Recognising that safety and compliance at events was such an important issue for her business, Sarah decided to train as a health and safety professional, achieving a NEBOSH qualification in 2021.

As a micro-agency Sarah felt it was important that Brightspace was competing on the same level as larger companies. She said: “The beauty with modern day qualifications is that everything is so flexible; no fixed lessons, no long journeys to training centres and several exam dates to choose from.

“There was also a cloud-based library for extra reading materials and a really helpful Facebook group of fellow students.

“The course was really eye opening – I now understand more about our legal system, the regulations that are relevant and how to research new or specific legislation.

“Health and safety is a very practical and nuanced topic with a lot of very industry specific questions so the Facebook group was a brilliant place to thrash out some of the more weird and wonderful challenges that we are faced with in the event world!”

H&B Consultancy consultant, William, is pictured with the representatives and service users from Teamwork Trust

Sarah Threlfall, Director of Brightspace Events

sector focus: manufacturing & engineering sector focus

The latest news from the manufacturing & engineering, finance & legal and skills sectors

Oliver

Watersheds advise on GRM sale

Corporate finance advisers

Watersheds have helped to negotiate the successful sale of Warwickshire-based design engineering consultancy and software business GRM Consulting to Solid Solutions, part of the US private equityowned TriMech group.

GRM Consulting provides design optimisation services and software solutions to customers including several F1 racing teams, many of the top car manufacturers and medical equipment specialists.

Tim Harrington, a partner at Watersheds, said: We realised GRM would be attractive to overseas buyers and planned our work accordingly. We approached a range of credible international buyers which sparked a considerable amount of interest which provided us, as advisors, with the leverage to get the best price.”

Martin Gambling from GRM Consulting said: “When we started thinking about selling, we realised we would need strong professional support for the entire process, which is precisely what we got from Watersheds.

“We are delighted Watersheds found us a buyer that shares our commitment to innovation, wants to build on our success and values the role of our loyal and talented staff in that process.”

Investing in vacuum lifting technology

When it comes to the woodworking industry, the positive financial aspects of using vacuum lifting technology are manifold.

According to TAWI, who are specialists in gripping, lifting and moving solutions, while the initial costs involved can vary, in general vacuum lifters are an affordable investment.

The ongoing costs of maintenance and repairs to vacuum lifting technology are relatively low and these ongoing costs can be offset by the reduced risk of injuries, improved productivity, and increased efficiency. Vacuum lifters are very reliable, subject to a limited amount of wear and tear.

They are commonly used to lift and move panels, doors, windows, and other large objects. They can be used to automate the loading and unloading of machines, as well as the sorting and stacking of materials.

Other benefits include:

• Reduced risk of injuries

• Improved productivity

• Increased efficiency

• Improved quality

• Reduced waste

• Increased safety

• Reduced environmental impact.

There are several different vacuum lifting systems available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The best system for a particular application will depend on a few factors, including the size and weight of the objects to be lifted, the desired level of automation, and the budget. Overall, they are a great way for businesses to improve safety and efficiencies while saving money at the same time.

Tomlin, left and Martin Gambling, right, from GRM Consulting are pictured with Tim Harrington, centre, from Watersheds

Vacuum lifting technology can be beneficial for the woodworking industry

Law firm gives sound advice on amp sale

Milton Keynes Law firm Geoffrey Leaver Solicitors has taken centre stage in the sale of legendary amp manufacturer Marshall Amplification to Swedish firm Zound Industries. A team led by Troy Warner and Danielle Austin (pictured) advised the shareholders on the multi-million pound sale of the Milton Keynesbased company, which was founded by Jim Marshall in the 1960s. Geoffrey Leaver Solicitors has worked with the business for many years, including advising since 2010 on the joint venture with Zound Industries, when the Swedish based company started to license the Marshall brand for use on a range of headphones and wireless speakers sold around the world in 90 countries.

Danielle Austin, senior associate solicitor said: “Marshall Amplification is a renowned business to Milton Keynes, and we’re delighted to have advised the shareholders of Marshall Amplification on this cross-border transaction spanning England, Sweden, Vietnam and Hong Kong to ensure the continued success of the

Marshall brand with the formation of the Marshall Group and for Terry and Victoria Marshall to continue Jim Marshall’s legacy as board members of the Marshall Group.”

Richard Willis, a member of Jim Marshall’s Board of Trustees and a trustee of the Charitable Trust, said “This is an exciting time for the company and for the brand but also for the Jim Marshall Charitable Trust. The charity retains an interest in the new venture and will have increased scope to consider and to apply charitable donations to the causes Jim was so passionate to support.”

Neves Solicitors has announced two key promotions in the firm’s family department.

Tina Shah has been promoted to the position of Senior Associate and Emily Pope has been promoted to the role of Associate. Partner and Head of Divorce and Family Law, Beth Woodward said: "We are pleased to announce these promotions which recognise the contribution both Tina and Emily have made to the firm and the dedication and skill they have brought to their roles."

Duo promoted at Neves

Pictured from left to right are Emily Pope, Associate, Tina Shah, Senior Associate, Beth Woodward, Head of Divorce and Family Law and Heidi Fleming, Senior Associate

Older and wiser

By Kawalijt Singh, Wilson Browne Solicitors

Many older people are retiring from their career, for various reasons, such as reaching an age where they can take their private pension. However, they are finding they need something to enhance their quality of life and keep them in a social environment with many realising they still have the energy and passion to work.

Age is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, however, ageism throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace still exists and prevails.

To counteract this, businesses are recruiting older employees to fill gaps in the hospitality industry. Vacancies in hospitality have risen, according to the Office of National Statistics, by 63% post-Covid and it has been suggested that older candidates could reduce the gap.

Retaining and recruiting the older generation of workers should be considered fundamental as the over 50’s represent one of the largest pools of the economically inactive groups of people, with more than 3.5 million being unemployed (according to Age UK.)

The 2023 Spring Budget introduced a £63 million funded ‘Returnership’ programme designed to encourage over 50’s to return to work. The offer focusses on flexibility and reduced training length to allow workers of all ages to commence on a new career. The initiative aims to act as an encouragement for employers to recruit and hire older workers.

Age should not be a barrier for securing a job and employers should be encouraged to review the language used in job adverts that could deter, and potentially amount to discrimination against, older workers. Perhaps rather than being referred to as ‘older workers’, the term ‘experienced’ should be the alternative label.

Money saving tips that adds up

According to the team at Hawsons Chartered Accountants, the impact of the increase in energy and fuel costs on the logistics and transport sector has been significant.

As a result, transport and logistic companies are looking to invest to help reduce costs and are looking to become more efficient with energy and fuel. Businesses should also consider using recycled materials to save money.

David Owens said: “Many businesses in the transport and logistics sector are reviewing their practices and processes to help you prevent the unnecessary loss of time and money. Taking time to understand the minor changes that could be made will help ensure that you have the best possible systems in place for the future. Spending time conducting due diligence and researching competitive prices will save money. Ensure that your contracts are what you need and at the lowest price before you sign.”

Kawalijt Singh

sector focus: finance & legal

Systemic cyber resilience

Businesses are increasingly reliant on data and technology to maintain their competitive advantage. While we are all aware of the need for strong firewalls, passwords, and patching systems, building systemic resilience requires focus on people and processes too.

Cyber insecurity is one of the most concerning global risks but too many businesses focus only on systems and technical controls. Cyber incidents can cause disruption and result in financial losses, major business interruption, fines, and broken reputations. Every business is exposed to cyber risk; it cannot be eliminated. The solution is to become resilient through anticipating, preparing, and adapting to the reality of cyber risk.

Cyber risk is ever-changing and can be a minefield of technical language and jargon. Our UK Cyber Resilience team can support you through these challenges to assess, manage and protect you from cyber risks. This means working collaboratively and providing solutions that are targeted to your business needs and future plans.

The starting point is often understanding where you are on your cyber resilience journey through our cyber risk health check, or by quantifying your exposure to cyber risks. The actions that need to be taken over the short,

medium, and long-term are identified and agreed, to develop systemic cyber resilience. Improving processes and developing cyber awareness through user and leadership awareness sessions, policy reviews, incident response planning and exercising also builds resilience. Our cyber resilience team can help with it all and deliver vulnerability management, penetration testing, managed security services and implement product security too.

To discuss your cyber resilience needs, please email us at zrs.enquiries@uk.zurich.com

College boosts local economy

Tresham College is leading the way when it comes to nurturing the next generation of talent and developing relationships with employers across the region.

Since its merger with The Bedford College Group in 2019, the range of courses Tresham College offers has improved while student numbers have continued to increase.

The opening of the college’s £10m Wellingborough campus has also breathed new life into the town and its economy with more than 600 students and staff regularly visiting the site, which is also available to hire by community groups.

Principal of Tresham College Robin Webber-Jones said: “Via our campuses in Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough we are leading the way in the latest employer-orientated education courses, and listening to what businesses want and need.

“We have hosted a number of business events on our sites from the Local Skills and Improvement Plan (LSIP) sessions to one with SEMLEP on curriculum planning to ensure education is relevant for the future workplace and look forward to working ever more closely.”

A dedicated Business Development Team reaches out to the largest employers in Northamptonshire, with global leaders seeking the support of The Bedford College Group in areas like construction, logistics and IT.

Government investment in T Level provision - which combines advanced level studies with 300 hours of real-world work experience - was pioneered at several years ago The Bedford College Group in the area of construction. It has now been extended to engineering, business and social care at Tresham College campuses.

For more information about how Tresham College can help you visit www.bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk

Helping to build exciting careers in architecture is one of the aims of Kettering-based practice, GSSArchitecture.

The company, which was founded in 1879, has a strong tradition of supporting students with work experience and work placement opportunities across its

five national offices. With the statistics showing that the amount of people choosing architecture as a career path is increasing, the practice has renewed its commitment to working with young people across the country, giving them access to the world of work through work experience and placements.

Tom Lyons, senior partner at

Principal of Tresham College, Robin Webber-Jones pictured with speaker Paul Thompson at an event hosted on behalf of SEMLEP

‘More and more people are becoming involved in architecture with the goal of reducing the construction industry’s impact on the environment’

Training the architects of the future

GSS, said: “Gaining first-hand experience from an early age allows students to understand how a career in architecture and the wider construction industry works. They can have a better understanding and make a more informed decision on whether this is the route for them.

“More and more people are becoming involved in architecture with the goal of reducing the construction industry’s impact on the environment and changing this from within. We want to support this in any way we can, and by attending regular careers fairs and giving talks about architecture and

how we can make it a more sustainable career option, as well as how we can make a difference in the world, then we can encourage people to be part of the change they want to see.”

One student who recently completed their work experience at GSSArchitecture, said: “Everyone I have met has been very welcoming and friendly, and always offered help when asked. This time has been especially useful to me in learning what it is like as an architect and what happens each day of work. This will definitely help me in terms of choosing architecture as a career.”

GSSArchitecture is helping to build careers for students across the UK

sector focus: skills

Improve your business and change your life

Owning and running a business is unlike anything else. There can be nothing more exciting… but it can be a heavy load.

I know because I’ve been there!

My name is Phil Smith and I’m the owner of The Alternative Board for Milton Keynes and Leighton Buzzard.

Q - So, tell me about The Alternative Board (TAB).

At TAB we help business owners to improve their business in ways that change their lives.

We often hear from business owners who feel they can’t properly share their challenges with their employees, consultants or even friends or family. In fact, many business owners use the phrase, “It’s lonely at the top”.

TAB solves this problem by providing:

• A confidential, safe, environment to work ON your business, not IN it

• 1-2-1 sessions to help you make better decisions, faster – and ensure you act on them!

• Online tools, resources and global contacts to help you think, communicate and lead better.

We believe that the best advice for business owners, is from other business owners. The only agenda at our boardroom table is that of fellow business owners, who want to help each other.

Q – Why did you get involved?

I started my first company with my business partner in 2002 – two guys in a garage. We grew rapidly and before long there were staff, bigger offices, more stock, more equipment, higher targets, more pressure…

Our first company failed, but our second succeeded, spectacularly, and we sold it in 2021. It was a roller-coaster ride and ultimately, financially, very rewarding, but what was the true cost? The people that we loved and the things we loved to do had been pushed to the back of the queue. Looking back, I believe that it could have been a smoother ride with some external support. That’s what TAB offers to business owners.

Q – How do business owners find out more about TAB?

A 30-minute, no obligation, conversation over a coffee is normally enough to find out about each other’s businesses and to see if there might be a good fit.

At TAB we help business owners to; Live better, Lead better, and achieve more. So what’s stopping you? Call me on 0777 169 2416 or email me via psmith@thealternativeboard.co.uk

events & training events & training

Call the Training Team for more details on 01604 490490 or 01908 733082 Or

email training@northants-chamber.co.uk

Sales & Marketing

Sales Meeting Skills

Date 20 September

Cost: Members £249 + VAT

Non-members £319 + VAT

During this half-day course, delegates will understand how to create and manage a sales plan. It will look at the importance of having a regular pipeline of leads, how to build this and use it to direct revenue into your business. By the end of the course, delegates will understand who their target market is, know how their business benefits them, and be confident in the value this gives. Delegates will prepare a sales plan to take away with them to use immediately.

Management & Personal Development

Conflict Management

Date: 5 September

Cost: Members £249 + VAT

Non-members £319 + VAT

This course helps you understand that the solution lies with you, not them. Changing what you do, what you say and how you say it, will create changes in the other person. Even if you don’t always get what you want, you will be driving what happens between the two of you, not them.

Assertiveness Skills

Date: 21 September

Cost: Members £249 + VAT

Non-members £319 + VAT

At some time or another, most of us give in to people in authority or to those who are dominant or difficult. It stops us achieving our own goals and can leave us feeling inadequate, stressed, and angry. This course identifies the behaviour patterns that lead to these situations. You will practise a new set of behaviour patterns to enable you to be in control in interpersonal situations.

Business Toolkit

Building Workplace Resilience (half-day)

Date: 5 September

Cost: Members £150 + VAT

Non-members £149 + Vat

This half-day course trains attendees to be able to administer an appropriate level of emergency first aid to anyone who is ill or injured in the workplace. The course teaches the appropriate level of first aid required in low-risk businesses under the HSE 1981 Legislation. In addition, as part of the course students are assessed to ensure they understand and would be able to fulfil the role of first aider within their workplace.

International Trade

Import Procedures including IP & OP (full-day)

Date: 12 September

Cost: Members £319 + VAT

Non-members £389 + VAT

The course provides an overview of the end-toend import process and reviews all the areas that would be applicable to a new supplier, to include country and supplier risk, payment risk etc. It will review documentation requirements and how to ensure goods are imported successfully to include duty payments and an overview of the available Special Procedures.

Customs Procedures and Documentation including Rules of Origin

Date: 27 September

Cost: Members £319 + VAT

Non-members £389 + VAT

This course provides further detail around the key information and documentation required for customs whilst also looking at the customs procedures and compliance requirements for successful International Trade.

It also covers detailed information on origin calculations and how this effects sales and purchases, whilst advising on what documentation maybe be required when importing/exporting.

event in focus

Chamber Business Exhibition is sure to be a knockout!

Legendary boxer Frank Bruno will be the special guest at the next Northamptonshire Chamber Business Exhibition on Thursday 7 September.

Frank Bruno MBE (pictured) will be the subject of a Q&A event at the ever-popular Expo, which this time takes place at the Northamptonshire Saints ground, Franklin’s Gardens, Weedon Road, Northampton.

Guests will be able to learn about Frank’s career as a professional heavyweight boxer and his mental health battle.

This event will provide a unique opportunity to hear from Frank about his experiences both in and out of the ring. Attendees will have the chance to ask questions and gain valuable insights into Frank's approach to overcoming adversity and achieving success. The Northamptonshire Business Exhibition is open to both members and non-members and will run from 10am to 3pm. It is free to enter and offers a useful opportunity to network and learn more about the wealth of opportunities which are available across Northamptonshire.

Early birds can also enjoy a Business Before Hours networking event which will be held between 8.30am and 10am.

For more information, to register your interest or to book onto the Frank Bruno Q&A, call 01604 490490 or email events@northantschamber.co.uk

upcoming events

Northamptonshire Chamber

Networking and Sustainability Event

Sponsored by Opus Energy

Date: 24 August

Time: 8:30-10:30

Venue: Opus Energy, Opus Energy House, Northampton NN4 7YD

Cost: FREE

Business Before Hours

Date: 7 September

Time: 8.30am – 10am

Venue: Northamptonshire Saints, Franklin’s Gardens, Weedon Road, Northampton, NN5 5BG

Cost: Member cost: £10. + VAT

Non-members: £20 + VAT

ChamberLive: Q&A with Frank Bruno

Date: 7 September

Time: 11am – 12pm

Venue: Northamptonshire Saints, Franklin’s Gardens, Weedon Road, Northampton, NN5 5BG

Cost: FREE

Speed Networking with NNBN

Date: 7 September

Time: 1pm – 2pm

Venue: Northamptonshire Saints, Weedon Road, Northampton, NN5 5BG

Cost: FREE

Bank Of England

Virtual Event

Date: 12 September

Time: 10am-11am

Cost: FOC for Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire Chamber Members only

Business After hours

Sponsored by Digital Future First

Date: 19 September

Time: 17:30- 19:30

Venue: Vulcan Works

Cost: FOC for members and non members

Milton Keynes Chamber

MK Speed Networking

Date: 29 September

Time: 11:30am-1:30pm

Venue: Delta Hotels by Marriott Milton Keynes

Cost: Members only £18 + VAT

community zone

Bringing Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes businesses together and celebrating our community

Creating a haven for wellbeing

Community garden project

Sol Haven has been named as the winner of the Permaculture Magazine Award as part of the Lush Spring Prize.

Sol Haven was launched in January 2018, drawing on the founders’ shared passion for sustainable agriculture and personal experiences of homelessness.

It won the award in recognition of its 12-week course Ploughing The Mind, which has been carefully designed to help people struggling with their mental health to reconnect with the community, themselves and make new friends.

Activities include nature and horticultural therapy, mental health education, movement meditation, drumming and cooking.

Founder Sammuel Yisreal said: “With everything we do, we have a simple aim - to help people grow - and that drives all our projects and all that takes place here at Sol Haven.”

Following the completion of the programme Sol Haven seeks to support people in a wider programme, which will continue to help people overcome the barriers to both engaging socially with others and finding work.

Sammuel and Natasha, co-founders of Sol Haven

community zone

Kelly’s heroes ride under new name

ANorthamptonshire-based mental health charity is starting a new chapter by unveiling a new name.

Launched in 2019, We Mind & Kelly Matters was set-up just weeks after the death of Kelly Hewitt, who tragically ended her life aged just 24.

The charity is run by Kelly’s family in her memory and aims to break down the myths and stigma which surrounds mental health, offering training, services and hope to people across Northamptonshire.

Over the years, with tremendous support from its many fundraisers and donors, who have taken part in events including The Loneliest Road Cycle Tour across Europe, New York and San Francisco, the charity has continued to grow and will now be named Kelly’s Heroes as it looks to take the next step towards its vision.

John Hewitt, Kelly’s dad, and co-founder of the charity explained: “The renaming marks an exciting new chapter for the charity.

“Having organised the Kelly’s Heroes cycle rides, I’ve trained and ridden with those heroes and the charity evolved, developing expertise,

Free family support sessions on offer

Families who provide care and support for an ageing relative or friend can now access free support and advice through regular Key to Care sessions. Hosted by care home company, Home Instead Northants, the sessions offer support to those who need help and advice on the key topics which affect older people including guidance on how to navigate the care system and advice on dementia and Parkinson’s Disease. There will also be important information about how to avoid scams and how to protect loved ones. The sessions will initially be run in Wellingborough and Rushden.

Lucy Darnell of Home Instead East Northants said: “It is estimated that elderly people are losing more than a million pounds a day due to the rise in online scams which is a really worrying statistic.

“We are grate ful to Northamptonshire Police for partnering with us for this information event.

“We are really excited to be launching the new Key to Care sessions. We really hope they will provide invaluable to the local community.”

Call: 01933 678775

Email: marie.franks@ homeinstead-eastnorthants.co.uk

and forming its own identity, growing from a foundation of pure grief to a place of hope.

“We will always want Kelly’s name to be remembered and we think the new name is a fitting tribute to her memory and the tireless work put in by our staff and supporters over the last four years.”

CEO, Sherry Adams said: “The charity was founded around two purposes, to raise much needed funding, and to enable people in need to get support when they need it.

“The two are coming together under one name.

“Through changing to solely Kelly’s Heroes, it better reflects the ethos of all that we do, and that everyone who either works for the charity, fundraises for the charity, or bravely reaches out for support, they are all Kelly’s Heroes.”

For more information about the charity and the services it offers, visit www.wemindandkellymatters.org.uk

Harry’s Rainbow abseil challenge is coming to Northampton in September

Scale new heights for charity

Northampton’s iconic National Lift Tower will be the venue for a special event being held in September to raise money for children’s charity, Harry’s Rainbow.

On 16 September, thrill seekers will be given the chance to abseil down the famous lift tower while raising money for Harry’s Rainbow, a Milton Keynes-based charity which is dedicated to providing a brighter future for bereaved children.

The Abseil Challenge is the ultimate test of courage and a great way for colleagues to unite behind a fantastic local cause.

Carrie Li, events fundraising manager, said: “The Abseil Challenge is more than just a test of courage - it’s a chance for colleagues and teams to come together and work towards a common goal.”

Each person taking part will be asked to raise £250 which will go towards the cost of create memory boxes for bereaved children, setting up support groups and organising trips.

For more information or to sign up contact carrie.li@harrysrainbow.co.uk or visit www.harrysrainbow.co.uk/event

‘We will always want Kelly’s name to be remembered and we think the new name is a fitting tribute to her memory’

Grants support community work

More than £20m in grants has been awarded to charities and community groups across the region since the creation of the Northamptonshire Community Foundation in 2001.

The grants have helped to improve the lives of Northamptonshire’s most in-need residents, setting up food banks, maintaining multi-use green spaces, providing counselling and wellbeing sessions, and various other vital services.

Most recently, a grant has been awarded from the Poverty Hurts Appeal Fund to Weston Favell Centre Foodbank, to support the running of their warehouse and delivery of food parcels. Rachel McGrath, CEO of Northamptonshire Community Foundation, said: “As the leading independent grant-making charity in the county we are proud to have delivered vital support to our communities for more than 22 years. Since its inception, Northamptonshire Community

Foundation has funded 3,700 projects and invested £20m in local charities and community groups on behalf of 120 corporate, private and public donors during its lifetime. We could not have achieved this without the overwhelming generosity of our supporters and donors.”

If you’re looking to apply for a grant, or need more information about the funding available, visit www.ncf.uk.com

The team at Northampton Community Foundation celebrating their success in 2022

chamber chat

Meet Chamber members and learn about the latest member benefits available to you

member profile

David Martin

Company: Ether Solutions Limited

Job Title: Automation consultancy director

What does your organisation do?

Help businesses improve staff productivity by automating the repetitive, routine work in business processes that are performed on computers.

How did it all start?

Evolved from document management, to business process management, to automating the manual activity required in business processes.

What’s your greatest achievement so far? Delivering automation of customs processes for multiple clients as Brexit day meant big bang for everyone.

What keeps you awake at night?

Worrying about those good businesses that have yet to embrace automation and improve their productivity. UK productivity is poor, we are on a mission to help change the dial.

What has surprised you most in your job?

product spotlight: start up membership

This exciting membership allows start-up businesses to tap into the wide range of Chamber profile-raising benefits, including editorials in our Inbusiness magazine as well as the opportunity to attend the diverse range of Chamber networking events, forums and seminars. The start-up membership also includes £1m worth of legal expenses insurance and the wider Chamber protection benefits such as Chamber HR, Chamber Legal, Chamber Health & Safety and Chamber Tax.

Contact Sunny Singh for further information at: sunny.singh@northants-chamber.co.uk

How many people are involved in doing such repetitive work across businesses, when they could be doing much more interesting activities.

What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken – and did it work out?

Many years ago, doing a Management Buy Out, which was a learning experience.

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

Focus on sales, without revenue everything else stops.

Which business person do you most admire?

Anybody who has not re-invented their story to claim luck was great foresight.

What exciting projects is your organisation working on?

Automation is about a better way of doing the boring work – so nothing exciting.

What made your organisation join Northamptonshire Chamber and how are you making use of your membership? By learning about other businesses in the region, we are better able to understand the challenges our custom face. We make use of the networking opportunities.

Call: 08456434410

Email: David.martin@ether-solutions.co.uk

Visit: www.ether-solutions.co.uk

next generation

Introducing the next generation of the region’s business leaders

member profile

Abbie Campbell

Company: Northamptonshire Health Charity

Job Title: Corporate and Community Fundraiser

Background –tell us a bit about you!

I’m 29, a graduate in BA (Hons) in Events Management at the university of Northampton in 2019. I spent my late teens and early twenties in hospitality-based careers mainly, both in and out of UK.

I worked for the NHS for some time before finding my place at Northamptonshire Health Charity. In my spare time I enjoy a bit of bingo, a pub quiz and binge watching a good series!

What does your job involve?

My main role is to help recruit new fundraisers, both community and corporate to help increase the contributions to the charity.

As well as spread the message on what our charity does, who it supports and how our community can get involved. As well as plan and deliver a variety of charity events.

Why did you join Next Generation Chamber?

I first heard about the Next Generation Chamber at one of the chamber events the charity attended. It sounded like the perfect way to help me meet new, like-minded people, gain knowledge on different industries and professionals as well as boost my confidence.

What has been your favourite Next Generation Chamber event and why? So far, I have really enjoyed the presentation on personal development. I found this engaging and

informative! I am also looking forward to the upcoming event at Trapp’d.

Which Next Generation Chamber member do you admire? Why?

I have met so many wonderful people though the Next Generation Chamber that it’s difficult to pinpoint just one person! They are all really approachable and friendly, and I felt welcomed right from the beginning. I do love a catch up with Nina though, as we both work within the charity sector, we have lots to chat about.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned from Next Generation Chamber? That everyone has a different pathway and a different story. In society today its easy to feel like you’re behind your peers. But the Next Generation Chamber has given me the support to be confident in my own career path.

Social media contact: www.linkedin.com/in/abbiekate94

‘My main role is to help recruit new fundraisers, both community and corporate to help increase the contributions to the charity’

new members

Welcoming the newest members of Northamptonshire Chamber and Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce

Action Express

NORTHAMPTON 01604 700400

www.actionexpress.co.uk

Advance Logistics Training

NORTHAMPTON

07713249335 www.advancelogisticstraining.co.uk

Aquarius NORTHAMPTON

0300 456 4292 www.aquarius.org.uk

Bank of England - Agency for the East Midlands

NOTTINGHAM 0115 671 1900 www.bankofengland.co.uk

Beau Lounge

WELLINGBOROUGH 07508 005911

www.beau-lounge.com

BOBCat Distribution Ltd

MILTON KEYNES 07747 767071

BSL-IT Limited

BRIXWORTH 01604 265255 www.bsl-it.com

Carousel Car Parts Ltd

NORTHAMPTON

07400666998 www.ccparts.co.uk

Cartell UK Limited CORBY 01536 264222 www.cartell-uk.com

Champion Workwear

KETTERING 01536 212223 www.championworkwear.co.uk

CT centre MK Ltd

MILTON KEYNES

07899 868999

www.ctcentre.co/acupuncturemilto nkeynes.php

Doddridge Centre

NORTHAMPTON

01604 586384

www.doddridgecentre.org.uk

Goodwill Solutions CIC

NORTHAMPTON

01604 643185 www.goodwillsolutions.co.uk

Haris Solutions BEDFORD 07870 677836 www.harissolutions.co.uk

Holiday Inn Corby - Kettering CORBY 01536 401020 www.hicorby.com

Hub Care Support - North Bucks, Milton Keynes & Bedford MILTON KEYNES 01908 464350 hubcaresupport.co.uk

JPA Workspaces ST ALBANS 01727 840800 www.jpa-workspaces.com

Learn Live UK CHORLEY 01257 446400 www.learnliveuk.com

Leyland Packaging NORTHAMPTON 01604 603600 www.leylandpackaging.co.uk

Local Skills Improvement Plan NORTHAMPTON 01604 490490 www.northants-chamber.co.uk

Luqel UK Ltd MILTON KEYNES 07710 112058 www.luqel-water.com

MK Food Bank MILTON KEYNES 01908 322800

www.mkfoodbank.org.uk

More Driver Solutions Ltd

NORTHAMPTON 01604 588300

www.moredriversolutions.ltd.uk

More Recruitment Solutions NORTHAMPTON 01604 588300 www.morerecruitmentsolutions.co.uk

NAB

NORTHAMPTON 01604 719193

www.nab.org.uk

On Construction Ltd

KETTERING 01536 674031

www.onconstructionltd.co.uk

Paradigm Shift Consulting Limited RUSHDEN 0330 133 0920

www.paradigmshiftconsulting.co.uk

Parmihealthcare MILTON KEYNES 07850336745

Retina AI NORTHAMPTON 07794 935678

www.retina-ai.co.uk

Roeslein NORTHAMPTON 01604 825390 www.roeslein.com

Samuel's Charity MILTON KEYNES 01908 968640 www.samuelscharity.org.uk

SD Worx UKI

SALFORD 0161 888 8659 www.sdworx.co.uk

SEMLEP Careers Hub BEDFORD 01234 436100

www.semlep.com/skills-careershub

Suncroft Healthcare Ltd MILTON KEYNES 07464 361977

www.suncrofthealthcare.co.uk

The McCarthy-Dixon Foundation NORTHAMPTON 01604 211551

www.mccarthydixon.org.uk

The Never Alone Project IRTHLINGBOROUGH 01933 588009 www.tnap.co.uk

Total Weighing Solutions Ltd DAVENTRY 01327 368020

www.totalweighing.co.uk

Vulcan Works

NORTHAMPTON 01604 816190

www.vulcanworks.co.uk

Wallace Hind NORTHAMPTON 01604 758857

www.wallacehind.com

Wavenet SOLIHULL 0333 234 0011

www.wavenetuk.com