Business MK January 2025

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Entrepreneur and former Dragons’ Den investor Sarah Willingham has shared the lessons she has learned throughout her business career.

Speaking to journalist and business commentator Declan Curry in Milton Keynes, she stressed the importance of maintaining a clarity of vision and the importance of business education.

The best piece of advice she has received? “Surround yourself with brilliant people.”

Sarah was speaking at The Lord Young Talk, celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Small Business Charter. “As an entrepreneur, you must be able to see clarity in chaos,” she said in a fireside chat. “I am comfortable with chaos, I know what infrastructure I need to put in place. As a leader, there can be mayhem all around but you need to see clearly where you are going without getting into the small stuff.”

She forged her business reputation leading the international expansion of restaurant chains Pizza Express and Planet Hollywood, before transforming Bombay Bicycle Club into the UK’s largest chain of Indian restaurants. During the pandemic Sarah cofounded Nightcap plc, an awardwinning group of nearly 50 cocktail bars. She remains as chief executive of the business and chairs a number of her investments.

The event was hosted by Santander at Unity Place, its UK head office in Central Milton Keynes. Sarah also spoke of her strong belief in business education,

Seeing clarity in chaos: Dragon reveals her secrets of success

having studied for her MBA at Cranfield School of Management.

“As well as giving me confidence, being on the course gave me a level of selfawareness because you are in a group with other entrepreneurs. You quickly realise your place in the team, which helped me to understand my strengths and weaknesses and I cannot stress how important that is in leadership and in business success.”

She concluded her talk by advising aspiring entrepreneurs on the importance of building a strong network through

mentoring or by meeting other business owners. “Being an entrepreneur is lonely. You have to be very self-propelled. When you are surrounded by other people who are also falling into holes, it is invaluablethey are often falling into the same holes even if they are in different industries.”

The event, which honoured the late Lord David Young who was instrumental in establishing the Small Business Charter, was opened by Susan Davies, head of business banking at Santander UK, and Mohammad M Ali, vice chair of the Chartered Association of Business Schools.

SOS to save refuge’s work scheme

A“life-changing” programme helping victims of domestic abuse to find employment is facing a funding challenge as it enters its new financial year.

Women and Work, run by the charity MK ACT, delivers a series of advice sessions helping residents at the refuge in Milton Keynes to prepare for the world of employment and increase their employment prospects.

The project currently costs £50,000 a year to run, including funding for two staff. However, MK ACT fears that the funding from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund may not be renewed for 2025-26 and has appealed to the city’s business community for support.

Speaking at the City Breakfast Club networking group, chief executive Sue Burke said: “The Women and Work programme helps women in the refuge into training and employment. It is a really good way for them to break free from their situation.”

In the past 12 months, the funding has covered a range of courses,

equipment and advice sessions helping the refuge’s residents to begin a new life. “This programme is life-changing,” said MK ACT’s fundraising manager Lolly Marlborough. “It equips women in the refuge with the skills to go out and take control and live their best life. We are so scared that the funding is going to end at the end of this year.”

The charity is awaiting a government decision on its application for £50,000 funding for the new financial year. It is also appealing to the business community for extra support should the funding be reduced or axed.

“We will deliver what we can and continue to fundraise for the project,” said Sue. “We feel passionately about the positive impact of this project on survivors of domestic abuse and their ability to rebuild their lives and achieve financial independence.

“We know that if project attendees achieve financial independence, they are less likely to be in abusive relationships. We also know that finding work or workrelated opportunities has a positive and tangible impact on survivors’ self-esteem, confidence and mental health.”

MK ACT is 50 years old in 2025. It is looking to mark the anniversary by building a new refuge to accommodate the rising numbers of people seeking its help. The SaferMK community survey by Milton Keynes Council in 2019 found that one in five city residents are affected by domestic abuse. Thames Valley Police has reported receiving one call every minute from victims seeking support.

n To find out more, visit mkact.com or email emily@mk-act.org.

Sue Burke (right) and Lolly Marlborough of MK ACT are pictured with City Breakfast Club host Liz Newell of MHA

(from left) Mohammad M Ali, Flora Hamilton, executive director of the Small Business Charter; Sarah Willingham; Susan Davies; Declan Curry

Government stalls on airport plans

Business and London Luton’s owner share their frustration at a further delay to a government decision on the airport’s proposed expansion.

Agovernment decision on London Luton Airport’s expansion plans has been delayed for a third time.

A decision had been expected early this month but has been put back to April to allow the newly appointed Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander more time to consider the application.

Business and the airport’s owner Luton Rising have voiced their reaction to the delay. Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce said the decision was “hugely disappointing”. Paul Kehoe, chair of Luton Rising – the Luton Council company that owns the airport and associated assets for community benefit – echoed that view but added that the company was ready to provide any extra information requested and was ready to move ahead with the plans should the government decide in favour.

A decision was originally due in August but was put back to November as a result of the General Election and subsequent change in Transport Secretary to Louise Haigh. She resigned in November over a fraud conviction ten years ago, to be replaced by Heidi Alexander.

“Our application highlights how the

long-term sustainable growth of London Luton Airport will bring incredible and transformational economic, employment and positive social impact benefits for Luton and the neighbouring regions,” said Paul. “With over 11,000 new jobs, it would be the region’s biggest job creation programme in a generation, adding an additional £1.5 billion more in the economy each year.

“Airport expansion is central to our mission to raising the standard of living and tackling deprivation in a town where poverty is too high and is fully deliverable without the need for any government investment.”

Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce said that the county’s businesses are in favour of the airport’s expansion plans.

“Exactly the kind of bold, high-profile infrastructure project the government says it wants to encourage.”

“Despite all the talk of growth and reports of a shrinking economy, coupled with the recent devastating news about the proposed closure of Luton’s Vauxhall van plant, this delay feels particularly frustrating,” said Chamber chief executive Justin Richardson. “Expanding the airport represents exactly the kind of bold, high-profile infrastructure project the government says it wants to encourage. A swift decision is crucial to unlocking opportunities for our county and the country.”

Paul Kehoe added: “We are ready to move forward with our plans as quickly as possible and bring in investment to start delivering the benefits. Equally, we want to ensure the decision-making is robust so stand ready to provide any additional information that might be requested of us.”

London Luton Airport has provided more than £300 million to support Luton Council’s front-line services since 1998 as well as an additional £180 million for voluntary, community and charitable organisations. Expansion would add an additional £13 million each year for local community organisations, Paul said.

“As we have demonstrated all along, we will not grow at the expense of the environment and believe our proposals have some of the most far-reaching commitments to the sustainable operation of an airport ever put forward in the UK,” he added.

“We look forward to a decision being made as quickly as possible.”

Paul Kehoe

A success story on the world stage

Booming sales figures in more than 70 countries worldwide have earned mobile elevating work platform manufacturer Niftylift a King’s Award for Enterprise.

HM Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire Sir Francis Habgood visited the company’s manufacturing

Manufacturer on move to new HQ

Fire door manufacturer Selo is preparing to move into new premises in Milton Keynes as part of its expansion plans.

The company has acquired new premises at Tongwell and is due to leave its current base at Kents Hill Business Park in Q2 this year. The move will enable the business to increase production to 50,000 door sets a year.

The company, founded in 2007 by managing director Hans Purdom (inset), is a market leader in the supply of concealed frame doorsets, riser doors and smoke control corridor dampers. It completed the acquisition of timber door manufacturer Modulo Doorsets late last year.

facility at Shenley Wood in Milton Keynes to present the award, the company’s fifth. NIftylift received Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in International Trade and Innovation in 2013 and 2019.

The latest award, which came in the International Trade category, recognises Niftylift’s success in export sales, achieving

sustained year-on-year growth over the past three years.

Managing director John Keely said: “This award is a testament to the hard work and innovation of our team. Over the past three years, we have seen remarkable growth in international sales, expanding our reach to over 70 countries. Exporting

“The move to Selo House could not be happening at a better time and is a fantastic opportunity for our customers and staff to scale up with us,” said Hans.

“Bringing the manufacturing and offices

into the same building will consolidate skills and control for a world-class manufacturing set-up.

“We are starting a new chapter to provide a completely new level of excellence in door manufacturing.”

Having Selo’s 66 staff on one site will also help to boost the company’s product development and innovation, he added. “We have ambitious growth targets, as well as an exciting new product development roadmap.”

Selo House

Francis

is at the heart of our business and we are delighted to see our efforts recognised on such a prestigious platform.”

Sir Francis toured the Niftylift facilities before the ceremony and learned about the company’s cutting-edge manufacturing processes, commitment to innovation and dedication to sustainability.

Niftylift’s chairman and founder Roger Bowden said: “As a company founded and grown here in Milton Keynes, we take immense pride in our contribution to the local economy and community. Employing over 500 people locally, we not only provide job opportunities but also actively support initiatives that help Milton Keynes thrive. This recognition is as much about our people and community as it is about our global success.”

Niftylift has recently unveiled the world’s first hydrogen-electric Mobile Elevating Work Platform. The company specialises in the design, development and manufacture of innovative, environmentally conscious work platforms.

Founded in 1985, Niftylift has production facilities in Yorkshire and Milton Keynes in the UK, sales, service and parts centres in the USA, Germany and The Netherlands and an extensive dealer network in Europe, China, Central and South East Asia, South Africa and Australia.

Business centre set to be transformed

Planning consent has been granted for a major redevelopment of a former business centre in Central Milton Keynes.

Councillors have given the go-ahead for Zephyr X Developments to create 376 high-quality build-to-rent apartments at 500 Avebury Boulevard, formerly the offices of insurance giant Allianz. It aims to create a scheme that will transform the rental market in the region, said managing director Graham Haydon White. “We are excited to see our plans for the transformation of this iconic site into a vibrant residential hub become reality. Our vision for 500 Avebury Boulevard is not just about building apartments but creating a community that enhances the lifestyle of its residents and integrates seamlessly with the dynamism of Milton Keynes.” Work is due to start early this year. The development comprises 376 luxury apartments across eight floors, with secure parking and CCTV.

Left: Niftylift chairman Roger Bowden and managing director John Keely with Sir

Habgood, High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire Kurshida Mirza, staff and guests at the King’s Award for Enterprise presentation

Zephyr X Developments’ vision for 500 Avebury Boulevard

Back to the office beckons for staff

Employers are preparing to mandate five days a week in the workplace, survey reveals.

Business leaders are planning to increase the number of days employees are required to be in the office over the next two years, new research by business and financial adviser Grant Thornton has found..

The study revealed that 86% of businesses are already requiring employees to spend some time in the office. Around one quarter require two (26%) or three (25%) days a week in the office, while 29% are mandating five days a week. Of those that do not currently stipulate full-time office work, 83% expect to increase the number of days employees are in the office in the next couple of years.

The findings are part of Grant Thornton’s latest Business Outlook Tracker research which surveyed 603 UK businesses in October.

Charlotte Anderson, the firm’s practice lead in Milton Keynes, Cambridge and Chelmsford, said: “Employers are always concerned about performance and efficiency and with the forthcoming rise in National Insurance, it is inevitable that

the pros and cons of working from home will once again come under the microscope. Our data shows that businesses expect to mandate more in-person attendance over the next year as well as to monitor this more closely.”

The study also reveals that, of businesses are not currently mandating any time in the office, 59% have plans to do so in the future. Most anticipate three days a week (32%) or one day (30%) a week in the office. Management and monitoring of employees’ compliance with in-office requirements is also set to rise. Most (88%) of the businesses that order time in the office already have monitoring in place and more than half intend to introduce it in the future.

“While flexibility and the avoidance of a commute are undoubtedly considered

benefits by employees, there is a balance to be struck,” said Charlotte.

“Teamworking and collaboration on anything complex is often better handled in person, as are any difficult conversations that may occasionally be required. In-person meetings also tend to be leaner as it is easier for the list of attendees for an online meeting to mushroom beyond what is actually required. Businesses are likely hoping that an increase in employee attendance will improve productivity, efficiency and collaboration.”

Charlotte Anderson

Retailer fined £1.2m for safety breach

Retailer John Lewis plc has been fined £1.2 million after an agency worker was seriously injured at its warehouse at Magna Park in Milton Keynes.

The worker fell from steps above a conveyor belt, suffering a broken hip which required extensive surgery and resulted in long-term complications.

Environmental health officers from Milton Keynes City Council investigated and determined the steps at the warehouse were unsafe and were an obvious and imminent risk. The small steps were without handrails, a significant risk of slips, trips and falls which was exacerbated by confined headspace.

The city council served a prohibition

Law firm’s ‘exciting new chapter’ as

new office opens

More than 80 guests joined staff at regional law firm Franklins Solicitors to celebrate the opening of the firm’s new state-of-the-art office in Central Milton Keynes.

Franklins has moved into third-floor offices at Ashton House after more than 40 years at the firm’s previous home in nearby Silbury Court.

Managing partner Simon Long told guests: “This represents an exciting new chapter for Franklins, one that reflects our growth and our ongoing commitment to providing outstanding legal services.

“The modern design and prime location make it the ideal setting for us to continue building strong relationships with our clients and to continue growing our talented team.”

Guests toured the new offices, designed and fitted out by Northampton companies Mango Interiors Group and iOTA - Commercial Design and Furniture.

notice on John Lewis to immediately prevent the use of steps without handrails across operational conveyor belts in the warehouse and, after reviewing the evidence, opted to proceed with prosecution for the health and safety breaches which led to the injuries.

At Oxford Magistrates Court, John Lewis plc pleaded guilty to health and safety breaches under section 2, section 3 and section 33(1)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 for failing to protect the health, safety and welfare of its employees and regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1999.

The court heard that the company had failed in several areas, including:

n Failing to undertake a suitable and sufficient risk assessment for crossing conveyor belts

n Not providing and maintaining a safe system of work for employees and agency workers

n Not providing adequate information, instruction and training for staff

The judge ordered John Lewis plc to pay a £1.2 million fine after granting a reduction for the company’s early guilty plea, remorse for the incident and compliance with the investigation.

She said that “the nature of the manoeuvre he was required to take was inherently unsafe”. John Lewis was also ordered to pay full costs of £11,271 and a statutory surcharge of £190.

They also heard from head of marketing Rosanna Stimson the latest on the annual Franklins £50 Challenge initiative which this year aims to raise £50,000 for a total 12 charities in Milton Keynes and Northampton.

Equity partner Lee Holmes said: “A lot of time and thought has gone into the layout and design of the office to optimise the space and the needs of different departments within the firm and

to create an environment where staff can collaborate, ensuring a strong team morale and excellent client service.”

The move has gone down well with Franklins staff. Insolvency and commercial partner Chris Buck said: “I have been with the firm nearly 20 years and we have never had everyone in the MK office on one floor. It has been fantastic to be able to see and to get know more of my colleagues.”

STEM awards extend entry deadline

Businesses looking to enter the MK STEM Awards now have extra time to submit their entries.

The number received so far have prompted awards organisers to extend the entry deadline to January 17 in order to enable more of the brightest organisations and individuals to take part in the competition.

The awards aim to celebrate the best and most innovative in the world of science, technology, engineering and maths. The winners will be announced at a gala dinner and awards ceremony in Milton Keynes in March.

“We have already received an impressive and diverse range of nominations from across the STEM sectors, including contributions from both industry and education as well as nominations from our dedicated STEM Ambassadors,” said Meena Chander, managing director of awards organiser Events Together. “Whether you are involved in cutting-edge research, innovative product development or making an impact through STEM education and outreach, we want to hear from you.”

The MK STEM Awards celebrate outstanding achievements and breakthroughs in STEM fields, shining a spotlight on individuals and organisations shaping the future of innovation, inspiring future generations and contributing to the growth of the STEM community, she added.

THE CATEGORIES

n AI Impact

n Advancing Women’s Careers in STEM

n STEM Ambassador

n Education Excellence

n Student Superstar (School & Further/ Higher Education)

n Changemaker / Lightbulb

n Tomorrow’s Leader

n Seed

n DEI in STEM

n Sustainability

n Icon/Lifetime Achievement

TO NOMINATE

Visit events-together.co.uk/stem-event/ to submit your nominations before January 17.

“We have been overwhelmed by the response to the MK STEM Awards. This extension gives even more people the chance to showcase their work and to celebrate the incredible impact of STEM. The MK STEM Awards ceremony will take place on March 4 at Hotel La Tour in Milton Keynes.

Meena Chander

Invest in diversity to unlock potential

Acampaign to encourage more women into careers in the construction industry has welcomed its fifth cohort of site management trainees.

The Women into Home Building programme is run by the Home Builders Federation programme and aims to increase the number of females working the sector. That number has fallen from 15.8% in Q2 of 2023 to 13.6% 12 months

later, according to figures from the Office of National Statistics. Now a leading figure in the industry is calling on the sector to create diverse, flexible workplace policies that encourage professional development for women in construction.

Freya Chapman is one of a select group of professional women in the UK specialising in ground engineering. She began her construction career in ground stabilisation and now leads the residential

subsidence solutions teams at Mainmark Ground Engineering (UK), a subsidiary of the Mainmark group of companies and with its head office in Milton Keynes.

“The industry has faced many challenges in the last few years, not least labour shortages, rising costs and supply chain issues,” she said. “So it is important that organisations like the Home Builders’ Federation recognise the importance of diversifying job roles, attracting wider pools of talent and keeping momentum up for aspiring women.”

Roles abound in construction and its allied industries, she added, including design and planning, tradespeople, quality control, surveying, health and safety, environmental consulting and finance. Freya now sits on the national Subsidence Forum Committee alongside industry leaders. She joined Mainmark in January last year and manages the company’s technical sale engineers and customer service teams.

The Subsidence Forum Committee is a network of organisations and individuals involved with subsidence risk and includes members from construction and ground excavation, among others. Freya hopes her experience will help to champion the roles of women in the industry.

“There has been an increase over a decade in female representation across construction, which is great to see,” she said. “As we continue to grapple with a discordant gender divide, I am urging companies everywhere to acknowledge what you have available. From apprenticeships to senior roles, we must be investing accordingly in a representative, diverse workforce who can unlock our industry’s full potential.”

Return to work project wins award for shaping police policy

Jason Hogg, Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police, was among the speakers at a two-day conference to mark ten years of The Open University’s Centre for Policing Research and Learning.

The event included panel discussions and workshops. The CPRL at the OU was established in 2014, initially as a fourmonth project to carry out research alongside seven UK police forces.

The projects focused on face recognition and the use of a gaming approach to improve the interviewing of child witnesses - both still topical issues in policing.

Today the CPRL works with a partnership of 22 police forces with greater emphasis on evidence-based practice.

The conference included the Steven Chase Memorial Award in recognition of the contribution made by the first police chair. The award for Research into Practice and Practice into Research went to OU Business School academics Dr

Keely Duddin, previously head of research and development at British Transport Police, and Dr Kendal Wright for their project on mothers’ experiences during pregnancy and returning to police work after maternity leave.

The project has influenced national guidance and policy having been integrated into British Transport Police’s family-friendly guidance. It has formed part of the academic support for NPCC national guidance and has informed the Metropolitan Police’s work on welfare passports and support for dual-force couples.

Keely said: “We are incredibly grateful to receive this award, which reflects the collaborative effort behind our research on maternity experiences in policing.

“This work would not have been possible without the invaluable contributions of the wider research team, police forces, stakeholders and participants who have driven our understanding forward.

“We are committed to continuing this work to ensure women and parents experience positive, supportive maternity and parental journeys in policing, paving the way for meaningful change.”

Freya Chapman

Dr Keely Duddin (left) and Dr Kendal Wright

Lionel Naidoo, managing director of Dragon Information Systems, explores the benefits and risks of WhatsApp in the workplace.

An app-propriate addition to business operations?

An estimated three billion people now use WhatsApp worldwide, making it one of the most popular messaging apps around. With its user-friendly interface, end-to-end encryption and the ability to send text messages, voice notes, images and videos, it is easy to see why it has caught on. Its rising popularity has not gone unnoticed by businesses either, with WhatsApp becoming an increasingly core way for customers to get in touch. But it is not all positive. Many highprofile businesses have decided to ban the use of WhatsApp on work devices and for work-related communication.

WhatsApp as a customer service and sales tool

Many businesses across various industries have successfully integrated WhatsApp within their communication strategies.

The ability for WhatsApp to provide a direct and personal way to engage with customers has made it an ideal tool for customer service, marketing and sales teams alike. The usage trend reflects an evolving landscape of customer communication where there is an increasing demand for instant, personalised interaction. For instance, e-commerce platforms might use WhatsApp to send order confirmations, shipping updates and customer feedback requests. Service-based businesses, such as travel agencies and healthcare providers, might use it for appointment scheduling and customer support.

Prepare your organisation’s IT environment for

AI

WhatsApp and workplace communication

As a tool used by so many people in their personal lives, it has naturally started to spill over into the workplace in other ways too. However, reports about companies banning the app on company devices have reignited concerns regarding its use.

The financial services industry is one sector looking to crack down. NatWest Group recently announced it has blocked messaging services WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Skype on company devices in the UK to stop staff using them to communicate with each other.

For small businesses, while WhatsApp can offer a cost-effective way to stay connected, the very features that make WhatsApp so appealing can also pose a risk.

n Data Privacy and Security

WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption is excellent for personal privacy but can be problematic for businesses needing to monitor communications for compliance.

n Legal Implications

There have been cases where employees faced legal trouble over inappropriate messages sent through the app. This risk extends to employers, who could be held liable for discriminatory or offensive content shared by their staff.

n Professionalism

Maintaining a professional tone in WhatsApp chats can be more challenging. The app’s informal nature can lead to casual conversations that might be inappropriate in a business context.

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WhatsApp offers many benefits for quick, easy communication but its use in the workplace comes with risk. We advise small businesses to consider what controls may be needed or limiting employees to the use of approved communication channels only may be the best option for the company.

BEST PRACTICE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

If you are to allow the use of WhatsApp and other messaging apps for work purposes, here are some steps you can take to try and reduce any potential risks.

n Implement clear policies Establish clear guidelines on the use of apps for work purposes. Define what types of communication are appropriate and ensure employees understand the risks involved.

n Use approved channels Encourage the use of approved communication tools that offer better control and monitoring capabilities. Tools like Microsoft Teams provide robust features for business communication while ensuring data security and compliance.

n Training and awareness Regularly train employees on the importance of data privacy and the potential risks of using personal messaging apps for work.

n Monitor and review Periodically review communication practices and policies to ensure they remain effective and relevant. Stay informed about new developments.

Here at Dragon IS, we work with small and medium sized businesses, helping them with a broad range of issues relating to their IT infrastructure and cybersecurity. Email info@dragon-is.com or call us on 0330 363 005.

‘Support for those in need is crucial’

Businesses across Milton Keynes have been stepping up to support the #InvisiblePovertyMK appeal being run by Milton Keynes Community Foundation.

The appeal highlights the hidden struggles faced by thousands, in particular with fuel poverty and food insecurity. Among the organisations stepping up to help are property maintenance firm Facilities Management Solutions and commercial property consultancy Kirkby Diamond.

FMS’ operations director Dan Cole said: “When the MKCF team shared this year’s theme of their Cost of Living campaign,

we thought it was very powerful and it was our absolute pleasure to play even a small part in supporting those in Milton Keynes affected by poverty. It is now our aim to help to raise awareness and get other organisations involved and supporting the great work they do across our city”

A £10,000 grant funded through the appeal has enabled local charity Unity MK to start its Recovery, Resilience and Support Programme, a new initiative set up to enhance its free support services for those experiencing homelessness and vulnerable families across Milton Keynes. Kirkby Diamond’s managing partner

Luke Tillison said: “Our partnership with MKCF is essential in ensuring that we give back to the community we live and work in. Now, more than ever, kindness, generosity and support for those in need are crucial. It is a chance to create a lasting impact. We encourage other businesses to join us in supporting MKCF.” The foundation‘s marketing director Claire Baldock said: “The support of local businesses can make a significant difference in the lives of those struggling to make ends meet this winter.”

n Visit mkcommunityfoundation.co.uk/ invisible-poverty-mk/ to find out more.

Domestic Security Installation

Bringing compassion and sustainability

A new chapter in compassionate care begins in the heart of Milton Keynes as a dynamic couple launches GoodOaks Homecare Milton Keynes.

With a shared passion for helping others and a commitment to sustainability, the duo are set to provide high-quality visiting and live-in care services that support individuals to live independently and comfortably in their own homes.

Milton Keynes, renowned as one of the UK’s most eco-conscious cities, serves as the perfect backdrop for this innovative and values-driven business. Simon and Evangeline Webb, who are passionate about the city, aim to integrate GoodOaks’ well-established reputation for excellence in care with a forward-thinking approach to environmental responsibility with its sustainability-focused practices such as paperless administration, energy-efficient vehicles, and locally sourced resources.

Simon and Evangeline Webb

Simon and Evangeline bring a wealth of experience and a heartfelt commitment to their work, recognising that homecare is not just about providing assistance but fostering meaningful relationships built on trust and respect.

They and their team are dedicated to making a genuine difference in the lives of those they serve. Their unique partnership-led care approach means that they see clients and their loved ones as the experts in their lives and conditions and work alongside them to enhance their existing support network.

As the need for quality homecare services continues to grow, GoodOaks Homecare aims to stand out by combining exceptional care with an environmentally conscious mindset.

n Book your free consultation on 01908 020165 or visit goodoakshomecare.co.uk/ miltonkeynes

A case of deja vu and double delight

George Davies Turf and Stone is celebrating after winning the overall Principal Award for Supplier Exceptional Service for the second time in a row and the Service Excellence Award at The British Association of Landscape Industries awards.

George Davies (pictured with the award), founder and managing director of the Olney-based firm, said: “Winning these awards means the world to me and my team. I am incredibly proud of how

Playing a part in a diverse ecosystem

Colleagues at IT support provider iNREACH have planted more than 300 trees as part of the Milton Keynes-based company’s commitment to sustainability.

The business works in partnership with environmental organisation Treeapp and carried out the planting as part of a local landowner’s work to reforest part of his land to create more space for plants and wildlife. The iNREACH staff planted a mix of native and fruit trees.

“This was not just about numbers; it was about nurturing a diverse and thriving ecosystem.,” said iNREACH marketing director Richard Merrell.

“This hands-on initiative exemplifies the synergy between our commitment to environmental stewardship and

far we have come but even more proud of the team’s dedication to providing exceptional service every day.”

George Davies Turf is the UK’s largest independent turf supplier. The judges praised the company for its personalised aftercare, fast delivery times, tailored order tracking and innovative technology for purchasing and customer feedback. BALI is the leading trade association of landscape professionals, with more than 900 accredited members.

community engagement. For us, it is not just about offsetting emissions; it is about fostering a mindset of responsibility and regeneration.”

Relief for owner as centre secures future

Quadbiking business secures retrospective planning approval

Aquadbiking centre is to continue operating in its existing home after retrospective plans were approved.

Quadrenalin Quadbiking Centre has been based in Great Firs, Great Brickhill, since 2015.

Buckinghamshire Council has approved a retrospective planning application to change the use of the land to a quadbiking facility with associated tracks, training area, ancillary buildings and landscaping.

Owner Alex Schiff said: “We are truly delighted and relieved to have secured retrospective planning permission. The centre has become an important part of the area, providing jobs for 15 staff members, many who live nearby, and creating opportunities for people to connect and enjoy the outdoors.”

The retrospective application was handled through planning experts at Milton Keynes-based law firm Marrons.

Planning director Sachin Parmar said: : “The development supports rural enterprise by creating a business that bolsters the local economy while being thoughtfully designed to blend into the countryside. Beyond its economic contributions, the facility has a profound positive impact on visitors, including those with disabilities and mental health challenges, by promoting healthy outdoor activities that relieve stress and improve wellbeing. It also serves as a hub for teambuilding and community connection, offering an invaluable space for people to come together and enjoy the rural environment.”

Alex added: “The positive feedback we regularly receive reflects how much people value what we offer. We are proud to have supported local schools and charities through donations and vouchers over the years and we are excited to continue giving back.”

Lettings firm has new owners

Estate agency franchise Your Move Nolan Throw, which has six branches in Northamptonshire, is expanding with the acquisition of Buckingham lettings business Open Doors. It will rebrand to Your Move Nolan Throw. The franchise has also opened new premises for Northampton Student Living and relocated its Abington branch in the past 12 months. Owners Sean Nolan and Sam Throw plan to introduce residential sales, financial services and their new student lettings proposition to Buckingham.

Your Move Nolan Throw is part of LSL Estate Agency Franchise, which supported the Open Doors deal through its Assisted Acquisition programme.

“Sam and Sean have ambitious growth plans,” said franchise director Hannah Gretton.

Group wins top recruitment award

Milton Keynes-based Autotech Group has won the Best Small Recruitment Business category at the Global Recruiter Awards. Its founding brand Autotech Recruit operates the UK’s largest network of temporary vehicle technicians, MOT testers and service and parts advisors and has laid the foundation for the company’s growth. Its mission to tackle the skills shortage to meet the demands of an evolving automotive industry fuelled the creation of sister brands Autotech Training, Autotech Academy, and Autotech Connect.

Autotech Group’s chief executive Simon King said: “We are delighted. This prestigious accolade highlights our ability to adapt, innovate and collaborate as a trusted partner to the automotive aftermarket.

“We remain committed to developing solutions that drive progress within the automotive aftermarket, helping to bridge the skills gap and empowering businesses in this fast-evolving industry.”

The company, whose head office is at Linford Wood, won the Recruitment Agency of the Year category at the UK Recruiter Awards and earlier this year its Autotech Training brand received the top accolade in the partnership category at the Motor Industry Awards.

SME National Business Awards

Celebrating our national treasures

Nine exceptional businesses from the Milton Keynes and Bedfordshire region are still celebrating after collecting major awards at the SME National Business Awards.

The event, to which winners at the SME Business Awards’ regional competitions progressed after their local success, saw hundreds of guests gather at Wembley Stadium to discover which would be named the best of the best.

Three new categories saw awards made to Business Leaders in the Small, Medium and Large Business categories, each winner chosen via a public vote. Silver awards went to serviced office facility Milton Keynes Business Centre manager Matt Roberts in the Large Business and to Katie Parker, owner of Pickles Pet Pantry in Olney, in the Small Business categories.

Lisa Course, founder of the Papillon Coffee House in Kempston, won gold in the Business Leader –Medium Business category.

Pickles Pet Pantry was a finalist in the Retailer of the Year award and also won silver in the Best New Business category. “It still has not quite sunk in,” said Katie. “When I started Pickles Pet Pantry, I never imagined I would be standing here with two national awards. This recognition is

a true testament to the hard work and support from my family and the local community. I am beyond proud of all we have achieved.

“If you are unsure of what to do next in your career, feeling unhappy, or dreaming wild dreams, remember - taking the plunge might just be the chance you have been waiting for.”

Michelle Cook, founder of Reactiv8 The Nation – also based in Kempston – was named national Business Person of the Year to follow her success in the SME Bedfordshire Business Awards. Reactiv8 The Nation, which delivers education and training programmes helping people into employment, higher education or levels of training, won Community Business of the Year.

“Our aim is to help all our clients to create sustainable life changes” said Michelle. “On a corporate level, we work with business leaders to build better teams, improve staff morale and work culture.”

Also striking gold were law firm Neves Solicitors, which received the Employer of the Year award. The firm has offices in Milton Keynes and Luton.

Digital technology specialist UXLI, whose UK office is at Linford Wood, won gold in the Business Innovation category and the Networking Group of the Year award went to Milton Keynes-based Collaborate MK. Founder Tim Lee said: “To have won

The celebrations begin for the winners at the SME National Business Awards

Katie Parker

locally, let alone progressing to the national awards, was testament to how everyone has taken to what we offer.”

Silver awards were also brought home by Luton law firm Greystone Solicitors in the Community Business of the Year category and BE-SEEN-SCREEN, based in Marston Moretaine and which has designed and developed a successful high-visibility alternative to the traditional

road triangle warning sign to alert motorists to a stranded vehicle. It was a recipient in the Influencer of the Year category.

The winners were announced by awards director Damian Cummins. He said: “The calibre of our finalists this year, paired with a healthy dose of competitive spirit made the SME National Business Awards 2024 one for the books. Wembley

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‘People gave their time to put a vote my way... I am very humbled’

One month on, Matt Roberts still has a beaming smile of pride on his face.

Memories of collecting his silver award in the Business Leaders – Large Business category at the SME National Business Awards in front of hundreds of guests at Wembley Stadium are still vivid as he settles back into life as centre manager at Milton Keynes Business Centre.

The award – the first Matt has won –means more because it came as a result of a public vote. “It is really nice to feel that support from clients, suppliers and people that you know who think enough of you to give their time to put a vote my way,” he said. “It is something to be very proud of. I am very humbled.”

Matt has worked as centre manager at Milton Keynes Business Centre on Linford Wood since 2018 and has been a judge of the SME Milton Keynes & Buckinghamshire Business Awards after the centre became a gold sponsor in 2019. He has also judged the SME National Business Awards since 2020 “but because I was shortlisted for an award based on a public vote, my role as

a judge had no influence on the result.”

The award, although his first, is the second accolade Matt received in 2024, having become an associate member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. “That is two really nice achievements,” he said.

His day job at Milton Keynes Business Centre involves ensuring that the centre’s tenants have all the support and facilities that they need to thrive. “It made sense to be involved with an award that recognises the success of small businesses in our area.

“Through the awards we have met a lot of great local businesses and made really strong connections. We have a fantastic group of award-winning businesses in our centre and we encourage our own customers to enter the awards.”

Matt has no hesitation in encouraging other businesses and individuals to enter awards competitions. The brand awareness and marketing opportunity is second to none, he said.

“Just getting to be a finalist means you

Stadium came alive with ambition and entrepreneurship from the companies that attended. A huge congratulations to all of the winners and finalists who deserve every moment of their success.”

can shout about it and if you win, what better accolade to put in front of your business? It is great for attracting new customers and being involved means we get to meet dozens if not hundreds of people from the local area and have the opportunity to forge meaningful relationships and do business together.

“As SMEs, we should all be supporting each other. Putting together a submission for the awards takes a relatively short amount of time but it is absolutely worth it.“

Matt Roberts (left), centre manager at Milton Keynes Business Centre, receives the Business Leader - Large Business silver award from SME National Business Awards director Damian Cummins

Michelle Cook and team on stage after she was named Business Person of the Year

Lisa Course celebrates her gold award as Business Leader - Medium Business

From virtual networking to a very real award

During the pandemic, I had the idea of starting my own company offering networking to the business community in Milton Keynes and the surrounding area. The complications of lockdown meant we were limited to virtual events in the first few months but as restrictions eased, we grew both in membership and number of monthly events.

Today Collaborate MK offers nine networking events and a Gold Members Business Workshop every month. We have something for everyone: breakfast, brunch, lunch and evening events in MK and partnership events in surrounding towns.

We won Networking Group of The Year at the SME MK & Buckinghamshire Business Awards in 2024 and headed to Wembley to the SME National Business Awards finals. To have won locally was testament to how everyone has taken to what we offer. So to win the national Networking Group of The Year award really was the icing on the cake for the journey so far

Collaborate MK is more than just networking events, it really has grown into a business community and that is thanks to all the members, support team and sponsors. Thank you!

TIM LEE Founder and owner of Collaborate MK

Tim Lee (centre) with Collaborate MK’s SME National Business Award as Networking Group of the Year

Collaborate MK’s founder Tim Lee reflects on four years of growth from lockdown to national success.

Join us, connect and do business

It is happening… Northamptonshire’s business event of the year: Your Business Expo 2025.

The date: February 6.

The venue: The Creative Hub, on the University of Northampton’s Waterside campus.

The occasion: Your Business Expo Northamptonshire, hosted by Pulse Group Media - publisher of the county’s leading business publication Business Times and its sister lifestyle magazine NN Pulse.

Your Business Expo aims to create opportunities for businesses to reach, engage and connect; for quality sales leads, to meet key decision-makers and to increase awareness of your business brand. Around 100 exhibitors, including Northamptonshire’s leading, brightest and fastest-growing organisations, have confirmed their place and hundreds of visitors are already registered to join us on the day.

Your Business Expo begins with some sparkling networking over breakfast, led by our friends at the regional networking powerhouse Business Buzz. Then comes the main event: Your Business Expo, which is open 10am-3pm.

Once again our headline sponsor is the digital marketing specialist qoob, joined by Dragon Information Systems, Motum Insurance Services, Rebox HR and IT solutions provider Paradise Computing as Your Business Expo Northamptonshire sponsors.

Pulse Group Media director Martin Lewis-Stevenson said: “This will be our third Your Business Expo Northamptonshire and, off the back of the previous two sell-out events, interest in being part of the show – either as an exhibitor or as a visitor – has been off the scale. The expo is meeting the appetite of organisations to meet, connect and engage. Your Business Expo is now an established and in-demand brand, with businesses of all sizes from Northamptonshire and beyond eager to book their place and be part of the day.”

n Find out more, book your exhibition stand and places at the networking breakfast and register for your free visitor tickets at yourbusinessexpo.co.uk or email hello@yourbusinessexpo.co.uk

Experiential leadership development with The Red Thread Fellowship

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Theo Chalmers

A proper mass transit system for the city... bring it on, please

Happy new year… and let us hope that 2025 brings clear thinking to Milton Keynes City Council’s expansion policies for MK. I am not holding my breath, however.

In October’s column, I discussed the council’s 12-week consultation on the new MK City Plan 2050, set to take over from the disappointing Plan:MK. I opined on MKCC’s apparent new obsession; simply to save money on providing land for parking spaces, grid roads and redways in all new developments by forcing residents to walk everywhere.

This, it was claimed, is nothing to do with dense infill and a grotesque unwillingness to provide those proper parking spaces, grid roads and redways that we all love but to provide a new transport system to improve the health of MK residents.

“If everyone in MK did an extra ten minutes of walking each day over ten years, it could save the NHS £35million.”

I am surprised that new houses in MK are allowed to have heating systems and residents are not forced to go and chop down trees to burn in order to exercise.

But the council did not stop there. It promised to “focus on integrating new development with high-quality public transport provision, with a new Mass Rapid Transit System at its heart”.

I did not believe this for one minute.

“What do you think this so-called Mass Transit System will be? Monorail?,” I wrote. “Er, no. An actual free gift of one was rejected tens of years ago.

“Underground railways? Er, no. Far too expensive and clearly far-too good for the likes of us.

“Trams? Er, no. They need infrastructure and no one at the council will push for that.

“Buses, perhaps? Yes, you got it in one. We will get more horrible, unreliable, stuck in traffic, endlessly circuitous buses taking hours out of our lives.”

And I was right, despite what the council and others are claiming. The Citizen newspaper has recently reported that “More than 50 years after the idea was first suggested, a tram system is finally on the cards for Milton Keynes”. Except it is not. It is a series of new buses, exactly as I predicted.

As I write, the council is soliciting

Theo Chalmers is chair of Urban Eden and managing director of Verve PR. urbaneden.org / vervepr.co.uk

t.chalmers@vervepr.co.uk, 01908 275271

“They asked questions about how I travelled in MK right now. One of the suggested options to select was ‘Tube’.”

responses from residents through Commonplace Digital Ltd, a private company based in Manchester which claims to “connect you to the people who create the places where you live, work and play. A platform to speak and be heard by developers, councils, and public bodies to initiate better decisions and places for all.”

It ran an online survey for four weeks. It ended on December 20 so, sadly, it will be over by the time you read this.

“We are seeking your feedback on how you travel and why you make the travel choices that you do for a range of different journeys. This is for our transport plan, which is called the LTP (Local Transport Plan) and this will be the fifth one the council has produced. It sets out our transport policies about buses, walking, cycling, scooting and driving for the next few years, and must respond to our climate and health challenges while at the same time supporting the growth of the city.”

They add: “Although we have not yet confirmed the fleet itself, we have started engaging with providers to identify a fleet that would provide the look and feel of a tram.”.

Surely the “look and feel of a tram” is something that runs on dedicated rails,

that cannot simply disappear to do other things in other places like buses do and is not a glorified, misnamed bus.

When I took part in the survey, not all the buttons worked and I could only make comments rather than respond to some of the choices.

They asked questions about how I travelled in MK right now. One of the suggested options to select was ‘Tube’. Great job, Commonplace Digital Ltd. I filled in the comment box asking them where are the Tube lines in MK as I appear to have completely missed them.

Almost unbelievably, they also claimed as one of their achievable goals “Reduced Journey Times: Faster, more efficient routes across Milton Keynes - up to one-third or up to 15 minutes faster than today’s equivalent bus journey for a typical journey from suburb to centre.”.

Really, despite not having identified the vehicles, they have got a bus that goes magically faster than a bus. If any time savings can be made with buses, make them on MK’s current buses.

Meanwhile why, oh why, can we not have houses with sufficient parking spaces (where people can plug in their zero pollution electric cars), redways for cyclists and pedestrians, grid roads with not ‘at-grade’ crossings, no unnecessary traffic lights and please, please, please a proper mass transit system?

Is MKCC deliberately trying to destroy this wonder, this zenith, this pinnacle of post-war town planning?

The population of the city of Milton Keynes is due to rise from about 265,000 to well over 410,000 by 2050. The city of Lille in France had a population of 236,234 in 2020 and has a Metro (underground transport) network of 45km with 60 stations. Lille also has a public tram system with 36 stations.

So how, I ask, is it possible for a little French city like Lille – and it is not alone in this - to have both a large underground railway system and a large tram system.

The question is this: When is a bus a tram? And I think I have the answer. It is as soon as my car is a helicopter travelling inside Milton Keynes’ famous underground transport network…

Until then, it is a bus. Happy tramming until then, one and all.

Cheerio.

Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership

A single, united, audacious voice

As a new year begins, MKBLP chair Nicholas Mann argues that skills, retaining young talent and a stronger regional mouthpiece are key to the continued growth of Milton Keynes.

Milton Keynes has always defied expectations. Once dismissed as a soulless, post-modern, new town, it has evolved into a vibrant urban success story, often heralded as the best hope for the future of British housing and urbanism. Its forward-thinking design and radical vision continue to inspire city designers as far away as China. Even the Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has pointed to Milton Keynes as the blueprint for a new generation of towns to alleviate the housing crisis and drive economic growth. Hence the spotlight shines even brighter on our wonderful city.

This attention brings both opportunity and responsibility. Today, Milton Keynes ranks as the seventh most productive city in the UK and is among the top four cities leading the new economy, supported by an impressive tech sector that generates £3.4 billion in GVA annually. One in three jobs here is rooted in tech—a testament to our thriving AI and innovation-driven industries.

Yet, despite these remarkable achievements, our future success is far from guaranteed. Productivity remains stagnant across the UK and Milton Keynes is not immune to this broader challenge. Without a robust pipeline of talent, we risk losing the momentum that has set us apart. To ensure sustainable growth and build on our position as a hub of innovation, we must prioritise three key areas of focus: skills development through collaboration, placemaking to retain talent and strengthening our voice within the Oxford-Cambridge Arc.

The foundation of Milton Keynes’ future lies in its ability to cultivate, attract and retain young talent. Education is pivotal to achieving this goal. From the Open University to Milton Keynes College and MK:U, our educational institutions provide critical pathways for workforce development.

Emily Darlington, MP for Milton Keynes Central, recently highlighted how education transforms lives and Milton Keynes has long championed this cause, being the site where Harold Wilson’s ‘University of the Air’ came to fruition.

The challenge lies in ensuring that these institutions work in closer collaboration

“Education is only part of the equation. A vibrant, liveable city is essential to retaining the young minds we nurture.”

with local employers to align talent development with industry demands. A stronger partnership between businesses and educators is crucial for futureproofing our economy and employers must play an active role in shaping curricula to equip students with the skills needed in sectors such as AI, automation, and tech innovation.

This collaboration ensures the next generation can seamlessly transition into the workforce, driving individual and collective success.

Education is only part of the equation. A vibrant, liveable city is essential to retaining the young minds we nurture.

Milton Keynes has made strides in becoming a cultural and creative hub but we still face significant hurdles. In 2023, we were named the sixth worst city in the UK for nightlife - a statistic that does little to entice students or young professionals to lay down roots here.

If we are to compete with neighbouring university cities like Oxford and Cambridge, the bright lights of London or other dynamic urban centres, we must reimagine our night-time economy. The City Council’s Creative and Cultural Strategy acknowledged the importance of a thriving entertainment scene.

Investment in independent music venues, alternative film spaces and diverse cultural offerings should continue to be a priority, alongside bolstering existing hospitality infrastructure. Building a social and cultural fabric that appeals to younger generations will ensure that the talent educated here chooses to stay.

Milton Keynes occupies a powerful geographic position at the heart of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc. The successful test run of a passenger train along the East West Rail line was a pivotal milestone, symbolising the growing interconnectivity within the Arc. But being geographically central is not enough; Milton Keynes must become synonymous with innovation, collaboration and opportunity within this region.

To achieve this, we need a unified voice. Too many individual narratives will dilute our message both regionally and nationally. Only by crafting a compelling and cohesive story can Milton Keynes and its partner towns and communities command the gravitas we deserve. Together we can shape the Arc’s trajectory and unlock its full potential.

We can ensure this by joining forces with other interstitial towns within the Arc, creating an influence which matches the allure of Oxford and Cambridge. Coordination, collaboration and a cohesive voice will amplify our impact, enabling us to capitalise on economic and development opportunities.

As the UK marches forward, Milton Keynes must remain a beacon of prosperity, a city that reinvents itself while honouring the legacy of its radical roots. By cultivating skills through closer employer-educator collaboration, enhancing our cultural and entertainment landscape, and uniting our voice in the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, we position ourselves to thrive in 2025 and far beyond.

The key to realising all three of these ambitions is for us to come together, work together and speak together with a single united and audacious voice. It must be a clarion call that expresses our bold and clear vision of not only what we want to achieve but also, with our characteristically brazen chutzpah, what we expect to achieve.

My hope is that we not only sustain our growth but redefine what success looks like, ensuring Milton Keynes and the rest of the Arc remains aspirational for generations to come.

Nicholas Mann (right) with Business MK editor Andrew Gibbs after MKBLP confirmed Business MK as its official media partner

Hear from the Growth Experts at

Thursday February 6th

The Creative Hub • University of Northampton

What do you get with the Growth Experts?

• On-demand support from our business experts

• Regular in-person check-ins

• Courses & Learning

• Exclusive content, including networking events

• Partner offers and discounts Scan the QR code and sign up today to get 10% off your membership

Our experts will be presenting free at the event

Freddie Guilmard of leadership consultancy RTP explains his new year’s resolution: to encourage more employers to enhance their influence in a more benevolent manner.

Kindness: A leadership gamechanger

Iam not one for making New Year’s resolutions but if I had one wish for 2025, it would be for more leaders to understand the power of kindness in building long-term and trusted relationships.

I will be honest… for many years in my career working in sales, I was so focused and driven by the need for success and gratification (childhood issue I have now addressed), I often forgot the impact I had on others.

It did not even enter my head because, as long as my family and friends loved me, the rest I could deal with.

It was not until I had reached the dizzy heights of a senior role, that one day my CEO asked if I had ever had executive coaching. I promptly responded with a slight huff: “Do I need executive coaching?”

“Hmm,” was all she said… The rest has led me to where I am today.

But what do I mean by kindness? Firstly, kindness is not necessarily about allowing someone to have more time in a business when they have been under-performing for months or showering people with compliments because we want to

“Vulnerability plays an important part in our journey to become kinder and this is where many will struggle”

motivate them to do better.

It is not even buying great coffee when the business is under serious pressure (well, it might - but that could be seen as bribery).

Kindness must start directly with the leader or manager to understand how behaviour has a profound and lasting impact on those around us.

It starts with an understanding of our own emotions, what triggers these feelings and what we can do about this. We may even want to explore why we are feeling this way, by seeking feedback on how we come across to others and what other people say about us when we are not present.

That means that vulnerability plays an important part in our journey to become kinder and this is where many will struggle due to their fear of being seen as weak or soft.

Many leaders with whom I have worked over the years are generally kind. However, for many, there is an expectation that they need to reflect a certain persona to earn the right to be seen by others as an effective manager or leader. This will also be heavily influenced by the culture in which these leaders/managers are operating.

But let’s explore some of the behaviours associated with being kind:

n Patience and understanding.

n Empathy towards others.

n Being considerate of other’s feelings.

n Being generous with time, resources and attention.

n Use of positive language.

n Avoiding judgement and cynicism. The added benefit of all the above is that kindness can make you happier, strengthen relationships, can be good for your health in reducing stress and it is definitely contagious.

So, if one of your wishes in 2025 is to be healthy, respected, successful and more fulfilled, try being kinder. This will help you to become a great role model at work and within your community. The world needs you now more than ever.

Freddie Guilmard is the chief executive and a highperformance coach at RTP, a boutique consultancy that supports leaders in addressing their big issues by building human organisations.

freddie@the-redthread.co.uk the-redthread.co.uk

Freddie Guilmard

When a passion becomes reality

Seeing your great ideas come to life and turning your passion into a successful business can be exciting and the new year is often a time to start making your business dreams a reality. But where to start?

At the Federation of Small Businesses, our website is full of helpful guides which cover a whole range of support that businesses need. Below is a brief summary of seven practical pointers which will help you take the first steps towards becoming your own boss:

Step 1: Do your research. Whether you have spotted a gap in the market or you are ready to make your side hustle your day job, it is important to understand the industry you will be working in.

Before you jump straight in, take the time to step back and do some market research. Which sector are you going into? Who will your competitors be? Who is your ideal customer?

Imagine a typical customer journey and

James Anderson

how someone would go from learning about your business to becoming a paying customer. Put yourself in their shoes and think about how someone may engage with your business.

Step 2: Decide on your structure. When it comes to setting up your business, you have a number of options. The structure you choose will have an impact on how much tax you pay, the level of risk to your personal assets and your access to business finance.

The six most common business structures are:

n Sole trader (self-employed).

n A limited company.

n A business partnership.

n A Limited Liability Partnership.

n A social enterprise.

n An unincorporated association.

Step 3: Brand your business.

Your name and brand identity say a lot about who you are as a business, especially when you are just starting out. First impressions take seconds but they can influence a customer’s relationship with your business in the long term. Being instantly recognisable helps to build your brand identity and establish trust in your business. Use the research you did about your industry, competitors and market in step one to help you decide on a name, logo and branding that fits your vision.

Step 4: Write your business plan.

A business plan is a written document that includes a brief description of your business. It looks at the objectives, strategies, sales, marketing and financial forecasts of your business.

It is a useful summary of your business that will help you to:

n Visualise your long and short-term goals and objectives.

n Measure your progress and performance.

n Clarify your business idea or proposal.

n Spot potential problems before they happen.

n Understand how your business can grow.

Step 5: Figure out your finances. Running your own business means you will be responsible for your new venture’s finances. It can be daunting but balancing your books and making sure the numbers add up is crucial.

Step 6: Work out where you are working from.

You have done your research, ticked all the legal boxes and now you are ready to find a home for your new business. Whether you plan to rent an office space, open a shop or run your business from your kitchen table, you will have a few things to bear in mind such as your insurance, taxes and business rates.

Step 7: Market your business.

It is time to find customers and secure those all-important sales. The world of marketing and social media can seem overwhelming but there are four simple places to start your online journey:

n Create a marketing plan.

n Launch your website.

n Level up your social media.

n Get noticed online.

n For a more in depth version of this and other start-up advice, visit fsb.org.uk/ knowledge/fsb-infohub/start.html

Tax concerns dominate thoughts

The latest economic survey by the Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce highlights key challenges faced by businesses as the economic landscape continues to shift.

While firms remain resilient in some areas, the findings underline growing concerns around taxation, workforce dynamics and investment.

Nearly 20% of businesses reported a decrease in domestic sales since the last quarter’s survey and export sales experienced a similar decline.

Workforce figures have remained stable but fewer firms expect workforce growth in the next three months, with many anticipating potential reductions. Cashflow pressures have increased compared to the last quarter, reflecting tighter economic conditions, while plans for investment in plant and equipment have slowed, signalling cautious business sentiment.

Despite these challenges, however, there are signs of resilience with businesses largely expecting stable turnover and many respondents report operating at full capacity. 41% of firms expect to increase their prices, driven by rising labour costs, utilities and overheads.

One of the most key findings of the survey is the sharp rise in taxation concerns. 71% of respondents are bracing for further taxation announcements in the Spring Statement, a significant increase from 29% expressing such concerns 12 months ago. This heightened focus on taxation reflects shifting priorities among business leaders.

Concerns around inflation and interest rates have eased, suggesting firms are adapting to previously volatile economic conditions.

Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce is calling on policymakers to address these pressing issues in upcoming announcements and policy making. Its head of policy Simon Cox said: “Businesses are grappling with a challenging mix of reduced sales, cashflow pressures, and

concerns over taxation. It is vital that the Spring Statement delivers clarity and support to enable firms to navigate these hurdles and drive future growth.”

“Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce remains committed to advocating for businesses and ensuring their voices are heard in shaping the regional and national economic agenda.”

n The latest Quarterly Economic Report will be published in full this month. For more information, email policy@chambermk.co.uk.

Smarter resolutions for smaller businesses

As the new year begins, small business owners are embracing fresh opportunities to grow, improve and thrive writes South Midlands Growth Hub business adviser Neil Smith. But for owner-managed businesses with limited time and resources, ambitious plans can quickly become overwhelming.

The solution? Focus on a small number of Key Performance Indicators that balance immediate actions with longterm success.

A narrow focus on just a few KPIs ensures that goals remain achievable and progress is measurable. By setting

KPIs for the short term (one month), medium term (three months), and long term (12 months), small business owners can maintain momentum without losing sight of the bigger picture.

Financial health (revenue growth)

Timeline 1 month, 3 months, 12 months

Tracking revenue growth is essential. Begin with a realistic short-term goal, such as increasing monthly revenue by 5%. For the medium term, aim for a 15% quarterly increase. For the long term, set an ambitious yet attainable target, such as a 50% boost by year-end.

Customer acquisition

Timeline 1 month, 3 months, 12 months

Growth starts with acquiring new customers. A short-term goal might involve gaining five new clients. In three months, aim to expand your customer

base by 15% and by year-end double your client list.

Process improvement (efficiency)

Timeline 1 month, 3 months

Streamlining operations saves time and money. Set a one-month goal to identify and eliminate one inefficiency. Within three months, automate or simplify at least two processes to enhance productivity.

Brand presence (online engagement)

Timeline 3 months, 12 months

For the medium term, focus on increasing social media engagement by 20%. Over the year, work toward doubling your online following and website traffic.

Team development

Timeline 12 months

Invest in your team by committing to one skill development session per quarter. By year-end, every team member should have completed three growth opportunities.

Regularly review your progress against these KPIs, adjusting strategies as needed. With a clear focus and achievable goals, small business owners can transform resolutions into tangible results in 2024. n The South Midlands Growth Hub’s team of business advisers provide free, one-to-one independent advice to all business. A library of free business resources is available via growthhub. southmidlands.org.uk

Simon Cox

Central Bedfordshire Council, through its Be Central Bedfordshire website and services, provides a wealth of support and information to help all businesses, either established or new to the area, to thrive and grow.

Free support for workplace wellbeing

The Public Health Workplace Health Team has published its 2025 Workplace Health and Wellbeing Service Offer brochure.

The brochure includes a comprehensive list of service providers which have collaborated with the Public Health team to offer free health and wellbeing support to workplaces.

The brochure includes a range of services from free training to policy guidance and programmes delivered direct to workplaces.

They cover a range of topics such as mental health and suicide prevention, inclusive employment and recruitment, active travel, menopause and stop smoking.

The 2025 Workplace Health and wellbeing brochure is available at Workplace Health and Wellbeing | Central Bedfordshire Council or visit www. centralbedfordshire.gov.uk - search for Workplace Health.

NO ACID campaign is hitting home

The Trading Standards Service is raising awareness within the business community about the sale of restricted corrosive substances, particularly to those aged under 18.

Substances such as nitric acid, sulphuric acid and hydrochloric acid are found in many household cleaning products including high-strength drain, oven and household cleaners as well as brick and patio cleaners.

When it comes into contact with skin tissue, corrosive substances can cause significant damage.

While these items are sold for legitimate uses, products containing chemicals like those listed above can also be misused for criminal purposes. The vigilance of sellers has played a key role in enabling authorities to detect and disrupt these criminal activities.

The Offensive Weapons Act 2019 restricts the sale of products containing these substances (above a stated concentration) to a person under the age

of 18. This legislation is applicable to both on-premises and online or remote sales. All retailers must have effective systems in place for preventing unlawful sales.

n To report suspicious behaviour of someone buying or attempting to buy corrosive substances, contact the police on 101.

When selling these products in store, Trading Standards advises adopting the NO ACID approach: No corrosive substances in shop locations where it can be stolen, such as the shop entrance. Organise stock to make sale of corrosive substances safe. Assess – Who wants to buy it and why?

Challenge 25 – Only sell corrosive substances to over 18s by asking for ID if they look under 25.

ID To prove age ask for a driving licence, passport or PASS-approved proof of age card.

Do not sell if it does not feel right

Further good practice advice can be found at www. businesscompanion.info/focus/ knives-bladed-items-andhazardous-materials/part-1-acidsand-corrosive-substances

The Workplace Health team (from left) Sarah James, Lisa Neal and Jilly Albone

Green storage for surplus energy Reap the rewards of apprentice investment

There are many benefits of recruiting and investing in an apprentice:

n A great way to recruit new talent;

n Little to no recruitment or training costs;

n You can tailor their on-the-job training to meet your business needs;

n High retention rates. Apprentices often want to stay and progress further with their employer after completing their apprenticeship.

Bedfordshire Employment and Skills Academy (BESA) works with local employers to deliver the Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship over 18 months.

BESA will advertise and promote your vacancy, help to shortlist candidates and support you and your apprentice through the programme, covering a range of knowledge, skills and behaviours.

Take advantage of government funding to pay for the apprenticeship training. Currently, 95-100% of the training cost will be funded for small to medium employers, worth £5,000 for the Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeship.

The apprentice will need to be employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week for at least 18 months, earning at least the national apprenticeship minimum wage (currently £6.40 per hour). They must be given at least six hours per week to undertake planned training. The rest of their time will be spent in their job role, where will learn ‘on the job’.

BESA offers a rolling programme, meaning apprentices can start with us at any time across the year.

n Find out more on our website www. centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/besa, or email BESA@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

Roundabout advertising: A cost-effective way to enhance your business brand

Following the development of the new substation being built in Biggleswade – helping to futureproof the town’s energy supply as it grows - Central Bedfordshire Council is proposing the development of a battery energy storage facility nearby.

Renewable energy, such as solar or wind is generated and used in real time. But in some cases, more renewable energy is generated than is required.

To avoid wasting it, a battery storage facility would save the surplus energy to be used on a supply and demand basis to limit waste in the area.

The successful housing infrastructure fund bid is seeing millions of pounds of investment to transform the Biggleswade community, making it an even better place to live and work.

The £70 million of Homes England funding is supporting vital infrastructure projects in Biggleswade which will see the area grow in a sustainable way.

This is providing the community with the right supporting infrastructure, schools, facilities, services, and transport links ahead of the planned new homes and associated development.

The Biggleswade programme, including the private sector investment to bring forward the 3,000 homes, will deliver about £1 billion of new investment to help the area and Central Bedfordshire thrive.

n To learn more about this proposed battery storage facility visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/ battery-energy-storage

The driving force in advertising your business

With a population of 250,000 and more than 75 roundabouts, Central Bedfordshire’s Roundabout Sponsorship scheme allows your business to extend its exposure to a local audience on a daily basis.

When compared to other forms of advertising such as billboards or radio commercials, roundabout advertising proves to be a cost-effective way

to reach your audience. A variety of roundabouts are available for sponsorship, both on main roads and more localised routes. Three to four name plates, depending on roundabout size, may be placed on a roundabout, each facing oncoming traffic.

All sponsorship signage will follow the same format to ensure consistency across the road network but, most

importantly, preventing roundabout signs from distracting drivers.

The cost for each roundabout is £4,000 with a 10% reduction for businesses willing to pay for two years. All payment is required upfront and is non-refundable.

n Find out more at www. centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/roundaboutsponsorship

News: Bedfordshire

Car manufacturer Nissan, which designs and engineers its vehicles at its international design and R&D centre at Cranfield, has called for urgent action to prevent carmakers from being penalised for the slowdown in electric vehicle sales in the UK.

The potential penalties are looming due to outdated targets in the UK’s Zero Emissions Vehicles Mandate, Nissan said.

The Mandate was established to incentivise manufacturers to move from petrol and diesel vehicles to EVs under the assumption that the sharp rises in consumer demand for EVs seen in recent years would continue.

Despite discounting by manufacturers to drive sales this year, industry body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders predicts that the slowdown in consumer demand means that EV sales will only reach 18.5% of the total market, against the 2024 ZEV Mandate target for 22%, which will rise to 28% in 2025.

Missing the target will result in significant fines for manufacturers unless credits are purchased from EV-only brands, none of which manufacture in the UK. This means that the UK automotive industry will effectively be subsidising EV sectors in other countries at the expense of investment in Britain, Nissan said.

The manufacturer remains committed to a fully electric future and with partners is investing billions in new models and technologies for its UK operations. In light of the slowdown in consumer demand, Nissan has urged the UK government to urgently address the ZEV Mandate to protect such investments, including:

Government must act on EV target penalties

n Increased flexibility on borrowing credits from future years in the short term.

n A two-year monitoring period for 2024 and 2025 in place of potentially devastating fines for the industry.

n This would allow companies to plan accordingly and ensure the UK can deliver on the 80% target by 2030, even amid existing market headwinds.

Nissan has supported the aims of the UK’s ZEV Mandate and has been working towards a fully electric future since the launch of the electric Nissan LEAF in 2010.

Guillaume Cartier (inset), chairperson for the Nissan Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania region, said: “The Mandate risks undermining the business case for manufacturing cars in the UK and the viability of thousands of jobs and billions of pounds in investment. We now need to see urgent action from the government by the end of the year to avoid a potentially irreversible impact on the UK automotive sector.”

UK automotive manufacturing employs hundreds of thousands of people across the country and represents 12% of UK exports.

Nissan employs more than 7,000 people who design, engineer and build vehicles in Britain for customers across Europe and the

world. The company estimates its workers contribute more than £2 billion per year to the UK economy though wages, UK-built parts and services.

Three new EVs, to be built at the company’s manufacturing plant in Sunderland, have already been announced as part of the Nissan’s EV36Zero blueprint. Associated investments in battery recycling, skills development and vehicle-to-grid technology are also in progress to help realise a sustainable, fully electric future.

Nissan says that further discussion is required on improvements to consumer incentives and charging infrastructure to support the transition to EVs in the longerterm. However, the immediate changes it has proposed to the ZEV Mandate would not cost UK taxpayer and would remove the risk of investments in future vehicles and technologies being diverted into fines and credits for overseas manufacturers.

“We are committed to working with government and industry partners on a long-term solution but action is needed urgently to ensure we protect UK car manufacturing and ensure we can all realise and support the transition to zero emissions and carbon neutrality,” Guillaume said.

Nissan’s Technical Centre Europe at Cranfield, central to the company’s R&D activity

Not going down without a fight

Business and civic leaders react to the proposed closure of the Vauxhall factory in Luton, with the potential loss of 1,200 jobs.

The business community of Luton and Bedfordshire is ready to play its part in helping Luton to bounce back from the shock news of the proposed closure of the Vauxhall factory in the town.

Vauxhall parent company Stellantis has announced plans to shut the plant in Kimpton Road, with the potential loss of 1,200 jobs, and move its manufacturing activity to the factory at Ellesmere Port on Merseyside.

Luton Council estimates that up to 3,700 jobs – including in Vauxhall’s supply chain – are in jeopardy, with a potential cost to the Luton economy of £310 million.

Its decision reflects the broader challenges facing the automotive sector, including the shift towards electric vehicles, compliance with the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, increasing competition from cheaper imports and dampened demand across the sector.

Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, which represents the county’s business community, said Stellantis’ decision to shut the Luton factory was “undeniably a blow to the town”.

Chamber chief executive Justin Richardson added: “The timing of this decision has shocked many, particularly

as the company had previously expressed confidence in meeting the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate rules.

“In our previous discussions with Vauxhall, the focus has consistently been on how government policies can better support market dynamics and stimulate demand for EVs.”

Luton Council leader Cllr Hazel Simmons (inset) said: “We will not let this happen without a fight and on hearing about the plans we immediately arranged meetings with the plant’s management, trade unions and MPs to explore what can be done to save the plant and the jobs.

“Vauxhall has been an integral part of Luton’s heritage for decades and we will do all we can to stop this closure going ahead.”

The Luton and wider Bedfordshire business community remains committed to supporting Vauxhall workers, suppliers and the town “wherever possible”, said Justin.

The Chamber is confident that, should the closure proceed, Luton will bounce back. More than £5 billion of investment is in various stages of delivery for the town, headed by the proposed expansion of London Luton Airport and the new stadium project for Luton Town FC at Power Court, for which Luton Council has now granted full planning permission.

“Vauxhall has been an integral part of Luton, contributing significantly to the town’s economy and identity,” said Justin. “But it is all important to remember that Luton’s story is one of resilience and transformation.

“The town continues to grow, innovate and attract significant investment. Within just a mile radius of the plant, we see evidence of this momentum, with £5 billion worth of investment either completed, under way or in the pipeline. Both projects will lead to growth, new jobs and wider opportunities, he said, reinforcing Luton’s strategic importance as a regional hub. “It underscores the critical need for collaboration between businesses, policymakers, and local stakeholders to navigate the challenges of a transitioning economy while securing a brighter future for the town and its people.”

Justin Richardson

The Vauxhall factory in Kimpton Road, Luton. The company has been manufacturing in the town for 120 years

Technology park greets new tenants

A magnificent seven lettings have been completed at a technology park in Bedfordshire.

The deals at Cranfield University Technology Park mean that two office buildings are now full and the Innovation Centre is 95% occupied.

The park is home to more than 60 science, technology and knowledgebased businesses, ranging from start-up companies through to internationally recognised brands.

Josh Parello, agency associate at commercial property consultancy Kirkby Diamond which handled the lettings, said: “Cranfield University Technology Park is seeing very strong demand for office space.”

The seven recent lettings include Curio Group, a specialist UV and ozone plant, equipment and service delivery company which has signed a ten-year lease at the Innovation Centre.

At Derwent House, Signify Research - which operates in healthcare and technology - has agreed a five-year lease on a 4,026 sq ft unit after growing its business at the Innovation Centre.

Five other units, totalling over 12,500 sq ft, have been let to companies operating in a range of sectors.

Josh said: “The majority of tenants work with the university and there is a huge amount of synergy between the two. It is a very specialised site and the landlords have invested heavily over the past three years to significantly improve the facilities.”

These include a modern reception area, on-site café, EV charging points, showers, conference facilities and meeting rooms.

“All these deals bring welcome investment and new jobs to the region,” said Josh.

Quality counts as firm marks 150 years

It is perhaps the perfect way to start a year of celebrations. Construction business Neville Special Projects has begun its 150th anniversary year with the award of three internationally recognised ISO accreditations.

The business, part of the Neville Trust Group of Companies headquartered in Luton, is now approved for ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety, ISO 9001 Quality Management and ISO 14001 Environmental Management, across its project locations. “These accreditations have met one of our key objectives for this

College makes ‘major commitment to town’

Anew independent college is set to open in Luton after completion of a major office deal.

Smart Education Pro has signed a 20-year lease on 16,748 sq ft of office space at The Atrium, at Park Street West in the town centre. The local education provider has committed to setting up an independent college offering courses in sectors including construction and tourism, as well as basic maths, English and other subjects.

Smart Education pro director Alin Matei said: “We have been operating in the education sector for over seven years and now we are moving forward to establish our own college. We searched the market for a couple of months before deciding on Atrium House as being our first campus. The building offers great facilities.”

The deal on the building, formerly occupied by De Montfort University and Whitbread, was handled by commercial

property consultancy Kirkby Diamond. Agency associate Josh Parello said: “This is one of the largest office deals in the region this year and by signing a 20-year lease Smart Education Pro has made a major commitment to the town.”

The deal reflects the buoyant state of the property market in Luton, added Hannah Niven, Kirkby Diamond’s head of agency for Luton and North Herts. Budget airline easyJet has secured 50,000 sq ft for space on Capability Green and other international operators are also looking at the park

“There has been an increase in takeup in business parks like Capability Green, which has enjoyed a huge revival in popularity in the last 12 months,” said Hannah. “It is refreshing to see the business park now welcoming many new high-quality occupiers and the fact that the town centre is set to be home to a new independent college is a major boost for Luton.”

year,” said construction director Simon Last. “The auditing process throughout has been rigorous, really testing our upgraded management systems and ensuring that our policies and practices exceed expectations alongside the team that operates them.”

ISO provides a framework for organisations to continually improve

Neville Special Projects directors

Construction director Ben Knight and Mick Carpenter with Kelly Marshall and Alan Gould (right) of Auva Certification

performance by demonstrating their commitment to quality. “We are focused on continually developing our management systems to ensure we are not only providing the best service to our customers but also progressing our environmental agenda,” said Kelly Marshall, best practice and construction office manager.

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

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

Business leaders from Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes joined representatives from local authorities, industry, academia and community organisations to discuss progress towards net zero targets at a council-backed Net Zero Summit at Silverstone Circuit. Andrew Gibbs reports.

We have the opportunity to influence and to inform

The booming motorsport industry is working on the development of sustainable fuels in its bid to operate within the wider global targets for tackling climate change.

Leading companies in the sector, including automotive engineering company Cosworth and Silverstone Circuit—home of the F1 British Grand Prix—are at the forefront of the sector’s efforts to keep pace with the demands on business generally to play its part in reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the impact on the environment.

They acknowledge the importance of their role. Cosworth, which has bases in Northampton and at Silverstone, is an advocate of sustainable fuels while Silverstone—which attracts thousands of motorsport fans to its many events each year—is acutely conscious of the carbon

footprint that it and the F1 series of races worldwide can affect and admits it can do more to make a difference.

“We are a venue and we do not influence as much as we could,” said Silverstone Circuit’s head of sustainability Stephane Bazire. F1 is responsible for significant carbon emissions, the majority of which are created by motorsport fans travelling to events and by the teams moving their equipment around the world from race to race., he added.

Last year, Silverstone was responsible for emissions the equivalent of 68,000 tonnes of carbon. “But 80% of that figure relates to fans travelling to races.”

Recognising its obligations, the circuit has already instigated shuttle bus services from Milton Keynes, Northampton, Coventry and Oxford to the venue and is lobbying for a rail station to be built on the HS2 line under construction between

London and Birmingham. A total 63,000 motorsport fans used the shuttle buses this motorsport season and the services are to be expanded next year to run to and from 12 points around the UK.

Engineers at Cosworth are working on sustainable fuel alternatives in a bid to meet their climate obligations. Matthew Frost, Cosworth’s head of programmes, said: “Sustainable fuels are a really important step.”

Indy car racing and the British Touring Car series are already moving to hybrid and sustainable power and work continues on the development of hydrogen as a motorsport fuel. “That is a way off yet, however,” said Matthew.

He and Stephane were speaking at Silverstone’s Wing conference centre at a Net Zero Summit run by business support body Ngage Solutions with Milton

Matthew Cross of Cosworth makes his point as Stephane Bazire, Silverstone Circuit’s head of sustainability, listens

‘It changes the way you think about what you do’

>> From page 35

Keynes City and West Northamptonshire Councils. They were members of a panel that also welcomed PR specialist Liz Male, of Sherington-based specialist lowercarbon marketing and PR agency LMC, Ben O’Brien, managing director of ID Card Centre in Northampton which supplies identity and access control solutions, and Joshua Meek, chief impact officer at Unity Trust Bank.

The panel tackled a range of questions from the 100-strong audience of politicians, business leaders and representatives from community organisations and academia. Reflecting on LMC’s decision to embrace the climate change challenge, Liz said: “It changes the way you think about what you do. You realise that every job you do is a carbon job – we have the opportunity to influence and inform and support clients to make systemic changes.”

Formulating a sustainability strategy and starting its implementation can be daunting. Take advice from other organisations already on the journey, the panel advised. “Use the advice, skills and experience of others that have been there before to understand where you need to start and what small steps you should take,” said Matthew.

Making sure that colleagues are on

Liz Male

“We need to take action now because we have a responsibility for the future generations.”

board with the organisation’s plans is key, added Joshua. “Bring your teams with you so that everybody is on board when you start to talk to customers and suppliers. But focus on the things you can influence and change.”

Liz said:” We are all learning from each other. The best thing is to talk to experts and find other businesses to listen to and learn from.”

The need for businesses to develop their sustainability and play their part in tackling climate change is becoming more urgent, said Stephane.

“Climate change is affecting all of us, wherever it is taking place. Businesses need to act as soon as possible. There is an urgency – climate change is arriving and it is having a huge effect. We need to take action now because we have a

responsibility for the future generations.”

Working with the higher education sector is also important, the conference heard. “They are the future talent of the UK economy and working with them, talking to schools and colleges taps into the fundamental needs and values of the next generation,” said Joshua.

“They want purpose-driven jobs,” added Liz. “They all have economic anxiety and are worried about their future. They are looking for roles and careers in a future where they can make a difference.”

While more businesses are turning to Artificial Intelligence for content creation and more internet search engines are becoming AI-centric as a result. “But AI-driven searches use ten times the amount of energy that a normal search typically uses,” said Liz. “In terms of carbon emissions, the internet is already the sixth highest source worldwide – it is hugely carbon- heavy.”

Using it sensibly can lead to identifying new opportunities and helping to make decisions more efficiently, she added. “But we have to be more judicious in using it.”

Stephane Bazire and Matthew Cross were joined on the panel by Liz Male, Joshua Meek and Ben O’Brien (right) to answer questions posed by the audience

Collaboration is crucial to progress

Councils outline grant funding support available as businesses look to accelerate their journey to net zero

Hosting the conference, Ngage Solutions’ climate change programme manager Dan Cope outlined the range of grant funding available to businesses looking to begin or accelerate their work towards net zero.

Funding is available from both West Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes City Council to support businesses looking to follow in the footsteps of organisations already on the journey.

Harley Equestrian Shop at Woodford Halse near Daventry has already made annual savings of more than £6,000 after receiving a £9,000 grant from West Northamptonshire Council. It also awarded £5,000 to shoe manufacturer Crockett & Jones in Northampton which the company used to install solar panels on its roof, generating annual savings of £16,700.

In Milton Keynes, Clearsight Opticians joined the city council’s Net Zero MK programme run by the city council and has reduced its emissions by 83% in the past three years. Owner Arif Master said: “The reality of climate change is undeniable but each of us has the opportunity to take action and reduce our carbon footprint every day to help turn the tide and build a sustainable future.”

Opening the conference, West Northamptonshire Council’s cabinet member for local economy, culture and leisure Cllr Daniel Lister said the event was all about collaboration and action. “We all know how important it is for the community, for businesses and for the planet. By reducing emissions, we are protecting the environment and helping businesses to save money, be more efficient and futureproof themselves.

“Many local businesses are on their way to achieving their sustainability goals. It is now about building on that momentum and collaboration is at the heart of meaningful progress.”

Money from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund enabled the councils to stage the Net Zero Summit.

“We know that we have to work collaboratively with business,” Cllr Shanika Mahendran, cabinet member for economy, sustainability and innovation

at Milton Keynes City Council told the conference. “We know how important it is to support you on that journey.

Businesses are already dealing with so much – energy price rises, uncertainty in the economy – and it can be stressful enough to keep going without thinking about net zero and sustainability.

We are keen to work across the city and more widely to reach that goal that we all have to reduce emissions and try to help our planet back from the brink.”

Dan Cope, climate change manager at Ngage Solutions

Cllr Shanika Mahendran

Cllr Daniel Lister

Safety training: It is time to step up

Apprenticeships are the backbone of the trades and construction industry, shaping the workforce of tomorrow. They provide hands-on experience, real-world exposure and the technical skills needed to thrive.

But lurking on many worksites is an invisible threat, one that could cut short the careers and lives of these promising people before they even begin: asbestos. Despite the UK banning asbestos over 25 years ago, it remains a very real danger in older buildings. For apprentices stepping on to their first job sites, often with limited safety training, the risk of exposure is alarmingly high.

Legally, asbestos awareness training is required for anyone operating in these industries and the training should start from day one of an apprenticeship. Yet many employers treat this legal obligation as optional. Schools and colleges running apprenticeship programmes often overlook their moral duty to include asbestos awareness in their courses. It is time for change.

Asbestos, once hailed as a “miracle material” for its durability and heat resistance, was widely used in construction for decades. But the fibres that made it so versatile are also what make it deadly. When disturbed, asbestos releases microscopic carcinogenic fibres into the air that can be inhaled. Over time, this exposure can lead to devastating diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.

Although asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, it still exists in many buildings constructed before the ban. Renovation, demolition or even simple maintenance work can disturb asbestos-containing materials, releasing these dangerous fibres into the air. For apprentices who are new to the industry, the risk is magnified - they may not recognise asbestos or understand the dangers, leaving them more vulnerable to exposure.

PRACTICAL STEPS FOR CHANGE

Annual training as standard

Adam Fox,

co-owner

of safety

consultancy

Consulo Compliance, urges employers not to overlook their training obligations when it comes to the dangers of asbestos.

Many apprenticeship programmes do an excellent job of teaching technical skills but when it comes to asbestos awareness, the training often falls short. This is alarming, given that asbestos awareness is a legal requirement under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 for anyone working in trades or construction. Apprentices should be equipped with this knowledge before they even set foot on a worksite.

Regulation 4, which focuses on the duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises, is the most recognised part of the legislation. However, the need for asbestos awareness training applies to all tradespeople as exposure risks during refurbishment and demolition are just as high in the domestic sector.

While employers hold the legal duty to provide asbestos training, schools and colleges offering apprenticeship programmes have a moral obligation to protect the young lives they are shaping. The most compelling reason for annual

Incorporating annual asbestos awareness training into apprenticeship programmes is a straightforward but impactful step. This could include online learning, hands-on workshops and practical demonstrations.

Educating the educators

Those delivering the training must be experts in the field. Further education centres should invest in upskilling their instructors or bring in external experts.

Funding and support

Government and industry stakeholders should explore funding options. Grants, subsidies or tax incentives for businesses that invest in asbestos training would encourage compliance and offset costs.

asbestos training is simple: it saves lives. Proper education ensures apprentices understand the risks, know how to identify asbestos and take the right precautions. This is not just about compliance. It is about giving young workers the tools they need to protect themselves and their colleagues. Annual training does more than provide knowledge. It fosters a ‘safety first’ mindset. When apprentices are regularly reminded of the dangers and how to manage them, they develop habits that prioritise health and safety throughout their careers. This cultural shift benefits them and the entire industry.

Asbestos awareness is not just a regulatory box to tick. It is a critical skill. Annual training ensures that the next generation of tradespeople enters the workforce skilled in their craft and equipped to navigate the risks that come with the job.

A workforce that is educated and safety-conscious is a workforce that is resilient and dependable.

It is not only education providers that need to step up. Employers also play a crucial role. Companies hiring apprentices must demonstrate that they are fully compliant with asbestos regulations and committed to providing a safe working environment. This means regular asbestos awareness training for all employees, including apprentices, and rigorous site safety measures.

Further education centres, however, cannot wash their hands of responsibility. These institutions have a duty of care to ensure the apprentices they train are prepared for the realities of the workplace. They have a moral obligation to make asbestos awareness a standard part of their courses. By embedding this training into their curriculum, they can give apprentices the tools to stay safe while also holding employers accountable for providing safe environments.

Industry bodies and regulators must also step up, enforcing training standards and ensuring that companies failing to meet asbestos regulations face real consequences.

The trades and construction industries rely on apprentices to build our future but it is our responsibility to protect them as they do. By making annual asbestos awareness training a non-negotiable part of apprenticeship programmes and holding employers accountable for their safety practices, we can create a workforce that is not only skilled but safe. This is more than a regulatory issue… it is a moral obligation. Apprentices deserve better than to unknowingly step into harm’s way, especially when it can be so easily avoided.

Adam Fox

The High Street Rental Auction scheme has come into force in a bid to encourage landlords to market and fill vacant premises. But retail property specialist Samantha Jones fears it may not deliver the results for which the government is hoping.

Landlords, beware high streets plan

Since legislation was introduced to allow local authorities to auction privately owned, “persistently” vacant High Street premises, the market has been curiously waiting to understand the finer detail.

The Local Authorities (Rental Auctions) (England) and Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) Regulations have now been published and came into force on December 2.

The regulations build out the powers and process for the High Street Rental Auction scheme, working through steps and obligations for both the local authority and the landlord.

The new regime will apply to commercial premises in England which are within an area that:

n The local authority has designated as being a high street or town centre;

n Has been unoccupied for the whole of the last year or for at least 366 days in the last two years;

n Is suitable for “high street use” that would benefit the local economy, society or environment.

Samantha Jones, an associate surveyor and retail specialist at Northamptonbased commercial property agency Prop-Search, said “The government has stated that the target areas are those in economic decline with high vacancy rates and landlords not actively taking steps to rent the property.

“On that basis, we do not expect the HSRA process to be used for all vacant properties which meet the conditions above, particularly where landlords are proactive in seeking new occupants.”

The new regulations include a week-byweek timetable for the auction process which covers giving notice to the landlord of the intended auction, producing the auction pack, marketing the property and concluding the auction.

The timetable is tight, said Samantha, with criminal offences applied to certain acts of landlord non-compliance.

To start the process on qualifying properties, the local authority must serve an initial notice on the landlord. During this time the landlord will not be able to let the property without the local authority’s consent and then only if the letting begins within eight weeks, lasts for at least a year and will have people regularly present at the property.

If no tenancy has been agreed within

eight weeks, the local authority can serve a final notice which starts the rental auction procedure.

In the first four weeks, the landlord would be required to provide proof of title, responses to general pre-contract enquiries and copies of any relevant certificates such as EPCs, gas and electrical safety certificates and asbestos reports. The local authority would be responsible for carrying out searches, surveying the premises and preparing a schedule of work to ensure the property meets the minimum standard for letting, with the landlord responsible for undertaking those works within three months.

‘Minimum standard’ is defined in the Act and includes no significant water ingress, all fire safety requirements are in place and mains water, gas and electricity are connected or capable of reconnection without significant expense to the tenant.

The regulations set out the terms of the agreement for lease, including payment to the tenant of liquidated damages of £55 per day if the works are not finished by the landlord within three months.

“It is important that the ‘minimum standard” is not confused with the minimum energy efficiency standard,” said Samantha. “Last year’s consultation said the previous government was considering disapplying the minimum energy efficiency standard for tenancies

“HSRAs could deliver a much-needed boost to neglected high streets and town centres.”

entered into under these rules. However no such exemption has been included in the regulations.

“Therefore, landlords with properties with EPC ratings of F or G will also have to carry out energy improvement works to bring the accommodation up to the minimal acceptable rating of E.”

Then follows a six-week marketing period, during which interested parties must submit a bid to the local authority stating their annual rental bid, proposed use of the property and include a signed copy of the tenancy contract. There is no minimum rental figure in the regulations. By the end of the 11th week, the local authority must give notice to the landlord that all bids are in and the landlord then has only two working days to serve notice on the local authority of its choice of successful bid. The landlord is not obliged to choose the highest rental bid but if it fails to serve notice of the successful bid by the required deadline, the choice of successful bidder then falls to the local authority which can choose not to accept any bid or is required to choose the highest rental bid.

The term of the tenancy, which must be between one and five years, will be excluded from the security of tenure provisions of the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 so the tenant will not have a statutory right to renew the lease at the end of the term. There are also provisions for the local authority to charge the successful bidder certain costs associated with the process, such as legal and surveyors’ fees and the costs of preparing the tenancy documents.

There is a fixed four weeks rent-free period and tenant must pay a rent deposit of the higher of £1,000 and three months rents.

“With one in seven high street shops reported to currently be closed, HSRAs could deliver a much-needed boost to the local economies of neglected high streets and town centres,” said Samantha. “The question, however, remains: are we genuinely operating within a market of idle landlords who require this intervention? If the regulations only offer a solution for the minority and do not tackle the root cause of a greater economic issue around demand and affordability, both for consumers and occupiers, these detailed provisions may not be the breath of new life that the government envisages.”

Samantha Jones

KPIs: Use the right metrics to manage what truly matters

Business consultant Adrian Goodman explains why the correct measurement tools are key in improving business growth.

Last month I discussed how small, incremental improvements can lead to significant gains for SMEs. By identifying opportunities across revenue, costs and operations, business owners can make meaningful progress. However, in order to implement these changes effectively, you need to know which numbers to focus on. This is where Key Performance Indicators come in.

KPIs are metrics that help you to understand the underlying drivers of your business performance. While headline figures like gross margin or cash flow are important, they reflect results, not the factors driving improvement.

To truly ‘move the needle,’ you need actionable metrics that guide decisions and drive growth.

Your management accounts are a

goldmine of information. To improve headline figures, consider these metrics:

n Return on marketing spend How much revenue does each pound spent on marketing generate? Tracking this helps to refine campaigns and to focus on what works.

n Debtor days How long do customers take to pay you? Reducing this can improve cash flow significantly.

n Stock turnover ratio For productbased businesses, this shows how quickly inventory is sold. Slow turnover ties up cash.

These metrics highlight areas for action. For example, high debtor days may signal the need for tighter credit control or quicker invoice follow-ups. Similarly, monitoring your stock turnover ratio can reveal inefficiencies in inventory management, prompting adjustments that free up working capital.

Non-financial metrics often provide actionable insights into operations, customer behaviour or team productivity. For example:

n Average order value Are customers

Keeping it in the family requires careful planning

When it comes to passing down the family business, fathers are more likely to favour their sons and leave their daughters waiting in the wings, new research has revealed.

In a survey of 250 family business owners by Lime Solicitors, 51% of fathers said they would prioritise their sons when passing on their company, with only 36% choosing their daughters to carry on the legacy. Mothers in business, however, showed no preference between genders.

Further research by the firm, which has an office in Milton Keynes, found that women are less inclined to challenge a will if they felt they had been unfairly excluded, making them vulnerable to being sidelined and denied access to their rightful inheritance.

In England and Wales, children have a right to challenge a will if they believe it does not make ‘reasonable financial provision’ for them, said Lime Solicitors’ inheritance disputes partner Debra Burton. “This research highlights a complex and long-standing issue in

family-run businesses where traditional set-ups often see sons taking on central roles, particularly when fathers are making succession decisions. If a son is already active in a business, he may be naturally seen as the one best positioned to carry on the legacy. However, family members outside the business may feel excluded, which can lead to disputes and, potentially, costly litigation.”

Almost half of men surveyed (49%) said they would contest a will if they felt it was unfair, compared to 40% of women. 41% of men said they would pursue a larger share of the estate if they believed they deserved it, compared to 30% of women.

46% of men cited inadequate financial provision as grounds for contesting, compared to 29% of women. However, motivation among female respondents for contesting was focused more on protecting the deceased’s intentions, with 63% willing to contest if they suspected coercion and 73% over potential forgery.

“Fairness in family succession is often seen as crucial and while financial

spending more or less per transaction over time?

n Order volume How many units or services are sold in a given period?

n Customer retention rate Small improvements can boost long-term revenue.

n Employee productivity Metrics such as output per hour can identify efficiency opportunities.

Non-financial KPIs deliver immediate feedback, enabling real-time adjustments to strategies. For example, a decline in customer retention might highlight issues with service quality or competition, allowing you to address these proactively. All businesses can benefit from KPIs but one size does not fit all. The right KPIs depend on your business model, industry

provisions for non-involved family members or alternative inheritance plans can sometimes balance out the situation, it requires thoughtful planning,” said Debra. “However, a family business can often be the most valuable asset. If the numbers do not stack up and there are not enough non-business assets elsewhere to make up the difference, someone is going to lose out.”

Alistair Spencer, inheritance disputes legal director at Lime Solicitors, added: “Ultimately, whether a challenge is motivated by personal financial concerns or by a desire to uphold the deceased’s

Adrian Goodman

Debra Burton

and goals. For instance, a retail business might focus on stock turnover, while a service-based company prioritises efficiency. Seasonal businesses may need to track performance against different benchmarks depending on the time of year. Professional advice can help to identify the most relevant metrics for your business.

As your business evolves, so will your KPIs. Metrics that were once crucial may lose significance while others become more relevant. Regularly reviewing your KPIs ensures you are tracking what truly matters and adapting to new challenges. Effective KPIs should align with strategic objectives and be easily measurable to provide actionable insights.

At PPX Consulting, we help SMEs to identify and track the KPIs that drive real growth. If you are unsure where to start or need a fresh perspective on your existing metrics, get in touch. Our expertise ensures you are focusing on the metrics that matter most for your success.

n Adrian Goodman is managing director of PPX Consulting and author of the book Achieving Profitable Growth, available on Amazon. ppxconsulting.co.uk

adrian.goodman@ppxconsulting.co.uk

Tel: 01536 904 886

wishes, every case needs to be carefully considered on its individual merits.

“There are ways to address potential challenges: families can consider alternative provisions for non-involved family members by leaving them other assets or through solutions within the business itself, if finances allow.

“The goal should be to respect family dynamics while protecting both the business and beneficiaries’ interests. It is a delicate balance but with proper planning, it is possible to mitigate risks of disputes while ensuring fair treatment for family members.”

Chartered accountant Carl Elsby looks at management buy-outs as a route to consider when planning for the future.

A benefit to the owner and to the business

Carl Elsby

Bosses who want to get the best for themselves and their companies when they sell their business should investigate employee succession plans, according to accountancy experts.

Rushden-based Elsby & Co has helped several firms to achieve successful employee succession plans - also known as management buyouts - during the past year. However, the award-winning accountancy business says that too often busy bosses fail to plan ahead when it comes to the sale of their company.

Co-founder and partner Carl Elsby said: “Most people do not plan ahead for the sale of their business then one day their hand is forced, either by unexpected circumstances or they decide they have had enough. Faced with a quick, unplanned sale, the buyers - if there are any - have the upper hand and may offer a deal that leaves business owners wondering why they spent so many years working so hard.

“It is far better to plan ahead, get your business ready for sale and then go through a structured sale process, hopefully getting a few people interested, so there is some competition. We have handled a number of these deals, often successfully, but it is a stressful and expensive process and these deals can fall through right at the end.”

There is another way which, in the right

circumstances, can work like a dreaman employee succession plan.

“You get full value for your business, sell it to people you like and trust and in a timescale you want, plus the business you have worked so hard to create lives on,” said Carl. “Your trusted staff get to own it without borrowing any money or dipping into their savings. They start running it, allowing you to retire, they continue at the same level of earnings - plus inflationand the surplus profits are used to fund the business purchase.”

As part of the process, the team at Elsby & Co puts together a financial plan and proposal to present to the buying team. “We have instigated several of these projects and are currently working on more,” said Carl. “Each case has gone through smoothly with no unpleasant negotiations, the seller has achieved the price they desired and all parties have been delighted with the outcomes.

“It is painless, simple and rewarding with great outcomes for everyone.

“If you are keen to secure your business succession plans and have trusted employees to whom you would like to pass it on, we would be delighted to chat with you about the options and to help you to plan ahead for a successful outcome.”

n For further information, visit elsbyandco.co.uk or contact 01933 312950.

Alistair Spencer

Appointments

OU Business School head aims to go global

Professor Keith Schofield has been appointed as the head of the Open University Business School.

He has arrived in Milton Keynes from Aston Business School, where he was deputy dean responsible for maintaining Aston’s triple-accreditation status, leading its MBA programme, overseeing the launch of degree apprenticeships and developing its international agenda.

“One of my priorities will be to look at our curriculum to ensure we are delivering an international experience for our students,” said Keith.

“Another will be to review how we use our platform and materials to support

Logistics body names vice chair

Dr Nicholas Head, Northamptonshirebased logistics giant XPO’s head of sustainability, has become vice chair of the Sustainable Logistics Forum.

The forum represents 18 of the larger fleet operators and is part of Rutland Forums, a partner of XPO Logistics, which facilitates collaboration groups of sustainability and energy practitioners.

The forums meet regularly to collaborate on projects, share best practices and work with the government to develop policies to accelerate the UK’s low-carbon transition.

Nicholas also sits on the Forum’s Board of Advisors, which represents the sustainability interests of members including large corporations and retailers such as Boots, Tesco and the John Lewis Partnership.

“Decarbonising the economy and transportation in a manner that is not unduly burdensome on businesses or job creation and retention is a huge challenge that requires crosssector collaboration as never before,” Nicholas said. “Having the opportunity to participate in the Sustainable Logistics Forum and help to guide debate among industry peers can only benefit all involved, including providing substantial opportunities to identify initiatives that can drive that decarbonisation journey.”

education on a global scale.”

He is also looking to use the OU’s position as a leader in delivering flexible supported online learning to grow its

Promotion calls for contracts manager

He arrived, aged 21, as a trainee surveyor. Now Joe Bell has continued his move through the ranks at asbestos consultancy Acorn Analytical Services with promotion to contracts manager.

Drawn to the Northampton firm by the prospect of nationwide travel and a company car, Joe qualified as a surveyor before becoming an asbestos consultant. Now his role is more office-based at Acorn Analytical Services’ headquarters on Moulton Park.

“I like meeting new people, dealing with challenges, finding solutions and trying to make a difference,” Joe said. “This role gives me the opportunity to do all of those things. When I first started, I did not expect to be at this stage so soon but Acorn is willing to give everyone a chance.”

Managing director Sam Savage said: “Joe is a fantastic example of what can be achieved with the right mindset and dedication to the job. He has put the hours in to learning his trade over the past eight years and wholly deserves this promotion.”

international offer. “The Open University’s mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas was a huge draw for me to return and become a part of it again.”

Keith is an OU Masters graduate and worked as an associate lecturer on the OU campus delivering the Business School’s Developing Leadership module.

The OU Business School is triple accredited by the Association of MBAs and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business- an accolade held by fewer than 1% of business schools worldwide.

Department director joins main board

Home lifestyle retailer Bell of Northampton has added its departmental director Richard Kingston to the company’s main board of directors.

He joined the company, which was founded in 1898, 11 years ago as online manager and led the creation of its e-commerce department and original website. Richard was then promoted to manager of e-commerce and fires & stoves in 2019 before moving up to departmental director of fires, stoves and outdoor living across the company three years ago.

“Being made a member of the board means everything to me,” he said. “It represents one of the proudest milestones in my career, signifying the trust and confidence placed in my abilities, experience and vision by my peers and the organisation..”

He is to continue in his day-to-day role with the business. “I am deeply passionate about delivering a unique, memorable customer experience while ensuring that our independent business stands out in a competitive market,” Richard said.

Bell of Northampton’s managing director Lee Ferris added: “His keenness to collaborate more closely with the other directors in the business to build on our 125-year legacy of success is clear to see.”

NIcholas Head

Professor Keith Schofield

Richard Kingston

Joe Bell

Appointments

Fellowship reflects DL’s contribution to county

Neelam Aggarwal-Singh has received an Honorary Fellowship from the University of Northampton in recognition of her contribution to communities and the county.

The founder of the Indian Hindu Welfare Organisation became the county’s first Asian female Deputy Lieutenant of Northamptonshire in 2014. She has been a founder, director and chief spokesperson for many organisations and chaired the Northampton Community Alliance for three years, in partnership with Northamptonshire Police.

“I feel very humbled to have this honour bestowed on me,” Neelam said. “Having a voice and connection with the younger generation through the university is a real privilege. My message to young people today, who are our future, our tomorrow, is similar to what my father said to me: ‘You can do anything you set your mind to. If there is a will there is a way. Be principled in life and treat others how you want to be treated and always believe in yourself’.”

She was born and brought up in India where her father ran a brick factory founded by her grandfather. After graduating from university in India, Neelam moved to Northampton in the 1908s and worked in retail for Marks & Spencer before leaving to start her family.

When Neelam rrturned to work, she contacted the Northampton Volunteer Bureau for advice – a move that marked the start of a commitment of more than three decades to the voluntary sector.

Karen Jones, dean of the university’s Faculty of Business and Law, presented Neelam’s story and accolades. “In her paid career Neelam has worked across a range of sectors but, alongside this, it is her voluntary work with the local community which she feels is closest to

her heart and the most rewarding,” she said. “In her own words, ‘If we would like to make change in the world, we have to start by looking at what is around us’.”

Neelam co-founded the IWHO in 1996 - its most notable project is a multimillion-pound undertaking to build the first Hindu Community Centre and Temple in Northampton. She was appointed as the lead for Northampton Black Communities Together and was elected as a trustee of the National Inter-Faith Network, was a vice chair of the Primary Care Trust and served as part of the West Northamptonshire Council’s Health and Wellbeing Board.

Neelam received a MBE in 2013 for services to community cohesion, health and welfare.

Ex-Tropicana director tucks into Weetabix

Cereal manufacturer Weetabix has appointed James Bruce as the Northamptonshire company’s new commercial director.

James (inset) has moved from Tropicana Brands group, for which he was commercial director in the UK and Ireland and the company’s Europe commercial strategy director. He played a key role in its creation as a new business following its separation from PepsiCo.

His role at Weetabix sees him lead the company’s commercial division in the UK and

internationally. James takes over from Colm O’Dwyer, who became managing director in October. “With strong experience in driving business growth, creating dynamic commercial strategies, and raising vital engagement with customers in both the UK and Europe, he is a perfect addition to the Weetabix family,” said Colm.

James also worked for 20 years at international food and drink company Danone, for which he grew its flagship brands such as Actimel and Activia in the UK and several markets in Europe.

‘An exceptional industry leader’

Dale Wyatt, director automobile at Milton Keynes-based Suzuki GB PLC has received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Motor Trader Awards 2024.

The award recognises his success, strong relationships with the dealer network, media, leadership and high reputation across the automotive Industry in his 35-year career.

Dale is to step down from his role at Suzuki GB’s head office in Snelshall in March. He has been in senior positions with Suzuki since 2007 and in his role as director automobile for almost ten years.

Motor Trader‘s editor John Kirwan said: “He is widely seen as an exceptional industry leader.”

Dale said: “I am delighted, humbled and proud to be the recipient of this year Motor Trader lifetime achievement award. I have just researched the previous winners over the years and it is a real honour to be in the same company as such an illustrious alumni group.”

Dale also received an Outstanding Achievement award at the Used car Awards hosted by Car Dealer magazine. Its founder James Baggott said: “Dale has had an incredible career to date and made such a huge impact on the automotive industry. His openness about his journey, including his challenges with Parkinson’s, has been truly inspiring to so many people.”

He will be succeeded at Suzuki GB by David Kately but intends to remain in the industry as a consultant.

Dale Wyatt

Neelam Aggarwal-Singh

Quartet share their sporting dreams

Seminar series shines the spotlight on four medalwinning sportswomen and their journey to success on the international stage.

One Olympian and three Paralympians are preparing to lead the discussion at a round table forum in Northampton.

They are taking part in the next in the Sports Seminar series organised by the University of Northampton. Oarswoman Georgina Brayshaw will be joined by paralympic swimmer Maisie SummersNewton and twin sisters Scarlett and Eliza Humphrey, who have won bronze at the world and European paralympic swimming championships.

They will sit down to talk about their sporting journeys, the pressure of competing on a global stage and the next stop in their career plans.

The seminar series takes place in alternate months until the kick-off of the women’s Rugby World Cup in August. It aims to highlight and help to accelerate the growth of women’s sports

in Northamptonshire, England and across the globe.

Several Rugby World Cup fixtures are scheduled for the cinch at Franklins Gardens stadium in Northampton.

Georgina, who won GB’s first ever Olympic gold medal in the women’s quadruple sculls, passing the Netherlands in the very last stroke of the race, studied environmental science at the University of Northampton.

She began her love of rowing with the UON Rowing Society.

Maisie graduated from the University of Northampton with a degree in

‘Honoured to be part of a great story’

Primary Education in November. She was supported with her training through the university’s Energy Elite Athlete Scholarship Programme.

Sisters Scarlett and Eliza have been supported by the University of Northampton’s applied sports scientist Luke Callis throughout their training for the past two years.

n Tickets for The Female Athlete Experience: 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics seminar at the university on January 29, 6pm-8pm, are free and available via Eventbrite.

Luton-based Quinn Groundworks and Construction has become an official partner with Championship side Luton Town FC.

The company’s branding has been on the top of the Kenilworth Road stand for the past four seasons and the firm has stepped up its associate partnership agreement from last season.

This season also sees its branding on the David Preece stand.

Managing director Kyle Quinn said: “We have been part of the sponsorship journey with Luton Town for several years. It really has been a great story, we are honoured to be part of the club and look forward to a bright future on the upcoming seasons.”

(from left) Georgina Brayshaw; Maisie Summers-Newton; Scarlett and Eliza Humphrey

Inspiring leadership, teamwork and resilience

Sport has an important role to play in helping young people to develop their leadership, resilience and teamwork skills, attributes that will be required in the world of business.

It is a key reason behind the partnership between the England and Wales Cricket Board and Metro Bank in the ECB’s work to encourage more girls to take up the game.

To mark the partnership’s second anniversary, Metro Bank hosted an event featuring leading voices from the world of sport and business, exploring how sport can elevate the lives and careers of women and girls.

The speakers included former England international cricketer Katherine SciverBrunt, who spoke about moving into new ventures once a sportsperson has

Panellists (from left) Ruqsana Begum, Katherine Sciver-Brunt, Matt Rogan and Shaunagh Brown in conversation with Metro Bank’s retail and business banking director Kerry Reynolds

retired. Joining her was Shaunagh Brown, a retired England and Harlequins rugby player and member of the Metro Bank Girls in Cricket Fund Council who reflected on sport’s impact on personal and career development.

The event also heard from fellow Girls In Cricket Fund Council member Matt Rogan, co-founder of the sports data agency

Two Circles and a non-executive director of the UK Sports Institute who discussed the importance of data-driven strategies in both sport and business.

Business owner Ruqsana Begum, a former professional boxer, discussed her life in both sport and business and how sport empowered her to achieve more.

Metro Bank sees its link-up with the ECB as a way to create more opportunities for women and girls in sport and business, inspiring future leaders and ensuring that female-led enterprises have the tools, network and platform they need to thrive.

“Our partnership with the ECB dovetails neatly with our support for female entrepreneurs,” said Kerry Reynolds, the bank’s retail and business banking director. “We are enthusiastic about nurturing the potential of girls in our communities and we believe that encouraging them to get involved in sport is a powerful way to develop life skills that will serve them well in any career they choose.”

Bringing the matchday buzz to work experience

Students from the University of Northampton have netted some valuable industry insights when they joined matchday staff at Northampton Town FC’s recent home League One match against Cambridge Utd.

The undergraduates had spent two weeks shadowing club staff and supporting with practical tasks before putting what they had learned into matchday action, looking after corporate guests, helping the commercial department and stadium manager and producing photographs and video content for the club’s media department.

Sports Management and Leadership student Joshua Borode was among the students taking part in the placement. He spent the fortnight working in the Cobblers’ marketing and commercial department. “It was a really good experience for me to get involved in the NTFC takeover placement where me and students on other courses had the

opportunity to perceive what it is like working behind the scenes at a football club, both on and off matchday,” he said.

The University of Northampton has been the club’s principal partner and its main shirt sponsor since 2013. The link-up has evolved into a partnership that has seen the club benefit from the university’s

expertise and students benefit from internships, work experience and insight into careers in professional football, said Scott Bradley, UON’s head of science and partner liaison with the football club.

“We are grateful to Northampton Town FC for providing this wonderful opportunity for our students,” he added. “Working in partnership with the Cobblers in this way allows our students to gain valuable experience in what it is like to work in the sports industry and experience the buzz of a match day.

“It will help them to develop their employability skills and understanding of how the club’s operations drive social change and deliver impact.”

The Cambridge match was the first of three UON takeover days. 16 more students are preparing to follow suit for the Cobblers’ home fixtures against League One high-fliers Wrexham next month and against Birmingham City in March.

Students chat with a matchday steward at Sixfields stadium

Business Soundbites

A snapshot of what business people have been telling us.

“The headlines look great – but the persistent reality remains.”

Sue Vinnicombe, Professor of Women and Leadership at Cranfield School of Management, reflects on the 11% drop in the number of women in executive roles at FTSE 250 companies since 2022 – even though the figure meets Women Leaders review targets.

“This recognition is as much about our people and community as it is about our global success.”

Roger Bowden, founder and chairman of platform manufacturer Niftylift on receiving the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

“There is an awful lot of life left and only so much golf you can play.”

Financial planner Conor O’Sullivan urges anyone in the 40s and 50s and considering selling their business to make thorough plans as early as possible to ensure sufficient income into retirement.

“Be principled in life and treat others how you want to be treated.”

Neelam Aggarwal-Singh, Deputy Lieutenant for Northamptonshire, gives her advice to students after receiving an Honorary Fellowship from the University of Northampton.

“Taking the plunge might just be the chance you have been waiting for.”

SME. National Business Awards winner Katie Parker urges would-be entrepreneurs not of be afraid of turning their business dream into a reality.

Farm’s big win for sustainability

A former doctor who gave up his job to take over the running of the family’s estate has been named Sustainable Farmer of the Year.

Dr Johnny Wake, of Courteenhall Farms near Northampton, collected the award British Farming Awards.

The awards, which have been running for 12 years, celebrate excellence in the rural sector.

Courteenhall Farms spans 1,800 acres and is a model of sustainable and diversified farming practices. The farm combines arable crops with innovative practices such as regenerative farming, circular agriculture, renewable energy, biodiversity and conservation and community education.

Dr Wake grew up on the farm and gave up his full-time job as a doctor nine years ago to become Courteenhall’s managing partner. He has moved it from a business based around arable farming and residential property to one on a much more diverse and sustainable footing.

The estate has invested in cutting-edge technology, increasing biodiversity and a dedication to soil health to maximise use of natural fertilisers. Traditional Hereford cattle and rare breed pigs have also been reintroduced to the land.

Dr Wake said: “It is very exciting to be recognised for all the effort we are making to farm as sustainably as we can. At the heart of this is our mission statement - ‘leaving a legacy to be proud of’. Any possible business decision is analysed from this viewpoint and looked at from a long-term point of view.”

Universities join forces to launch Hardship Fund for students

Dozens of students from Gaza and Lebanon are to complete their studies with support from a Hardship Fund set up by The Open University and the Arab Open University.

The fund has been set up to help Palestinian students and those studying and living in Lebanon. It will directly benefit at least 60 students already identified as having an urgent need for monetary aid to complete their studies.

Dr Johnny Wake

Proud to be custodian of a piece of history

One of the 49 ‘Tree of Hope’ saplings grown from the seed of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree is to spread its roots in Milton Keynes.

The Parks Trust, which manages the city’s parkland and green spaces, is among the recipients of a sapling from The National Trust. To mark the first anniversary of Sycamore Gap tree’s felling, individuals and organisations across the UK were invited to request to plant a sapling grown from its seed. The National Trust received almost 500 applications.

The Parks Trust has identified a suitable site at Stanton Low Park next to Oakridge Park in the north of the city. The park is bisected by the Grand Union Canal and features ancient landmarks including the 12th-century remains of St Peter’s Church and underground remains of Stantonbury Manor house. It also boasts wildflower meadows and hedgerows, a natural play area, walking routes, and views across the River Great Ouse valley.

The sapling’s planting will be symbolic of regeneration, offering a place for reflection, celebration and connection to the natural world, said The Parks Trust’s chief executive Victoria Miles.

“We are incredibly proud and excited to become custodians of such a significant piece of Britain’s natural history,” she

The Arab OU, a long-standing partner of the OU, has 1,583 Palestinian students across its campuses in Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia with more than 400 from Gaza alone.

The OU and the AOU has each committed £50,000 for immediate disbursement to help the students in their final two years.

The OU’s university secretary Dave Hall said: “The action we have taken in

contributing to this hardship fund reflects the OU’s Values in Action. Our mission has always been to make education accessible, especially to those facing challenging circumstances. These students are not only working towards their degrees but are doing so under extremely difficult conditions. It is vital for us, as an institution, to respond with compassion and real impactful support and we are hopeful that this assistance

added. “The planting of a Tree of Hope here in Milton Keynes truly demonstrates the importance of nature for our city and the benefits of green spaces that are loved by our communities.”

The entries were judged by a panel of experts from the National Trust led by independent judge and arboriculture specialist Catherine Nuttgens. “The stories have come from every corner of the UK and every walk of life,” she said. “Their words reflect the hope and kindness that human beings are capable of, which feels like such a fitting response to the loss of this precious tree.

“The sycamore is one of the most architecturally beautiful trees in our landscape. In summer, their dark green leaves create a canopy that looks almost like broccoli, while in winter they create a silhouette that perfectly depicts what we think of when we think of a tree.

“The loss of any tree can evoke strong emotions - none more so than the Sycamore Gap tree. Its destruction felt utterly senseless, destroying the simple joy it brought to so many people for so many reasons. But the Trees of Hope initiative has kept that sense of joy and hope alive.”

The saplings are being cared for at The National Trust’s Plant Conservation Centre, and they should be strong enough, will be planted out in winter 2025-26.

Recipients from across the UK include The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in Leeds, Holly’s Hope in conjunction with Hexham Abbey in Northumberland and The Tree Sanctuary and Tree Amigos in Coventry.

Andrew Poad, general manager for The National Trust’s Hadrian Wall properties, said: “Each and every application for a ‘Tree of Hope’ told heartfelt stories of people’s emotional connections to the Sycamore Gap tree and the importance of nature.

“The tree meant so much to so many and through the Trees of Hope initiative we are helping reach people across the nation, for generations to come.”

will enable these students to achieve their academic goals.”

AOU president Professor Mohamed AlZakri added: “This partnership exemplifies the shared commitment of AOU and OU to supporting students in need. By establishing this hardship fund, we are extending a lifeline to those facing extraordinary challenges, empowering them to continue their education and work toward a brighter future.”

Before the illegal felling: The iconic Sycamore Gap tree on Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland.

Left: A Sycamore Gap sapling at the National Trust Plant Conservation Centre. One is to be planted at Stanton Low Park in Milton Keynes Photos: National Trust Images

Victoria Miles

Networking

A group for networkers looking for referrals, introductions, opportunities and sales. Northants and surrounding areas

Every Tuesday at noon.

National networking

Every Wednesday at noon. Contact Gary Thorpe for all events. Email: gary.thorpe@debt-doctors.co.uk. Tel: 07963 766052 or 01536 333425.

AYLESBURY

2nd Tuesday 12 noon-2pm: Online. MILTON KEYNES

2nd Thursday 12 noon-2pm: Online. BUCKINGHAM

3rd Tuesday 12 noon-2pm: Online. CAPPUCCINO CONNECTIONS

4th Thursday 10am-11.30am: Online. Contact: Anna Atkins-Carter, regional director North Bucks / West Chilterns. 07540 097776, email: anna.atkinscarter@theathenanetwork.com or visit theathenanetwork.com.

BEDFORD

2nd Wednesday 12 noon-2pm: Online.

SOUTH BEDFORDSHIRE

4th Tuesday 12 noon-2pm: Online. WOBURN

3rd Thursday 12 noon-2pm: Online. Contact: Kate Cherry, regional director Bedfordshire & St Albans. 07909 675333, email: kate.cherry@theathenanetwork.com or visit theathenanetwork.com

SME BEDFORDSHIRE BUSINESS AWARDS LAUNCH

January 15, 9.30am-11.15am:

The Bedford Swan Hotel, The Embankment First sight of the categories and competition details for this year’s awards, organised by Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce. Part of the Chamber’s regular networking event CONNECT OVER COFFEE Free event.

Book on to Chamber of Commerce events via events.chamber-business.com

IGNITE

Tuesday 6.45am: The Turnpike, Harpole, Northampton ACHIEVERS

Wednesday 9.30am: Brewpoint, Cut Throat Lane, Bedford. PIONEER

Wednesday 9.30am-11am: Online. APOLLO

Wednesday 10am: Abbey Hill Golf Centre, Two Mile Ash, Milton Keynes. FUSION

Thursday 6.45am: Abbey Hill Golf Centre, Two Mile Ash, Milton Keynes.

BLAZE

Thursday 6.45am:

Mount Pleasant Golf Club, Lower Stondon, near Henlow. PAVILION

Thursday 6.45am-8.30am:

The Old Northamptonians RFC, Sir Humphrey Cripps Pavilion, Billing Road, Northampton. PROSPERITY

Thursday 6.45am-8.30am: The Kettering Golf Club, Headlands, Kettering. STERLING

Thursday 11.45am-1.30pm:

The Old Northamptonians RFC, Sir Humphrey Cripps Pavilion, Billing Road, Northampton. ENCORE

Friday 6.45am: Holiday Inn London Luton. LIGHTHOUSE

Friday 6.45am-8.30am: Old Northamptonians Association, Billing Road, Northampton. Contact: Duncan Webster.

Email: duncan@bnibreakfast.co.uk or call 07977 422220.

More information: bni.co.uk

January 7, 21 7am-8.45am: The Beefeater, Buckingham

Breakfast networking event with speaker. Visitors: £10.

More details: bucks-fizz.biz or contact David Babister 07796 136688.

Regional sponsor:

Business MK and Business Times

Relaxed, informal, conversational B2B networking. All Business Buzz events run 10am-noon. Price: £10 plus VAT.

BEDFORD

1st Wednesday: George & Dragon, Mill Street. BIGGLESWADE

4th Tuesday: Miss Vietnam, Market Square. BRACKLEY

1st Thursday: Paisley Pear, Northampton Road. DAVENTRY

3rd Friday: Arc Cinema, Mulberry Place. DUNSTABLE

4th Friday: Sugar Lounge at The Old Sugar Loaf, High Street North.

LUTON

2nd Tuesday: The Garden Cafe, Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road.

MILTON KEYNES

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

NORTHAMPTON

3rd Wednesday: Barratts Snooker Club & Bar, Kingsthorpe Road.

TOWCESTER

December 19: Towcester Mill Brewery, Chantry Lane.

WELLINGBOROUGH

2nd Tuesday: Castello Lounge, Market Street

All meetings payable in advance on the Business Buzz Booking App app.business-buzz.org/app or at the event.

Business networking and referral group.

Price: £6.

MILTON KEYNES

4th Thursday, 7.30am-9.30am:

Windmill Hill Golf Centre, Bletchley.

Meeting fee: £16 (first meeting free).

NORTHAMPTON BREAKFAST

3rd Wednesday, 7.30-9.30am: The Turnpike, Harpole.

NORTHAMPTON EVENING

4th Tuesday, 6.30-8.30pm: Cheyne Walk Club, Northampton.

WELLINGBOROUGH

2nd Thursday, 7.30-9.30am: The Hind Hotel.

VIRTUAL MEETINGS

Meeting fee: £6 (first meeting free).

WEDNESDAY BREAKFAST

4th Wednesday, 7.30am-9am.

THURSDAY BREAKFAST

3rd Thursday, 7.30am-9am.

FRIDAY BREAKFAST

2nd Friday, 7.30am-9am.

THE ACCOUNTABILITY CIRCLE

MONDAY 10AM-11AM: ONLINE

Time management and productivity. Price: £6 per session or £12 per month. More information: buscomm.co.uk

January 4, 18 7am:

Windmill Hill Golf Centre, Bletchley Networking breakfast with speaker. Price: £15 nonmembers. Contact: businessgrowthclub.co.uk or Mark Orr 07903 655169.

Brunchtime networking. Price: £26.

BEDFORD

January 16, 9.30am-11.30am Brewpoint, Cut Throat Lane, Bedford Host: Aruno Rao.

MILTON KEYNES

January 8, 9.30am-11.30am

The Woburn Hotel, George Street Host: Heide Swift. NORTHAMPTON

January 14, 9.30am-11.30am

The Chester House Estate, Irchester Host: Kirsty Parris.

TOWCESTER

January 15, 9.30am-11.30am

The Navigation Inn, Thrupp Wharf Marina, Cosgrove Host: Kirsty Parris.

Contact: busynetworking.net/meetings

Networking with lunch. Price: £28.

AMPTHILL

January 16, 11.45am-2pm

The Knife & Cleaver, Houghton Conquest

Host: Chandra Gardner.

BEDFORD

January 30, 11.45am-2pm

The Woodland Manor Hotel, Green Lane, Clapham Host: Aruno Rao.

BUCKINGHAM

January 20, 11.45am-2pm

The Grand Junction, High Street, Buckingham Host: Heide Swift.

KETTERING

January 28, 11.45am-2pm

The Kettering Golf Club, Headlands Host: Aruno Rao.

MILTON KEYNES

January 9, 11.45am-2pm

The George, Watling Street, Little Brickhill Host: Aruno Rao.

MILTON KEYNES NORTH

January 13, 11.45am-2pm

The Cherry Tree, Olney Host: Aruno Rao.

NORTHAMPTON

January 21, 11.45am-2pm

The White Hart, Main Road, Hackleton Host: Aruno Rao.

TOWCESTER

January 29, 11.45am-2pm

The Navigation Inn, Thrupp Wharf Marina, Cosgrove Host: Aruno Rao.

Contact: busywomen.net or call 07957 284851.

NETWORKING BREAKFAST

3rd Friday, 7am-9am

Astral Park, Leighton Buzzard

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

VIRTUAL

January 7 10.30am-11.30am

January 28 10.25am-11.30am Online

LUNCHTIME NETWORKING

January 8, 12.15pm-1.45pm Woodfines Solicitors, Central Milton Keynes IN PARTNERSHIP EVENT WITH LEIGHTON BUZZARD BUSINESSES

January 9 5pm-7pm

Leighton Town FC

GOLD MEMBERSHIP WORKSHOP

January 14, 9am-12 noon

YMCA, Central Milton Keynes MONTHLY MEET-UP

January 21, 4.30pm-7pm

The Italian Sur Lago, Furzton Lake

IN PARTNERSHIP EVENT

WITH OLNEY BUSINESSES

January 29, 5pm-7pm

Olney Rugby Club

Book at the event booking diary web page at collaboratemk.co.uk

Contact: Tim Lee tim@collaboratemk.co.uk or 07786 527845.

Alternate Wednesdays 7.30am-9.30am: The Hind Hotel, Wellingborough

Networking group run by its members for its members. Contact: cornerstone-northants.org or email: network@cornerstone-northants.org

Wednesdays 6.45am-8.30am:

The Hopping Hare, Hopping Hill Gardens, Northampton

Breakfast networking plus members’ presentation opportunities. Price: £10 visitors. Contact: enigmanetworking.co.uk

Email: chair@enigmanetworking.co.uk or call 07889 967779.

BUSINESS BOOTCAMP: NEW YEAR REFRESHER

January 30 9am-3pm:

The Woodlands at Hothorpe Hall, Leicester

The FSB brings businesses from across the Midlands to a woodland retreat to help you get your mind, body and business ready for the year ahead.

To book on to FSB events, visit fsb.org.uk

COFFEE & CONNECT

January 9, 10am-12 noon: Frosts Garden Centre, Woburn Sands Informal networking. Price: £12.50. Book at: askgoto.com/event/coffee-connect-mk-20/

LBBC

LEIGHTON BUZZARD BUSINESS CLUB

Wednesdays 7am-8.30am: The Dukes, Leighton Road, Heath and Reach Breakfast networking with speaker plus member presentations. Visitors: £10. Contact: leightonbuzzardbiz.co.uk

Email LBBC chairman Steve Baker at steve@sbfinancial.co.uk or call 01296 641868.

#LOVEBIZ NETWORKING DERNGATE COMMUNITY

January 8, 9.30am-11am: Online

Price: £10. Contact: Julie Cameron at juliecameron@lovebiznetworking.co.uk or lovebiznetworking.co.uk

LUTON COFFEE CLUB

1st Tuesday 8am-10am

Mano Coffee, George Street Informal networking. Free event.

To find out more, email organiser Stephen Wood at s.w@srwood.co.uk or call 01582 401221.

SPEED NETWORKING

January 23, 10am-11am: Online

Joint event with Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce and Next Generation Chamber. Free event for Chamber members, non-members £10 plus VAT.

MAXIMISING THE VALUE OF YOUR BUSINESS

January 30, 10am-11.30am: Online

Webinar delivered by Grant Thornton and O’Sullivan Financial Planning.

To include insights on:

• The state of the Mergers & Acquisitions and investment market

• How businesses are valued

• Options for business owners to either exit completely or generate liquidity from their business

• How to prepare yourself and your family for the transition

• How to leave your ego at the door to maximise what you need.

Free event. Chamber non-members welcome.

WOMEN WITH VISION

January 31 11.3am-1.30pm: Silverstone Museum

Empower Your Vision: Setting Bold Goals for 2025 is the subject of a presentation by executive coach Rachel Collar, of Haus of Coaching. Followed by 2-course lunch.

Price: £30 plus VAT Chamber members; non-members £50 plus VAT.

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

Alternate Thursdays 7.15am-9am: Beefeater, Priory Marina, Barkers Lane, Bedford Breakfast networking with speaker. Contact: nibeds.co.uk

Networking

EVERYONE SELLS!

January 28, 5.30pm-7pm: Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, Waterside Way, Northampton Workshop, part of the Next Generation Personal Development series. Free event for Chamber members, non-members £10 plus VAT. To book on to Chamber events, visit chambermk.co.uk/events

NNBN is a business membership organisation for all of Northamptonshire which aims to help businesses in the county to recover, build and grow for a brighter future.

FRIDAY@4

January 3, 4pm-5pm: Online – Networking. Free event.

ENGAGE & GROW – VIDEO MARKETING

January 6, 4pm-5pm: Online - Free event to NNBN members and non-members.

HOT DESKING

January 31, 10am-4pm: Vulcan Works, Northampton For more information and to book, visit nnbn.co.uk/events/

SPEED NETWORKING

January 23, 10am-11am: Online Joint event with Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce and Next Generation Chamber. Free event for Chamber members, non-members £10 plus VAT.

MAXIMISING THE VALUE OF YOUR BUSINESS

January 30, 10am-11.30am: Online

Webinar delivered by Grant Thornton and O’Sullivan Financial Planning.

To include insights on:

• The state of the Mergers & Acquisitions and investment market

• How businesses are valued

• Options for business owners to either exit completely or generate liquidity from their business

• How to prepare yourself and your family for the transition

• How to leave your ego at the door to maximise what you need.

Free event. Chamber non-members welcome.

WOMEN WITH VISION

January 31, 11.3am-1.30pm: Silverstone Museum

Empower Your Vision: Setting Bold Goals for 2025 is the subject of a presentation by executive coach Rachel Collar, of Haus of Coaching. Followed by 2-course lunch. Price: £30 plus VAT Chamber members; non-members £50 plus VAT.

To book on to Chamber events, visit northants-chamber.co.uk/events

Fridays 6.45am-8.45am:

The Cock Hotel, Stony Stratford

Networking breakfast, with more than 40 members from a wide range of businesses. Businesses referrals, business support and training.

Contact: tfinetworking.co.uk

12 noon-2pm, networking lunch.

BEDFORD & AMPTHILL

1st Tuesday: The Swan Hotel, The Embankment, Bedford / Online.

LEIGHTON BUZZARD

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

LUTON

2nd Monday: South Beds Golf Club/ Online.

SANDY & BIGGLESWADE

1st Wednesday: Stratton House Hotel, Biggleswade. Contact: Louise Yexley on 07989 020647, email: louise.yexley@wibn.co.uk or visit www.wibn.co.uk

MILTON KEYNES

1st Tuesday: The Brasserie at Milton Keynes College, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley. Contact: Edith Samambwa on 07802 581838, email edith.samambwa@wibn.co.uk or visit www.wibn.co.uk

NETWORKING LUNCH

January 29, 12 noon-3pm:

The Warbler on the Wharf, Campbell Marina, Milton Keynes Price: £26.95. non-members welcome. For more details and to book, visit womeninenterprise.co.uk

BUSINESS ROOM

Connecting

Connecting

Connecting corporate & community with great conversations, meaningful networking, and inspiring updates.

City Breakfast Club Milton Keynes is the longest-running, premier networking event connecting you with the city’s top business leaders. The event takes place on the first Wednesday of each month*.

To book your place,

The Business Room is a one business per area group for business owners, those in employed positions, MLMs and franchised businesses.

BEDFORD

3rd Thursday 9.30am-11.30am: The Kingfisher. KETTERING

2nd Tuesday 12 noon-2pm: Kettering Park Hotel & Spa.

NORTHAMPTON

2nd Thursday 12 noon-2pm: Sun Inn, High Street, Hardingstone. OLNEY

2nd Wednesday 9.30am-11.30am: The Cherry Tree Restaurant & Bar.

SOUTH NORTHANTS

3rd Tuesday 12 noon-2pm: The Fox & Hounds, Whittlebury. WELLINGBOROUGH

3rd Wednesday 12 noon-2pm: The Stanwick Hotel, Stanwick. THE CONNECTIONS CLUB - NORTHANTS For business owners, influencers and decision-makers.

NORTHAMPTON

1st Tuesday 11.45am-2pm: Delapre Abbey, Northampton. Contact: Barbara Hodgson 07504 946 585 / 01933 652884

Email: barbara@yourbusinessmatters.co or visit yourbusinessmatters.co.

THIS IS SWANBOURNE SPIRIT

With modern classrooms surrounded by eucalyptus woods and an adjacent farm (with lots of animals to see at break time!), an indoor swimming pool and outdoor classrooms, our early years setting is an extraordinary place for young learners to grow, play and begin their educational journey with confidence and joy.