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Business MK February 2024

Incorporating Business2Business

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

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Engineering sector faces a skills warning. P5

AW AR DS

Business crime: Time to get tough, said FSB. P7

We will learn: OU’s pledge after ruling by tribunal

anagement at the Open University have vowed to take the lessons from an employment tribunal ruling in favour of a former professor’s claim of unfair dismissal. The university is considering its right of appeal against the ruling at Watford Tribunal Court after the Employment Judge ruled in favour of Professor Jo Phoenix. She had been employed as Professor of Criminology by the OU from August 2016 until she was constructively dismissed in December 2021. The tribunal found that the OU failed to protect Professor Phoenix

from attacks by her colleagues for fear of being seen to support the claimant’s gender-critical beliefs. The tribunal judge ruled that Professor Phoenix’s claims of direct discrimination, harassment due to the professor’s gendercritical beliefs, constructive unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal and of victimisation and harassment after she left the OU were all ‘well founded’. A ruling on compensation will be made at a later date. In a statement, OU Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Blackman said: “We acknowledge that we can learn from this judgment and are considering the findings very carefully. We

are deeply concerned about the wellbeing of everyone involved in the case and acknowledge the significant impact it has had on Professor Phoenix, the witnesses and many other colleagues. Our priority has been to protect freedom of speech while respecting legal rights and protections. “We are disappointed by the judgment and will need time to consider it in detail, including our right to appeal.” Professor Phoenix was among more than 50 academics who in 2018 had signed a letter to The Guardian newspaper voicing concerns that expressed concern

about self-identification for gender reassignment. However, the letter provoked a hostile response from colleagues. In June 2021, Professor Phoenix established the Gender Critical Research Network at the OU, a research group focused on the importance of sexed bodies in different academic disciplines. However, more than 360 of her colleagues signed a public letter condemning the group and calling for it to be disaffiliated from the OU. Professor Phoenix’s colleagues made ‘baseless’ public allegations of transphobia, accused her and To page 3 >

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Meet the finalists ahead of awards ceremony. P13

FE AT UR E

A beacon of light attracting global businesses. P13

Efficiency, production and lean manufacturing. P21

Gillian Keegan, the Secretary of State for Education, has praised the ‘new generation of codebreakers’ being created in the shadow of Bletchley Park. Full story: Page 7

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Investor secures £9.5m office deal

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professional property investor has completed the purchase of four fully tenanted purpose-built modern office blocks at Caldecotte Business Park in Milton Keynes, with £9.5 million in debt funding from Cambridge & Counties Bank. The acquisition of the freeholds is part of a wider investment plan across the entire business park on the shores of Caldecotte Lake. The deal was concluded with the help of the debt funding package secured from Cambridge & Counties Bank, which specialises in lending solutions for the real estate sector. It was one of the bank’s largest single loans last year. Carl Ashley, regional director at Cambridge & Counties Bank, said: “At almost £10 million in financing, our support for this experienced investor was the bank’s largest funding deal in 2023 and has paved the way, we believe, for a

stronger 2024.” The freehold purchaser has particular expertise in redeveloping office buildings and working closely with stakeholders such as councils. The team was introduced to Cambridge & Counties Bank by David Thomas at panel broker Seaford Finance LLP. The transaction was turned around in just three weeks, including completion of legals and valuations. The deal was supported by Lindsey Lock, a senior director at BNP

Paribas, who acted as valuer, and Alison Kellett, Partner at solicitors Kuits. Dedicated funding for all types of property assets has long been a focus for Cambridge & Counties Bank and its UK Real Estate Finance Team. Mr Ashley said: “Many office assets in the UK represent excellent, long-term value and we are delighted to be able to execute this latest deal in the active Milton Keynes market on behalf of this major client and successful developer.”

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Representatives of the Milton Keynes-based charities benefiting from the Franklins £50 Challenge, pictured with Franklins partner Andrea Smith (left) and colleagues

The countdown continues to £50 Challenge

aw firm Franklins Solicitors is seeking teams to take part in its annual Franklins £50 Challenge. Eight charities from Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire have been selected to benefit from the Apprentice-style fundraising challenge. Each team taking part receives £50 and has three months to turn the seed funding into more however they choose. Franklins has launched a social media video to encourage teams to join, featuring representatives from each of the eight charities taking part. Taking inspiration from the opening credits of the BBC series The Apprentice, the video demonstrates how the initial £50 seed funding from Franklins can grow into substantial funds for each charity.

Lunar Publishing Limited cannot take responsibility for the content of the advertisements, editorial or the services provided by the advertisers. Advertisements are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are accurate. All artwork is accepted on condition that permission has been given for use in Business Times. Reproduction, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. ©Lunar Publishing Limited

Business MK | February 2024

In Milton Keynes n Willen Hospice. n MK Act. n Harry’s Rainbow. n YMCA. In Northampton n Cynthia Spencer Hospice. n The Hope Centre. n The Lewis Foundation. n Northamptonshire Community Foundation. Franklins partner Andrea Smith said; “We would really encourage teams to

sign up and take part in this year’s £50 Challenge. Not only does the challenge raise much-needed funds for charities, it is also an excellent team-building opportunity for those taking part, showing how creative thinking and teamwork combined can generate incredible results with a long-term impact on the local community.” The 2024 challenge will run from February 20 to May 21 with the underlying aim of fighting hunger, fuelling wellness and changing local lives. Since it began in 2018, the Franklins £50 Challenge has raised more than £100,000 for local charities. n To find out more and to register as a team, visit www.franklins50.co.uk

HR expert: Tackling absence will boost bottom line

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And Franklins is calling on companies, organisations, associations and clubs to take part and join up as a team to raise money for one of the eight charities benefitting this year:

usinesses need to take action if they want to stop unplanned absence having a major impact on their success. Employee absence does not only mean a desk left empty. It is a financial hit, a productivity slump and a challenge to workplace morale, said HR specialist Rachel Collar. “For small and medium-sized

businesses, every team member is crucial. When one is absent, it makes a huge impact on everything else,” said Ms Collar, a director of Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce and who owns and runs Haus of HR in Towcester. She is urging employers to have procedures in place to monitor absence. Stress and poor mental health are among the main causes and Ms Collar said they

should be at the forefront of company culture to help reduce absence and boost employee wellbeing. “It is a strategic move to ensure your workforce is operating at its best,” she said. “Prioritise employee wellbeing to ensure a healthy, engaged and present workforce.” n Haus of HR has produced a guide detailing measures to consider to manage absence. It is available free at hausofhr.com.

For local business news visit www.BusinessMK.co.uk

Business News

new development of flexible office space is opening in the heart of Luton town centre. The first floor of Victory House, in Chobham Street, has been converted to provide a range of private offices. LUx Luton is set to be the only flexible office space available in the town centre and is expected to attract a range of businesses, particularly those in the creative sector. “LUx Luton offers a really exciting opportunity for businesses to take advantage of the best quality flexi office accommodation in the town,” said Josh Parello, agency associate at commercial property consultancy Kirkby

Scheme sheds new light on flexible office of the future Diamond which is marketing the scheme. “Our client has invested significantly to convert

the first floor of this multitenanted office building. It will be the only flexible office space solution in Luton. It is

quite rare to find high-quality modern office space within Luton town centre and it has some great selling points.” The developer is looking to attract businesses keen to collaborate and network with fellow entrepreneurs. “Shared office space offers a great opportunity for people to network with other businesses,” Mr Parello said. “The open-plan kitchen, as well as breakout areas, gives plenty of opportunity for workers to not feel restrained just to their office and get to know their neighbours.” The scheme includes private office ‘pods’, a conference room on the ground floor and a staffed reception.

Recovery firm acquires insolvency rival ‘An excellent fit’: Owner aims to extend UK footprint after deal

ational insolvency firm FA Simms has been acquired by Milton Keynes-based FTS Recovery. The deal enables FTS Recovery to extend its national presence by taking on all the FA Simms offices including in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Oxford, Cambridge and Norwich. Both firms specialise in restructuring and insolvency services, mainly to the corporate market. All FA Simms staff, including managing director Richard Simms, have moved to FTS Recovery, whose Milton Keynes office is at Knowlhill. Director and head of recovery Marco Piacquadio, said: “FA Simms is an excellent fit for us. We hope to continue the great work achieved by FA Simms over the years and believe both their and our clients will quickly see the many benefits that our combined efforts can achieve.” FTS Recovery has also

acquired ownership of the FA Simms brand and its digital marketing footprint including its various websites. FA Simms was established in 1978. Managing director Richard Simms said: “We are delighted to join one of the UK’s fastest growing and dynamic practices FTS Recovery at this exciting time. I look forward to seeing the achievements our combined operations will reach.”

Marco Piacquadio

‘Academics must now, surely, recognise their responsibilities’ > From page 1.

It’s now or never if you’re looking for HQ premises...

little less conversation, a little more action may be required if companies want to secure a headquarters building being brought to market in Milton Keynes, said commercial property consultancy Kirkby Diamond. Paul Quy, associate director and head of agency in Milton Keynes, said it’s now or never for businesses to express an interest in this 11,705 sq ft

tech/research and development style property at Presley Way, Crownhill. Staubli House is a combination of open-plan office space, a reception area, warehouse space and associated parking on a plot of just over one acre. The property is a substantial brickbuilt, detached hybrid, tech/R&D head office building on a one-acre plot with a galleried reception area. It is currently arranged with ground

floor storage, via a loading door, and production and packaging areas. On the first floor is mostly open-plan and individual separate offices and a large boardroom. “Buildings with this level of flexibility and quality come to market very rarely and so we are expecting a great deal of interest from companies keen to secure a long-term lease,” said Mr Quy.

her colleagues of bad faith and of deliberately trying to provoke trans communities in setting up the research group, and implied that her group put human lives at risk, law firm Leigh Day partner Annie Powell, representing Professor Phoenix, told the tribunal. Other acts of discrimination and harassment experienced by Professor Phoenix included being compared to a racist

uncle because of her beliefs and being instructed not to speak about her research in her own department. After the ruling, Professor Phoenix said: “It was an exceptionally painful part of my career but I am glad for the win. Universities must act to protect their gendercritical staff. Academics and universities must now, surely, recognise their responsibilities towards promoting diversity of viewpoints and tolerance of alternative views.”

Manufacturer opens new training centre

anufacturer of forklift trucks and warehouse equipment Jungheinrich is to open a new technical training centre in Milton Keynes. The company, whose UK head office is on Tilbrook, has agreed a three-year lease on a 9,232 sq ft unit on Bradwell Abbey. The deal has been hailed as a “massive vote of confidence” in the estate, which was acquired by specialist property investor Warehouse REIT in 2022 and has since undergone major refurbishment. “It is a place that has all the right

ingredients for companies like Jungheinrich to thrive,” said Paul Quy, associate and head of agency at commercial property consultancy Kirkby Diamond in Milton Keynes which acted for Warehouse REIT’s advisors Tilstone Partners in the Jungheinrich negotiations. “We are thrilled to welcome one of the biggest names in intralogistics to Bradwell Abbey. Their arrival is a massive vote of confidence in the estate which has undergone extensive refurbishment in the past 18 months or so.” Refurbishment has focused on energy

To feature or comment email: news@businessmk.co.uk

efficiency and improving amenities. Warehouse REIT has also opened an on-site estate office with a dedicated management team. Jungheinrich UK is one of the three leading intralogistics providers in the UK. It employs more than 800 staff at its four UK sites and provides the industry’s widest range of intralogistics solutions, including high energy efficiency pallet trucks, stackers, counterbalance trucks, order pickers and more than 600 truck variants.

Business MK | February 2024

Business News Inward investment teams head for national exhibition

epresentatives of Milton Keynes City Council and the Oxford to Cambridge Regional Partnership will join more than 12,000 domestic and international investors and built environment thought leaders at a major UK forum highlighting sustainable and inclusive regeneration opportunities. They will be taking exhibition stands at The UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum, taking place in Leeds in May. Exhibitors and visitors will also have the opportunity to hear from more than 700 speakers during the three-day event, including the OCRP’s managing director Dr Richard Hitchins and Nick Platts, managing director of Luton Rising, Luton Borough Council’s body set up to oversee London Luton Airport.

Government delivers £100k to fund supply chain degree

K:U has won £100,000 of government funding from the Office for Students to develop a new degree apprenticeship in supply chain management. The course will help to meet the growing demand for skills in this area, said the university’s chief executive Professor Lynette Ryals. Milton Keynes has become an

Professor Lynette Ryals

important logistics hub for the UK and MK:U hopes that the new qualification will bolster the city’s skills pool and open opportunities for under-represented student groups to secure graduate roles in the industry. It is expected that the new provision will increase national take-up of this qualification by ten per cent in year one and 17pc per year thereafter. Professor Ryals, who is also Pro-Vice Chancellor at Cranfield University, said: “Supply chain management is a crucial area where skills are in high demand across our city and beyond. I am really pleased that MK:U will be making a difference for employers in the region into the future, as people upskill and gain this new qualification.”

MPs hail success of city-wide connectivity

Ps Iain Stewart and Ben Everitt have welcomed the news that more than 90 per cent of Milton Keynes now has access to Gigabit broadband. Businesses and residents have benefited since 2019 when the government launched its Project Gigabit, investing £5 billion in providing ultra-fast broadband to harder to reach areas. The government is now aiming to have at least 85pc of the UK with gigabit broadband by the end of next year, rising to 100pc by 2030. Already in Milton Keynes the figure is 893.6pc. Better connectivity boosts productivity for businesses, unlocking new digital opportunities for people in every corner of the country, helping to grow the economy and create a brighter future for all, said Iain Stewart, MP for Milton Keynes South. “It is brilliant,” he added. “The way we all live, work and study

has changed with many relying on the internet to get on with our daily lives and that is why I am glad to see increased coverage across the city.” Milton Keynes North MP Ben Everitt said: “This work will mean that people can enjoy better internet connectivity, making their lives easier and more productive.” Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said: “This is another giant leap forward in our mission to bring gigabit connectivity to every part of the UK, with 80pc of the country now able to benefit from lightningfast broadband. “Access to gigabit speeds does not just mean being able to seamlessly stream films, TV shows, and shop online all at once. It means better productivity for businesses and new opportunities for local communities with digital infrastructure which will help power our economy, create jobs and improve lives for decades to come.”

MPs Iain Stewart (left) and Ben Everitt

Where employers go to find Businesses are only as good as the talent they hire… and many leading businesses turn to the MK Job Show for their stars of the future time and again.

www.sywell2024.co.uk

Business MK | Feburary 2024

@sywell2024

Showcasing thousands of jobs and visited by tens of thousands of active and passive job seekers, the last event succeeded in preregistering over 15,000 active candidates.

As the biggest event in the region, taking place on 22 & 23 March 2024 at centre:mk Milton Keynes, The MK Job Show has helped thousands of people secure a new job over its ten-year run. Organisations exhibit over and over again at the MK Job Show including Network Rail (7 times) Lockheed Martin (7 times), BP Pulse (5 times), MK University Hospital NHS (12 times), Milton Keynes Council (10 times), Allianz

For local business news visit www.BusinessMK.co.uk

Business News

Cluster chief issues engineering skills warning S ilverstone Technology Cluster is leading a new initiative to get UK industry and educators working together to inspire young people about careers in engineering and manufacturing. “STC stands for Skills as well as Promotion, Support and Thought Leadership,” said its chief executive Pim van Baarsen as he addressed an audience of more than 150 at the network’s Innovation & Growth Conference at The Stables Theatre in Wavendon. His presentation highlighted a set of statistics from the Institution of Engineering & Technology that shows UK engineering and manufacturing is struggling to encourage and recruit enough people for the future: ■ Just under half of engineering firms struggle to find the skills they need;

■ The current engineering shortfall

in the UK is 173,000 people; ■ 18,000 more engineers retire each year than begin a career in the industry; ■ Only 16.5pc of engineers are women; ■ 29pc of the LGBTQ community would avoid engineering for fear of being discriminated against; ■ Only 57pc of engineering graduates go on to have a career in the industry; ■ 5pc of current engineers will have retired by 2026. Mr van Baarsen said: “I find these statistics alarming because to me these are not the figures of a thriving successful industry. So no matter how cool the stuff is that you are working on, no matter how full your orders books are, if we keep doing what we have always been doing

Pim van Baarsen

then these numbers are only going to get worse and it is not going to end well.” Silverstone Technology Cluster has unveiled a new Skills Workstream that aims to correct stereotypes of the engineering sector, showcase career opportunities, encourage apprentices and work placements and enhance the links between industry and education. The scheme will facilitate pooled apprenticeships and create an Educators and Industry Forum to improve communication and narrow the skills gaps, Mr van Baarsen said. The Skills Workstream will also advocate communal training to reduce costs to individual employers and host careers fairs and other events. “We want to bring educators and industry together for their mutual benefit, to aid recruitment and retention, plus upskilling, and making young people aware of the opportunities,” Mr van Baarsen told his audience. “We want to help the cluster companies find the people that they need to ensure there is a skills pipeline and so that we do not see those depressing stats continue. We feel that if we all work together and collaborate then we can make a difference and the statistics show we really should.” He added: “We [the industry] cannot afford to turn people away. We have to do better.”

Former airport MD returns to airport

ormer London Luton Airport managing director Paul Kehoe pictured has returned to the airport as the new independent chair of its owner Luton Rising. Mr Kehoe, who ran the airport between 2001 and 205 when it was operated by TBI plc, has gone on to be chief executive of Birmingham and Bristol International Airports, managing director of Belfast International Airport and is a former chair of the West Midlands Growth Company and the Airport Operators Association. Luton Rising is the Luton Council company that owns London Luton Airport and associated assets for community benefit. Outgoing chair Cllr Javeria Hussain will remain on the Luton Rising board.

Mr Kehoe said: “I am delighted to have come full circle back to Luton. The transformation of the town from a manufacturing base to a service economy is very evident and has created the momentum for even more change.” Luton Rising is looking to appoint two more non-executive directors this year as it enters its next phase of growth. Council chief executive Robin Porter added: “Paul has a deep understanding of how airports, regional economies and local authorities work. He has kept in close touch with recent developments in our town, and is ideally placed to help optimise Luton Rising’s multiple assets in and around the airport.”

BOOK YOUR STAND AT THE REGION'S BIGGEST CAREERS EVENT

their stars of the future (11 times), Santander (11 times), NHBC (6 times), Mercedes-Benz (6 times), Aero Tec Laboratories (7 times), Brioche Pasquier (4 times), Marcus by Goldman Sachs (4 times) and the University of Bedfordshire (11 times). Lots of SMEs and smaller businesses also regularly take part. Stand packages range from small businesses, looking for two or more people, right up to sponsorship packages for

organisations that have multiple vacancies. Employers love attending the MK Job Show, it gives them a chance to meet potential future employees face to face, they can look them in the eye and see their personalities. n If you would like a brochure or a quick Teams meeting to discuss taking part, please contact info@jobshows.co.uk

To feature or comment email: news@businessmk.co.uk

Reserve Your Stand Today

WWW.MKJOBSHOW.CO.UK Business MK | February 2024

Business News Advertisement Feature Published on behalf of Capital Space, operator of Milton Keynes Business Centre

It provides us with the best of both worlds It all began with a 2002 Nissan Micra. “I have always loved cars,” said Ahmed Elnagar. “You never forget your first one and there is always a special emotional attachment. You look back with affection.” The Micra was the first that Ahmed sold when he began his business venture while studying civil engineering at the University of Coventry. “I paid £630 for it, did some work on it and sold it for £800,” he recalls. ”I bought another car, did the same and bought another and thought to myself that this could be turned into a business.” Ahmed (pictured above) arrived in the UK from his native Egypt in 2014 to study at university. After graduating, he made the decision to set up his own business rather than pursue an engineering career but used his time at Coventry to join its entrepreneurial alumni club to take advantage of the incubation and networking provided by their enterprise hub. “The network included graduates who had gone through the process of setting up a business and who came back to share their knowledge and their journey,” said Ahmed. “That was very valuable to me.” One mentor ran a car dealership. Ahmed contacted him. “I told him what I wanted to do and that I needed support.” The result: a six-month placement - unpaid - shadowing his mentor and gaining invaluable experience and insight into the workings of the motor trade. Ahmed began trading in 2019 from his home in Milton Keynes but after the pandemic decided that his Travel Portals business required its own premises. “There was too much traffic coming to the house and I did not like it. “That was the main reason for moving to Milton Keynes Business Centre. But I don’t

regret it for a moment. It provides us with the best of both worlds because it has everything we need under one roof. “It is one of the best decisions we have made. The centre is well established, it is well maintained and the community here are very helpful and considerate. It has really opened doors for me.” Having an office helped Ahmed achieve his next business milestone: AA approval. ”The onboarding process is very thorough and having a base here gave the business kudos and legitimacy,” Ahmed said. Today Travel Portals welcomes customers from all over the UK but, Ahmed admitted, mostly from within a 50-mile radius of the office at Linford Wood. Longer term, he is looking to develop the leasing side of the business but the immediate next step is to secure FCA approval to sell vehicle finance packages, which will increase revenue into the business. “That needs to happen,” said Ahmed who in anticipation has registered the business for VAT in order to secure a larger credit facility with leading vehicle auction site BCA. That will allow him to increase the number of cars he holds in stock. Currently they reside in a farm building on the outskirts of Milton Keynes. Ahmed’s plan is to move to a larger premises with space to store vehicles for sale on site. “I would love that to be here at Milton Keynes Business Centre,” he said. “There are larger units here that have spaces to park cars and create more of a dealership feel.”

Find out more about Milton Keynes Business Centre at www.capitalspace.co.uk or call 01908 698700. Foxhunter Drive, Linford Wood Milton Keynes MK14 6GD

Business MK | February 2024

Shopping centre’s markets initiative aims to support small businesses

mall businesses are taking up the opportunity to showcase their products and services to thousands of shoppers thanks to a new initiative at Midsummer Place shopping centre in Milton Keynes. The centre is hosting a monthly market and is already encouraging small businesses to sign up to be part of the monthly event. The Midsummer Markets will set up on the mall on the first weekend of each month with traders selected from a portfolio of companies selling products and services ranging from hand-made

jewellery to organic soaps. “We know people’s diaries fill up quickly each year and it can be hard to commit to certain events, which is why the Midsummer Markets offers a flexible, no-commitment opportunity that suits each person,” said Kirsty McGiff, commercialisation and marketing manager at Midsummer Place. To be added to the portfolio, traders can visit w w w. m i d s u m m e r p l a c e . co.uk/midsummer-markets and add themselves to the Midsummer Market portfolio to be eligible for the markets, which take

place throughout the year. They can then select their preferred dates, subject to availability, to suit their schedules. The first market is planned for the first weekend in March. “Throughout previous years, we have welcomed several small markets to the centre and they have experienced the benefit of significant footfall in a premium shopping centre,” said Ms McGiff. “Now we want to add a regular diary date in the calendar for shoppers to enjoy as we rotate the variety of small businesses we help to showcase.”

Volkswagen hails ‘strong results’ as marque celebrates 30% rise in UK car sales

K registration data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that Milton Keynes-based Volkswagen Group UK is the best-selling brand in 2023. The manufacturer sold just over 462,000 cars across its range of marques, an increase of almost 30 per cent on 2022. CUPRA became the UK’s fastest-growing volume brand, while SEAT’s registrations grew by 45pc for a market share of 1.69pc. Škoda achieved 70,024 registrations and a record 3.68pc market share. In the van market, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles also had a strong year, finishing in second place in the sub-3.5 tonne market. Alex Smith, managing director of Volkswagen Group UK, said: “We have posted a really strong set of results

Alex Smith for 2023 thanks to our strong line-up of desirable products as well as the considerable efforts of our UK HQ and retailer network teams. “As we move into a new year, I am looking forward to strengthening our position with a focus on delighting new and existing customers, and growing our sustainable electric vehicle volume.” 2023 was also a pivotal year for battery electric passenger cars in the UK, with the market preparing

for the first year of sales subject to the zero emission vehicle mandate. VW Group accounted for more than one in five passenger car Battery Electric Vehicle registrations in the UK, making it the market leader. It is the same for plug-in hybrids, where the group accounted for more than 21.6pc of all PHEV passenger car registrations. The group posted passenger car BEV and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle registrations of 64,755 and 30,617 respectively - an increase of 39,649 units on 2022. Volkswagen UK director Rod McLeod said: “I am once again pleased that Volkswagen has secured top spot in the UK for new-car sales. This tremendous result speaks volumes for the quality and attractiveness of our cars and for the fantastic work of our network partners.”

KEEP YOUR FINGER ON THE PULSE OF BUSINESS... www.businessmk.co.uk For local business news visit www.BusinessMK.co.uk

Business News

Get tough on crime, FSB tells PFCC candidates Small firms call for action as offence numbers continue to rise

andidates in May’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, PFCC, elections have been urged to put business crime at the forefront of their agenda. The call has come from the Federation of Small Businesses, FSB, in the wake of its latest research in England and Wales, which shows that small firms are facing a double whammy of virtual and physical crime. More than 80 per cent have been impacted by crime at least once in the two years to January 2023 - an increase from 49pc for the period between 2017 and 2019. Traditional crime, including organised shoplifting, drained more than £1,000 from more than half of small business in the last two years, with one in ten losing more than £10,000, said the FSB’s Cracking the Case report Now, as the PFCC elections edge nearer, FSB leaders are demanding that candidates

place business crime front and centre of their manifestos. A FSB Thames Valley spokesman, whose region covers Milton Keynes, said: “Small businesses are a huge and increasing target for criminals - the Home Secretary and the Police must act to provide the safety and security on which day-to-day economic life depends. “We have been hearing countless reports of organised shoplifting over the past year and our study further shows how serious and unprecedented the problem is. This is certainly not what we need at a time when we look to grow our economy. “Witnessing our small highstreet shops and independent businesses losing their hardearned money because these crimes are overlooked by authorities is disheartening, not to mention the mental toll on small business owners and their staff.” Traditional crime is led

The FSB has put forward a list of recommendations for traditional crime as a result of the report’s findings. Police, Fire and Crime Commissioners and candidates n Include business crime as a priority in Police and Crime Plans and in manifestos for all those standing for election in May 2024. Home Office n Introduce a separate offence for violence against retail workers. n Clarify that there is no £200 threshold for investigating organised shoplifting offences. There is currently an impression that shoplifters will not be arrested if they steal under £200 worth of goods.

by vandalism, damage to premises and anti-social behaviour followed by burglary, robbery and theft. A total 37pc of businesses have fallen victim to fraud,

CYBERCRIME AND FRAUD UK Government and National Cyber Security Centre n Review the pricing of Cyber Essentials certification and renewal for small firms. Home Office n Consider a specific targeted approach, with clear objectives, to the impact of fraud on small businesses. Policing n Mandatory recording of business crime and add a ‘business crime’ section to the crime outcomes in England and Wales statistics. n Aim to increase the average number of police officers in England and Wales up to 335 per 100,000 population.

costing 44pc under £1,000 but 8pc said it had cost them more than £10,000. Invoice fraud is the most common offence, followed by card and cheque fraud and unauthorised

payments from bank cards and accounts. The ‘explosive’ rise in cybercrime and fraud from the persistence of phishing emails to sophisticated invoice fraud is also alarming, she added. One in ten have faced malware attacks or have had their social media accounts hacked. 92pc of respondents had been affected by phishing. The surge in the number of crimes against small businesses is despite more than six in ten

taking measures to protect themselves against traditional crimes, such as installing or updating security, initiating a training programme and improved insurance cover. An overwhelming majority gear up against cyber criminals and fraudsters, ranging from installing anti-virus software to updating software on IT systems regularly. Two-thirds of small firms have reported their most impactful crime to the police, their bank and their IT provider/service. The rest chose not to report for reasons including thinking the crime was not serious enough to report, a lack of confidence in the police and no plans to make an insurance claim. The FSB spokesman said: “We need to see not only firmer and swifter action from the police and government but also politicians standing in the general election to make business crime a priority as they seek the votes of the UK’s 5.5 million small business owners. “We need small business owners to feel safe and listened to.”

MOMENTS THAT MATTER

Education Secretary Gilllian Keegan chats to a student during her tour of the South Central Institute of Technlogy at Bletchley Park

ducation Secretary Gillian Keegan has praised the work of the South Central Institute of Technology in “making our next generation of code makers”. The Secretary of State was speaking on a visit to the SCIoT campus in Bletchley, next door to the historic home of the Second World War codebreakers at Bletchley Park. She toured the site with Milton Keynes South MP Iain Stewart. The SCIoT is one of 20 Institutes of Technology across the UK that specialise in higher technical education. SCIoT

has partnered with local and national employers to create a curriculum that encourages collaboration between colleges and business and delivers worldclass technical education. Ms Keegan said: “It was excellent to meet the leadership team behind the SCIoT and see first-hand the range of courses being undertaken by students not only from Milton Keynes but also from further afield.” The Secretary of State met with staff and students studying subjects including digital skills, coding, cybercrime and game design

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to learn more about their education, their experiences and their aspirations after completing their course. They were accompanied on their tour by Sally Alexander, chief executive and group principal of the Milton Keynes College Group - one of a number of founding partners including global giants Microsoft and KPMG. Ms Alexander said: “It was great to be able to explain just how much the SCIoT is helping to provide the much-needed 21st-century skills in such high demand in the Milton Keynes area.”

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Nobody would choose to be in the situation where they need to contest a will, but sometimes that’s where people end up. I work for clients following a bereavement, where families are in conflict, to help them achieve a fair outcome. Gina Khera, Legal Director, Disputed Wills, Trusts & Estates

“

Minister hails new codebreaker generation

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Business MK | February 2024

Business News

Professor receives CBE for services to business

ontributions to higher education, business, economics and charity have earned a CBE for Joe Nellis, Professor of Global Economy at Cranfield University’s School of Management in the New Year’s Honours List. Professor Nellis (pictured) is a leading academic in his field and was jointly responsible for the research and development of the UK’s leading house price measurement systems the Halifax House Price Index, and the Nationwide House Price Index. Professor Nellis, whose wife Helen stepped down as HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire last year, has held senior roles at Cranfield

including director of the full-time MBA, director of graduate programmes, Academic Dean and director of the School of Management. He was Pro-Vice-Chancellor from 2005 to 2008. “Cranfield has been a huge part of my life,” he said. “It has been a real joy to spend my career in such an exciting environment. I am overjoyed to receive this honour and feel privileged to have had the opportunity to make a small contribution to the development of many business leaders, nationally and internationally. I continue to enjoy the stimulation of engaging with top-class minds and helping others to reach their potential.”

After completing a degree in economics at Ulster University in 1976, he served as a Voluntary Service Overseas teacher in Ghana for two years. Along with his family, he has kept personal links there, describing Ghana as his ‘second home’. They have completed many development projects in the area, the most recent being the building of a modern school in a remote village on the banks of the Volta River. Now in his 40th year at Cranfield, he became Professor in 1993, establishing the Economics Group at the university one year later.

Training champion: Skills now better match employer needs Tech qualifications advocate receives MBE

champion of employerinfluenced education to bridge the skills gap across the UK economy has received a MBE in the New Year’s Honours List. Ruth Devine, managing director of electrical installation contractor SJD Associates, has been leading the campaign to reform and enhance apprenticeships and

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Business MK | February 2024

other technical qualifications. As well as running SJD Associates, Ms Devine is a route panel member of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical and Education. She is an advocate of technical education apprenticeships, in particular - and of improvements to the culture and diversity of the construction industry. She chairs two electrotechnical industry skills groups - the Electrical Contractors’ Association’s Skills Committee and The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership. Ms Devine also belongs to the Construction Leadership Council’s People and Skills Network and the cross-government and industry Construction Skills Delivery Group. She helped develop a new wave of employer-designed government apprenticeships a decade ago for the electrotechnical sector. The Installation and Maintenance Electrician apprenticeship launched in 2015 and Ms Devine has since contributed to the roll-out of and regular updates to more than 90 other apprenticeships, three T Levels and 20 Higher Technical Qualifications. “To receive a MBE is an incredible privilege,” she said. “I am so pleased to have been able to support the reform and improvement of apprenticeships, T Levels and Higher Technical Qualifications. It is thanks to thousands of large and small businesses, like SJD, that standards have risen and skills training now better matches employers’ needs.” She urged more employers to be involved with the IfATE’s work. “I will continue to work with IfATE and would encourage many other businesses to do the same for the good of filling skills gaps in their sectors and encouraging future generations of trainees.” IfATE has overseen some sweeping reform to apprenticeships and technical qualifications, backed by thousands of UK employers. The employer-led approach has pushed up standards and made sure programmes match up to the real skills needs if business, she added. IfATE chief executive

Ruth Devine Jennifer Coupland said: “Having employers like SJD setting standards for apprenticeships gives real confidence to other employers that apprenticeships are now a gold standard training route.” n Businesswoman Shalom Lloyd has also been honoured in the New Year’s Honours List with an MBE for services to international trade and to women in business. Mrs Lloyd founded her Naturally Tribal Skincare business in 2014 after her newborn son Joshua developed eczema and she turned to the plant products of her native Africa for an alternative to treating his condition with chemical emollients and steroids. “I am immensely proud to lead organisations that play positive roles in the lives of people globally,” said Mrs Lloyd, whose business has expanded to include Naturally Tribal Nigeria and JE Oils which takes natural agricultural resources in Nigeria, and manufactures agricultural commodities for local supply and global export. “This honour is a reflection of the fantastic work of all my colleagues and the support we provide to the customers and communities we serve.” n Businessman and Luton champion Mostaque Koyes, director of Bartham Group and founder of the CIC Community Interest Luton, has been awarded an MBE for his services to the community in Luton. Mr Koyes said: “I am thankful to all those closest to me. This includes the very many people who have supported my work, especially those from around Luton’s rich and diverse communities and businesses. My success is theirs too and I accept this huge honour for all of us.”

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Welcome to A Goodman & Son Your premier Metal Recycling Facility

At A Goodman & Son we cater for all your metal recycling needs, whether you’re a large producer requiring timetabled collections to suit your production and shift patterns or a small producer who wishes to deliver your scrap to us and take advantage of our on-site payment service. A Goodman & Son has the expertise to recycle: n A wide range of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap; n Industrial, data and steel armoured cable from electricians; n Copper, brass and lead from plumbers; n Aluminium from window manufacturing companies to the construction industry; n Garage and workshop scrap; n PC boards and catalytic converters that contain precious metals; n New production scrap from manufacturing, engineering and construction companies of all sizes.

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Business MK | February 2024

Business News Pictured: George Davies, founder and managing director of George Davies Turf

A Tony Byrne

Tony Byrne, managing director of Wealth & Tax Management, discusses some of the possible ways to reduce your tax burden.

Hate paying taxes? Well, read on...

hate paying taxes. Why? Because I think the government taxes us too heavily and is very inefficient and wasteful when spending our money. Virtually everything the government does could be done better in the private sector. Ultimately, taxation is theft. So what should you do to pay less of it? Well, there remain numerous ways to reduce the tax burden and so here are some ideas that could work for you. n Form a power team of tax specialists; n Consult with your team regularly; n Study taxation by reading books, attending seminars/ webinars, listening to

If you are interested in ways to save taxation, take advantage of a onehour Discovery Meeting either at our offices or via a video conference call at our expense worth £270 to each of the first three readers who contact us before 29 February 2024. You know it makes sense. We offer a great cup of coffee too. Ring us on 01908 523740 or for free on 0800 980 4516 or email wealth@ wealthandtax.co.uk and quote FEBRUARY 2024 OFFER to book your free discovery meeting.

podcasts, watching videos etc; n Start implementing what you have learned; n Slash your tax bills; n Next tax year, rinse and repeat. Taxation in the UK is now 38 per cent of GDP. That is the highest rate of tax since the 1950s. So it is important to do something about it. In spite of today’s heavy tax burden, there are still a surprisingly large number of ways to reduce it considerably. You just have to be smart about it. Understand that there is a difference between tax avoidance and tax evasion. The former is legal and the latter is illegal. Unfortunately, the government is increasingly trying to make tax avoidance sound like tax evasion. If you use a tax planning strategy to minimise your taxes, make sure that it is not caught by DOTAS which stands for the Disclosure of Tax Avoidance Schemes. An excellent tax specialist will ensure you do not fall into that trap. If you fall foul of this regime, your planning could become outlawed by HM Revenue & Customs. So choose your tax advisers carefully. You know it makes sense.

www.wealthandtax.co.uk

RISK WARNING The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate tax planning. The information contained within this article is for guidance only and does not constitute advice which should be sought before taking any action or inaction. All information is based on our current understanding of taxation, legislation, regulations and case law in the current tax year. Any levels and bases of relief from taxation are subject to change. Tax treatment is based on individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future. This article is based on my own observations and opinions.

Business MK | February 2024

partnership between two Milton Keynes businesses has helped significantly to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Experiencing rapid growth to become the UK’s largest independent suppliers of turf, George Davies Turf partnered with customer relationship management, CRM experts Pragmatiq to upgrade its technology to sustain and enhance its operations. Focused on creating and implementing bespoke CRM solutions which would streamline processes, automate various functions and overhaul reporting processes related to sales, deliveries and suppliers, the impact of Pragmatiq’s solutions has increased operational efficiency and employee productivity by an estimated 20 per cent, said George Davies Turf’s founder and managing director George Davies. “We chose to work with Pragmatiq as we knew that, to achieve our goals, we needed a bespoke CRM system which would streamline and standardise our existing processes - ensuring that as

Technology talks as turf firm takes steps to secure growth plans we grew, we could continue to offer the same first-class service we were known for,” Mr Davies said. The solutions have helped to connect internal departments, f a c i l i t a t e consistent and targeted marketing

efforts, yield cost savings and provide valuable data for analysis. “We now have data we can analyse and scrutinise in ways we have never been able to before - allowing us to keep our fingers on the pulse at

all times,” Mr Davies added. Pragmatiq’s managing director Stuart Goldwater (inset) said: “We have worked closely with George and the team to build a scalable solution tailored to George Davies Turf’s unique requirements with the functionality to support the business as they continue to grow. Our ongoing partnership with George Davies Turf demonstrates how we strive to be more than ‘just another technology partner’ becoming an extension of our clients’ businesses and forging long-term relationships to ensure they gain real value from our solutions.”

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Forum focuses on ethical AI’s integration into the workplace ARTIFICIAL Intelligence is set to transform the way we do business. How business can use it to best effect, with the focus on innovation, safety and ethics, is the subject of an insightful seminar taking place in Milton Keynes. Accelerating AI In Your Business takes place on February 16 at creative tech and AI specialist Aiimi ‘s head office in Central Milton Keynes. Discussions will focus on value-driven AI for organisations, AI’s role in marketing strategies, a showcase of Microsoft Copilot and how it can be used in business and a discussion on how AI can be integrated ethically into the workplace. Speakers include: n Andy Paul Founder and CEO of Fliweel. tech, established the company to streamline business processes using AI, aiming to enhance business efficiency and productivity. n Matthew Rigby-White Managing director of Qoob Agency, focuses on ecommerce marketing, providing services like digital marketing, strategy, and content creation. n Lionel Naidoo Head of Dragon IS which offers IT Managed Services, emphasising data

security and efficient IT solutions for SMEs. n Matt Eustace Head of Solution Engineering at Aiimi, specialises in data and information services. Their Aiimi Insight Engine transforms organisations by unlocking the power of data for business impact. Mr Paul said: “At Fliweel.tech, we are dedicated to making business operations smoother and more efficient through the power of AI and automation. Our goal is to help companies focus on higher-value tasks while saving on labour costs, increase revenue, and minimise the potential for errors. “By leveraging the familiar ecosystems of Microsoft and Google, which many businesses are already using, Fliweel.tech provides practical AI and automation solutions to enhance productivity and drive business efficiency and growth. The event is for businesses with over 25 employees across all sectors and promises a comprehensive exploration of AI in business, focusing on innovation, safety, and ethics.

For more details and to reserve your free ticket, book now via Eventbrite.

For local business news visit www.BusinessMK.co.uk

Business News

MK Dons women’s players Leyla O’Brien and Megan Attenborough (centre) are pictured with (from left) MHA partner Liz Newell, tax assistant manager Jemma Camfield, audit and accounts director Kayleigh Lewis and her department’s assistamt manager Tasnia Jaifaree

DoubleTree by Hilton, Stadium MK. Ms Newell (far left) said: “At MHA, we actively contribute to our local communities and sponsoring Megan

and Leyla exemplifies our dedication. These remarkable athletes embody talent and passion and we take pride in supporting their flourishing careers in women’s football.” MHA continues to demonstrate its commitment to empowering local communities through strategic partnerships, recognising the pivotal role sport plays in fostering talent and community spirit, she added. Ms Attenborough returned to MK Dons from FAWNL Division One South West Side Swindon Town. Ms O’Brien has signed from Arsenal Women, following her dual registration agreement last season.

business Haus of HR, based in Towcester, and is a director of Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce, is profiled by Small Business Britain’s f:Entrepreneur #IAlso100 campaign. It showcases female

entrepreneurs who also commit to volunteering, mentoring and community support work. “This amazing recognition continues to fuel my entrepreneurial journey,” Ms Collar said.

Back of the net: Advisers score big with Dons players sponsorship deal

rofessional services firm MHA has begun a new sponsorship deal backing two of the stars of Milton Keynes Dons Women’s team. The firm is supporting midfielder

Coach wins a place among UK’s elite entrepreneurs

Megan Attenborough and forward Leyla O’Brien. Staff including partner Liz Newell are pictured with the two players at the club’s Sponsors Dinner and Presentation at the

xecutive coach and HR consultant Rachel Collar after she was named among the UK’s most impressive female entrepreneurs. Ms Collar, who founded HR and leadership coaching

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F1 team wins green light for R&D facility A ston Martin F1 has been given the green light to build a new research and development facility at its Silverstone site. The proposal was approved by planners at West Northamptonshire Council for the work at Buckingham Road. The team’s acquisition by a consortium led by chairman Lawrence Stroll has already brought £200 million investment to ‘realise an ambition to continue to be a truly competitive participant in the Formula 1 World Championships’. The new facility comes with the promise of more jobs and will bring all its work under one roof rather than at several leasehold properties currently. The report to planners said: “Northamptonshire has been our favoured choice, we are already established and networked in the area. We remain in the region because of the high skills

base in the area and ,given our recruitment plans, continued access to one of the UK’s most skilled workforces will be required. “We are of course aware that our proposals fit with Northamptonshire’s strategic planning and economic regeneration strategies with the protection and expansion of skilled jobs and an increase in training, apprenticeships, and work experience opportunities for people in the economic area. “Our new facility has been designed to greatly enhance an area of great importance to the UK motorsport industry providing continued high-quality employment opportunities for both local candidates and those from a wider international catchment area.” The bespoke facility on a 32.3-acre site will provide space for research and development workshops and testing.

Business MK | February 2024

The Growth Debate

Theo Chalmers Theo Chalmers is director of Verve Public Relations and chairman of Urban Eden. www.urbaneden.org www.vervepr.co.uk e: t.chalmers@vervepr.co.uk 01908 275271

Closures create an island in the stream I

n March 2020 the Milton Keynes six months, well into 2025. The East Development Framework closure is necessary to allow St Supplementary Planning James Group to carry out highway Document (breathe in) was adopted construction works but in reality it by Milton Keynes City Council. MK is to allow unfettered access for the East is set to cover an enormous development of said 5,000 homes. 461 hectares or nearly 1,140 acres This closure means that Newport between Newport Pagnell and the Pagnell is effectively cut off from M1, all very close to the recently MK and traffic from the M1… an very badly flooded rivers Great island quite literally in the stream. Ouse, Ouzel and Chicheley Brook. And if that is not bad enough, The heavy flooding last month of the the council has also given Tickford Fields Farm development contemporaneous permission to site where 900 homes are planned developer Winvic Construction on was from Chicheley Brook. The behalf of Equites Newlands Land other rivers flooded badly too. Ltd as part of a Section 278/38 The main MK East development agreement dated December 21 2023 will have 5,000 new homes, a and approved planning permissions community hub and primary school, 23/00117/REM and 21/02440/ local shops and employments zones. OUTIES (the Caldecote Farm It is also set to include a 63-hectare Willen Road Development Works) to river valley park providing expand Willen Road - the other main additional green space for residents route into Newport Pagnell from the and it is probably designed to soak west - to dual carriageway. Works up the inevitable flood waters, just include widening Willen Road into like MK’s many balancing lakes. a dual carriageway between Marsh So let’s look at the recent flood End roundabout and the M1 bridge warning from the government or and two traffic signal junctions for low-lying areas close to the Rivers multiple access junctions for “future Great Ouse, Ouzel and Chicheley major developments” and major Brook. “Flooding is expected - act drainage improvements. now: Updated 12:49pm on 3 January I refer to my previous comments 2024: River levels are rising steadily about those major drainage following heavy rainfall from Storm improvements and please remember Henk. Flooding is expected. Areas that water is, almost uniquely, most at risk are Caldecote Lane, non-compressible so it cannot be Willen Road, River Side, Toll House, squeezed into ever-smaller spaces. If Woad Farm, Sherington Road and there is too much of it falling from Gallards Farm in Newport Pagnell, the sky, it will need to go somewhere and Ravenstone Mill in Ravenstone.” and it will inevitably adversely affect All perfect places to build 5,000 drains, waterways, businesses and new homes, I am sure you will agree. homes. However, that is not my sole cause These works are due to start on for concern. Milton Keynes City February 12 and to continue Council, in its wisdom, has until March 14 next year. If decided to close the A509 So it is set to be another London Road from there is year of hell for already Junction 14 of the M1 too much falling frustrated Newport to Newport Pagnell Pagnell visitors and from the sky, until September residents. One of 27, with the very it will need to go Britain’s last ‘in-use real possibility of an somewhere by traffic’ iron bridges, extension for at least Tickford Bridge over the

The A509 between Newport Pagnell and the M1 River Ouzel on the A509, has only recently reopened after months of closure for repair and now there is at least a year more of virtual isolation. Milton Keynes City Council claims that the road will always remain open with a minimum of one lane of traffic in each direction. From the start date, the majority of the works will be undertaken off the existing highway to construct the new road. As construction progresses, traffic will be swapped on to this road under traffic management to always ensure through access. The developers have confirmed that they will only close the Marsh End roundabout in September this year when the A509 works are set to be complete. But we already know that they can and most probably will be extended another six months or so. What then? Meanwhile the council has taken upon itself to ban traffic from the Willen Road shortcut into central Milton Keynes and instead has introduced its official detour while the A509 London Road is closed. Frankly, you are not going to believe it... It is 10.42 km or 6.46 miles long, a round trip of more than 13 miles a day for commuters. It is claimed that the detour will take about seven minutes but I dispute that at normal commuting times. See it for yourself and see if you can stifle a laugh. I think the only thing they left out is ‘Avoid Glasgow city centre’. Of course, the residents

from and daily visitors to “Although it is not the Newport Pagnell are official diversion for MK’s completely ignoring the A509 closure, these instructions and Willen Road is the expansion is are still using the shortest route so it once again going Willen Road. But for has been used by to hell in a how long, I wonder? many residents as a Ben Everitt, MP for diversion. This extra handcart Milton Keynes North, set of road works will has taken up the cause only cause further issues - rather belatedly I feel - as for so many of my long-suffering he might have protested far more constituents due to this council’s effectively before all the planning decisions. was approved by Milton Keynes “I urge the council to think again City Council. and for once show some care and He wrote to the council’s chief understanding to our rural residents executive Michael Bracey: “As in Newport Pagnell and beyond who you will know this is not the first have faced road closure after road time I have written about issues closure in the last few years due to with roadworks in this area of my the council relentlessly pursuing its constituency. MK East development.” “In 2022, I shared my concerns Good for you, Mr. Everitt, Your after the A509, Tickford Bridge and letter is, however, entirely useless Tongwell Street all faced closures at as indeed is any attempt made by the same time and last year I urged anybody at any juncture to get the the council to rethink its plans to planners at Milton Keynes City close the A509 for up to 18 months Council to see reason. They will as part of the council’s MK East not see reason or even stick to the expansion with more than 1,500 original principles of our master plan residents signing my petition against which would see proper grid roads, the closure. separation of pedestrians and traffic “It is therefore disappointing that on proper redways and not just redthe council has not listened to the painted pavements fronting houses concerns of residents as I have now right next to traffic. MK’s expansion is once again been made aware of a decision to enable roadworks for around a year going to hell on a handcart and now on Willen Road which the council its council has arranged it so that the has admitted will cause further street one might wish to push one’s delays despite the fact lanes will handcart down is closed. Cheerio. remain open in both directions.

KEEP YOUR FINGER ON THE PULSE...

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Business MK | February 2024

For local business news visit www.BusinessMK.co.uk

Comment: MK Business Leaders Partnership

The success of Milton Keynes as a business hotspot bears testimony to the power and effectiveness of organisations and individuals working together for the common good. Nicholas Mann, chair of Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership, argues that doing so effectively builds business resilience and a stronger community.

he quote ‘No man is an island’ could also be translated to ‘No business is an island’. No organisation operates in a vacuum and there are many mitigating factors which impact success. Effective collaboration is one such factor and, when forged between businesses, this can have a significant positive impact on a company and the wider economy it operates within. Creating alliances in business is crucial for growth and helps us to build a stronger and more connected community. When businesses unite behind common goals, the power of collaboration can result in a more successful city and we all witnessed examples of this during the pandemic. Whether it is promoting a more vibrant local economy, boosting employment opportunities or attracting inward investment, a collaborative approach has the potential to improve every aspect of a city’s growth. We are very fortunate to have such a strong and resilient business community in Milton Keynes. Last year, Milton Keynes topped the UK Competitive Index for 2023 as the most competitive city in the UK for businesses with 62.3 business registrations per 10,000 people compared to 54.3 in the UK as a whole. We have also recently been crowned as the most productive city.

A beacon to attract global businesses... we cannot afford to let this diminish It is not about new sales opportunities or commercial gain. It is about fostering long-term alliances and helping businesses

Nicholas Mann We are operating in a business hotspot. Our light shines brightly, a beacon to attract global businesses and we cannot afford to let this diminish. This is why forging and nurturing collaborations regardless of size or sector is so critical for our

Finalists revealed for the MK STEM Awards

he countdown to awards night for the inaugural MK STEM Awards continues and the judges have drawn up their shortlist of finalists in the 11 categories. The much-anticipated MK STEM Awards, which celebrate science, technology, engineering and mathematics, has announced its finalists after a detailed judging process from a panel of STEM leaders and professionals. The MK STEM Awards will focus and connect the community across the city and surrounding areas, recognising, celebrating and promoting the region’s STEM specialists. The winners, chosen by a judging panel of leading STEM professionals and advocates, will be announced at a glittering gala ceremony taking place at Unity Place, the new home in central Milton Keynes of banking giant Santander, on February 29. Awards host Meena Chander,

pictured, founder of events company Events Together, said: “Our panel of judges have reviewed each submission and selected finalists that are helping to shape a more diverse and inclusive future in STEM. The panellists were seriously impressed with the diversity and quality of the entries, remarking them as inspirational, outstanding, inspirational and phenomenal. This has led to a difficult but exciting judging process.” Tickets for the awards ceremony and gala dinner are available at https://eventstogether.co.uk/stem-event/. A few sponsorship opportunities remain available, Ms Chander said. “I wish everyone the very best of luck for the awards ceremony in February,” she added. “We are looking for support from the local MK STEM community… let’s continue to encourage and celebrate up and coming STEM enthusiasts.”

To feature or comment email: news@businessmk.co.uk

ongoing success and development. We witnessed first-hand the ripple effects of the AI Safety Summit in November spreading from Bletchley Park across the city as businesses came together to share ideas and best practice on how new technology can

be used and implemented effectively. The fact that the first-ever multinational agreement on the future of AI was signed in our city proves Milton Keynes already has a place at the forefront of global growth in emerging technologies. Forever Innovative: Milton Keynes Leading the UK’s High-tech Future is the theme of the forthcoming Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards, which will ensure that we

keep riding the crest of the AI Safety Summit wave just a little longer. If the high number of entries received is anything to go by, there is plenty to celebrate and businesses - regardless of whether they have entered or not - can attend the awards and gain inspiration from these organisations. Events such as MKBAA provide the perfect breeding ground for collaboration and nurturing new business associations. It is not about looking for new sales opportunities or commercial gain. It is about fostering long-term alliances and helping businesses, whether new or old, small or large, to gain a stronger foothold within the city. The pandemic-induced hiatus temporarily closed Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership’s membership book but this has now reopened. Hitting the pause button provided the opportunity to reflect and evaluate how best this longstanding membership organisation can serve as a platform which best reflects the diverse business community of Milton Keynes. Providing a fertile space to enable collaboration is vital, as is creating a voice for the business community. One which can make a difference to the city’s future, one which can lobby government for even greater opportunities and one which can ensure that the environment for new businesses keen to join our ranks, grow and flourish is ripe.

THE FINALISTS STUDENT SUPERSTAR (Higher and Further Education; School) Yaryana Synelnykova; George Townsend; Jay Parsons; Ankita Raju Shelar; Joseph Dyson; Andreas Alexandrou; Jessica Ansell; Dominic Dixon; Maryam Jazeem. EDUCATION Helen Westwood Maths; Northampton Academy; Brooksward School; Two Mile Ash School; The Bedford College Group; The Hazeley Academy. WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT Lakechia Jeanne - Girls in Science; Jacqui Gerrard -National Museum of Computing. TOMORROW’S LEADER Dr Luofeng Huang Cranfield University; Laura Giddings - The STEM Project; Evie Charles - Niftylift; Jessica Ansell The Open University; Shivangi Yadav. CHANGEMAKER / LIGHTBULB Podtech IO; Red Giraffe; Idress Mohammed; Mark Colthorpe; The National Museum of Computing; Brooksward School; Zeroox Ltd; MKUH/Open University; Shivangi Yadav; Maryum Jazeem; REAS Group; Inond Ltd. DIVERSITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION Idrees Mohammed; Brooksward School; Andrew Gray - Space4allEducation; Dr Irene Moulitsas - Cranfield University; Gilu George - Cranfield University; Benn Klewpatinond - Inond; Helen Westwood, Helen Westwood Maths. SUSTAINABILITY Red Giraffe; MK YMCA; Shivangi Yadav. ICON / LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT Dr Camilla Alexander-White - MK Tox & Co Ltd; Drees Mohammed; Tolulope Abiodun Owonibi; Jaisal Surana Kundu - Santander; Dr Manjir SamantaLoughton; Mohammad Koheealle - Coca Cola.

Business MK | February 2024

Community

Left: Folo Komolafe celebrates after receiving her award and (above) is pictured with Milton Keynes Mayor Cllr Mick Legg and Mayoress Mandy Legg

“I

love being a black woman doing some great things in Milton Keynes, where I am part of a wonderful and caring community who come together to help and support each other.” The words of Fola Komolafe, chief executive of the Christian charity World Vision UK, after receiving the Black Female Pioneer of the Year award at Milton Keynes’ first Black Excellence Awards. She is pictured after being presented with the award by Milton Keynes Mayor Mick Legg. Ms Komolafe was among 11 nominees announced in October and one of eight winners on the

Champion aiming to inspire the future pioneers of change night at the ceremony, held at the Delta by Marriott hotel on Kents Hill and attended by more than 180 guests. The awards were the brainchild of entrepreneur and film producer Nana Ofori-Atta Oguntola. The finalists were chosen by a panel of business and community

leaders in collaboration with Milton Keynes City Council. Ms Komolafe, a Deputy LordLieutenant of Buckinghamshire, is a director of Milton Keynes Food Bank and president of Milton Keynes Community Foundation. She also received an MBE in 2016 for services to business

and community. Her business career included senior roles for multinationals including HSBC, IBM, and Mazars, for which she was a UK partner and global lead for international development. As chief executive of Indisys Business Solutions, she provided strategic direction and

philanthropy advice to several large UK Christian charities, and directed a portfolio of awardwinning development projects across multiple countries located in Africa and South Asia for the Open University. “I am so honoured to be recognised and to receive this award,” she said. “I hope to be able to inspire, encourage and challenge every person, especially our young ones, to know that they can be a pioneer of change, giving themselves permission for their own unique story to be written as they pursue their dreams, even if they do not always feel fully prepared for it.”

Hospice throws down gauntlet in a year of fundraising challenges

ise to a challenge… and raise valuable funds for a charity of your choice. Challenges are a great way to raise money for charity and to savour a once in a lifetime experience. And there are plenty to choose from courtesy of Willen Hospice. Travel overseas with an Iceland Trek - an information evening takes place at the hospice on February 7 - or the MK to Paris Cycle Challenge. Take to the skies with a Wing Walk or a skydive, while fitness fanatics looking to challenge themselves can apply for places in the Great North Run and the Berlin Marathon. Swimmers are signing up for the annual MK Rotary Swimathon which takes place at Wolverton Leisure Centre on February 24. And colleagues from companies across Milton Keynes are planning ahead of the Franklins Solicitors £50 Challenge, in which businesses

compete to see who can invest £50 to raise the most amount of money for their chosen charity. Said Dawn Clark, Willen Hospice’s challenges fundraiser: “This time next year you could be saying “I did a skydive!”, “I cycled from MK to Paris!” or after a year of training and fundraising, you could be preparing for our Iceland Trek. The money raised will also help us to care for families facing a different kind of challenge, where our compassionate, specialist services are essential.” The economic climate and increased pressure on services have made for a challenging few years for the hospice. NHS funding supports only 15 per cent of its annual running costs and the hospice relies on the generosity of the community to help provide its free, compassionate care. n Find out more at www.willenhospice.org.uk/risetothechallenge.

Howzat! Taverners toast lunch success

ommittee members at The Lords Taverners Bedfordshire & Buckinghamshire have confirmed the final fundraising total from the organisation’s annual Christmas lunch. The event at Woburn Golf Club, sponsored by chartered accountants Hillier Hopkins and attended by around 240 guests, raised more

than £31,000 for the work of the Lord’s Taverners supporting cricket programmes that aim to empower young people with disabilities and from disadvantaged communities to develop the knowledge, skills, capabilities, and confidence required to overcome the challenges of inequality, raise their aspirations and reach their potential.

Business MK | February 2024

Rose is ready to welcome its red hot pancake flippers

lippin’ good fun... That’s the verdict each year of competitors in the annual Corporate Pancake Day Race staged in Central Milton Keynes and raising funds for activities at the Milton Keynes Rose landmark. This year’s event takes place in Campbell Park on February 13 Shrove Tuesday - with teams of colleagues from businesses across the city already registered to take part. A team from Milton Keynes College emerged the winner last year and and they will be defending their title again this year. Teams of four pay a £65 entry fee and compete in heats to determine the participants in the grand final. The event is organised by The

Parks Trust, which manages and maintains Campbell Park and much of the green space and parkland around Milton Keynes. Its events and community engagement manager Julie Dawes said: “We are excited to once again invite local businesses and organisations to join the annual race, that puts the fun in fundraising - all of which funds special projects and future pillars at the MK Rose. The pillars are a great reflection of our diverse community, recording dates of events associated with Milton Keynes’ past and present.” Debbie Brock, chair of the Milton Keynes Rose Trust, adds: “Together with our Parks Trust partners, we are proud of the Shrove Tuesday pillar and traditions. It is a fantastic fixture

in the Milton Keynes Rose calendar and we cannot wait to see which teams will win the 2024 trophies.” Keeping up with the traditions of the Olney Pancake Race, teams will race dressed to toss… with frying pan, headscarf and apron. 100 per cent of entry fees paid by participating businesses will go to the Milton Keynes Rose. n Find out more, including signup details, at www.theparkstrust. com/pancakerace. Entries close on Monday February 5.

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Networking email kransby@woodfines.co.uk or visit www.bedfordbreakfastclub.co.uk

Networking club welcomes new sponsors

etworking group the City Breakfast Club has welcomed two new sponsors for 2024. The club, which meets on the first Wednesday of the month ten times a year, gathers at the YMCA campus in central Milton Keynes to enjoy breakfast, networking and to hear from a topical speaker on a city-wide topic. Attendance is regularly around 60 and the club host the professional services firm MHA are looking to maintain that number with the arrival of new sponsors INREACH and Metro Bank. INREACH, based at Crownhill, provides IT support services, business telecoms solutions and print and document hardware

supply and service. Metro Bank, which has a store at Oakgrove, provides a range of services to both individual and business customers. Andrew Macintyre, regional sales manager at INREACH, said: “Having recently celebrated 25 years of business excellence, INREACH is pleased to be joining as sponsors of the City Breakfast Club. Our family-trusted ethos and commitment to sustainability align seamlessly. As advocates of sustainability, we are excited to champion this agenda at future events and join the conversations impacting and shaping the Milton Keynes business scene and wider community.” INREACH and Metro Bank join the City Breakfast

Club’s long-time sponsors Business MK, Yellowyoyo, Eden Financial & Wealth Management, Franklins Solicitors, Concept Onyx Recruitment, and Willen Hospice. Metro Bank’s local director Thanbi Haque said: “As a community bank, we are delighted to be able to support this fantastic local initiative which brings local business people together to network and support each other in this challenging economic environment.” n The City Breakfast Club’s February meeting takes place on February 7, 7.45am-9am. Speakers Dr Julie Mills and Zoe Raven will outline the 2024 Women Leaders UK Awards competition.

To book your place at a future meeting and to find out more about the City Breakfast Club, visit www.citybreakfastclub.co.uk or call MHA on 01908 662255.

Business networking and development meetings. 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 www.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 www. theathenanetwork.com

MEET THE NEIGHBOURS February 6 7.45am-10am Waterfront Hotel, Wyboston Lakes A structured networking breakfast co-hosted by Bedfordshire Chamber with Cambridgeshire, Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire Chambers of Commerce. Price: £25 Chamber members; non-members £40. CONNECT OVER COFFEE February 8 9.30am-11am: King’s House, Ampthill Road, Bedford Informal networking. Free event for Chamber members; non-members £25 + VAT. Book on to Chamber of Commerce events via events.chamber-business.com.

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February 21 7.45am-9.15am: The Bedfordshire Golf Club, Stagsden Sponsors: Ginger Cow Marketing; Mazars; Metro Bank; Woodfines Solicitors Speaker tbc. Price: £20. Contact: Kerry Ransby

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Northamptonshire’s Business Newspaper The magazine for Milton Keynes

Business MK | February 2024

The magazine for Northamptonshire

Business MK Milton Keynes, Beds & Bucks Business Newspaper

For local business news visit www.BusinessMK.co.uk

Networking The business networking events this month across Milton Keynes, North Bucks and Bedfordshire BIGGLESWADE 4th Tuesday: Miss Vietnam, Market Square. Price : £10 + VAT. If you are serious about growing your business, BNI works. Last year BNI members in the UK generated more than £482 million worth of business for each other. To find out how, visit a local chapter meeting and see for yourself. Each chapter has a personality of its own and finding where you fit best helps you get connected. ACHIEVERS Wednesday 9.30am: Brewpoint, Cut Throat Lane, Bedford. 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. ENCORE Friday 6.45am: Holiday Inn London Luton

BRACKLEY Sponsor: Pulse Group Media. 1st Thursday: Paisley Pear, Northampton Road. Price : £10 + VAT. DUNSTABLE 4th Friday: Sugar Lounge at The Old Sugar Loaf, High Street North. Price : £10 + VAT. LUTON 2nd Tuesday: The Garden Cafe, Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road. Price : £10 + VAT. MILTON KEYNES Sponsor: Pulse Group Media. 3rd Friday: Pop World MK, Lower 12th Street, Central Milton Keynes. Price : £10 + VAT. TOWCESTER Sponsor: Pulse Group Media 4th Thursday: The Saracen’s Head, Watling Street. All meetings payable in advance on the Business Buzz Booking App https://app.business-buzz.org/app or at the event.

BLAZE Thursday 6.45am: Mount Pleasant Golf Club, Lower Stondon nr Henlow. More information: www.bni.co.uk

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE BUSINESS LEADERS DINNER February 1 6.30pm-11pm Horwood House, Little Horwood Speaker: Shalom Lloyd, founder of Natural Tribal Skincare, who received a MBE in the New Year’s Honours List for services to international trade and women in business. Price: £75. Find out more at bbf.uk.com

Shalom Lloyd

February 6 6.45am-8.45am: Villiers Hotel, Buckingham Breakfast meeting + speaker. Visitors: £10. More details: www.bucks-fizz.biz.

Regional sponsor: Business MK and Business2Business No fuss, no membership, pay as you go... The Business Buzz format is relaxed, informal, conversational B2B networking. Town focused events meet face-to-face, allowing visitors to build better, more robust relationships. These are complemented by regional virtual events. All Business Buzz events run 10am-noon. BEDFORD 1st Wednesday: George & Dragon, Mill Street. Price : £10 + VAT.

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). 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 Helping small businesses get tasks from ‘to do’ to ‘done’. Advice and tips on time management and productivity. Price: £6 per session or £12 per month. More information: www.buscomm.co.uk.

February 2, 16 7am: Windmill Hill Golf Centre, Bletchley Networking breakfast with speaker. Price: £15. Contact: www.businessgrowthclub.co.uk or Mark Orr 07903 655169.

BEDFORD February 8 9.30am-11.30am Brewpoint, Cut Throat Lane, Bedford Host: Aruno Rao. Brunchtime networking. Price: £26. MILTON KEYNES February 7 9.30am-11.30am The Anchor, The Square, Aspley Guise Host: Heide Swift. Brunchtime networking. Price: £26. TOWCESTER February 21 9.30am-11.30am The Navigation Inn, Thrupp Wharf Marina, Cosgrove Launch event of a new Busy Networking group. Host: Kirsty Parris. Brunchtime networking. Price: £26. Contact: www.busynetworking.net/meetings.

To feature or comment email: news@businessmk.co.uk

Networking for businesswomen aiming to grow their business in a professional manner while getting to know each other better and having some fun along the way. AMPTHILL February 8 11.45am-2pm The Knife & Cleaver, Houghton Conquest Host: Natalie Murray. Networking with lunch. Price: £28. BEDFORD February 29 11.45am-2pm The Woodland Manor Hotel, Green Lane, Clapham Host: Aruno Rao. Networking with lunch. Price: £28. BUCKINGHAM February 19 11.45am-2pm The Grand Junction, High Street, Buckingham Host: Heide Swift. Networking with lunch. Price: £28. CHICHELEY February 12 11.45am-2pm Chicheley Hall Host: Aruno Rao. Networking with lunch. Price: £28. MILTON KEYNES February 1 11.45am-2pm The George Inn, Watling Street, Little Brickhill Host: Aruno Rao. Networking with lunch. Price: £28. TOWCESTER February 28 11.45am-2pm The Navigation Inn, Thrupp Wharf Marina, Cosgrove Host: Aruno Rao. Networking with lunch. Price: £28. Contact: www.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 www.buzzardnetworking.co.uk

February 7, 7.30am-9am: YMCA, North Sixth Street, Central Milton Keynes Networking breakfast event hosted by the longest-established breakfast networking club in Milton Keynes. Speakers: Dr Julie Mills (pictured) and Zoe Raven, chair and trustee respectively of Women Leaders UK; Andrea Smith, partner at Franklins Solicitors. Book at www.citybreakfastclub.co.uk

February 15 12.30pm-2.30pm Maaya Restaurant, The Hub, Central Milton Keynes Sponsors: Freeths; Pinders. Networking lunch. Price: £33. Book at thecurryclubs.co.uk/event/miltonkeynes-curry-club-24/.

MILTON KEYNES VIRTUAL NETWORKING February 9 10am-11am: Online. Networking + an update on the benefits of FSB membership. Hosted by James Anderson, FSB development manager for the Thames Valley. Free event for FSB members and non-members. To book on to FSB events, visit www.fsb.org.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.

MEET THE NEIGHBOURS February 6 7.45am-10am Waterfront Hotel, Wyboston Lakes A structured networking breakfast co-hosted by Milton Keynes Chamber with Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire Chambers of Commerce. Price: £25 Chamber members; non-members £40. MAXIMISE YOUR MEMBERSHIP February 29 8.30am-10.30am Northampton Active, Bedford Road, Northampton A structured networking breakfast co-hosted by Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire Chambers of Commerce. Free event. Chamber members only. To book on to Chamber events, visit www.chambermk.co.uk/events.

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 COFFEE February 28 10am-12 noon The Safety Centre Hazard Alley, Carters Lane, Kiln Farm Informal networking event. Price: £3 WiE members; non-members £5. Book at www.womeninenterprise.co.uk.

www.businessmk.co.uk for the latest business news from Milton Keynes, North Bucks and Bedfordshire Business MK | February 2024

Your Business Expo Northamptonshire

he date: February 7. The venue: Sywell Aerodrome. The occasion: Your Business Expo Northamptonshire, hosted by Pulse Group Media - publisher of Northamptonshire’s leading business publication Business Times - with full-service marketing agency qoob as the expo’s headline sponsor. Your Business Expo aims to create opportunities for businesses from across the county and beyond 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 many of Northamptonshire’s leading, brightest and fastestgrowing organisations, have already confirmed their place and hundreds of visitors are already registered to join us on the day. Your Business Expo begins bright and early with some sparkling networking over breakfast, led by our friends at the regional networking powerhouse Business

Join us at the county’s business event of the year Buzz. Then comes the main event: Your Business Expo, which starts at 10am and will be welcoming visitors right up until closing time at 3pm. There are opportunities to learn too, with a keynote seminar focusing on the opportunities and challenges for businesses created by Artificial Intelligence. It is led by AI specialist Andy Paul, founder and chief executive of automation and AIpowered data products business Fliweel. Once again our headline sponsor this year is the digital marketing

It feels like every business in the county wants to be part of it. specialist qoob and they are joined by 3RS IT Solutions, people experts HR Solutions, materials access handling solutions provider JST Forklifts

and IT solutions provider Paradise Computing as Your Business Expo Northamptonshire sponsors. Organiser Pulse Group Media is looking forward to a repeat of the inaugural Your Business Expo Northamptonshire in 2023, which attracted more than 100 exhibitors and 600 visitors and was hailed as a spectacular success. Similar feedback followed for Your Business Expos at Milton Keynes in June and in Bedford in November. “The interest in being part of this show has been intense ever since we

closed the doors at Sywell last year,” said Pulse Group Media director Martin Lewis-Stevenson. “It feels like every business in the county wants to be part of it - whether they exhibit or join us on the day, we are confident that Your Business Expo 2024 will deliver exactly what our guests and clients are looking for: the opportunity to talk, engage, connect and do business. “We are delighted with the response in terms of enquiries, the enthusiasm of the sponsors and the quality of exhibitors. We know that Sywell is a wonderful venue befitting an event of the quality we are aiming to stage - it is why we are back again this year - and we know that businesses around the county will benefit by coming along to join us.” n Find out more, book your place at the networking breakfast and register for your free visitor tickets at www.yourbusinessexpo.co.uk or email hello@yourbusinessexpo. co.uk

Northamptonshire’s Largest Independent Business Exhibition Returns for 2024... And you should be there - it’s free to visit!

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Business MK | February 2024

Business Times NORTHAMPTONSHIRE’S BUSINESS NEWSPAPER

For local business news visit www.BusinessMK.co.uk

Business2Business February 2024

In print and online Business2Business is published throughout Bedfordshire for the area’s business community www.businessmk.co.uk

College chief relishes apprenticeship campaign The Bedford College Group’s chief executive Yiannis Koursis and executive director of apprenticeships Debbie Houghton outside No 10 Downing Street

Working with employers delivers qualifications fit for business

taff at The Bedford College Group are throwing their weight behind the themes of this year’s National Apprenticeship Week campaign. The week-long event, which takes place on February 5-11, will focus on a range of apprentice-related topics, beginning with the launch on the Monday and followed by Employer Tuesday, Apprentice Wednesday, T Level Thursday, Celebration Friday and NAW Weekender. The NAW campaign comes under the banner Skills for Life. The Bedford College Group representatives will be hosting and attending a wide range of events in Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire, encouraging young people

and parents to recognise the value of apprenticeships as a pathway to the best careers. The Bedford College Group works with almost 1,000 business to ensure its offer meets current and future needs of employers. “Our relationship with businesses of one of partnership and support,” said the group’s chief executive Yiannis Koursis. “We pride ourselves in being a provider of workforce development programmes and apprenticeships but we also involve the business world in helping us design and codeliver important elements of our curricula. “Through our robust careers education, information, advice and guidance, we

ensure all young people and adults are aware of the huge career potential and future life opportunities available to them through studying

technical qualifications and especially the value of T Levels and Apprenticeships.” Mr Koursis and the TBCG’s executive director

of apprenticeships Debbie Houghton were among the delegates at a meeting in 10 Downing Street to discuss how FE colleges promote the

value of apprenticeships and technical education and what more the sector could do to ensure the UK achieves its education vision. Later this month, The Bedford College Group will join a celebration at the Houses of Parliament hosted by further education minister Robert Halfon MP. The group has also been shortlisted in the national finals of the Apprenticeships, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Provider Recognition Award run by FE Week & AELP AAC Apprenticeship Awards 2024, in association with City & Guilds.

Hatters legend reflects on 40-year career in football

uton Town football legend Mick Harford is to be the special guest for the University of Bedfordshire’s next An Evening With… free public lecture series. Mr Harford (inset), the Hatters’ chief recruitment officer, is to join a panel event From Grassroots to Glory on February 8 at 6pm, at the university’s Luton campus. He will answer questions from journalism students and reflect on a 40-year career as player and

manager. He joined the Hatters in 1984 and has also filled roles at Kenilworth Road as coach, director of football and manager. The event is part of the university’s link with the club as its official education partner. Vi c e - c h a n c e l l o r Professor Rebecca Bunting said: “I am sure our students, staff and the public will find this event engaging and thought-provoking.” n The event is also open to the public to attend in person or online. Register for a ticket via Eventbrite.

University prepares to welcome delivery robots

elivery robots will be travelling around the Cranfield University campus this spring thanks to a new collaboration between the university and manufacturer Peyk. Trials of the PeykBot, a flexible peerto-peer robot, begin in the next few months in a UK first for on-campus last-mile robotic deliveries and will tie into a student group project to enable those studying robotics to gain industry-relevant experience. Researchers and students in Cranfield’s Centre for Robotics and Assembly will be helping Peyk engineers to facilitate the campus

trials, collecting data, optimising the operation of the robots and helping to develop the technology and mechanics of the vehicles. The students’ work will help to finetune the robots for roll-outs to other UK university campuses. It is expected that the robots will be used in the future for mail deliveries, food deliveries and for sending goods and library books around campus. Gilbert Tang, senior lecturer at Cranfield in robotics, said: “With delivery robots becoming a more common sight on UK pavements, we are delighted to be the first university

To feature or comment email: news@businessmk.co.uk

campus to roll out this kind of service to our students and staff. This is also a fantastic opportunity for our students to learn directly from a robotics company and apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.” Peyk’s founder and chief executive Salman Moghimi said: “We are super proud to have a partner like Cranfield to be the first in the UK to deploy in campus robotic deliveries. This collaboration also enables the students to have a hands-on experience on real operational robots as well as potentially creating unique post-study job opportunities.”

Business2Business | February 2024

People Power Makes Business Great – Let’s Work Together Across the country, thousands of businesses are members of a Chamber of Commerce. Why? Because the Chamber is renowned the world over for helping foster connections and enabling local businesses to thrive and grow.

Here at the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, we are passionate about working at a local, national and international level to support businesses of all sizes and across all sectors. Being a member of the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce: • Connects you with a large network of businesses. • Provides you with unrivalled access to help, support, and advice to grow your business. • Opens new business opportunities for you in local, national and international markets. • Ensures your views are heard within Government and other policy makers.

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

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

Become a member today: Visit www.chamber-business.com Email membership@chamber-business.com Call 01582 522448 Follow us on social media

Business2Business | February 2024

For local business news visit www.BusinessMK.co.uk

Feature: Manufacturing

Focus on lean to enhance safety and productivity Adam Fox, of Consulo Compliance, assesses the Lean Six Sigma approach to efficiency in manufacturing

n the manufacturing industry - much like most industries - the pursuit of increased productivity and strict adherence to safety compliance often seem to be at odds. The pressure to maximise output can inadvertently lead to corners being cut in safety protocols. Stringent safety measures can sometimes be perceived as hindering productivity. However, Lean Six Sigma, a methodology focused on improving efficiency and eliminating waste, offers a compelling solution to harmonise these two critical aspects of manufacturing. The core philosophy of Lean Six Sigma revolves around streamlining processes, reducing waste and enhancing quality. When applied thoughtfully, it can significantly improve safety compliance without compromising productivity... where safety and efficiency reinforce each other. One key concept in Lean Six Sigma is the identification and elimination of nonvalue-adding activities. In the context of safety, this can mean simplifying safety procedures without reducing their effectiveness, thereby making it easier for employees to comply and reducing the time taken in following these procedures. Lean Six Sigma employs particularly effective techniques in achieving this balance: Process Mapping and Analysis By mapping out processes, manufacturers can identify steps that contribute to safety risks or noncompliance. These steps can be redesigned or improved to enhance safety and make the process more efficient. Root Cause Analysis Identify the underlying causes of safety incidents or compliance issues. Addressing these root causes often leads to process improvements that enhance both safety and productivity. Standardisation of Processes This ensures consistency in quality and safety practices. Standardisation reduces the variability that can often lead to accidents or noncompliance. It also makes policing adherence to processes and safety protocols much simpler and more effective. Continuous Improvement Lean Six Sigma encourages a culture of continuous

Adam Fox improvement, where processes are regularly reviewed and improved something the Health & Safety Executive is keen to see in all industries. This keeps safety and productivity at the forefront, ensuring that one does not improve at the expense of the other. Several manufacturing companies have employed Lean Six Sigma to balance productivity and safety compliance. A chemical manufacturing plant used Lean Six Sigma methodologies to redesign its material handling process. The new process not only reduced the time taken to handle materials but also significantly lowered the risk of hazardous spills, thereby enhancing safety compliance. An automotive parts manufacturer applied Lean Six Sigma to its assembly line. By analysing, simplifying, and improving its workflow, it reduced the amount of manual

handling required new processes, and therefore especially if they It reduced the perceive them is crucial for physical strain as adding more leadership to be on workers, complexity to decreasing the their work. To committed to the risk of injuries. overcome this, Lean Six Sigma The byit is crucial for initiatives product was that leadership to it also increased be involved and the number of units committed to the Lean produced by 12 per cent. Six Sigma initiatives. While Lean Six Sigma They should communicate provides a framework clearly the benefits of these for balancing safety changes both for the company and productivity, its and for the employees’ safety implementation is not and ease of work. Involving without challenges. The most employees in the process significant is resistance to improvement exercises can change. help in gaining their buy-in Employees and management and making the transition alike may be sceptical about smoother.

Lean Six Sigma offers a robust approach to harmonising safety compliance and productivity in manufacturing. By focusing on process improvement, waste reduction and continuous improvement, it provides a pathway for manufacturers to enhance safety standards without sacrificing efficiency. As more companies adopt this methodology, we can expect to see a shift in the manufacturing landscape, where safety and productivity are no longer at odds and work in tandem to create a more efficient, safer and more profitable manufacturing environment.

n The balance between maintaining rigorous safety standards and achieving optimal productivity is delicate but crucial. At Consulo, we specialise in turning this challenge into your competitive advantage. Our expertise in Lean Six Sigma methodologies positions us to help your manufacturing company not only to identify areas where safety can be significantly improved but also enhance overall efficiency and profitability. Our team of experts will work closely with you to analyse your processes, identify key areas for improvement and implement targeted strategies that bring about tangible, positive changes. Do not let the complexity of trying to improve both compliance and efficiency slow you down. Consulo can help you to make this vision a reality for your business. Together, let’s redefine what is possible in manufacturing.

Adam Fox is director of Consulo Compliance. www.consulocompliance.co.uk

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Business News

Campaign highlights ‘vital’ role of warehousing UKWA chief executive Clare Bottle (right) is pictured with (from left) Transport Minister Richard Holden, UKWA chairman Mike Thomas and honorary president Baroness Anne McIntosh of Pickering at the campaign launch. Right: Ms Bottle and Cllr Valerie Anslow on their tour of Visku’s warehouse in Wellingborough

national campaign highlighting the importance of warehousing to the UK economy is under way. The 2024 Year of Warehousing campaign was unveiled with a visit to the Visku warehouse at Wellingborough by Clare Bottle, chief executive of the UK Warehousing Association. It is the first visit of a series to 80 warehouses all over the UK. Warehousing remains one of the fastest-growing yet least understood sectors in the UK, the UKWA said. The essential work warehouses do - processing millions of products every day - has always been behind

the scenes and unseen by the public. Yet the warehousing and logistics sector contributes £163 billion GVA to the UK economy and is a major employer. The 2024 The Year of Warehousing campaign aims to turn the spotlight on to the million-plus people who work in warehousing, to dispel outdated perceptions and celebrate the role of the sector in national life. Visku’s warehouse at Wellingborough was chosen to start the campaign because of the town’s importance to the logistics sector. Ms Bottle said, “Visku was chosen to be the first of my 80 visits not only as the location of its headquarters,

It is only right we recognise the vital role warehousing plays in keeping the UK running. and one of its flagship warehouses, partnering with Prologis in the ‘Golden Triangle’, but also as an impressive example of state-of-the art-warehousing. “This 335,000sq ft development offers the ultimate in storage flexibility with customer-centricity at the heart of its business. The

occasion was a great success.” Wellingborough Mayor Cllr Valerie Anslow joined the visit - her first time inside a warehouse, she admitted. The visit was hosted by Visku’s chief executive Andy Kaye. “We are delighted to support UKWA’s 2024 The Year of Warehousing campaign and are honoured to be the first company to welcome Clare on her epic 80-site tour of UK warehousing,” Mr Kaye said. “In its long history, UKWA has achieved great things for the warehousing sector and it is only right that in 2024 - this important 80th anniversary year - we recognise

and shout about the vital role warehousing plays in keeping the UK running. “Visku believes flexible warehousing is the future, providing businesses with the agility needed to respond quickly to change. So, by supporting UKWA with this event and also in sponsoring the Association’s National Conference in March, we celebrate innovation and advancement in this wonderful ‘Year of Warehousing’. “This has been a great opportunity for us to continue to support the warehousing industry and to provide a first-hand insight into our business.”

“We are concerned by recent comments that have been made suggesting that homelessness is a lifestyle choice. Such comments fail to recognise the severity of the crisis and, as the largest voluntary sector provider of supported housing in the country, we can say that, whilst there are many complex circumstances that can lead to a person becoming homeless, lifestyle choice does not feature highly among them. “The current crisis is the result of a series of public policy failures in recent decades that has greatly exacerbated the issue of homelessness. The lack of affordable housing options, insufficient mental health resources, and a limited safety net for those facing financial hardship have all played a significant role in the alarming rise in homelessness and the risk of homelessness. Reducing it to a matter of restricting the use of tents is irrelevant and does nothing to address these wider complex causes. “As we continue to provide shelter and support in times of crisis, we implore the government to reconsider its stance and work alongside organisations like ours to address the root causes of homelessness. By addressing the systemic issues and not placing blame on the marginalised, we can build a more equitable and empathetic society for all.” DENISE HATTON Chief Executive, YMCA England & Wales

November 6, 2023

165 young people are at risk of homelessness every day across England and Wales. They could be experiencing abuse, family breakdown or loved ones may not be able to afford to accommodate them any more. They become homeless, not through choice or any fault of their own. With the donations of generous RoomSponsors at YMCA, we’re able to give over 10,600 young people a safe place to stay. With your help, they can access mental health support, careers advice and many other vital opportunities to build bright futures. For as little as £12 a month you could support one of these young people staying at your local YMCA. Please be as generous as you can, it could make such a huge difference to someone’s life, not just throughout the winter months but all year round.

And help us spread the word. For the thousands of young people at risk of homelessness every week, this is not a lifestyle choice. Become a RoomSponsor. Visit ymca.org.uk/ymca-roomsponsor To feature or comment email: news@businessmk.co.uk

Business MK | February 2024