Business MK May 2023

Act now to ease recruitment crisis, say employers

Business leaders in Milton Keynes and across the region are facing challenges to recruit the right level of talent and say that the problem is holding back economic growth.

The latest figures from the Office of National Statistics show that the unemployment rate has risen to 3.8 per cent at a time when the UK economy has more than one million job vacancies.

The statistics are supported by data gathered in Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey.

Chamber chief executive Louise Wall inset says businesses are rightly concerned. “We have never known a time like it where we have businesses

Chamber: Growth depends on tackling skills challenge

saying that they have orders and they have the demand but they cannot get the people to fill these posts to meet that demand,” she said. “This is causing a huge drag on growth both locally and nationally. The Chambers of Commerce has been making the case on this matter for months and know that if our economy is going to get back to growth, we must address the skills challenges here in the UK. Our Chamber is leading the Local Skills Improvement Plan, with the sole aim of putting business at the heart of the skills agenda.”

The Chamber, through its parent organisation the British Chambers of Commerce, says fixing the economy’s

people problem is crucial to its prospects for growth. The BCC’s head of people policy Jane Gratton said: “These unfilled jobs are a drag anchor on firms, preventing them from fulfilling orders and taking on new work. People shortages are also, inevitably, feeding into upward pressure on wage demands, as seen by private sector pay growth of 6.9 per cent. This remains a big concern for the Bank of England and a chief reason for the continuing rise in interest rates.”

Ms Wall said: “It is absolutely fundamental that we solve this problem for the long term but, equally, there is a short-term crisis that needs to be fixed.”

The latest GDP figures from the Office of National statistics report zero growth in February and are in line with forecasts that the UK economy will shrink by 0.3pc this year. Now executives at Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce have called on ministers to act to tackle the high energy prices,

To page 5 >

n Hailed as the most in-demand electric bike in the UK, the E-Champ Superbike collection is manufactured on the borders of Milton Keynes, in Olney. Find out more about the E-Champ Superbike collection on page 8.

Expansion programme packs a punch for fitness franchise

The fitness franchise investor behind the UK’s leading gym operator Énergie Fitness has opened the first of up to 250 new boxing and strength training centres.

Empowered Brands, based in Milton Keynes, opened its inaugural UBX Boxing + Strength site in Manchester last month.

Having announced post-pandemic sales of £33 million across its Energie Fitness portfolio, Empowered Brands is looking to open up to 250 clubs over the next eight years, with six already confirmed to open by September this year.

UBX was founded in 2016 by four-time world champion Australian boxer Danny Green and fitness and tech entrepreneur Tim West. There are now more than 90 clubs across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

The concept is based on a blend of non-contact group boxing and strength training, backed by science and delivered by world class coaches with convenience, enjoyment and results at its core.The mission is to take boxing and transform

it from an individual pursuit into a team culture, says John Jempson, managing director of UBX Boxing + Strength, UK & Ireland and chief financial officer at Empowered Brands. “Convenience, variety and trainer support are among the top three priorities when it comes to selecting a fitness activity.” The announcement is in response to growing customer demand. Energie Fitness has more than 80 clubs and 114,000 members in the UK and has seen membership grow to 14 per cent above its pre-pandemic numbers.

Empowered Brands has opened 22 Energie Fitness clubs in the UK, Ireland

Autonomous robots chalk off a delivery milestone

Robots built by the world leader in autonomous delivery services have now travelled more than six million miles across the world.

Starship Technologies, whose robots are a common sight on the streets of Milton Keynes and Bedford, says its fleet of more than 2,000 robots have completed more than four million autonomous deliveries

One of its robots recently completed a company record 24 deliveries in 16 hours 100% autonomously without any human intervention or oversight.

Ahti Heinla, co-founder and chief technology officer of Starship Technologies,

said: “When we started developing delivery robots in 2014, many thought it was the distant future. However, fast forward to today and our robots are now an integral part of daily life for millions of people around the world.

“These milestones are recognition of the progress we continue to make as the market leader for autonomous delivery, and we remain as committed as ever to making the last mile of delivery more efficient, cost effective and environmentally friendly.”

Starship Technologies also operates delivery robots in Cambridge, Cambourne and Leeds.

and Spain since March 2020. Mr Jempson said: “With movement towards flexible work schedules and an increased demand for social connection, not to mention a boom in interest for skills-based classes and boutique fitness across the industry, we are expecting impressive results across our UBX Boxing + Strength franchises.”

The UBX model is unique, he added, because such a small space is required as compared to other fitness franchise investments - only around 1,500sq ft a club.

Empowered Brands chairman Pietro Nicholls said: “The predictability of UBX’s franchise model makes it an attractive prospect to franchisees. When you consider investing in one’s health and well-being is an essential consumer spending item too, we are extremely excited to commence the roll-out of UBX clubs across the UK.”

Each new UBX club is expected to require at least three members of staff. The roll-out of up to 250 clubs could generate around 1,250 new jobs.

First businesses hit council’s climate action scheme target

Five city businesses have been accepted on to the Target Zero climate action scheme run by Milton Keynes City Council.

The scheme aims to recognise small and medium-sized businesses which have a clear objective to become carbon negative by 2030, putting them ahead of the UK government’s target for businesses to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

They must show how they plan to achieve their climate action ambitions and their strategy must be formally assessed and accepted by the city council’s sustainability team before they can use the Target Zero certification mark. The first five businesses to achieve formal Target Zero recognition are:

n Clear Sight Opticians, a family-

run business based in Westcroft. It has been in Milton Keynes for 28 years.

n Global IT training service provider Uplatz, which has trained more than one million students through its online platform. Founder Indu Khemchandani said: “We are looking forward to moving our organisation in the direction of sustainability. For the last five years we have prioritised this and it aligns with our business journey.”

n Smart Raspberry Cookery School runs after-school clubs, birthday parties, and experiences in cookery and domestic skills for a decade. It is on target to be net zero by 2025.

n MumPod, launched in 2021, helps employers to support their pregnant and breastfeeding employees, visitors and service users. “The ethics of my business

is really important,” said founder Rosamund McFadden.

n Debouge Tech specialises in IT infrastructure, data protection, telecom systems and helping organisations to build their brands. It too is on target to be Net Zero by 2025.

The council set up Target Zero to help SMEs demonstrate their climate action commitments, helping to make them more attractive to customers, suppliers and partners.

Recognised companies will also be invited to share ideas and work collectively to achieve their sustainability goals, receiving the support of other likeminded companies.

n Find out more at www.milton-keynes. gov.uk/target-zero

‘Recognition of the efforts we have all made’

Manufacturer celebrates Queen’s Award and urges other firms to follow its lead

Significant investment that took a precision manufacturing firm to carbon neutral status in only 18 months has resulted in the company receiving a King’s Award for Enterprise.

Staff at Midas Pattern Company have been celebrating since the announcement. After introducing its #MidasGreenInitiative in 2019, the Bedford-based business introduced a raft of measures culminating in a long-term business partnership since 2021 with community woodland The Forest of Marston Vale.

The company, which supplies polyurethane moulded enclosures to the scientific and medical sector, has since been accredited Carbon Net Zero by The Carbon Trust and NQA Certification.

It is one of three Bedfordshire companies to receive a King’s Award for Enterprise, along with SunGod and Tinware Direct.

Midas managing director Alan Rance said the accreditation programme involved a comprehensive audit of its factory on the Elm Farm industrial estate and the investment has led to “outstanding” results, job satisfaction, motivation, profitability and long-term growth.

“This is recognition of the efforts we have all made on our #MidasGreenInitiative journey to carbon neutrality,” said Mr Rance. “We have highlighted that whatever size your organisation, you can achieve carbon neutrality in a short timeframe if you honour the main principles of environmental awareness and take ownership of your responsibility to make amends for your carbonintensive past.”

Midas will use its success to encourage

other businesses to follow its lead, he added. “Our investments and pledge have aided our competitive advantage and it is important to share this message with other companies.

It is your duty to your employees, customers, suppliers, shareholders, all stakeholders in your business, your family and of course, the planet.

“It is not lost on us that the growth in our turnover, number of employees and expansion of premises is linked to being a company that people want to work for and a company that people want to do business with.”

Also to receive a King’s Award for Sustainable Development is SunGod, based at Willington near Bedford, for its performance sunglasses and snow goggles.

Tinware Direct has been recognised in the International Trade category. It creates and supplies metal and cardboard packaging solutions at its headquarters in Wilden, offering a range of ready-to-fill and bespoke tin boxes and cardboard tubes.

Each business will receive its award in person from HM LordLieutenant of Bedfordshire Susan Lousada inset. She said: “The Kings Award for Enterprise is a nationally recognised award and Bedfordshire is full of forwardthinking entrepreneurial innovative businesses. I am delighted that these three excellent companies have been recognised by His Majesty the King in this way. I am thrilled to send my congratulations to the winning organisations and I look forward to presenting them with their awards later this year.”

No companies in Milton Keynes or North Buckinghamshire are included in this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise winners.

MP is full of beans after visit to coffee machine firm

MP Ben Everitt is pictured on a visit to customised coffee machine supplier XpressCoffee Group in Castlethorpe near Wolverton. The company, founded a decade ago, supplies machines to leading global brands such as Aston Martin, Ferrari and Ralph Lauren. Founder Chris Palmer set up the business to supply and service

high-end commercial coffee machines. Today the company also operates at international sporting events, designing branded coffee machines for the BMW team and is expanding into new areas with Mr Palmer’s sons Owen and Tristan pictured with Mr Everitt now involved.

In the last two years, the family launched FreshCoffee2Go, a coffee

and confection vending business, and has already signed up names including BMW, Ralph Lauren and Thames Valley Police.

Mr Everitt, MP for Milton Keynes North, sat down with Tristan Palmer to discuss the company’s ambitions. “Tristan and Owen are ones to watch,” he said. “Their dedication and passion for business is so impressive to see.”

Commitment to equality earns industry award

Staff at Volkswagen Group UK in Milton Keynes celebrate after receiving a special award from the Institute of the Motor Industry for the company’s work championing equality, diversity and inclusion.

People director Penny Weatherup and Aman Sidhu, the company’s diversity, equality and inclusion partner, are pictured after receiving the inaugural IMI Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award. The award honours organisations and individuals that have made a significant contribution to championing diversity in the automotive industry and are playing their part in helping the industry to be more diverse and inclusive.

Volkswagen Group UK, whose headquarters are at Blakelands, works with five Employee Network Groups: Driven Women, Cultural Diversity, We Drive Proud (LGBTQ+), Parents+Carers and Disability+Neurodiversity to create a more equal workplace.

The company also sponsors and contributes to programmes such as the Automotive 30% Club. It is Disability Confident committed, is a member of the Business Disability Forum and is the first automotive company to be recognised by

Inclusive Employers with a Silver EDI accreditation.

The Employee Network Groups are central to Volkswagen Group UK’s diversity and inclusion work, said managing director Alex Smith.

“I hugely welcome this award as a recognition of the hard work that has been invested over many years,” he added. “It is the people who make up our company that will continue to make the difference for our future success and, while there is always more we can do, this award shows

that we are clearly on the right track.” Among businesses shortlisted for the award were Jardine Motors, which operates dealerships across the region, and leasing firm Arnold Clark.

Ms Weatherup said: “My heartfelt thanks go to all the passionate and dedicated members of our Employee Network Groups and my People Team who have contributed tirelessly to raising the awareness and importance of diversity and inclusion.”

Midas Pattern Company’s managing director Alan Rance plants a tree in the Forest of Marston Vale to mark the Bedford company’s partnership with the community woodland charity

Energy expert takes development role

Experienced energy professional and project manager Geoff Blythe, has joined energy management specialist TEAM Energy to lead the organisation’s business development activity in the Midlands.

He has arrived from energy conservation charity Act On Energy, where he led via local councils the delivery of schemes to alleviate fuel poverty and improve energyinefficient housing. Mr Blythe has also worked for Npower Business Solutions.

“I am really interested in Geoff’s knowledge around energy efficiency training, behaviour change and carbon management planning,” says TEAM’s sales manager Pete Morrell.

Law firm boosts conveyancing team

Regional law firm Taylor

Walton has strengthened its conveyancing work with the arrival of experienced chartered legal executive Tricia Moxey. She worked for 25 years at Dunstable law firm Knowles Benning, which closed last year. Ms Moxey’s assistant Dawn Dagger has joined her.

Promotion for engagement head at The Parks Trust

Hannah Bodley, head of marketing, business development, events and engagement at The Parks Trust in Milton Keynes since 2017, is the charity’s new deputy chief executive. She has worked for the charity, which maintains and manages more than 6,000 acres of green space across the city, since 2015 and will continue to head the trust’s marketing and community engagement activity in her new role.

The Parks Trust’s chief executive Victoria Miles, who succeeded David Foster on his retirement last year, says: “A key focus for my first year has been reviewing our structure and succession planning so that we are well equipped to head into our next 30 years. The Trust benefits from an incredible

Talent: Time to grow our own, says college chief

Close links with employers will be key to the success of a campaign to train in Milton Keynes more of the workforce that the city’s businesses and industry need.

Hannah Bodley

breadth of talent on our senior leadership team and Hannah’s promotion to deputy CEO further strengthens our structure.”

Ms Bodley has worked closely with local stakeholders on many important projects and initiatives, Ms Miles adds.

“Her passion for ensuring that the parks serve residents and visitors alike is infectious. I am thrilled she has accepted this well deserved promotion.”

CEO: Leadership changes focus on YMCA’s future

YMCA Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire has boosted its leadership team with the appointment of Anne Rhind as deputy chief executive while Kat Newman becomes director of youth and community.

Ms Rhind has headed the charity’s fundraising and development activity for the past four years, raising a total

of more than £2 million. Ms Newman has most recently been leading the Hospital Navigator programme that is working to tackle youth violence.

The changes come in the wake of the charity opening its new campus in Central Milton Keynes. It works with more than 100 young people and was named Charity of the Year at the Milton Keynes

Business Achievement Awards in March.

Chief executive Simon Green says: “YMCA MK is an ambitious organisation with aspirations to support even more young people across Milton Keynes. I am confident these appointments make us not only stronger but also put us in the best position to achieve our vision for the future.”

It is time to develop talent from within the city’s borders, says Jason Mansell, Milton Keynes College Group’s new chief operating officer.

“Milton Keynes is the fastest growing city in the country yet those working in the city earn more than those living in the city,” Mr Mansell says. “My ambition is to see that gap close as we provide the skills and knowledge most in need locally by giving them to our own young people.”

He has worked at the college

for 24 years, having started as a prison lecturer. The college offers courses ranging from apprenticeships and T-Levels to Microsoft-accredited courses at the South Central Institute of Technology housed at the college’s campus in Bletchley.

“I would appeal to businesses large and small in Milton Keynes to come to talk to us,” says Mr Mansell. “We know that many of you are struggling to fill your job vacancies, and we can tell that by the significant numbers of people moving here from elsewhere to take up employment. Tell us what you need and we will help you plug those gaps.”

The days of ‘one size fits all’ college courses are long gone, he adds. “For years, families have thought there were only two routes [employment or university] school leavers could take. A middle way offers the best of both worlds, earning and learning at the same time as people taking apprenticeships do.

“I am committed to addressing the skills gaps in our city and supporting our students to develop successful careers.”

Jason Mansell

Plans for aerospace firm’s move win green light

Relocation of its UK headquarters to a new facility at Cranfield Airport has moved a step closer for aviation giant Marshall Aerospace.

Central Bedfordshire Council has approved the company’s outline planning application for a new facility that is expected to employ up to 1,200 staff.

Marshall Group chief executive Kathy Jenkins described the decision as “an exciting milestone”.

Approval of the outline planning application gives a green light

Greenkeeper heads for the big time at The Open

Meet Sam Norman, greenkeeper at Abbey Hill Golf Club in Milton Keynes, who is set to prepare the stunning Royal Liverpool GC course for this year’s Open Championship.

He is heading for Merseyside in the run-up to the tournament in July and will join the greenkeeping support team, hand-mowing Royal Liverpool’s greens and raking bunkers during the tournament itself.

Sam is one of only two apprentices to be chosen for the team. He began studying for a NVQ Level 2 in Sport Turf Management last year and is now a registered Apprentice British and International Greenkeepers Association Member.

His BIGGA membership gave him the chance early this year to apply to be part of the greenkeeping team at the 151st Open at Royal Liverpool. Sam was one of more than 60 applicants.

“To be selected as one of just two apprentices to join the greenkeeping team in July is a great honour. I am looking forward to having the chance to represent Abbey Hill and hopefully

Council gives outline permission for new UK headquarters at Cranfield Airport

to the general principles of site development for Marshall’s planned move of its aerospace business from Cambridge Airport. It means the business can start detailed design work for the first phase of its development at Cranfield in preparation for a Reserved Matters planning application.

Ms Jenkins said: “Central Bedfordshire Council’s planning team and Cranfield University have been invaluable partners and supporters of our shared vision for the future of our aerospace business. We are also very grateful to all the residents and representatives of local communities for their

active engagement throughout the consultation process.

“As we work through the next level of detail with our partners and stakeholders, we will continue our dialogue with the local community to ensure we maximise the value of our presence in the region.”

The company’s existing site at Cambridge Airport has been put forward for inclusion in the Greater Cambridge Local Plan. However, Marshall will maintain a strong presence in Cambridgeshire, continuing to operate a number of its

businesses from the area.

Cranfield University’s vicechancellor and chief executive Professor Karen Holford said: “The relocation of Marshall Aerospace to Cranfield University will bring to the region new opportunities for collaboration in research and innovation, as well as raising the aspiration for skills development. “The new state-of-the-art facilities will complement our university capabilities, particularly our global research airport, and further our work with industry and government.”

Chamber: Ministers must take urgent action to inspire growth

> From page 1. recruitment challenges and inflation - all issues that are holding business back.

Its parent body the British Chambers of Commerce also expects GDP to contract in 2023, a view echoed by the IMF forecast in its World Economic Outlook published last month.

Sean Rose, head of policy at the Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce, said: “The latest figures come as no surprise and reflect the national picture that economic growth is going to remain stagnant. There are some fundamental drags on growth that are impacting businesses across all sectors, such as high energy prices, inflation and a recruitment crisis, to name but a few.”

prices and the labour market.

Mr Rose inset said: “It is vitally important that these issues are tackled to allow companies across Milton Keynes to flourish. On top of that, we would like to see much more emphasis, support and encouragement for overseas trade as this is a massive driver for domestic, economic growth.”

learn a huge amount at such a high-profile event,” he says.

San has worked full-time as a greenkeeper at Abbey Hill since 2021, having joined as a part-timer in 2018. He was named Abbey Hill’s Employee of the Year for 2022. “Sam is an ambitious young man and this is an incredible opportunity for him,”

says Abbey Hill’s course manager Ross Edmonds. “We cannot wait to find out what he learns from his time at Royal Liverpool in July.”

Abbey Hill GC is run by Burhill Group Ltd. Its chief executive Colin Mayes adds: “We are extremely passionate and committed to supporting our staff in their endeavours to develop and further their careers. ”

From just in time to just in case for manufacturers

Manufacturers in the automotive industry are holding more stock to protect against unplanned disruptions in a shift from ‘just in time’ to ‘just in case’ strategies.

Supply chain disruption and rising material costs are causing the industry worldwide to re-evaluate its lean manufacturing principles, says a new survey.

Compiled by ABB Robotics - which has a robotics and automation facility in Milton Keynes at Kingston

- and industry magazine Automotive Manufacturing Solutions, nearly two thirds of experts from 600 vehicle manufacturers, suppliers and engineering told the survey of their ongoing supply chain concerns.

A total 41 per cent cited the impacts of material and component price increases and 31pc highlighted to increasing labour costs and shortages.

Manufacturers are turning to increased stock-holding and bulk material purchasing

to limit their exposure to disruption elsewhere in the supply chain, while working with a wider network of suppliers to ensure sufficient availability of parts.

“This seismic shift in manufacturing logistics requires smart, effective solutions,” said Joerg Reger, managing director of ABB Robotics Automotive Business Line. The survey highlighted training, upskilling and education as key to address the challenges of a changing workforce.

The BCC says the business environment must improve quickly to ensure confidence does not fall back to the levels of 2022. The Budget in March delivered several positive measures but did not go far enough to accelerate growth.

In particular, ministers must address issues of energy

He urged local businesses looking for support for their growth plans to seek advice and help from the Chamber. The BCC has also called on the government to make global trade a priority. Its head of research David Bharier said: “The focus must now be on ensuring the new customs and paperwork arrangements work smoothly for businesses both side of the Irish Sea. It is now clear we are stuck in a prolonged period of almost no growth. After a sharp drop in business confidence last year, our latest research shows that optimism among SMEs is now on the way up. But this is yet to translate into an improvement to business conditions in general.”

Greenkeeper Sam Norman is heading to Royal Liverpool Golf Club as part of the greenkeeping team at the Open Championship

Employers join forces to discuss cycling campaign for staff

Major businesses across Milton Keynes are in talks to form a formal alliance to encourage cycling to work.

Red Bull Racing, Network Rail, The Open University and PwC are among those discussing the move after an event announcing the results of a city-wide survey of the travel behaviour and attitudes of students.

Speaking after the launch of this year’s MK Schools Travel Survey report, Malcolm Davies of Tilbrook-based Trek Bicycles, and MK Cycle Forum member Clive Faine, managing director of property developer Abbeygate Developments, talked about the need to follow up

the report and plan the next steps towards building a sustainable alliance of business and voluntary organisations to help the council to increase cycling.

The event, hosted by Milton Keynes Community Foundation and attended by Mayor Cllr Amanda Marlow, also celebrated the achievements of participants in the 2022-23 Business Cycling Challenge, which championed commuter cycling as measured by number of bicycles on site. This year’s winners were high access platform manufacturer Niftylift, based at Shenley Wood, and Volkswagen Financial Services at Tongwell.

The survey report recommends action from schools and the city council to promote cycling to school in order to achieve personal health and wellbeing and net-zero carbon goals.

It questioned 2,500 secondary school students and found that 12

per cent of Year 7 students cycle to school while 50pc are driven. Of those living within a 15-minute cycle ride, nearly 40pc are driven. The report concluded that 1,000 Year 7 pupils who travel to and from school by car could easily cycle.

“Imagine the difference we could

make,” said Cllr Zoe Nolan, cabinet member for children and families. “Promoting cycling from the earliest age is so important. Talking to parents about how their children can cycle safely to school is vital. I am certain we can increase the 12pc who are currently cycling.”

Cllr Emily Darlington, cabinet member for adults, housing and healthy communities, spoke of the health benefits: “If we could get more people cycling for leisure, exercise and transport, we could transform the mental health of people in this city,” she said.

Invest in tomorrow’s workforce, BID CEO urges firms

Invest in a charity that can help to develop the future workforce for employers, says the newest trustee of the charity Action4Youth.

Melanie Beck, chief executive of MyMiltonKeynes Business Improvement District, is also sitting on the charity’s appeal committee overseeing the campaign to raise £1.4 million to redevelop its Caldecotte Xperience.

Businesses need to recognise the value of Action4Youth’s challenging education programmes, said Ms Beck inset who was to step down as BID chief executive this month but is now to stay on part-time until her replacement is recruited.

“Business owners are very concerned about the incidence of antisocial behaviour, drugs, and knife carrying,” she said.

“Business understand that we have a whole generation of youngsters that face a great degree of challenges because of the pandemic, climate chance and the constraints on the public purse.”

The challenges, resilience and teamwork skills developed in young people of all backgrounds and through supported outdoor and adventure education at The Caldecotte Xperience is a key part of what Ms Beck sees as the value to businesses

of Action4Youth’s work.

She is urging organisations to consider opportunities for them with Action4Youth.

She believes investment, volunteering and sponsorship in the education programmes, capital project and in the youth of tomorrow provide benefit for every business, whatever its size.“This is an opportunity for businesses to have lasting impact,” Ms Beck said.

“Businesses want and need responsible, aware, committed employees. Through the programmes run by Action4Youth, hopefully we will get more rounded and more committed individuals coming into the workplace because they have had experiences that have challenged them and opportunities to get the support and mentoring which they have been lacking.”

The charity runs its Breakout educational programmes with schools, which help young people to understand the risks and develop the personal strength to withstand gang and knife culture.

The Inspiration programme introduces wider opportunities and skills for their futures.

Businesses can become involved by sponsoring programmes in schools local to them and by directly taking part to share experiences and knowledge.

Businesses can become directly involved in The Caldecotte Experience through sponsorship, volunteering or donations to the redevelopment of its main building.

“The building badly needs investing in,” she said. “Visits will be so much better for everybody when it is redeveloped. It will have more uses and allow Action4Youth to spread their wings in terms of the target audience.”

Property deals reflect appeal of town centre

Investors have completed acquisitions of seven retail units and offices in Bedford in three separate deals.

A local developer has acquired the freehold of five units at Allhallows. Plans are being prepared to convert the upper floors into apartments and retain

the ground floors to lease as retail units.

Two further units have been purchased in separate deals.

All seven properties changed hands for undisclosed sums, said commercial property consultancy Kirkby Diamond, which handled the deals.

Pictured: Chartered surveyor David Apperley and structural engineer Dhiren Pankhania cast their expert eyes over the work to be done to upgrade, modernise and transform The Caldecotte Xperience, the activity centre run by youth charity Action4Youth as an appeal to raise £1.4 million for the work gathers pace.

Mr Apperley, chairman of property investment company Apperley Estates, is a new trustee at the charity. He is keen to play his part in creating new opportunity for young

people across the region.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to breathe new life into a building, to really create an inspiring place,” he says. “There is so much that we can do to really improve the experience.”

More than 12,000 young people aged between three and 24 take part in outdoor and adventure education at TCX every year. The redevelopment will mean many more will benefit in the future

“We were inundated with enquiries, demonstrating that there is still significant interest in retail and office units in Bedford town centre despite the challenging economic circumstances,” said Nathan George, associate and head of Kirkby Diamond’s Bedford office.

Mayor Cllr Amanda Marlow presents the Business Cyckling Challenge award to Denzel Onyango and Daniel Molnar, from high access platform manufacturer Niftylift

New rules on Capital Gains Tax will help divorcing couples

The government has announced a change to how divorcing couples are treated for capital gains tax purposes when transferring assets between themselves. The new rules were due to take effect from April 5 2023 and a bill to this effect is currently passing through Parliament.

Currently, transfers between a husband and wife or civil partners are exempt from CGT. This exemption extends to the end of the tax year in which the couple separate. This can lead to unfair results - compare the difference between a couple separating on May 1 who have 11 months to sort out their affairs; and a couple separating on March 1 who have one month.

Family homes are to a certain extent covered by the Private Principle Residence exemption but the percentage of PPR exemption applied diminishes after someone has moved out so that where a sale is delayed CGT can become payable.

The Office of Tax Simplification has recommended that the government should extend the ‘no gain/no loss’ window on separation. The government has gone further than the recommendation to give a fairer outcome for those involved in complex separation and divorce proceedings.

However, cohabiting couples

transferring assets between themselves are not exempt from paying CGT, although they can claim PPR exemption for their main home.

THE NEW CGT RULES

For illustration, Mr and Mrs Jones are divorcing and they wish to transfer jointly- owned investment properties between them. They separated in January 2023 so, in order to avoid paying CGT, they must transfer the properties by the earliest of either the end of the third tax year after which they ceased to live together (ie, by April 4 2026) or the date of their final divorce order or separation order.

Therefore, the timing of applying for the Final Divorce Order - previously known as Decree Absolute - or the timing of the Deed of Separation needs to be carefully considered. It can be delayed where necessary.

Assets transferred in accordance with a financial court order receive the same no gain/ no loss treatment.

If Mr Jones moves out of the family home and there is a significant delay in selling it, he will now be covered by the no gain/no loss treatment. He

can also choose to treat the period that he was no longer residing in the home as if it had been his only or main residence until the time of disposal and so claim PPR exemption, subject to certain conditions.

Let us now suppose that Mr Jones has agreed to delay realising his interest in the family home for some years but that he is entitled under an agreement or order to receive a share of the profit when it is eventually disposed of. The new rules allow him to obtain

PPR relief in the same proportion that relief applied to the original disposal to Mrs Jones or, where the original disposal qualified for no gain/no loss treatment, in the same proportion that PPR would have applied but for the no gain/no loss treatment.

When the new rules are made law, payment of capital gains tax on the transfer of assets between spouses or civil partners should become a thing of the past as long as careful consideration is given to the timing of obtaining a financial court order on divorce or a final divorce order.

It remains essential to obtain legal and accountancy advice to ensure

n For advice and support regarding divorce and liability for CGT, contact the specialist team of family lawyers at Neves Solicitors.

Pictured are (front, from left) senior associates Tina Shah and Heidi Fleming.

Back row (from left): Emily Pope, associate; Georgia Farrell, legal assistant; Beth Woodward, partner and head of divorce and family law; legal assistants Nicky Doorne and Jayne Humphreys.

that tax is not unnecessarily paid. It is important to bear in mind that payment of CGT is not avoided altogether but merely deferred and the spouse receiving the benefit of the asset will need to pay CGT on the whole gain when he or she eventually goes on to sell that asset.

In demand, made in Britain... and just beautiful

It is being hailed as the coolest and most in-demand electric bike in Britain. Some of the most affluent clients are queuing up to pay up to £5,000 for an Olney-made E-Champ superbike. Moguls from the Middle East are vying with fellow buyers from around the world to acquire the retro-looking bike that is taking zero-emission travel by storm. Launched only two years ago from a factory in Olney, the E-Champ collection is being sold via London department store Selfridges. E-Champ Superbikes is the brainchild of founder and managing director Jeff Collins, who was in the USA after selling his previous fashion business and looking for new opportunities when he saw e-bikes on the streets of California.

“It has taken two years to get to this point, to get the frame, the fabricator, the top-end upholstery just right,” he says.

Today the E-Champ factory in Olney manufactures up to 25 bikes a month, each built bespoke to the client’s specific requirements. The company employs a total of five specialist staff, including two expert fabricators and, says Jeff, “probably the best

electric bike technician in the country”. Selfridges displays the e-bikes at the heart of its Oxford Street store’s technology floor and intends to launch the bikes in stores across Europe by the summer, including in Paris and Berlin. The bike frame comes with a lifetime warranty, with other components protected with a five-year deal.

“Each bike is unique,” says Jeff. “They are all British-made and are just beautiful machines. They are the ultimate green transport too, with zero emissions so the owner pays no road tax or insurance.”

Such has been the demandclients include former England rugby internationals Matt Dawson and Paul Grayson, as well as Lewis Ludlam, the current captain of Northampton Saintsthat Jeff envisages having to upscale the E-Champ operations to keep pace with orders that take up to three weeks from placement to completion and delivery.

Zero emissions make

“People order them and they simply cannot wait to get their hands on their bikes,” he says. “The way it is going, we need to upscale our production to accommodate demand. But the bikes will remain exclusive.”

bikes the ultimate in green transport...

the

Bear in mind that payment of CGT is not avoided altogether but merely deferred

Lifeline merger protects community bank’s future

Merging with a neighbouring organisation will preserve the future for a community bank which offers an alternative to 3,000 members in Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire who may otherwise turn to pay day lenders and loan sharks.

Swan Community Bank, which also serves Oxfordshire, has completed its merger with Wiltshire and Swindon Credit Union and now operates under the name of Acorn Community Bank.

Community banks, also known as credit unions, are owned by their members and run on their behalf. They provide affordable loans for people unable to secure credit elsewhere. Members open savings accounts and, provided they meet loan criteria, can take out loans which are repaid monthly.

Swan board chair Steve Eyre, who helped to found the organisation in 2010, said uncertainty over the future of its outsourced IT system meant it had to find another partner to be sure of surviving. “We have needed to modernise our back office for a long time but it has been extremely difficult and it has hampered our operation,” he said.

WASCU was one of several credit unions approached by Swan to discuss a potential merger. “The more we talked, the better it looked and we

Governance specialists join law firm’s company secretarial division

Company secretarial business

Bruce Wallace Associates is joining Milton Keynes law firm Shakespeare Martineau.

settled on this being our preferred option from fairly on in the process really,” said Mr Eyre, who retired from his post at the end of March. “If we did not do this, I do not see how we would survive. We have been straight with members about this in meetings we have held with them. It was absolutely essential for us.”

Five staff, including its two directors Susan Wallace and Martha Bruce, join the firm’s CoSec team, which provides

The merger is a good fit for Swan and its members, he added. “It is of a similar size, a community-based credit union with shared values and clearly a team that is doing well. They have an IT system that works well and equips them for expansion. They provide excellent service to their members and that is a big attraction.”

specialist corporate governance advice and company secretarial services to private groups and public companies listed on AIM, AQSE and the main market.

Bruce Wallace Associates cofounders Martha Bruce and Ms Wallace are both Fellows of the Chartered Governance Institute.

Ms Wallace said: “Martha and I believe this is an excellent move for us and our clients. We are keen to grow our team and client base, and the infrastructure Shakespeare Martineau offers will enable us to do just that.”

Ben Harber, head of CoSec at Shakespeare Martineau, said: “Not only do they have an impeccable reputation, excellent networks and share multiple service synergies with us but they also share our values and ethos.”

Swan was formed by the merger of two credit unions in Milton Keynes and Aylesbury and merged with Oxfordshire Credit Union in 2021. Three mmbers of staff and two directors, including treasurer Philip Turnbull, have joined Acorn Community Bank. Mr Eyre said: “Everything will remain the same for

our members. All of the directors are volunteers who are here to try and help people who need to be helped. They want to, in whatever form, be able to carry on doing that.”

Swan’s average loan is between £700 and £800 - most are used by people who struggle to get credit at high street banks for emergencies such as car repairs or replacement of white goods.

Acorn Community Bank chair Nick Gallop said the merger will mean it doubles in size. “It will allow us to benefit from economies of scale and gives us new opportunities to grow,” he said.

Last year Acorn invested in a new IT system to modernise its systems and introduce new loans and has already introduced a simple banking app. New types of lending will follow.

Mr Gallop said: “Everyone who has an account with Swan will maintain the same kind of account under the same terms - we will not be forcing changes on anyone. The merger will also allow us to exploit the potential of our new IT system.

“We are excited about our new technology and the merger. These take us to a new level and allow us to provide better, flexible and accessible services without losing the personal touch that has been a lifeline to so many people.”

Susan Wallace is pictured with Ben Harber, head of CoSec at Shakespeare Martineau

Networking club moves venue to YMCA cafe

Networking group the City Breakfast Club is to move its regular venue to the YMCA Milton Keynes’ café.

The move is a show of support by the club, one of the longest-running networking events in Milton Keynes, for the work being done at the charity’s new campus in North Sixth Street, Central Milton Keynes.

The City Breakfast Club regularly welcomes more than 60 guests to its meetings, held nine times a year and featuring a leading speaker on a topical issue affecting the city and region. Liz Newell, partner at City Breakfast Club organiser MHA MacIntyre Hudson, said: “We are so excited to come to the YMCA and see and support the work they do.”

The club will hold its first

meeting at the YMCA’s HomeGround café next month on June 7. Ticket money for the event will go towards supporting the YMCA’s work helping 18- to 35-year-olds with their mental health and addiction issues. Last year the charity helped 130 residents into employment.

YMCA fund development manager Kay Smith said at last month’s club meeting:

“Part of supporting people into employment is to give them work opportunities within our building.”

YMCA residents work in the HomeGround café, which has reopened with a new menu of dishes, many created from produce grown on the building’s green roof. HomeGround supports the young people who live at YMCA MK by providing employment and training opportunities.

n The next City Breakfast Club meeting takes place on May 3, 7.45am. Speakers are Priofessor Lynette Ryals and Kristian Mackie, from the new university MK:U, and Michelle Theuma on behalf of the employability charity Worktree. Book your place and for the June 7 meeting at www.citybreakfastclub.co.uk

Niche eco fashion store has a new owner

Businesswoman Jane Sumner is the new owner of Danish fashion brand Noa Noa’s shop in Olney. The shop in Market Place, which unveiled its new look to customers last month, specialises in styles for women of all ages and children aged up to six. The Noa Noa brand

champions an eco-friendly ethos, using natural and recycled materials sourced from sustainable sources to create its bohemian style of clothing.

New owner Ms Sumner has worked as an image and style consultant and Colour Me Beautiful expert for 26 years. “I am proud to be working

F1 team revs up recruitment at Job Show

It is now in its tenth year and the latest MK Job Show at centre:mk has been hailed as a resounding success.

More than 60 major employers in the region were in Middleton Hall to meet hundreds of visitors to discuss thousands of job vacancies.

Hospital NHS Trust, MBA Consultants, British Transport Police, University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, and Lockheed Martin.

MoneyGram Haas F1

with this fabulous brand,” she said. “The company have been incredibly supportive and have made it possible for me to continue to bring their unique collection to local residents and visitors to the area, thanks to a positive and realistic working arrangement at a time when many other retailers are struggling.”

The MK Job Show attracted more visitors than to any other event in its history, increasing centre:mk’s footfall by around 117 per cent, say organisers.

Main sponsor the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team led a line-up of employers including zone sponsors Santander, bp pulse, Brioche Pasquier, Counter Terrorism Policing, Network Rail, Milton Keynes University

Team’s vacancies were popular as the Formula 1 racing car that took centre stage on the team’s stand.

“Coming to a show like the MK Job Show is absolutely amazing,” said a spokesman.

“You get to meet so many different people. And you get to reach an audience that you may not reach with the standard recruitment process. It definitely reaches a different target market.”

At the previous show in

September, estate agency and property giant Connells Group arranged around 30 interviews and took on more than ten new recruits in the Leighton Buzzard-based company’s legal and customer service departments, as well as hiring a trainee surveyor. Connells Group was back for this year’s MK Job Show as a result. “We say it is like the crème de la crème of job shows, from how the exhibitors are looked after to the candidates coming through,” said a spokesman. MK Job Show organiser JS Media Ltd showcased its own vacancies at the show for the first time… and hired two new members of staff.

n The next MK Job Show at centre:mk takes place on September 8-9. Employers interested in taking part can contact the MK Job Show team at info@jobshows.co.uk

Liz Newell

Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership

Spearhead change and find a way to a happier city

Nicholas Mann, chair of Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership, says more businesses need to advocate for social justice and connect with young people - the workforce of the future.

We celebrated at the Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards in March the fact that Milton Keynes is one of the most ethnically diverse communities in the UK.

It was also a time to revel in Milton Keynes’ city status and reflect on the journey our city has made from a village in the Middle Ages, to a town in the 1960s, to the great city it is today.

Having this prestigious title bestowed upon our ‘new town’ really was a pinnacle point in this journey and, for many, achieving this status was the ultimate accomplishment. However, I now believe that we need a new goal to aspire to.

We should aim to not only make Milton Keynes the most successful city in the country but also the happiest.

The UN has published its latest World Happiness Report, which states that communities who are more equal are also happier. Sadly for Milton Keynes, this year’s Vital Signs report published by the Milton Keynes Community Foundation, reveals that we have more than 18,000 children living in poverty and 12pc of our neighbourhoods are in the 20pc of the most deprived neighbourhoods in England.

So, while we are very diverse, we are unequal with many of

the people in our midst unhappy as a consequence. As a business community we need to spearhead change and turn this around.

I recently met with the headteacher of a local school who told me that she was unable to offer her students work experience because their parents did not have networks that offered them opportunities. As a result, these students were unable to acquire vital skills that could increase their chances of finding jobs and help them to make meaningful contributions to our society.

I tried to put myself in their shoes. It would be natural to harbour feelings of hopelessness, disenfranchisement, distrust and - let’s be honest -

Boost your sales the easy way... That’ll do nicely

Ionce attended a business course during which the trainer told the audience “You cannot make it too easy for your customer to pay.”

His faultless logic was that if you were to offer every possible payment mechanism to your customers you would increase your sales.

For starters, accept all forms of card payment. This means not limiting yourself to only accepting debit cards, Mastercard and VISA but also American Express. American Express may charge a slightly higher merchant charge and their fees have reduced a lot in recent years but the average US customer

spends three times as much as nonAmerican Express card holders, according to the Nilson Report 1,213 produced in February 2022.

So it is a false economy to refuse to accept American Express. The loss of sales far outweighs a slightly higher merchant charge.

The irony is that Paypal charges merchants a far higher fee than American Express yet many businesses will more readily accept Paypal than American Express.

Refusing to accept payment by cash is also a big mistake. Many people still like paying in cash, even though the number is decreasing,

contempt for a system that appeared to reject these students. Without the prospect of meaningful work, the alternatives are bleak and that can often lead to wider social issues. There is a very clear link that social inequality can lead to antisocial behaviour, gang involvement, and even crime. As a city, we need to up the ante and encourage more local businesses to advocate for social justice and connect with the youth in our community.

Of course, there are many already leading the way in this area but as a business community we would significantly benefit from equipping our young population with the correct skills and boost our workforces with

home-grown talent.

Within Milton Keynes we have a large population of younger, workage people - higher than many other cities across England - so why are we not doing more to tap into this pool of potential talent? We should be nurturing it, giving it an opportunity to blossom into individual engines of productivity.

At MKBAA, the room within Stadium MK was full of hugely talented businesspeople and I know that not one of them would leave a stockroom piled high of supplies without trying to realise its full value.

Yet, as a community, we leave piles of potential talent cast aside, untapped, unrealised and - worse

still - we cost our community money as it becomes disenfranchised and economically inactive.

Not developing our natural resources just does not make good business sense. Successfully engaging with this demographic and creating ‘home-grown’ talent will not only support our bid to make Milton Keynes the country’s most successful city but it will also make us happier as a city.

The good news is that steps are being made to connect our youth to us, thanks to wonderful organisations like the employability charity Worktree, Fresh Youth MK and Milton Keynes College. The latter has recently appointed Jason Mansell as its new chief operating officer (story on page 4), who is committed to upskilling local young people.

It is often said that ‘Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not.’ As businesspeople of Milton Keynes, we are the gatekeepers of this opportunity so, as we put a close on MKBAA 2023 and set the wheels in motion for MKBAA 2024, let’s collaborate to create equal opportunities and realise our next ambition.

To discuss other ways to increase sales, take advantage of a one-hour Discovery Meeting either at our offices or by a video conference call at our expense worth £270 to each of the first three readers who contact us before May 31 2023. 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 May2023 offer to book your free discovery meeting.

Tony Byrne

so why not allow it? OK, it saves a weekly trip to the bank to pay in the cash but surely it is worth it for the extra sales.

Many tradesmen still work in the cash economy so you could be losing out on some large sales by not accepting cash.

We are the gatekeepers of this opportunity... Let’s collaborate to realise our next ambition

Nicholas Mann on stage at this year’s Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards

The agency hitting the creative heights

Top-rated digital marketing agency Red Giraffe took home the prize for Design & Creativity at the Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards this March.

Their premium, visionary and imaginative website designs saw them see off the competition to win the sought-after Design and Creativity prize. The Red Giraffe team were thrilled to come out on top. They work hard to go above and beyond to create unique and visually appealing websites for their clients.

The MKBAA was hosted at the DoubleTree by Hilton at Stadium MK. Over 600 attendees joined this prestigious evening to celebrate the success of local companies. The theme of the award ceremony was Celebrating Diversity - a fitting choice for Milton Keynes; a young city that leads the way in the diversity of its businesses and the people behind them.

Red Giraffe were ecstatic to receive recognition from the esteemed judging panel and be recognised for their worldclass web designs.

Web design that works...

Located at Linford Wood, Red Giraffe specialise in website design, Search Engine Optimisation and Pay-Per-Click.

Red Giraffe work with a diverse range of clients across a varied mix of industries. They take clunky, outdated

sites and turn them into modern, userfriendly ones. Working with both new and well-established businesses, the team create websites that are easy to use, navigate and engage with.

Red Giraffe’s skilful SEO management turns websites into top-performing, first-page-on-Google platforms. Red Giraffe’s SEO specialists have been able to transform the ranking results of businesses from non-existent to top positions. This has helped to drive traffic to their clients’ sites, increasing

visibility and generating more leads and sales.

The team also have a dedicated PPC service. Their clever PPC campaign management significantly increases their client’s lead generation rates.

Sustainable-minded...

Red Giraffe also lead the way in sustainable web design and are one of the UK’s first climate-positive digital agencies.

MD Joe Gilbert is so passionate about

sustainability that Red Giraffe have partnered with forest conservation organisation More Trees and plant a tree for every invoice raised, one tree a month for their SEO and PPC clients and plant three trees when a website has been completed.

Red Giraffe have also partnered with environmental campaign organisation Ecologi to calculate the carbon footprint of their team and offset the CO2 used by the workforce.

Exceptional customer experience...

What makes everything Red Giraffe touch turn to gold?

Red Giraffe’s success lies in their attention to detail and focus on customer service. They work closely with their clients to create custom websites that reflect the brand’s personality.

The Red Giraffe team of skilled designers and digital marketers have all the expertise to help local businesses improve their online presence and increase their sales.

Their vision is to make the web a better place... one website at a time. They do this by creating websites that are faster, more engaging, more entertaining and more media-rich.

That’s what makes Red Giraffe one of the UK’s top-rated digital marketing agencies.

Networking

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

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.

Partnership and Buckinghamshire Business

Networking lunch.

AYLESBURY

2nd Tuesday 12 noon-2pm: Online

MILTON KEYNES

2nd Thursday 12 noon-2pm: Online

BUCKINGHAM

3rd Tuesday 12 noon-2pm: Online

CAPPUCCINO CONNECTIONS

4th Thursday 10am-12 noon: Online

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

BEDFORD

2nd Wednesday 12 noon-2pm: Online

SOUTH & EAST BEDFORDSHIRE

4th Tuesday 12 noon-2pm: Online

WOBURN

3rd Thursday 12 noon-2pm: Online

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

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

BRACKLEY

1st Thursday: Paisley Pear, Northampton Road.

MILTON KEYNES

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

BEDFORD

1st Wednesday: George & Dragon, Mill Street

BIGGLESWADE

2nd Wednesday: The Crown Hotel, High Street.

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

EAST MIDLANDS

1st Friday: Online. Price: £10

BEDFORDSHIRE

4th Tuesday: Online

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

DIAMOND

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

APOLLO

Wednesday 10am: MK Gallery

PHOENIX

Friday 9.45am: The Bedford Golf Club

ENCORE

Friday 6.45am: Holiday Inn London Luton

More information: www.bni.co.uk Airport

PIONEER

Wednesday 9.30am: Online meetings

More information: www.bni.co.uk

First. Hosted by The Countess Howe, HM LordLieutenant of Buckinghamshire. Find out how to apply and hear from previous winners about the benefits of receiving a King’s Award. Free event. To book, email events@bbf.uk.com or visit www.bbf.uk.com

MEET THE NEIGHBOURS

May 11 11.30am-1.30pm

Staverton Park Hotel & Golf Club, Daventry Co-hosted with Northamptonshire and Coventry & Warwickshire Chambers of Commerce. Chamber members only. price: £20 + VAT. To book on to Chamber events, visit www.chambermk.co.uk/events

April 17 7.45am-9.15am:

The Bedfordshire Golf Club, Stagsden

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

Speaker: Phil Eckersley, the Bank of England’s agent for the South East & East Anglia.

Price: £20.

Contact: Kerry Ransby email kransby@ woodfines.co.uk or visit www. bedfordbreakfastclub.co.uk

Business networking and referral group.

Price: £6.

MILTON KEYNES

2nd Thursday, 7.30am-9.30am:

Abbey Hill Golf Centre, Two Mile Ash

VIRTUAL NETWORKING

Tuesday Brunch

2nd Tuesday, 9.30am-11am

Wednesday Breakfast

4th Wednesday, 7.30am

May 3 7.30am-9am: Delta by Marriott Hotel, Kents Hill Networking breakfast event hosted by the longest-established breakfast networking club in Milton Keynes.

Speakers: MK:U chief executive Professor Lynette Ryals below and Kristian Mackie, innovation hub manager at MK:U, the new university for Milton Keynes; Michelle Theuma, managing director of Onyx Recruitment, on the Worktree employability charity. Book at www.citybreakfastclub.co.uk

Networking events provide a platform to meet and build relationships with peers and fellow members. The group also hosts personal development sessions, with talks from business leaders.

ASPIRING LEADERS

May 16 5.30pm-7.30pm

Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce offices, Northampton

Delivered by Tom Clife. Aspiring Leaders is an interactive development programme, which has been recognised by CMI and CPD and is aimed at individuals who are preparing to take their first step into a leadership or management role. To book, email info@nextgenerationchamber. co.uk. Find out more about NextGen Chamber at www.nextgenerationchamber.co.uk

LEADERSHIP - A VIEW FROM THE TOP OF A COLUMN

May 16 noon-2pm:

Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, Hart House Business Centre, Kimpton Road, Luton

Inaugural Lunch & Learn session led by leadership expert Steve Doyle, of Powering Your Potential.

Price: £10 Chamber members; non-members £20. Includes buffet lunch.

CONNECT OVER COFFEE

May 23 9.30am-11am:

THSP, Bedford Business Centre, Mile Road Networking event + an update on the benefits of Chamber membership. Free event for Chamber members; nonmembers £25.

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

Thursday Breakfast

3rd Thursday, 7.30am

Friday Breakfast

2nd Friday, 7.30am

THE ACCOUNTABILITY CIRCLE

Monday 10am-11am: Online

A regular virtual meeting helping small businesses get tasks from ‘to do’ to ‘done’. Advice and tips on time management and productivity.

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

Alt. Fridays 7am:

Abbey Hill Golf Centre, Two Mile Ash Networking breakfast with speaker. Price: £15.

Contact: www.businessgrowthclub.co.uk or Mark Orr 07903 655169.

MILTON KEYNES VIRTUAL NETWORKING

May 12 10am-11am: Online. Speaker tbc.

Hosted by James Anderson FSB Development Manager for Thames Valley. Free event for FSB members and nonmembers.

BEDFORDSHIRE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE & HERTFORDSHIRE VIRTUAL NETWORKING

May 18 10am-11am: Online.

Networking + an update on the benefits of FSB membership.

Free event for FSB members and nonmembers.

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

12 noon-2pm, networking lunch.

Bedford & Ampthill

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

Leighton Buzzard

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

Luton

2nd Monday: South Beds Golf Club, Warden Hills Road / 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

May 2, 16, 30 7am-8.30am: Villiers Hotel, Buckingham Breakfast meeting + speaker. Visitors: £10. More details: www.bucks-fizz.biz

If you are serious about growing your business, BNI works. Last year BNI’s UK members generated more than £482 million worth of

KING’S AWARD FOR ENTERPRISE 2024: LAUNCH + NETWORKING

May 11 6pm-8pm: Westcott Venture Park, Aylesbury

Organised by Milton Keynes Business Leaders

NETWORKING LUNCH

May 31 noon-2pm:

Warbler on the Wharf, Campbell Park Marina Price tbc. WiE members and non-members welcome. To book, visit www.womeninenterprise.co.uk

What was your first job?

Working as a retail assistant in a bookshop - the ideal place for a bookworm.

Why did you choose your particular career?

I studied business studies at A Level and went on to study it at university. In my final two years I had to specialise in either finance, marketing or HR. I chose HR, because, having worked since I was 15, I found it easier to relate to HR and work psychology.

I was lucky to jump straight onto an HR graduate development programme with Accenture HR Services and the rest is history.

What’s the best job you’ve had and why?

Hands down it has to be running my own business. By far it has been the most rewarding and it has tested my resilience to the max but I have developed so much more as a person and a business professional in the last 18 months since launching Haus of HR. …and the worst and why?

Working in a call centre processing unsecured loans. It was an evening job while I was studying for my degree.

At times it would be soul destroying, especially if there were no calls coming through because that was before it became the norm to have an email account and internet access so I just had to clockwatch the evening away.

What’s the best advice you’ve received in business?

To keep learning, because the business world is constantly evolving and it is important to stay up to date on industry trends, new technologies, and best practices.

Continuously learning and expanding my knowledge helps me stay competitive and able to make informed decisions.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Starting my own business. I never thought it would have been possible so to experience so much success in the 18 months since launching the Haus of HR has to be my proudest moment. …and the low point?

I can’t think of a particular low point, because I always try to stay positive. Maintaining a positive attitude can be challenging during a low point in your career but it is important to stay optimistic and believe in yourself.

I always think of setbacks as temporary and with hard work and perseverance, you can overcome them.

Q&A

Where business people discuss their motivation, ambition, experience - and themselves. In the spotlight this month is Rachel Collar, founder of HR consultancy Haus of HR and a newly appointed non-executive director of Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire Chambers of Commerce.

which one to eventually call home.

What has been the best moment of your life?

Without doubt it has to be getting married, which was in February 2020 just before the pandemic started. Of course our honeymoon was cancelled, and it has not yet been rebooked. …and the worst?

From solo at The Stables to my Greek island dream

Who in business do you respect the most?

I’m a big Dragons Den fan so it has to be Deborah Meaden. I admire her entrepreneurial spirit having run several successful businesses throughout her career and her willingness to take risks.

As a philanthropist myself, I admire her involvement with charities and her passion for animal welfare, and supporting animal rights. She has overcome obstacles and setbacks throughout her career but uses her experiences to inspire others to pursue their dreams.

I was lucky to meet her briefly when I completed the London Marathon which her husband was also running in. She kindly donated lots of food and drinks for the runners of the charity I was supporting.

What annoys you the most in business?

Poor communication: when there is a lack of clear communication or miscommunication between team members, it often leads to frustration and errors that could have easily been prevented. Being in HR, I have seen a lot of issues escalate quickly and often unnecessarily due to poor communication.

… and in life?

People who are rude, inconsiderate, or selfish, who are set on making life difficult and stressful for everyone else.

What’s the best thing about where you work?

The best thing is I can play the music I want and I have created a working environment around me that is relaxing - which is so unlike the corporate world I used to work in.

…and the worst?

The worst thing is having direct access to the biscuit tin all day...

What’s your career ambition?

For Haus of HR to go from strength to strength and be recognised as a leading provider of HR and people solutions to businesses in Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes.

Alongside that, the growth of Haus of Coaching, providing executive, leadership and career coaching to both businesses and individuals, enabling them to unlock their true potential.

…and your life ambition?

To retire to a Greek island. I am still exploring them all before making the final decision on

My husband having a heart attack the day before our first wedding anniversary. It was such a scary and worrying time, especially because I was not able to visit him in the hospital.

How do you relax?

I enjoy going for long hikes deep into the countryside to find geocaches. It is an outdoor activity which uses GPS technology to find hidden containers - geocaches. For some proper downtime I like to do pilates and tai chi.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Watching reality TV. I am an absolute addict but it is pure escapism from the world of work and I do not need a brain to watch it.

What’s your worst fault?

When I am passionate about something, I do not always know when to shut up.

What’s your most treasured possession? Apart from my husband, it has to be my rescue cat Buddy who also is the ‘Chief Happiness Officer’ at Haus of HR.

What are you afraid of?

Spiders - of all sizes!

Tell us something you regret.

Not keeping up with my language skills. I have an A-level in German so I wish I could speak a second language fluently.

Tell us a secret about yourself.

I have a grade 8 in keyboarding which I got while I studied at the Yamaha Music School - which used to be based in Bletchley - and I got to perform a solo piece at The Stables in Wavendon.

Which historical figure would you most like to talk to and why?

I used to volunteer at Bletchley Park so it would have to be Alan Turing, who contributed to the Allied victory by helping to decipher the German Enigma code. I would love to know his views now on artificial intelligence.

What are the first three things on your bucket list?

■ To attend the Air Guitar World Championships.

■ Ride Route 66 in a pink Cadillac.

■ To walk the Inca trail in Peru. What music/song would you like played at your funeral?

Ave Maria sung by Aaron Neville.

Photo: Jane Russell Photography

When I’m passionate about something, I don’t always know when to shut up

Flying high… daredevil wingwalker Aimee

Dimmock swaps the office for the air as she completes a 12-minute aerobatic flight strapped above a biplane.

The stunt raised more than £3,000 for the Foxley Kingham Anniversary Foundation. Colleagues at the chartered accountancy firm in Luton raise money each year, with a total £13,000 shared this year between three local health and wellbeing charities:

n Bedfordshire Hospitals

NHS Charity’s Emergency Department Appeal, supporting Child and Adolescent Mental Health Room;

n CHUMS, supporting services delivered by Chums CIC;

Governors confirm new chief executive for college group

The Bedford College Group is preparing to welcome a new chief executive from January next year.

Ian Pryce, who has held the post for 25 years, is to retire and will be succeeded by Yiannis Koursis, currently the principal and chief executive of Barnsley College. Work has already started on the handover.

Mr Pryce said: “I am fortunate to have got to know Yiannis over the last couple of years as members of the FE Commissioner’s Principals Reference Group. He has an excellent reputation in the sector and I know he will be great to work with and will take our college group to the next level.”

already sound foundations.”

n Mind BLMK, which delivers mental health support across Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes.

“I thought it was crazy enough to raise lots of money,” says Aimee, an accounts and audit senior at Foxley Kingham. She chose the wingwalk after completing a skydive from 13,000 feet five years ago and raised £3,300 towards this year’s total.

Other colleagues set off on a 68-mile cycle ride around Essex, raising £2,800 and competing the ride in just over four hours.

The charity partner for the year ahead is NOAH Enterprise which helps disadvantaged people in Luton, particularly the homeless, marginalised and

those who have fallen into poverty.

Says chief executive David Morris: “It is a privilege to be selected as their charity partner this year. We are excited to be working together and cannot wait to see how they beat last year’s fundraising feats.”

Foxley Kingham director Tara Aldwin, a trustee of the Anniversary Foundation, says: “I am so proud of the team and do not know how they will top this year’s amazing feats. We are all looking forward to watching them do it, though.”

The Anniversary Foundation was established to commemorate Foxley Kingham’s 50th anniversary in 2018 and fundraises to help causes in the Luton area.

Employers have their say at skills forum

B

The Chamber’s chair Richard Cooper joined chair of The Bedford College Group governors Allan Schofield and business owners to sharing ideas at a forum hosted by Central Bedfordshire College in Dunstable.

Mr Schofield said: “We need to take a long-term view of

edfordshire Chamber of Commerce has hosted a series of Local Skills Improvement Plan consultation events with employers and skills providers.Richard Cooper

how we strategically develop the skills needed for the future.”

Gina Bubbins director of business development at The Bedford College Group of which Central Bedfordshire College is now part following

its merger earlier this year, said: “We are looking forward to doing great things here in Central Beds with employers and these LSIP meetings are an important part of that work.”

From these meetings information will be channelled to the Department for Education to shape plans for future funding. So far 2,000 comments have been collected from employers across the SEMLEP region of Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire.

Chair of governors Allan Schofield added: “We are committed to making The Bedford College Group a truly excellent institution leading the region’s training and skills agenda and we are confident that Yiannis will help us achieve this in building on our

The Bedford College Group is the seventh largest group in the country by funding. It recently merged with Central Bedfordshire College and is run by the chief executive, supported by two deputies and three principals for Bedford, Central Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire.

Mr Koursis has held senior further education roles and spent close to a decade working with voluntary and charitable services.

Appointment

Reach for the sky: Wingwalk is the highlight of firm’s annual fundraising

Battery tech key to future of UK’s EV industry, says minister

Researchers develop new power source in £29m project

Battery technologies needed for the future of sustainable electric transport are being developed by researchers at Cranfield University.

The work on lithium-sulfur batteries is part of a major new £29 million UK research programme into energy storage funded by The Faraday Institution.

Lithium-sulfur batteries have several potential advantages over lithium-ion battery technology. They are lighter, which is important in the electrification of short-haul aircraft and light goods vehicles, and produce up to 600 watt hours per 1kg. Lithium-ion batteries produce around 250 watt hours and Cranfield’s researchers believe lithium-sulfur may be a cheaper technology for industry and consumers.

Research lead Dr Daniel Auger, reader in electrification, automation and control at Cranfield’s Advanced Vehicle Engineering Centre, said: “With the ongoing surge towards electrification, there is a need for a range of battery technologies and options for development.”

Lithium-ion batteries are nearing their limit in terms of performance improvements. Lithium-sulfur is one of the emerging alternatives that is closest to being commercially available. They will be of value for aircraft, where fuel load is everything, and for light goods vehicles, giving more capacity without the extra weight pushing the vehicle into the 7.5 tonne category, Dr Auger said.

For passenger vehicles, the lighter battery requires less energy for acceleration and to overcome rolling resistance. The new batteries will interest a wide range of industries, he added.

The work is part of the LiSTAR project researching the potential of lithium-sulfur technology. The Cranfield team is looking to develop a sophisticated battery management system to provide accurate information on charge levels and how operation of the vehicle impacts on battery life. Phase two of the LiSTAR project began last month with results expected within two years.

Professor Pam Thomas, chief

executive of the Faraday Institution, said: “The Faraday Institution is committed to identifying and investing in the most promising and impactful battery research initiatives.

“This project is an important part of that process and allows us to direct even more effort towards those areas of research that offer the maximum potential of delivering societal, environmental, and commercial impact.”

Business and Trade Minister Nusrat Ghani added: “Growing the battery industry is vital to positioning the UK as the best location in the world to manufacture electric vehicles. This funding will help businesses become more innovative and productive, helping to create more skilled, high-wage jobs across the UK, futureproofing our economy and supporting our ambition towards a cleaner, greener future.”

The LiSTAR research project is being led by University College London and involves the universities of Birmingham, Cambridge, Coventry, Imperial College London, Nottingham, Oxford, Southampton and Surrey.

James Trumper

Apprenticeship is a family tradition for young surveyor

Not only is James Trumper joining the family business, he is also following in the footsteps of his predecessors by enrolling on a degree apprenticeship at the University of Westminster to be fully qualified as a quantity surveyor.

James is the sixth generation of the Neville family to join the Neville Trust group of businesses based in Luton. Studying at the University of Westminster means

his education is echoing the path taken by his great grandfather, great uncle and grandfather.

Employers view apprenticeships as a productive, cost-effective way to expand or upskill their workforce. Higher level degree apprenticeships are now being more widely offered by some universities.

“It seemed to me to really offer the best of both worlds,” says James. “A lecture hall environment for the >

> academic learning for my degree alongside the practical classroom of my workplace, whether that be on or off site. As well as being able to put my theoretical learning into practice almost immediately, I earn a salary and end up with a degree without the burden of a student loan.

“I am also realising that employers are impressed that you can demonstrate direct experience of working in a business. When I talk friends and family through the benefits of following this path, reactions are really very similar - it is an absolute no brainer.”

Apprentices attend university one day a week in term time while also working in a salary related role. The student does not pay tuition fees - the programme is paid for by the employer and government.

Rising student debt and the cost of living crisis is prompting parents, students and schools to revisit the apprenticeship option.

The University of Westminster offers a range of higher and degree apprenticeships at undergraduate and postgraduate level that combine academic study, practical experience and employment skills.

“Embracing the new with energy and imagination allows us to develop apprenticeship programmes that provide our students with the skills that they need,” says corporate communications and public affairs officer Zsuzsanna Matyak.

Independents are leading town centre’s retail revival, says property expert

String of premises deals bode well for the future

Independent businesses are bringing a renewed vibrancy to Bedford town centre, says a local commercial property agent.

The town has bade farewell to major national retailers including Debenhams and Beales. But the independents are thriving in their place.

Kirkby Diamond’s agency department has completed 27 sales and lettings of retail properties in Bedford town centre over the past 12 months and says its future is looking bright.

“It is always the negative stories that tend to dominate people’s attention,” said Nathan George inset, Kirkby Diamond’s head of agency and office in Bedford. “Yes, the likes of Debenhams and Beales have left the town, leaving large voids, and other national retailers have moved

out too but local independent businesses continue to thrive, bringing vibrancy to the town centre.

“We are speaking to new and growing businesses on a weekly basis and Bedford is firmly on their list of locations to trade from.”

Sustainability schemes win global green award for conference venue

Celebrations continue at a training and conference venue in Bedfordshire after its series of sustainability initiatives earned the business the IACC Americas Innovation Award.

Wyboston Lakes Resort beat strong international competition from ten other finalists to win the award, which recognises the successful implementation of new ideas and practices. Its winning entry highlighted the resort’s approach to food waste, in particular its People’s Pantry initiative with chefs encouraging colleagues to take home remaining freshly made food that would otherwise go to waste.

It also featured the new

biodigester in use at Wyboston Lakes to digest food waste so that it can be turned into material for fertiliser on its 380-acre site.

The award was presented at the International Association of Conference Centres Americas Knowledge Exchange Conference in North Carolina.

Wyboston Lakes managing director Steve Jones, who attended the conference and received the award, said: “To win a major international award for our sustainability initiatives is tremendous and puts the continually innovative efforts of our team into a new global perspective.”

The resort’s Room2Grow initiative also impressed the

audience at the conference. Since June 2022, more than 11,500 eco-conscious guests staying more than one night at Wyboston Lakes Resort have chosen to have a tree planted on the resort instead of having their room cleaned.

In September Wyboston Lakes Resort published a four-year Green Energy Roadmap as the foundation for its plan to become selfsufficient by producing its own green energy using the natural resources available at the Resort, which will help to achieve its net zero carbon emissions target. The total investment in the development is likely to be more than £5 million.

n The People’s Pantry, which contributed to Wyboston Lakes’ success in the USA, aims to ensure that unsold or unused food from the resort’s hotel and two event venues aremade available for colleagues to take home.

Chefs including executive head chef Glenn Corby (pictured) package meals in a range of portion sizes, which will then be stored in fridges for employees.

The People’s Pantry is available at The Woodlands Event Centre and The Willows Training Centre. It will also operate from The Waterfront Hotel’s brasserie The Gravel Pit.

The former Bath Store unit in High Street is now home to a wedding retailer and two units in Harpur Street have been taken by a bubble tea operator and a pizza restaurant. Another High Street unit is now a convenience store and units in The

Arcade have welcomed beauticians, clothing retailers and recruitment companies.

“It will be interesting to see how the town centre continues to evolve over the next 12 months,” said Mr George.

The departure of leading retail names from Bedford has created opportunity for local independent retailers to move into town centre premises

Volunteers running the allelectric community canal boat Electra have called for more people to join their ranks. Demand for the trips along the Grand Union Canal has doubled since the boat was launched in 2021.

Electra already has 49 volunteers working for the initiative. Now the boat, run by the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust, is looking for others to work as cabin hosts on board and to fill shore-based posts in customer liaison, social media, marketing, outreach, fundraising and project management.

“Electra volunteers are a friendly bunch who work as one big team,

creating and delivering a range of enjoyable cruises on the Grand Union Canal,” says chair of volunteers Denise Taylor. “Some people crew the boat, others work behind the scenes to get everything ready and some people do a bit of both.”

Interested? Informal interviews began last month with training in May and June, ready for crewing from July.

n Find out more at https:// www.bmkwaterway.org/electra/ volunteering/ or email volunteers. electra@bmkwaterway.org for further details.

Drivers rev up for Ukraine fundraiser

Karters will be competing to take the chequered flag at a fundraising race day for the people of Ukraine at the Daytona karting venue in Milton Keynes in June. Teams from local businesses will join karting fans and the public to take part in a two-hour team endurance race around the 1.2km track designed by the late motor racing great James Hunt.

All profits from the event will go to Siobhan’s Trust, a charity dedicated to feeding families near the front line in Kharkiv, Odessa, Izium and Mykolaiv.

“Endurance races are not just about speed. They are about strategy and teamwork - a great teambuilding activity for colleagues or sports teams,” says Daytona Group’s head of marketing Dan Prince. Daytona are also hosting a silent auction, with prizes donated by local businesses.

n To enter a team or to donate a prize, contact Daytona on 033 033 27870.

To mark International Day of Forests, net zero consultancy TEAM Energy has become a corporate friend to the Forest of Marston Vale.

The energy audit specialist, based at Knowlhill in Milton Keynes, has committed to plant a tree for every employee every year. It achieved carbon neutral status this year and aims to be net zero by 2030, 20 years ahead of the UK’s 2050 target.

“As an employee-owned business we have a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility and to be involved with the community we operate in,” says chief executive Simon

Generous colleagues rally to aid earthquake victims

Caring colleagues at a specialist packaging manufacturer in Leighton Buzzard have made substantial donations to help the ongoing relief efforts to support victims of the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

Staff at Peli BioThermal, which specialises in temperature-controlled packaging and service solutions for the global life sciences industry, have donated clothing, toiletries, blankets and other essential items to the UK charity Go Dharmic.

Jyoti Qurban, transport coordinator at Peli

BioThermal, presented boxes of donations to the Luton Turkish Education and Culture Trust, which is raising funds and arranging collections to support relief efforts in the earthquake zone.

“We were overwhelmed by the rapid response and outstanding generosity of our colleagues who were happy to help and made so many donations,” she says. Jyoti pictured above, fifth from right arranged for regular shipments to the charity, which ensures donations are moved to the parts of the region most affected by the devastation.

Miles “Becoming a friend of Marston Vale Forest - a fantastic project right on the doorstep of Milton Keynes - is more than just a pledge; it is a promise from us to support the environment and habitat around us for our employees, their families, and the community now and for the future.”

The Forest of Marston Vale is a community forest and charity committed to the preservation of woodland and wildlife. Since its inauguration in 1998, the charity at Marston Moretaine in Bedfordshire has planted more than two million trees across 12 woodland sites, removing over 4,900 tonnes of carbon from the

atmosphere annually. Its goal is 30 per cent tree cover across the forest area, which means that a further five million trees need to be planted.

“The environmental benefits of good-quality tree planting are really far-reaching, supporting biodiversity, reducing flooding risk and absorbing carbon from the atmosphere,” says TEAM’s net zero strategy lead Timothy Holman. “This is the start of a partnership in which we will be able to support our customers through the Forest’s carbon offsetting opportunities so businesses can invest in verified credits as part of their sustainability journeys.”

boat crew seeks more volunteers to come aboard as passenger bookings continue to rise

Philanthropist sets £1.4m youth centre appeal in motion

Engineer and philanthropist Roger Jefcoate is the first to make a donation to Action4Youth’s campaign to transform its Caldecotte Xperience centre.

Mr Jefcoate’s charitable trust The Roger & Jean Jefcoate Trust has donated £25,000, with Mr Jefocoate also personally donating £1,000. The money sets the appeal, which aims to raise £1.4 million to redevelop the outdoor and adventure education centre next to Caldecotte Lake, on its way.

“This is the biggest donation for years from our small trust to a single

cause,” says Mr Jefcoate. He is a long-time supporter of Action4Youth and The Caldecotte Xperience, most recently as its vice president. For the past 30 years he has propagated and planted black poplar saplings - the most endangered native timber tree in Britain - and is pictured below planting a sapling at the Caldecotte Xperience with Milton Keynes Mayor Cllr Amanda Marlow.

The appeal was launched in March by Action4Youth’s president The Countess Howe, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire.

Building work is under way on seven new accessible houses for to support adults with learning disabilities.

The homes, designed by Milton Keynes-based architects Studio Ageli, are being built at the charity Camphill MK’s sites in Pennyland and pictured above Willen to address the lack of adaptable housing in the city.

“I am passionate about supporting adults with learning disabilities to find

Volunteers teaching disadvantaged people the benefits of cooking and eating better have appealed to the business community for support.

Food etc is a social enterprise based in Bedford that delivers cookery workshops in venues including schools and community centres. Its volunteers are keen to demonstrate how to prepare quick, nutritious and tasty meals using readily available, affordable ingredients.

“If you have grown up with meals being cooked at home, you tend to follow suit when you get older,” says Food etc’s founder and director Julie Clay. “But for people who had a different experience,

Voluntary sector conference pays tribute to late vice chair

Fundraising, marketing, diversity and leadership were on the agenda at a CPD conference for the voluntary sector in Milton Keynes.

The event, hosted by Milton Keynes Community Foundation, included workshops designed to help charity professionals to improve their skills, network and update on the latest trends and best practices. Speakers included those from MIND BLMK, The Open University and MK Centre for Integrated Learning.

The conference followed a survey by MKCF last year which revealed a huge demand for training amid significant budget cuts due to the cost of living crisis.

“It really reminded us of the power we all have when we come together,” said MKCF’s capacity building manager

Michaela Clark. The conference closed with an awards ceremony at which three recognition awards were presented by Cllr Emily Darlington below, cabinet member for adults, housing and healthy communities on Milton Keynes City Council, in memory of Cllr Carole Baume, MKCF’s late vice chair who died suddenly last year while on holiday.

The Micro, Medium and Large awards went to education-employment charity Worktree, which organises Career Workout sessions in schools, to MK Money Lifeline and to YiS, which supports young people’s mental health.

“Carole was an invaluable contributor to our board and loved by her community,” says Ms Clark. “We are honoured to have been able to present these awards in her memory.”

accessible housing and support in the kind of community settings that they tell us they want,” says Camphill MK’s chief executive Tim Davies

The rooms accommodate non-assisted care through to palliative needs. The properties also include shared common social spaces, public and private gardens and landscaping.

Construction company Watson & Cox, based at Wellingborough, has been appointed to build the homes. It

it can be daunting to make your own meals given that cooking comes with its own terminology as well as practical and numerical challenges.”

Supermarket prices are increasing at an annual rate of 17.5 per cent, according to the Financial Times, and government statistics show that almost two-thirds of adults in the UK are overweight or obese, a figure that rises to 72pc in deprived areas. More than one in five children of reception age are obese or overweight, the figures add, rising to 38pc of those aged ten-11.

“The figures make for horrifying reading,” says Ms Clay. “We are trying

has delivered projects for educational institutions such as the University of Northampton, Oxford Brookes University, schools and residential developments and is working with Camphill MK on a joint campaign to raise awareness around mental health in the construction industry.

“We love projects like this with Camphill MK, where we get to engage with the end users and create something that will address a real need in the community,” says managing director Darren Wallace.

Grants from The Anson Trust, Milton Keynes Community Foundation, The Edward Gostling Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, Old Possums Practical Trust, Roger & Jean Jefcoate Trust and The Wolfson Foundation have helped to fund the project.

to break the cycle of food knowledge deprivation by empowering people with the skills and information they need to reduce their food bills and eat more healthily.”

For less than £1,000, organisations can sponsor a Food etc course and make a difference to the mental and physical health of people living in Bedfordshire. “Companies can publicise this investment to support their own business objectives,” says Ms Clay.

n To find out more, contact Julie Clay at juliec@foodetc.org.uk or visit www.foodetc.org.uk.

– Henry Ford

n See how the redevelopment fund is growing and make a donation at www.action4youth.org

Are you ready for those big summer events including Royal Ascot, Lords and Henley or family and friends’ weddings?

Are you ready for those big summer events including Wimbledon, Royal Ascot, Lords and Henley or family and friends’ weddings?

Discover stunning new fabrics from across the globe available at Saint Crispin Bespoke Menswear, make an appointment for your bespoke consultation today.

Discover stunning new fabrics from across the globe available at Saint Crispin Bespoke Menswear, make an appointment for your bespoke consultation today.