Business MK June 23

in Milton Keynes and North Bucks for the area’s business

Marshall Amplification is sold to Swedish sound firm

Music industry icon Marshall Amplification’s sale to sound electronics company Zound Industries has been completed.. Marshall, whose headquarters are in Bletchley, has worked in a joint venture with the Swedish-based company since 2010. The sale, announced in March, sees the launch of Marshall Group as the new name for the combined business with current annual revenue totalling around $360 million.

In selling Marshall Amplification to Zound Industries, the Marshall family will become the largest shareholder of the newly formed Marshall Group with a 24 per cent shareholding. Terry and his sister Victoria Marshall will join the board of Marshall Group.

Marshall Group includes all of the Marshall Amplification brands, including Natal Drums, Marshall

Records and Marshall Live Agency. The Jim Marshall Charitable Trust, which is also a shareholder of the Marshall Group, will play a key role in ensuring the legacy of the famous Marshall sound and brand by continuing to be involved in charitable causes in the local area. Mr Marshall said: “We have always looked for ways to deliver the pioneering Marshall sound to music lovers of all backgrounds and music tastes across the world and I am confident that the Marshall Group will elevate this mission and spur the love for the Marshall brand.”

The Marshall brand was born in the 1960s when Jim Marshall - the ‘Father of Loud’ - and his son Terry created the original Marshall amp in his drum shop in Hanwell, London under the name Jim Marshall and Son.

Marshall Amplification was founded in 1962 and the Marshall guitar amplifiers soon became the leading brand, seen on all the biggest stages around the world and used by guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin and Pete Townshend of The Who.

Marshall Amplification has been based in Bletchley for more than five decades and has worked with Zound Industries since 2010, when Zound started to license the Marshall brand for use on a range of headphones and wireless speakers sold around the world in 90 countries.

Lawyers at Geoffrey Leaver Solicitors in Milton Keynes advised Marshall Amplification shareholders on the sale. Senior associate Danielle Austin said: “Marshall Amplification is a renowned business to Milton Keynes, and we are delighted to have advised the

shareholders on this cross-border transaction spanning England, Sweden, Vietnam and Hong Kong to ensure the continued success of the Marshall brand with the formation of the Marshall Group and for Terry and Victoria Marshall to continue Jim Marshall’s legacy as board members of the Marshall Group.” The firm has advised Marshall for many years. Commercial property solicitor Richard Willis is also a member of Jim Marshall’s Board of Trustees and a trustee of the Charitable Trust. “This is an exciting time for the company and for the brand but also for the Jim Marshall Charitable Trust,” Mr Willis said.

“The charity retains an interest in the new venture and will have increased scope to consider and to apply charitable donations to the causes Jim was so passionate to support.”

n Unity Place, the new UK headquarters of banking giant Santander, is set to open next month.

The building (pictured above), next to Milton Keynes Central railway station, has been designed as a state-of-the art co-working office and leisure space for Santander staff and the

wider Milton Keynes community. It is expected to house around 5,000 Santander employees as well as welcoming users from the city’s business community and other groups totake advantage of its community space, shops, eateries and workspace.

Take a look inside: Turn to page 5. >>

Cyber security specialist heads consultant’s UK practice

Audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK has welcomed Stuart Leach as a technology and cyber risk assurance partner to its office in Milton Keynes.

Mr Leach pictured has moved from fellow professional services firm Grant Thornton, for which he was a director leading its cyber security services. He has more than 25 years’ experience designing, operating and assessing cyber security programmes, security operation centres and threat intelligence capabilities for

Colleagues toast three promotions

Lawyers at regional law firm Howes Percival’s Milton Keynes office are celebrating after promotions for three of their colleagues Jenny Laskey, pictured, who specialises in contentious probate, and corporate lawyer Tom Redman, pictured, become partners in the firm. Graham Jones, part of the firm’s commercial property department, is now a senior associate.

major organisations. He becomes head of RSM’s UK cyber practice.

“Cyber is a complex area with an ever-evolving threat and regulatory landscape

that can be a minefield for businesses to navigate so it is an ideal time to be joining the team to steer our cyber services and provide real value for clients,” Mr Leach

said. “RSM has a wellestablished cyber risk team and a great reputation in the market.”

He sits on several security industry advisory boards, working with senior leaders and board directors on cyber risks, threats and investment requirements.

Sheila Pancholi, partner and head of technology and cyber risk assurance at RSM UK, said: “Strengthening our capabilities allows us to provide increased support for our middle market clients.”

Associate ready to support national team

“We have a reputation for promoting from within and it is great to be able to reward so many people this year for their exceptional efforts in supporting our clients,” said Howes Percival chairman Geraint Davies. “The firm has had a really successful year and this achievement has been driven by exceptional people working really hard together.

Our people have been at the heart of that and consistently provided excellent service to our clients, which has enabled us to capitalise on the opportunities that have arisen. “Investment in people, through both external appointments and nurturing our existing talent, is key to our strategy, our continued success and growth.”

Committed to create top lawyers

Two new partners at its Milton Keynes office are among eight partner promotions announced by national law firm Shoosmiths. Holly Hirst, pictured, has been appointed as a corporate partner at the firm’s office at 100 Avebury Boulevard in Central Milton Keynes while colleague Brian West pictured becomes a real estate partner.

The firm has also made 12 legal director and 24 principal associate appointments.

Chairperson Peter Duff said: “We are committed to developing and nurturing our people to create the best lawyers of tomorrowgetting this right is integral to Shoosmiths’ strategic expansion across our chosen markets.”

Managing associate Kerry Jimenez has made the short journey across Knowlhill to join law firm Freeths’ corporate department.

She arrives from fellow Milton Keynes firm EMW Law with more than 12 years’ experience advising on corporate matters. In her new role, she will support the 90-strong corporate team nationally.

Said Jonathan Hambleton, managing partner at Freeths in Milton Keynes: “We are thrilled to have Kerry, pictured, on board. Her experience and expertise will be invaluable as we continue our growth strategy.”

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Spice mumpreneur hails victory in trademark battle

Mumpreneur Nimisha

Chotai has won a long-running legal battle over the trademark of her business supplying ‘ready to cook’ Indian spices and ingredients.

The Intellectual Property Office ruled in favour of Mrs Chotai and against Indiabased spice manufacturer Pravin Masalewale, saying the Indian company held no trademark rights in the UK.

It had alleged that Mrs Chotai’s brand Masalawaala had sought to hijack the Masalawaala trade mark for its own benefit and prevent Pravin Masalewale from trading in the UK under its own name.

Mrs Chotai, pictured, who lives in Milton Keynes, launched her brand in 2017. The business aims to provide home cooks with the spices and key ingredients to produce

unique and delicious Indian cuisine in minutes. Lawyers at national firm Freeths, led by IP and media partner Martin Noble inset, successfully argued that Mrs Chotai had developed the Masalawaala name in good faith and could not be prevented from using it as there were no earlier rights and her name was

sufficiently different.

Mr Noble said: “This was a great victory for Nimisha as she has put in a lot of effort into creating her business.

Faced with a challenge to her core brand, an adverse decision would have meant going back to the drawing board, which was not palatable at all.”

The Intellectual

Property Office exonerated the Masalawaala brand from the allegations of fakery and deception, he added. “This decision means Nimisha can continue to focus on expanding her brand and growing goodwill through increased sales.”

Mrs Chotai, whose business has won several food industry awards, said: “I am thrilled and most of all relieved that all the hard work put in to create Masalawaala has not gone to waste and we can continue to create the authentic taste of India and establish ourselves as a market leader.

“We might be a smaller and newer company than competitors but we wanted to take ownership of our name from the start. Building a solid reputation and brand presence is very important to us at this stage and Freeths understood this completely.”

MK:U: We are here to support business

MK:U is ready to tear up the rule book on university education, its chief executive has told an audience of businesspeople.

The university has begun its journey towards full university status by applying to the Department of Education.

The aim is for MK:U to become the UK equivalent of the Massachussetts Institute of Technology, recognised nationally and internationally for the quality of its tech education, said Professor Lynette Ryals.

Its curriculum is focusing on the digital economy, STEM subjects and the digital skills gap, working with businesses to develop courses delivering the skills employers seek.

“The idea we have is to be the MIT in the UK. That fits with the values of Milton Keynes, trying out new technology,” Professor Ryals said. The university is developing a model whereby its students graduate and leave with no student debt to

repay. It also plans to move away from the traditional exam model, concentrating on digital apprenticeships.

Banking giant Santander, which is shortly to open its Unity Place campus in Central Milton Keynes, has committed £1 million of its apprenticeship levy to support businesses based in the city looking to put their staff through a digital apprenticeship.

Three digital apprenticeships are under way already at MK:U, which is teaching out of premises at Bouverie House in Central Milton Keynes. A fourth, on cyber security, is due to begin in September at the start of the new academic year.

Professor Ryals was

speaking to guests at the City Breakfast Club networking group. She was joined by Kristian Mackie, manager of MK:U’s Innovation Hub, who outlined the growing engagement with local businesses. Around 250 have already signed up to use the hub’s space, which is encouraging employers to interact with MK:U students.

The university aims to have full-time undergraduate students within the next three years, Mr Mackie said, and is focusing on its school outreach programme. “We want to inspire the next generation of young people in Milton Keynes to think about their careers and what their next step should be.”

Mr Mackie urged interested

Help us in the fight against crime, Chief Constable urges leaders

The new Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police has called on businesses to help restore faith and trust in the force.

Jason Hogg, inset, who took up his new position at the helm of Thames Valley Police - the UK’s largest non-metropolitan force - in April, has laid out his plans to businesspeople.

The force is committed to focus on serving victims, fighting crime and building trust and confidence in the police. Thames Valley Police has a strong relationship with Milton Keynes and its citizens are already working

US giant buys adhesives manufacturer

Deal is key to global growth plans

businesses to take part in the apprenticeships for which Santander will cover the training costs.

“We are here for business,” he told his audience. “We are a university specifically designed for businesses and we want to support them.”

MK:U is looking to create student accommodation in the city as the student roll grows.

Professor Ryals said employers such as BAe Systems are already sending their digital technology apprentices to Milton Keynes. ”It is a bit of a coup,” she added. “Working with businesses is important to us. We have to be agile and we have to keep talking and listening to what the new developments in business are.”

Industrial adhesive manufacturer Beardow Adams has been sold to the world’s largest adhesives company.

New owner H.B. Fuller Company, based in the USA, completed the deal with an eye on accelerating its growth plans in several of its core markets and to create synergies through production, distribution and innovation of new products.

Beardow Adams, founded in 1976 and based at Bradville, has grown into one of Milton Keynes’ most successful companies with customers in more than 70 countries.

H.B. Fuller was attracted by its manufacturing capabilities across Europe and the USA, and its strong worldwide distribution network.

It employs around 200 staff and generated around €130 million in revenue in the last financial year. The company will continue as part of H.B. Fuller’s existing hygiene, health and consumable adhesives global business unit.

The unit’s executive vice president Jim East said: “Combining the two companies is an exciting move toward H.B. Fuller’s goal of strengthening our leadership position in the markets and regions we serve by expanding our customer base and technology portfolio to address today’s megatrends, such as e-commerce, food safety, and sustainability. As we combine our businesses, we will be a stronger force in the adhesives industry.”

together to tackle crime and reoffending. Mr Hogg intends to double the number of neighbourhood police officers, with greater support from the public. “Policing is too important to be left to the police alone” he said. “We need to maximise the eyes and ears in the local community to tackle crime.”

Speaking at a dinner hosted by Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership, Mr Hogg tackled questions from MKBLP members including Catriona Morris, chair of trustees at safety education charity The Safety Centre on Kiln Farm, about how to

sustain initiatives to educate children about the risks and consequences relating to knife crime. “Within 90 minutes of a young person below the age of 17 being arrested with a knife in Milton Keynes there is an intervention,” Mr Hogg said. “This is testament to the power of communitiesl.”

He discussed the resources issues Thames Valley Police is facing. “Right now we have 140 vacancies and while we do not have a problem recruiting good-quality people, retaining them is a challenge. PCSOs are some of the lowest-paid individuals in the force and this is something that I am looking into.”

The force is to introduce robotic automation to handle call demand and is already encouraging the public to report crime online in the first instance, he said.

The dinner was sponsored by MyMiltonKeynes Business Improvement District. Chief executive Melanie Beck raised issues facing BID levy payers including a rise in shoplifting, car crime and employee safety.

Mr Hogg told his audience: “We need to build trust in our local communities and show that the police are on your side,” he said.

Professor Lynette Ryals and Kristian Mackie are flanked by (from left) brekafastc club host Liz Newell, fellow speaker Michelle Theuma from the charity Worktree and club chairman Steve Freeman

Elvis is in the building ...and he’s not leaving

Care provider Peach Care Services has big plans for the next year or so. It is looking to move into larger premises to accommodate a day centre for children in its care and has begun the search for a property to acquire in order to open respite care facilities to give clients and their families a muchneeded breather and change of scene. Its business is growing, thanks in part to government regulations that have enabled it to deliver a more consistent level of care by employing trained care specialists from all over the world. Thanks also to its relationship with industry regulator the Care Quality Commission, which has just delivered a ‘Good’ rating of the Milton Keynesbased company and is considering raising it to ‘Outstanding’.

Thanks in principal to the operator of the place it calls home: Milton Keynes Business Centre, operated by Capital Space.

“It is a fantastic place,” said Peach Care Services founder and managing director Elvis Idegbekwu. Peach has already moved from its original unit into larger premises at the centre to keep pace with its expansion. Such is the demand for the company’s services that it is again seeking more space at Milton Keynes Business Centre in order to turn the dream of a day centre for children into reality.

“When our staff take the children in their care out for a day, they sometimes lack places to take them,” said Elvis.

“We want to build a sensory space at the centre so they can come and enjoy themselves, do different things.”

The idea behind also purchasing a property to provide respite facilities for clients and carers is to deliver a

Proud to fly the flag: Distributor celebrates exports award

The head of consumer goods distributor M&M Supplies UK has spoken of his pride at the company receiving a prestigious export award.

“We are very proud to fly the flag for Great Britain,” said Frank Purcell, managing director of M&M Supplies UK in Bletchley as the company received its Queen’s Award for International Trade awarded by Her late Majesty last year.

Mr Purcell and colleagues are pictured above after being presented with the award at the company’s premises on the Denbigh West Industrial Estate by Alexander Boswell, HM Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire.

change of scene but the same quality of service. “The idea is to create a place for supported living,” said Elvis. “Clients can come and they will have the same carers, the same routine and it helps with the continuity of care.”

Peach has been based at Milton Keynes Business Centre in Linford Wood since Elvis set up the company last year. He had been an employee for two years before, having taken a job with the business – then known as Revive Care Services – after working for ten years in the care sector in Lincolnshire.

“I had been there for a couple of years when the owners decided they wanted to sell up,” he said. “I wanted to start my own business.”

Business has grown for Peach Care Services thanks to the government’s introduction of Skilled Worker Visas, enabling it and others in the care sector to recruit trained specialists from abroad on competitive salaries.

“These are people with proven clinical skills and it helps enormously with continuity of care,” said Elvis. Skills levels are important in delivery of the contract Peach Care Services currently has with Milton Keynes City Council. Tenders are in with Buckinghamshire County and West Northamptonshire Councils to deliver similar levels of service in those areas. Peach works with children as young as four as well as adults with care needs.

“The worst thing that can happen to them is that they are uprooted from their home and away from their loved ones,” said Elvis. “The care is so much more likely to be effective in the person’s home, where they want to be and where they are completely

comfortable. It helps with the quality of care and reduces the impact and the burden on the NHS if people can be cared for at home with the same equipment as they would have in hospital.”

Peach Care Services offers a complete range of support, from visiting a client for a chat and a cuppa to more intensive and lengthy medical care services, overnight and live-in care. The company has grown to currently employ a senior management team of five looking after 35 full-time care staff. “That number is rapidly increasing to keep up with demand,” said Elvis. The CQC’s latest rating of ‘Good’ is under review to become ‘Outstanding’, he adds. “That rating is already helping to push up demand and we feel it should be better. We have asked the CQC to look at it – which we are entitled to do – and they have agreed to.”

The future is looking tasty for Peach Care Services and Elvis is quick to acknowledge the role that Milton Keynes Business Centre is playing in its success. “The way they are set up to run the centre helps us enormously,” said Elvis. “The staff are great, so friendly, and the most important thing is that, if there any issues, they are dealt with immediately. Also, we are looking to expand and I know they will do whatever they can to help us achieve that.”

M&M Supplies UK plc has been operating from its newly extended 7,000-pallet distribution centre in Bletchley for more than 40 years. The business distributes consumer goods on behalf of leading global manufacturers including Mars, Proctor & Gamble, Nestle, Kraft Heinz and Kellogg’s. The company has expanded its international markets by more than 37 per cent year on year for the past four years - during the pandemic, in a post-Brexit market and amid cost of living crisis.

“We have worked hard to forge partnerships around the world, attending trade shows and finding new opportunities,” Mr Purcell said. “I am extremely proud of the company for securing this amazing achievement. The award was only possible because of the entire team

who work incredibly hard day in day out, serving customers in the UK and across Europe.”

M&M Supplies UK also support many UK partners, he added, including Milton Keynes Foodbank with donations and logistical support.

Now the King’s Award for Enterprise following the accession of King Charles III, the awards are the most prestigious awards for UK business. They recognise businesses excelling in the fields of Innovation, International Trade, Sustainable Development and Promoting Opportunity (through social mobility) and are internationally recognised. The King’s Awards for Enterprise opened for applications last month. Mr Boswell hailed the success of M&M Supplies and called on other businesses to follow their lead.

“Receiving the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category is a whole company success and the business can feel justifiably proud of their achievement,” he said. “Based as they are in the entrepreneurial heart of Britain, it is exciting to acknowledge the contribution which they have made to the prosperity of the county and to Milton Keynes.

“Along with the LordLieutenant The Countess Howe, I wholeheartedly encourage more businesses in Milton Keynes and across Buckinghamshire to consider applying for the Kings Award for Enterprise.”

n Find out more about the King’s Award for Enterprise at the Buckinghamshire Lieutenancy’s website https://www. buckslieutenancy.org/post/king-s-award-for-enterprise-2023

Refrigeration firm set to expand after move to new premises

Mobile refrigeration specialist Team Refrigeration has opened a depot in Milton Keynes. The company, which provides emergency and planned refrigeration needs, has invested in 15 new trailers at the Milton Keynes site.

“We understand the devastating impact for a restaurant or pub if

their fridge or freezer malfunctions,” said Team Refrigeration leader Tom Holloway. “They have to close and potentially lose valuable stock. We do our best to get emergency backup equipment out to them as quickly as possible.”

The new facility will enable the firm to better serve existing customers and work with new ones, he added.

Install PV panels and cut energy bill, forum told

Manufacturing companies can slash their energy costs and take a big step towards hitting their net zero targets by installing solar photovoltaics on their premises, delegates at a conference in Milton Keynes have been told.

Sustainability expert Dr James Crosby said the 100 per cent renewable energy source offsets the embodied carbon of the initial manufacturing process within a few years and enables carbon-free electrical production and consumption.

During his presentation at the Sustainable Manufacturing Summit, at the Marshall Arena next to Stadium MK, Dr Crosby highlighted how solar PV panels are becoming increasingly popular among businesses looking to boost their onsite energy generation and efficiency.

With energy prices likely to remain above pre-pandemic levels for several years at least, manufacturing businesses should focus on implementing smart building solutions which will make their infrastructure more efficient, he said.

“Manufacturers should note that the greenest form of energy generation is that which you generate yourself and it is also the most affordable method of consumption,” Dr Crosby added. “The cheapest form of electricity is that which you do not consume at all. This is why on-site generation and on-site efficiency are the two most effective strategies for manufacturing companies who want to minimise energy costs and maximise energy sustainability.”

A company in Hastings saved more than £25,600 on its annual energy bill as a result of installing solar PV panels on its roof. The panels are expected to last 25 years, creating estimated total savings of more than £500,000.

Government incentives such as full expensing allow businesses to invest into energy-efficient machinery and equipment through year end profits, Dr Crosby said.

“Businesses will not only benefit commercially from greener energy; they will be helping the industry as a whole to move closer towards net zero targets.”

n The Sustainable Manufacturing Summit was part of The Manufacturing and Supply Chain conference at the arena, attracting more than 2,500 delegates.

Innovation becomes the spirit of Unity

Unity Place, the new UK headquarters of banking giant Santander, is set to open next month.

The building, next to Milton Keynes Central railway station, has been designed as a state-of-the art coworking office and leisure space for Santander staff and the wider Milton Keynes community.

It houses a restaurant, cafes, street food vendors, retail outlets, event space, a Santander branch and work café open to the public as well as coworking space for local businesses.

Design features with the environment and wellbeing in mind have been incorporated throughout the building from rainwater harvesting, extensive solar panels, use of recycled materials and an exercise track on the roof.

Environment and wellbeing at the heart of the city centre’s new community hub

The building aspires to become a true hub for the ever-evolving city, said a spokesman.

Unity Place advocates collaborative working. Alongside the new HQ for Santander UK, the venue will house x+why, a flexible workspace provider that supports a community of members who believe that business should be used as a force for good. As a B Corpcertified business, it is verified by B Lab to meet exacting standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.

The BID is inspired... MyBus is electrified

Free zero-emission transport is live in Central Milton Keynes with the launch of the new all-electric MyBus shuttle bus service around the city centre.

The service, delivered by MyMiltonKeynes Business Improvement District launched in 2018 exclusively for employees working in the BID area. Its aim is to help businesses by providing free transport for workers and to drive footfall to retailers, bars and restaurants.

The nine-seater bus operates continuously during peak hours of 8am10am, 12 noon-2pm and 4pm-6pm, with an ondemand service available in between those times. Users must register via the MyMiltonKeynes app.

BID chief executive Melanie Beck said: “MyBus has always been a great example of what the BID has made possible. Our aim has always been to encourage

further movement across the city and offer a free service to employees which in turn will support BID businesses.

“We are increasingly conscious of the need to create sustainable solutions and support the current and future aspirations of the city, its businesses and employees and the launch of the electric MyBus reflects our commitment.”

Originally introduced in November 2018, MyBus was the first free shuttle bus service of its kind to be launched in Milton Keynes. The service has made more than 60,000 journeys and stops at 22 bespoke, signposted stops along Avebury and Silbury Boulevard.

n To book an off-peak journey, passengers should contact the MyMiltonKeynes office on 01908 973 930. The BID will send a message to the driver.

“We are proud to bring Milton Keynes’ newest destination for dining, work and leisure to life,” said the spokesman. “Unity Place is more than a future-forward workplace that propels innovation and inspiration. This sustainably designed building is dedicated to enhancing wellbeing and collaboration as an innovative hub for the community.”

Unity Place will host an Urban Food Market, giving local street food entrepreneurs a platform to promote their products. It will also be

home to the Unity Sky Lounge, with stunning views and a serving food and beverages. The building will also partner with selected businesses and social enterprises and have a bookable community hall, designed to provide welcoming spaces for community-led events, activities and exhibitions.

“It is also the new home to renowned chefs, local eateries, social enterprises, business ventures, wellness amenities and outstanding conference and event facilities,” the spokesman added. “We cannot wait to welcome our colleagues, business and social partners and members of the public.”

Unity Place will celebrate Milton Keynes Pride and other community events, as well as screening key sports events and momentous occasions.

City BREAKFAST CLUB MK

CITY BREAKFAST CLUB, MILTON KEYNES, BRINGS NETWORKING BACK

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

To book your place, visit citybreakfastclub.co.uk

Pictured: The Sky Lounge and Urban Food Market at Unity Place

Freeman Chairman

“I am looking forward to ensuring we continue to deliver an informal, informative and interactive networking experience for our guests ”

Powering a new growth spiral

From an automotive and engineering consultancy to one of the world’s leading manufacturers of power-dense electric motors and inverters, Milton Keynes-based Helix is marking the 25th anniversary of the company’s inception as Integral Powertrain Limited which was later rebranded as ‘Helix’ in 2022.

The Helix brand builds on the company’s world-class heritage and almost 15 years in electric motor and inverter design as it powers into the next quarter century.

Its 59,000 sq ft Shenley Technical Centre, at Shenley Wood - the company’s brand new, purpose-built headquarters since its move from the Denbigh West Industrial Estate in Bletchley in 2021 - is a key part of Helix’s plans to continue its growth trajectory as a global electric propulsion heavyweight with facilities around the world. Helix is targeting emerging requirements in sectors including aerospace, marine and commercial and off-highway vehicles, while continuing to serve its traditional high-end automotive and motorsport markets.

Integral Powertrain Limited was established in 1998 in Northampton but moved to Milton Keynes within a year and from 2009 developed a manufacturing capability suitable for short production runs of motors and inverters. Its technology helped power the world’s pioneering hybrid-electric hypercars such as the Aston Martin Valkyrie and VW IDR - which broke the record for the prestigious Pikes Peak challenge in Colorado in 2018. It shattered the previous record of eight minutes 57 seconds when it became the first car to complete the hill climb in under eight minutes - 7:57, to be precise - at an average speed of 150.9 km/h.

The company also won the Dewar Trophy for its electric motors and inverters in 2018, following in the footsteps of Keith Duckworth for the

Cosworth DFV engine and Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains for the company’s Formula 1 Hybrid powertrain.

That spirit remains in the company’s ‘X-Division’, where Helix’s engineers are developing tomorrow’s technology.

Chief Technical Officer Andrew Cross inset joined the company in 2000 and has seen its Integral e-Drive division transformed into Helix, launched as a new corporate brand in 2022 including a new website and logo.

“For me it is all about the shift from being a consultancy to a productfocused company,” he said. “It is the clarification of a journey we have been on for more than a decade and I am super excited to see us strengthening the brand and targeting new sectors.”

The Helix brand embodies the company’s unique motor and inverter offer, based on scalable core technology that defines three levels of electric propulsion unit application, all suited to full-scale production. Scalable core technology includes bespoke manufacturing techniques, designed and implemented in house. Helix machines are helping designers and OEMs explore new opportunities in markets far removed from Integral Powertrain Limited’s reach 25 years ago. Helix offers full scale motor and inverter manufacturing capability based on almost 15 years in high-end electric propulsion system engineering.

“The future is growth,” said Mr Cross. “Automotive is still one of the key sectors and we focus on the High Premium space.”

By that he means the

likes of Ferrari, Porsche, Bentley, Lotus, McLaren and Lamborghini, brands selling models at £100,000 or more. But for Helix diversification is key in order to keep ahead of its competitors. Which is why the company is branching into the marine and aerospace sectors as electrification spreads its wings to water and the air.

“The world does not stand still,” said Mr Cross. With that in mind, Helix is preparing to open an office in the USA to cover the booming market in the Americas. International business is already coming from Europe, the Middle East and Africa as well as Asia and forms a significant part of Helix’s expansion plans.

“The Americas region is an enormously active area in terms of electrification across all sectors and having a footprint in the US is a great strategic opportunity for Helix to capitalise upon our position as a performance leader in this market,” said Neil Tyagi, Helix’s Chief Commercial Officer.

Helix’s research and development activity will also keep it ahead of the game, adds Chief Operating Officer Alan Cherrington. “We plough millions into R&D to develop new technology,” he said. “One of the things about working in the motorsport sector is that you cannot deliver late. You have to operate at the cutting edge of technology and you can guarantee that there are companies working extremely, in order to catch us up.

“Nobody in motorsport wants to be behind.”

“Electrification is so exciting and so fast developing,” said Darren Cairns, Director and Helix’s Chief Executive Officer. “I do not think anyone anticipated it would grow at the rate it has but Helix is perfectly placed in the market. We have never had such a strong order book or so strong a pipeline for new business. We are ready and we intend to own this space.”

Helix executives and directors cheer 25 years of growth with outgoing Mayor of Milton Keynes Cllr Amanda Marlow and automotive and technology broadcaster Victoria Macmillan Bell.

Guests tour the Helix factory, guided by Chief Operating Officer Alan Cherrington.

Campaign highlights grief in the workplace

Support for colleagues who are dealing with bereavement has been the focus of a campaign encouraging compassion in the workplace.

Research by Willen Hospice in Milton Keynes finds that more than 80 per cent of people in the city have

HR ready to rock the airwaves...

HR specialist… Chamber of Commerce director… now radio presenter.

Rachel Collar is pictured at the microphone during her first show for Stony Radio.

The station, set up during the pandemic lockdown to provide entertainment, information and music to Stony Stratford residents, has grown to become a daily online broadcast.

Rachel was recruited after a chat with station owner James Tullyman, having featured as a guest on Matthew Hoddinott’s weekly Tuesday show discussing future thinking and wellbeing.

“I loved seeing behind the scenes as to how the showed worked,” she said. “Matthew saw this interest and suggested

experienced a bereavement in the past five years. Yet less than one in five find it easy to talk to others about their grief and about death and dying.

Dying Matters Awareness week is an annual campaign that this year focused on the role of the workplace in supporting those employees

dealing with a bereavement or life-limiting illness.

Jenni Marks, therapeutic and wellbeing lead at Willen Hospice, said: “A large part of a person’s life and identity is their employment; being able to provide financially, having a daily routine, having a sense of purpose and being able to

socialise with colleagues. A life-limiting illness can affect a person in many ways and they often want to maintain a sense of ‘normality’ for a long as possible. The impact of their illness, such as stress, anxiety and physical symptoms can prove challenging at times.”

One in four people surveyed by the palliative care charity revealed that they have had to stop work at some point to care for someone with a life-limiting illness. One in three employees do not know whether their organisation has a bereavement policy while 17pc of managers admitted to not feeling confident supporting a colleague who is bereaved.

“Being able to be open about what this impact is on their work and knowing that they have the support from their organisation makes a huge difference to a person’s experience and wellbeing,” said Ms Marks.

To encourage more conversations, Willen Hospice has a range of practical tools and resources on its website www.willen-hospice.org. uk/dyingmatters, including videos, podcasts and book recommendations.

The hospice runs Dying Matters to Us sessions for its staff to encourage more open dialogue and hosted a free seminar last month for local businesses to share their

knowledge with business leaders and HR professionals.

Willen Hospice’s marketing and communications manager Rachael Withe said: “The stigma that surrounds dying and grief means that many people struggle to cope when faced with the realities of life’s inevitable challenges. This often leaves people feeling isolated and alone.

“This year’s Dying Matters theme recognises that we spend so much of our lives at work and by simply talking openly to those around us, we are helping to make workplaces more compassionate, where people feel supported and confident supporting others.”

Chamber seeks NextGen committee members

Next Generation Chamber, created by Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire Chambers of Commerce to help businesses support and nurture younger staff, is recruiting new members to its committee. Applications are already coming in ahead of interviews later this month.The role involves managing performance of the group’s activities, representing members’ interests and promoting the group to the wider business community.

“Next Generation Chamber welcomes people

from all sectors seeking to share experiences, to learn from business leaders and to work with their peers to develop new skills, knowledge and best practice,” said a Chamber spokesman. Membership has grown steadily and the group wants to extend its committee. The deadline for applications is June 9. Applicants must be Next Generation Chamber members already. To apply, email Chamber deputy chief executive Julie MacLennan at julie. maclennan@northants-chamber.co.uk.

I met with the station owner James Tullyman, who was looking for a presenter for a morning show. We met and the rest is history.”

n Rachel’s weekly show HR Rocks is on air every Friday, 11am-noon. Listen at www. stonyradio.com

A one-off chance to reduce Lifetime Allowance charge

The Chancellor’s surprise statement in the Budget earlier this year that the Lifetime Allowance is going to be abolished in 2024/25 and will not apply in 2023/24 was welcomed by those who are affected. However, on closer examination, all is not what it seems.

You see, the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, has not abolished the LTA after all. What he has done is kept the LTA regime and replaced the 55 per cent tax charge on pensions with a tax charge based on your marginal rate of Income Tax in the current tax year instead.

So the tax charge still exists but the tax rate on it has simply been reduced. You could still pay up to 45pc if you have a so-called Benefit Crystallisation Event when taking benefits from your pension in 2023/24 if the

excess benefits above the LTA are taken as a lump sum - for example, where they are not able to be placed into flexiaccess drawdown instead.

What is more, the maximum tax-free lump sum from your pension has been frozen until 2026 at £268,275, which is an ominous sign.

Probably, this amount will never increase in the future and, with inflation currently at a high level, that means the benefit is losing its value in real terms.

With a general election likely to take place next year and the Labour Party having already announced it will reintroduce the LTA if elected, this tax year may well be the only year when you can reduce the LTA tax charge.

So it is important to take advice because this tax charge is particularly swingeing.

To discuss ways to reduce the Lifetime Allowance, 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 June 30 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 ‘June2023’ offer to book your free discovery meeting.

The good news is there are numerous ways to limit the effect of the Lifetime Allowance and we regularly advise clients on how to do this.

Careers charity issues appeal for sponsors

Education-employment

charity Worktree has issued an appeal for sponsors from the Milton Keynes business community as it seeks funding to continue its careers work with schools.

The Milton Keynesbased charity facilitates conversations between school students and employers on careers, helping students to find out more about their employment options.

The conversations take place at Careers Workout sessions facilitated by a Worktree volunteer. Company representatives talk about their work,career and ambitions.

In the past five years, more than 28,000 students from 81 schools have taken part in more than 1,000 Career Workout sessions. Worktree’s work has been supported by more than 2,600 volunteers from 732 companies in that time, said Worktree volunteer

www.wealthandtax.co.uk

Michelle Theuma, managing director of Onyx Recruitment in Milton Keynes. “It is all about reaching the students to let them know what is out there for them. However, Worktree is consistently challenged by having very little money. Schools can only contribute so much as their funding is cut so we need employers to become sponsors.”

Sponsorship costs £1,000 a year and a Partner package a minimum £5,000. The benefits to businesses include raising their profile, close links with schools and the opportunity to talk to potential new employees for the business. The Career Workout sessions, which last 40 minutes, also develop employees’ communication skills, Ms Theuma said.

“We feel it is important to inspire young people. We are really keen to find Milton Keynes-based sponsors.”

Tony Byrne

The transformation of The Hub, the restaurant, bar and cafe quarter in central Milton Keynes, is almost ready. It needed modernising, say the architects... Soon the public will deliver their verdict.

Nods to the present and a vision of the future

Work to transform The Hub in Central Milton Keynes is nearing completion.

The project will result in the “tired” public space undergoing a facelift designed to attract more visitors and to help The Hub’s restaurants and bars to move forward from the pandemic. The scheme is the creation of

city centre-based DLA Architects Practice and construction firm RSR, headquartered at Linford Wood. A new fountain in the centre of the piazza forms the centrepiece, a raised water feature that will create a stronger focal point with seating round its edges, new landscaping and elegant planting. Portes cochères will

provide all year-round use for diners and drinkers in all weathers and louvred roofs and automatic glazed panels open or close to provide shelter from the elements or to welcome the sun’s rays in the summer.

A DLA Architects Practice spokesman said: “Our brief was to reinvigorate a public place that

although much loved had, over the years, become tired and in need of modernisation. Our solution was to create elegant indoor / outdoor pavilions that echo the form of the iconic and much-loved portescochères that decorate the public realm throughout Central Milton Keynes. We are grateful to our client

for their high-minded vision and for giving us a free hand to achieve it.” RSR is completing the final work planting the trees and flower beds. “This is a fantastic project for RSR to work on locally, transforming and expanding this vibrant leisure quarter in the very heart of Milton Keynes,” said a spokesman.

Theo Chalmers

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

www.vervepr.co.uk

If nothing is done to stop this, we will all be losers

Ihave written in the past about plans by the then Aylesbury Vale District Council to assuage government demands to hit its housing targets by “dumping” housing on the borders of the (now) city of Milton Keynes and making its residents largely responsible for providing police, fire, ambulance, hospital, schools, nurseries, secondary and tertiary education, buses and decent roads for traffic access, doctors and dentists.

All very clever; if they can get away with it. The threat from the proposed Salden Chase development to the south of the A421, for instance, still remains. However there is a new threat from the successor to Aylesbury Vale District Council.

In 2020, AVDC merged with Buckinghamshire County Council and Chiltern, South Bucks and Wycombe District Councils to create a new, humungous unitary authority: Buckinghamshire Council. Since then nothing has changed within its undeclared “dumping” housing policy and now plans are being pushed forward by developer Crest Nicholson to build The Vale of Aylesbury Draft Local Plan for what will become known as Shenley Park.

The VALP allocation shows 55 hectares of land available for development. The masterplan within this document seeks to achieve at least 1,800 new homes and/or density of 35 dwellings per hectare and it even acknowledges “…that, whilst being located totally within Aylesbury Vale, the development will use some facilities in Milton Keynes, given its proximity”.

This new development will effectively add the village of Whaddon to the communities of west MK; Westcroft, Tattenhoe Park and Kingsmead. Whaddon village is partly designated as a Conservation Area, and Whaddon Hall, dating from around 1820, is grade II listed and the main focal building in the landscape from the south and east.

The people who draw up these plans are not stupid and they always seem to prefer the ‘little by little, catchee monkey’ method - or to build a smaller amount of housing now and then just add to it later when any public opposition will have, luckily, subsided.

Thus, the plans say: “The VALP includes Site WHA001 as 55ha of land. This is a notable reduction from

the 90ha indicated in the Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment and is reduced by the pulling back of the north west part of the site from Whaddon.”

It must be said, though, that the plans already include the possibility of using part of this empty arable buffer zone as primary school buildings and playing fields, thus using more of the 90-hectare plot and saving land otherwise lost on the 55 hectares for additional housing.

As a bonus, it underlines the argument that a school is miraculously supplied, thus pleasing public opinion.

The already log jammed roads that will eventually serve this massive new “dump” include H6 Childs Way.

To quote the VALP: “The practical necessity to provide a vehicular access into and from the north-east corner of the Site to the existing grid

road H6 - Childs Way”.

My understanding is that if the H6 extension is taken forward, it will cut across a very major gas pipeline which will either need protection or diversion. The other connecting roads are the non-grid residential Shenley Road, which serves housing in Kingsmead, and the Buckingham Road/A421 - Standing Way/H8 as it enters MK.

As this road passes the planned site for Shenley Park it is single carriageway and there is as yet no access whatsoever to the proposed site. Meanwhile, the chances of it being dualled are effectively zero.

All these roads already suffer major rush-hour traffic delayssome so bad that it takes all morning or all early evening to see them become clear. The developers have no answer to alleviating them other than to build a new road over three possible routes over the site, none of which will help ingress or egress in any way whatsoever.

In other words this new development, if it proceeds unopposed, will destroy any relic of MK’s once brilliant road network.

Looking at the VALP, 1,800 homes

equal approximately 3,600 more vehicles in the area, given that most families are two-car families - until their children buy cars too. There will also be huge additional demands on water and sewage provision within MK, as well as on gas and electricity. I imagine fibre-optic internet provision will be built in from day one so that alone might be good.

Not good, however, might be the level of consultation planned by the developers. We have seen, in the past, how so-called ‘consultations’ have bombarded people with inane questions such as: “What colour would you like the roof tiles to be?”. The consultation, which launched on May 20, is at https://shenleypark. consultationonline.co.uk/. I am willing to bet that this question will not be included: “In five words or less, what would you like us to do with these plans?”. Whatever happens next is down to the residents of MK who live, work or travel in the west of the city. If nothing is done to stop this ‘housedumping’ we will all be losers, big time. That, at least, is guaranteed. Cheerio.

This new development, if unopposed, will destroy any relic of MK’s once brilliant road network

Filling the gap: City welcomes new TV channel

While broadcasting giants BBC and ITV are widening the regional focus of their TV and radio coverage, a gap is being created for new ventures to exploit.

So said the man who is heading the launch of a new TV channel for Milton Keynes and the surrounding area. MK City TV has begun broadcasting this month from studios in Central Milton Keynes, promising to maintain and enhance coverage of local news and events, along with film and game reviews and interviews with businesses and leading local figures.

“There is not enough truly local coverage in the middle part of the country and that has created a gap,” said MK City TV chief executive and founder Simon Ram pictured below. “Our aim is very clear; to bring a comprehensive news coverage and to give

everyone the opportunity to promote themselves across Milton Keynes and the wider region.”

MK City TV is the ninth such online TV channel Mr Ram has been involved with, joining others in Monaco, Los Angeles and South America. It is the first to broadcast scheduled programming rather than on-demand viewing and is set to be a forerunner for the national Channel 6 venture he plans to launch next year.

Because of the reduction in truly local coverage by the terrestrial broadcasters, the area is crying out for a new dedicated channel, he said. “We want to try to put investment into Milton Keynes and hopefully we can do that,” said Mr Ram. He also sees the channel as an opportunity to keep bright young media talent in the city rather than bid them farewell as they seek opportunities elsewhere.

MK City TV launched on June 1 with a team of 15 producing programmes around the clock. Mr Ram is forecasting revenue of £1.7 million in the channel’s first year, accelerating as its reach extends. He said the venture is backed by investors experienced in the media industry, including himself having worked as an actor and in PR and who now also runs his own film production company ArchAngel Films.

Faster, cheaper, less stressful: Resolution keeps tribunal at bay

Asettlement agreement is a written agreement between an employer and employee or former employee in which the employee agrees they will not refer a specific matter or matters to an Employment Tribunal, normally in exchange for a one-off cash payment and/or other concessions from the employer.

A settlement agreement can provide a fast, cost-effective option for resolving existing employment disputes or avoiding potential future disputes. They are commonly used during redundancy proceedings and other kinds of terminations.

They can also be highly effective for a wide range of disputes as long as both parties involved have the right legal advice and support.

A key benefit of a settlement agreement is that it allows both parties to avoid the need for an Employment Tribunal, meaning the matter is kept private and any uncertainty over the

Animation students rise to challenge set by entrepreneur

Students at the South Central Institute of Technology in Bletchley have designed and built a game themed around a favourite children’s TV show after being challenged by a local entrepreneur. Shalom Lloyd, inset, founder and owner of Naturally Tribal Skincare and governor at Milton keynes College Group, approached the SCIoT last year about her idea to involve their learners in a project linked to her recently signed licensing deal with Paramount, which involved releasing a range of products themed

“I was raising money for film and I have been thinking about TV for a while,” Mr Ram said. Channel 6, his national TV offering, is in the pipeline for broadcast next year. “MK City TV will be a template for that,” he said.

around the Paw Patrol TV show.

“Recognising the talent in Milton Keynes, the importance of learning through play, the opportunity for students to be involved in a ‘live’ project in collaboration with local business and associated with a company like Paramount is a recipe for success,” she said. The SCIoT’s Games and Animation students were asked to create a video involving the Paw Patrol characters. However, the students decided that a game would be more engaging for the target audience.

“The challenge now is to make it work. There is money in the business, there are no debts and our aim is to make the business profitable so the company can put money back into the community and create employment. We want to

make a difference.

They created storyboards, took feedback from both Paramount and Naturally Tribal Skincare before developing, testing and building the final game. The game, accessed via a QR code printed on Naturally Tribal Skincare’s Paw Patrol-themed products, is already available online and in Frost’s Garden Centre stores in Woburn Sands and Willington near Bedford since last month.

SCIoT student Kieran O’Donnell was among those working on the project “The relationship with the client has given us experience on receiving feedback, problem-solving and time management that cannot be done without working with an external client. That experience is priceless and will prove to develop the core industry workflows that are needed within the games industry.”

Offering real-world projects with national and international organisations is a key part of the SCIoT’s curriculum. Digital coach Robin Ayre said: “Our learners have found it incredibly valuable to take a live brief from a client, present their work to them, gain feedback in realtime and ultimately build the final game.”

“I am really excited about this. Once people have seen the channel, they will see what we are doing and hopefully they will want to work with us.”

Should MK City TV

succeed, Mr Ram wants it to become the forerunner to more stations around the midEngland region. “We want to fill the gap left by others and leave a legacy for future generations,” he said.

Settlement agreements are often a quickfire and effective way to resolve disputes between employer and employee. Sara Marshall, head of employment law at Franklins Solicitors, looks at how they work and the benefits to both parties.

outcome is sidestepped. Voluntarily agreeing a settlement is also usually faster, cheaper and less stressful for everyone involved.

The specific contents of a settlement agreement will depend on the situation and the requirements of both the employer and the employee. Typically, it will include details such as:

■ Compensation for termination of employment;

■ The employee’s agreement not to refer specific issues to an

employment tribunal - a ‘waiver of claims’;

■ The employee’s warranty that they have no other potential claims against the employer than those listed in the agreement;

■ A contribution towards the employee’s legal costs;

■ Reiteration of, or amendments to, any pre-existing restrictive covenants the employee entered with the employer during their employment;

■ An agreement by the employee to return any property in their possession belonging to the employer;

■ Indemnity from employee tax and

National Insurance contributions in relation to the agreed financial settlement;

■ The employee agreeing not to use or share any confidential information relating to the employer or to offer any public criticism of the employer.

■ For a settlement agreement to be considered legally binding it must:

■ Be in writing;

■ Relate to a specific complaint or complaints;

■ Only be signed by the employee once they have had access to independent advice from a lawyer or certified, authorised trade union.

This adviser must have appropriate insurance or professional indemnity cover;

■ Name the employee’s adviser;

■ Allow the employee reasonable time to consider the agreement before they sign. The Acas Code of Practice recommends a minimum of ten days;

■ State the relevant statutory conditions regulating the agreement.

n To find out how Franklins Solicitors can support you with an employment dispute, contact Sara Marshall, head of employment law, on 01908 660966 or email sara. marshall@franklins-sols.co.uk

Sara Marshall, head of employment law at Franklins Solicitors

SCIoT students pictured with representatives from Naturally Tribal Skincare and Paramount during development of the Paw’s Patrol game

Networking

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

DIAMOND

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

APOLLO

Wednesday 10am: MK Gallery

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

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

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.

SHOW ME SUCCESS

June 23 9am-1pm:

Hotel Latour, Central Milton Keynes

Celebrating the success of SEMLEP’s Growth Curve business support programme. Keynote speaker: Martin Spiller, senior lecturer in entrepreneurship at Cranfield School of Management.

June 13, 27 7am-8.30am:

Villiers Hotel, Buckingham

Breakfast meeting + speaker. Visitors: £10. More details: www.bucks-fizz.biz

June 7 7.30am-9am:

YMCA Homeground Cafe, Central Milton Keynes

A brand new venue for the networking breakfast event hosted by the longestestablished breakfast networking club in Milton Keynes.

Speakers: Tony Knaggs and Vicky Clark, of Digital Futures First; Simon Green, chief executive YMCA Milton Keynes. Book at www.citybreakfastclub.co.uk

Free event. To book, visit www. semlepgrowthhub.com/show-me-success/

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

June 21 7.45am-9.15am:

The Bedfordshire Golf Club, Stagsden

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

Speaker: Tom Foddy, commercial director of Wells & Co.

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

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.

MILTON KEYNES VIRTUAL NETWORKING

June 9 10am-11am: Online.

Speaker: Lorna Thomas, from Be the Best You in Business. Subject: Conquer your fears and be a better business owner.

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

BEDFORDSHIRE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE & HERTFORDSHIRE VIRTUAL NETWORKING

June 15 10am-11am: Online. Networking + an update on the benefits of FSB membership. Free event for FSB members and non-members. To book on to FSB events, visit www.fsb.org.uk

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

MEMBERS SUMMER RECEPTION

June 6 5pm-7pm:

Forest Centre, Forest of Marston Vale Networking, a barbecue and an update on the CVhanmber and membership. Free event, Chamber members only.

MEET THE NEIGHBOURS

June 15 12 noon-2pm:

Cranfield University

Networking lunch co-hosted with Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire Chambers of Commerce. Chamber members only. price: £17 + VAT.

MEET THE NEIGHBOURS

June 21 7.45am-10am:

Wyboston Lakes Hotel

Networking breakfast co-hosted with Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce.

Price: £25 + VAT CHamber members; non-members £35 + VAT.

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

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.

WOMEN WITH VISION SUMMER EVENT

June 7 12 noon-2pm:

The Granary at Fawsley, Fawsley Hall nr Daventry Networking, barbecue lunch and speaker. Price: £25 + VAT members; non-members £30 + VAT.

MEET THE NEIGHBOURS

June 15 12 noon-2pm

Cranfield University

Networking lunch co-hosted with Bedfordshre Chamber of Commerce. Chamber members only. Price: £17 + VAT.

MAXIMISE YOUR MEMBERSHIP

NETWORKING LUNCH

June 28 noon-2pm: The Brasserie, Milton Keynes College Bletchley campus Price: £26.95 WiE members; non-members £29.95. To book, visit www.womeninenterprise.co.uk

If you are serious about growing your business, BNI works. Last year BNI members in the UK generated more than £482 million worth of business for each other.

To find out how, visit a local chapter meeting and see for yourself.

Each chapter has a personality of its own and finding where you fit best helps you get connected.

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

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

June 28 8.30am-10.30am

Northampton Active

Find out more about the benefits of Chamber membership. Free event. Find out more about Chamber events at www.chambermk.co.uk/events.

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

SOCIAL NETWORKING

June 14 5.30pm-7.30pm:

Trapp’d. Billing Aquadrome Network with peers from the Next Generation Chamber in a fast paced and fun escape room environment. To book, email info@nextgenerationchamber.co.uk

Q&A

What was your first job?

Like many teenagers I had Saturday jobs working in a garden centre and McDonald’s and my first full time job was actually making pizzas in Dominos. For a long time I thought I would end up in catering but at 18 I saw an advert for an apprentice cabinet maker… and there goes my next 20 years.

Why did you choose your particular career?

I really wanted to be a musician and studied music in college but all routes for that as a career didn’t show a good long-term earning (I guess I always knew I wouldn’t be the next Taylor Hawkins).

When I was eight, my Grandad gave me my first tool box and I was always in his workshop with him having a go on a lathe or sanding down old furniture.

It was his passion that ignited in me. I look back fondly on what my grandad taught me, the tools he bought me and the hand tools I have inherited from him.

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

The best contract I’ve ever won was creating some bespoke amps for Marshall. This job connected with me on so many levels. I am a musician and at the time I was gigging with my band (on the side), performing at The Stables and Ronnie Scotts and then my daytime was filled with researching, designing and then manufacturing four stunning custom amps for Marshall to take on tour, showing off the best of their work.

…and the worst?

Before setting up my company, I was doing warranty work for an insurance company fixing mass-produced sofas etc. This was so conflicting with my approach to creating sustainable, durable and robust pieces of furniture… I picked up this contract after being made redundant by a cabinetry firm.

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

“Just keep working”. When working on your own, when you hit a brick wall or have a setback, it’s easy to want to throw your hands up and walk away. I hear his voice reminding me to ‘just keep working’ all the time.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I’ve had two this year which have shone above all others. In March I won the MK Business Achievement Award for Micro Business of the Year below - it was an amazing statement of recognition for what I’ve been doing.

Secondly, I was invited to be part of the team who undertook the refurbishment and fit-out of Australian pioneer aviator Sydney Cotton’s 36 Lockheed, with the process being

Where business people discuss their motivation, ambition, experience - and themselves. In the spotlight this month is Marc Davies, director of cabinet maker Marc Davies Bespoke Interiors and winner of Micro Business of the Year at this year’s Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards.

MY

FOOD French.

MUSIC/SONG I’m pretty into my jazz at the moment.

BOOK Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl FILM The Shawshank Redemption.

TV PROGRAMME New Yankee Workshop

RESTAURANT Cafe Ole in Wolverton. DESTINATION Back to West Wales.

What has been the best moment of your life?

The arrival of my daughter.

…and the worst?

My grandad being diagnosed with PSP which sort of locked him into himself. I have made a lot of special furniture and objects for him and I miss the phone calls asking for some new ‘solution’ for his house.

He and Grandma were collectors of walking sticks and one of his last requests was for me to make a stand that would accommodate over 20 of them.

How do you relax?

My dream: To keep a heritage craft alive

documented by Channel 4 for their Warplane Workshops series.

…and the low point?

Finding out my landlord was selling the commercial site I was part of for housing. Small workshops are hard to come by in Milton Keynes and I was on the cusp of closing the business.

Who in business do you respect the most?

I have been inspired by Richard Branson as a fellow entrepreneur with dyslexia and on a more local level, I have created great friendships with incredible business leaders like Chris Bridgman (of Living Roofs) who has more than once offered me time to share a problem or test an idea.

What annoys you the most in business?

Honestly, it has to be managing clients’ expectations. In the world of same day deliveries, DIY youtubers and low-end

furniture imports, it is a delicate balance of keeping integrity and meeting expectations. What’s the best thing/worst thing about where you work?

Being in the heart of Stony Stratford means I am part of a community. Everyone knows where we are and I feel part of the local community/business network. The downside is that my workshop is permanently at risk of being monetised (being turned into housing).

What’s your career ambition?

To be commissioned by the Royal Family, I am extremely proud of our country’s heritage and I have furnished some of London’s top hotels and most fashionable celebrities homes. But the Royal Family would be my pinnacle. …and your life ambition?

I would like to leave a legacy, keeping the heritage craft of cabinetry alive with a skilled team, secure workshop and beautiful timeless furniture for generations to enjoy.

Drumming. I play in an oompah band and until recently was in both a jazz and rock band. If you head to IF: Milton Keynes International Festival this year, you may spot me making a guest appearance with a Belgian troupe booked for the first weekend.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Red wine.

What’s your worst fault?

I am very stubborn. Not with clients but in my tenacity to work long and hard and a job not being done until I am 100 per cent satisfied with it.

What’s your most treasured possession?

I love collecting art and if the house was on fire I think I would grab my original Boyd & Evans artwork.

What annoys you most in life?

People celebrating mediocrity. The culture now is that everyone is a winner but losing builds strength, gives you learning points and things to aim for.

Tell us something you regret.

I wish I had done a stint in the military or services. I applied to be a firefighter after college and think they would have given me a good grounding.

Which 2 historical figures would you most like to talk to and why?

Charles Rennie Mackintosh. His collection of works in Northampton has inspired me hugely. He pushed boundaries, went a bit wild, thought outside the box... quite the character.

Winston Churchill lived through a period of time and events that fascinates me. He’s renowned for being wise, a man of stature. What are the first 3 things on your bucket list?

n Go to Japan during the blossom celebrations.

n Build a company which will see me off the tools by the time I’m 50.

n Leave a legacy through both industry and my family.

What music/song would you like played at your funeral?

Something cheerful, that will make everyone in the room smile.

‘Catalyst for building ground-breaking businesses’

Investment to advance the commercialisation of university spinout companies is to come from a new company set up by eight research-led universities including Cranfield. Midlands Mindforge Ltd plans to raise up to £250 million from corporate partners, institutional investors and qualifying individuals. It aims to transform ground-breaking science and technology into successful businesses ventures.

The organisation will help to address the significant funding deficit for early-stage technology businesses in the region. It is led by the Midlands Innovation alliance of universities at Aston, Birmingham, Cranfield, Keele, Leicester, Loughborough, Nottingham and Warwick.

Professor Karen Holford pictured, Cranfield University’s vice-chancellor and chief executive, said: “Midlands Mindforge will allow our universities to scale up their research and enterprise activity. It is a catalyst for building ground-breaking businesses that help to

Investment company to convert ideas into commercial reality

boost economic growth, create highly skilled jobs and support the UK’s bid to be a global science and technology superpower.”

Collectively the eight founding universities have the most post-graduate students, the highest levels of annual income, more research disclosures and patents generated per unit of research spend in the last three years, in comparison to any other UK university grouping.

Through the combination of additional capital and company-building skills, Midlands Mindforge aims to create stronger support for emerging sciencebacked companies in areas such as clean technology, AI and computational science, advanced engineering, life sciences and health technology.

George Freeman, the government’s

Research firm expands with tech park lease deals

Expanding research company

Signify Research has agreed deals on two office suites at a technology park in the heart of the Oxford Cambridge Arc.

The deals at Cranfield Technology Park, next to Cranfield University, are expected to bring further new jobs and investment to the region.

The company has signed leases on two units totalling more than 2,500 sq ft at Cranfield Innovation centre. It is already a tenant there and is moving to larger premises to accommodate its growth plans, having grown from three employees to a payroll of almost 30.

Managing director Simon Haris

said: “We are passionately curious about healthcare technology and we strive to deliver the most robust market data and insights to help our customers make the right strategic decisions. Our business has seen many changes since joining Cranfield University Technology Park back in 2016 and it has proved to be absolutely the right choice for our growing company. We really appreciate the ease of moving to larger office space to accommodate our growth.”

The leases have been handled by commercial property consultancy Kirkby Diamond, which is also overseeing deals currently in lawyers’ hands on space totalling just over 14,000 sq ft at the innovation centre. “It is a testament to the investment made by the landlords to provide a modern and attractive working environment, with even more innovations on the horizon,” said Kirkby Diamond agency associate Josh Parello. Cranfield Technology Park’s location is attracting strong interest and demand for office space, he added.

Minister of State for Science, Research & Innovation, said: “Commercialising UK science and technology for global industrial adoption has never been more urgent for both the UK economy and the global resource challenges facing us.

The Midlands Innovation universities are driving a new era of innovation from robotics and advanced manufacturing to life science and autonomous vehicles and much more.”

R&D across the UK is worth £20 billion a year, he added. “The key is private finance backing spin-outs and scale-ups. The Midlands is rapidly becoming a world-class UK cluster of excellence.”

Cutting-edge research is under way after the opening of a multimillion pound antenna, radar and wireless communications facility.

The Centre for Antenna & Communication Technology Innovation laboratory is set to help businesses to develop new radio frequency products, with expected applications in aerospace, healthcare, space and mobile telecommunications.

The facility is equipped to support the next generation of high frequency radio technologies. It is operated by MK:U, the new model university for Milton Keynes being developed by Milton Keynes City Council and Cranfield University. MK:U’s chief executive Professor Lynette Ryals said: “Secure and reliable communication technology is critical to the

Research centre boosts radio tech sector

development of our future economy, mobility and society. ”

The CACTI’s development has been funded through the Getting Building Fund approved by the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership. CACTI will be available for use by industry, government and academia.

“This is a unique national and potentially international facility that addresses the UK’s commercial and research needs,” said Dr Ivor Morrow of Cranfield University.

American corporation Keysight Technologies has provided equipment for the project.

Town businesses rally to support hospice’s fundraising wild art trail

Acall has gone out to businesses in Luton to support a new Wild in Art trail organised by Keech Hospice Care.

The hospice created a trail of 60 brightly coloured elephants around the town centre in 2021, raising more than £230,000. Now the Wild in Art Trail is to return next year, this time themed the Short Tail Trail on the theme of hares and tortoises. A total 60 hares and 30 tortoises will be placed around Luton’s landmarks,

streets and open spaces for the community to spot. It is free family fun and raises thousands of pounds for a worthy cause, said the hospice

Businesses are being asked now, in preparation for the event, to pledge support by sponsoring a large hare sculpture. The sponsor’s branding will be prominent on the plinth, showcasing their businesses to thousands.

Organisations already taking part are Luton Rising, Treacle Factory, The Mall Luton, Luton Business Improvement District and University of Bedfordshire

The smaller hare sculptures will be painted by local schoolchildren

“I cannot wait to see these magnificent sculptures standing among Luton’s iconic attractions and

streets, bringing colour and energy to the town once more,” said Keech Hospice Care chief executive Liz Searle. “But the event can only happen if local businesses get involved. The town’s businesses were so generous in 2021 when we held our Big Trunk Trail and we are hoping to see such enthusiasm again this time round.

Love Luton, the project’s presenting partner, is offering its support for the event. Spokesperson Linsey Sweet said: “Love Luton is all about bringing the community together and showing Luton at its best and that is precisely what The Short Tail Trail will do. At the end of the trail event, the 60 hare sculptures will be sold at auction. All proceeds will go to Keech Hospice Care.

n Businesses interested in sponsoring a sculpture can email shorttailtrail@keech.org.uk or call 01582 707 940 to find out more.

SEMLEP unveils new capital grant streams

Growing firms in the South East Midlands are set to find out how they can bid for up to £300,000 for capital projects. The South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership is to present two new funding streams soon to open to growing businesses in Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes at its Show Me Success business conference. The event will also give firms the chance to network with fellow business leaders, hear from leading speakers, access university-led business masterclasses and take advantage of expert support from SEMLEP Growth Curve advisers.

SEMLEP chief executive Hilary Chipping inset said: “This is an important event for growing businesses. We will be sharing with businesses all they need to know about the new grants, the eligibility criteria and how they can apply for them.”

New grants of up to £50,000 are available for capital projects

focused on growth, resilience and innovation. SEMLEP will also be outlining the detaios of new grants of between £100,000 and £300,000 for capital projects linked with innovation, commercialisation of ideas and decarbonisation. SEMLEP business advisers will be on hand to answer questions and to schedule time to support organisations with their applications.

The Growth Curve programme is due to end this month but businesses can still take advantage of support from its advisers and network, said SEMLEP partnerships and events manager Samantha Hunter.

Around 100 businesses have signed up for Show Me Success, which takes place at Hotel La Tour in Milton Keynes on June 23, 9am1pm. Speakers include Martin Spiller, Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship at Cranfield School of Management, who will deliver a session on Tips to Turbo Charge Business Growth.

n Find out more and book your place at www.semlepgrowthhub.com/show-me-success/

Property plc appoints a new non-executive chair

Connells Group, the UK’s largest property services provider, has announced the appointment of Sarah Whitney as its non-executive chair.

She is due to take over from current chair Mark Lund in September and has already joined both the Connells Group board at the company’s head office in Leighton Buzzard and that of its parent the Skipton Group.

A former partner at professional services firm PwC, Ms Whitney inset comes from a property and finance background and has held senior leadership roles at DTZ and CBRE. A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, she serves as a non-executive director on the boards of BBGI Global

Celebrations are set to begin for cream of county’s SMEs

The finalists in this year’s SME Bedfordshire Business Awards have been announced.

The winners will be revealed at a black tie awards dinner at The Auction House in Luton on June 29. Every finalist has won a place on the shortlist for their innovation, sustainability and positive impact, say the awards organisers.

The SME Bedfordshire Business Awards are one of the most soughtafter awards for small and medium-

MEET THE FINALISTS

AMPTHILL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

sized businesses across the county. Winners in the majority of categories will go forward to the SME National Business Awards 2023 Final at Wembley Stadium later this year.

Awards director Damian Cummins said the finalists “showcase the very best of Bedfordshire’s businesses. Given the exceptional quality and depth of the entries we have received, the final is set to be an exciting evening. We are looking forward to crowning the deserving winners.”

Bee Noticed Social Media Services; Bidology Consulting.

LIEBHERR APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

John Godfrey - Krause Autos; Natasha Smith - The Dental Centre Bedford; Tom Hall - IMPAKT Housing & Support.

BEDFORD BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Baker Brothers Diamonds; Holistic Thinking Holidays; Imagefix; The Mobility Physio; THSP; UK Tents; Unisnacks Europe.

DIGITAL FUTURES FIRST BEST ENTERPRISING BUSINESS

BE-SEEN-SCREEN; Geopace Training; HBC Logistics; Node IT Solutions; Osborne Morris and Morgan; Sales Training With Enfys; The Fruit and Veg Man; Unisnacks Europe; Woods Hardwick.

WREST PARK ENTERPRISE BEST NEW BUSINESS

Happy Body Project Consultants; Holistic Thinking Holidays; Little City South Bedfordshire; Maximum Endorphins; Red Thread Tailor; Resourceful People Group; S and V Aesthetics; Sales Training With Enfys.

BONFIRE CREATIVE BUSINESS INNOVATION Bedford Radio; BE-SEEN-SCREEN; The Pattern Studio; THSP.

BEDFORDSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (less than 50 employees)

Biggleswade Dental Centre; Copybox Document Systems; HBC Logistics; Home Instead Bedford; Imagefix; Node IT Solutions; Wealth Matters; Will Brown Hair.

LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (more than 50 employees)

CHUMS; IMPAKT Housing & Support; Miniclipper Logistics; Peli Biothermal; Woods Hardwick.

BEDFORDSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR

Amanda Humphrey - Saramanda 1; Bilal Farooq - Greystone Solicitors; Hyder Haniffa - Unisnacks Europe; Michaella Payne - Just Baked with The Little Brownie Company; Paul Andrews - Andrews UK; Ross Testa - 3 Heads Agency; Stuart Amies - Kenect Recruitment.

THSP BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Amanda Humphrey - Saramanda 1; Danielle Harrington - Creative Pursuit; Enfys Maloney - Sales Training With Enfys; Heni Cloake - The Refill Leighton Buzzard; Jodie Testa - 3 Heads Agency; Lauren Shepherd - Babyballet Biggleswade & Bedford; Michaella Payne - Just Baked with The Little Brownie Company; Nicola Risi - The Content Room.

AF BLAKEMORE COMMUNITY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

CHUMS; Greystone Solicitors; Hannah Solicitors LLP; IMPAKT Housing & Support; Kids in Action; The Mobility Physio; The Workhouse Dunstable.

DUNSTABLE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Dance Connexions; Kumon Dunstable Study Centre; LoomanDrainage; Perfect Personalised Parties UK; Red Thread Tailor; The Specialist Cleaning

Infrastructure SA, Bellway plc, Tritax EuroBox plc, and JP Morgan Global Growth & Income plc.

“I am delighted to be joining Connells Group and have already been impressed by the breadth of their operations that touch every part of the UK’s housing market,” Ms Whitney said. “It is a business that

prides itself on its people and I look forward to supporting the continued success of the business.”

The Skipton Group’s 2022 results show a rise of almost ten per cent in pre-tax profits to £298.8 million. Its mortgage portfolio grew by 9.6pc to more than £25.5 billion.

Connells Group chief executive David Livesey said: “This is an important appointment which

strengthens our board. Sarah has great experience in driven, fastmoving and innovative property businesses. She also brings strong social purpose and will help shape how we continue to deliver on our corporate responsibilities.”

The Skipton Group made charitable donations of more than £1.3 million last year and has committed to donate 1pc of its future profits to charities.

Group; The Workhouse Dunstable.

JALTEK EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

Osborne Morris & Morgan; UK Truck and Plant Group; Wealth Matters; Will Brown Hair; Window Ware; Woods Hardwick.

AF BLAKEMORE FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Krause Autos; LoomanDrainage; Miniclipper Logistics.

CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE COUNCIL & GREEN BUSINESS NETWORK

GREEN AWARD

Red Thread Tailor; Teaching Talons; The IT Heroes; The Refill Leighton Buzzard; UK Truck and Plant Group.

LONDON LUTON AIRPORT HOSPITALITY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Dring Bubble Tea and Desserts; Perfect Personalised Parties UK; Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre and Tea Room; The Kiln.

LEIGHTON BUZZARD BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Bathroomatic; Miniclipper Logistics; Osborne Morris & Morgan; Peli Biothermal; Razzamataz Leighton Buzzard; Simply Electrical Services.

This nomination is an honour to the whole team at Hannah Solicitors. This recognition reinforces our belief in the value we bring to our clients and motivates us to continue delivering forward-thinking legal services.

The firm’s continued growth is the result of building positive relationships within our communities and we are privileged to be held in this regard by our peers. We are dedicated to continuing our efforts to support and uplift our community and this nomination further motivates us to do so.

We are truly delighted by the nomination - well done, Team! Congratulations also to all the SME Bedfordshire Awards nominees.

LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Clearhead Media; Greystone Solicitors; Hannah Solicitors LLP; The Fruit and Veg Man; The Pattern Studio; Wealth Matters.

JALTEK POSITIVE IMPACT AWARD

Be Our Guest Princesses; Creative Pursuit; Holistic Thinking Holidays; Home Instead Bedford; Kenny Adaba; The Mobility Physio; The Specialist Cleaning Group; Will Brown Hair.

LONDON LUTON AIRPORT SERVICE EXCELLENCE

3 Heads Agency; Animal Edge; Babyballet Biggleswade & Bedford; Baker Brothers Diamonds; House of Handsome; Kings Fire; Teaching Talons; THSP.

FOXLEY KINGHAM ACCOUNTANTS WEBSITE OF THE YEAR

Window Ware.

BARNFIELD COLLEGE YOUNG BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR

Danielle Harrington - Creative Pursuit; Heni Cloake - The Refill Leighton Buzzard; Samantha Wingfield-Jones - Razzamataz Leighton Buzzard.

Providers of affordable and truly accessible UK coastal holidays for wheelchair users and people with complex mobility challenges, for whom “wheelchair access” is just not enough. We believe that EVERYONE should be able to take affordable and fully equipped family holidays.

We have accommodation on holiday parks with family-friendly accessible venues and activities on the coast in Norfolk, Somerset, Lincolnshire, North Wales, West Sussex and Cornwall. Each park is equipped to meet the needs of people with disabilities.

Holistic Thinking Holidays is proud to be finalists in the Positive Impact Award, Best New Business and Bedford Business of the Year categories for 2023.

Providers of affordable and TRULY accessible UK coastal holidays in Norfolk, Lincolnshire, Cornwall, Somerset, West Sussex and North Wales for people for whom "Wheelchair Access" is just not enough!

.....because EVERYONE deserves a holiday!

www.holisticthinkingholidays.co.uk

www.facebook.com/holisticthinkingholidays

email: steve@holisticthinkingholidays.co.uk

Window Ware was the overall winner in last year’s awards and are back among the finalists again this year

Home Secretary packs a punch in campaign against rising knife crime

Home Secretary Suella

Braverman is pictured in the ring at the anti-knife crime charity Boxing Clever in Milton Keynes.

She was joined by Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber and Ben Everitt, MP for Milton Keynes North, on a visit to the boxing club at Kiln Farm. The Home Secretary has laid out plans to tackle knife crime and is keen to learn more about successful preventative initiatives such as Boxing Clever. The scheme is a registered Community Interest Company tackling social issues across Milton Keynes including crime reduction, health, cohesion and education through the sport of boxing.

The scheme is led by Kevin McCarthy, head coach at Bletchley Amateur Boxing Club and head of programmes Claire Byrne, supported by Thames Valley Police.

Minister: Sport highlights opportunities for inclusion

Mr Everitt is a champion of the scheme as is Mr Barber, whose PCC office has helped to fund it.

“Suella knows how much I have been fighting to tackle knife crime and preventative approaches like Boxing Clever are such an important part of that,” said Mr Everitt.

Milton Keynes has also benefited from significant government funding for the Thames Valley Violence Reduction Unit. Last year

Mr Barber launched Operation Deter to tackle knife crime. “I love the work of Boxing Clever,” he said.

“They are an inspirational group who are a great example of the proactive work that can make such a difference in our communities.”

Thames Valley Police is to double the number of neighbourhood police officers this year under the PCC’s Crimefighters strategy. “I want to ensure this results in visible hotspot patrols to prevent crime,” Mr Barber said.

Plumbing

African villages

Plumbers merchant Grant & Stone is helping to bring fresh drinking water to hundreds of people in an area of Zimbabwe.

It has installed watercoolers made by AquAid in its 44 sites, including in Bletchley, and for each watercooler purchase the company is donating to The Africa Trust. It in turn has used the money to install a pump in the Manicaland area of Zimbabwe.

The pump pictured is a modified version of a Chinese rope pulley system designed to lift water and is constructed and maintained using materials that are locally available in rural sub-Saharan African communities.

It is capable of producing up to

10,000 litres of clean water every day.

“The positive knock-on effects of building these pumps will benefit the recipients for decades,” said AquAid spokesperson Fern Shaw.

Mick Powell, Grant & Stone’s Bletchley branch manager, adds:

“By simply installing AquAid watercoolers into all our branches the company has been able to make such a difference to hundreds of people’s lives. It is fantastic to see the Grant & Stone water pump up and running.”

AquAid has built more than 8,000 pumps in Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe and has donated in excess of £19 million to charity.

Government minister Tom Pursglove is pictured chatting to competitors in the inaugural G4D Open golf tournament at Woburn Golf Club. The tournament is a new international championship, featuring more than 80 players from across the world competing on the club’s Duchess Course last month. The championship is one of the most inclusive ever staged, featuring nine sports classes across a range of impairment groups. Mr Pursglove, Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work and MP for Corby, highlighted the importance of sport in bringing people together. “Sport should be open to everyone,” he said. “It sparks hope and brings together people from every background. One of the most inspiring things about the G4D Open is that the adaptations enable players at the Championship to have the same opportunities to play as everyone else.

The ethos is at the heart of the government’s Disability Action

Plan, Mr Pursglove adds.

The championship is held in partnership with The R&A and DP World Tour and is supported by EDGA, the European Disabled Golf Association.

Among the competitors was world No.1 disabled golfer Kipp Popert. The English golfer was born with spastic diplegia, a form of cerebral palsy, and spent most of his teenage years undergoing surgery and treatment on his legs and feet. Now 24, he also competes in able-bodied events and hopes his performances will inspire others into the sport.

“What The R&A, DP World Tour and EDGA are doing for grassroots golf for disabled people has been brilliant and important but those getting into the game need something to aspire to

‘Heights I could never have imagined’: Student reflects on college career

“Ifeel prepared for the real world,” said graphic design and web development student Jacob Vale. He has come a long way since his first day on the HNC course at Milton Keynes College Group’s South Central Institute of Technology.

“When Jacob started at the SCIoT, he spent a lot of his first day sat in a park with me because he was too anxious to join his classmates,” recalls digital coach Dan Vine. “But now he confidently takes part in class discussions, delivers presentations to his peers and achieves Distinctions in his assessments.”

It is the reason why Jacob inset is celebrating after being named overall Student of the Year at the college group’s annual awards ceremony. He was one of 22 winners across the college, SCIoT and Milton

Keynes College Group’s prison education services.

Being a student with autism, Jacob has overcome a range of challenges and is now preparing for a career as a freelance graphic designer. “I have reached heights I never could have imagined thanks to this college,” he said. “The one thing that stands out the most from my time at MK College and the SCIoT is that I feel prepared for the real world. Given all the knowledge I have obtained from these different courses, I certainly think I could pursue my own career and I am looking forward to continuing to work towards this ambition.”

Jacob arrived at the college in 2017 on the New Horizons course in the Inclusive Learning department. He progressed to studying Level 1 in Art and Design in 2018, followed

and that is what I am trying to achieve,” he said.

“I hope people watching the G4D Open come away thinking that anyone can play golf. It does not matter what your disability is.”

Accompanying the minister on his visit to Woburn was Tim Hollingsworth, the government’s disability access ambassador and chief executive of Sport England. “Golf is a wonderful sport for both our physical and mental health and wellbeing and there has been a lot of hard work in recent years for it to become more inclusive,” he said.

“That is at the heart of Sport England’s Uniting the Movement strategy; tackling the inequalities that exist to ensure that everyone has the chance to play sport and be active in their everyday lives.”

by Levels 2 and 3 before starting an HNC in Web Development and Graphic Design at the SCIoT in Bletchley in September last year.

“Jacob is a stand-out student,” said Mr Vine. “Achieving good grades and becoming a confident member of the class may not sound extraordinary but with the challenges Jacob has faced, getting to this stage is amazing. To have shared in his journey for such a long time and seeing him blossom as a designer and get his confidence and his skills to where they are just makes the job all the more enjoyable.”

Each award winner was recognised for their efforts and achievements in their courses, the roles they play in their wider communities and the ways in which they live the College Group’s mission and values. A panel then chose Jacob as the overall Student of the Year.

College Group chief executive and group principal Sally Alexander said each winner is an inspiration. “MK College Group is all about helping people build great futures for themselves, whoever they are and whatever their dreams. Jacob’s story is an incredible example of how much our learners can progress and grow during their time with us. Jacob has shown that, with hard work, determination and the right support, you can overcome the challenges you face and work towards your goals for the future.”

Making a difference:

firm brings fresh water to

Tom Pursglove (left) talks golf and inclusion at the G4D Open held at Woburn Golf Club

Jacob Vale celebrates his award with Sally Alexander, chief executive and group principal of Milton Keynes College Group

F1 team revs up support for hospital’s £0.5m wellbeing hub vision

Oracle Red Bull Racing headquarters provided a spectacular backdrop to the launch of a £0.5 million appeal to deliver a wellbeing care hub at Milton Keynes University Hospital’s new Radiotherapy Centre.

The F1 world champion’s team principal Christian Horner hosted the event at Red Bull Technology Campus in Tilbrook.

Due to open in late summer 2024, the Radiotherapy Centre will enable cancer patients to receive life-saving treatment nearer to home - almost all those needing radiotherapy currently travel to places such as Oxford for treatment. Last year their journeys amounted to 6,400 individual radiotherapy sessions.

The MKUH Trust also wants to create a purpose-built space away from clinical areas that provides patients with wellbeing support.

Alison Davis, chair of the hospital’s board of directors, thanked the Oracle

Hospice issues marathon runners appeal

Now is the time to apply for a charity place to run in next year’s London Marathon, said Willen Hospice.

A charity place is a guaranteed spot in the London Marathon. Willen Hospice saw a record 27 runners in this year’s event in April. They raised at least £50,000 for the charity.

Raise a glass to a Royal day at the races

Red Bull Racing organisation for hosting the appeal launch.

“We want to bring cancer care services closer to home for residents of Milton Keynes and this includes the essential wellbeing care a patient requires when dealing with the life-changing impact of a cancer diagnosis,” she said. “This important appeal, along with the continued kindness, warmth and goodwill from our local community, will result in a truly exceptional space which will be hugely beneficial for our patients.”

Vanessa Holmes, associate director of Milton Keynes Hospital Charity, adds: “This appeal is so special. Not only is it the first large-scale appeal the charity has launched since 2018 but also it will make a huge difference to so many local people - patients and families - going through cancer. As with any fundraising campaign, we cannot do this alone and we would ask anyone interested in supporting us, to get in touch.”

n To donate or get involved in fundraising for the Milton Keynes Hospital Charity, visit www.mkhcharity.org.uk or contact fundraising@mkuh.nhs.uk

Green roof welcomes new residents

Feel the buzz… a hive of bees are settling into their new home on the roof of centre:mk.

Their arrival is part of the centre’s Green Roof project, in which the shopping centre’s large rooftop surface area is home to green spaces and habitats for wildlife.

The roof already has bird and insect boxes as well as areas of grass and wildflowers that the bees have been brought in to enhance by pollinating.

A total 40,000 bees will set up home in the hive, with more hives due to arrive later this year. The bees will be looked after by Milton Keynes-based apiary Mr

Rob’s Honey, with opportunities for centre staff to learn beekeeping skills and be involved with the project. The honey the bees produce will be given away to guests, charity partners and staff.

“Bees are a threatened species that play a vital role in our ecosystem, and we are excited to be able to provide a habitat for them to thrive in the city centre, on our Green Roof,” said centre:mk’s centre director Kevin Duffy.

The Green Roof is part of a wider set of initiatives centre:mk have introduced to be a sustainable shopping centre.

Enjoy a luxury day at the races courtesy of Willen Hospice. The hospice is hosting its annual Ascot Days on June 22-24, inviting guests to don their finery and enjoy drinks, canapes, lunch and the excitement of two days racing at Royal Ascot.

Its event for Ladies Day at the festival, June 22, has already sold out but tables are still available for the two following days of racing, including on the Saturday for the first time.

“It will offer a chance for anyone who cannot usually make a weekday

to join us for a fun afternoon at the races, in the beautiful setting of the Willen Hospice gardens,” said Nikki Poole, the hospice’s events and community manager.

“Ascot is one of our favourite events and I am looking forward to welcoming guests on the Saturday for the first time this year.”

Places are £50 per person or £500 for a table of ten. The event includes a welcome drink, canapes, light lunch and entertainment.

n To book, visit www.willen-hospice. org.uk/ascot.

“Each and every one of them showed such determination, resilience and enthusiasm and we cannot thank them enough,” said Willen Hospice’s charity fundraiser Dawn Clark. “It was an incredible atmosphere and I would encourage anyone thinking about doing the London Marathon to apply for one of our charity places and enter the ballot.”

Willen Hospice has ten charity places available for the 2024 London Marathon. Successful applicants will be asked to raise £2,500 and those successful in the ballot can set their own fundraising target. All charity place applicants must enter the ballot as well.

n Find out more at www. willen-hospice.org.uk/ running.

Outgoing Mayor of Milton Keynes Amanda Marlow is urging Milton Keynes residents to ensure the city safeguards a remarkable facility for young people for the future.

She handed back the Mayoral chain last month and is now joining the £1.4 milion campaign by youth education charity Action4Youth to update and extend its Caldecotte Xperience Centre facility.

Ms Marlow, a mother of four, champions the value of the centre’s inclusive adventure and outdoor education programmes and said the appeal is essential for children and young people across Milton

Keynes and wider region.

“The Caldecotte Xperience is a fantastic resource for Milton Keynes as a city,” she said. “It is incredible for us to have something like this on our doorstep for kids who would not normally get the opportunity to take part in such a wide range of outdoor, team and individual development activities.“

Her older children recall outward bound days at the centre, next to Caldecotte Lake. One of her sons has special needs and visited Caldecotte as part of his respite activities, enjoying zorbing and sailing.

“It was genuinely great for

him and he loved it,. For all my children, visits to Caldecotte were a really positive experience. It allows kids to be safely challenged which they need.

“They have been a bit bubblewrapped - childhood is much different now. I am as much to blame as any other parents and naturally we worry about our kids. The way the culture has led us, we have almost bred a generation of children who are frightened to try new and exciting things.”

She believes redeveloping the buildings will increase opportunities for more young people to develop confidence, resilience and skills. The existing centre is dated, not accessible and with a less than welcoming frontage.

“It needs massive TLC,” Amanda said. “It will be money well worth spending that will add value to that building for years to come. The plans are great and will enable Action4Youth to run indoor activities and facilities which will add another layer of innovation to reach out to children who need what Caldecotte offers.”

n To learn more about the redevelopment and the appeal behind it, visit www.Action4Youth. org

Vanessa Holmes, associate director of Milton Keynes Hospital Charity, with Oracle Red Bull chief executive and team principal Christian Horner

‘A fantastic resource’: Ex-Mayor backs youth centre’s refurbishment plam

Amanda Marlow is adding her support to Action4Youth’s fundraising appeal for a major refurbishment of its Cadecotte Xperience Centre

Exhibition time... Let’s do business

The countdown to a superb event for businesses across Milton Keynes to reach, engage and connect is over…

Welcome to your Business Expo Milton Keynes.

Everyone among the 90-plus exhibitors is ready to welcome the anticipated hundreds of visitors to what is sure to be a key event in the business calendar for Milton Keynes and the wider region. Our exhibitors reflect the thriving, buzzing business community that is Milton Keynes and are a reflection of the city’s culture, ethos and personality: positive, entrepreneurial, daring to be different.

Your Business Expo Milton Keynes is brought to you by Pulse Group Media, publisher of Business MK - the leading business newspaper for the city and Bedfordshire - and full service marketing agency qoob as Your Business Expo’s headline sponsor.

Your Business Expo, being staged at the Ridgeway Centre, aims to create opportunities for quality sales leads, to meet with key decisionmakers and to increase awareness

of your business brand. There are two networking sessions during the day and a series of incisive and thought-provoking workshops and presentations, including by MK:U the new model university for Milton Keynes, who will outline the work they are already doing with the city’s business community and their plans for the future.

Your Business Expo 2023 follows a sell-out Your Business Expo at Sywell Aerodrome near Northampton in February.

“The buzz around Your Business Expo Milton Keynes has grown relentlessly since we announced the show,” said Pulse Group Media director Kerry Lewis-Stevenson. “We’re delighted to welcome so many great businesses looking to promote themselves via what we are sure will become a ‘must attend’ event on the business calendar. Our thanks too go to our sponsors, presenters, the Ridgeway Centre and all those helping behind the scenes to make this the success we know it will be. Let’s do business.”

Helping business to make the most of technology

Stadium MK: A world-class venue fit to stage any occasion

Stadium MK has fast gained a reputation for hosting world-class events such as televised sports, concerts and international award-winning ceremonies. It is also a popular choice for organisers planning meetings, conferences, exhibitions and personal celebrations.

Opened on November 29, 2007 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Stadium MK is a 30,530-seat stadium and home to MK Dons FC, a 304-bedroom DoubleTree by Hilton Milton Keynes, the Marshall Arena, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill Milton Keynes, local radio station MKFM and MK Dons Sport & Education Trust.

The DoubleTree by Hilton also offers 19 modern conference and event spaces. Small meeting rooms are perfect for a quiet interview while the medium-sized pitch-facing spaces area ideal for meetings or networking events.

At the heart of the hotel is the impressive ballroom, superb for large conferences and award ceremonies.

Meanwhile the Marshall Arena hosts a variety of much larger events; car launches, tel-

evised sports such as snooker and darts, tech exhibitions, concerts and some of the best bespoke Christmas parties in the country. The venue provides a blank canvas, allowing you to creatively brand and theme a bespoke event.

Wherever or whatever you choose to eat at Stadium MK, you can rest assured that it has been lovingly prepared by a talented team of chefs. There are two on-site restaurants; Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill - perfect for great steaks, afternoon teas, and delicious lunches - and the Pitchside Restaurant, ideal for delegate lunches and dinner with a view.

If you require a private lunch or dinner, the team can provide you with your own exclusive room and work with you to create a perfect menu, from our extensive selection of tried and tested favourites.

Stadium MK contains many exceptional possibilities for event organisers. The team at Stadium MK have everything you need to achieve a successful event.

n Find out more at stadiummk.com

At Nexus, we are passionate about helping our customers to achieve net zero. We care about IT lifecycle management, because - just like your business - technology evolves.

Since launching in 2016, our mission has been to provide circular services that support the repairing, refurbishment and reuse of recycled IT products globally. We are focusing our efforts on where we can make the biggest impact by addressing IT challenges and bringing innovation to businesses across the globe.

Our strategy has always been one of looking ahead and to constantly strive to mitigate plans for the unforeseeable. We know that every business is unique and we are here to help you get the most out of your current systems or implement new ones to meet your needs today and in the future.

We believe that a proactive and collaborative approach is the best way to understand the unique framework of your team and business acquisition so we work with you to manage your technology procurement throughout your business growth. Our services do not end at sourcing, instead following the whole lifespan of your technology’s journey. You will never be without the right hardware, software and office essentials and we will handle as much (or as

little) of the buying process as you need.

Our Managed Service solutions involve the sourcing of technology at the best possible price we can find, delivering when it suits you best and taking any old tech off your hands to be securely wiped or refurbished. What makes us different is that, unlike other resellers, much of our processes are done in house at our on-site configuration suite. Our experienced technicians, sales and support teams will take care of the complete process.

WHAT DO WE OFFER?

n IT procurement and outsourcing;

n Build, installation and configuration;

n Asset tagging and machine imaging;

n Hardware component upgrades;

n Warranty and break fix refurbishment and repair;

n Secure wiping and certification

n Dedicated sales and support team. Our clients know they are getting exactly what they need and want from their business relationships with us and that is why we are committed to transparency in all areas of our work together.

Your

A fast-moving company that puts people, culture and business at the heart of everything we do. Nexus does not just sell you technology... we help you make the most of it.

Digital identity is everything.

Protect your brand’s digital identity and assets

As you begin your working week, log in to check your brand’s performance and see that the data has disappeared or, even worse, your account no longer exists. You might think the reasons could be related to technical issues, account changes, data loss or even account suspension. But in current times, the likelihood is that it is due to your brand identity having been compromised or stolen.

The threat of cyber attacks on brands’ digital identities is rising, with a growing number of high-profile breaches and data leaks making headlines. A recent known breach targeted a fintech start-up called Revolut, which had more than 50,000 users’ data stolen.

These types of attacks can be anything from phishing scams to ransomware attacks. Cyber criminals are becoming more sophisticated with their tactics and targeting large corporations and small businesses.

The consequences of a cyber attack on your brand’s digital identity can be devastating. Not only can it result in financial losses and damages to brand reputation but it can also compromise the personal digital identities of customers and employees, leading to legal and regulatory implications.

What is digital identity and why is it important?

The importance of digital identity is becoming increasingly evident, even though our online presence has always been a crucial part of our

daily lives. Picture this: if someone gains access to your bank or PayPal account through stealing your log-in credentials, it can cause inconvenience, confusion and frustration. However, protecting your password is not the only way to be cautious.

Your domain name is also an important factor to your business brand identity and it is the first thing people see when they search for your business online. But if someone steals your domain name, they can use it to extort money or impersonate you on the internet.

To prevent this, start by registering your domain name for a tenyear period (where possible) and ensure that it is registered under your company’s corporate name rather than an employee’s.

Safenames have helped clients in the past where an employee has registered domains in their own name. This causes problems to the business when trying to get the domain name back, which sometimes is near impossible. But rest assured, this is one of the many issues we can help to solve.

Start today to take several proactive steps to protect your digital brand identity. Step 1 to ro secure your domain name with a reputable registrar such as safenames.net and make sure the right person registers the domain names.

Increased legislation brought in by the government on data protection means there is growing demand for an efficient way to dispose of confidential documents at work and at home. This has given specialists at family-run business Simply Shredding another opportunity to expand their network.

Kevin Grice runs the successful Simply Shredding operations in Bedfordshire incluidng Luton, Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire .The network, which stretches across the UK, works with a wide of clients including private individuals.

“With the best will in the world we are a long way away from a paperless society but there is increasing awareness about the importance of protecting your identity,” said Kevin. “We can offer the same peace of mind to individuals as we do to our business clients.”

For even greater security, all Simply Shredding depots use cross-cut shredding machines

Security guaranteed brings peace of mind to our clients

which cuts paperwork vertically and horizontally. The pile of shredded paper, which resembles a giant heap of confetti, is usually baled so it can be recycled and turned back into paper.

Each client receives a Certificate of Destruction to confirm the shredding process has been completed.

A wide range of clients in the private sector and public organisations including schools, law firms and accountants have already recognised the benefits of using a shredding service.

“Unfortunately, one of the fastest growing frauds is to steal identities and often this is made so much easier because the paperwork has been put in the bin,” said Kevin, who

set up the business with the support of a former police crime prevention officer.

Shredding services are a vital tool for businesses and public organisations that are under pressure to protect data and fulfil GDPR regulations.

Simply Shredding has an extensive range of packages to meet the different needs and ensure clients are legally compliant. These range from supplying shredding bags to delivering in wheelie bins or installing office consoles. Some clients simply want a one-time only collection of old records while others opt for a monthly collection. Other services include the removal and recycling of old IT equipment including laptops and monitors.

One of the fastest-growing frauds is to steal identities

Print reliability is key to success ... the reviews don’t lie

First-time exhibitor Solopress has been an established, nationwide print company since 1999. They support a number of businesses and organisations in the Milton Keynes area with their commitment to sustainable printing, superfast turnaround times, excellent print quality and exceptional customer service.

Reliability has been the key to Solopress’ success and they are proud to be the UK’s most trusted print company, with more 5-star Trustpilot reviews than any other UK printer.

Initially set up to specialise in flyers, leaflets, brochures, posters and business stationery, Solopress now undertakes many forms of specialist print as well as holding an extensive selection of promotional products.

Serving businesses and trade customers alike, solopress. com offers a huge range of print products from leaflets to lanyards, stationery to signage, brochures to bags, pens to parasols. Free UK

delivery and white label packaging are included as standard on all orders.

It is the company’s impressive array of litho, digital and large format print presses that allows it to produce such a wide variety of print products. Abundant options on paper stocks, lamination and materials further expand the customer’s scope for customisation.

Once printed, a wellappointed suite of finishing equipment trims, stitches, binds or varnishes products to customers’ exacting specifications.

Options such as foil finishing, spot UV varnishing and laser-cut custom-shapes allow businesses to create

truly unique pieces that help them stand out from the crowd.

For customers with largescale print requirements, Solopress also runs the exclusive Solopro service. Solopro provides personal account management, flexible pricing, bespoke products and priority production for businesses that rely on high volumes of print. Sustainability is central to Solopress’ mission, and a priority when incorporating new products, policies and partners.

The Solopress Green range not only champions recycled and recyclable materials, it also achieves carbon neutral production through carbon offsetting projects. To date, they have offset over 120,000kg of CO2 through ClimatePartner schemes.

The company’s corporate responsibility is also expressed in their capacity as an employer. Solopress is committed to achieving gender pay equality, and has signed up to the Menopause Workplace Pledge.

The proactive advice helping businesses to reach their goals

Streets Chartered Accountants are looking forward to attending and exhibiting at its first business exhibition in Milton Keynes.

Led by tax partners Luke Prout and Jennie Brown with audit partner Alan Endersby, the Streets team has gone from strength to strength in the past two years. In particular, Streets has seen considerable interest from new clients across the county seeking not only support in terms of dealing with the myriad of issues around the current economic climate but also from scale-ups, growing businesses and individuals looking for proactive financial and tax advice to help them to realise their goals.

Streets is well placed to look after the needs of businesses across the region. It has an expanding team of specialists and access to other services including payroll, banking and finance, personal financial planning and legal services from its offices across the East of England and South East Midlands, including in Luton, Wyboston Lakes near Bedford, Stevenage and Peterborough,

Certainly, clients of Streets’ Northampton & Kettering office at the Enterprise Centre

in Raunds reflect the vibrancy of the local business community and include third sector organisations, owner-managed and family businesses, UK subsidiaries of overseas parent companies, directors, entrepreneurs and private clients.

Tax partners Luke Prout and Jennie Brown expect to be busy supporting clients impacted by the changes and announced in the government’s Budget Statement in March as well as providing specialist tax planning advice around business structures and business mergers and acquisitions.

They also envisage demand for their expertise on the tax treatment of investment property and Research and Development Tax reliefs, as well as tax reliefs and schemes in relation to employee shares or enterprise investment schemes.

Streets’ tax and accountancy specialists will be at the firm’s stand at Your Business Expo, along with members of the business development team. They will be only too pleased to talk more with those attending the exhibition about how Streets can help their business.

The Streets regional team with partners Jennie Brown (front left) and Luke Prout (front right)

Family business delivers tailored digital solutions for modern enterprises FREE WEBREPORT

In today’s competitive digital landscape, businesses face various challenges and require innovative solutions to stay ahead of the curve.

Established in 2014, Olisco is a family-run enterprise dedicated to crafting tailored digital solutions to address complex web challenges.

Clients appreciate the direct collaboration with Olisco’s founder Toby Lockyer pictured below, resulting in customised, friendly service and consistency. Olisco guarantees smooth operations with well-planned contingencies in place.

The company concentrates on delivering vital systems with proficiency, upholding the belief that ‘success lies in people and systems’. By developing tailored software solutions and promoting seamless communication, Olisco enables businesses to flourish in today’s competitive digital landscape.

One example is a small business owner who needed a custom CRM system to track customer interactions and integrate with other external tools. Olisco developed a bespoke solution that not only streamlined their customer relationship management but also seamlessly connected with marketing, sales and support tools, resulting in improved efficiency and customer satisfaction.

The benefits of a custom system are manifold and Olisco excels in providing solutions that cater specifically to individual business requirements.

Olisco’s flexible pricing models cater to diverse budgets, enabling businesses of all sizes to benefit from their services. The company’s commitment to providing lasting value makes it the perfect

n Flexibility and scalability Adapt to changing market conditions and evolving customer needs.

n Seamless integration Minimise disruptions and ensure smooth implementation by integrating with existing systems and workflows.

n Efficiency and productivity Streamline operations, reduce errors, and increase overall performance.

n Data-driven decision-making Detailed analytics and reporting enable informed decision-making based on various operational aspects.

n Enhanced customer satisfaction Improve the customer experience, leading to higher retention rates and improved brand reputation.

partner for enterprises seeking long-term solutions to their digital challenges. Olisco is a family-run business that specialises in creating tailored digital solutions for modern enterprises.

By offering personalised service, seamless communication, and innovative software systems, Olisco helps businesses navigate the complex digital landscape and achieve success.

With a focus on flexibility, scalability, and customer satisfaction, Olisco’s custom systems enable businesses to adapt, grow, and thrive in today’s competitive market. Embrace the power of bespoke digital solutions with Olisco and unlock the potential for exponential growth in your business.

Support every step of the way on your business growth journey

Queensbury is a multi-award-winning firm providing commercial consultancy services, strategic advice and tactical project management to start-ups, entrepreneurs, and companies of all sizes with structuring, growing and implementing change within their business.

We help our clients’ business develop, evolve and change, supporting their objectives and getting them the outcomes they want, while reducing stress and saving them time all at once.

As a law firm, strategic consultancy and project management professionals, we pride ourselves on building long-lasting relationships with our diverse client base. We are an international business with offices in London, Dubai, Beijing, Baghdad, Seville, and Lancaster, but our roots are still based firmly in MK. Our legal and strategic offering combines a fully regulated law practice with a

comprehensive business consultancy firm, giving our clients wider access to all the support and advice they need to achieve their goals.

Our project team offer expert advice, assistance or management across the project lifecycle, define, maintain and ensure standards across their business and support and help them manage change across their organisation.

Our operational support team helps clients with accounting and tax, compliance and risk, business admin, research and human resource management. This support provides the ‘nuts and bolts’ advice and assistance to ensure their business runs smoothly.

Through our advisory, incubator, and business support programmes, we offer a comprehensive programme of support across all aspects of business growth and operations.

Our programmes are tailored to our clients’ business and gives them access to our team of professionals and experts.

Queensbury partners Maan Al-Gailani (front), Sarah Thorne, Pav Benning and Richard Naylor

Communications solutions delivered to fit your business

Radius Connect helps businesses of all sizes across Europe communicate better.

We deliver solutions from all the major mobile phone networks, alongside handset and equipment manufacturers, software developers and hosted telephony providers.

Our customers are our priority. We take a consultative approach when working with customers so we understand exactly what they do, how their teams interact and their plans for the future. Radius works with hundreds of service providers across Europe to ensure we can provide you with a communications solution that fits.

With our six focused product categories, we ensure your account is taken care of proactively, efficiently and without compromise:

Mobile We work with all major UK networks and leading manufacturers to bring the most choice at the best price, paired with tailored customer service plans, account management and monthly Insight Reports with recommendations

include a range of broadband both simple and complex with multi-site connectivity.

Suitable for businesses of all sizes.

Line and calls We provide traditional lines, business numbers, SIP trunking and advice around the ISDN switch off. Our economical and flexible systems can be expanded as your business grows.

Cyber security is something that affects all businesses, no matter the size, no matter the industry. The majority of businesses in the UK, unfortunately, do not have an accurate measure as to how at risk they are or how their existing controls would perform.

With ransomware being one of the most prevalent forms of cyber attack over the last five years, it is essential that business understand how they can protect themselves from this potentially catastrophic risk.

Ruptura InfoSecurity allows organisations to assess their environment in a practical way that safely mirrors a realistic ransomware attack against the business. This ‘real time’ simulation tests multiple phases of a ransomware attack and highlights areas of risk that can then be resolved before it becomes a reality.

“Many people are too busy

Business phone systems

Our range of cloud-based telephony solutions help to improve the efficiency of your business.

Hosted telephony reduces the costs of calls and improves quality.

Connectivity Our services

Business apps We help businesses to work smarter with the latest collaboration apps and productivity tools that give teams the power to work in any setting, from any device. IT and security We have everything you need to run your business securely, protecting your business and its systems, software, and data. We help you keep your company secure, while your employees work efficiently from any location.

Our core values are centred around our customers, meaning our teams are focused on dedicated account management, quick turnaround times and best in class customer service. Technology is always evolving. We will always recommend a futureproofed solution that can be adapted and expanded as your environment changes.

focusing on other parts of their business and spend little time thinking about the security of their systems or the impact that a breach may have,” said Ruptura InfoSecurity’s managing director Tom Heenan.

“In the case of a ransomware attack, this can be catastrophic if the threat becomes a reality so it makes sense to take action sooner rather than later. Tabletop exercises have their merits but to fully understand risk and what would happen to a business if it was targeted, a

realistic yet safe simulation should be performed.”

A tabletop ransomware simulation exercise is purely theoretical, whereby a business places full trust in its current defensive tooling, he adds.

“Our fully practical assessment provides you with assurance that your tooling is doing what you expect. It is a safe, realistic test that either highlights proof of value in existing tooling, or highlights potential areas to work on.

“Once the engagement is complete, our clients can have confidence that they have full visibility into their current cyber security posture and have clear and precise actions to further bolster their current protections.” There are different packages available to meet the needs of all businesses from smaller organisations to larger and enterprise-level companies.

Ransomware: It makes sense to take action sooner rather than later

Clients can have confidence that they have full visibility into their current cyber security

Down to earth in pursuit of a landscaping dream

George Davies, driven by his own self-belief, has gone from being a struggling student to a university graduate to a successful business owner, sharing his flawless work ethic and inspiring passion for helping others while he set out to achieve his long-standing dream to become the UK’s largest independent supplier of turf. George pictured above applied his forward-thinking approach and experience as a farm business consultant to his father’s family-run farm in Olney where his company is still based. When he realised the farm’s soil was not suitable for growing additional crops, he identified the lucrative potential to sell landscaping products.

His first venture, in 2001, was Blue Scenic Turf. By 2003, he felt he had enough business acumen to begin his own company, George Davies Turf. George worked solo to sell, load and deliver rolls of turf across the Midlands and London, while an honesty box took payment for those who preferred to collect. The box alone took around £1 million over the first ten years.

In 2010, George invested in state-of-the-art machinery, new premises in St Albans and in drivers and support staff. He did this with a strong approach to recruitment, seeking people who would encompass the same values as his: honesty, reliability and quality.

A company’s image can make a real difference… so it is crucial to make sure any investment of time and money is money well spent.

The creative teams at Kanda Print Midlands and Brunel Signs & Displays have the experience to offer clients a wide range of options, from a large signage project to a business card or leaflet. Other options include merchandise and giveaways for companies looking to treat customers and colleagues with increasing demand for goodies like confectionery, reusable water bottles, lanyards and ‘Welcome’ boxes with a choice of branded items.

A no-obligation review enables clients to consider just what can make their message stand out from the crowd. The Corby-based businesses offer an expansive range of print and print finishing services to meet the needs of commercial clients and private customers whether it is an eye-catching logo or a poster, packaging, exhibition stand or weather-sturdy sign. The in-house graphics team at Kanda Print Midlands and Brunel Signs & Displays have the creativity and the technical know-how to create products that not only look good but will meet all expectations.

From a one man band, the business today is a multimillion pound operation. George and his team of 19 now proudly refer to themselves as ‘The Landscaper’s Choice’, providing high-quality turf, landscaping products and impeccable customer service.

So impeccable, in fact, that George Davies Turf took home the Customer Service award at this year’s Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards.

The striking fleet of seven red 32-tonne lorries with forklift trucks are used to transport 1.4 million rolls of turf to 35,000 gardens a year within a 40-mile radius of the two bases. And the company makes good on its identifiable two-hour delivery slots, a timeframe critical to maintaining the short shelf life of fresh turf.

With a reliable team in place, George now focuses on developing the business for staff and customers, providing helpful information via blogs, social media, newsletters and events. The new George Davies Turf app is the first of its kind in the industry, aimed at speeding up the buying process for busy landscapers.

George is an advocate for supporting others. He continues to be involved with the local business community, as well as funding new business owners on their journey.

Health and safety regulations mean growing demand for signs such as for site safety to waste segregation and booklets which meet specific needs of each client’s business. Bespoke dry wipe boards, magnetic or non-magnetic custom-made to a customer’s size and design are another item currently in big demand. Other products by Kanda Print Midlands and Brunel Signs & Displays include a wealth of corporate material, general stationery, signage, large format items, promotional merchandise, exhibition items, direct mail, food and general packaging, self-adhesive labels, bespoke school printing and NCR Pads. Both digital and litho print options are available offering the choice of small or large quantities.

Managing director Lee Rockingham said: “We are one of the leading business-tobusiness print, signage and merchandise solution providers in the East Midlands and have a proven wealth of experience built up over 30 years. Our comprehensive services cover all aspects of design and print, from a creative idea right through to the final printed product. Budgets and timelines are always taken into consideration to ensure each client gets what they want for the right price.”

Photo: Made in Blue

The printers can create eye-catching billboard sized displays like this one near Asda in Corby

Mannol UK, a market leader in the supply of high-quality engine oils, lubricants, will be showcasing their range of products that have the approval of leading car manufacturers.

Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Renault and other key players in the industry all confirm the high quality of Mannol’s products. These include more than 100 synthetic and semisynthetic engine oils and fluids for cars, transporters, motorcycles, trucks and buses as well as gear oils and fluids, fuel additives, brake fluids, cooling fluids and industrial oils.

Since Mannol UK launched in 2019, it has attracted a growing number of clients and has become a driving force in the UK’s and Ireland’s automotive industry. The Northampton base opened in 2021, two years after setting up in Milton Keynes.

The business is a partner to Mannol Global partners which manufactures the in-demand products which Mannol UK imports. This successful partnership has seen Mannol UK double its revenue year on year - now Mannol is looking at massive expansion plans in the coming year. Itsgrowth has already been recognised with Mannol UK being nominated for an award to recognise the fastest growing business.

Your Business Expo is a great way for the team to meet

The driving force of the UK’s automotive sector

more local businesses to see how they can work together. Expansion plans promise more work opportunities so the team is also hoping to talk to individuals looking to join a fast-growing business.

“We are very proud of what we can offer and take pride in knowing that clients feel confident in our products,”

said Mannol UK’s chief executive Jevgenij Lyzko.

“We are looking forward to talking to businesses at Your Business Expo about what products are available and to see if there are ways we can create yet more long-lasting partnerships with clients looking for high quality products.”

Business looks north for a bright new future

A call is being sent out across Milton Keynes to head north.

North of Tyne, the combined authority of Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland, has an ongoing campaign to highlight the benefits of heading up the M1.

Many household name businesses have already taken the decision, including Tesco Bank, AA Insurance, Verisure, Sage and Parkdean Holidays. Organisations that have set up regional hubs include EE, DXC, Sitel, Concentrix and Engie.

The big question is why are companies making the move? There are three main reasons.

Firstly, there is an extensive talent pool with the potential of a one million workforce within a 30-minute commute.

Support and customer contact

centres are one of the key sectors, with many of the current established companies taking advantage of North of Tyne’s strong links to schools and colleges.

North of Tyne is very proud of its residents, with many achieving higher than the UK average for NVQ Level 3 and above. And in Contact Babel UK’s Contact Centre & HR operational benchmarking report 2022, the findings showed the region’s contact centres had some of the lowest attrition rates at 15 per cent.

The second reason is the financial benefits. There are grants of up to £1 million for organisations new to the area.

In addition, according to The Office of National Statistics in 2022, the North East was the lowest region in the UK

for average weekly wage and another survey highlight the region as one of the lowest property prices for office space. Together these provide incentive to move and ongoing low operational costs.

Finally, North of Tyne offers a tailored soft landing package of support to companies who take the decision to move. This may include:

n Support with initial screening, matching and shortlisting of potential employees;

n Promotion of your opportunities across regional networks and social media channels;

n Integration into local business networks;

n Discounted rates for working with local finance and recruitment companies.

Quality, durability and a competitive price

Ace Furniture have been an established business in Corby for over 30 years manufacturing quality contract furniture which has durability and reliability at a competitive price.

The business, which has notched up more than 45 years’ experience in the manufacturing and supply of contract furniture for the hospitality and public sectors, has expanded its production facility over the past 25 years to meet ongoing demand.

The main focus is to produce furniture for both national and private healthcare clients in the UK.

Graeme Miller, who heads the company, said: “Our expert knowledge and skilled workforce have helped us to

become the number one choice for furniture in many establishments and organisations nationwide.”

Furniture is upholstered to meet individual customer requirements from a vast selection of fabrics, vinyls and faux leathers which help to make each product aesthetically pleasing as well as being practical. All furniture has been tested for strength and stability and fabrics and fillings conform to BS5852 Crib 5 Fire Regulations.

The company offers a free, no obligation site visit within the UK, with expert advice and recommendations suitable for each individual project.

Accountancy acumen, coaching expertise: The key to business growth

Does your accountant…

n Communicate with you effectively?

n Provide you with the right support for you and your business?

n Give you access to in-house experts in business growth?

n Offer you good value for money?

The team at BAS Associates Ltd understand that running a small business can be challenging, especially when it comes to balancing your finances with the plans for your business.

That is why we offer a combined accountancy and

business coaching service designed to help you achieve success in all aspects of your business.

Our team of experienced accountants understand the financial challenges faced by small businesses and provide you with the guidance and support you need to make informed decisions.

Whether you need help with bookkeeping, tax planning, or financial reporting, our experts are here to help… but we do not just stop at accounting services.

Our business coaching services provide you with the tools and strategies you need to

take your business to the next level. We will work with you to identify areas of improvement and develop tailored business plans that help you achieve your business goals.

Our approach is completely personalised, focusing on your unique strengths and challenges. We work to build strong relationships with our clients to truly understand their needs and provide the best possible support.

We have developed a simple and streamlined process to make switching to BAS an easy process.

After your initial consultation, we liaise directly with your current accountant to review documents and manage your whole onboarding process.

So, if you are a small business owner looking for a new style of accountant or looking to take your business to the next level, talk to BAS.

With our combined accountancy and business coaching services, we will help you achieve success both financially and strategically.

SIAN SMITH Director, BAS Associates Ltd

‘We look at the bigger picture and help you to join the dots’

The pandemic changed the way we live our lives, from working from home to life in the office and how students learn in the classroom. While change is good, it can be a challenge which is why a growing number of clients are working with CMC Technology Group.

“It is important to us that our clients use technology to their best advantage,” said Phil Glenister, sales director at the Milton Keynesbased business. “To really make your business work, it needs to connect properly. All your technologies need to work together, which is why we look at the bigger picture and help you join the dots between mobile, office and internet.”

This mission has seen CMC Technology Group introduce innovative ways for people to work, learn and play. This includes state-ofthe-art interactive displays from Sharp which will be showcased at Your Business Expo. The demo equipment promises to show visitors to the expo a fresh way of working through a single secure USB-C cable connection which allows immediate control of the camera, speaker microphone, touch and pen as well as powering your notebook.

Another innovation, aimed primarily at the education sector, is the interactive touch screen table which brings new opportunities for the way children learn.

While new ways of working are important for the team, their core

Phil Glenister: ‘To really make your business work, it needs to connect properly.’

business focus is still on IT services and support from internet connectivity to business mobiles and phone systems.

“What makes us different is probably the diverse nature of the services we offer and a focus on delivering a great customer service experience,” said Phil pictured below

“We do not like to call ourselves a one stop shop but our broad portfolio of services means we can pretty much serve a business with all their IT and communication requirements under one supplier relationship, all put together by a wealth of in house experience and a down to earth approach.

“We work with key industry leading vendors such as Microsoft, Vodafone and Cisco which enables us to put together collaborative solutions for businesses from small up to enterprise level.”

The Counselling Foundation: Passing on the Baton of Hope

The Counselling Foundation is a BACPaccredited training and counselling organisation. We train people to become counsellors and also provide training courses on mental health skills for organisations. Our counselling service is charitable and anyone can self-refer to us for counselling for up to a year. We also deliver specific grant funded services for Bedfordshire Police around domestic abuse and sexual violence.

In addition, we are a provider of EAP services to small businesses ensuring that SMEs can afford to provide safe, ethical mental health support to employees at a cost that is affordable.

The Counselling Foundation is proud to be a partner of the Baton of Hope UK, a national organisation for suicide awareness, support and prevention. We are partnering to support the Baton of Hope UK ambition towards a zero suicide society and play our part in provision of counselling, training, suicide awareness, support and prevention.

A key part of our partnership is development of a workplace charter targeted directly at

workplace suicide prevention and support.

The physical Baton representing Hope and raising awareness of suicide is making a tour around key cities in the UK. It is coming to Milton Keynes on July 4 and The Counselling Foundation will be there. Please support your workforce to come and join us.

Suicide is the biggest killer of men and women under the age of 35 and The Counselling Foundation is proud to be a partner in changing this dreadful statistic.

T: 01536 674749 E: robin@vizeomedia.com

Emotional strength of story-led video

Constant innovation is the order of the day in marketing. But one timeless element has held steadfast: the power of a well-told story.

Marketing videos that tell a story tap into an old wisdom: stories reach us at the emotional level where we actually make decisions. As our society becomes increasingly digitised, we yearn for human connection more than ever. Our screens can sometimes feel like barriers, rather than bridges to understanding one another. Stories break through this barrier. When we become engaged in a story, we feel closer and more connected.Story-led video is a powerful tool that marketing teams use to build human connection. It is no longer merely about selling products or services;

it is about sharing experiences, emotions, aspirations and values; about painting pictures viewers can relate to.

Every story we hear or watch leaves an imprint on our minds. It is this emotional bond that encourages customer loyalty to a brand.

It works because stories are universal. Remember the sense of involvement you felt the last time you became engrossed in a good story, How you shared the emotions of the characters, how you cared about what happened to them. Our brains recall past emotional experiences as powerfully as if they happened yesterday. That is why we remember stories.

Stories work on the level of empathy. They transport us into the world of the protagonist, make us see their struggles,

their joy, their dreams. In doing so, they break down the digital wall between us, making us feel part of a shared human experience.

Videos have a unique strength: they engage multiple senses at once. Combining visuals, sound and text, they offer a rich, immersive experience that other forms of content cannot rival.

When the sensory engagement of video is combined with the power of a compelling story, it sparks an emotional response, leading to better brand recall and customer engagement.

This is why at Vizeo Media we believe in story-led video. Over the years we have developed the skills that marry storytelling with marketing and we have seen how strongly it

Waste management solutions with technology at their heart

WasteTech is a young, innovative, national waste management agency based out of Milton Keynes that specialises in the design, implementation, servicing and management of onsite waste & recycling solutions for business across the UK. WasteTech has experienced exponential growth since its formation back in 2017, working with a wide and varied customer base. From palaces to warehouses, hotels to nurseries, the solutions they design for their customers have technology at the heart, enhancing their ability to reduce reliance on contractor-led services and resulting in a zero waste to landfill status, reduced carbon footprint, major improvements of recycling levels and reduction in waste management-related spend.

On why they have experienced such vast growth and seen an unprecedented increase in new customers, managing director Jay Sparrow feel is down to the offering.

“The business world is changing and decisions are now being led by a mix of cost, environment and service levels in mind,” Jay said. “The WasteTech offering is an answer to all of these requirements.

“We are unique in the marketplace. We are not a contractor nor a broker where a margin is added to contractor services for very little, if any, value add. We are a management company in the truest sense of the form.

“We become a partner to our customers. The waste and recycling solutions we design and implement have an impact on businesses’ environmental performance and provide a cost reduction

from day one.

“We provide ongoing management support to a level that is not provided by any other service provider in the industry.”

Wastetech’s solutions have resulted in companies across all industry sectors saving on average 20 per cent against standard direct to contractor or broker led services.

Whether you are looking to reduce your waste output and associated spend, to recover valuable resources or to improve your environmental credentials, Wastetech can help. All it takes is a 30- to 45-minute onsite review of a business’s current waste services and operation. We then take this information away and come back to you with a solution that is ready to roll out. Find out more. Book your waste review today.

Join our Corporate Partnership programme... Your support is vital

Willen Hospice is a local charity, caring for people living in the Milton Keynes area who are affected by a life-limiting illness, as well as supporting their families. The patients we care for have a range of illnesses, including cancer, heart failure or more complex needs such as Motor Neurone Disease.

Our services continue to develop to meet the changing needs of our community.

Last year Willen Hospice cared for 444 patients at its In-Patient Unit, 3,703 visits to patients cared for by our Willen at Home team and 2,447 treatments by our Lymphoedema nurses who look after up to 300 patients in the community at any time.

We also have our wraparound services, which include Social Care, Therapy and Wellbeing and counselling.

Our service is provided completely free of charge but only a small amount of our funding comes from the NHS. It costs us £6 million every year to run the Hospice, and the cost of living crisis is pushing that number higher.

The support of local companies is a valued and important way to help us raise vital funds.

Our Corporate Partnership programme helps organisations to raise their profile through association with the Hospice and sponsorship opportunities, to boost staff engagement

with fundraising and team challenges, and fulfil CSR needs through volunteering and donation of goods.

We have a dedicated corporate fundraising team who can discuss your organisation’s values, helping to determine what would work best for you while supporting Willen Hospice.

To acknowledge your support, we award Corporate Partnership certificates for organisations who have raised more than £1,000 and Platinum Partnership certificates to companies who raised more than £4,000. As an extra thank you, we will also add your logo to our Corporate Recognition Wall displayed at the hospice.

Cyber security: Prevention

There is a lot of information out there about cyber security, hacks, and breaches. But how do you know if your security stacks up?

A dark web check scans the more notorious part of the web where private or confidential business data is sold. Typically, the sort of data sold on the dark web includes usernames and passwords as well as credit card and bank details.

So how does your IT stack up? Visit us on stand 157 at Your Business Expo Milton Keynes or online to receive your free, no obligation Dark Web Check.

At Xiria, we love tech. In fact, we eat, sleep and live for IT. Nothing gives us more joy than perfect cable management or when it works just the way it is supposed to.

But if your remedial action stretches as far as switching it on and off again (which, believe it or not, does work sometimes), then our dynamic and friendly team are on hand to help.

n IT services All the tech your team needs for ultimate productivity;

n Cloud computing Cloud capacity that grows with your business;

n Co-location Your compute, our datacentre;

n Cyber security Securing you and your assets;

n Connectivity Connecting your team wherever they are;

n IT consultancy Your very own virtual IT director on speed dial.

Think of Xiria as your virtual IT department; available 24/7, 365 days a year. When you need us, our team are always online to help.

Our proactive approach means we spend more time preventing issues so you can get on with your business rather than fixing them.

n Learn more at xiria.co.uk or to speak to our team about your IT. Call us on 01252 933633 or email hello@xiria.co.uk.

is always better than cure

We love tech. In fact, we eat, sleep and live for IT

Pushing the boundaries of marketing

In today’s dynamic digital landscape, Qoob stands out as more than just a marketing agency. We are your dedicated partner, committed to driving your business growth through tailored solutions. With our team of experts and deep understanding of digital marketing, we empower e-commerce brands to excel and thrive.

At Qoob, we strike the perfect balance between innovation and practicality. While we leverage emerging technologies like Web 3.0 and Artificial Intelligence, we believe in delivering tangible results that exceed your expectations. Our comprehensive suite of services covers website development, SEO, paid media, email marketing, social media and more. Our approach is rooted in a

deep understanding of your brand, target audience, and unique value proposition. By creating personalised, engaging marketing campaigns, we resonate with your customers and drive meaningful connections.

With Qoob, you gain a partner that goes beyond trends, utilising the latest tools and techniques to optimise your strategies in real time.

Our commitment to your success does not stop there. Qoob is driven by a passion for innovation and staying at the forefront of the digital marketing landscape. We embrace emerging technologies while recognising the importance of proven marketing principles and the human touch. Our focus is on leveraging the right tools and strategies to drive your busi-

ness forward.

Partnering with Qoob gives access to a team that is dedicated to your growth and success. We navigate the complexities of the digital marketing landscape on your behalf, ensuring your brand remains competitive, visible and engaging in the ever-changing online world.

With Qoob as your marketing partner, expect industry expertise, innovative thinking and a customer-centric approach. Together, we will transform your digital marketing efforts, driving your e-commerce brand’s success.

Let’s talk about how we can unlock your brand’s full potential in the online marketplace. Let’s embark on this journey together and achieve your business objectives.