Business MK June 24

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Director bids farewell to van production line

The director of the Vauxhall vanmaking plant in Luton is to retire after 36 years with the company.

Mark Noble (pictured) joined the Luton factory in 1988 as a production foreman and, after holding several management positions in Luton, worked for parent company General Motors in Shanghai and Poland as director of manufacturing.

He returned to Luton as plant director and UK manufacturing lead in 2022, having been in charge of Vauxhall’s

Casino firm in talks to sell bingo halls

Gaming company MERKUR Casino is in advanced talks with the UK’s largest bingo operator Buzz Bingo for the potential sale of its MERKUR Bingo clubs in Northampton and Cricklewood.

The move is part of MERKUR Casino’s ongoing efforts to streamline its operations and focus on core business areas.

The company relocated its headquarters from Knowlhill to the heart of the city in Milton Keynes last year. It is implementing a nationwide programme that will see its MERKUR Slots invest more than £5 million on UK high streets over the next 12 months, refurbishing and opening new venues and creating new jobs.

Chief operating officer Mark Schertle said: “As we continue to evolve and grow in the gaming industry, it is essential for us to focus on our core strengths. The potential sale of the clubs in Cricklewood and Northampton to Buzz Bingo allows us to sharpen our focus on our core slots and casino businesses while ensuring the future success for our teams and enhanced bingo experience for our customers under Buzz Bingo’s leadership.”

factory at Ellesmore Port on Merseyside since 2018.

He is due to step down on June 1, to be replaced as Luton plant director by Fernando Andreu who since 2021 has been Stellantis vice-president for VEH industrial strategy in MFG Corporate.

“I have had a fantastic 36 years working across almost every level of vehicle manufacturing and am pleased to be leaving the newly electrified Luton plant in Fernando’s capable hands,” said Mark.

“I am proud of the work I have been able to do here and to have had a frontrow seat to watch the company progress to a new stage of vehicle production.”

He had been responsible for the electrification of both the Luton and Ellesmere Port factories.

Production of electric vehicles at Ellesmere Port - the UK’s first EV-only volume manufacturing plant - began last year. EV production will begin at Luton from spring 2025.

Stellantis UK’s group managing director Maria Grazia Davino said: “Mark has been instrumental in so many important moments for this company.”

Agency sets up work experience programme

Digital marketing agency Red Giraffe has launched a new work experience initiative designed to give students the skills required to kickstart a career in digital marketing, web development and technology.

The Red Giraffe Pioneer Programme offers students a structured opportunity to:

n Gain real-world experience working alongside Red Giraffe’s web designers and developers, account managers, SEO/ PPC experts and marketing manager.

n Develop a skillset in industry-standard digital marketing platform and tools through interactive learning and on-thejob training.

n Learn the trends driving the digital industry and experience the daily running of a digital agency.

n Build a professional network with experienced mentors.

n Contribute to real client meetings and projects that can be added to the students’ portfolios to show future employers.

Red Giraffe has offered internships and work experience placements to students for several years through its relationships with schools, including MK Academy and The Hazeley Academy. It has already welcomed five students this year.

Managing director Joe Gilbert said: “We are committed to developing the next generation of tech leaders. MK is the city of innovation and, as big digital and tech innovators, we feel this makes us the ideal place to develop future talent in Milton Keynes.”

The week-long programme will focus on learning across digital marketing disciplines.

Cyber firm’s move boosts security

Cyber security specialist Ruptura InfoSecurity has moved its server and switch equipment to the colocation data services centre operated by Host-It in Milton Keynes.

The move by the Milton Keynes company follows a review of its immediate and future IT requirements. Ruptura InfoSecurity’s remote-based team of highly accredited penetration testing specialists provides cyber security services to more than 150 clients including major financial institutions, fintechs, crypto exchanges and those in the HR, legal and insurance sectors.

Founder and managing director Tom Heenan said: “Host-IT’s conveniently sited and highly certified colocation solution meets our requirement for security and

compliance. This is especially important for our financial and professional services clients due to it being a fully UK-based and secure data centre location.”

The company requires colocation rather than cloud-based hosting because of its highly specialised and sensitive IT operations. “We can spin-up new penetration testing services and tools very quickly while knowing Host-IT’s excellent tech support is always on hand should we need it,” said Tom.

Host-It managing director Andrew Willis said: “We are pleased they have been impressed by not only its high quality but also the calibre of Host-IT’s responsive technical support capabilities. We look forward to supporting their requirements in the years to come.”

Retail boost as card spend rises

Retail sales in Central Milton Keynes are up by more than 5% year on year for the first quarter of 2024, driven by an increase in the number of customers.

New figures from MyMiltonKeynes Business Improvement District based on data of in-store debit card spend shows that the total spent in city centre stores and other venues totalled £30.9 million, compared to £29.2 million in March 2023.

The city centre welcomed around 373,000 retail visitors in March, up by 9% on 12 months previously. More than half came from outside the borough boundaries, a 2.2% increase on 2023.

MyMiltonKeynes BID’s chief executive Jill Farnsworth said: “A key highlight of Milton Keynes’ success story is the significant uptick in foot traffic, particularly from outside the local area, reflecting the city’s undeniable appeal as a premier retail destination.”

Fashion retailers recorded around 30% of the total spending figure but there are significant increases for health and beauty, grocery and food and drink retailers, the BID figures show.

“With over 200 retailers, a great mix of restaurants, cafes and bars, and every leisure activity you could possibly wish for – all easily accessible on foot, by car

BID accredits as Living Wage employer

MyMiltonKeynes Business Improvement District has received accreditation as a Real Living Wage employer from the Living Wage Foundation.

The Real Living Wage, currently £12 per hour across the UK and £13.15 for London, exceeds the government’s minimum wage standards and

and train – it is not surprising people choose to spend here,” said Jill. “As consumer confidence grows, we look forward to continued growth for city centre businesses.”

The figures are in contrast to the national trend, which reports an

Firms urged to give for growth

Businesses are being urged to consider implementing a strategy of giving back to where support is needed most in Milton Keynes.

Milton Keynes Community Foundation has launched a new campaign Giving For Growth helping businesses to develop the knowledge and tools to create a social impact.

The campaign was launched at the South Central Institute of Technology in Bletchley, where delegates heard presentations from organisations that had already set up community funds and from those that had benefited from them.

MKCF’s philanthropy director Ranjit Singh (pictured below, centre) said: “We are extremely excited to be launching this campaign which provides a compelling reason for businesses to support local causes and why it is important not only to do the right thing but how a giving strategy can actually increase the value of your company.”

As Milton Keynes continues to expand, with its population expected to reach 400,000 by 2050, the role of businesses in supporting community growth becomes more crucial, he added.

is recalculated annually based on the actual cost of living.

Accreditation confirms that MyMK pays its employees and contracted staff in line with the true cost of living.

The BID is now one of more than 14,000 organisations in the UK committed to paying the Real Living Wage.

overall decline in March 2024 of 5.4%. MyMiltonKeynes collaborated with Beauclair, which records offline transactions from over 11 million debit card accounts, geotagging each transaction to track merchant location and retail sector.

Drinks brand toasts Tesco deal

ABedfordshire business has beaten multinational soft drinks brands to market with a new product that provides an environmentally sustainable solution to ocean-bound plastic waste.

NEO WTR, produced by Brookfield Drinks based in Sharnbrook, will be the only water drink available in the UK that uses a fully recycled ocean-bound plastic bottle with a recyclable cap and label.

The 500ml bottle of Somerset-sourced spring water is on the shelves at Tesco Express and Tesco Supermarkets across the UK from this month.

NEO WTR managing director Nigel McNally said: “The pressure is mounting on soft drinks manufacturers to provide solutions to prevent a global disaster. We have worked incredibly hard to bring this extremely worthwhile product to market.

Plastic bottle offers an environmentally positive option that actively tackles the growing problem of ocean plastic.”

Every bottle of NEO WTR is manufactured from discarded plastic collected along coastlines around the world at risk from pollution and stops the equivalent of 1.7 plastic bottles entering the ocean.

“NEO WTR is a first for the category and a massive advancement in packaging for soft drinks. Our 100% Prevented Ocean

It also supports the plastic collectors in earning a fair and reliable wage and the creation of a recycling infrastructure and good working conditions, Nigel said: “Consumers deserve a solution which allows them a more sustainable option to purchase bottled water when they are out and about and cannot use a refillable bottle to stay hydrated.

“The bottle is already made of recycled plastic and can be fully recycled in the usual way so not only is it protecting marine life but also reducing the amount of virgin plastic produced to package our soft drinks. This in turn lowers the carbon emissions related to the production process.”

Nigel McNally

Housing charity relocates

A charity that helps hundreds of homeless people and victims of domestic abuse to transform their lives is relocating to a new office in Bedford.

IMPAKT housing and support is moving to Stamford House in Bromham Road in a lease deal brokered by commercial property consultancy Kirkby Diamond.

The charity is moving after 15 years at nearby Newspaper House, which it has outgrown. Chief executive Paul Hunt said: “To find Stamford House was a blessing because we now have our own front door/offices that enables the organisation to continue with our mission to end the revolving cycle of homelessness.”

£15m funding campaign is clear for take-off

The developer of a hybrid-electric powered aircraft capable of vertical take-off and landing has launched a funding campaign to raise £1.5 million for the next phase of its commercialisation.

ARC Aero Systems, based at Cranfield, has received E conditions certification from the Civil Aviation Authority for its modified design of the Avian Pegasus, a tried and tested jump take-off gyroplane developed in the 1960s.

CAA certification means ARC can begin test flights of its model of the aircraft. It marks a major step in ARCs plans to bring the aircraft to a market that is estimated to be worth $45 billion by 2030.

The aircraft is being designed to connect remote rural areas and support emergency rescue services. While

other eVTOL transport providers rely on significant infrastructure investment to operate, Pegasus’ self-charging hybridelectric engine requires no e-charging facilities and can run on a range of available fuels, including hydrogen. The aircraft requires only a small area of level ground to land and take off, making it much more accessible in reaching remote communities.

ARC has already secured the sale of 15 Pegasus aircraft, ten to the SkyAngels Air Ambulance charity and five to a pilot training school and aerial service operator in Scotland. It is also developing a larger nine-seat aircraft that combines the vertical take-off technology of Pegasus with a hybrid propulsion system and advanced flight controls.

Dr Seyed Mosheni (inset), ARC’s founder and chief executive, said: “There is a huge and increasing demand, reflected in market growth forecasts, for an affordable, sustainable, runway-independent aircraft connecting remote rural areas for passengers and cargo. Through our adapted design of the Avian Pegasus, we are developing an aircraft that is already certified by global aviation authority rules and has existing pilot training programme syllabuses.

“Our approach delivers a far more affordable and flexible solution within the air mobility market as our aircraft require virtually no infrastructure meaning they provide an ideal solution for servicing remote communities and supporting emergency responders. We are also taking a sensible, step by step approach to sustainability by developing a selfcharging, hybrid-powered aircraft which can run on any fuel, including hydrogen, as it becomes available on the market.” ARC is targeting crowdfunders and private investors in its latest funding round. The company has already raised a total £9 million, including from the British Business Bank, the Low Carbon Innovation Fund and Innovate UK.

“We are at an exciting stage in our development and already securing advance orders for Pegasus,” said Seyed. “This current investment round offers investors an opportunity to join our journey.”

The essential work of warehousing’s unseen heroes

UK Warehousing Association chief executive Clare Bottle (in red) is pictured with staff at XPO Logistics in Milton Keynes during her visit to the facility as part of the national 2024 Year of Warehousing campaign.

She toured the warehouse to see for herself the results of the company’s investment in upgrading its facilities and to hear about the importance of warehousing to the region’s economy.

XPO Logistics operations director Glen Brotherton and Lynn Brown, vice president, human resources – UK & Ireland, showed

off the new spare parts delivery service to ensure commercial vehicles, including emergency services fleets can be kept on the road.

XPO has also created more than 100 new jobs in Milton Keynes, including for warehouse operatives, HGV drivers, supplier workers, security guards and cleaners.

Lynn said: “Our warehouse in Milton Keynes is positively impacting the UK economy. We are committed to being a positive contributor to our local community.”

Warehousing contributes around £163 billion GVA to the UK economy and the 2024 Year of Warehousing marks the UKWA’s 80th anniversary. Clare is to visit a total 80 warehouses this year across the UK as part of the campaign.

She said: “The essential work warehouses provide has always been ‘behind the scenes’. 2024 The Year of Warehousing aims to turn the spotlight on the million-plus people who work in warehousing, dispel outdated perceptions and celebrate the role of the sector in our national life.”

News: King’s Award for Enterprise

‘To be recognised means a great deal’

Verifile carries out hundreds of thousands of background checks on employees every year for the UK government and for top private sector companies across the world. Now HR technology company Verifile is celebrating its second King’s Award for Enterprise.

The company, based in Bedford, won its first Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2019. This year it is among those to receive a King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade after achieving 100% growth in overseas sales over three years.

Significant growth in exports of its industry-leading background checks is the result of Verifile’s ability to adapt to the ever-changing needs of the global employee fraud and security landscape. Founder and chief executive Eyal BenCohen said: “Winning the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2019 was a huge honour

for everyone at Verifile so to now win a King’s Award for Enterprise five years later and extend our royal seal of approval is testament to our commitment to combatting fraud and improving the safety and security of businesses all over the world.

“Our screening solutions are relied upon by companies to protect their business operations, employees and potential candidates. We have been able to grow the business and deliver sustained eight years of growth in an extremely challenging economic climate, including a global pandemic and Brexit, so to be recognised for this achievement means a great deal.”

The King’s Awards for Enterprise were renamed last year to reflect His Majesty’s desire to continue the legacy of the late Queen. The award programme, now in its 58th year, is the most prestigious business award in the country. Successful businesses are able to use the King’s Award emblem for the next five years.

Nick Kier is a Deputy Lieutenant in Bedfordshire and chairs the panel for The King’s Awards for Enterprise in the county. “In business terms, it is the equivalent of winning a MBE,” he said. “Winning the King’s Award shows that Verifile has been able not only to weather the economic storms, but steer the ship across smooth waters to grow its business and achieve a total of eight years of significant growth.”

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News: King’s Award for Enterprise

Manufacturer scales export heights

Niftylift’s success in growing its international market and generating increasing export volumes year on year has earned the high access platform manufacturer a King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

The accolade adds to the Milton Keynes company’s collection of a total four Queen’s Awards for Enterprise – two received in 2013 and another two six years later.

Niftylift has significantly expanded its global footprint, producing export volumes that have increased consistently year on year.

The company’s innovative approach to design and manufacturing has enabled it to deliver high-quality, environmentally conscious products that meet rigorous international standards, said managing director John Keely (inset)

Access platform maker NIftylift’s success overseas has earned it a King’s Award for Enterprise - the company’s fifth in 11 years.

reflects our hard work and dedication to excellence in the international trade arena,” he added.

“It underscores our commitment not only to advancing our technology but also ensuring that our operations support sustainable practices worldwide.”

“We are immensely proud to receive this distinguished award. This accolade

The King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade is awarded to British businesses for their exceptional performance in international expansion and commercial success.

Criteria for the award include

“The wellbeing of our staff, their families and our local communities is what drives us to succeed.”

easyJet CEO to step down

Johan Lundgren, chief executive of low-cost airline easyJet, is to step down from his post after seven years early next year.

The airline, whose headquarters are at London Luton Airport, has appointed its chief financial officer and board member Kenton Jarvis as his successor.

“We are sad that Johan will retire from easyJet,” said chair Sir Stephen Hester. “He has done an excellent job, steering the company through the immense challenges of the Covid period and setting up a clear strategy and strong execution plan.”

Johan said: “There are important things still to accomplish over the balance of the year but when the time comes I will leave easyJet with a great sense of loyalty and of pride at the progress made and the potential the company has for the future.”

demonstrating substantial growth in overseas earnings and commercial success through innovative products and services.

Niftylift’s export success also brings dramatic benefits to its local economies. Most notably in the UK but also in the United States and Europe, Niftylift has brought ongoing investment and muchneeded job creation.

“Our success is not just measured by sales but also by the positive impact we have on communities and the environment,” said John.

“We work hard to be successful on the international stage, but we are a family business at heart and the wellbeing of our staff, their families and our local communities is what drives us to succeed.”

The official presentation of the King’s Award for Enterprise will take place at a royal reception later this year, attended by members of the Royal Family and other dignitaries.

Niftylift holds the unique distinction of being the only company ever to receive two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise on two separate occasions.

Niftylift’s head office and factory at Shenley Wood

The Growth Debate

Theo Chalmers

It would seem that Milton Keynes Development Partnership, the whollyowned Milton Keynes City Council subsidiary managing the land assets of and for the council, is determined to squeeze every last pound of revenue out of its land and damn the consequences.

This includes creating an overdeveloped high rise ‘Dubai on Ouzel’ – as one local developer has brilliantly dubbed it - as Phase 1 of the Campbell Park North development of some 50 acres.

I realise it is on the Grand Union Canal rather than the nearby Ouzel. But it is very amusing, I hope you agree.

I recently attended a public presentation of the plans at MK Gallery. It was obvious to me, a seasoned cynic, that every effort had been made to obscure the horrors of the initial phase of the scheme by, for instance, showing how it now featured shorter towers - between six and 12 storeys - than were in the earlier rejected scheme designed by the same architect that gave us The Hub.

parking spaces.

US is, it is noted, also working on the basis that if it delivers satisfactorily on Phase I, which includes the site next to the canal and the site behind the only office building on Campbell Park North, that it would also get the opportunity to develop the rest of the site up towards just north of Hotel La Tour.

Flaws amid the many floors of ‘Dubai on Ouzel’

Not so much Urban Splash, then, but more Urban Cash…

However, it largely ignored the fact that the tower footprints were now significantly bigger and more crowded. These would provide 400 flats rather than the earlier 450 but with very little consideration for parking. There are already considerable car parking issues near Crest Homes’ Marina development although, to be fair, the marina is very well subscribed by canal boat dwellers.

The council’s urban design team had earlier produced a Development Plan for MKDP to market Campbell Park North. Crest Homes, which recently built Oakgrove and Campbell Park Wharf and which is clearly becoming MKDP’s preferred partner, won the initial approval for the site but are not obtaining the skyhigh prices hoped for on Campbell Wharf. So they passed on Campbell Park North and MKDP moved to the under bidder Urban Splash.

It is touted as an expert in urban regeneration in northern cities rather than a virgin land developer. US is developing a virgin site at Northstowe in Cambridge that has suffered from complaints by new residents at the lack of local facilities. It seems that they have learned no lessons from that.

It is important to point out that the trend of Build to Rent homes rather than Build to Sell is because developers do not wish to build profit-challenging “affordable homes” which otherwise would be required.

Eventually, of course, they can sell them at full market value.

It seems that US expect new residents in its randomly scattered five tower blocks to walk, cycle or electric scooter to work as there will be so little provision for parking. They propose to supply around 273 parking spaces for the 400 flats in Phase 1, which complies with the council’s requirements. So, given that most flats will probably house between two and four adults, that is between 800 and 1,600 people trying to park in 273 spaces - an Urban Crash by any reasonable standards. In the plans I saw, car parking for those living in the blocks is just in the area under each building. The rest of the area is landscaped and I note that US provided its own landscaper at the meeting that I attended to talk to concerned citizens and promote US’s green agenda rather than deal with the very real mobility lifestyle issues.

Renters in this new paradise may be forced to abandon their cars in Overgate which, as the road only has two lanes, is extremely likely to cause considerable hold-ups. Currently, however, all Gates and Boulevards in Campbell Park are Clearways with no parking permitted unless, of course, US puts pressure on MKDP to put pressure on the council to change this.

There was no information available regarding shops, medical centres, dental surgeries, nurseries or schools on the site so it might be possible to assume that there will be none.

Another issue facing the lucky 1,600 residents is the lack of reliable public transport. Buses are sparse and many services stop early in the evening. It seems that there will be no local convenience store either as this would also require

Central Milton Keynes Town Council has already been presented with their proposals for a master plan for the whole of Campbell Park North. Last year US went through another consultation but only for the Phase 1 site after linking up with Build To Rent developer Glenbrook whose website claims that they are “ultimately all about integrity” and “doing the right thing applies across the company in how we engage with clients, partners, stakeholders, communities, our own people, and the places we make”.

So go on then, Glenbrook, prove it. I would hate for them to be condemned by their own words.

Sadly, however, the ‘Dubai on Ouzel’ scheme they initially backed with its 23-storey towers designed by the team responsible for The Hub - one of MK’s most disastrous developments - and its moderated actual submission with up to 18 storeys was roundly condemned and the scheme was thrown out at planning.

This latest scheme has buildings with up to 12 storeys and yet the council rejected the recent Crest application to build up to eight storeys next to Campbell Wharf. Of course, Campbell Park is listed due to its “historic interest and innovative architectural design” so would we want horrors on its borders?

CMK Town Council has yet to formally respond to these new plans but I would strongly urge it to consider the parking and other lifestyle issues such as shops, surgeries and dentists.

The truth about life in any village, town or city is that everyone simply wants everything they want and ease of use, perfect convenience and a pleasant, safe, practical and green environment are probably top of that list. Real Estate Communications is the company representing the developers - perhaps concerned citizens might wish to politely let them know what they think.

Feel free to copy me in.

Have a lovely, sunny month. Cheerio.

Theo Chalmers is MD of Verve Public Relations and chair of Urban Eden. urbaneden.org / vervepr.co.uk

Growing city needs new homes

Almost 33,000 by 2045 to keep pace with popoulation growth, says planning report

Milton Keynes needs to build more than 32,700 new homes in less than two decades to meet the needs of the city’s 2040 population, research by socio-economic experts at a city-based planning consultancy has revealed.

Its population is predicted to remain relatively static, with almost 228,500 adults forecast to be living in the city by 2040. However, this includes a 43% increase in the number of those aged 66 or over, bringing the total for this demographic to 58,717. By 2040 there will be 71,908 first-time buyers (aged 25-44), and 12,102 of student age (18-22).

The research by planning consultancy Marrons highlights the pressing need to accommodate the city’s demographic growth, especially regarding its ageing population. It also identifies that more than 13,000 people aged 66-plus are living in homes that are larger than necessary with two or more bedrooms unoccupied.

If this trend continues, more than 21,500 such households are expected to be under-occupied by 2040. The Marrons research says that Milton Keynes is set for the eighth largest increase in over-66 population among all the local authorities across England.

Dan Usher, economics director at Marrons, specialises in housing need evidence. “The city has a unique challenge ahead – how should it manage its housing to mix to ensure that the later living population has suitable accommodation, alongside other demographics? Building a range of homes to suit many different needs is not only a priority but a necessity.“

More homes will create more choice,

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help first-time buyers on to the property ladder and give expanding families additional space, he added.

A wider choice of property will also help the older population to downsize to a home more suitable for their needs and will add to the supply of affordable housing.

Despite being home to three universities, Milton Keynes’ student-age population is forecast to fall by 11% by 2040. Its social housing stock is estimated to have plummeted by 2,718.

Simon Macklen, partner and head of economics at Marrons, said the need for more homes to house a growing population was significant. “England is poised for significant demographic change over the next two decades, bringing forth new challenges and opportunities in the housing sector.

“Already, England has been named as the most difficult place to find a home in the developed world and our ageing population and rising property prices will only exacerbate the problem.

“If we are going to meet the requirements of the population in 2040, we need to prioritise future residents and start building the right homes today.”

Tuesday 25th June 9:30am to 12pm

Dan Usher (left) and Simon Macklen

Appointments

Starlight-Digital is officially a top 3% agency

Local digital marketing agency Starlight-Digital has been welcomed by Google as a Premier Partner. This means Google has independently ranked Starlight-Digital within the top 3% of more than 5,000 agencies.

Starlight-Digital specialise in Google Ads. This is a form of digital advertising that is proven to increase sales, leads, revenue and profit for businesses of all shapes and sizes.

As Starlight-Digital is an independent, boutique agency, it means you get the best of both worlds: an elite service, with Google’s direct input and support, at a fraction of the cost of the competitors. This is because most Google Premier Partners are large agencies charging high fees for their services. Instead, Starlight-Digital is able to offer much lower fees, making them pound-for-pound one of the top agencies in the country. They deliver a premium service at a cost-efficient price.

Starlight-Digital is based in Towcester. Founder Steven Mikellides said: “Being ranked among the very top tier of agencies in the UK is testament to all our hard work over the past few years. Google does not just hand out Premier Partner status to any agency. You have to prove you really are the best of the best to achieve this amazing feat.”

Google’s selection is based on a number of different elements, including client retention, existing client growth, new client growth, the amount of Google certified experts within the business, and overall client performance.

“Because we excel in every department, Google has rewarded us with the honour of being a Premier Partner,” said Steven.

Steven Mikellides

If you are serious about achieving your goals this year, contact Starlight-Digital via email at hello@starlightdigital.com or call 0203 376 7800. Or visit starlight-digital.com and use the contact form.

Property firm recruits surveyors

Commercial property consultancy Kirkby Diamond has welcomed three new surveyors. Jethro Rolls, Hugo Harding and Luke Buckingham have joined the firm, which has offices in Milton Keynes, Bedford and Luton, as its expansion drive continues.

Jethro has joined the company as a senior surveyor in the building consultancy division. He was a project quantity surveyor at Luton Borough Council for five years before joining property and construction consultants Gleeds as a project manager.

Commercial agency surveyor Hugo joins the Hertfordshire agency team at St Albans, while assistant surveyor Luke has joined as part of the expansion of the property management department.

“It is vital that we recruit the best talent in commercial property and I am sure Jethro, Luke and Hugo will all play key roles in the success of our company as we continue our ambitious expansion drive,” said managing partner Luke Tillison.

Moving on up: Law firm promotes from within

Regional law firm Howes Percival has announced two senior promotions at its Milton Keynes office. Family law specialist Gemma Evans becomes a director while employment lawyer Anna Bithrey is now a senior associate.

Chairman Geraint Davies said: ”It is fantastic to be able to recognise and reward the hard work, dedication, and invaluable contribution our people make to Howes Percival and our clients in this way. As a firm we are known for promoting from within so it is always incredibly satisfying to celebrate progression in this way.

“We have been on a growth trajectory for a number of years now and that is largely down to exceptional people working really well together. We will continue to invest in the firm and in our people who are key to

GM rises through the ranks

Jon Coles, who joined Milton Keynes-based Suzuki GB in 2007, has risen through the ranks to become general manager of the automotive plc’s dealer development team. He is responsible for the four dealer divisions: automobile, motorcycle, marine and all-terrain vehicle and succeeds Mark Hallam, who retired in March.

Jon (inset) has worked for Suzuki in roles including regional sales and technical manager. His latest role was general manager of aftersales services.

Anna Bithrey

Gemma Evans

(from left) Jethro Rolls; Hugo Harding; Luke Buckingham

New All-Electric Lexus RZ...

The drive is everything

The Lexus RZ is a battery electric SUV, the first Lexus electric vehicle to be developed from the ground up. It is not a vehicle that simply adopts battery electric power in place of a conventional engine; it goes much further to realise the exciting potential of new technologies that enhance performance and driving pleasure, true to the Lexus Electrified philosophy.

Functional beauty with advanced technology

First and foremost, the RZ is a Lexus, retaining the fine qualities of performance and craftsmanship associated with the brand. With sleek and elegant body styling, a striking bi-tone bodywork option and sculpted lines that hint at its sporty temperament, the Lexus RZ instantly stands out.

The e-TNGA platform and battery electric drivetrain open up new freedoms in design. The interior is light, spacious and luxurious.

Comfort in the RZ is inspired by ‘Omotenashi’, an ancient form of Japanese hospitality, centred around

anticipating a guest’s needs. The unique ‘IN-EI’ illumination lets you enjoy the shimmering effects of changing light, while the layout of instruments are positioned in the driver’s line of sight.

An electrified powertrain with outstanding performance

The Lexus RZ features a 71.4kWh battery which provides a range of up to 271 miles and supports rapid charging up to 150kW.

The fundamentals of handling and responsiveness are secured with a dedicated new electric vehicle platform, which brings excellent body rigidity, a low centre of gravity and a long wheelbase.

Advanced drivetrain featuring optional by-wire steering with a One Motion Grip yoke and front and rear e-Axles work in conjunction with DIRECT4 all-wheel drive torque control to deliver acceleration, precision handling and ultra-responsive braking for a drive that’s remarkably smooth and effortless.

Perfect for Business

Whether you’re a Fleet Manager or company car driver, the New Lexus RZ makes perfect business sense. With a range of business finance solutions tailored to meet your needs and BIK rates from 2%, the Lexus RZ really does have huge appeal. Plus, there’s the peace of mind provided by the Lexus warranty. Every new Lexus comes with a 3-year manufacturer warranty followed by a 12 months / 10,000 miles additional warranty, with every Lexus service*.

A range of offers are available from Lexus Milton Keynes exclusive to business customers.

The New All-Electric RZ Takumi is currently available for £567 + VAT monthly rental with a £3,402 + VAT initial rental*.

Contact Lexus Milton Keynes on 01908 448145 to arrange a test drive. Or visit lexus.co.uk/milton-keynes

Understand your carbon footprint and become more sustainable

The pace of technology ‘s development is accelerating… in no industry more so than the drive to enhance sustainability.

Data is fast becoming like gold dust as organisations worldwide continue their focus on, firstly, understanding their current carbon footprint and finalising an action plan to become more sustainable.

Alan Stenson is a carbon footprint veteran. He has been in the business for 18 years and now, as founder and chief executive of sustainability consultancy Neutral Carbon Zone, is busier than ever as more clients seek his organisation’s direction on their net zero journey.

Alan said: “Our platform has been developed to simplify the data gathering process and to identify and report on an organisation’s carbon footprint,” he said. “It also enables supply chain emissions to be reported on to promote collaboration across all workstreams.”

Neutral Carbon Zone emerged as an offshoot of the carbon management and sustainability consultancy Ethical Nation in 2006. It had spotted the need for a distinct certification programme to accurately measure and define sustainability metrics.

The Neutral Carbon Zone certificate programme concept was realised in 2022, aiming to work with businesses in formulating and implementing

effective strategies for carbon footprint measurement and reduction. “We enable organisations to understand their carbon footprint and where emissions are coming from so they can take action to be more sustainable,” said Alan.

His business had been based at Milton Keynes Business Centre, run by experienced business centre operator Capital Space, at Linford Wood in Milton Keynes since 2008. He joined Neutral Carbon Zone as it hit the market in 2022.

“The sector has been transformed by the pandemic,” Alan said. “It has shaped where the market has gone. The last two or three years are completely unrecognisable to how it used to be.”

NCZ now works with clients all over the world and, in line with its sustainability ethos, operates remotely. Alan has relocated to Manchester yet NCZ has retained its base at Milton Keynes Business Centre in order to take advantage of the comprehensive range of virtual office support services on offer.

“It is a great place, so well located, for us to meet clients as and when we need to. We do not need to go to the office in order for us to do business. But we want to retain a presence and have a reception service, mail forwarding, that sort of thing and sometimes to take advantage of the meeting and conference facilities.

Having been based at Milton Keynes

Business Centre since 2008, he knows the centre and its management team well. “We have benefited from having the stability of a registered office. The centre team have become part of my team because I know I have their support and it adds kudos, credibility, to our business to have such a presence.”

The future for NCZ is looking bright as sustainability cements its place at the top of the global business agenda. Growth plans focus on keeping pace with developing technology to ensure NCZ’s data collection and analysis is cuttingedge. “It is technology that underpins the business and we will continue to expand into different regions,” said Alan.

“Hopefully in three to five years the business will be in an even stronger position to influence the overall market in terms of where sustainability is and what opportunities are available. After all these years I still find my work incredibly exciting because we are achieving something special. It is really empowering.”

Alan Stenson

Transport Secretary Mark Harper is pictured on a visit to the headquarters of electric vehicle charge point manufacturer bp pulse in Milton Keynes, where he highlighted the progress being made in rolling out the EV charging network across the UK.

There are 60,000 charge points around the country – a 45% increase on last year as the installation programme gathers pace. “It is about making it easier to switch to electric, about making EV charging points easier to find and easier to operate,” said the Secretary of State The government has also begun a pilot project to install EV charging points at motorway service stations around the UK.

No quick fix for UK economy, warns expert

The number of companies in “significant” financial distress in Milton Keynes has risen by more than 49%, new research from a business recovery specialist has shown.

The data in the quarterly Red Flag Alert report by Begbies Traynor highlights the speed at which financial distress has accelerated over the last 12 months. Economic challenges continue to put considerable financial pressure on businesses across the city, with 451 at risk of economic failure. The number represents a quarterly increase of 23.2% and an annual rise of 49.3%.

The report monitors the financial health of UK businesses. Its latest findings show that telecommunications, IT and support service businesses are being particularly hard hit.

Julie Palmer (inset), partner at Begbies Traynor’s office in Milton Keynes, said: “The macroeconomic conditions

that made last year so difficult have continued to exert unrelenting pressure on corporate balance sheets.”

Nationally, the Red Flag Alert research for Q1 2024 recorded 554,554 businesses in significant distress, almost 31% higher than in 2023. The more serious “critical” financial distress number is up year on year by just over 20%.

Begbies Traynor said that history indicates that a large percentage of those in “significant” distress are likely to progress towards “critical” and potential insolvency if the economic backdrop does not improve.

“Unfortunately, there is no quick fix for our economy and with inflation falling slower than expected, hope of a significant fall in interest rates in the near future seems to be fading,” said Julie.

“Sadly, the pressing issues facing many businesses today will simply push many over the edge.”

Feature: SME Business Awards

Awards night is almost here when the winners of this year’s SME MK & Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshre Business Awards will be announced at two gala dinner ceremonies. As the countdown continues, meet the finalists eagerly anticipating success.

July 4, Bedford Corn Exchange

Liebherr Apprentice Employer of the Year Aden Contracting; Aviva Beauty Academy; Hussain & Co; Neville Trust; Taylor Walton Solicitors. Bedford Borough Council Business of the Year ADA Cosmetics; Aden Contracting; Centrality; Food etc; Home Instead Bedford; Link to Change; My Window Cleaner Central Beds; SSG SERVICES.

Wenta Best Enterprising Business Aura Estate; Be Our Guest Princesses; BE-SEENSCREEN; Holistic Thinking Holidays; i3 Simulations; Kinderoo Childrens Interiors; Osborne Morris & Morgan; Will Brown Hair.

Wrest Park Enterprise Best New Business Bluebird Care Bedford; Fliweel.tech; Love Hounds Dog Grooming; My Window Cleaner Central Beds; Right FM; Time For You Domestic Cleaning; Verso Recruitment Group.

Ryan Business Innovation Centrality; Holistic Thinking Holidays; iCandy; mySpike; Taylor Walton Solicitors; The Fruit and Veg Man; Turtley Creative; Will Brown Hair. Treacle Factory Business of the Year (less than 50 employees) ASK Europe; Austin & Carnley Solicitors; Biggleswade Dental Centre; Bluebird Care Bedford; Copybox Document Systems; i3 Simulations; Osborne Morris & Morgan; Reactiv8 The Nation Ltd. Aegis Support Services Business of the Year (50+ employees) Neville Trust; SSG SERVICES.

Foxley Kingham Chartered Accountants Business Person of the Year Gaetano Ciampa – Cartridge Depot; Paul Kamlesh – Copybox Document Systems; Bilal Farooq – Greystone Solicitors; Helen Stocker – HR Delivered; Samm Larkin – Neon Recruitment; Michelle Crook – Reactiv8 The Nation; Laura Cruise – The Dream Transition Mentor; Tracy Fishburn – Tracy’s Treasured Keepsakes.

Central Bedfordshire Business of the Year

Austin & Carnley Solicitors; Data Privacy Simplified; Elite Law Solicitors; HR Delivered; iCandy; Kings Fire; NFU Mutual Bedfordshire; Red Thread Tailor.

Talk UK Telecom Community Business of the Year

Food etc; For Men To Talk; Greystone Solicitors; Mecca Bingo Luton; Mind BLMK; One YMCA; Reactiv8 The Nation; TOKKO Youth Space.

Jaltek Employer of the Year

Bluebird Care Bedford; Centrality; Data Privacy Simplified; Elite Law Solicitors; Home Instead; Mantralis; Osborne Morris & Morgan; UK Truck and Plant Group.

Unisnacks Entrepreneur of the Year

Emily Price – Be Our Guest Princesses; Jennie Bayliss – Mantralis; Rasa Petkelyte – Rasas Cleaning Services; James Davies – Raw Thunder Creative; Natalie Murray – The Edge Brands; Tracy Fishburn – Tracy’s Treasured Keepsakes; Will Brown – Will Brown Hair & Open Chair.

Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce Exporter of the Year

Acknowledge Designs; Kent Brushes

Family Business of the Year

Copybox Document Systems; Harrisons Accountancy; Holistic Thinking Holidays; iCandy; mySpike; RSP UK; RTG Commercial Services; T & L

Painting and Decorating Services.

London Luton Airport High Growth Business of the Year

Acknowledge Designs; Greystone Solicitors; Kings Fire; RSP UK; UK Truck and Plant Group; Verso Recruitment Group Influencer of the Year

Jam Jar Gill; BE-SEEN-SCREEN.

Luton Business of the Year

I Hussain & Co; i3 Simulations; Mecca Bingo Luton; mySpike; RDT Architects; Sommers Waste Solutions; The Fruit and Veg Man.

Aegis Support Services Not-for-profit Business of the Year

Azalea; Bedford Creative Arts; FACES Bedford; Kings Arms Project; Luton All Women’s Centre; Mind BLMK; TOKKO Youth Space; USP CIC.

Jaltek Positive Impact Award

Be Our Guest Princesses; Kinderoo Childrens Interiors; KIRAN SINGH –LIFESTYLE COACH; Link to Change; Mantralis; Mind BLMK; SSG SERVICES; Warden Abbey Vineyard.

Unisnacks Retail Business of the Year

Taking your HR from ‘TO DO’ to ‘DONE’

“I established HR Results Ltd in 2020 as an outsourced HR consultancy. However, an horrific car accident in July 2022 turned everything upside down. With perseverance and support, from trusted associates, I returned to the business ten months later and am immensely grateful to all the clients I have gained and retained and positive feedback I have received. I am so proud that HR Results Ltd is a finalist for Service Excellence and Website of the Year at the SME MK & Buckinghamshire Awards.”

DAXA PATEL,

Director

“We’re incredibly proud that Leonard Business Services are finalists for the Service Excellence award. We work hard to understand our customers’ unique needs but what truly sets us apart is our focus on building genuine relationships. We don’t just see our customers as clients; we’re invested in their success.”

leonardbusiness.co.uk | 01234 672126 | info@lslltd.co.uk Your Outsourced Finance department solution

DREAMWEAR; Jodie Gearing Bespoke Jewellery Design; Red Thread Tailor; TC Kitchens.

RSP UK Service Excellence Award

Alliance Consulting; Allstaff Recruitment; Elite Law Solicitors; HR Delivered; Leonard Business Services; Love Hounds Dog Grooming; Red Thread Tailor; Taylor Walton Solicitors.

Wenta Action Zero Sustainability Award

ADA Cosmetics; Biggleswade Dental Centre; Harrisons Accountancy; Sommers Waste Solutions.

Barnfield College Young Business Person of the Year

Hassan Abbasi – HANNAH SOLICITORS; Georgia Testa – Studio 281; Darius Moghtadaii – THSP.

FACES Bedford is a local charity aiding families in stress with practical and emotional support, fostering safer, happier homes for children to thrive. Through trained volunteers, we enable sustainable changes. Proud to be finalists, standing among other successful organisations at these awards.

270601 | office@facesbedford.org www.facesbedford.org

Feature: SME Business Awards

June 24, DoubleTree by Hilton, Stadium MK

Apprentice Employer of the Year

Able Plumbing Solutions; Culwood House. C4HB Best Enterprising Business Full Clarity; Alt Street Property; Boom7; Carly’s Candle Company; Janno Media; King Productions; MumPod Company; WAAM3D.

Neves Solicitors Best New Business Boom7; Digi Vape Vending; Get Real Parental Coaching; King Productions; Pickles Pet Pantry; RH Safety First; Robinson Wicks; Watson Morris Family Law.

Buckinghamshire Business of the Year

Nutshell Creative.

The South East Midlands Growth Hub Business innovation Ampergia; Entire Club; Get Real Parental Coaching; Janno Media; Pulse Group Media; R2G Investments; T King Associates; WAAM3D. Shoosmiths Business of the Year (less than 50 employees)

Culwood House; Kimble Solar; Laceys Family Farm; Landmark Property Solutions; Pulse Group Media; Ride High Equestrian Centre; Somnium Recruitment; Starpeak.

Business of the Year (more than 50 employees)

Camphill MK Communities; MA Group Property Claims; Mirus IT Solutions; WorkBuzz.

Snowdonia Hub Business Person of the Year

Sarah Watt – Alt Street Property; Kerry Lewis-Stevenson – Pulse Group Media; Duncan Lee – Xyz Music Academy.

University of Buckingham Business Woman of the Year

Hannah Seraj – Beyond Pubs & Dining; Lindsay McInnis – D.O.T.S. Chiropractic; Jessica Sussex – Floors At Fourteen; Kasia Szczechowicz – Hampton by Hilton High Wycombe; Rosamund McFadden – MumPod Company.

MKFM Community Business of the Year

Camphill MK Communities; MK Food Bank; Safety Centre; The Stables. Profile Resourcing Corporate Social Responsibility Alt Street Property; Boom Seven; EWI Pro; Pebble Marketing.

“We’re incredibly honoured to be finalists in all three categories we entered for the SME Awards. “At WorkBuzz, our mission is to enhance the working lives of employees - wherever they are, and whatever they do - and this recognition reflects our team’s passion and dedication to making this vision a reality.”

MADDIE WEATHERILL, Marketing Executive

hello@workbuzz.com workbuzz.com

“It has been an amazing first year in business and exceeded our expectations in every way. We are delighted to be finalists for Website of the Year, New Business of the Year and High Growth Business of the Year. A big thank you to the team at Watson Morris Family Law, our referrers and most importantly our clients. We look forward to helping many more clients start the next chapter of their lives with dignity and confidence.

CAROLINE WATSON, Partner enquiries@watson-morris.co.uk 0333 188 2963 watsonmorrisfamilylaw.co.uk

MK Theatre Employer of the Year

Aureum Finance; MA Group Property Claims; Neves Solicitors; Pragmatiq; WorkBuzz.

Neves Solicitors Family Business of the Year

1st Financial Foundations; Amber Printwork; APS Window Company; FIRST AVENUE SUPPLIES; Kimble Solar; Laceys Family Farm; Landmark Property Solutions; T King Associates.

MK Theatre High Growth Business of the Year

Approved Finance Group; Aureum Finance; EWI Store; Mirus IT Solutions; Starpeak; Watson Morris Family Law.

Capital Space Business of the Year

Approved Finance Group; D.O.T.S. Chiropractic; FIRST AVENUE SUPPLIES; HairMasters Barbers; Nutshell Creative; WAAM3D.

Networking Group of the Year

Collaborate MK; MKPCN.

Profile Resourcing Positive Impact Award

AWAKE: The Conscious Meditation Practice; MumPod Company; The Play’s The Thing Theatre Company; XYZ Music Academy.

Retail Business of the Year

Analogue Wonderland; Carly’s Candle Company; Floors At Fourteen; Hazlemere Window Co.; Pickles Pet Pantry.

Handelsbanken Service Excellence Award

Analogue Wonderland; Cox Lewis Hearing; HR Results Ltd; Janno Media; Mirus IT Solutions; Pooches Retreat; Pragmatiq; WorkBuzz.

MKFM Sustainability Award

BGR Modular Classrooms; Carly’s Candle Company; EWI Pro; Kimble Solar; Robinson Wicks; T King Associates; WestWon.

BusinessMK / MK Pulse Website of the Year

Analogue Wonderland; HR Results Ltd; Rachel Clare Cake Design; Watson Morris Family Law.

Young Business Person of the Year

Reece Hussain – Global Exposure.

“At Neves, our dedicated team members are at the heart of everything we do, which is why we’re thrilled to be shortlisted for the Employer of the Year award.”

We’re more than just legal experts. We’re trusted advisers who take the time to really understand your issues.

nevesllp.co.uk

01908 304 560 | info@nevesllp.co.uk

“In the short time Pickles has been open, we have been stunned by the reception and support we’ve received. We feel incredibly honoured to be finalists in two categories. Our aim is to continue to grow and support our local community. Pickles is more than a retailer.”

People Power Makes Business

Across the country, thousands of businesses are members of a Chamber of Commerce. Why? Because the Chamber is renowned the world over for helping foster connections and enabling local businesses to thrive and grow.

Here at the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, we are passionate about working at a local, national and international level to support businesses of all sizes and across all sectors.

Being a member of the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce:

• Connects you with a large network of businesses.

• Provides you with unrivalled access to help, support, and advice to grow your business.

• Opens new business opportunities for you in local, national and international markets.

• Ensures your views are heard within Government and other policy makers.

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

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

Built for eternity, rebranded for the 21st century

‘This is a legacy project, something that will never come round again’. Brand and design specialist Leigh Evans talked to Andrew Gibbs about his part in the Egyptian government’s brand refresh of the Pyramids of Giza.

It is the last surviving Old Wonder of the World, recognised instantly worldwide as a spectacular monument to a bygone civilisation. The Pyramids of Giza have stood majestically atop the plateau that overlooks the suburb of the Egyptian capital Cairo for 4,000 years, a major source of income as the tourist attraction to visitors from all over the world.

Yet the visitor experience is waning. The Pyramids brand is losing touch with the expectations of 21st-century tourism.

It is time, the Egyptian government’s Ministry for Tourism & Antiquities has decided, for a brand refresh.

It is the year 2000 and graphic designer Leigh Evans is settling into life in the Middle East. He has been in Dubai for four years, at the start of the city’s transformation into a thriving tourist and business hotspot and is now establishing a portfolio of work for the hospitality and tourism sector. After being made redundant in the 2008 crash, three

years on he is in Qatar, refreshing that country’s tourism branding.

“They had just landed the World Cup and the tourism authority wanted to start evolving their brand from a backwater and elevate themselves to the world.” The brand identity and visual language guidelines for the Qatar branding that he created still run today.

At the end of the contract, Leigh returned to the UK determined to use his portfolio success in the Middle East to establish a career at home, working on projects in London. Then his phone rang.

Leigh had become friends while in the Middle East with Ahmed Mustafa, an Egyptian who had returned to his homeland to work for leading construction company Orascom. His employers were exploring a restructure and rebrand.

Leigh, who runs his own brand, marketing and graphic design company Brave Brands in Towcester, flew to Cairo. It turned out to be a new brand strategy and identity for Orascom as Orascom Investment Holdings. There was another project alongside it. The Sound & Light Show, run by Orascom’s Pyramid Entertainment division, at the Pyramids of Giza.

“I pitched for and landed the job,” Leigh said. “It required some brand strategy, naming and then the visual look and feel and what the experience should look like for a customer. Then they said they had another project they wanted to look at, which was a bit more prestigious.”

The visitor experience at the Giza Plateau had been in decline. The complex’s custodians Orascom Pyramids Entertainment and Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities wanted to refresh and enhance the site’s facilities and services.

“I knew how prestigious it was... I thought that if I do not do this right, I might as well give up.”

“The idea was to reinvigorate the site as a whole and they wanted me on the project deliverables: brand strategy, brand expression, an audit of them as a customer and definition of the positioning.”

Leigh was tasked with creating the visual element of the project. He began with an audit, assessing and comparing the Giza Plateau to other historic sites

around the world; Machu Pichu in Peru, the Colosseum in Rome, Stonehenge. He looked at how the world’s leading museums treated history, taking note of how it was done at the British Museum in London and the Louvre Museum in Paris.

“They are historic places that all had elements of what we were looking at,” said Leigh. “The brand strategy and development would flow from that.”

He then assessed the product position. Their story is simple: The Pyramids were built for eternity because they were built as the place where, the ancient Egyptians believed, the Pharoahs would prepare to enter the afterlife.

Leigh’s task was to refresh the story and brand strategy to encourage and meet the expectations of 21st-century tourists. “I just treated it as a normal project but I knew how prestigious it was.

“Everybody knows what it is and it is a massive thing for the Egyptians and for Ovascom because it was the first such project ever to be given to a private entity to do. I thought that if I do not do this right, I might as well give up.

“It was quite a coup because I thought they would go for an Egyptian company to do the work. But they wanted international companies rather

Leigh Evans at the Pyramids of Giza

than Egyptian because they wanted to tap into a wider market. My bit was the clarification of the concept, if you like. I wrote the story.

“Then it was what it is going to look like and the naming. All the roadsigns said Pyramids of Giza or Giza Plateau. We plumped for Pyramids of Giza, then we needed a logo. I created concepts based around the triangles of the pyramids and then added in symbols, hieroglyphs, cartouches. I wanted to create a feel specifically for the pyramids. This is a cultural icon that everybody knows and understands.”

The Pyramids of Giza identity draws inspiration from the four icons of the plateau - the Pyramid of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure and the Great Sphinx. By following the mathematical accuracies used by the Pyramid builders, the new identity is a contemporary stylised solution, making it an instantly recognisable marque.

The clean use of typography, contemporary and historical design elements and a colour palette inspired from ancient times all provide an appropriate level of design sophistication, Leigh explained, while allowing the complex and visitor experiences to remain the focus.

There are a total of nine structures around the site. The three pyramids form the centrepiece, with three smaller Queen pyramids around the larger two. The site houses other tombs and The Great Sphinx.

“These things are huge,” said Leigh. “The locals and the Egyptians are just in awe of these massive structures.”

There is no better place to look out across the plateau than from the 9 Pyramids Lounge, a Bedouin-style tented hospitality area that overlooks the site. It hosts dining and other special events.

The lounge was the first new part of the site to open following the hiatus of the pandemic. This is the first such venue to be allowed to operate within the plateau’s boundaries and has

proved a spectacular success. Now environmentally friendly electric buses transport visitors around the site, stopping at stations en route where tourists can alight to look at and learn about the historic structures.

The lounge includes five indoor and outdoor spaces, providing entertainment and hospitality throughout the day and by special arrangement at night, within a grand tented lounge, a relaxing outdoor majlis and three outside courtyard terraces, each with views over all nine Pyramids of Giza. 9 Pyramids Lounge is also the only place to offer exclusive event spaces at the plateau.

The 9 Pyramids Lounge identity takes its inspiration from the number 9 and the Ankh. Fusion of ancient and modern creates a versatile and striking solution, Leigh said.

Again, clean use of typography, contemporary and natural design elements and a bold colour palette all provide an appropriate level of design sophistication while allowing the venue’s location and guest experiences to remain the focus.

Following the 9 Pyramids Lounge, the King Khufu Centre - the main visitor centre - was built and is due to open this summer. Leigh is the talent behind its and the 9 Pyramids Lounge’s signage and wayfaring.

His work on the project is now complete. “This project is in no way a financial one for me. It is one of those projects that never comes round again. This is a legacy project - for me, sat in an office in Towcester, working on a project for a place 2,000 miles away and 4,000 years old is quite something.

“All I have done is write some nice words, made some pretty pictures and articulated what they wanted to do. It is then down to them to make it happenhopefully I will get an invite to see it.”

Clockwise from top left: The view from the terrace at Khufu’s restaurant; Leigh Evans with his friend Ahmed Mustafa; the modern electric hop on, hop off buses that tour the Pyramids site

Modern signage at the King Khufu Centre and the 9 Pyramids Lounge greets visitors

A first-class advertising experience… it’s OOH so easy

Welcome to Forefront Outdoor Media. We are not merely an AdVan provider… we are your strategic partner, creating impactful and memorable Digital Out Of Home advertising experiences.

Our eye-catching mobile advertising screens aboard our AdVans take your business marketing message direct to high-footfall locations anywhere in the UK. Our mission is simple: helping you to maximise your audience engagement at a price that is right for you.

Our AdVans are perfect for large-scale local events, such as carnivals, food and music festivals or charity fundraisers.

If you are a retailer or a restaurateur wanting to promote your offer to your target audience or you are recruiting and looking to attract the best quality and quantity of applications, Forefront Outdoor Media is here to help.

We work with you to define a specific vehicle route to target high-footfall areas and put your brand message in front of hundreds (or thousands) of people. And our expertise is among the most costeffective ways to raise your business profile and the power of your brand.

So what can Forefront provide?

Take your pick. You can choose from:

Triple Sided AdVans which are fitted with our industry-first Audience Measurement System, providing accurate and complete post-campaign data to

help you to analyse the effectiveness of the marketing.

Single Sided AdVans which have an hydraulic elevating mast and a ten square metre LED screen.

AdWalkers We deploy our people in pedestrianised zones or high streets where vehicles are not allowed. Our AdWalkers display your marketing message close up and, as we know in business, the human interaction gives that extra personal touch – sometimes the wow factor – that makes all the difference when it comes to a client’s decision-making.

AdProjector The perfect high-impact tool for any guerrilla marketing campaign. Our AdProjector beams a large image on

to the facade of any building. It delivers real impact for your message and is always a talking point on social media. DOOH/OOH Out-Of-Home advertising campaigns We provide a range of services through our partners around the UK, putting your advertising on billboards, bus shelters, public transport, digital billboards and on radio stations such as Heart, Capital, Classic FM and Smooth. Worried about the price? Don’t be. Our AdVan Shared Service allows you to share the cost with other businesses to make our marketing affordable for everyone (minimum numbers apply). Contact us to find out more.

Tell me more about Forefront Audio Visual.

Forefront AV is located in Market Harborough and we are your local specialist in providing digital signage solutions.

We provide and install the latest LED digital screens for retail spaces and corporates. These enable you to display your key business messages, promotions and videos in the most dynamic and eyecatching way.

We can even create the digital content for you and our content management platform is easy to use.

The beauty of digital is that, unlike a printed poster, your digital content can easily be updated, replaced or redeployed at any time and from anywhere.

We have screens that fit inside company reception areas, shop windows or which can be freestanding. Choose the most suitable for your business and Forefront’s screens will enhance the experience of visitors to your premises. We even have battery-powered digital A-Boards.

Let’s talk more about how we can elevate your brand.

That all sounds great, just what I’m looking for. I’d be really interested in what some of your clients have to say – a wordof-mouth referral means a lot.

No problem. Let me introduce you to some happy customers.

“Forefront AV were instrumental in setting us up with a modern Directory Screen for our tenants at Corby Business Centre in the main reception area. The software is so user-friendly, making it easy for us to be in control of what content we want to add and how often we want to update it.

“We would highly recommend Forefront AV to anyone looking for a digital solution for their business needs and we would use them again.”

Sam Austin Senior property manager, EasternroseCorby Business Centre

Forefront Outdoor Media

“We have 3 digital screens with this company, digital marketing is a fantastic opportunity to reach your existing and new clients. Forefront AV is a very proactive company and will always go above and beyond to exceed your expectations. They have certainly exceeded ours.”

Sandra Pallatt

Owner,

Aura Hair Beauty & Aesthetics Clinic, Market Harborough

“Forefront AV have provided excellent service and friendly communication. The after-sales service received has been fantastic and really helped us get the best value from the digital screens we have had installed.

“Having the flexibility to manage our content both remotely and in the practice suits our marketing schedule and aids us in our sustainability efforts to minimise paper wastage.

“Forefront AV has exceeded our expectations and we will certainly continue to seek their support as we grow our digital media.”

Ellen van Aken

Marketing co-ordinator, Ash Tree Vets forefrontoutdoormedia.co.uk

How AI can help to boost business productivity

Lionel Naidoo, managing director of Dragon Information Systems, reveals how businesses can capitalise on AI to get more done.

It feels like everyone is talking about Artificial intelligence right now and it is no surprise, with the last 12 months seeing an explosion in AI-driven tools hitting the market, including releases from big names such as Google and Microsoft. For businesses of all sizes this is great news and there are some major benefits to be had for those who make the most of the innovative tech, especially when it comes to boosting productivity.

AI goes mainstream

When people think of AI they often think of something big and complex, but what we are seeing now is that AI is going mainstream.

Prepare your organisation’s IT environment for AI

While historically AI has been used for applications designed for specific tasks such as marketing automation, accountancy software and time management tools, new tools are starting to emerge that can support businesses with their day-to-day activities too. By fully integrating and engaging with these tools, businesses can free up precious time and focus their energy where it is needed most, with significant benefits for productivity.

The more you engage, the more time you save. The first step is to look at all the different ways the business works and to consider how AI could be best integrated to support each of those areas, overall bringing about an increase in what is achieved every day.

Tasks that AI can help with

Officially launched in January, Microsoft Copilot is an AI assistant that is designed to help with tasks across the full Microsoft 365 suite. It is one of the most advanced AI tools available to businesses today. From writing customer letters, to turning a report into a Powerpoint presentation, or summarising the main points and action from a Teams call, the possibilities for increasing efficiency are endless.

Here are just some of the ways the AI assistant can help with day-to-day business tasks:

Work with Dragon Information Systems to bring generative AI to your Microsoft 365 productivity suite.

Accelerate productivity across the company while keeping data safe and sound.

Enable your AI transformation by embedding Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 into the productivity apps your employees use daily. By combining the power of Large Language Models (LLMs) with your data stored in Microsoft Graph and Microsoft 365 apps, employees can use natural language to turn their words into the most powerful productivity tool on the planet.

Dragon Information Systems works with organisations to ready their environments for AI adoption. Assess your company’s AI readiness and configure data privacy and governance policies in your Microsoft 365 tenant to optimise your security posture as you undergo this journey.

Get your organisation AI-ready today with Copilot for Microsoft 365 services from Dragon Information Systems.

Scan the code to find out more.

Outlook Copilot can summarise what is in your inbox and help pinpoint your priorities for the day.

Word Whether it’s drafting letters, emails, blogs, social media posts or any other type of communications, Copilot can help provide a draft ready for you to personalise and finesse.

Bing Rather than conducting a Google search and trawling through webpages, Copilot can do the research for you in a matter of seconds, finding sources and providing links.

Powerpoint Copilot can turn a report into a presentation.

Excel You can ask Copilot to create new columns and formulas or look for interesting patterns and trend.

Teams It can provide a transcription of a Teams calls, help pinpoint key actions and even analyse sentiment to summarise the participant’s views on a topic discussed.

Get started on your AI journey

AI’s ability to automate tasks, analyse data and provide intelligent recommendations are just some of the ways that the tool can help significantly boost productivity and increase efficiency.

To find out more, including for advice on safely integrating AI within your business operations, reach out to our expert team here at Dragon IS - email mike@dragon-is.com or call 0330 363 0055.

Dragon IS, based in Milton Keynes, is an IT support company and cyber essentials certified supplier. Established in 2009, the company specialises in working with small and medium sized businesses. For more information visit www.dragon-is.com Call us on 0330 363 0055 or email info@dragon-is.com.

Lionel Naidoo

The Ridgeway Centre, Wolverton 10am-3pm June 5

Google’s seal of approval reassures our commitment to your success

Headline Sponsor: Qoob

At Qoob, we have always believed in the power of innovation and adaptability to drive success in digital marketing.

After five incredible years in Corby, we are thrilled to announce our move to a new premises in Kettering. This strategic relocation is not just about changing our address; it is about enhancing every aspect of our operations to better serve our staff and clients.

Our new location in Kettering offers numerous advantages. It is more centrally located, making it easier for both our team and clients to access. Plus, the upgraded facilities and spacious meeting rooms provide the perfect environment for collaboration and creativity to thrive. We are confident that

Charity Partner: Willen Hospice

these improvements will enable us to deliver even better results for our clients.

We are also incredibly proud to share that Qoob has been awarded the prestigious Google Premier Partnership statusno small feat. This means that Google has recognised us as experts in Google Ads. To earn this accolade, we have had to demonstrate our proficiency in managing Google Ads campaigns, delivering exceptional customer service and consistently driving strong performance for our clients. It is a seal of approval that reassures you of our expertise and commitment to your success

As a Google Premier Partner, we have access to exclusive resources, advanced training and strategic insights directly from Google. This means we can use the latest innovations to benefit our clients’ businesses.

Google Premier Partnership status also

“The beginning of an exciting new chapter for Qoob and our clients.”

gives us access to beta features and early releases, allowing us to implement cutting-edge strategies and technologies before they become mainstream. This ensures that our clients remain ahead of the competition and achieve maximum impact with their digital marketing efforts.

As trusted partners, we have direct access to dedicated support from Google’s team of experts, which means we can resolve issues quickly, optimise campaigns effectively and deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Our move to Kettering and our attainment of Google Premier Partnership status mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Qoob and our clients. With our unmatched expertise, dedication, and passion, we are committed to empowering businesses to thrive online and achieve their goals.

Reap the business benefits of partnering with a local charity

Giving back to the local community is something that should be on every company’s radar. Well-loved charity Willen Hospice runs a partnership programme for all companies, big and small and here are three reasons why your business should get involved.

Achieve Corporate Social Responsibility goals

CSR is a management concept which encourages businesses to give back to their local community.

Willen Hospice’s Partnership Programme offers a company a dedicated account manager. They will work with you to create a mutually beneficially programme, both supporting Willen Hospice and helping your company to outline and achieve CSR objectives.

Increase staff engagement

Boosting morale is a great way to improve your Great Place to Work

score. This can be through teambuilding activities such as volunteer days and fundraising activities or signing employees up for a Willen Hospice event.

Raise your profile in the community Willen Hospice’s heartfelt work creates a long-lasting and emotional connection

with the community. By demonstrating a positive affinity with a beloved charity, show your customers and suppliers that you are invested in the same local causes they also value.

Find out more about Willen Hospice’s Partnership Programme email corporate@willen-hospice.org.uk

Qoob Chief Executive Matthew Rigby-White

Claire Burr (left) and Catherine Devanney, nurses at Willen Hospice

OUTSOURCED

Strategic HR: Key to business alignment

HR Solutions is delighted to unveil groundbreaking insights at the Your Business Expo in Milton Keynes on June 5. We will host a one-hour seminar entitled Aligning People and Business Strategy, based on our latest strategic HR white paper.

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, aligning human resources with business strategy is more crucial than ever. Our white paper serves as a vital resource, offering innovative strategies and frameworks that help businesses leverage their most valuable asset - their people.

Attendees at the Your Business Expo seminar will gain exclusive access to cutting-edge approaches that seamlessly integrate HR with overarching business goals, ensuring a unified path to success.

Our seminar will not only highlight key takeaways from the white paper but also engage attendees in a discussion on practical implementation of these strategies in diverse business environments.

Led by HR Solutions’ expert team, this session promises to be an invaluable opportunity for business leaders to rethink how they manage and optimise their workforce for maximum impact.

We invite you to join us at the Your Business Expo for this insightful seminar. Learn how strategic HR practices can transform your business operations and align your team with your core business objectives.

For more details and to access the white paper, visit hrsolutions-uk.com/strategic-hr-thinking-whitepaper

Business solutions are now iNREACH

iNREACH is based in Milton Keynes and supports businesses across the UK. We partner with industry leaders in IT, comms and print to ensure that we provide top-class service. We offer data-driven solutions. This means we use real-time data to ensure we are providing exactly what you need.

For our commitment to the environment, we have partnered with Treeapp to support our clients and our own sustainability goals. We are committed to planting trees for every business solution we provide.

This year, we will be exhibiting at Your

OUR CORE SERVICES IT

We are an independent IT partner providing cyber security, cloud migration, disaster recovery, project management and recovery, IT application procurement support, IT helpdesk and support services, multiple tier four data centres, out-ofhours support, monitoring and alerting. Our knowledge and experience in the IT industry allows us to support your organisation. We will ensure that daily

activities run efficiently and that new processes are implemented effectively.

Comms

Whether you require business mobile packages, internet services, hosted communications or anything in between, we are here to support you and your business.

As part of our business comms services, we offer our own cloud-based communication system, iNTALK. We have created iNTALK specifically for businesses so you can manage your entire communication infrastructure in a flexible package.

Unlock the benefits of our cloud-based telephony solution - contact us for more information.

Print

We can redefine your document management with our simple and effective workflow solution packages. Our fully managed print service includes fast call-out response times, comprehensive service across the UK, toner and parts replenishment and Hot Swap - if your machine cannot be fixed on site, we replace it like for like.

For all your business IT, comms and print requirements, contact iNREACH. Or visit us at Your Business Expo Milton Keynes.

Solving complex IT problems with straightforward tech solutions

Switching IT providers does not have to be complicated or timeconsuming. At 3RS IT Solutions, the experienced team has simplified the process so businesses can transition with ease.

Leila and Stephen Souch, when they set up the business, wanted to offer clients so much more than simply providing IT.

“When businesses work with us, they are gaining a strategic partner committed to advancing their business goals,“ said Leila. “Partnering with us means you are getting more than just a tech solution. You are gaining a dedicated IT team focused on pushing your business forward.

“We are here to collaborate with you not just as your tech experts but also as partners invested in your growth. Our mission has always been to simplify technology and solve complex problems with straightforward solutions.”

The Irthlingborough-based business provides a wide range of IT services to make daily operations not just smoother but smarter. At the heart of the business is

a set of core values that guide the team: Honest Integrity Teamwork Transparency Accountability

“Our values are the essence of our identity and they play a vital role in our day-to-day operations and long-term vision,” Leila said. “By adhering to these core values, we do not just aim to be a leader in the IT solutions industry; we aim

Stephen and Leila Souch with newly appointed director Ethan Malvern (right), who joined the company aged 16 as an infrastructure technician apprentice and has risen through the ranks as service team leader and services operations manager. “When I had to take time away from the business at the start of this year, Ethan stepped up without hesitation and I could see the team was in very safe hands,” said Stephen.

to set a standard for how business should be done.

“This commitment makes a difference to clients who need to feel confident that their IT systems will meet the needs of their business.

“We can unlock their business’s full potential. Each business will have specific needs so we can help them navigate through the world of business IT.

“Our aim is to be the dependable partner you can count on.”

Business Expo in Milton Keynes. Visit our stand to learn more about what we offer.

A stress-free solution to all your building management needs

The PGS Group is a well-established part of the Milton Keynes business community, having served the city since 2010 when Plumbing & Gas Solutions Ltd was founded by managing director Carl Yeomanson. Its sister company Facilities Management Solutions was launched in January 2021, and along with it came the PGS Group.

Plumbing & Gas Solutions has a dedicated team of highly skilled plumbers and gas engineers who provide a wide array of services to clients across Milton Keynes and the surrounding area.

Working across all pipework materials and with the ability to service and repair gas, oil and LPG-fired appliances, PGS is equipped to deal with all of your requirements. Whether you require a long-term partner for your annual servicing or reactive repairs, individual appliance replacements or full plant room installations, PGS is here to support you.

Crafting winning solutions for your business

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, SCH Tech stands out as a leader in custom software development and strategic consultancy. As a partner in business transformation, SCH Tech is dedicated to converting innovative ideas into practical, winning solutions.

Chief executive Simon Bridgens emphasised the company’s mission: “We do not just develop software; we engineer success. Our approach is to thoroughly understand each client’s specific challenges and goals, crafting solutions that are effective and integral to their business success.”

SCH Tech is renowned for its commitment to innovation and strategic growth. Each project is tailored to ensure a technical fit and a strategic enhancement to the client’s operations. “Our custom solutions are designed from the ground up to meet unique business needs, setting us apart as true partners in technology,” said Simon.

The company’s core values of integrity, innovation and commitment to client success shape all aspects of its operations. “These values are essential as they guide our work and help us set new standards in the tech industry,” Simon added.

With expertise across various sectors, SCH Tech tackles diverse technological challenges, enhances operational efficiencies and integrates cutting-edge technologies for its clients. Partnering with SCH Tech means engaging with a business that is invested in your success as you are.

Simon said: “At SCH Tech, we build more than software. We build relationships that foster long-term growth and innovation.”

“Reliable... reactive... all-encompassing... A no-brainer for any commercial site in the area.”

Facilities Management Solutions provides the complete, stress-free solution to all your commercial building management requirements. By offering a single point of contact, Facilities Management Solutions saves you valuable time and resources. This allows you to focus on the day-to-day operations on your site while Facilities Management Solutions handles everything for you.

Instead of searching around for a different specialist for every project, clients call Facilities Management Solutions, outline what they need and FMS organises and manages the whole project for them.

From commercial drainage to roofing projects, FMS provides whatever service you require. This reliable, reactive, allencompassing service comes with no contracts or retainer fees, making it a no-brainer for any commercial site in Milton Keynes or the surrounding areas.

Between the two companies within the PGS Group, there is no headache that cannot be cured. Whether you have a large warehouse, a school or an office building, the PGS Group is the perfect local partner, ensuring you always have the support you need.

For businesses looking to navigate the complexities of modern technology and emerge as industry leaders, partnering with SCH Tech is a strategic step toward achieving those goals. SCH Tech remains at the forefront as the digital world advances, ready to transform challenges into opportunities and ideas into realities. With specialised experience in workflow automation delivery, ranging from inventory systems to video workflow systems in broadcast, OSS and BSS automation for ISPs and many smaller projects in between, SCH Tech is confident it can engineer your ideas into winning solutions.

Business development managers (from left) Laura Haynes, of Plumbing & Gas Solutions, and her counterparts at Facilities Management Solutions Shazia Ditta and Matt Neal

Feature: Your Business Expo Milton Keynes

DOOH your business a power of good

See for yourself at Your Business Expo Milton Keynes how high-quality digital out of home advertising can take your brand’s audience engagement to the next level.

Forefront Outdoor Media is not merely an AdVan provider. We are your strategic partner in driving your message direct to your target audience via AdVansour mobile LED advertising vans - or through state-of-the-art digital screens

in reception areas, shop windows or free standing.

And we cannot wait to show visitors and exhibitors at Your Business Expo Milton Keynes what we can do… Our AdVan will be outside the Ridgeway Centre all day on June 5, displaying just how powerful DOOH (that’s Digital Out of Home) advertising can be for a business.

Wow your target audience with eye-

‘Incredible to facilitate so many partnerships’

A dedicated team at MKFM, the local radio station for Milton Keynes, work hard to literally stay tuned in to the community’s achievements and stories.

Alongside local content on air, the not-for-profit organisation has the largest social media presence in Milton Keynes and runs the thriving Meet of MK monthly networking event, sponsored by Facilities Management Solutions. Meet of MK gives local businesses and charitable organisations an opportunity to connect in a relaxed environment where regular attendees can mingle with new faces. Members of the station’s growing MKFM Business Club can attend for free.

Joanne Ronan, head of commercial partnerships at MKFM said: “The Meet of MK feels more like after-work drinks and allows our attendees to relax at the end of each month. The event sees a great mix of businesses, including many of our partners, and is always a great evening with attendees making new contacts and friends.”

May’s event was hosted by The Slug & Lettuce and future venues in the coming months include South Central Institute of technology, Hotel Latour, Unity Place, Sul Lago restaurant and Popworld.

MKFM director Lia Christodoulou said: “It has been incredible to see the networking event grow year on year and to be able to facilitate so many fantastic partnerships. We are thrilled to have Facilities Management Solutions sign up as sponsors with us for another year.”

Find out more at mkfm.com/events/mkfms-meet-of-mk/

catching, dynamic, memorable content and increase engagement with your brand many times over.

Forefront Outdoor Media, based in Market Harborough, provides AdProjectors and AdWalkers as well as a fleet of AdVans to take your message to the streets. Our vans are perfect for locating at large events such as music and food festivals, carnivals or charity fundraisers.

Restaurants, retailers and recruiters use us to promote new venue openings and offers or job opportunities with local employers. We work with our clients to define a specific route that will target the high-footfall areas they specify, bringing their brand message spectacularly to the attention of an audience of hundreds, even thousands.

We can create the digital content for you and, of course, unlike printed posters, our digital content can be changed, updated and redeployed any time, anywhere.

We cannot wait to show you more at Your Business Expo Milton Keynes. You will not miss our AdVan outside the Ridgeway Centre entrance or come and find out more at our stand inside at Your Business Expo Milton Keynes.

The right technologies, partners and people

Wavenet is a respected, multi-award-winning provider of telecoms, cybersecurity, IT and technology solutions to thousands of businesses and organisations across the UK.

Since its launch in 2000, its vision has been to be the most respected provider of cyber security, cloud and technology solutions to UK customers. One notable client in the public sector is NHS 111 where the team offers support with the service’s communication channels. This ongoing success has been achieved by investing in the right technologies, partners and people and maintaining strong and dependable growth.

Wavenet is a managed service provider and has longstanding partnerships with top global technology providers including Microsoft, BT, Gamma, Extreme Networks, 8x8, Five9, Darktrace, Cato and Gigamon. The 900-strong workforce includes more than 450 trained support staff and engineers across its offices in Solihull, London, Manchester, Cambridge, Norwich, Cardiff, Nottingham, Doncaster and Dorking.

The company boasts a 24/7 Security Operations Centre and has comprehensive accreditations including ISO 9001, ISO 20000-1 and ISO 27001. Featuring a CREST and CHECK accredited pen testing division.

Paul Colwell, chief technical officer, said: “We are thrilled to be exhibiting at the Your Business Expo in Milton Keynes. It is a fantastic opportunity to collaborate and network with leading organisations around the UK.”

For more information, visit wavenet.co.uk.

Workplace Culture & Engagement

Working together to lift wellbeing

A mental health charity’s campaign is targeting 60 employers to join its anniversary initiative

Campaigning to prioritise workplace wellbeing and mental health is gathering pace under a new campaign in Northamptonshire.

To mark its 60th anniversary, mental health charity Northamptonshire Mind has launched an initiative to support 60 organisations across the county to develop healthy and happy workplace cultures that prioritise wellbeing. By doing so, organisations can also boost productivity and engagement within the workplace, it says.

The Northants Working Minds initiative is being run in conjunction with workplace culture specialist Minderful.

“Our vision is to improve mental health and wellbeing in Northamptonshire,” said Sarah Hillier (inset), chief executive at Northamptonshire Mind. “As an organisation built on lived experience, we understand the complex challenges that organisations face in supporting colleagues with their mental health.” Statistics from leading mental health

organisations emphasise the urgency of addressing mental health issues in the workplace. According to the Centre for Mental Health, 15.8 million days of sickness are lost in the UK every year due to mental ill health.

Recent figures reveal that one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem in their lifetime and the accessibility of mental health services remains a critical issue, according to Northamptonshire Mind. Two million people are currently on waiting lists for NHS mental health services.

The charity has also developed a wideranging training offer to help businesses to prioritise mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.

Northamptonshire Mind urged caution against framing mental ill health as a matter of welfare policy alone. It stresses the need for accessible healthcare services and employment support to

address the challenges individuals are currently facing.

“While the political landscape evolves, our commitment to fostering positive workplace cultures remains resolute,” said Sarah “Through innovative partnerships and initiatives such as Northants Working Minds, we strive to empower our colleagues and local communities to prioritise mental health in the workplace.”

The charity has been piloting the use of the new cranial electrotherapy AlphaStim device that aims to provide holistic support for those experiencing anxiety and depression.

Northamptonshire Mind helps individuals via a telephone service, delivered in partnership with Northampton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Last year, the service received more than 92,000 calls.

Find out more at northamptonshiremind.org.uk

A passion for culture and performance

An invisible red thread connects all those destined to meet, regardless of time, place or circumstance. The words of an ancient Chinese proverb, which adds that while that red thread may stretch or tangle, it will never break.

For The Red Thread Partnership (known today as RTP), people are at the centre of success. “We start our connections with you with a conversation and we support and stretch you, help you to unpick your tangles,” said The Red Thread Partnership’s chief executive Freddie Guilmard (inset)

RTP works with its clients to create and build “human organisations”, those that put their people first. It guides employers to become more courageous, inclusive, caring. “We have a passion for improvement, change, engagement, culture and performance but most of all we have a passion for enabling people to be the person they want to be,” said Freddie.

He and his team espouse five core values: courage, passion, curiosity, agility and care.

RTP coaches clients to deliver commitment to their employees and clients by understanding and cocreating the culture they need for success – after all people will always protect what they build and employees are no different.

It also believes that work should be fun. “A place where you can have fun, overcome challenges, strive and flourish and find satisfaction and fulfilment,” said Freddie. “We all spend a lot of time at work. Happy and engaged people are more motivated to find solutions and make a difference. “

Organisations should also be committed to their community. “It is imperative that leaders are actively involved in their local communities and focus on their impact on the planet.” It is why RTP runs The Red Thread Fellowship programme,

an award-winning not-for-profit community initiative bringing together leaders of local businesses and the voluntary organisations that deliver services and work in their community.

Launched in 2016 in Milton Keynes, the award-winning Fellowship is now a recognised feature of the business and voluntary sector landscape, growing great leaders and delivering real organisational change.

Today RTP works with some of the biggest national and international names as well as clients based locally.

“We know from over 50 years of personal experience between us that leadership is a choice and that good leaders make a huge difference,” said Freddie.

“We are passionate and committed to developing and enriching leaders, growing highly successful teams and creating inclusive cultures.

“That is why we help leaders deal with their big issues by building human organisations - because it matters.”

Workplace Culture & Engagement

the Victoria & Albert Museum in London last year training the museum’s senior management. “It has taken me 23 years to convince them to train up their heads of functions and we now have 12 inclusivity ambassadors who have raised their confidence and competence. They are developing their own action plan.”

Businesses of all sizes can make small changes in order to achieve big things. “It is about adapting how you do things. Every business only needs to make a small tweak to change the way they are seen.”

Make a small tweak and achieve big things

Businesses of all sizes that embrace inclusion are reaping the benefits in terms of productivity, productivity and people. More businesses are investing time and resource in developing the strategy that suits their needs. Each has a different motivation but all want the same thing: a better business.

Gamiel Yafai is an internationally renowned expert in workplace diversity. He has dedicated his business life to the topic since he founded his Milton Keynes-based company Diversity Marketplace in 2005.

“We do not really know most of the people we work with and my question to someone I meet in a business is ‘Tell me about you’,” he said. “You will be amazed at how much they tell you. Sometimes it takes managers ten years to find out all about their staff but the solution is simple:

it is about how we respect and include our people in the development of our business, our products or our services.”

A compelling speaker, Gamiel has grown his business from scratch to today working with more than 80 clients all over the world. He is a co-founder of the Milton Keynes Ethnic Business Community group with now more than 350 members. At the 2023 Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards, Gamiel and Diversity Marketplace walked away with three, including Business of the Year.

“Since then our business has literally skyrocketed. Entire new sectors have been approaching us for help.”

Diversity Marketplace is working on a 12-month contract helping 12 horticultural organisations to develop an industry-wide inclusion charter. Gamiel began work with

Part of Gamiel’s inclusion argument is an understanding and appreciation of neurodiversity. Research shows that up to 50% of the UK workforce are neurdivergent in some way. He experiences diversity on a personal level, having been diagnosed as dyslexic last year.

It has been, he said, a positive. “I have realised that there is so much more I can do. I am saving probably five hours a week, for example, just because I have a tablet that I write on. It transcribes everything I write and I do not have to type up my notes.”

Progress on inclusion is accelerating but common barriers for employees remain: non-access to meetings, company communication, discrimination, location and an organsation’s culture

“We should be able to bring at least 80% of ourselves to work,” said Gamiel. “We should be able to talk about anything we want to. But, for example, Muslim men and women will not talk about a wedding they have been to on a Saturday when they go into work on the Monday. That is because of fear. And that leads to lower productivity and profitability.

“Our research shows that businesses can get at least 20% more out of people just by supporting them in the right way.”

’It is about pushing the boundaries of what is possible’

Business is all about embracing new challenges. Now a firm of chartered accountants has taken it one step by unveiling a new employee, client and community development campaign.

Beyond Boundaries encourages all employees at the firm’s offices in Milton Keynes, Hertfordshire and London to challenge themselves physically and mentally in order to encourage continuous learning and exploration. Mercer & Hole will also be providing resources, workshops and motivational speaking events for its clients.

The campaign emphasises the parallels between sports, creativity and business, highlighting the importance of teamwork, strategy, discipline and goal setting in achieving success.

“It is about embracing opportunities for growth and pushing the boundaries of what is possible,” said managing partner Paul Maberly. “We believe in the power of mindset and pushing ourselves beyond what we thought we could achieve.”

Resources on offer to staff include:

n Chess masterclass by director Dan Bisby, an international chess champion.

Helping leaders deal with their big issues by building human organisations.

www.the-redthread.co.uk admin@the-redthread.co.uk

n Dance class by partner’s assistant Lizzie Bell, an ex-professional dancer.

n Mosaic art class by trusts and probate administrator Frankie Martin.

n Corporate tax partner Jacqui Gudgion hosts a gardening tutorial.

n Audit and business advisory partner Jolene Upshall leads a seminar on becoming a confident runner.

Speakers at client events include Olympic badminton player Gail Emms, author and former SAS soldier Colin MacClachlan and ex-Olympic athlete Derek Redmond.

Gamiel Yafai

True measure of business vitality

Stats from the World Economic Forum highlight that business leaders view survival as their top challenge. However, warns business consultant Ian Taylor, you cannot save your way to prosperity.

“Many leaders focus on the bottom line,” said Ian, regional director at business consultancy Tinderbox. “They zero in on costs when profits fall. In the short-term, costs go down and profits rise but trouble is on the horizon.”

After ‘right sizing’ the team and reducing budgets, the survivors realise that fewer people must achieve much more with much less. The pressure is then on with the business often careering from one crisis to the next. “Leaders need to look at their business to see what is truly delivering the cash flow that sustains every business – top line revenue. Revenue growth is the true measure of business vitality. It reflects a company’s competency to acquire, satisfy and grow its client base.”

Beware the danger of ‘rainbow washing’

As Pride Month begins, employers are urged to back up their participation in the campaign with long-lasting actions.

June is Pride Month, dedicated to LGBTQ+ communities around the world. But as businesses prepare to take part, an HR expert has warned of the perils of “corporate rainbow washing”.

The term describes an organisation’s behaviour when it uses LGBTQ+ symbols and themes for its own commercial gain without showing any commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and equality in practice. For employers, it is crucial to think through how the organisation plans to celebrate.

“A common example of rainbow washing is when an organisation ‘washes’ their logo or brand in the colours of the rainbow or displays rainbow flags around the office for Pride Month but not much else,” said Rachel Collar, owner of Haus of HR in Towcester. “Understandably, your employees are likely to view this as an empty gesture if it is not backed up with any real support for the LGBTQ+

Culture and compliance: The building blocks of success

As a business coach who also runs a successful health, safety and compliance business, I have seen at first hand how the integration of safety and compliance into corporate culture can transform an organisation.

Before launching my coaching career, I spent 20 years in health and safety and compliance. My journey has shown me that these elements are not just regulatory obligations; they are fundamental to sustainable business success across all industries.

I have witnessed a significant evolution in how businesses approach these critical areas. Initially seen as mere necessities for legal and physical protection, safety and compliance have grown to become central pillars of a robust corporate strategy for successful businesses.

They bolster a company’s reputation and enhance employee morale by demonstrating a genuine commitment

to well-being. Properly implemented, safety and compliance practices protect against risks, reduce accidents and save costs from fines and lost productivity.

But their impact goes deeper by building trust and security. They lay the groundwork for a thriving workplace culture. The integration of safety into the very fabric of company culture should be a strategic goal for every business. This goes beyond putting up safety posters or holding occasional or mandatory training sessions. It involves embedding health and safety as core values, reflected in every business decision and practice.

community and your own employees.”

Rainbow washing can also be seen as ‘piggybacking’ an awareness month, which risks leaving employees angry and disengaged. It can also undermine the meaning of Pride, a protest against discrimination, Rachel added.

“One of the mistakes that businesses make is to focus all of their efforts during Pride Month rather than embracing diversity and inclusivity all year round. It is easy to fall into the trap of secondguessing what people want but even with good intentions this can go badly.

“I recommend getting out into the business. Speak to your employeesLGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ - and ask them what inclusion really looks like and feels like to them.”

An employer’s efforts during the month can make a positive impact for LGBTQ+ colleagues, Rachel added

Recognising the importance of safety and compliance to today’s corporate culture has never been more relevant, argues compliance expert Adam Fox.

Take, for example, a client in the construction industry whose sites were plagued with safety incidents. By involving employees in safety planning and decision-making, we transformed their compliance from a ‘check the box’ activity into a central business function. This not only improved their compliance record but also enhanced employee productivity, engagement and loyalty.

The leaders of successful organisations are crucial in this cultural shift. Leaders must model and promote safety and compliance not as a priority but as a norm. This can be challenging but it is

n Show a consistent approach by conducting a thorough review of company policies, initiatives and benefits to ensure they are fully inclusive, use neutral language and make everyone feel welcome.

n Ramp up education and awareness training. Host workshops with LGBTQ+ advocates and experts from outside of the business, including events that cover the history of the LGBTQ+ movement, to engage and inform people. Inviting colleagues to share stories and experiences could galvanise allies to spread the word that inclusivity is celebrated by your business.

n Help people feel involved by creating or elevating Employee Resource Groups to offer peer-to-peer support and gather valuable insights, promoting accountability within the business.

“When employees are directly involved, they are more lifely to commit to and advocate for safety culture.”

essential for cultivating a culture where every team member feels personally responsible for safety.

Effective leadership in safety creates an environment where employees feel valued and protected, increasing job satisfaction and productivity. Leaders must communicate openly about policies, encourage feedback, and show genuine care for employee well-being.

Engaging employees in safety is about making them active participants in the safety culture., engagement fostered through regular interactive training, safety committees involving employees from various levels and recognition programmes that reward safe behaviour.

When employees are directly involved, they are more likely to commit to and advocate for the safety culture. I have seen time and again where the employees on the frontline have the

Workplace Culture & Engagement

Rachel Collar

best ideas when it comes to improving safety - not only can they see where the improvements can and should be made but they also spot the opportunities to streamline operations, resulting in increased productivity and profitability.

To truly understand the effectiveness of integrating safety and compliance into corporate culture, businesses need to track specific key performance indicators such as the number of safety incidents reported, employee satisfaction scores, and compliance audit results. Regularly reviewing these KPIs helps in recognising achievements and identifying areas for improvement.

Reporting of incidents and near misses is something that should be actively encouraged. It is only through this reporting that your business can improve and ultimately succeed. Suppressing these numbers not only sends out the message that you do not genuinely care but it also prevents you from identifying the areas in which your business can improve and increase your bottom line.

Continuous improvement in safety and compliance is a dynamic process

Yoga and conversations about mental health have been on the agenda at one Northampton employer as part of a campaign prioritising its staff’s mental health and wellbeing. Colleagues at Bhangals Construction Consultants are pictured during a yoga session exploring the benefits of meditative practices. And the team have sat round a table to talk about mental health. The initiatives began as part of the Mental Health Awareness Week campaign last month. Chief executive Parm Bhangal said: “Our team is our greatest asset and their health and wellbeing are paramount. It is vitally important to provide opportunities for everyone to talk and share their feelings.”

of adaptation and learning. Regular updates to training programmes and safety protocols, based on the latest industry standards and technological advancements, are essential. Also, leaders must be equipped with the necessary knowledge and with the skills to inspire and lead by example.

The integration of safety and compliance into corporate culture is both beneficial and essential for modern businesses aiming for long-term success.

This approach not only safeguards the physical and legal aspects of a business but also enhances its overall health, creating a more engaged and productive workforce.

For those looking to enhance their approach, consider reaching out for expert guidance to navigate this vital integration effectively.

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

Tom Bodkin, partner at Borneo

Martell Turner Coulston Solicitors, looks at some key issues that organisations must take into account in order to ensure that IT contracts are robust and secure.

IT contracts: Know exactly what you sign

Owning and managing a business in the 21st century usually involves a significant degree of reliance on information technology, regardless of sector or industry. Many businesses now seeing their IT infrastructure as a fundamental and indispensable cornerstone of their operations.

It is vital that you have a good handle on your IT contracts. You must make sure that your contracts protect you against liabilities and allow smooth delivery of information technology throughout your business.

“It is so important to know exactly what you are signing when you enter into a software contract for your business,” said Tom. “There are so many areas where you can get caught out if you are not careful so it is wise to appoint an expert solicitor to review your IT contracts before you commit”.

Tom’s key areas to look out for when an IT service provider sends a new software agreement over to you for signing:

IT security questionnaire

You would not buy a business without asking a long series of questions and being comfortable with the answers. The same approach should apply to your IT service providers – you should undertake sufficient due diligence to feel confident that you are not placing your organisation at risk by installing their software.

Limitation of liability

Many commentators say the most crucial parts of any contract are the limitation of liability clauses and this is particularly the case with an IT contract.

You will need to know what is reasonable to ask for in terms of your service provider’s overall financial liability. It is common practice for this to be either represented as a fixed financial sum or as a multiple of annual fees payable, so that the liability cap is linked to the annual contract value.

Service Level Agreement

The role of this agreement is to set out a framework of expectations with regards to maintenance and technical support windows and it will deal with the award of service credits to compensate for any service level failures.

How

we can help

Contact us if you are looking for legal support in relation to an IT contract for your business. Whether you require advice on contract terms or help with drafting amendments, our lawyers will be happy to help.

For an informal conversation, contact Tom Bodkin on 01604 622101 or email tom.bodkin@bmtclaw.co.uk

Neves Solicitors unveils refreshed brand identity

We are excited to introduce a fresh new look having undergone a brand update. While our previous branding has served us well for many years, we felt it no longer reflected the modern, forwardthinking and innovative law firm that we have become.

This brand refresh is not about changing who we are. It is about defining who we are now and where we are heading. With more than 150 years experience, we have built our business to stand the test of time and we wanted our new branding to reflect this rich heritage. So, rather than a complete brand overhaul we have developed our existing branding to celebrate our roots while embracing our growth.

The new logo retains the familiar Neves ‘tick’ which symbolises our commitment to delivering excellent client services and provides continuity for our established clients. The modern typography and fresh colour palette we have chosen more accurately represents our

identity as a dynamic law firm. Our new branding keeps the firm’s proudly held values at its heart - At your side. A line that epitomises our firm’s belief that “We’re more than just legal experts. We’re trusted advisers who take the time to really understand your issues.”

Managing partner and head of company commercial Stewart Matthews (inset) said: “Our updated brand identity has a clean and contemporary aesthetic, better reflecting the innovative law firm we have become. We take great pride in our long history, our people and the legal services we offer and we are delighted that the new branding encapsulates both our past and our future.”

Tom Bodkin

Sign of the times: Outsourcing is the future for SME legal support

Action now can save pain later as organisations turn to a new form of specialist law advice. Lisa Garley-Evans, associate partner at Franklins Solicitors, explained more.

All companies need legal advice at some point in time. Unfortunately many SMEs only do so when things have already gone wrong.

At Franklins, we believe that prevention is better - and cheaper - than the cure. But what if you do not know you have a problem until it is too late?

Having recently joined Franklins, from my background as an in-house lawyer, we saw this gap in the market and therefore are pleased to introduce our new concept in legal service provision – in-house legal outsourcing. It is a very long-winded name for a service… so what exactly does this mean for the SME and what benefits can this bring to the stability of their business?

In-house legal outsourcing is where we provide support and legal advice as an in-house legal function without your business having the overheads of an employee’s salary. As your in-house lawyer, we work with you and your teams to understand your business and business model, your legal risks and opportunities and look to cost minimise in relation to legal matters.

I am really excited to head up this new function. As an experienced inhouse lawyer with more than 25 years’ experience working with multi-national corporations, I can offer - along with the support of the specialist lawyers at Franklins - a friendly, flexible, affordable and commercial legal support function for your business to ensure it grows in a compliant legal manner.

We will work together with you and your teams to identify legal risks, gaps and opportunities and provide commercially driven legal solutions. You decide how much or how little you need our support.

Since the pandemic and the ensuing cost of living crisis, UK companiesespecially SMEs - have been reassessing their requirements of lawyers and law firms. UK companies are now placing more emphasis on a law firm’s ability to grasp their strategic business challenges and providing them with commercial solutions at an affordable rate.

Many SMEs do not have the luxury of an in-house lawyer or to have their law firm on speed dial therefore, unfortunately, many ignore their legal issues hoping

Lisa Garley-Evans

they will go away or delegate to another function such as finance or HR.

I definitely would not trust a lawyer to file my end of year accounts so why should an accountant feel comfortable drafting a contract or dealing with a settlement agreement?

Subject to business needs, areas typically suited to in-house legal outsourcing are contract management, employee/supplier disputes, compliance and governance and general commercial matters.

The advantage of having your own inhouse outsourced lawyer is that they are there for your business five days a week, no holidays or illness as we cover these so your business receives a seamless, uninterrupted service.

If you think your business would benefit from a health check from myself and the team, contact us on info@franklins-sols.co.uk or call 01908 660966 / 01604 828282 . We have a wide range of legal specialisms to support growing businesses.

Associate partner arrives to head new department

Lisa Garley-Evans has joined Franklins as an associate partner to head the regional law firm’s new legal process outsourcing department.

She has more than 20 years of experience as general counsel for multinational fast moving consumer goods businesses working across Europe and the Americas.

She will work with clients to understand their business and identify challenges and opportunities and develop commercial strategic solutions. This includes support and guidance on matters relating to:

Compliance policies

Legal risk profiling and mitigation

Strategic support

“We have known for a long time that there was a gap in the market.”

Employee matters

Supplier contracts

Data compliant

Company secretary duties

Commercial overview

Regulatory support

Intellectual property matters

Reduction of external legal fees

Lisa also has experience with mergers, acquisitions and disposals and will work on the growth of the Franklins

corporate team. “I am looking forward to bringing an alternative legal solution to our current and future clients,” she said. “I am really excited to head up this new function and bring my in-house experience working with multi-national corporations to Franklins’ clients.”

Franklins equity partner Andrea Smith (inset) added: “We have known for a long time that there was a gap in the market for outsourced legal advice. We felt that with Lisa’s knowledge and expertise in this field this is the perfect time for the firm to establish our legal process outsourcing department. We wish Lisa all the best in this new and important role.”

The ‘accountability gap’ - in simple terms, the gap between operational and technical financial knowledge in a business - is a fundamental part of the framework that financial consultant Adrian Goodman works through with a new client. He explains the process and the benefits to both sides.

When I work with clients, I frequently refer to ‘The Accountability Gap’. A business owner knows the operational finance elements of their business and industry, key items such as purchase prices, selling prices, delivery costs and achievable profit margins. They also know industryspecific threats and opportunities.

However, they typically have a limited understanding of accounting concepts and technical finance, which can impact the correct calculation of profit and therefore hamper decision-making.

An accountant is the opposite. They are technically skilled and usually qualified, with a wealth of experience in calculating and classifying transactions and a firm understanding of relevant laws and regulations.

However, they are generally far less knowledgeable than the business owner when it comes to their specific organisation or industry.

Between the two, a reasonable degree of overall financial literacy exists in the business. Over a long and cooperative relationship, both parties learn more about each other’s specialist areas and this financial collaboration improves.

It is no surprise that the business becomes more successful when this happens.

However, the accountant will never spend enough time in the business to truly understand the operational finance elements and the business owner is unlikely to study accounting, so the Accountability Gap will always exist to some extent until the business grows to the point where it can justify the expense of a full-time finance director.

In the meantime, even if the gap cannot be closed completely, there are ways it can be bridged.

Additional services from your your accountant Many businesses engage

Mind the gap: More financial knowledge will aid success

“There is a proven statistical correlation between the success of a business and the financial literacy of the owner.”

their accountant to produce their yearend accounts and tax return, which is the bare minimum service an accountant can provide.

Improve the financial literacy of the business owner If the business owner has a fundamental understanding of accounting principles and technical finance, they not only can analyse the data in-house but also have a better understanding of the data provided by their accountant.

Of the two options outlined, the second point is far more likely to lead to greater finance knowledge in the business and therefore enhanced success. There are several reasons for this.

Firstly, you cannot become an accountant overnight but you can learn rudimentary financial concepts quite quickly. Your accountant will not have

the time or resources to replicate your industry-specific knowledge anywhere near as quickly.

Secondly, you may decide to change accountants at some point and then any understanding they had of your business is lost whereas your financial knowledge, once learned, is there to stay.

Ultimately, however, it comes down to accountability. You are accountable for all aspects of your business, including finance. It is your responsibility to not only understand your accounts but also potentially challenge the data presented by your accountant.

It is impossible to do this if you do not understand it.

There is a proven statistical correlation between the success of a business and the financial literacy of the owner. If you want your business to succeed, this is something you need to work on.

Adrian Goodman is the author of Achieving Profitable Growth, a guide to establishing profitable growth in business.

ppxconsulting.co.uk

Adrian.goodman@ppxconsulting.co.uk 01536 856740

Adrian Goodman

A decision to convert one ground-floor office has led to a whole new business opportunity for Wealth & Tax Management. managing director Tony Byrne explained more.

How I turned my empty offices into fully occupied

Our ground floor office at Furzton Lake in Milton Keynes was vacated by our last tenants in June last year. We appointed a commercial agent who only managed a few enquiries and one viewing over a two-month period. We then changed agents and the new agent only managed one viewing over three months so we cancelled their service too. I decided to convert the office from three to five rooms and let the whole ground floor out as serviced offices. I received seven enquiries within two days followed by four viewings over the next two weeks which was more than the two commercial

If you are interested in a serviced office to rent, co-working, a virtual office or advice on how to turn your business into serviced offices, take advantage of a one-hour Discovery Meeting either at our offices or via a video conference call at our expense worth £270 to each of the first three readers who contact us before June 30 2024. You know it makes sense. We offer a great cup of coffee too. Ring us on 01908 523740 or for free on 0800 980 4516 or email wealth@ wealthandtax.co.uk and quote JUNE 2024 OFFER to book your free discovery meeting.

ones

agents managed over five months. I quickly gained one tenant and another prospective tenant has paid a reservation fee for two of the offices. That leaves me with two more offices to let out, which I am confident will happen by the end of June.

“Suddenly I have created a new business out of nothing.”

I then decided to offer co-working (renting a desk in a shared office) and a virtual office address service. Suddenly I have created an entirely new serviced office business out of nothing.

Interestingly, I visited all of the offices in our business estate and I discovered that most of them were either empty or half empty. It strikes me that there is much less demand for larger offices these days and not much appetite for five-year fully repairing, upward-only rent review leases. Since the pandemic, many more people work from home.

However, there is still demand for smaller offices and/or business addresses on flexible, lower-cost terms.

Act now to beat property let tax changes

The tax-advantageous regime for Furnished Holiday Lets is being abolished from April 2025 writes Tim Woodgates (inset), partner at chartered accountants Moore The Chancellor is hoping that this change will encourage landlords to favour longer-term lettings over short-term vacation rentals. This means property owners offering Airbnb-style short lets have limited time remaining to take advantage of valuable FHL relief before the rules change.

What qualifies as a Furnished Holiday Let?

n The property is available for commercial letting as holiday accommodation for at least 210 days and actually let for at least 105 days in the tax year..

n Lets longer than 31 days do not count as holiday lets.

n For lettings that do not quite meet the conditions, it is possible to elect to average lettings between more than one property or to apply a period of grace to treat the conditions as met in a slow year.

What are the tax advantages of the Furnished Holiday Let regime? Where a let qualifies, the tax advantages can be significant:

n Full deduction against income for interest on borrowings.

n Reliefs from capital gains tax including business asset disposal relief (10% tax rate on sale), rollover relief and gift hold-over relief to defer gains.

n Profits treated as earnings for pension contribution purposes.

n Beneficial capital allowances rules for tax relief on fixtures.

Property owners have a short window of opportunity in which to take advantage of the tax benefits available for qualifying rentals. For example, reviewing possible claims for capital allowances to find missed reliefs can reduce FHL taxable profits. Allowances are available for furniture, white goods and property fixtures - unlike standard buy-to-let properties, a deduction is available for initial expenditure and not only replacements and repairs.

There is no time limit for claiming capital allowances where the asset is still used in the FHL business but the opportunity to claim ends from April.

n This advice insight is indicative only. Full tax advice should be sought on your specific circumstances.

Tony Byrne

Networking

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

Every Tuesday at noon.

National networking

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

AYLESBURY

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

2nd Thursday 12 noon-2pm: Online.

BUCKINGHAM

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

4th Thursday 10am-11.30am: Online.

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

BEDFORD

2nd Wednesday 12 noon-2pm: Online. SOUTH BEDFORDSHIRE

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

3rd Thursday 12 noon-2pm: Online.

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

June 19 7.45am-9.15am:

The Bedfordshire Golf Club, Stagsden Sponsors: Ginger Cow Marketing; Mazars; Metro Bank; Woodfines Solicitors

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

MEMBERS SUMMER RECEPTION

June 19 5pm-7pm:

The Forest Centre, Marston Moretaine Informal networking with barbecue. Sponsor: Fliweel.tech

Free event, Chamber members only. Exhibition stands: £65 + VAT..

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

IGNITE

Tuesday 6.45am:

The Turnpike, Harpole, Northampton ACHIEVERS

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

PIONEER

Wednesday 9.30am-11am: Online. APOLLO

Wednesday 10am:

Abbey Hill Golf Centre, Two Mile Ash, Milton Keynes. FUSION

Thursday 6.45am:

Abbey Hill Golf Centre, Two Mile Ash, Milton Keynes. BLAZE

Thursday 6.45am:

Mount Pleasant Golf Club, Lower Stondon nr Henlow.

PAVILION

Thursday 6.45am-8.30am:

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

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

Thursday 11.45am-1.30pm: The Old Northamptonians RFC, Sir Humphrey Cripps Pavilion, Billing Road, Northampton. ENCORE

Friday 6.45am: Holiday Inn London Luton. LIGHTHOUSE

Friday 6.45am-8.30am: Old Northamptonians Association, Billing Road, Northampton. Contact: Duncan Webster, email duncan@bnibreakfast.co.uk or call 07977 422220. More information: bni.co.uk

June 11, 25 6.45am-8.45am: Villiers Hotel, Buckingham Breakfast meeting and speaker. Visitors: £10.

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

Regional sponsor: Business MK and Business Times

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

BEDFORD

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

4th Tuesday: Miss Vietnam, Market Square. BRACKLEY

1st Thursday: Paisley Pear, Northampton Road. DAVENTRY

3rd Friday: Arc Cinema, Mulberry Place. DUNSTABLE

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

LUTON

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

MILTON KEYNES

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

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

TOWCESTER

4th Thursday: Towcester Mill Brewery, Chantry Lane. WELLINGBOROUGH

2nd Tuesday: Castello Lounge, Market Street

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

Business networking and referral group. Price: £6.

MILTON KEYNES

4th Thursday, 7.30am-9.30am:

Windmill Hill Golf Centre, Bletchley. Meeting fee: £16 (first meeting free).

NORTHAMPTON BREAKFAST

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

NORTHAMPTON EVENING

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

WELLINGBOROUGH

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

VIRTUAL MEETINGS

Meeting fee: £6 (first meeting free).

Wednesday Breakfast

4th Wednesday, 7.30am-9am.

Thursday Breakfast

3rd Thursday, 7.30am-9am.

Friday Breakfast

2nd Friday, 7.30am-9am.

THE ACCOUNTABILITY CIRCLE

Monday 10am-11am: Online Time management and productivity. Price: £6 per session or £12 per month. More information: buscomm.co.uk.

June 7, 21 7am:

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

BEDFORD

June 13 9.30am-11.30am

Brewpoint, Cut Throat Lane, Bedford Host: Aruno Rao. Brunchtime networking. Price: £26.

MILTON KEYNES

June 5 9.30am-11.30am

The Anchor, The Square, Aspley Guise Host: Heide Swift. Brunchtime networking. Price: £26.

NORTHAMPTON

June 11 9.30am-11.30am

The Chester House Estate, Irchester Host: Kirsty Parris. Brunchtime networking. Price: £26.

TOWCESTER

June 19 9.30am-11.30am

The Navigation Inn, Thrupp Wharf Marina, Cosgrove Host: Kirsty Parris. Brunchtime networking. Price: £26. Contact: busynetworking.net/meetings.

Networking with lunch. Price: £28.

AMPTHILL

June 13 11.45am-2pm

The Knife & Cleaver, Houghton Conquest Host: Chandra Gardner.

BEDFORD

June 27 11.45am-2pm

The Woodland Manor Hotel, Green Lane, Clapham

Host: Aruno Rao.

BUCKINGHAM

June 17 11.45am-2pm

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

KETTERING

June 25 11.45am-2pm

The Kettering Golf Club, Headlands Host: Aruno Rao.

MILTON KEYNES

June 6 11.45am-2pm

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

MILTON KEYNES NORTH

June 10 11.45am-2pm

The Cherry Tree, Olney Host: Aruno Rao.

NORTHAMPTON

June 18 11.45am-2pm

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

TOWCESTER

June 26 11.45am-2pm

The Navigation Inn, Thrupp Wharf Marina, Cosgrove

Host: Aruno Rao.

Contact: busywomen.net or call 07957 284851.

NETWORKING BREAKFAST

3rd Friday, 7am-9am

Astral Park, Leighton Buzzard

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

June 5, 7.30am-9am:

YMCA, North Sixth Street, Central Milton Keynes

The longest-established breakfast networking club in Milton Keynes. Speaker: Bryan Wright, of Yellowyoyo; Sarah Sweet-Rowley, of Autism Early Support. Book at citybreakfastclub.co.uk

VIRTUAL

June 4, 25 10.30am-12 noon

Online BREAKFAST, NETWALK & BRUNCH

June 6 7.15am-8.45am; 9.05am-9.50am; 1 0am-11.30am

Willen Hospice Café Willen Lake

GOLD MEMBERSHIP BUSINESS WORKSHOP

June 11 9am-12 noon

Whittlebury Park IN PARTNERSHIP EVENT

with Leighton Buzzard businesses

June 13 5pm-6.30pm

Leighton Town Football Club

MK MEET-UP EVENT

June 18 5.30pm-8pm

Aiimi, Avebury Boulevard, Central Milton Keynes IN PARTNERSHIP EVENT with Olney businesses

June 26 5pm-6.30pm

Olney Rugby Club IN PARTNERSHIP EVENT with Buckingham businesses

June 27 5pm-6.30pm

BEIU , University of Buckingham

All events free to attend as a non-member on one occasion. Book at the event booking diary web page at collaboratemk.co.uk. Contact: Tim Lee, email tim@collaboratemk.co.uk or 07786 527845.

Alternate Wednesdays 7.30am-9.30am: The Hind Hotel, Wellingborough Networking group run by its members for its members. Contact: cornerstone-northants.org or email network@cornerstone-northants.org.

June 20 12.30pm-2.30pm

Maaya Restaurant, The Hub, Central Milton Keynes Sponsor: Pinders. Networking lunch. Price: £35.11. Book at thecurryclubs.co.uk/event/ milton-keynes-curry-club-24/

Wednesdays 6.45am-8.30am: The Hopping Hare, Hopping Hill Gardens, Northampton Breakfast networking + members’ presentation opportunities. Price: £10 visitors. Contact: enigmanetworking.co.uk. email chair@enigmanetworking.co.uk or call 07889 967779.

MILTON KEYNES VIRTUAL NETWORKING

June 14 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 fsb.org.uk

Published in association with

COFFEE & CONNECT

June 13 10am-12 noon: Frosts Garden Centre, Woburn Sands

Informal networking. Price: £12.50. Book at askgoto.com/event/coffee-connect-mk-20/

LBBC

LEIGHTON BUZZARD BUSINESS CLUB

Wednesdays 7am-8.30am: The Dukes, Leighton Road, Heath and Reach

Breakfast networking with speaker + member presentations. Visitors: £10. Contact: leightonbuzzardbiz.co.uk. email LBBC chairman Steve Baker at steve@sbfinancial.co.uk or call 01296 641868.

#LOVEBIZ NETWORKING DERNGATE COMMUNITY

AFTERNOON TEA

June 5 12 noon-2pm: The Hopping Hare, Hopping Hill Gardens, Northampton Networking community for women in business in Northamptonshire and beyond. Relaxed networking over afternoon tea. Price: £34.50. Contact: Julie Cameron at juliecameron@lovebiznetworking.co.uk or lovebiznetworking.co.uk.

LUTON COFFEE CLUB

1st Tuesday 8am-10am Mano Coffee, George Street Informal networking. Free event. To find out more, email organiser Stephen Wood at s.w@srwood.co.uk or call 01582 401221.

WOMEN WITH VISION

June 7 11.30am-1.30pm:

Kettering Park Hotel & Spa Networking over lunch. Price: £30 + VAT Chamber members; non-members £50 + VAT.

BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS

June 12 8.30am-10.30am:

Holiday Inn Milton Keynes Central Informal networking. Price: £10 + VAT Chamber membera; non-members £20 + VAT.

MAXIMISE YOUR MEMBERSHIP June 27 8.30am-10.30am: Silverstone Museum

Networking plus an opportunity to find out more about the benefits of Chamber membership. Free event, Chamber members only To book on to Chamber events, visit chambermk.co.uk/events.

MEET OF MK

June 25 5pm-7pm: Marco’s New York Italian, Holiday Inn Central Milton Keynes Sponsored by Facilities Management Solutions. Networking with speakers. Contact: mkfm.com/events/mkfms-meet-of-mk/

Networking

June 12

8am-10am: Planet Ice, Central Milton Keynes

Networking with speaker from MK Lightning ice hockey. Organised in association with 123 Internet. Free event. Contact: mkbusinessnetworking.co.uk

NETWALK

June 26 9.15am-10.45am Grounds Café, Salcey Forest

An informal walk, followed by coffee and a catch-up. Dogs are welcome.

Organised by Franklins Solicitors. Free event. To book, visit events.bookitbee.com/ franklins-solicitors-llp/

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

SPEED NETWORKING

June 20 11.30am-1.30pm: Northampton Town Centre Hotel

Networking + buffet lunch. Price: £20 + VAT, Chamber members only.

MAXIMISE YOUR MEMBERSHIP

June 27 8.30am-10.30am: Silverstone Museum

Networking plus an opportunity to find out more about the benefits of Chamber membership. Free event, Chamber members only To book on to Chamber events, visit northants-chamber.co.uk.

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

MARKETING IDEAS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

June 3 4pm-6pm: Online Workshop. ONLINE NETWORKING

June 7 4pm-5pm

Free event to NNBN members and non-members. THE SECRETS TO BEING A GREAT EMPLOYER

June 12 9.30am-11am: Vulcan Works, Northampton Workshop presented by Gateway HR. Free event for NNBN members and non-members.

EVENING BUSINESS NETWORKING

June 13 7pm-8.30pm:

Chester House Estate, Irchester

June 27 7pm-8.30pm: Northampton Town Centre Hotel

Informal networking. Free event for NNBN members; visitors £10.

NNBN WORKSHOP

June 14 4pm-5pm: Online

Find out more about the benefits of joining NNBN. CARBON REDUCTION AND SUSTAINABILITY

June 26 3pm-5pm: Lutyens House Meeting Room, Northampton Led by ActNow Consulting. Free event for NNBN members.

HOTDESKING

June 28 9am-5pm: Vulcan Works, Northampton

A day of co-working. Free event for NNBN members. For more information and to book, visit nnbn.co.uk/events/.

STEP CHANGE GROWTH FOR AMBITIOUS BUSINESS LEADERS

June 25 9.30am-12 noon: Fairspace, Midsummer Boulevard, Central Milton Keynes

An introduction to the five keys to exceptional profitable growth. Hosted by Hawsons Chartered Accountants and business development consultancy Tinderbox.

Speakers: Will Amos, partner, Hawsons; David Turner, founder and managing director Tinderbox Business Development. Price: £15. Book at eventbrite.co.uk

Contact: Ian Taylor, Tinderbox’s regional director South Central. Email ian.taylor@tinderboxbd.com.

Fridays 6.45am-8.45am:

The Cock Hotel, Stony Stratford

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

Contact: tfinetworking.co.uk.

12 noon-2pm, networking lunch. Bedford & Ampthill

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

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

2nd Monday: South Beds Golf Club/ Online. Sandy & Biggleswade

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

Milton Keynes

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

NETWORKING LUNCH

June 19 12 noon-2pm:

The Shoulder of Mutton, Calverton Informal networking. Price: £26 WiE members; non-members £30. Book at womeninenterprise.co.uk.

BUSINESS ROOM

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

3rd Thursday 12 noon-2pm: The Barns Hotel. KETTERING

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

NORTHAMPTON

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

2nd Wednesday 12 noon-2pm: The Cherry Tree Restaurant & Bar. SOUTH NORTHANTS

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

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

1st Tuesday 11.45am-2pm: Delapre Abbey, Northampton. Contact: Barbara Hodgson 07504 946 585 / 01933 652884, email barbara@yourbusinessmatters.co or visit yourbusinessmatters.co.

NETWORKING + CHARITY QUIZ

June 13 4pm-6pm:

Dipna Anand’s Kitchen & Bar, Unity Place, Central Milton Keynes

An evening of informal networking, drinks and nibbles and featuring a fundraising quiz in aid of Harry’s Rainbow. Book your place online at yourbusinessexpo.co.uk/ networking/ Or scan the QR code >>

Take your networking back to nature

Join us at a networking event with a difference. The stunning Stanwick Lakes near Wellingborough is the venue for an exclusive corporate networking event on July 5, hosted by Your Business Networking in partnership with Stanwick Lakes.

Your morning begins with informal networking over tea, coffee and pastries ahead of the first of two activity sessions in which delegates can try their hand at a range of engaging activities on offer at this beautiful nature reserve and countryside attraction. Our guests will choose from activities including:

Axe throwing Blacksmithing

Cycling/walking scavenger hunt

Ceramic painting Forest bathing

Your Business Networking is always looking to break the mould with the theme of its events, designed to meet the requirements of today’s corporate world. That is why we have linked up with the team at Stanwick Lakes, a social enterprise run by the Rockingham Forest Trust environmental charity. Every pound it receives in revenue and donations directly supports the cost of running the site, including its conservation work and educational events.

Stanwick Lakes is a truly unique setting, with its Visitor Centre at the heart of its indoor and outdoor facilities. The Visitor Centre is an ideal venue to host corporate events and functions. With a large range of team building activities developed in-house, it is the perfect opportunity to escape the office in a beautiful setting and to support a local charity.

Our agenda on July 5 is as follows:

8.30am-9.30am Arrival, tea/coffee, pastries, and networking.

9.30am Introductions and instructions.

9.45am First activity session.

10.45am Changeover, comfort break, tea, and coffee.

11am Second activity session.

12 noon Conclusion of activities, lunch, and networking.

1 pm Departure.

We cannot wait to welcome our guests to some networking with a difference.

Scan the code to find out more and book your place.

Sponsorship revs up young driver... but GCSEs come first

Revving up for a productive summer is National Kart Cup racing driver Charlie Ephgrave. He is pictured with Chris Matthews, director of LMR Building Supplies which has just agreed a seasonlong sponsorship deal with the budding track star.

Charlie is taking part in his first national championship and will compete in five National Kart Cup races and eight competitions at his local Kimbolton track.

Builders merchant LMR Building Supplies , which is based at Finedon

near Wellingborough, has its branding emblazoned on Charlie’s kart. Chris, a motorsport fan, said: “When Charlie approached us looking for sponsorship I was immediately impressed with the amount of effort that had clearly gone into producing a very professional sponsorship pack and as a firm we thought it was a great opportunity to support a young person to help them progress in their sport.

“I have been down to Kimbolton to watch him race which was hugely exciting and I was really impressed with his speed and race craft.”

Charlie races for Team AIRkart. “It really means a lot that a company such as LMR believes in me enough to sponsor me,” he said.

“While I am considered a latecomer in the world of karting, I have already proven that I can race competitively and I am setting times that put me comfortably mid-pack in my races.”

He competed in his first National Kart Cup race in Dorset in April and is preparing for his next appearance at Mansell Raceway at the end of this month.

“I just have the small matter of my GCSEs to get through before then,” Charlie said.

Developer goes into bat for cricket club

Logistics property developer and investor Prologis has agreed a three-year sponsorship deal with Barby Cricket Club near Daventry.

The company, which owns the nearby DIRFT rail freight terminal, is to sponsor the club’s shirts. It is an extension of the previous sponsorship of the under-13 girls team to cover every team and is a boost to Barby CC’s fundraising campaign to update its clubhouse changing facilities as the number of female players grows.

“Our continued support for Barby Cricket Club is testament to the wonderful

The fit+ gym model is set to launch in the UK later this year

Steelbacks snap up a tasty deal

Food manufacturer Brioche Pasquier is to become principal partner of Northamptonshire County Cricket‘s Steelbacks in the Community scheme for the next two years.

The firm’s involvement is expected to help the club’s work to engage county residents in cricket and related activities.

Brioche Pasquier has been manufacturing its brioche and patisserie at its factory in Milton Keynes since 2014. “We are really excited to see how our new partnership can grow,” said UK managing director Ryan Peters.

Brioche Pasquier will feature on the Player Pathway and Northamptonshire Women’s team kit, as well as having its branding around The County Ground.

strides the team is making in expanding its grass roots sport to young people as well as its commitment to diversity,” said Prologis UK’s marketing lead Francesca Hawken.

Barby CC has three Saturday teams playing in Division 2, Division 6 and Division 13 of the Northamptonshire Cricket League as well as an expanding junior section that caters for girls and boys aged five and over.

Club chair Rob Field said: “Partnerships with local businesses are critical to the continued survival of the club. ”

“It is fantastic to welcome Brioche Pasquier to the club and we are excited to see the growth with this partnership over the next couple of years,” said NCCC’s head of commercial Daniel Vernon.

“We are excited to see how they can contribute to our Women’s and Community programmes. I believe their experience and commitment will help elevate these aspects of the club to another level.”

Digital gym model joins UK market

Fitness franchise investor Empowered Brands, which is behind the gym franchise énergie Fitness and UBX Boxing & Strength, has signed a landmark deal with a German company that specialises in staffless gyms.

fit+ runs gyms in more than 250 locations across Europe. Now the franchise is to roll out across the UK and Ireland.

Empowered Brands, whose headquarters are in Milton Keynes, has already identified more than 20 potential locations. It sees the fit+ model as one that improves gym provision across a wider area.

Chief executive Matt Pinner said:

“Convenience is a driving force in the industry now more than ever before, with gym goers looking for a well-equipped fitness club in the immediate vicinity of where they live, and fit+ will provide exactly that and more.”

fit+ gyms provide a range of strength, resistance, and free weights equipment. QR codes feature on each piece of equipment guide users on how they work.

“We are really excited to roll the concept out,” said Matt. “It is gamechanging for the industry as it is a concept that is able to reach underserved communities easily where perhaps they do not currently have a convenient fitness facility or where they do but it has restricted hours.”

The fit+ concept was founded by German fitness club operators and entrepreneurs Torsten Boorberg and Björn Krämer to tackle staffing challenges they faced in the industry. The staffless gym model has seen exponential growth of 200% in three years and is forecast to rise to 300% with 320 gyms open worldwide by the end of this year.

The model targets smaller territories than traditional gyms - smaller towns, suburban and rural areas with a target population of 6,000 - 15,000.

“Empowered Brands were an obvious choice to partner with to rollout fit+

across the UK given their extensive experience in the sector,” said Torsten. “Our gyms are operated entirely digitally, managed with just a few hours work per week. It keeps the gym’s operating costs to a minimum and provides an amazing level of freedom and flexibility for the business owner.”

Everything is fully automated, from how members sign up and enter the gym to membership management and admin which is all processed internally.

Empowered Brands is backed by alternative investment management firm RM Funds. “The addition of the fit+ franchise enhances our expanding

portfolio of fitness and wellness franchise brands, further solidifying our franchise royalty platform,” said Empowered Brands chairman and RM Funds portfolio manager Pietro Nicholls.

Empowered Brands has already opened two new franchised énergie Fitness gyms in Lichfield and Tooting this year and three new UBX Boxing & Strength franchise clubs in Alderley, Windsor and Wembley. “We have an exciting pipeline of new openings to come across both énergie Fitness and UBX Boxing & Strength, and we anticipate appeal for fit+ franchisees being just as strong,” said Matt.

Relaxed, welcoming and events are a place where face to face interaction sparks collaboration.

13th June 4-6pm, Charity Quiz & Networking Dipna Anand Kitchen & Bar, Unity Place

A charity quiz in aid of Harry’s Rainbow. £30 per ticket with all profits going to the charity. Nibbles and a drink included and there are some amazing prizes!

18th July 4-6pm, Networking & Cocktail Making Sky Lounge, Unity Place

Experience a delightful blend of business networking and cocktail making fun, while indulging in a refreshing welcome drink and our delicious mini BBQ. £25 per ticket. Scan the code to register your interest.

Foodbank plans management board

Plans are being drawn up to form a voluntary management board at Corby Foodbank.

The move is being led by the charity’s chair Sue Kennedy, a former child protection social worker. She and Corby Foodbank manager Martin Langford have been working to put processes in place for the service.

“There is a lot of my experience including safeguarding, working with volunteers and helping with community

projects that is really useful in this setting,” said Sue, a former child protection social worker who is also church warden at St Peter and St Andrew’s Church in Corby, where the foodbank is based.

Going forward, the foodbank would be governed by an independent committee voted into their posts.

“The foodbank provides a safe place in our community,” Sue said. “Working with Martin has helped me to think about the next steps. I would like to see it develop its

Sessions deliver a sense of calm

Mumpreneur Joanna Konefal is preparing to host a free public event to highlight yoga, mindfulness and their benefits for mental health.

The event takes place on June 21 – International Yoga Day – at the Labyrinth near Willen Lake in Milton Keynes and Joanna is looking for local businesses to support the event through participation and sponsorship.

The event runs from 10am until 7pm, with a total 16 free classes on themes

including yoga, meditation, sound bath, art therapy and energy healing.

“We recognise increasing need for support for all who struggle with long-term issues such as depression, anxiety and stress but also those who are interested in self-development,” said Joanna.

Find out more about the classes and teachers and book your place at eventbrite.co.uk

Law firm links up with brain injury charity

Four families are to begin counselling sessions and enjoy family experience days thanks to a new year-long partnership between the Child Brain Injury Trust charity and Milton Keynes-based consumer law firm Lime Solicitors.

The practice has sponsored the charity’s CBIT Games for the past three years as well as supporting its Licensed

SUPPORTING LOCAL CHARITIES

to Spin fundraising casino night and Bollywood dance evening.

“As specialists in brain injury claims, we are always looking to partner with like-minded organisations and charities that provide invaluable support to those affected by this type of traumatic injury,” said Lime Solicitors’ serious injury partner Vicky Blodwell.

own voluntary management board so the chairperson can be chosen.

“I want everyone, including the Parochial Church Council and trustees, to know what their roles are and make sure that there are processes are in place so we have a clear understanding of where the foodbank is going. In future, we would like Corby Foodbank to become even more of a community hub for our town.”

For more information about Corby Foodbank visit www.corby.foodbank.org.uk

The search is on for new heritage heroes

The hunt is on for Corby’s next set of heritage heroes.

The Heritage Accelerator for Northamptonshire initiative is being run by the University of Northampton and backed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The programme provides the means for local practitioners in arts, culture, heritage, and history and ensure growing awareness of Corby’s heritage.

The first of Northamptonshire’s Heritage Accelerators are already being supported by the programme. Applications for the second cohort of Heritage Accelerators are now open.

The programme offers practitioners: n Ten months of needs-led continuous professional development.

n £4,000 towards training, expenses and project development.

n The chance to pilot and develop ideas through to funding applications.

n Opportunities to develop and submit competitive project grants.

n Knowledge exchange.

One of the first cohort of Corby Heritage Accelerator practitioners is former arts teacher Lisa Lovett, a graduate in primary education at the University of Northampton. Her Earthly Arts Studio launched last month at The Chester House. Estate. “Heritage Accelerator has enabled me to fulfil an idea that I have had for a long time,” she said.

Suzanne Oliver the university’s heritage partnerships and projects officer, said: “We have been able to build new partnerships with many key heritage organisations in the north of the county and are seeing new approaches and ambitious ideas develop to engage the wider community in our rich heritage.”

High Commissioner hails village project

Praise for a charity’s work to support major building projects to improve living conditions and reduce disease in a village in The Gambia has come from the African country’s UK High Commissioner.

Dr Fatou Bensouda joined more than 40 guests including HM Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire The Countess Howe at a fundraising dinner in aid of The Oasis Project – The Gambia.

The charity works with villagers in Bakau

Sleepout raises funds for homeless

to improve their education, health and environment. The Oasis Project has been instrumental in building a new school in the village and storm drains to reduce stagnant rainwater and therefore cases of malaria.

The dinner also saw the launch of a £350,000 capital fund for future projects. A silent auction on the night raised more than £5,200, money that will fund a canteen and equipment at the new school.

(from left) Angela Rhodes; The Countess Howe, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire; High Commissioner for the Gambia Dr Bensouda; The Oasis Project founder Chris Hayter; Liz Newell, partner at event sponsor MHA; Sally Alexander, chief executive of Milton Keynes College

Dr Bensouda said: “Charities such as the Oasis Project -The Gambia are vital to the education needs of the region and to hear of the capital fund appeal and a new school to fill the need for more pupils is exceptional for The Gambia.”

The High Commissioner also praised the support of The Rotary Club of Milton Keynes Grand Union in its fundraising for the project’s work.

Land for the new Starlight school had been secured thanks to donations including $5,000 on the night from the Million Dollar Round Table group of philanthropists and the charity long-time supporter Alistair Wallace.

“All money raised for the charity in the UK is project managed financially in the UK which provides a secure base, encouraging more people to become involved,” said The Oasis Project’s chair of trustees Angela Rhodes. “I am completely humbled by the generosity in the room for this first Capital Fund appeal dinner.”

Now the charity is looking to recruit more trustees and volunteers.

A charity supporting the homeless has received a boost of at least £3,000 after a Big Sleepout fundraising initiative.

Food manufacturer Cranswick Convenience Foods hosted the event at its factory in Milton Keynes, joining forces with homeless charity UnityMK.

“While it is just one night, it gives participants a tiny insight into some of the many challenges our guests have to face when sleeping rough,” said Unity MK’s fundraising manager Ria House. “All funds raised help us continue to support those who are at crisis point or

Cranswick’s HR manager Matt Cowley added: “We all woke up thankful for what we have and hopeful that this important event has raised vital awareness and much-needed funds.”

Staff at Cranswick Convenience Foods support Unity MK through volunteering and providing employment and upskilling opportunities. Site director Sam Pearl said: “We hope that our involvement in this event acts as a catalyst for other local businesses to get involved.”

facing homelessness in Milton Keynes.”

Business Soundbites

A snapshot of what business people have been telling us.

“Small businesses are making a huge difference to society.”

Diversity champion Gamiel Yafai reflects on how SMEs are embracing inclusion in their day-to-day operations.

“We all woke up thankful for what we have.”

Matt Crowley, HR manager at Cranswick Convenience Foods in Milton Keynes on the morning after the food manufacturer hosted a fundraising sleep-out in aid of the homeless charity UnityMK.

“Building a range of homes to suit many different needs is not only a priority but a necessity.“

Dan Usher of planning consultancy Marrons, issues some advice to planners.

“I am solely here to make people’s lives better.”

79-year-old volunteer Roger Brewer, whose work with charity, the NHS and with prisoners was recognised with an invitation to a Royal Garden Party.

“Our success is not just measured by sales but also by the positive impact we have on communities and the environment.”

John Keely, managing director of Niftylift, after the Milton Keynes-based manufacturer received a King’s Award for Enterprise.

“All I have done is write some nice words, made some pretty pictures and articulated what they wanted to do.”

A modest branding specialist Leigh Evans reflects on his contribution to the Egyptian government’s project to rebrand the Pyramids of Giza.

“A place where you can have fun, overcome challenges, strive and flourish.”

Leadership expert Freddie Guilmard’s definition of what a workplace should be.

“I just have the small matter of my GCSEs to get through before then.”

Teenage kart driver Charlie Ephgrave puts his priorities in order as his racing season gets into full swing.

Artificial Intelligence, regeneration, wellbeing and potholes... West Northamptonshire Council’s new leader outlines his plans.

‘I hope I will bring a different perspective’

Rugby fan Adam Brown is aiming to put West Northamptonshire at the top of the league for better public services and outcomes for residents in his new role as leader of West Northamptonshire Council.

The 39-year-old Saints fan and qualified rugby referee, who was born in Northampton and grew up in Weedon, took the reins as leader at the council’s annual meeting last month.

He has been a councillor for eight years and championed the successful bid to bring the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup to West Northants. Now Cllr Brown is looking forward to tackling the challenges facing the council and, he says, converting them into opportunities to improve services and support local communities.

coming weeks. Cllr Brown has also put tackling poverty and improving health and wellbeing as council priorities, along with regeneration plans for Northampton, Daventry, Brackley and Towcester.

Having worked as a campaign volunteer, Cllr Brown became a Daventry District Councillor for Weedon ward the following year, then later DDC’s deputy leader. In 2017 he was elected as a Northamptonshire County Councillor for Bugbrooke and in 2021 became a WNC councillor for the same division, a role he has held for the past three years alongside the remits of deputy leader and cabinet member for housing, culture and leisure.

“I am passionate about focusing on issues that matter most to the people here.”

The next step is to focus on improving productivity through best use of IT and Artificial Intelligence and redesigning services to make them more costeffective and easier for residents to use.

“A top priority for us moving forward this year is the need to do much more to improve and invest in our roads and tackle the blight of potholes, which we know are a huge concern for our residents.”

He promised “positive news” in the

He is married, lives in Northampton and has a professional background in financial services.

“As a relatively young council leader, I am hoping I will bring a different perspective to the role along with fresh energy and enthusiasm. I also think bringing two strong sets of experience to the role, through my financial services background and as a councillor of eight years, will prove really beneficial.

“West Northamptonshire is a wonderful area and I am passionate about focusing on issues that matter most to the people here.”

End of an era as partner bids farewell

It is the end of an era at regional law firm Woodfines Solicitors with the retirement of consultant Tim Sills. He has advised clients including many in Bedfordshire’s farming community on commercial property and land matters for almost six decades, after qualifying as a solicitor in 1966.

He had been a partner at law firm Leeds Smith in Sandy since 1970, becoming senior partner in 1987 until the firm merged with Woodfines over 20 years ago.

“We have all benefited from Tim’s commitment and were honoured to have

a solicitor of his calibre work with us,” said Woodfines partner and head of property Suzanna Stephenson. “I can say with confidence on behalf of the firm that he will be greatly missed.”

Tim (inset) was Under Sheriff of Bedfordshire between 1988 and 2007 and remains a Deputy Lieutenant in the county. He was also a non-executive director at grain and agricultural merchant Sidney C Banks in Sandy for 20 years.

Cllr Adam Brown

Festival confirms its international pedigree

Congratulations to IF: Milton Keynes International Festival, which has been officially recognised as one of Europe’s most remarkable arts festivals for a second time.

It has received the EFFE Label 2024/2025 from the European Festivals Association after passing a series of quality standards that assess the festival’s programme, new commissions and artist residencies, community engagement, innovation, education, opportunities for emerging artists and diversity and inclusion.

IF: Milton Keynes International festival first received the EFFE Label in 2016.

Sir Jonathan Mills, former director of the Edinburgh Festival who chaired the International Jury assessing the award, said: “The Festival has grown its artistic programme to embrace its local infrastructure, landscape and communities to extend its ambition and relevance to international issues and embrace innovative artistic engagement.”

One of the 2023 festival’s commissions – The Place Between, a spectacular sense and sound commission created by artists Rebecca Law and Jason Singh –was shortlisted for an award celebrating placemaking and place-led initiatives.

IF director Monica Ferguson said: “It is fantastic to be recognised for the amazing work which the Festival team and artists deliver.”

Cllr Shanika Mahendran, cabinet member for economy, sustainability and innovation on Milton Keynes City Council, added: “We are really proud to be part of the International Festival which brings together so many different communities across our city. It is no surprise that the Festival has received this accolade given last year’s exemplary programme.”

The festival takes place in alternate years - next year’s IF is planned for July 18-27. “We are busy developing plans for the next Festival and there is still an opportunity for local businesses and other organisations to co-commission projects and sponsor the Festival,” Monica said.

centre:mk has been headline partner of IF since its inception in 2010. Centre director Kevin Duffy said: “Our collaboration on The Place Between commission perfectly illustrates how a highly successful retail destination like centre:mk can have a role to play in delivering unique experiences which challenge what we expect of our immediate environment.”

Feel good on your financial five-a-day

Open University academics

Professor George Callaghan and Dr Martin Higginson are on a mission, advising people to indulge in some daily “financial nutrition”.

They have begun the Financial Five-a-Day podcast, a series of interviews with financial experts. In it, they share their expertise in the hope that you and I will rethink the way in which we approach our spending, saving and investment habits. The aim, they say, is to help people navigate not only their immediate financial future but further ahead, towards a comfortable retirement.

“These are the most challenging times for 40 years for households. Now we live in a world where a pint of milk costs in excess of 65p – in 2020 it was about 35p - and this kind of price increase has not been experienced for a generation,” said George. “Adjusting your thinking to how you spend money on a daily basis can be transformational.”

The podcasts are hosted on the OU’s free education platform OpenLearn, Spotify and Apple podcast platforms.

The Financial Five-a-Day research forms part of the OU’s Open Societal Challenges Programme. “These podcasts are designed to make people take a long hard look at how they are using their money and many of our interviewees say that knowing what you want your life to look like as a mature adult is the key,” said Martin.

New technology delivers ‘frictionless’ shopping

Here is a glimpse into the future of retail… welcome to the Corner Store.

It is the first venue to provide “frictionless” shopping – visitors tap their credit card or mobile wallet at the entry gate and technology detects the items that they take off the shelves, creating a virtual shopping session as they go.

Once finished, they depart with their goods and their chosen payment method is charged accordingly for their purchases.

The Corner Store is at Unity Place in Central Milton Keynes, offering a range of food, beverages and other convenience items. Its Just Walk Out technology,

determine

who took what in any retail environment. Amazon built synthetic datasets to mimic millions of realistic shopping scenarios, including variations in store format, lighting conditions, even crowds of shoppers, to ensure accuracy.

The Corner Store is operated by Restaurant Associates, which runs all of Unity Place’s food and beverage offers. “We are constantly looking at ways to further enhance our customer journey. Through the launch of The Corner Store, we can now provide a faster and more seamless experience using proven, secure technology,” said head of digital and technology Kenneth Leamy.

developed by Amazon, uses artificial intelligence such as computer vision and deep learning techniques including generative AI to accurately

Photo: Doug Peters

Photo: Shaun Armstrong

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