Business MK newspaper August 23

In print

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

Ukraine looks to city firms to lead post-war rebuild

We will be ready to do business, said former Vice Prime Minister

Its war with Russia continues unabated but businesses in Ukraine are already planning for the future.

The nation sees the UK as its staunchest ally and work is under way to set up trading links that will enable businesses in the UK to take advantage of the huge opportunities once the war is over and Ukraine begins its massive rebuilding programme.

More than 200 companies in the Ukraine are already planning for their and their nation’s recovery and see the UK as key to its success, Ukrainian entrepreneur Valeriy Voshchevsky - the country’s Vice Prime Minister between 2014 and 2015 - has told Business MK in an exclusive interview.

Mr Voshchevsky is a key player

in the formation of the Kyiv UK Business Council, an organisation that will effectively broker business partnerships and contracts between Ukraine and businesses in the UK but particularly in the Milton Keynes and surrounding region.

“Some of the biggest organisations in Ukraine are ready to do business,” Mr Voshchevsky said. “The UK has been Ukraine’s No.1 ally during the war and it is a huge economy so we want to use the special relationship our countries have to rescue our economy here.”

He and other businesses in Ukraine are working with experienced aviation partnerships specialists Mark Baker and Phill Morris, directors at the charity Hands Across The Skies which is already flying aid missions to

Ukraine and other countries in need around the world. It has also signed a partnership with Ukrainian airline Aerojet ready for when the skies above that country reopen.

The Kyiv UK Business Council will have representatives in both countries but is UK-owned. Mr Baker said: “The rebuilding and restructuring of Ukraine will be a multi-billion pound project and it will open up huge opportunity for businesses in the UK and for SMEs in this region in particular.”

The role of the Kyiv UK Business Council will be to network on behalf of its members to secure a share of that opportunity. Mr Baker is looking for a suitable head office local to Milton Keynes for the council.

“Our loyalty is to this area,”

he said. “We want to secure the opportunities for business in Milton Keynes and the three surrounding counties. We have a lot of expertise and know-how with us and with that the council has an opportunity to win business in Ukraine.”

The Kyiv UK Business Council is planning an official launch in Milton Keynes next month. It will work on a membership basis, with the council officials carrying out strict due diligence on businesses wanting to become members in order to be sure that participating organisations can deliver what they say.

“The war continues but we are preparing for the future,” Mr Baker said. “The end is not in sight yet but it will be and we want to be ready when that day comes.”

They are the eyes and ears of the city centre. Meet MyMiltonKeynes Business Improvement District’s Ambassadors, working to keep employees, shoppers and visitors to Central Milton Keynes safe.

Special feature: Pages 10-11

City’s bright prospects will lure foreign investors, say analysts

Forecasts of a rapidly expanding economy in 2024 have placed Milton Keynes among the most attractive locations for foreign investors seeking to channel billions of pounds into the UK. The city’s exceptional growth potential, driven by the fastest-growing economy next year, is expected to boost job creation, productivity, competitiveness, and innovation throughout the region.

The in-depth study into foreign direct investment by law firm Irwin Mitchell and economics consultancy the Centre for Economics and Business Research has analysed the 50 largest cities in the UK and ranked their current investment attractiveness according to a newly created index based on eight economic indicators in three different categories:

n Growth potential;

n Local skills;

n Local infrastructure.

Milton Keynes’ overall index score of 38.0 place it 14th for FDI attractiveness. However, the city is boosted by its growth potential score of 76.3, which is the fourth highest across the UK. A major contributor to this is the prediction by Cebr that the size of the city’s economy will experience 2.5 per cent year-on-year growth in 2024 - the fastest in the UK.

London is the top city for investment attractiveness. Bryan Bletso, director of strategic growth for Irwin Mitchell’s international team, said: “Inward FDI is widely considered to be a key factor in promoting the domestic economy, having the potential to raise productivity and facilitate the transfer of technology. Therefore, promoting the UK as a location for FDI can help promote growth.

“In order to attract more foreign direct investment, the UK government must focus on providing quality infrastructure, offering businesses good access to credit and supporting sustainable economic growth. This will create an attractive environment for international investors and help the UK become a global leader in FDI.”

The report makes three recommendations for improving economic development and increasing

Council joins tech superpower group

Milton Keynes City Council has joined a consortium of councils as part of the Fast Growth Cities group in publishing research setting out how the UK could become a science and technology superpower through investment and greater devolution.

The report The Case for Support and Investment shows how devolved powers and economic investment from the government and the private sector could boost local economies by over £100 billion over the next 20 years.

The FGC group comprises the city councils of Milton Keynes, Oxford, Cambridge, Norwich, Peterborough and Swindon. Each FGC member already makes a significant contribution to the national economy through job creation, tax contribution, innovation, trade and foreign investment.

FDI in the UK. Good transport and digital infrastructure, a business-friendly financial system and a stable economic environment will encourage foreign investors to the UK.

The report has ten of the 25 top places occupied by cities in London and the South East. However, others such as Manchester also feature prominently.

Josie Anderson, managing economist

Apprentices reap a rich harvest

Shuttleworth College in Bedfordshire has been harvesting the best outcomes among apprentices in the field of horticulture.

National statistics show that based on 2021/22 apprenticeship numbers, the horticulture course taught at the venue in Old Warden near Biggleswade came third in the UK against 36 other colleges.

Each year, Shuttleworth College home-grows more than 20 apprentices who go on

to become landscapers, home gardeners and maintenance staff.

Horticultural landscape operative apprentice Immy Moore, pictured, works on the Shuttleworth Estate, with her fellow students learning their trade at Luton Hoo and with local contractors.

Shuttleworth College is launching a new countryside course alongside horticulture for the new academic year in September.

Milton Keynes City Council leader Cllr Pete Marland, pictured above, centre, said: “We are delighted to contribute to this incredibly insightful research which adds to the work we are already doing in this area. Milton Keynes is a leader in innovation and being a part of this group will help us to continue delivering sustainable growth, attract investment and create good-quality jobs for local people.”

Despite their strengths, all six cities face constraints and challenges which threaten to hold back their economic growth potential. The research by socio-economic consultancy Volterra highlights four key investment priorities on common socio-economic issues as well as specific asks.

The areas include devolved powers, infrastructure, inclusive growth and social mobility, housing and planning and sustainability.

at Cebr, said: “While the success of London and the South East in attracting investment is beneficial for the UK economy, a more even distribution across other regions would help drive economic growth across the country.”

n In 2021, the UK’s inward FDI totalled £2,002 billion, up from £1,919 billion in 2020. The USA is the biggest source of FDI in the UK with £676 billion in 2021.

The chair of the East West Rail Company calls on busineses to give their unequivocal support to the line linking Oxford and Cambridge through Milton Keynes and Bedford. It will, he said, be key in the recruitment and retention of the UK’s top talent.

Opening the East West Rail line between Oxford and Cambridge will open new opportunities for Milton Keynes and Bedford to attract the best business talent, according to the chair of the East West Rail Company.

Neil Sachdev called for business to back the line, the first stage of which between Oxford and Bedford is due to open in 2025.

The region has grown remarkably in terms of technology with a Gross Value Added of around £14.5 billion, he told business leaders. Now the challenge, once that technology evolves, is to attract and retain goodquality talent.

Speaking at a dinner hosted by Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership, Mr Sachdev said: “Milton Keynes is growing at a phenomenal rate and the beauty of this city is that it is incredibly accepting of change. Infrastructure unlocks an opportunity. It unlocks opportunities for businesses and for new jobs. It also creates wealth and well-being.

Infrastructure unlocks great opportunity, said EWR chair

“What these plans do need, however, is for a large number of people to get behind us. So, I hope that if people believe in the plans and that they are good for our society, then get talking about it. If we do not continue and grow that percentage then it is a massive lost opportunity.”

Mr Sachdev spoke to MKBLP members following the announcement of the route of the ‘most challenging’ eastern part of East West Rail from Bedford to Cambridge. The area can nurture its own talent but East West Rail will encourage more of the best from elsewhere to come here to work and live, he said.

“This is crucial, not just for Milton Keynes but for the region and super-beneficial for the UK as a whole. We are planning to spend around £5 billion to build this to bring in around £110 billion of GVA. Milton Keynes is already incredibly well connected to the North and South but it is not East to West.”

The last passenger trains were withdrawn along the Varsity Line between Oxford and Cambridge in 1968. This left just the Bletchley to Bedford section of the line open to passenger traffic until 1987 when the section between Oxford and Bicester was reopened to enable train

travel from Oxford to London. The section running between Oxford and Milton Keynes is already around 85 per cent built with a few small connections needing to be added, EWR chief executive Beth West said. She anticipates those to be ready within two years.

“This major rail line is expected to not only boost the local economy but also slash journey times and transform rail travel for passengers around the region for generations to come,” Ms West said.

The ambitious plans for the final link between Bedford and Cambridge are

MP: Convert offices to ease housing crisis

Up to 20,000 homes could be created by converting commercial buildings to residential properties, said a government report.

The Housing Market and Housing Delivery All Party Parliamentary Group, chaired by Milton Keynes North MP Ben Everitt, is calling for ministers to consider ways to ease the plight of the homeless.

Mr Everitt, pictured, who also sits on the APPG for Ending Homelessness, launched the report in Parliament last month. Homelessness charity Crisis spoke at the launch about the role conversions can play in reducing homelessness and Mr Everitt later highlighted this in the House of Commons.

Visitors seeks Smart City inspiration

Delegates from the Indian city of Chandigarh have been in Milton Keynes to learn about the city’s reputation as a Smart City and its innovative approach to sustainable travel.

The group heard presentations from various council departments on what it takes to achieve wellplanned and sustainable growth.

The delegation also toured

Red Bull Racing, BP Pulse, Bletchley Park and The Open University during their four-day visit.

Cllr Marland said: “Our two cities are similar in many ways and we can both learn a lot from each other.”

Chandigarh is also a planned city and is globally recognised for its architecture and urban design. The delegation is looking to take some inspiration from Milton Keynes to match its own

Smart City ambitions.

“We have huge ambitions to further our position as an international Smart City, and a pioneer for well-planned sustainable growth,” said Cllr Marland. “Visits like these are a testament to the innovative city that we are and give us even more confidence to fulfil our true potential and deliver a better and brighter future for our communities.”

anticipated at the planning stage by the middle of next year, potentially by the end of next year, with plans to break ground by 2025, she added.

Speaking after the dinner, MKBLP chair Nicholas Mann said: “There is such an opportunity here. Neil highlighted the technological talent that we have here and I agree - it is a particularly strong suit of ours.

“Fantastic resources like the South Central Institute of Technology and MK:U have a real digital focus and we have such an opportunity here. We have the talent here but we could really attract a lot more.”

Now Homelessness Minister Felicity Buchan is set to visit Milton Keynes to meet a citybased homelessness charity following an invitation from Mr Everitt. He said: “The best way to tackle rough sleeping and homelessness is to increase the supply of houses for people to live in.”

Ms Buchan said: “I want to reassure the Honourable Gentleman that this government is absolutely committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing and to ensure that all houses are of a safe and decent standard. I look forward to reading in detail the recommendations of the APPGs.”

Neil Sachdev (centre) is pictured with Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership chair Nicholas Mann (right) and MKBLP director Simon deMaid

Milton Keynes Council leader Cllr Pete Marland and Cllr Jennifer Wilson-Marklew, cabinet member for climate action and sustainability, are pictured with the Chandigarh delegation and city council colleagues

Employers urged to back food poverty campaign

Businesses across Milton Keynes are being urged to join forces in the campaign to end food poverty.

The MK Food Reach campaign, launched with the charity His Church specialising in goods redistribution, is delivering vital support to families and individuals struggling with the cost of living crisis.

Led by Milton Keynes-based law firm Franklins Solicitors, MK Food Reach is a platform for local businesses to raise funds towards distribution of food pallets to food banks and charities. It enables charities to procure food and essential supplies from renowned household brands such as Kellogg’s, Mars, Heinz, Lidl, Asda, Waitrose, and Sainsbury’s at significantly reduced cost, which is then distributed by the His Church charity.

“Food poverty continues to impact our local communities,” said Franklins partner Andrea

n To contribute to MK Food Reach, visit www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/mk-food-reach

Smith, inset. “We urge fellow businesses in the area to stand with us in our mission to combat local food poverty by pledging monthly donations to MK Food Reach.

“Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a tangible difference.”

Every £10,000 raised by MK Food Reach can buy around £52,000 worth of food from His Church and charities such as MK Food Bank are already leveraging the discounted rates in order to provide households with a hot meal or choice of food.

Building firm puts apprenticeships at top of ladder

Construction company R S Response has won a special award for its commitment to its apprentices. The company, based at Linford Wood, has been recognised by building sector apprenticeship provider JTL after being nominated by JTL’s training officer Matt Hyde. Pictured after receiving the

award from JTL’s head of learner assessment Tim Johnson are RS Response’s HR manager Andrea Milner and project directors Chris Palmer and Chris Spearman. Mr Hyde said: “Their approach is all based around support, helping learners progress and responding to any of the concerns they may have. R S Response Ltd is willing to take apprentices on from other

www.businessmk.co.uk

companies that are looking to gain more experience and will even move learners to new supervisors and sites to gain experiences in the areas they need. They actively help apprentices with their progress from start to finish.”

Ms Milner said: “We have worked incredibly hard here to ensure our apprentices are a top priority.”

For the region’s very latest business news from North Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire.

pm

The Open University reveals ‘transformational’ plan to move to new city centre campus

Plans by The Open University to move to a new campus in Central Milton Keynes have been described as ‘potentially transformational’.

The OU has begun work preparing a business case for a world class university based in a sustainable green campus in Milton Keynes city centre. The plans support the city’s wider vison to develop one of the UK’s most vibrant city centres. The university’s governing Council

has agreed to start work on the strategic and financial case for a multi-million-pound relocation of the OU’s existing campus at Walton to a new site next to Milton Keynes Central railway station.

This includes developing a proposal for a new ‘sister university’ serving students who want to study the OU’s online courses in person, supported by teaching on site and a range of accommodation, entertainment and sport offers.

Work on the business case will include input from internal and external stakeholders, including Milton Keynes City Council and the city’s business community about how the campus could better meet the OU’s future needs and the needs of students for future skills.

Council leader Cllr Pete Marland said: “A move by the OU into the city centre is potentially transformational.

It could create another worldclass higher education opportunity where creativity meets technology, meaning our young people do not have to move away to study and we can attract students from across the world to study and live in Milton Keynes.”

The OU’s vice-chancellor

Professor Tim Blackman, inset, said: “A purposebuilt campus at the heart of a thriving business

community, within half an hour by train from London, Cambridge, Oxford and the Midlands is an opportunity to reshape our facilities and provision for the decades ahead.”

The OU will work closely with landowner Milton Keynes Development Partnership to create a campus as part of the masterplan for the Lower Westside development site. MKDP chairman Nicola Sawford described it as a “once in a generation opportunity.”

Develop talent pool, skills report urges bosses

Skills - or a shortage of them - remain one of the most serious challenges facing employers, according to a leading academic health check of UK business.

Yet more than half of employers have no specific skills programmes or workplace development initiatives in place to grow their existing pool of talent.

Those organisations are missing out on the opportunity to invest in developing their employees at a time when many are bemoaning a lack of quality applicants for their vacancies.

The findings are published in the annual Business Barometer report from The Open University in Milton Keynes and the British Chambers of Commerce. The skills gap is a challenge faced by 73 per cent of organisations surveyed and its impact is having a negative knock-on effect on staff morale and wellbeing, the report said.

The pressure it is creating is curbing companies’ activity and output as well as their long-term growth plans. This could lead to more challenges

for the economy as well as the UK’s ability to meet its net zero and equality, diversity and inclusion targets.

Baroness Martha Lane Fox, inset, is the OU’s Chancellor and President of the British Chambers of Commerce.

“The skills shortage has not improved. We have not solved it yet,” she said. “But what is even more concerning is that organisations are not investing in specific talent pools, including underrepresented groups. If organisations continue to ignore these workers, they risk missing out on untapped talent and deepening the skills gap even further. There could be a big opportunity for employers here if hidden talent is given a boost.”

The Business Barometer also highlights the prospect of an ageing workforce retiring without employers having the skills to replace experienced employees. 31pc of employers report an increase in the number of employees over

the age of 50 in the last three years. Yet 85pc of organisations have no specific initiative in place for workers over 50 and 77pc do have no written plans to prepare for people exiting the business.

Almost 80pc plan to bring in training in some form for their staff over the next 12 months but the report said that many, especially SMEs, lack the necessary expertise and resources to strategically address the skills gaps and challenges. As a result, they are trapped in a cycle of continual recruitment and retention challenges.

“Never has it been more important for businesses, governments and training providers to work together to find solutions,” said the BCC’s head of people policy Jane Gratton. “There is no doubt that more investment in training and reskilling is essential, together with a much more agile and flexible skills system to help employers who are struggling with hard-to-fill job vacancies.”

Attorney General Victoria Prentis is pictured in conversation at The Open University on a visit to mark the 25th anniversary of the OU’s Law school. She spoke to more than 260 people online and in person on the various routes into law and stressed the work of government lawyers impacts all aspects of public life.

“From judicial reviews and trade deals to

drafting legislation, government lawyers work on some of the most extraordinary cases that impact every aspect of public life,” the Attorney General said. “This is why I am a champion of the government legal profession.”

After her presentation, she took part in a Q&A session with students. Ms Prentis, the MP for Banbury, was a government lawyer for 17 years before entering Parliament.

Interest is expected to be significant in the opportunity to acquire a major headquarters building for sale in Milton Keynes.

Avalon House, on Linford Wood, is on the market for sale or to let. The 30,284 sq ft building houses two office wings either side of a large

central reception area. The property has ground floor offices of almost 18,500 sq ft, with more than 10,000 sq ft of space on the first floor. It also has 92 parking spaces.

The property is being marketed by joint agents Kirkby Diamond and Lambert Smith Hampton.

Matthew Bowen, head of agency at Kirkby Diamond, said: “To get a headquarters building of this size and quality come to market very rarely happens so we are confidently expecting there to be significant interest from investors and potential owner occupiers.”

This level of engineering is science

TUCKED AWAY on the Denbigh industrial estate in Bletchley, halfway along First Avenue, stands a 1960s factory, one of many on similar industrial estates in the older parts of Milton Keynes. Typical of the time and surrounded by similar industrial buildings, it is a reminder of the manufacturing prowess of years gone by.

Inside, engineering at the truly cutting edge is taking place. “We take on the work that nobody else can do,” said Steve Matheron, director of The Engineering Quest.

It is no hollow claim. The Engineering Quest has become a world leader in highlevel, high-precision engineering, having been commissioned to deliver projects such as laser devices to boost signal in fibreoptic cables, a detector to be used in space to measure the waves emitting from supernovae and an experiment for NASA’s first Mars Rover mission.

The company has also built casing for a space-based telescope to monitor weather emergencies and drilling tools for oil shale fracking. It is a leader in the manufacture of prosthetic limb joints and the largest manufacturer in the world of micro-equipment used by eye surgeons in ophthalmic surgery.

It is a far cry from 30 years ago when The Engineering Quest was formed after its predecessor company Tracel acquired Proform Tools, based on the current First Avenue site. That was when Steve, who had begun his engineering career aged 13 under his father Brian’s supervision, took over management of the business and merged the companies. The troubled economy of the early 1990s forced a move from traditional tool manufacture.

“You have to change or die,” said Steve. “The only way we felt we would survive was if our customers bought from us because they needed us so we decided to merge the specialist capabilities and go looking for the work that nobody else could do.

“This level of engineering is science. We do

everything by science and resolve the client’s problem by being scientific.”

Such high-level work requires the best equipment and machinery money can buy.

The Engineering Quest purchased a £350,000 Kellenberger cylindrical grinder, used in the manufacture of high-precision fuel components, earlier this year and has around £8 million worth of machinery under its roof, the majority made in Switzerland.

“It has to be Swiss equipment because of the accuracy we require,” said Steve. “It is part of offering the service that no one else can offer. We work to per micron accuracy.”

State-of-the-art machinery is all well and good but no good without the expertise to operate it so for The Engineering Quest recruitment is key whether it be experienced technicians or apprentices, of which the company commits to taking on two a year at its two sites in Bletchley and at Great Gransden near Sandy in Bedfordshire.

“We have always been strong on apprentices,” said Steve’s wife and fellow director Nicky. The company welcomes mature applicants and anyone not looking at a

traditional apprenticeship but interested in the company’s own Quest Diploma training programme.

“We look for a positive attitude, a good work ethic and an interest in what we do. They shadow the existing workforce because we want to hold on to the skills that our highly skilled people can pass on.”

Steve and Nicky also take their STEM career programme into schools locally, particularly primary schools, in order to encourage the next generation to consider an engineering career

The current recruitment and retention challenges are well documented. “We want people to stay with us,” said Nicky. “We are always open and available because we want people to feel valued – if they feel valued and cared for, they work harder for you so it’s a no-brainer really.”

Candidates join a half-day ‘taster’ session before they join to see for themselves whether The Engineering Quest is for them. Most do - the company recruited 14 new staff earlier this year.

A willingness to learn and problem-solve

is a key approach to their work. Steve has been problem-solving since he joined the company aged 13 and is a strong believer in collaboration in order to do so. “I am always willing to listen because no one will ever know everything about engineering,” he said. “Engineering is all about adding simplicity but that is often more difficult than adding complexity. We try to stop people from solving problems with technology – we prefer them to solve them with basic engineering.

“Part of our mission is to get youngsters to lift their heads up. It saddens me that I see so many people in the street looking down at their phones rather than looking up at nature.” Having survived the pandemic - indeed, Steve admits, having flourished due to winning a prosthetic limb components contract from an American manufacturer who shut up shop - The Engineering Quest is looking to the future with confidence, seeking a site on which to merge its two current premises with room for further expansion. The business currently turns over £12 million a year, with capacity of £16-18 million. A move to new premises means the target to double turnover to £24 million becomes achievable, said Steve.

The Engineering Quest’s success as an employer was recognised at the 2022 SME MK & Buckinghamshire Business Awards, when the company brought home a silver award as Business of the Year and struck gold as Employer of the Year.

This year they are back again, finalists in the Buckinghamshire Business of the Year, Employer of the Year and Family Business of the Year categories of the 2023 awards.

“We only entered last year because I was badgered to do so,” Nicky admits. “But it has made such a massive difference to our recruitment. Winning employer of the year was huge because it proves we are a good company to work for and that, we have found, really matters to people.”

Steve and Nicky Matheron

Broker opens new division

Independent finance broker Aureum Finance has launched a new division focusing on business finance.

The Milton Keynes-based business is marking its fifth anniversary, having opened as a specialist in property finance.

“We are thrilled with the growth we have achieved in five successful years of serving the property industry,” said Aureum Finance founder Dean Brown, pictured below “It is now the time to expand our services to support other businesses in their growth endeavours which aligns perfectly with our mission to provide comprehensive financial solutions to our clients across every sector.”

Forensics firm backs CSIs of the future

Forensics and public safety specialist Leica Geosystems is to sponsor a Crime Scene House for students at Cranfield University.

The agreement with Cranfield Forensic Institute will fund the house, designed to replicate crime scenes and to be a controlled setting for practising and enhancing investigation, evidence collection and forensic analysis skills.

“We see the forensics community not just as customers but as a dedicated expert group working to the highest standards in the most challenging circumstances,” said Marcus Rowe, Leica Geosystems’ business director public safety and forensics for the UK and Benelux region.

“Our customers seek the minutia of evidential facts that will tell the truth, support the actual course of justice within our criminal justics system and courts and bring some form of understanding and closure to victims and their families.”

Leica’s UK headquarters is at Blakelands in Milton Keynes. Cranfield University has a strong reputation in postgraduate education,

Sponsorship deal opens crime scene house at university

industry collaboration and research in forensics. It opened a £7.2 million centre of excellence in 2021 with the latest forensic equipment, a mortuary, expert academic staff and courses in the fields of crime scene investigation, digital forensics investigation and forensic materials analysis.

The new Crime Scene House is due to open in the autumn.

Dr Hannah Moore, director of Cranfield’s MSc Forensic Programme, said: “As a university we are advancing the field of forensics and developing the next generations of forensic scientists. Leica’s generous sponsorship of the Crime Scene House brings a fantastic new facility for our students, research staff and partners.

“Providing realistic scenario-based training is vital for those who aspire to advance their careers in CSI and

The customer experience is at the heart of everything we do and our business is founded on sound ethical principles. We are committed to nurturing relationships based on honesty and transparency.

GOOD PRACTICE

Hooray is an independent award-winning recruitment agency based in Milton Keynes and Cheltenham. Our recruitment consultants partner with candidates and businesses across the whole of the UK, helping to bring the best talent, to the right job.

Aleshia heads up our Milton Keynes Division, she began her career in recruitment 25 years ago. Her remit is professional services; admin, customer services, sales, HR, finance, purchasing and mid-level management on both a temporary and permanent

forensic fields and this new facility complements our suite of world-class teaching resources, giving students a superb grounding in many aspects of this field.”

Leica Geosystems supports the forensics community through initiatives including a UK/Benelux

Annual Forensic Conference, the long-standing primary sponsorship of the Institute of Traffic Accident Investigators and its annual ITAI Crash and Research Day. It is part of the Hexagon Group, a global leader in sensors, software and autonomous solutions.

basis. She lives and works in Milton Keynes and has a solid understanding of the local candidate and job market

Our mission is to deliver a range of bespoke, expert recruitment solutions to our clients and candidates whilst always being committed to sound ethical principles.

For a confidential discussion about your next move or for a potential hire please contact us directly on aleshia@hoorayworks.co.uk or on 01908 049 820

Motor dealerships complete ‘complex’ joint acquisition

Specialist automotive sector lawyers have steered a major dealership acquisition deal over the finish line.

Dealership groups Steven Eagell, Listers and FRF have completed the purchase of 19 Toyota and Lexus dealerships from Motorline Ltd.

Lawyers at regional firm Howes Percival acted for the buyers in a complex deal involving multiple businesses and geographical locations, including the acquisition of five freehold sites and leases or underleases of others.

Specialist property lawyer Marcus

Carter, who was part of the Howes Percival team on the deal, said:

“This has been a flagship deal for us and a unique instruction, with some interesting challenges involving multisite and business transactions and three buyers who individually are standalone giants within the automotive retail sector.”

The deal is Howes Percival’s third major motor dealer M&A transaction completed in the last 12 months, following transactions for the Steven Eagell Group in July 2022 and Group 1 Automotive in September 2022. Mr Carter was joined in heading

the team working on the deal by corporate partners Tom Redman and Andy Harris, who also heads Howes Percival’s automotive sector group. Other senior lawyers at the firm advised on the employment, commercial law, banking, regulatory and GDPR aspects of the acquisition. “These are interesting times for motor dealers, as some manufacturers

move towards an agency rather than conventional distributorship model,” Mr Harris said. “The move to electrification has fallen slightly behind target for some, as the UK’s charging network struggles to cope with the increasing number of EVs on the road. Motor dealers also face increased competition from online car supermarkets.”

MP welcomes government’s decision to roll out rail tap-ticket system

The modernised ticketing system of using a phone or bank card to pay for rail journeys is to be rolled out across the UK.

Further expansion of the tap-in, tap-out system is to take in 53 more stations and Milton Keynes South MP Iain Stewart, who chairs the

government’s Transport Select Committee, is hoping those in Milton Keynes will be among them.

“This is an extremely exciting announcement for the future of rail transport across the country which

Bedford Swan Hotel and Thermal Spa is an independently owned, 18th century boutique hotel, set on the embankment of The Great River Ouse.

Here at Bedford Swan Hotel, we offer a range of meeting spaces available in a variety of sizes and layouts. The Drawing Room and Library are great for smaller meetings, and our grand State Room and Coach Room for conferences and events.

Property firm opens new county office

Commercial property consultancy Kirkby Diamond, which has offices in Milton Keynes and Bedfordshire, has unveiled a new team covering Hertfordshire. It is led by Matthew Bowen, who has joined Kirkby Diamond as head of agency, succeeding Eamon Kennedy who is focusing on leading the industrial and logistics department.

Mr Bowen is joined in Hertfordshire by Mark Hannam and new arrival Panicos Loizides, a registered valuer, asset manager and leasehold enfranchisement specialist. “This is a truly exciting opportunity to establish a wonderful new team in Hertfordshire,” Mr Bowen, below, said. “I am confident we can continue Kirkby Diamond’s impressive growth.”

will make train travel easier and more accessible for passengers,” Mr Stewart, inset, said.

“It is fantastic to see a further 53 stations being added to the roll-out and I hope to see Milton Keynes

Central, Bletchley and Wolverton join the list very shortly.”

The roll-out is part of the government’s wider plans to reform and overhaul fares and ticketing across Britain’s railways, making them simpler and more flexible across the network.

Style and elegance in a spectacular setting

Bedford Swan Hotel and Thermal Spa is an independently owned, 18thcentury boutique hotel set on the embankment of The Great River Ouse.

Here at Bedford Swan Hotel, we offer a range of meeting spaces available in a variety of sizes and layouts. The Drawing Room and Library are great for smaller meetings, and our grand State Room and Coach Room for conferences and events.

Tel: +44 (0) 1234 369902

Email: erika@bedfordswanhotel.co.uk

Web: www.bedfordswanhotel.co.uk

The Embankment, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 1RW

Our Drawing Room offers the perfect space for small and intimate events/meetings and can accommodate up to 12 guests. Our Library offers our next size up in conference rooms, able to host up to 30 guests, with riverside views. Situated a floor above, our State Room is an elegant and light room with high ceilings, large windows, breathtaking views and its own bar and kitchen, welcoming up to 80 guests. The largest conference room

we offer is our Coach Room with capacity for 120 guests. With a separate entrance, private bar and reception area, it’s perfect for hosting larger events.

We have several package options available for conferences and events, from teas and coffees to a choice of informal light lunches, formal sit down meals, healthy living menus and various other options. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our events team for all your questions, queries and bookings, to tailor make the perfect package for your needs. Hosting a conference over a few days? Stay with us. Our team can offer great corporate rates to accommodate your event.

Howes Percival corporate partners Andy Harris (front) and Tom Redman acted for the purchasers in the Motorline acquisition

Welcome to A Goodman & Son

Your premier Metal Recycling Facility

At A Goodman & Son we cater for all your metal recycling needs, whether you’re a large producer requiring timetabled collections to suit your production and shift patterns or a small producer who wishes to deliver your scrap to us and take advantage of our on-site payment service.

A Goodman & Son has the expertise to recycle:

n A wide range of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap;

n Industrial, data and steel armoured cable from electricians;

n Copper, brass and lead from plumbers;

n Aluminium from window manufacturing companies to the construction industry;

n Garage and workshop scrap;

n PC boards and catalytic converters that contain precious metals;

n New production scrap from manufacturing, engineering and construction companies of all sizes.

n We operate a wide range of skips and roll-on/roll-offs, all in excellent condition, to suit your requirements.

n Our transport fleet delivers, exchanges and clears at your convenience.

n Our payment structure and terms are excellent and can be tailored to your company’s requirements.

n All payments are prompt.

Safety first: The eyes and ears of the city centre

“Policing is too important to be left to the police alone.

We need to maximise the eyes and ears in the local community to tackle crime.” The comment of Jason Hogg, Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police, speaking to business leaders at a dinner in Milton Keynes.

The ‘eyes and ears’ of Central Milton Keynes derives from a cohort of individuals who have quickly become recognisable within the city centre. Meet the MyMiltonKeynes Ambassadors.

In their distinctive tops, the three ambassadors are directly employed by the Business Improvement District and act as a conduit between the BID and visitors, businesses, and employees within the BID area. They collectively clock up more than 4,000 hours on patrol each year, welcoming people and supporting events, reporting areas of concern,

including health and safety-related problems and issues surrounding homelessness. The Ambassadors have proved a vital component in keeping the city safe - one of the five strategic aims of the BID.

They also work closely with Thames Valley Police, including the police officer who is dedicated to the BID area, often acting as a conduit between the businesses and those in authority.

George Kufa leads the BID Ambassador team. “Our role varies greatly and no two days are the same,” he said. “We are regularly asked for help finding people’s cars and have become recognisable to some of the elderly people who frequent the shopping centre - they like to see a familiar face.”

The Ambassadors’ work can also include reporting concerns around broken streetlights and drug paraphernalia and sourcing the best

Property portfolio management services for

areas to install new monitoring and safety equipment.

New CCTV cameras are identifying crime and anti-social behaviour hot spots around the city centre. The Ambassadors carried out a comprehensive audit, crossreferencing with a Thames Valley Police crime heat map, to pinpoint the best locations for the cameras to guarantee maximum impact.

“No stone is left unturned within Central Milton Keynes,” said Mr Kufa. “We are representing all five strategic themes of the BID - Safe, Sparkling, Amazing, Intelligent and Mobile - and while safety and cleanliness is of course vital, we also celebrate the successes of business

within CMK and support the fantastic events which are put on.”

The Ambassadors have forged strong links with city charities and organisations so they know exactly who to turn to when challenges arise. Identifying so-called ‘grot spots’ of the city is also high on each Ambassador’s radar.

“As a city it is inevitable that we will see anti-social behaviour,” said Mr Kufa. “But the fact that we are ‘on the ground’ means that we can act quickly and, if we cannot rectify the situation ourselves, contact the relevant organisation or charity to step in.”

Homelessness is an ongoing challenge and the Ambassadors

are in regular communication with homeless charities to help get people off the streets. But, Mr Kufa explains, it is not merely a case of reporting the issue and bringing the relevant organisation in to manage the situation.

“Our roles are diverse and, consequently, we have the time to engage with people and we spend time listening to homeless people. In some cases, we have managed to repatriate them back to their home countries or reconnect them to family.”

The Ambassadors do not have a background in policing. George worked as a journalist in Africa for many years in Africa. However, his Master’s degree and training in

Call

Meet the people who are helping to keep Central Milton Keynes safe and clean - the MyMiltonKeynes Ambassadors

George Kufa (above) heads the team of MyMiltonKeynes BID ambassadors

Youth and Community holds him in good stead for his Ambassador role.

Stepping into the role meant first embarking upon an intensive induction process. “We were taught how to administer first aid and given training on diversity and inclusion to motivate positive, non-biased attitudes within the city,” Mr Kufa recalls.

The Chief Constable conceded at the dinner, hosted by Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership, that recruitment and retention within Thames Valley Police is tough. As the ‘eyes and ears of the city,’ the Ambassadors are keeping the BID area clean and making the thousands who work and visit Central Milton Keynes on a daily basis feel safe.

HQ celebrates as vehicle giant VW marks 70 years of success in the UK

In 1953, the first iconic Beetle car drove into the showroom of the first Volkswagen franchise in the UK. It sowed the seeds of what was to become the largest automotive group which today sells more than one in five cars on Britain’s roads.

70 years on and a milestone celebration takes place at Volkswagen Group UK’s headquarters in Milton Keynes, with a day of activities reflecting the company’s past and the future facing it and the automotive industry.

Activities included presentations

£70k fund marks firm’s anniversary

ranging from brand advertising, problem solving and transformation to the Golf GTI, Audi in F1 and campervans through the ages. Keynote speakers on the day were Olympian alpine skier Chemmy Alcott and futurologist Aric Dromi. Volkswagen Group UK has also strengthened its contribution to the Milton Keynes community by setting

up the VWG Endowment Fund for Milton Keynes Community Foundation. The group is a longtime supporter of the foundation, donating a car to its annual draw for the past 32 years, and has donated a total £35,000, matched by the foundation’s Match Fund campaign to create a £70,000 fund

to be distributed as grants to local charities.

VW Group UK managing director Alex Smith said:

“We are delighted to continue our relationship with the MKCF by supporting investment in this new fund. We are confident it will be used wisely to give grants to local charities which now, more than ever, need our help. We are proud to give back to the community local to our HQ, as well as through our other charitable donations, to other organisations across the UK.” MKCF chief executive Ian Revell, pictured (right) receiving the cheque from Mr Smith, said: “As a globally recognised brand based in Milton Keynes, we are honoured to be supporting Volkswagen Group in its charity work. The creation of the new VWG Endowment Fund will not only provide long-term sustainability for VWG’s giving ambitions but also allows for a larger proportion of the community to benefit from their support,”

Milton Keynes-based IT and cyber security provider Bluecube Technology Solutions has ranked 9th in the government’s Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers (SMEs) league table. This ranking recognises not only the number of apprenticeships offered but also their commitment to diversity, development, and achievements.

Bluecube’s dedication to delivering high-quality apprenticeships has had a significant impact on boosting skills, career opportunities, and tech career advancement in Milton Keynes and the surrounding local area.

Bluecube’s Head of Talent and Development, Rob Gilbride, expressed his pride in representing the only business in the IT sector to rank in the government list. He has been invited to the House of Commons in September to celebrate their achievement.

“As the only business on the list in the technology industry, it has been a proud moment to represent the amazing knowledge, opportunity and excitement that exists in the tech world,” Rob said. “It is fantastic to have our passion for apprenticeships and commitment to delivering high-quality training programmes recognised.”

Bluecube launched their apprenticeship scheme, Bluecube Academy, in August 2021 and it has continued to flourish since then.

Bluecube ranks in the apprenticeship elite

growth. They recognise the value of apprenticeships and provide practical, hands-on training within a dynamic learning environment. By investing in skill enhancement, Bluecube equips apprentices with the necessary tools and knowledge to excel in their chosen fields. The company fosters a collaborative environment that encourages open communication and teamwork, allowing apprentices to learn from experienced professionals while benefiting from a strong support system.

Bluecube’s inclusion in the government’s top 50 SMEs list serves as a testament to their dedication to developing talent and investing in the future workforce. Bluecube’s continued success contributes not only to the growth of the company but also to the overall advancement of skills and opportunities within Milton Keynes and the technology industry.

Currently training 31 apprentices, Bluecube is excited to introduce new opportunities for cyber security apprenticeships in autumn 2023 to align with their industry developments.

To ensure the success of their apprenticeships, Bluecube collaborates closely with Milton Keynes College and tech industry-leading QA Training. Additionally, they actively

engage with the Proactive Young People charity and regularly visit schools and colleges in Bedford, Milton Keynes and Northampton.

These efforts aim to raise awareness of the apprenticeship opportunities available in the tech sector for local school leavers.

At the heart of Bluecube’s success lies its commitment to learning and

Anniversary celebratiosn outside Volkswagen Group UK’s headquarters at Blakelands

Industrial site is sold in £6.45m deal

Aprime industrial site in Bletchley that was home to engineering company Broadways Stampings and Dyson Die Casting has been sold for £6.45 million.

Ryan Grant and Chris Pole of Interpath Advisory were appointed joint administrators of the two companies in August last year. They appointed Toby O’Sullivan and Ben Holyhead of Watling Real Estate to advise on the sale of the 189,000 sq ft industrial site in Second Avenue, on the Denbigh West industrial estate.

Mr Holyhead said: “It is rare for a prime industrial site of this size to be openly marketed and consequently there was a high level of interest. The site offers numerous short-, medium- and longterm asset management and redevelopment options subject to planning, which attracted interest from across the occupier, investor and developer markets.”

The site has been acquired by an owner-occupier, he added.

Welcome to the talent factory of technology

An invited audience had the chance to get first-hand experience of the state-of-the-art AI, VR and AR technologies available to students at the South Central Institute of Technology.

Principal Alex Warner, inset, said the institute can provide opportunity for everyone, whoever they are. “Anyone can be their true and authentic self here, where they matter

and belong, irrespective of background, experiences. The only thing we judge them on is their motivation to succeed.

“We often hear that talent is everywhere. It is the opportunity that is lacking. This is a talent factory. If your company needs digital marketers, software developers, data

We deliver leaflets direct to homes and businesses across

GPS TRACKED

analysts, come and work with us because we can train them for you. We are not just developing the technical competencies but those skills and behaviours required for success too. Our talent needs an opportunity to shine.”

The SCIoT, based at Milton Keynes College’s Bletchley campus, was born of a partnership between Milton Keynes College Group and anchor partners including global brands Microsoft and KPMG, both of which had representatives at the launch.

One of the local partners is CCL Evidence Talks, the founder of which, Elizabeth Sheldon, said working with such iconic businesses was too good an opportunity to miss.

“We are working with employers to create the skills you need in your workforce,” she said. “If you are short of those skills, you need to come to talk to us because we can help you. These students will become your future workforce. You know what you need. You are completely up to date and that means our curriculum is up to date too because you tell us what you need students to learn.”

Iain Stewart, MP for Milton Keynes South, was among the VIP guests at the opening. “It is going to be such an asset for Milton Keynes to have this place to inspire and train the codemakers of the future.”

Artificial Intelligence is a new way to improve profitability and efficiency. Tony Byrne, managing director of Wealth & Tax Management, explains.

By now everybody reading this article must be aware of the increasing popularity of artificial intelligence or AI. I myself have been using CHAT GPT to assist me with writing my many blogs and articles each month for the last six months.

I thought I was doing well until I came across a businessman who uses AI far more extensively than me. He used AI to create a complete new website for his business within 24 hours and he is not particularly technologically savvy. He also created a 44-page guide, including images and graphic design in a PDF, within two to three hours. He has even hired four chat bots to answer all queries on his website. Each costs him £40 a month. He claims AI has increased his productivity tenfold. I have no reason to disbelieve him.

What I had not realised was that there is far more to AI than meets

the eye and it is not just about CHAT GPT. There are many useful AI apps out there and many of them are inexpensive and easy to use. The things you can do with AI are extraordinary, even if you are running a SME-sized business.

Did you know you can create original images as well as written content? You can even borrow the writing style of the greatest copywriters to produce brilliantly written original content and you are not plagiarising. Copying a writing style does not constitute plagiarism and will not be identified by Google as such.

You can teach CHAT GPT about your business, much like a member of staff.

If you use AI optimally, it is equivalent to employing a number of people in your business. It not only reduces your costs but it saves you time and makes your business more profitable. It does not get much better than that.

Elizabeth Sheldon

Tony Byrne

If you are interested in ways to boost your productivity, 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 August 31 2023. You know it makes sense. We offer a great cup of coffee too.

Ring us on 01908 523740 or for free on 0800 980 4516 or email wealth@wealthandtax.co.uk and quote August2023 offer to book your free discovery meeting.

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

LOOKING TO RECRUIT?

Scan the code to list your vacancies for free...

Let’s have a CHAT about increasing productivity

‘The things you can do with AI are extraordinary’

Leaflet delivery as patterns of working and living have shifted.

With more people at home than ever, direct mail matters. More than ever.

livery has more than 96% engagement

ED

Theo Chalmers

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

www.urbaneden.org

www.vervepr.co.uk

e: t.chalmers@vervepr.co.uk 01908 275271

Warehouse plan: more dumping on our doorstep

Iwrote recently about plans by Buckinghamshire Council to “dump” housing on the borders of the city of Milton Keynes. Such a decision would, I argued, make its residents largely responsible for providing police, fire, ambulance, hospital, schools, nurseries, secondary and tertiary education, buses and decent roads for traffic access, doctors and dentists as well as causing huge future traffic snarlups on the A421 Buckingham Road–H8 Standing Way as it is called as it enters Milton Keynes.

The plans submitted by developer Crest Nicholson to build out The Vale of Aylesbury Draft Local Plan for what will become known as Shenley Park showed 55 hectares of land available for development to achieve at least 1,800 new homes and/or density of 35 dwellings per hectare and it even acknowledges the following: “whilst being located totally within Aylesbury Vale, the development will use some (my italics) facilities in Milton Keynes, given its proximity”.

Well, it is happening around our very close borders again, this time with massive warehouses instead of housing.

The proposed development is for a minimum 750,000 sq ft. of warehousing comprising nine warehouses, each five storeys tall, at the A5-A508 roundabout between Cosgrove and Old Stratford at Furtho Pits. The responsible local authority

doing the ‘dumping’ this time is West Northamptonshire Council.

Several years ago, this land was earmarked for a light industrial zone but this is nothing like that. It will, it is reasonably expected, generate high levels of truck traffic with upwards of 3,000 trucks per day up to a potential daily maximum of just over 4,600, totally blocking the A5, A508 and the A422.

You can do your own maths: 96 docking bays will create between one and two movements per hour over the full 24 hours of a day. A truck can easily be unloaded or loaded in 30 minutes - even faster if the process is AI-controlled and fully automated.

Effectively this will block off Towcester and easy access to the M1 from the north of Milton Keynes, especially Stony Stratford and its environs, and including new developments in the Western Expansion Area. All traffic north, south, east and west in the area will be heavily affected. Incidentally there are also plans to reduce the speed limit on the A508 from the currently permitted 60mph to 30mph.

As well as the loading bays, the new development is designed to have 87 HGV parking spaces, 847 car spaces (yes, really), a new traffic light T-junction on the A508 about 300 metres from the existing A5 roundabout and - as if that was not enough to chill the blood over future traffic snarl-ups - the oh so helpful

Secretary of State for Transport has also given the go-ahead to the M1 junction 15 Northampton Rail Freight Gateway to open without a railhead, meaning more traffic down the single carriageway A508. You really couldn’t make this up. Although the deadline for objections has been extended, the deadline expired the day after the copy deadline for this column and thus before it is printed. However in the meantime those good folks at the local anti-development lobby group Stop3000Trucks www. stop3000trucks.org have raised considerable sums of money from concerned residents to obtain detailed expert analysis to challenge the WNC assumptions, which appear to some to be simply blind acceptance of the developer’s case. Using the donations made, the Stop3000Trucks people and Cosgrove Parish Council commissioned professional reviews

of the developer’s application documents. These reviews revealed, it is claimed, incorrect data, out of date methods and questionable interpretation of results. The reviews can be seen in full on the aforementioned Stop3000Trucks website. They were, with illustrative quotes from those involved, as follows:

Flood Risk Review by Water Resource Associates.

“Overall, the use of outdated methodology, the lack of information presented on historical data, the incorrect climate change allowance, and the lack of a clear explanation of the proposed measures for surface water management raise significant concerns on whether the appropriate measures are proposed.”

Dr. Harvey J. E. Rodda BSc PhD FRGS

Flood Risk

Consultant

Ecological Review by Bioscan Ecological Consultants.

“This significant net loss of biodiversity outcome squarely places the proposals in contravention of the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework.”

Dominic Woodfield

CEcol CEnv MCIEEM

Environmental

Consultant

Highways, Transport and Access Review by Velocity Transport Planning.

“There is every opportunity that once the additional development traffic flows are included within the assessment of the wider strategic network, including the A5/A508 roundabout junction which has previously been described by National Highways as being over capacity, the impacts could be significant. As such, the Strategic Highway Authority’s position of no objection is considered to be based on a flawed assessment.”

Mark Kirby, Associate Director, Velocity Transport Planning

It seems to me that the evergrowing Milton Keynes needs to urgently acquire and properly control all the land on its borders and thus stop its neighbours dumping on it from a great height. It is not as if this kind of change of control has never been done before.

In the early 1960s, for instance, Ealing, to the west of London, was under the control of Middlesex County Council. On April 1 1965, it along with many other areas was subsumed into Greater London and Ealing became one of London’s 32 boroughs.

Surely our two MK MPs must urgently push central government for a similar subsummation here or the Milton Keynes we all know - and hopefully still love - will be forever destroyed.

Report hails growth hub’s contribution ahead of decision D-day on its future

The Growth Hub run by the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership has supported thousands of businesses. Now the hub has been praised in an independent report commissioned by the government for its positive contribution to the development of local economies.

The organisation has supported firms across Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire since 2014 via free business advice, workshops, webinars and funding opportunities.

Now, SEMLEP and 37 other Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Hubs across the country have been commended in a report commissioned by the Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy for their effectiveness in delivering relevant support to firms in their areas and communicating local business needs to central government policy makers.

The report authors from the Technopolis Group found businesses working with Growth Hubs experienced increases in their employment levels and turnover and firms said the business support they received was ‘impactful’.

The authors added: “Businesses often described Growth Hubs as a valuable resource that can help find and broker access to a variety of support products, as well as helping develop a better understanding of their own needs.

“Businesses described the ‘human-centred’ approach of the Growth Hubs as essential and advantageous, particularly in times of heightened uncertainty, such as during the Covid-19 pandemic. There are a number of examples of resultant business behaviour changes following Growth Hub support, including pivoting to new areas.”

On average, supported businesses experienced an employment increase of 14 per cent a year after engaging with Growth Hubs and an average 22 per cent increase

after five years compared to no visible change among control group businesses.

Supported businesses also reported an average turnover increase of £782,000 a year after first working with a Growth Hub compared with £294,000 for control group firms. Five years after working with Growth Hubs, businesses reported an average turnover increase of £953,000.

SEMLEP Growth Hub board chair Rachel Mallows said: “The SEMLEP Growth Hub has a proven track record of business engagement and impact and it is good to see this celebrated in the BEIS report on the impact of Growth Hubs across the country.

“I’m also delighted to see recognition of our strong reputation for reliability and independence celebrated.

“It shows how a regional approach with local information

can consistently identify and address gaps and needs of businesses and leverage local partners.

“The voice of business is amplified through our ethos of collaboration with other business partners and stakeholder councils and benefits the local economy.”

LEP Growth Hubs are currently funded until March 2024 and are awaiting a final decision on their future.

The report evaluated the Growth Hubs programme between 2015 and 2020 and was released this month.

for more local news like this...

‘Ever-growing Milton Keynes needs to urgently acquire and properly control all the land on its borders’

Rachel Mallows, chair of the SEMLEP Growth Hub board Scan the code

Appointments

Aviation ace lands major role at university

Industry leader Anna Smallwood has been appointed as Professor and Head of the Centre for Air Transport Management at Cranfield University. She takes up her post in October. She has worked in senior positions in aviation since 2008, when she joined the TUI group to head its risk, safety and compliance activity in the UK. She moved to Thomson Airways, becoming head of fleet programme management in 2012 during which role she oversaw delivery of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s entry into service as Thomson became the aircraft’s first UK operator.

She currently is TUI’s

director of airline operations, responsible for operational planning, flight dispatch, operations, customer and crew control for all five of TUI’s airlines.

Her role at Cranfield is to develop the university’s MSc programme in Air Transport Management and Airport Planning & Management, and associated research activities. She will also play a leading role in developing industryled research activities within DARTeC, the Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre.

“I am delighted, humbled and excited to join the team at Cranfield University,” Ms Smallwood said. “It is

a very special place with incredible people, facilities and capabilities.”

Added Professor Graham Braithwaite, director of transport systems at Cranfield: “With an incredible breadth of

experiences, she will inspire and guide future students and air transport professionals.”

Cranfield’s Centre for Air Transport Management focuses on commercial aspects of managing airlines

Accountants welcome seven new hires

and airports, integrating management with economics, finance, strategy, planning, design, operations, marketing, business development and technology. It is globally recognised for its teaching.

Ex-Highways England chair takes independent post at growth partnership

The former chairman of Highways England has been appointed as independent chair of The Oxford to Cambridge Partnership.

Dipesh Shah took up his post last month and has begun work with the partnership’s board, stakeholders and managing director Richard Hutchins. The partnership, backed by the government, brings together leaders from local councils, Local Enterprise Partnerships,

the Arc Universities Group and England’s Economic Heartland to unlock opportunities for the region’s economy and to protect and enhance the area’s environment.

Mr Shah, pictured, said: “The region is a hub of innovation. There is great ambition to propel its strengths to further stimulate the economy in a manner which benefits all communities, is sustainable and environmentally progressive.

“The Partnership will

meet this imperative by building on the collaborative endeavour across the region.

The ultimate goal is to secure a future in which all communities prosper from the very best in sustainable

ways of living and working.”

Mr Shah is a former chief executive of the UK Atomic Energy Authority and of large businesses within BP. He has served as a director of, among others, Lloyd’s of London, The Crown Estate, and Thames Water. He is a former member of the government’s renewable energy advisory committee.

The Oxford to Cambridge Partnership’s interim chair Cllr Barry Wood, leader of Cherwell District Council, said: “Dipesh Shah’s

distinguished career and experience in the public and private sectors, as well as his passion for community development made him an ideal candidate for the role.

“Dipesh’s appointment marks a new chapter for regional collaboration for this area.”

Added Dehenna Davison, the government’s Minister for Levelling Up: “This partnership will play an important role in growing the local economy and boosting opportunities.”

Tax manager Yasmina Kreaa is one of seven senior arrivals at chartered accountancy practice Mercer & Hole. She is working out of the Milton Keynes office and has been hired as a result of strong growth across the firm. She previously worked at BDO LLP and Moore Stephens and acts for businesses and individuals, including for international clients and businesses relocating to the UK.

Ms Kreaa, below, is fluent in Spanish and Arabic.

The recruitment also includes outsourcing director Mandy Bagot. Managing partner Paul Maberley said: “Mercer & Hole continues to attract some of the most ambition talent in the accountancy sector drawn to the firm for the quality of its work and its strong employer brand.”

www.businessmk.co.uk for the latest local business news

Manufacturer fills senior role

Substantial business growth has led to the appointment of Richard Smith as chief manufacturing officer at electric motor and inverter manufacturer Helix. His is a new role, created in response to expansion in higher volume programmes enabled by Milton Keynesbased Helix’s Scaleable Core Technology platform architecture.

The company, which rebranded from Integral Powertrain after its move from Bletchley to a new Technical Centre at Shenley

Wood last year, designs and manufactures machines to designers and OEMs realise opportunities in new applications and markets. As well as automotive clients, the company is expanding into marine and aviation.

Helix director and chief executive Darren Cairns said: “Richard’s talent and experience in high volume manufacturing and supply chain further strengthens our executive team and underpins delivery of our world-class products to a wider range of clients at greater scale.”

Trio promoted in mortgage team

Business specialist Allica Bank has made changes in its broker commercial mortgage team and promoted three senior staff. Stephen Spinks, pictured, based at the bank’s office in Central Milton Keynes, becomes head of broker sales for commercial mortgages for Allica’s South and Central region.

His colleague Charissa Chang takes a similar role for the North and Midlands, while business relationship manager Michael Mann moves up to become business development director.

Said Allica’s chief commercial officer Nick Baker: “Their commitment to

Fitness equipment giant confirms VP Europe post

supporting our broker partners and their clients with clarity, consistency and collaboration is undeniable and they richly deserve this recognition.”

Allica’s broker-facing commercial mortgage and specialist care business development teams have expanded from three to 19 staff since it launched in 2020.

Gym equipment supplier Dyaco UK has announced the appointment of Jon Johnston as its senior vice president of Europe. Mr Johnston has spent the last nine months as UK managing director. He has worked in the health and fitness industry for the past 30 years, including at Matrix Fitness UK where as managing director he took turnover from £3 million to more than £40 million working with clients including Pure Gym and the public sector.

Dyaco UK, whose head office is at Stonebridge, is the European Commercial division of Dyaco International Group and has seen sales rise by a third in the past nine months.

The company is targeting a solid commercial foundation in the UK, with clients including Hybrid Fitness and Atrium Gym

NextGen Chamber recruits new board members

Next Generation Chamber, created to support businesses looking to help their staff to advance their careers, has welcomed three new members to its committee.

Abbie Campbell, Alicia Fergusson and Molly Feugard have joined the committee as part of its growth plans.

Ms Campbell, corporate and community fundraiser at Northamptonshire Health Charity, joined NextGen

UK sales head relishes electric vehicle challenge

Volkswagen Group UK has appointed

buyers, especially in the UK.”

already on board.

“I firmly believe that Dyaco UK Ltd possesses tremendous potential in the UK and European market, especially given the current economic challenges faced by facility operators in the commercial gym, hospitality and education sectors, who require a stable but innovative and agile equipment partner to overcome these challenges effectively.” Mr Johnston said.

David Hanna as head of sales. He takes up his appointment next month and succeeds James Douglas who is leaving the company, whose UK headquarters are at Blakelands, after ten years.

Mr Hanna has worked for Volkswagen Group UK since 2014. He joined as national fleet sales manager for Audi and moved to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles three years later. His most recent position has been as head of direct sales.

“I am very excited to be joining Volkswagen Passenger Cars,” he said. “The brand holds a special place in the hearts of car

Volkswagen headed the UK’s new car sales charts in both 2021 and 2022. “Volkswagen is at a transformative stage in its history, firmly on its way to an electric future with the evergrowing ID. range of battery electric vehicles, as well as adapting to rapidly evolving customer expectations,” said Mr Hanna.

Mr Hanna’s replacement at VW Commercial Vehicles is Tom Macintyre, currently head of product planning since 2021 when he moved from Volkswagen Financial Services. “Tom’s broad experience makes him well appointed to deliver our business priorities,” said director Cian O’Brien.

CLUB MK

Chamber last year along with Ms Fergusson, who is personal assistant to West Northamptonshire Council’s chief executive and assistant chief executive. Molly Feugard, digital marketing executive for Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire Chambers, joined in 2021. “I can really see how Next Generation Chamber encourages development and truly champions young business professionals,” she said. “I cannot wait

to start working with the team to continue to grow the network and encourage more people to get involved.”

The three join existing committee members Nina Gandy, who is corporate partnership fundraiser at Cynthia Spencer Hospice, trainee solicitor Imran Ilias, who works at Wilson Browne Solicitors, and Jamie Cochrane, associate at PBC Business Recovery & Insolvency Ltd.

Chief executive Darren Cairns (left) welcomes Richard Smith

Jon Johnston

David Hanna Tom Macintyre

Government opens clinic to treat gamblers

The government is to open a new clinic to tackle gambling-related harms in Milton Keynes later this summer.

The new facility will be based in Westcroft and is one of seven opening over the summer as the NHS expands support available for people experiencing gambling-related harms.

The clinics will treat people with serious addiction issues through cognitive behavioural therapy, family therapy, support groups and aftercare. Teams including psychologists, therapists, psychiatrists, mental health nurses and peer-support workers will also offer support to family, partners and carers.

The clinic in Milton Keynes is among seven announced by the government.

The others are in Liverpool, Thurrock, Bristol, Derby, Blackpool and Sheffield. Each location has been chosen to ensure representation across every region of England and accounting for the presence of existing NHS expertise and capacity,

They join eight gambling harms clinics already open in London, Leeds, Newcastle, Manchester, Southampton, Stoke-on-Trent and Telford. A national clinic in London treats both gambling and gaming addiction in children and young people.

“A gambling addiction can have a terrible impact on the lives of those with the addiction and the people close to them so I am delighted the government is investing in a new treatment clinic right here in Milton Keynes,” said Milton Keynes North MP Ben Everitt.

“Eight gambling harms clinics are already open across the country and are making a difference to people’s lives.”

Adds Iain Stewart, MP for Milton Keynes South: “I am pleased that the NHS continues to invest in Milton Keynes and expand the range of services available to residents, particularly to address the mental health impact that addictions can have on the patient and their family.”

The NHS plans to treat up to 3,000 patients a year across the 15 clinics. Figures from the Gambling Commission estimate around 138,000 people could be problem gambling, with around 1.3 million engaging in either moderate or low-risk gambling. Around 1,400 patients were referred for help last year.

The government’s White Paper on gambling includes a commitment to a statutory levy on gambling companies to pay their fair share towards the cost of treatment services. Health Minister Neil O’Brien said: “These new clinics will bring vital support to more parts of the country so thousands more people can get the help they need.”

Everything’s rosy in the Physio Garden Artists freshen up the concrete herd

Some 750 patients a year are to benefit from treatment in the great outdoors as Milton Keynes University Hospital unveils its new outdoor gym in the Physio Garden.

The facility gives patients the opportunity to receive their treatment in a peaceful outside space. Three items of equipment have been selected by the hospital’s physiotherapy team and include equipment fully accessible for wheelchair users. The money has

come from a National Lottery Awards for All grant.

“Before transforming the space, it was very limited in its usage as patients rarely sit outdoors,” said therapy lead Celia Hyem-Smith. “We have been able to make it a safe, welcoming and relaxing space.”

Milton Keynes Hospital Charity’s associate director Vanessa Holmes added: “We are very lucky to have so many green courtyards at MKUH and making practical use of them in this way is just incredible.”

Artists Emma Wilde and Aaron Head have been putting the finishing touches to their latest commission: to freshen up the Friesians with a new coat of paint for Milton Keynes’ concrete cows.

As one of more than 30 pieces of public art in the city’s parks, the refurbishment of Bill Billings’ 1979 replica herd at Bancroft has been led by The Parks Trust, which is responsible for green spaces across Milton Keynes.

Emma and Aaron have completed

Funding boost secures new facilities for residents

Capital expansion plans by the charity Camphill MK Communities have received a £75,000 boost via a strategic grant from Milton Keynes Community Foundation. It will help to fund the charity’s aim to build more accessible and inclusive communities for its current and future residents.

Pictured at the groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of

work are HM Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire the Countess Howe, the county’s High Sheriff Dame Ann Limb and Milton Keynes Mayor and Mayoress Mick and Mandy Legg with Camphill staff and residents.

The money has come from the foundation’s Margaret Powell Fund. Camphill MK chief executive Tim Davies said: “The Margaret Powell funds will support our aim

to continue to care for our learning disabled residents as they live into old age and experience the same age related challenges of mobility and other physical frailties that we all may do at that time in our lives.”

The community foundation’s philanthropy manager Jake Geelan adds: “Our funding will have a long-lasting impact on the lives of the residents at Camphill for generations to come.”

repainting the cattle in a new matte finish, closely following the markings of Liz Leyh’s original herd, now housed at MK Museum.

“It has been lovely to work on a project so close to home,” said Ms Wilde. “My parents moved to Milton Keynes in the 1970s so I have fond memories of visiting the Concrete Cows when I was younger. While we were repainting them, it was great to chat to people passing by about how well loved they are and how much fun they bring.”

All that glitters is gold for charity

Glamour comes in shades of gold and black next month at the annual Black and Gold Ball in aid of The Henry Allen Trust in Milton Keynes at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, StadiumMK, on September 29. Tickets are now on sale for the event, which includes a drinks reception followed by a threecourse meal, auction, games and live entertainment.

Money raised will help The Henry Allen Trust to raise vital funds to continue their work in supporting children, teens, young adults and their families battling childhood cancer all over the UK. n To book tickets and find out more about sponsorship opportunities, visit thehenryallentrust.org.uk/events/ black-gold-ball-2023/

Support is vital but we cannot rest on our laurels

Lining up a world record bid

Support from business leaders is making a vital contribution to the work of MK Food Bank as it battles to meet soaring demand for its services. Its value - via direct funding and in-kind support - is an estimated £50,000 in the past 12 months alone.

But, said the food bank’s operations manager Louisa Hobbs, business cannot afford to rest on its laurels.

Demand has risen in the first quarter of 2023 by almost 50 per cent on the January-March period last year. The number of households seeking support has doubled and concern is growing as the cost of living crisis continues to bite. Nationally, around 90 per cent of UK food banks are at risk of turning people away due to the ever increasing numbers of people turning to them. The Trussell Trust, which works to stop UK hunger and poverty, recently announced that its food banks distributed more than three million emergency food parcels last year - a record amount

and higher than the number given out at the height of the pandemic.

MK Food Bank is an independent charity and not part of The Trussell Trust but, Ms Hobbs told a meeting of Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership members, its stats tell the same story. “We have also now reached a very unappealing milestone - our emergency parcel distribution has reached levels of demand not seen since the height of the pandemic in June 2020.”

Speaking to MKBLP 12 months ago, Ms Hobbs had warned that demand for MK Food Bank’s services was set to accelerate over the winter. Despite the much-needed help from MKBLP members, MK Food Bank is still seeing a significant gap between donations in and food out, leading to the charity spending £20,000 every month on food to make up the shortfall.

Every day MK Food Bank needs at least 4,500 food items, £530 and 55 volunteer hours just to stay open, Ms Hobbs said. “This is just not sustainable without regular support

HOW BUSINESSES ARE HELPING MK FOOD BANK

n Web design company Red Giraffe built a new website for free and continue to support MK Food Bank with add-ons. “This has saved us thousands of pounds in costs along with valuable training and ongoing support, which has been so helpful to us in getting our messages across,” said Ms Hobbs.

n Holiday Inn Milton KeynesCentral is a long-term supporter of the Food Bank. After meeting Ms Hobbs last year, general manager Kevin Coombes offered to pay the charity’s full diesel costs every month.

The hotel and food bank have developed MK Food Champ, a recipe competition for schools using food bank ingredients. The shortlisted dishes were created by the hotel’s

kitchen and the children came with their parents for a judging tasting session.

The recipes are now being made up into recipe packs which are sold at MK Food Bank’s top-up shops. “We have had so much feedback from families who are now regularly making veggie curry or Mexican rice when previously they would have made expensive ready meals,” said Ms Hobbs.

n Law firm Howes Percival chose MK Food Bank as its charity of the year last year, making food donations every month and raising £10,300 on a 25-mile sponsored walk.

n MK Food Bank has developed a ‘very special relationship’ with fellow charity MK SNAP. Its chief executive Angie Novell has encouraged food

of food, money and time from the community.”

Its success at the Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards in 2022, when MK Food Bank was named Charity of the Year, had opened doors to support from MKBLP members that has resulted

donations and introduced Ms Hobbs and colleagues to other networks.

n Long-time supporter Handelsbanken is developing a corporate driving rota for MK Food Bank’s mobile top-up shop. “This team also gets a special mention for inviting me into their networks and literally heading straight to the shops to buy food when we hit a major crisis in March,” said Ms Hobbs.

n Fellow bank NatWest supporting the food bank with money, food and volunteering. Then Duncan Lathwell, head of East of England corporate, corporate and commercial banking based in Milton Keynes, applied for national funding from the bank’s cost of living fund. The result; £18,000 towards MK Food Bank’s mobile top-up shop.

in significant funding, assistance and value totalling an estimated £50,000.

“To put this figure into context and demonstrate what this really means to us, I told you almost 12 months ago that it costs us £530 every day just to operate,” Ms Hobbs said. “That means your support funds our costs - keeps our vans going, pays our staff and bills and other costsfor one quarter of the year.”

Look at it another way. In terms of equivalent food it means that just over 3,000 people were able to have a food parcel or do a top-up shop that they would not have been able to had the funding not ben there, she added.

“For me, this demonstrates the massive impact that winning the MKBAA Charity of the Year and the subsequent introduction to this group has had and continues to have. If I were to also calculate the amounts raised through supporters who were introductions from this group, the figure would be much higher.

“So, thank you all. Everyone should be incredibly proud. I am.”

The ‘can do’ attitude that is the hallmark of Milton Keynes is set to break records.

MK Food Bank is looking to set a new world record for the longest continuous line of cans of food. And the charity is calling on the community, community groups and businesses to join in.

The charity, which is providing food aid to hundreds of families and individuals struggling in the cost of living crisis, is experiencing soaring demand for its services. It has delivered more than 14,000 food parcels this year alreadysimilar to those at the height of the pandemic.

“The cost of food is rising but our donations are going down,” operations manager Louisa Hobbs said at the launch of the MK CAN record attempt. “We are only receiving around half of what we need to meet this demand.”

MK CAN’s is to line up more than 132,000 cans along ten kilometres around Campbell Park, shattering the previous record of 90,000 cans set in South Africa. It is calling on businesses, community groups and other organisations to sponsor a 25-metre section and commit to provide the 350 cans needed to cover the 25 metres. Businesses are asked to pay £250 for the sponsorship opportunity, which will be free to other community groups, she told guests at the MK CAN launch event at the Milton Keynes Rose in Campbell Park.

n Find out more at mkfoodbank. org.uk

1,000 walkers step out for some moo-vellous fundraising

It is 10pm and around 1,000 fundraisers take their first step towards raising more than £100,000 as Willen hospice’s annual Midnight Moo is under way.

Sponsored by Specsavers MK, the Midnight Moo is the charity’s flagship event. And the Moo’erswith flashing headbands, garlands and wings - made for an incredible sight as they completed their five- or ten-mile sponsored walk across Milton Keynes, starting and finishing at Midsummer Place shopping centre.

“You could feel the love for Willen Hospice and it really drove home the profound impact we have on local families,” said hospice chief executive Peta Wilkinson. “It

was heartwarming to see so many people walking in memory of their loved ones as well as those who just wanted to do something incredible to support their local hospice.”

Peta was among the participants, having also run the London Marathon and trekked across the Sahara fundraising for Willen. Every competitor received a medal, sponsored by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, for the efforts.

Said Liz Sparham, whose team raised over £3,000: “We wanted to take part and fundraise because we want Willen Hospice to be there for us, should we ever need it.”

n Sign up to take part and for the Midnight Moo 2024 at www.willenhospice.org.uk/support-us

Louisa Hobbs is pictured with Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership chair Nicholas Mann (left) and director Simon deMaid

Business backing is crucial but Food Bank spells out a stark reality on crisis

Networking

Theatre raises the curtain on new sponsorship deal

The curtain rises on a new partnership between Milton Keynes Theatre and the city’s business community. Raise a glass to property maintenance specialists Facilities Management Solutions which has unveiled its branding above the theatre’s popular bar.

The two-year deal follows the Wymbush company’s partnership agreement with radio station MKFM. “It is really important for us to align ourselves with local organisations that have the same values as us,” said operations manager Dan Cole.

“We made a huge step in that direction when we partnered with MKFM, and now we could not

be happier to add Milton Keynes Theatre to our list of partners.”

The FMS bar is now open and serving audience members keen to enjoy the show.

Theatre director Emma Sullivan said: “The continued growth and success of Milton Keynes Theatre is reinforced by the support that we get from local businesses through sponsorships and memberships and the new FMS Bar is a muchappreciated addition to our partnerships portfolio.”

Adds FMS managing director Carl Yeomanson: “We are really excited to be aligning ourselves and our brand with yet another great establishment in Milton Keynes.”

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

local chapter meeting and see for yourself. Each chapter has a personality of its own and finding where you fit best helps you get connected.

DIAMOND

Networking lunch.

AYLESBURY

2nd Tuesday 12 noon-2pm: Online

MILTON KEYNES

2nd Thursday 12 noon-2pm: Online

BUCKINGHAM

3rd Tuesday 12 noon-2pm: Online

CAPPUCCINO CONNECTIONS

4th Thursday 10am-12 noon: Online

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

BEDFORD

2nd Wednesday 12 noon-2pm: Online

SOUTH & EAST BEDFORDSHIRE

4th Tuesday 12 noon-2pm: Online

WOBURN

3rd Thursday 12 noon-2pm: Online

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

Tuesday 6.45am: Abbey Hill Golf Centre, Two

Mile Ash

APOLLO

Wednesday 10am: MK Gallery

PHOENIX

Friday 9.45am: The Bedford Golf Club

ENCORE

Friday 6.45am: Holiday Inn London Luton

More information: www.bni.co.uk Airport

PIONEER

Wednesday 9.30am: Online meetings

More information: www.bni.co.uk

Buzz Booking App https://app.business-buzz. org/app or at the event.

EAST MIDLANDS

1st Friday: Online. Price: £10

BEDFORDSHIRE

4th Tuesday: Online

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

Contact:

BEDFORDSHIRE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE & HERTFORDSHIRE VIRTUAL NETWORKING

August 17 10am-11am: Online.

Networking + an update on the benefits of FSB membership. Free event for FSB members and non-members.

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

August 8, 22 7am-8.30am: Villiers Hotel, Buckingham Breakfast meeting + speaker. Visitors: £10. More details: www.bucks-fizz.biz

Business networking and referral group.

Price: £6.

MILTON KEYNES

2nd Thursday, 7.30am-9.30am:

Abbey Hill Golf Centre, Two Mile Ash VIRTUAL NETWORKING

Tuesday Brunch

2nd Tuesday, 9.30am-11am

Wednesday Breakfast

4th Wednesday, 7.30am

Thursday Breakfast

3rd Thursday, 7.30am

Friday Breakfast

2nd Friday, 7.30am

THE ACCOUNTABILITY CIRCLE

Monday 10am-11am: Online

NETWORKING & SUSTAINABILITY

August 24 8.30am-10.30am

Opus Energy, The Lakes, Northampton

Price: £10 + VAT Chamber members; non-members £20 + VAT.

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

CONNECT OVER COFFEE

August 15 9.30am-11am:

Mercuyre Bedford Central, St Mary’s Street Networking event + an update on the benefits of Chamber membership. Free event for Chamber members; nonmembers £25.

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

Regional sponsor: Business MK and Business2Business

No fuss, no membership, pay as you go... The Business Buzz format is relaxed, informal, conversational B2B networking. Town focused events meet face-to-face, allowing visitors to build better, more robust relationships. These are complemented by regional virtual events.

All Business Buzz events run 10am-noon

BRACKLEY

1st Thursday: Paisley Pear, Northampton Road.

MILTON KEYNES

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

BEDFORD

1st Wednesday: George & Dragon, Mill Street

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

BIGGLESWADE

2nd Wednesday: The Crown Hotel, High Street. Price: £6, payable in advance on the Business

Helping small businesses get tasks from ‘to do’ to ‘done’. Advice and tips on time management and productivity.

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

Alt. Fridays 7am:

Abbey Hill Golf Centre, Two Mile Ash

Networking breakfast with speaker. Price: £15. Contact: www.businessgrowthclub.co.uk or Mark Orr 07903 655169.

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

3rd Friday, 7am-9am

Astral Park, Leighton Buzzard Breakfast networking with speaker. Price: £13.

Contact: Edith Samambwa on 07802 581838, email edith.samambwa@wibn.co.uk or visit www.wibn.co.uk

To have your networking group’s events included in future editions of Business MK, email details to news@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk

We’ve done it...

as

in this

Garden centre deal is ‘milestone’, said buyer

Owner completes acquisition and upgrade work with £1.9m funding package

Agarden centre and landscaping materials supplier has acquired its fourth centre.

Nuyard Group has completed its purchase of Flitvale Garden Centre in Flitwick and has completed a revamp of the 35,000 sq ft facility to increase its product offering and to improve the shopping experience.

It has invested in the on-site restaurant, added a florist and expanded the houseplants area of the centre by 200 per cent amid blossoming demand from customers.

Nursery land has also been brought back into use to serve as the base for its paving and landscaping arm, which supplies to trade customers in the area and allows the business to add new machinery and hardware to its range.

The acquisition and investment has been supported by a £1.9 million funding package from Lloyds Bank.

Nuyard director Peter Manship said: “Acquiring Flitvale Garden Centre was a milestone and a significant amount of work has gone into redesigning and revamping it so that everyone, from

home horticulturalists to professional landscapers, will want to return.”

The business was founded 20 years ago out of a garden and landscaping merchants centre in Tring and has since opened sites in Bletchley and Worcester, and now Flitwick.

Across the four sites, Nuyard employs 65 staff and is planning to grow its headcount to over 100.

“People no longer see gardens as just a patch of outdoor space but as an additional room of their homes that is to be enjoyed as much as any other,” Mr Manship said.

“With this in mind, a significant part of our growth is down to remaining agile to new trends and changing demand like any other interior provider.”

Lloyds Bank relationship manager Will Robertson said: “Gardens have taken on renewed importance in the last few years, as homeowners have realised the value of green space. Nuyard has recognised this change in the market and capitalised on it and the acquisition and opening of its new garden centre is testament to that.

“Nuyard is a good example of a business investing in order to drive

Industry hails venue’s sustainability drive

Conference, training and leisure venue

growth and supporting that ambition is our bread and butter. We want to make sure that businesses across Britain have the platform that they need to invest strategically, whether that’s opening new locations or moving to become more sustainable and everything in between.”

Wyboston Lakes Resort has won an award for its Room2Grow sustainability initiative. It won the Sustainability Award at the Conference & Events Awards for the scheme, launched last year since when 26,000 ecoconscious guests staying more than one night at Wyboston Lakes Resort have chosen to have a tree planted on the resort instead of having their room cleaned. The resort has been planting them on the 380-acre site near Bedford.

“This is superb testimony to the continuing innovation of our ‘Green Team’ and our philosophy of ‘More

Sustainable No Apology’,” said the resort’s director of marketing Louisa Watson.

In September Wyboston Lakes Resort published a four-year Green Energy Roadmap as the foundation for its plan to become self-sufficient by producing its own green energy using the natural resources available at the resort, which will help to achieve its Net Zero Carbon Emissions target. All electric energy on-site now comes from renewable resources, reducing the resort’s carbon footprint by 65 per cent.

The resort’s Woodlands Event Centre was highly commended in the Best Event Venue category at the meetings industry’s micebook Awards.

The celebrations begin

the winners

year’s SME Bedfordshire Business Awards take in what their success might mean for them. Read the thoughts of this year’s overall winner IMPAKT Housing & Support and those of Employer of the Year Woods Hardwick, which became owned by its employees only 12 months ago. Reports and picture special; Pages 22-23.

Back the Hatters and put our town on the map

Businesses in Luton will have a major role to play as the town prepares to capitalise on the opportunities created by the arrival of Premier League football.

Luton Town FC won promotion from the Championship after a nailbiting penalty shoot-out win over Coventry City at the end of May. The triumph by the Hatters means

Council leader urges businesses to join showcase opportunity

they will welcome the biggest football clubs in England and the international spotlight will be on Luton as the new season begins. And the council is also planning to take advantage of the opportunity to promote Luton around the world.

Council leader Cllr Hazel Simmons

said: “The football club’s success has given us a chance to showcase the best of our town, improve our reputation and ultimately open the door for more investment that will benefit our local communities. Local residents and businesses will have a big role to play in this success.”

Luton Council has contributed £400,000 towards the work required to bring the Hatters’ Kenilworth Road ground and surrounding area up to Premier League standard.

The council’s building control team has been overseeing the work and will be responsible for providing

People Power Makes Business Great – Let’s Work Together

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

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.”

the Safety Certificate to the club to certify that the works are satisfactory and the stadium is safe to use ahead of the first home game of the season, scheduled for September 1 against West Ham Utd.

“Our teams, from building control, emergency planning, highways, neighbourhood services, parking and neighbourhood enforcement to licensing and food services, each have key roles to play in ensuring all the works can be completed safely and on time and that match days are safe,” said a council spokesman.

Luton Town FC’s chief executive Gary Sweet said: “We sincerely appreciate all of the support we have been receiving from everyone at the council to help us deliver this huge task of upgrading Kenilworth Road. Likewise, our longstanding relationships with residents and the wider Bury Park community are now key to getting us to a point at the start of the season where we can all welcome the global spotlight on Luton.

“We have always said the club is an integral part of the local community and this is being demonstrated now more than ever.”

Merger secures hospice’s future, said trust chair

Two hospices doing sterling work in Bedfordshire have announced that they have merged.

Bedford Daycare Hospice, on Linden Road, provides holistic care to adults in north and mid Bedfordshire. It is to merge with Keech Hospice Care, which provides similar care for adults in Luton and south Bedfordshire and for children across Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes and Hertfordshire.

The merger, which has already taken place, will sustain the future of Bedford Daycare Hospice and to ensure that more people can benefit from the range of services offered by both charities.

Keech Hospice Care chief executive Liz Searle said: “Both hospices are already well known for the outstanding quality of care they provide. The merger serves to strengthen and enhance our current range of services and our combined efforts will ensure even more people in our community benefit from them.”

All jobs at both organisations will remain. Both hospice sites will remain open and retail stores will continue to operate.

Donald Parsons, chair of trustees at Bedford Daycare Hospice, said that sustaining the charity has sometimes been challenging.

“It is wonderful to know that our legacy will go from strength to strength and is in safe hands,” Mr Parsons added.

The findings in the latest Quarterly Economic Survey by bedfordshire Chamnber of Commerce reveal mixed signals from businesses across the county. Chamber chief executive Justin Richardson analyses the figures.

Luton Hoo unveils plans to rebrand after redevelopment

Plans are under way to rebrand Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa under the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts brand.

Arora Group, which acquired the hotel in 2021, has signed an agreement to redevelop the hotel. The announcement demonstrates the growing partnership between Arora Group and hospitality group Accor, whose collection of brands includes Fairmont.

Before the rebrand is completed, Luton Hoo will undergo a multi-million-pound redevelopment over the next few years.

Confidence is improving but investment plans remain cautious

As the chief executive of Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, I am privileged to witness first-hand the resilience and tenacity of our local business community. Each quarter, we eagerly await the findings of our Quarterly Economic Survey results, which provide a vital snapshot of our region’s economic climate and I am delighted to share with you the key findings from our recently published Q2 2023 survey.

Despite the prevailing tough trading conditions, there is a glimmer of optimism among local businesses. The survey reveals an improvement in business confidence during the second quarter of this year.

Here are some of the highlights from the survey:

Domestic sales and forward orders

Encouragingly, domestic sales and forward orders witnessed an upturn when compared to the previous quarter.

Approximately 42 per cent of respondents reported an overall increase in sales, while 36pc saw an improvement in forward orders for the subsequent quarter.

These figures offer hope in such tough conditions.

Pricing pressures ease

In a welcome development, the survey indicates a lessening of pressure on local companies to increase prices. Only 45pc of respondents anticipate price increases, marking the lowest level since Q1 2022.

Rebound in cashflow

On another positive note, the survey reveals a rebound in cashflow for local businesses. A total 35pc of respondents noted an improvement during the period.

This could provide a muchneeded cushion for businesses to weather ongoing economic uncertainties.

Recruitment challenges

However, amid these positive developments, our survey sheds light on an ongoing concern faced by local businesses - recruitment challenges. A staggering 77pc of firms looking to expand their workforce in Q2 experienced challenges in finding suitable candidates.

This highlights the continued need for collaborative efforts between the business community and education to address the skills gap and foster a talent pipeline that meets the evolving needs of our businesses.

The bottom line...

While the survey offers a glimmer of hope, the persistently weak investment intentions call for concerted efforts to stimulate business activity and foster an environment conducive to long-term growth. Addressing the recruitment challenges and ensuring a steady pipeline of talent must remain a top priority.

With weakening inflationary pressures but continuing wage concerns, there is a hope that the Bank of England will carefully consider its next steps, given their acknowledgment of the tight labour market as a significant factor in the UK’s persistent inflation.

As we move forward, Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce remains committed to supporting our members and the wider business community. We will continue to advocate for their needs, collaborate with policymakers, and facilitate meaningful connections that drive economic growth and prosperity. Together we can overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and propel Bedfordshire to new heights of success.

executive Mark Willis added: “There are few hotels in the world with the incredible heritage and grand, elegant estate of Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa. We will be honoured to welcome the Luton Hoo Hotel to the Fairmont family, and are excited to see the property’s transformation unfold over the coming months and years.”

Dating back to 1601, the Luton Hoo estate spans 1,100 acres, with a five-star hotel behind the facade of the Mansion House.

the already rich history of Luton Hoo and to ensure that any future investment into the premises will bring economic benefit to Bedfordshire and surrounding areas.

“Over the last decade, our estate has grown significantly, and we are excited to have this historic hotel join our other flagship properties.”

n Plans to build a new championship standard golf course able to host leading golf tournaments - even the Ryder Cup - are being considered by Central Bedfordshire Council.

Accor Group’s chairman and chief executive Sébastien Bazin said: “This is an exciting project, truly a piece of history in this region and we are honoured that Arora has entrusted it to Fairmont.”

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts chief

Arora Group’s founder and chairman Surinder Arora said: “Our acquisition of Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa was always with the intention to curate a luxury leisure and hospitality experience on the estate. We want to continue building on

Hosting the biennial tournament between Europe and the USA in 2031 or 2035 would raise the profile of the area to a global audience, said Mr Arora. he described a bid as ‘a very real and realistic ambition’.

FREE ENTRY • Generate quality sales leads • Connect with key decision makers • Increase brand awareness • Meet suppliers to help grow your business • Meet and mingle at the Networking Breakfast

10AM-3PM 8 NOV >>

Fpartners Boeing, Heathrow and Spirent Communications. “Aviation is a fascinating and exciting career option and we hope that many of them will be inspired to follow this path,” said Adrian Cole, programme manager at the university’s Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre. Promote your business at Your Business Expo Bedford Sponsored by:

www.yourbusinessexpo.co.uk POWERED BY BUSINESS2BUSINESS BEDFORD HEIGHTS, BRICKHILL DR, BEDFORD MK41 7PH

Justin Richardson

SME Bedfordshire Business Awards: Picture Special

‘We should be proud that such businesses call Bedfordshire home’

The companies making up the backbone of Bedfordshire were celebrating in style at the 2023 SME Bedfordshire Business Awards. The ceremony, held at The Auction House in Luton, shone a spotlight on the achievements of companies with up to 250 employees based in Bedfordshire.

The county’s cream of its SME crop gathered to celebrate their success and saw not-for-profit independent housing association IMPAKT Housing & Support take home the Overall Winner title.

IMPAKT Housing & Support now goes forward to represent Bedfordshire at the SME National Business Awards in December at Wembley Stadium.

The awards judges, all senior business figures in Bedfordshire, were looking for organisations that showed outstanding initiative, boldness, and sustainability in the county, as well as sound management practices throughout their business.

SME Bedfordshire Awards director

Damian Cummins said: “We are all aware that SMEs are responsible for

driving innovation and competition across the counties economic sectors.”

“The sheer number, breadth, and overall quality of the entries we have received is a testament of the strength of Bedfordshire’s growing SME market. This year’s entries demonstrate a commitment to impact and purpose-driven work that is here to stay. We should all be proud that such businesses choose to call Bedfordshire home.”

IMPAKT Housing & Support, pictured after receiving the overall winner’s award, will be at Wembley Stadium with gold award winners in the majority

categories presented at the ceremony.

AMPTHILL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Bidology Consulting

Silver Bee Noticed Social Media Services

Sponsor: Autism Bedfordshire

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

John Godfrey - Krause Autos

Silver Natasha Smith - The Dental Centre

Bedford

Bronze Tom Hall - IMPAKT Housing & Support Sponsor: Liebherr

BEDFORD BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Imagefix

Silver The Mobility Physio

Sponsor: Oval Law

BEST ENTERPRISING BUSINESS

Geopace Training

Silver The Fruit and Veg Man

Sponsor: Digital Future First

BEST NEW BUSINESS

Sales Training with Enfys

Silver Red Thread Tailor

Sponsor: Wrest Park Enterprise

BUSINESS INNOVATION

THSP

Silver Bedford Radio

Sponsor: Bonfire Creative

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

(Less than 50 employees)

Home Instead Bedford

Silver Imagefix

Sponsor: Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

(More than 50 employees)

IMPAKT Housing & Support

Silver Miniclipper Logistics

Sponsor: Luton Borough Council

BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR

Ross Testa - 3 Heads Agency

Silver Hyder Haniffa - Unisnacks Europe

Bronze Bilal Farooq - Greystome Solicitors

Sponsor: Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce

BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR

Lauren Shepherd - Babyballet Biggleswade & Bedford

Silver Enfys Maloney - Sales Training With Enfys

Bronze Jodie Testa - 3 Heads Agency Sponsor: THSP

COMMUNITY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Hannah Solicitors LLP

Silver Chums

Sponsor: AF Blakemore

DUNSTABLE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Red Thread Tailor

Silver Kumon Dunstable Study Centre

Sponsor: Business2Business

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

Woods Hardwick

Silver Will Brown Hair

FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Miniclipper Logistics

Silver Krause Autos

GREEN AWARD

Sponsor: Jaltek

Sponsor: AF Blakemore

The Refill Leighton Buzzard

Silver Teaching Talons

Sponsor: Central Bedfordshire Council + Green

Business Network

HOSPITALITY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre & Tea Room

Sponsor: London Luton Airport

LEIGHTON BUZZARD BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Razzamataz Leighton Buzzard

Silver Osborne Morris & Morgan

Sponsor: 123 Internet Group

LUTON BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Greystone Solicitors

Silver Hannah Solicitors LLP

Sponsor: Luton Borough Council

POSITIVE IMPACT AWARD

Will Brown Hair

Silver Holistic Thinking Holidays

SERVICE EXCELLENCE

Teaching Talons

Silver House of Handsome

Sponsor: Jaltek

Sponsor: London Luton Airport

WEBSITE OF THE YEAR

Window Ware

Sponsor: Foxley Kingham

YOUNG BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR

Heni Cloake - The Refill Leighton Buzzard

Silver Samantha Wingfield-Jones - Razzamataz

Leighton Buzzard

OVERALL WINNER

Sponsor: Barnfield College

IMPAKT Housing & Support

of

SME BEDFORDSHIRE BUSINESS AWARDS: ROLL OF HONOUR

Apprentice of the Year John Godfrey

Best New Business Sales Training with Enfys

Business of the Year (more than 50 employees) IMPAKT Housing & Support

Bedford Business of the Year Imagefix

Business Innovation THSP

Business Person of the Year Ross Testa

Ampthill Business of the Year Bidology Consulting

Best Enterprising Business Geospace Training

Business of the Year (less than 50 employees) Home Instead Bedford

“These two awards fuel our passion and motivate us to reach even greater heights.”

“We are absolutely thrilled to have won the prestigious Bedford Business of the Year and Bedfordshire Business of the Year, less than 50 Employees awards. This recognition means so much to us and serves as a testament to our hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence in providing design and marketing services.

“Being chosen as the best among all the incredible businesses in the area is truly humbling. Our heartfelt thanks to our amazing team, loyal customers and supportive community for making this possible. These two awards fuel our passion and motivate us to reach even greater heights.

GARRY WEST Creative Director www.imagefix.co.uk

SME Bedfordshire Business Awards: Picture Special

Award ‘reflects who we are as a business’

Woods Hardwick switched to become an Employee Owned Trust a year ago. Now this independent architecture, engineering, planning and surveying specialist has been named Bedfordshire’s SME Employer of the Year.

The practice has transformed the way it operates over the past 12 months, working with its 80-plus staff to create the best employee experience and company culture.

“We have achieved so much in such a short space of time since moving over to our EOT model,” said Woods Hardwick director and EOT trustee John Freeman. “The staff have fully embraced the shift in direction and turned the company into the best ever version of itself in our long successful history.”

The SME awards judges were impressed by the practice’s new five-year business strategy, a new internal communications

and staff engagement programme, improved employee benefits and the training and development of its future leaders.

The new approach has contributed to an increase in revenue, made a positive impact with staff and supported with delivering for its clients across the residential and commercial property sectors, they said.

“This award reflects who we as a business,” said director Jason Leonard. “It is the people within it and not just about the name above the door. By looking after our staff, it allows to provide a first-class experience for each and every one of our clients. This really is a team effort and everyone at Woods Hardwick has contributed.”

Woods Hardwick now goes through to the national SME Business Awards, which take place at Wembley Stadium in December.

Home Instead Bedford were delighted to have won the Bedfordshire Business of the Year, less than 50 Employees award at the recent SME Bedfordshire Business Awards, in association with the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce.

Moona Karim, director of Home Instead Bedford, said: “It is a testament to how hard the whole team have worked and continue to work to make sure that every client we support is looked after to the highest standard possible. “The way we achieve that is by recruiting the very best people we can find, people that we would be happy to look after our own parents. I am so very proud of the whole team.“

Businesswoman of the Year Lauren Shepherd

Community Business of the Year Hannah Solicitors LLP

Dunstable Business of the Year Red Thread Tailor

Employer of the Year Woods Hardwick

Family Business of the Year Miniclipper Logistics

Positive Impact Will Brown Hair

Service Excellence Teaching Talons

Website of the Year Window Ware

Young Businessperson of the Year Heni Cloake

Luton Business of the Year Greystone Solicitors

Leighton Buzzard Business of the Year Razzamataz

Green Award The Refill Leighton Buzzard

Hospitality Business of the Year Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre

The staff have fully embraced the shift in direction