Business MK October 24

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TJ Bouchada

Ambassador aims to inspire future entrepreneurs

Entrepreneur TJ Bouchada is looking to inspire other would-be businesspeople to follow in her footsteps.

The founder of the Moody Cow nail salon in Milton Keynes has been named among 14 Start Up Loans 2024 Ambassadors. She and her fellow ambassadors have been chosen after demonstrating their creativity, determination and resilience in setting up and driving forward their business.

Two years ago TJ took out a Start Up loan of £12,000 to open her own nail salon. She had been made redundant in the pandemic from the salon where she previously worked but had always had the dream of running her own business.

Inspired by the growing demand for beauty and wellness treatments, she used the £12,000 loan from Let’s Do Business Finance to rent her own shop and purchase the necessary supplies to get her business off the ground.

Now she is on a mission to create a franchise of boutique nail salons in the Milton Keynes area.

“I am honoured to be part of a movement that empowers entrepreneurs like myself,” said 27-year-old TJ. “The loan was essential in enabling me to open my salon and pursue my dream of being my own boss. I hope I can inspire other young people to take that leap and start their own journey.”

The annual Start Up Loans Ambassadors programme, now in its ninth year, celebrates inspiring UK business owners who have launched an enterprise using finance from

“I am honoured to be part of a movement that empowers entrepreneurs like myself... I hope I can inspire other young people to take that leap”

Competitor acquires city-based tyre company

National tyre fitter and retailer Just Tyres has been sold to sector rival The Tyre Group.

The company, whose head office is at Rooksley in Milton Keynes, has more than 30 sites across the UK and is now under the same ownership as several other brands.

The deal is the latest in a series of high-profile deals in the automotive sector overseen by professional services firm Grant Thornton’s mergers and acquisitions department.

Corporate finance partner Mike Tillson, the firm’s automotive lead, said: “We have

several ongoing deals in the sector and expect M&A activity to increase as the industry evolves and adapts to changing market dynamics and regulations.”

The Grant Thornton specialists also advised on the sale of the UK’s largest privately owned car parts distributor Motor parts Direct to South African corporate Motus SA.

The advisers also worked with electric vehicle charging solutions provider EB Charging on its £18.8 million sale to NASDAQ-listed Blink Inc.

Last month, Grant Thornton announced it had acted for independent car dealer

group

‘A prime example of innovation and ingenuity’

>> From page 5.

the government-backed scheme. This year, as well as 12 Ambassadors drawn from each of the UK’s nations and regions, two more Ambassadors have been chosen, representing groups supported by the programme who may face challenges in accessing finance elsewhere: one from the ex-forces community; the other from the 18-24 Gen Z age group.

TJ is the Ambassador for the South East. “She embodies the determination and drive that is required of a business owner in the current climate,” said Louise McCoy, commercial managing director, small business lending, at Start Up Loans. “I know that she will inspire others to follow their dream of becoming a business owner and I am very much looking forward to working with her and helping to share her story.”

The 2024 Ambassadors will be introduced at an event in central London.

Small Business Minister Gareth Thomas said: “These new ambassadors are prime examples of the innovation and ingenuity of the UK’s small firms. Access to finance is crucial for SMEs to succeed and the Start Up Loan scheme is a lightning rod to that success.

“We know that when small businesses are given the tools to thrive, it leads to growth, more jobs and helps to boost the whole economy.”

The Start Up Loans programme has delivered more than 115,000 loans to business owners across the UK, amounting to more than £1.1 billion of funding.

‘They

are the lifeblood of our community’

MP Chris Curtis is getting behind the business community in his Milton Keynes North constituency with the launch of a social media campaign.

His Small Business Saturday campaign will highlight a local small business on social media each week. The aim is simple: to attract more customers to local companies and to promote discussion around the importance of shopping and buying local.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community, within the city and in MK North’s fantastic old town high streets,” said Chris. “But there is no escaping the fact business owners are struggling and I want to do what I can to support them.”

Chris is also planning closer engagement with local businesses to feed into discussions with government ministers about future policy. Labour says its primary mission is to grow the UK economy.

“Each pound spent with a small business in Milton Keynes goes back into our local economy and helps us thrive,”

Chris said. “As MK North’s MP, I want to champion this. Please let me know where you think I should feature as part of this campaign.”

Leave a comment on Chris’s first Small Business Saturday Facebook post at https://tinyurl.com/49pjw4fz to suggest local businesses to be featured.

Glyn Hopkin on its sale to an Employee Ownership Trust.

Chris Curtis, MP for Milton Keynes North, in Stony Stratford

MP’s social media campaign champions small businesses

City centre: A secret for far too long

BID unveils new website to strengthen connection between residents and centre

Here it is… the new consumerorientated website for Milton Keynes city centre.

MyMiltonKeynes Business Improvement District has unveiled the new state-ofthe-art site to its levy payers.

mymk.cc serves as a digital gateway to Central Milton Keynes, with a wealth of information and features for businesses, residents and visitors.

MyMK BID chief executive Jill Farnsworth said: “Milton Keynes City Centre has been

its own best kept secret for too long. Well known for being a top retail destination, we are now lifting the lid and shouting loudly and proudly about all the reasons we love it here.”

Built on a composable architecture and powered by a cutting-edge tech stack, the website incorporates a host of innovative features. These include:

n A business directory.

n An interactive map that allows users to easily find key locations around the city.

“We are lifting the lid and shouting loudly and proudly about all the reasons we love it here.”

Jill Farnsworth

n An intuitive day planner to help organise trips and build itineraries.

n AI assist technology that enhances personalisation and user interaction. By prioritising user experience and intuitive design, MyMK ensures that the website remains a central hub for anyone looking to navigate the city centre with ease, according to the BID.

The site has been created by digital product and design agency evensix.

Design lead Pete Cockram said: “We were thrilled to collaborate with the MyMK team to bring their vision to life, creating a dynamic brand and digital experience that reflects the essence of Milton Keynes.

“Using the most up-to-date technology, we have crafted a visually engaging and user-friendly platform that serves both residents and visitors, helping them seamlessly explore and enjoy everything the city has to offer.

“We are really pleased with the results and are excited to see how the people of Milton Keynes and beyond respond to it.”

The new website is part of MyMK’s plans to increase the sense of connection between the Milton Keynes community and the city centre, said Jill. It will act as a key tool in driving footfall, promoting local businesses, and creating a dynamic urban environment for residents and visitors alike.

“We have everything from indoor skydiving, skiing and golf, to trampolining and ice skating. There are great bars, cafés and restaurants and even a first-class theatre showing popular West End shows – and that is just in the city centre itself. By launching this website, we are providing those who work here— Santander alone has 4,500 employees— those who live here, and those who travel from outside the area with the information they need to make the most of our vibrant and exciting city centre.

We shape the team that we deserve

Is how you are working, working? asks Freddie Guilmard, chief executive of business culture and leadership consultancy RTP. The answer: Probably not…

Or perhaps I should say not as well as you would like. This is not surprising to me because, over the last 20 years of working with hundreds of leaders and managers in culture, leadership and change, I have seen very few leaders doing it well.

Despite our ever-increasing knowledge of the importance of creating great cultures to achieve higher levels of performance, most businesses today remain too inhuman in the way that they treat their colleagues and teams.

Businesses continue to promote people without any investment in their management development skills and are surprised when these “great people” suddenly underperform following their promotion to become team leader or in managerial positions.

The truth is, many of these people should not have been promoted to management roles in the first place (I know… I was one of these people), certainly not before proving they have the skills, mindset, temperament, and ability.

But what do you do when most business structures are hierarchical, designed not to recognise people’s potential, but to focus on promotion and power? Let’s be honest, in order to climb the career ladder, the traditional

way to be recognised and earn more is to become a manager.

How many businesses truly recognise the importance of building relationships, prioritising and encouraging their employees to “just chat”? Get rid of the tired meeting rooms where nothing ever gets done anyway and replace these spaces with convivial and welcoming areas where colleagues can chat, build deeper, trusted relationships and work together to solve both simple and complex problems.

In one company I worked with a few years ago, we transformed the performance and the culture of the business by changing the way in which we engaged with our teams. We carried out monthly wellbeing chats without an agenda and we built trust simply by talking with our colleagues about anything we considered relevant.

Every quarter, we arranged a more formal get-together at which we encouraged our colleagues to think about their own development and to consider what support they needed to do their job better.

Finally, we set an annual celebration review focused solely on the year ahead and on jointly defining success.

This business not only grew from less than £1 million of revenue per annum to more than £5 million in less than five years but also went on to win many great business accolades.

Now imagine if you eliminated annual appraisals and replaced them with monthly one-to-ones and team get-togethers where you simply ask:

“Is how we are working, working?”

“Are you getting what you need from

me to enable you to succeed in your role?”

“Are we clear about what is expected of each other and if not, what do we need to change?”

“How can we create an environment of trust, where we can both have the best conversations to resolve issues?”

So here are some thoughts for you to reflect upon:

n Are appraisal systems a hindrance rather than a helpful way to motivate colleagues?

n When have you experienced the most effective working environment, where you felt trusted and given the opportunity to develop and grow your managerial skills?

n Is organisational leadership failure based on poor recruitment practices?

n Should anyone aspiring to be a leader have to go through extensive managerial training and assessment before being considered for promotion?

n Should we completely rethink the way we reward and recognise colleagues in business?

At the end of the day, you shape the team you deserve. Perhaps it’s time for a proper rethink.

Freddie Guilmard is the chief executive and a high-performance coach at RTP, a boutique consultancy that supports leaders in addressing their big issues by building human organisations.

freddie@the-redthread.co.uk the-redthread.co.uk

Freddie Guilmard

Photo: Becky Kerr

End of an era as director retires

It has been 17 years at the helm of Suzuki GB at its head office in Milton Keynes. Now it is time for director of automobile Dale Wyatt to bid farewell.

He is to take early retirement from March next year to pursue other advisory interests within the automotive sector and will be replaced by David Kateley, Suzuki GB’s current general manager.

Dale will continue to direct the automobile division until January. David, who has been with the brand for 20 years, currently leads the automobile sales operations division and has worked alongside Dale since 2014.

“It is never easy to step back from a job and company that you love,” Dale said. “I have had a wonderful career at Suzuki and I will be enthusiastically leading the automobile division until the end of this year.”

He is ready to support his successor, who takes the wheel for a handover period in January.

“I have no doubt that the automobile division is in safe hands with David and I know that I will wistfully watch the

business go from strength to strength as it navigates the automotive landscape.

“While I intend to be a tad less busy, I have some big personal and professional goals, and as part of that I fully intend to ensure that I spend some of my time working and advising in the industry that I love.”

His successor joined Suzuki GB in 2003 in a business development role with Suzuki Financial Services then moved to a regional sales manager position

for the South of England in 2007 before promotion to his current role as general manager in 2014.

Suzuki GB PLC managing director Takanori Suzuki said: “Dale Wyatt has been hugely instrumental in leading our brand’s progress and success in the UK and Republic of Ireland. To say he has made an outstanding contribution to the company during this time is a major understatement and on behalf of Suzuki I would like to sincerely thank him.”

Turning heads, the car that stands out from the crowd

It is the result of an exclusive design collaboration between luxury wallpaper brand Divine Savages and car customiser Yiannimize. This stunning one-of-a-kind Koenigsegg Agera N from 2011 has been unveiled at vehicle modification specialist Urban Automotive’s headquarters in Milton Keynes.

The car was commissioned by official UK Koenigsegg dealer SuperVettura and interior design company Always Sunday, and turned heads as it made its public debut at the Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire last month.

The Koenigsegg Agera N is already one of the world’s rarest and most highly sought-after hypercars.

Always Sunday owner Lexi WarehamDart, a Koenigsegg collector, said:

“Koenigsegg cars are masterpieces of engineering and design.”

The bespoke finish was applied by car wrapping expert Yiannimize at its specialised installation bay at Urban Automotive’s base at Tongwell. “We have wrapped some very special and individual cars over the years, but this Koenigsegg for SuperVettura is certainly up there as one of the most complex and head-turning jobs we have completed,” said Yiannimize founder Yianni Charalambous.

The entire process was documented in a behind-thescenes YouTube video.

Dale Wyatt (right) with his successor David Kateley

Foundation director joins hospice

Former philanthropy director at Milton Keynes Community Foundation, Ranjit Singh (inset), is the new commercial director at Willen Hospice.

He takes up his role this month, with the brief to focus on growing income from the hospice’s retail outlets and fundraising campaigns. The hospice relies on raising £8.7 million a year through campaigns and donations. NHS funding covers just under 14% of its annual running costs.

He worked at Milton Keynes Community Foundation as philanthropy director for 11 years, having joined from the Cooperative Group, where he ran regional campaigns and projects.

Willen Hospice chief executive Kate Broadhurst said: “His extensive experience in philanthropy, business development and community engagement aligns perfectly with our mission at Willen Hospice. We are confident that Ranjit will be a driving force in our strategic growth.”

Ranjit said: “Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.”

Diversity specialist hires ex-HSBC man

Diversity specialist Diversity Marketplace has welcomed Jiten Patel, formerly head of equality, diversity, information rights, and DEI roles at HSBC. His arrival is part of the Milton Keynes-based organisation’s plan to further improve its support for clients in maximising the value of their diverse workforces.

Diversity Marketplace’s founder and chief executive Gamiel Yafai said: “Our culture as a business is to constantly challenge ourselves to support clients in building an inclusive leadership, culture, and workplace, and to drive authentic transformation. I am delighted that Jiten (inset) has joined us to help drive forward our ambitious plans.”

Law firm names first head of construction

Partner Piet van Gelder has become the first head of construction at regional law firm Howes Percival Solicitors.

His appointment follows a period of sustained growth for the firm’s real estate and development team.

Piet (inset) is a specialist construction and engineering lawyer who has worked on engineering projects outside the renewables sector, as well as substantial disputes in the Technology & Construction Court, and in both international and domestic arbitration.

“He is a great recruit for us and brings the calibre and credibility we need to align with the strength of our development team and take our proposition to the next level,” said Howes Percival’s head of property, Lucy Lord.

“The local and national market in development terms remains very strong, and we are seeing our development instructions increase quarter on quarter.

“As a result, we need to expand our construction offering, which is a critical specialism for our development clients.”

BID unveils £2.3m investment plan

Business owners are considering their vote on a new £2.3 million investment into Luton town centre, with the aim of making the town a more welcoming place to shop, work, and visit.

Three clear objectives, focusing on reputation, place, and community, have been unveiled at the launch of Luton Business Improvement District’s latest prospectus and business plan as it looks to secure a new five-year term.

The event, held at Luton’s Hat Factory, saw the publication of a fully costed, business-led plan to promote and celebrate Luton, improve its look and feel, while continuing to support businesses.

BID chair Gavin O’Brien said: “We are committed to using the strengths of the town to provide an exciting, attractive, and vibrant place where businesses can thrive and people can enjoy themselves living, working, or visiting Luton town centre.”

The BID put together its renewal proposal after a series of surveys, consultations, and meetings. The result is clear objectives that will be achieved through ambitious initiatives and careful investment, he added.

“As a BID, we strive to do all we can to support businesses and give them a sense of pride in Luton town centre. By

working closely with the local authority and other key organisations, we can drive key projects and plans that will shape the future of Luton town centre.”

n The event also saw town centre retailers recognised for their commitment to providing an exceptional visitor experience with the BID’s annual Mystery Shopper awards, with four businesses receiving the highest possible accolade of the Platinum Award.

During May and June, mystery shoppers visited 45 businesses across

In its previous terms, the BID has brought in additional and targeted cleaning, floral displays, and the installation of Christmas trees and lights. BID Ambassadors have created a more welcoming town, and the BID has organised and supported events that have increased visitor footfall.

It has also introduced initiatives to reduce business crime, supporting retail, leisure, and hospitality, including Luton Business Against Crime and funding a Neighbourhood Enforcement Team Officer.

“Over the next five years, we want to build on what we have done even further, through a business-led programme supporting business growth and investment in the town centre, and building pride, loyalty, and positive perceptions of Luton,” said Gavin.

Luton town centre, evaluating them on customer service, local knowledge, business awareness and friendliness.

The results showed that standards have enhanced, with the average retail score of 83% being 2.5% higher than in 2019. Service and sales showed rises of 7% and 3%, with the ‘Overall Impression’ rating rising by 5% to 84%. 12% more businesses were rated ‘Good’.

Gavin O’Brien

Innovation driven by a very different set of challenges

Manufacturing gun turrets for use by the British Army in its Ajax armoured reconnassance is complex in terms of its processes and materials. But innovative thinking and engagement with employees is proving crucial in Lockheed Martin’s progress towards its net zero targets.

Andrew Gibbs talks to Steve Wallace, head of operations at Lockheed Martin’s site at Ampthill, about the challenges and how the defence giant is working to overcome them.

Keeping the UK’s armed forces safe when they enter the field of battle is a key requirement of the nation’s defence strategy. This involves ensuring that the weapons and military vehicles used in action are robust enough and made from strong enough materials to withstand enemy fire.

However, this presents a complex challenge for an organisation’s plans to reduce its carbon emissions, become more sustainable, and create a culture committed to tackling climate change.

For Lockheed Martin’s advanced manufacturing facility in Ampthill, Bedfordshire, this is no small task given the nature and complexity of the processes, materials, and products it builds.

“There is a balance we have to find, and it is a challenge,” said the site’s head of operations, Steve Wallace. “With everything we do, we have a safety-first culture. The products we manufacture are complex, and our customers have very specific requirements. For example,

we cannot replace armoured steel with a less carbon-intensive metal if it does not meet the safety standards we adhere to. We have to keep our armed forces safe.

“That doesn’t mean we aren’t exploring a range of options, including processes, materials, and various innovations, to ensure we achieve our 2050 Net Zero carbon goal.

“It drives us to be more innovative, and it presents a different set of challenges compared to other industries.”

The 55-acre site on the outskirts of Ampthill, which Lockheed Martin acquired in 2005, is one of many sites the corporation has in the UK, but it is its only wholly-owned UK location. It employs some 500 people—around one in four of the total workforce in the UK.

The site is currently producing gun turrets for the Ajax armoured reconnaissance vehicle—formerly known as the Scout Specialist Vehicle—which is being developed for the army by General Dynamics UK. The current contract ends next year.

Steve Wallace, head of site operations at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Ampthill

“Ampthill is our only wholly owned site and because of that we have greater autonomy on what we do.”

Lockheed Martin has been working since 2019 towards a target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Before then, it had been operating a series of Go Green initiatives. In 2022, it made a commitment that its UK operations would be carbon neutral by 2050.

“We take our responsibility on sustainability and our environmental stewardship very seriously,” said Steve.

The good news is that Lockheed Martin is ahead of its net-zero targets, having reduced its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions—those generated either directly from sources owned or controlled by Lockheed Martin, or indirect emissions from purchased electricity, heat, and other energy sources—by 62% against the 2019 baseline figure.

The figure is higher at the Ampthill site, where carbon emissions are down by 82% on pre-2019 levels.

“That is excellent progress,” said Steve. “Ampthill is our only wholly-owned site, and because of that we have greater autonomy over what we do.”

The fall has been achieved by significant investment in the efficiency of its buildings. Phased roof replacement has improved insulation levels, and the company has upgraded to energyefficient HVAC heating, environmental air conditioning systems, and more energy-efficient lighting. Electricity has been sourced from 100% renewable green resources for the past three years.

“We are educating our employees on helping us to improve our energy usage,” said Steve. “It is all small things— turning lights out, computers off, for example—but they collectively have a significant impact.”

Lockheed Martin’s Scope 3 emissions— those generated through the company’s

other activities, such as business travel, employee commuting to and from work, transport, distribution, and waste generation—account for some 80% of its remaining emissions.

To reduce that figure, the Ampthill site has gone digital and paper-free. Procedures and processes at the factory building the Ajax turrets have moved from being paper-based five years ago to running entirely paperless via tablets.

“It gives us greater efficiency and accurate live data, which allows us to analyse all of our processes as often as we want,” said Steve. “Now we are focused on the whole end-to-end process, what is going on in the engineering, using simulation software to create processes that shorten lead times.

“We have done a huge amount of work on how we drive the data. We used to rely on paper print-outs; now it is all digital and live data, and we are working out how to drive that data and monitor it as often as we want to.”

The Ampthill site no longer sends waste to landfill. All waste produced is either recycled or incinerated.

“We have made some fantastic progress at the Ampthill site to reduce our emissions by more than 80%. We are now thinking about our strategy going forward.”

Lockheed Martin reviewed its corporate sustainability programme earlier this year and committed to strengthening communities, stewardship of the environment, and growth through innovation, integrity, and security.

It, like every other company, has a role in meeting the challenge of mitigating the risks of climate change while identifying and taking opportunities to maintain a strong business model into the future.

Its immediate goals are to reduce its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by a further 36% from 2020 levels by the end of the decade and to match 40% of electricity used in the company’s operations worldwide with electricity produced from renewable sources.

Scope 3, Steve admitted, is more challenging. Air travel, for example, is an essential part of Lockheed Martin’s work because of its international business.

“Air travel is essential for us. We operate in a global marketplace, and face-to-face conversations are critical. It is the nature of what we do, but we always look to work remotely when we can.”

>> To page 14

“Everybody has a role to play in helping the business to get there... They have made our job so much easier.”

Moving to digital management of its manufacturing is playing a big part in Lockheed Martin’s progress towards its net zero milestones and target

Sustainability

>> From page 13

“I do not foresee a future without any air travel, but we are challenging ourselves to find solutions that are more carbonfriendly and to work virtually as much as possible.”

Lockheed Martin has health and safety and sustainability professionals across the UK, whom Steve calls on for support. In the USA, Lockheed Martin has an entire sustainability division working on net zero and other climate initiatives.

But key to the success at the Ampthill site—and which is being mirrored across the UK—is the engagement of and with the employees.

“The majority of our workforce are already thinking about climate change and what is going on in the world. The message from us has been well received and has really good support.”

Employees’ thoughts were part of a company workshop as part of the 2024 review.

“One of the results of that workshop is a shift in our communications strategy from awareness to everybody playing a role and contributing,” said Steve. “It is a collective responsibility. Everybody has a role to play in helping the business get there. A lot of our employees really care about this and have some great ideas about what to do. They have made our job as a business so much easier, and when they feel part of something, they want to champion it and drive it, and that is what we are seeing.

“We can be rightly proud of that, but that is not the whole answer. The challenge is not to generate waste in the

Wire arc additive manufacturing at Lockheed Martin

“We have always had clever people doing innovative things but it is about how we do it better.”

first place. It is about not wasting energy; it is about making sure we are in control of materials.”

The Ampthill site is ahead of its targets on its net zero journey to 2050. “Our aim is to continue to drive ahead of the plan,” said Steve. “We will continue to reduce as much waste in our business as we can.”

His message to other organisations working towards net zero or considering enhancing their sustainability efforts: “We

are all in this together. It is long-term work, but if we understand the problem, we can then find ways to solve that problem and come up with a plan. That plan does not need to cost a lot of money.

“We take our responsibility seriously in our obligation to the taxpayers. Their money to the Treasury is paying for what we do.

“Lockheed Martin’s mission is to solve complex challenges, advance scientific discovery, and deliver innovative solutions for any domain. How do we do things faster in a rapidly changing world? We have always had clever people doing innovative things, but it is about how we do it better.”

The assembly line at Ampthill on which the Ajax gun turrets are manufactured

ESG: The best business decision you will make

Large companies, limited liability partnerships (LLPs), and organisations meeting certain turnover, balance sheet, and/or employee criteria are required by law to take significant climate change mitigation measures and report them publicly.

But what if your business isn’t a large company or LLP? What if you’re a small business, perhaps even a sole trader?

You are almost certainly not (yet) mandated to address your carbon dioxide emissions, reduce your climate impact, improve your use of natural resources, or address many of the elements of an ESG strategy. However, here are ten good reasons why not being mandated to do so should not prevent your business - no matter how smallfrom taking sustainability action.

SMEs, according to the Federation of Small Businesses, account for 99.9% of the UK business population, threefifths of the employment, and around half the turnover in the UK private sector. So not taking action makes a huge difference to the UK being able to meet or exceed its climate change and sustainability obligations which will affect every business.

All companies should be following an ESG plan. Although creating and implementing a plan may seem like a lot of work for little return, it really is not. In fact, it could be the best business decision you will ever make. Here’s why. Being part of a supply chain: If you supply goods or services to a large company or LLP, they will almost certainly be mandated to report their carbon emissions and take steps to improve them.

They will be reporting their direct and indirect emissions as well as those from their supply chain. So, if you are not reporting your greenhouse gas emissions and taking steps to better them, you are helping your customer to fail in its reporting. I wonder how that might look in a contract renegotiation or competitive tender.

Government departmental work: All government departmental tenders now require evidence of ESG compliance in order for a business to be eligible to tender. The weighting of this evidence

Mark Lumsdon-Taylor, partner at business advisory firm MHA, argues that SMEs should lead, not follow, when it comes to setting and implementing an Environmental. Social and Governance strategy.

within the tender is high—typically, a minimum weighting of 10% is applied.

In essence, no ESG actions, no tender. Efficiency: Put simply, less ‘take, make and throw away’; more sharing, repurposing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, remanufacturing, leasing, recycling, composting and more.

A strong ESG programme can help identify areas for improvement as well as engaging with staff and stakeholders as a critical part of the solutions. Your business can only benefit from the improvements that result.

Better loan repayment terms: Not only will some lending institutions now refuse loans to ESG non-compliant companies but some offer better terms to businesses actively engaged with ESG programmes, especially where loans are designated for ESG-related improvements.

Competitive advantage: With an increasing focus on ESG among businesses, governments, customers, consumers and staff, your ESG programme could give you a competitive advantage in everything from tendering for work through to recruiting staff.

Impact investment: Today’s investors seek financial returns, but many will also be looking for strong ESG credentials and a business plan that accounts for its impact on its people, the local community, the economy, the environment, and climate change.

With the number of investors looking for this ‘return’ increasing, your investment could be lost to a lack of ESG action. Attracting and retaining staff: Increasingly, employees and candidates – particularly younger workers - are expecting more than a fair salary and good working conditions from their employers. Your current and future staff

will be examining your environmental record, your commitments to communities and to the planet’s health. Fail in these areas, and you limit your company’s ability to attract and retain the right people.

Marketing and PR: A strong ESG commitment provides great content for marketing and PR, both of which enable you to tell your future customers and staff about the very things that might attract them to buy from you or work with you.

Leading the way: Businesses with a strong ESG programme can often use that to raise their voice above the rest by leading, not following.

The best you can be: Your commitment to ESG is a strong indication of the way you do business and the things that are important to you. That commitment is a clear sign that you care about your clients, customers, consumers, staff, suppliers and stakeholders.

When your company is seen in its best light, it will be able to perform at its best. A lack of a strong ESG programme can have the opposite effect.

Engaging with ESG and sustainability can not only benefit the planet and its people in numerous ways, but it can also help your business become more efficient, improve its profitability, and secure its long term sustainability. Surely no business needs to be mandated for that.

n Mark Lumsdon-Taylor specialises in the rural business, agriculture, horticulture, food manufacture, education and healthcare industries as well as supporting organisations from a wide range of sectors to develop and deliver impactful sustainability and ESG strategies.

mark.lumsdon-taylor@mha.co.uk

‘A major step in cutting our carbon footprint’

Cranfield Airport has completed the installation of new fuel storage and aircraft fuelling infrastructure.

The move creates a reliable store of sustainable aviation fuel for the FAAM Airborne Laboratory’s research aircraft at its home base.

The fuel will also be available for aircraft operating at the airport, made possible through an investment by the Natural Environment Research Council, National Centre for Atmospheric Science, and Cranfield Airport.

The installation was supported by UK Research and Innovation, which owns the FAAM Airborne Laboratory research aircraft, as part of their drive to reduce

the facility’s carbon emissions.

Alan Woolley, head of the FAAM Airborne Laboratory, said: “Much of our research focuses on air pollution and climate change and, as we move toward a low-carbon future, the ways in which we study these topics need to change. Using sustainable aviation fuel is one approach to minimising the FAAM aircraft’s environmental impact while maintaining its research capabilities.”

The FAAM Airborne Laboratory’s research aircraft has been approved to use blends of up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel content, which has the potential to reduce net carbon dioxide emissions by 35% per flight.

Cranfield has supported several net zero innovations, including the world’s first hydrogen-electric passenger aircraft flight and the first cross-Channel hybrid electric flight. Airport director Rob Abbott said: “It is a major step forward in reducing our environmental footprint and builds on existing work to decarbonise airport operations. Providing SAF at the airport is another step forward for net zero aviation ambitions.”

The new installation, which has a capacity of 40,000 litres, will enable the FAAM Airborne Laboratory to operate on sustainable aviation fuel for all domestic flights that depart from its home base of Cranfield Airport.

Your Business Forward Connect and Drive

Join us for an evening of networking hosted by ICR Leasing, Richter Sport, Vindis Group and Your Business Networking.

This event provides a unique opportunity to meet industry leaders and potential partners in an engaging setting.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Date: 30th Oct 2024

Time: 5pm - 7pm

Venue:

Richter Sport, Denbigh House Denbigh Road, Bletchley Milton Keynes MK1 1DF

Cost: FREE

Professional Networking: Engage with key decision-makers across various sectors.

Unique Showcase: View a selection of rare and special vehicles from Richter, our performance car sister company.

Business Opportunities: Expand your network and explore new business possibilities.

Salary Sacrifice: Learn how this can benefit your business and employees.

New EV Models: See the new EV models from Vindis.

Availability is limited. Secure your attendance today to ensure you don't miss out on this key industry event.

SCAN the QR code to reserve your free spot

Wealth: Keeping it in the family

Trusts have traditionally been used by families and individuals as part of their succession planning. Since the changes to the taxation of trusts in 2006, trusts have been less attractive.

The Nil Rate Band Threshold has remained frozen at the current amount since 2009 and as a result Family Investment Companies have become increasingly popular among those with significant wealth due to the favourable tax treatment and flexibility.

A Family Investment Company is an alternative to family trusts as a vehicle to preserve family wealth and mitigate taxes. A FIC is a UK private company (limited or unlimited) that is controlled and run by its directors (usually the parents), with family members (usually children) owning the shares that hold capital value of the assets.

A FIC enables parents to retain significant control over assets while accumulating wealth in a tax-efficient manner and facilitating future succession planning.

How are they established and operated?

n FICs are generally newly incorporated companies set up for this particular purpose.

n If the FIC is set up as a limited company, it is necessary to file annual accounts with Companies House. Alternatively, to maintain privacy, the FIC can be set up as an unlimited company with no requirement to submit accounts.

n Once the company is set up, the parents can transfer cash or assets to the company by way of a loan, which is then invested by the FIC.

n The parents subscribe for voting shares in the FIC and are named as directors, having exclusive voting control within the company at shareholder and board level.

Family Investment Companies are proving an attractive option as part of a modern succession planning strategy. Daniel Wilson and Nick Lloyd, EMW’s experts in the field, explain more.

This means that parents will have all the voting rights, but no rights to the capital.

n The directors will determine when dividends are paid and will make general management decisions for the company.

n Where assets being transferred are investments, then capital gains tax could arise, with the assets being valued at market value under TCGA 1992 s 17. Stamp Duty may also be payable.

n Over time the loan can be repaid by giving a post-tax form of income to the parents. Alternatively, the loan could be gifted/assigned to other shareholders (junior family members) where the capital value is no longer needed.

The gift/assignment of the loan would be a Potentially Exempt Transfer under IHT, providing the parents survive seven years from the date of the gift.

n On creation, other family members/ children are issued a separate class of shares benefiting from the majority, if not all, of the rights to dividends and income.

n The issue of new shares does not give rise to a Stamp Duty liability and as the FIC is not worth anything at the outset there is no gift for inheritance tax or capital gains tax purposes.

n The Articles and Shareholders Agreement are drafted to protect the shares from sale outside of the family, making this type of structure more effective in a divorce or dispute.

n The ability to hold shares being limited to specified categories of family members or family trusts.

How are they taxed?

Corporation Tax - Profits and gains of a FIC are charged at corporation tax rates, which are often lower than the equivalent income and capital gains rates charged on individuals. Currently, corporation tax is 25% in most cases. Capital gains - Chargeable gains are subject to corporation tax and are included on the corporation’s tax return.

Dividends - Most dividends received by a UK company are exempt from tax. However, if the company invests in foreign companies, dividends may be subject to withholding tax.

Shareholders are taxed at various rates on dividends after the £500 allowance: 7.5% for basic rate taxpayers, 33.75% for higher rate and 39.35% for additional rate taxpayers.

Income Tax - As with directors and shareholders of the FIC, it would be possible to pay a salary and benefits to those managing the company, as well as pension contributions.

Tax reliefs and expensesThere are many tax reliefs and expenses that are only available to companies and not individuals. These include, but are not limited to, loan interest deductions, allowable revenue, capital expenditures, and management expenses.

Who are they suitable for?

A FIC is generally most suitable for those with substantial funds to invest and who are able to keep the funds within the company for a lengthy period, thereby giving the company and underlying investments time to grow.

To find out more about Family Investment Companies, speak to Daniel Wilson or Nick Lloyd on 0345 070 6000.

emwlaw.com

Daniel Wilson Nick Lloyd

A BIG Buzz across the East Midlands

This networking event takes place on October 31 in the Charles Suite at Barton Hall Hotel & Spa, Barton Road, Barton Seagrave, Kettering - Barton Hall is an elegant grade II country house with views overlooking manicured gardens.

BIG Buzz brings together the Business Buzz local monthly networking groups for a morning of BIG networking between 10 am and noon. The BIG Buzz East Midlands is a joint effort from the Leicestershire and Northamptonshire Business Buzz regions. Whether you are a regular Buzzer in Brackley, Daventry, Kettering, Leicester, Market Harborough, Northampton, Towcester or Wellingborough , come and mingle with like-minded businesses from across the counties and beyond.

Perhaps you are new to networking and to Business Buzz? You will be assured of a warm welcome at The BIG Buzz.

Expect the usual, no-fuss, relaxed, mix and mingle format that is the Buzz trademark.

At BIG Buzz we want you to have the best time. Our 11am keynote speaker will be Shaun Cremins from customer experience specialist Insight6. He will talk about how to build trust with your customers so they come back time and time again.

The BIG Buzz offers two hours of genuine conversations with like-minded people from across Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Rutland and the wider East Midlands.

Our no-fuss format means no elevator pitch requirement, no membership pressure because at Buzz all our events work on a pay-as-you-go basis and there no professional lock-out because everyone in business is welcome at the Business Buzz and the BIG Buzz.

Doors open for global growth plans

Bespoke door business Selo has been given the keys to worldwide expansion after agreeing a partnership with a Midlands freight forwarding company.

The Milton Keynes-based door innovations company has set its sights on shipping its custom-made riser doors, pocket doors and concealed frame door sets to more countries after expanding

n Roofing and construction company Stoic welcomes guests to the official opening of its new purpose-built office in Olney. The building will also become the headquarters of fellow group

companies Zeno Construction –which designed the building - and Abbeymill Homes. It will be home to more than 60 employees and features a gym, break-out meeting rooms, a conference suite and a golf studio.

its exports to four continents in the last two years with support from Independent Freight Solutions. Selo, which supplies its products across the UK from its head office at Kents Hill, teamed up with IFS to conduct its first exports in 2022, including to Saudi Arabia.

“Getting our brand out into the world is a huge priority for us,” said logistics manager Shannon Hawkins. “The aim is to access more markets in North America and the Middle East. As of a couple of years ago, we had never done any exports so the guidance from IFS has been absolutely invaluable. Having their expertise on board has also created more options in terms of the suppliers we use as we expand our range of products.”

Importing materials to produce the doors has become more important to Selo’s day-to-day operations, she added.

IFS managing director Jenny Hooper said: “It has been fantastic to see the growth at Selo over the last couple of years. It is always rewarding to help businesses achieve their international trade goals.

“It can be a complicated task but we are thrilled to have played a part in helping their products reach customers all over the world.”

Join us at the must-attend event

The countdown to a superb event for businesses to reach, engage and connect continues… Join us at Your Business Expo Bedford.

Everyone among the 70-plus exhibitors is ready to welcome the anticipated hundreds of visitors to what is sure to be a key event in the business calendar at King’s House in Ampthill Road, Bedford, on October 8.

And it is not too late to join them. A few stands remain available – book now to promote your business to decisionmakers from Bedfordshire and beyond. www.yourbusinessexpo.co.uk/exhibit/ exhibit-bedford

Our exhibitors reflect the thriving business community across Bedfordshire. Your Business Expo Bedford is brought to you by Pulse Group Media, publisher of Business MK - the leading business magazine for Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes - and its sister title the glossy lifestyle-focused magazine MK Pulse. Full service marketing agency qoob is once again Your Business Expo’s headline sponsor.

The aim of Your Business Expo is simple: to create opportunities for quality sales leads, to meet with key decision-

makers and to increase awareness of your business brand.

The day begins with a networking breakfast at 8.30am, an informal opportunity to meet, connect and engage. Book your place at www. www.tickettailor.com/events/ yourbusinessexpo/1236863. Price: £20.

“We are delighted to welcome so many great businesses looking to pormote themselves.”

on the Bedford business calendar

Then comes the main event: the exhibition itself. Opening at 10am, it is free to attend, with hundreds of visitors already booked in. Book your place at www.tickettailor.com/events/ yourbusinessexpo/1236862

As well as the main event, Your Business Expo hosts three workshop seminars throughout the day, each focusing on a topic at the top of the business agenda.

n Our headline sponsor qoob will discuss the Psychology of Marketing

n Microsoft CoPilot is the topic in focus at a seminar led by Lionel Naidoo, managing director of IT support specialist Dragon IS.

n Dave Brooks, from Waikato AI, presents on Profit through Process

Here to connect Bedfordshire businesses with opportunities

Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce

sits at the heart of the local business community, and alongside its 750plus members, plays an active role in improving the local business environment across Bedfordshire and the communities it serves. Working together, the Chamber helps companies of all sizes to achieve more.

“We believe it is our relationships with others that enable us to achieve goals that are impossible to reach alone,” said Chamber chief executive Justin Richardson.

“Across our network, we can connect business locally, nationally and internationally with other companies, with decision-makers and with opportunities.”

Working together, the. Chamber aims to create connections within its ever-growing peer network and to be an enabler for business growth locally, nationally and internationally.

Its member organisations employ around 55,000 people across Bedfordshire, organisations that range from sole traders to multi-national corporations.

Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce has been at the side of business since it first opened its doors in 1877. It is one of only 52 Chambers in the UK to be accredited by the British Chambers of Commerce.

“The Chamber network exists to make a difference to your business through opening new business opportunities in local, national and international markets, ensuring your views are heard within government or providing critical business support,” said Justin.

Drop by our stand at Your Business Expo Bedford, to find out more about how Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce can support your business. Or visit chamber-business.com.

“Following the success of our inaugural expo last year, the buzz around Your Business Expo Bedford has grown relentlessly since we announced this year’s show,” said Pulse Group Media director Kerry Lewis-Stevenson.

“Bedford, like our other expos in Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire, has revealed what a strong appetite there is for opportunities to meet and engage with other businesses around the region that are ready to move to the next level.

“We are delighted to welcome so many great businesses looking to promote themselves via what has become a ‘must attend’ event on the business calendar. Let’s do business.”

n Find out more about Your Business Expo Bedford and our events next year in Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes at yourbusinessexpo.co.uk

Justin Richardson

The merchandise elevating your brand to a new level

Sycal was set up in 1983 to help and supply companies of all sizes with their promotional gift needs. Our ever-growing customer base across the UK and abroad is testament to our reputation for client satisfaction as a business gift supplier.

Today, Sycal—based on the Woburn Road industrial estate in Kempston—is one of the longest-standing and fastest-growing suppliers and distributors of promotional gifts and giveaways in the UK. We manufacture, supply, source, and print promotional products, including parasols, stationery, signage, novelties, and drinkware.

Our fantastic team of merchandise experts and inhouse designers help bring your brand promotion ideas to life effectively.

Sycal has facilities for manufacturing promotional umbrellas and parasols, printing personalised business gifts, and producing promotional bags and clothing.

As a business gift supplier, we personalise business gifts by DTF, screenprint, embroidery, and transfer printing in-house, offering fast and flexible solutions. We can produce and source graphic displays, point-of-sale materials, and other printed media materials.

Whether it is a small personalised business gift or a complete company stock scheme with an online webstore, with our myriad of business incentive gifts, we will help you with all your promotional product needs.

Promotional merchandise is what we do best, so we can always help with any requirement, be it pens, pencils, folders, T-shirts, and other promotional clothing.

Let’s have a chat. Call us on 01234 841741 or visit sycal.co.uk

Marketing’s

latest innovations to benefit your business

Qoob has always believed in the power of innovation and adaptability to drive success in digital marketing. Now the digital marketing specialist has the seal of approval that confirms its expertise and commitment to clients’ success.

Qoob is the holder of the prestigious Google Premier Partnership status - no small feat. This means that Google has recognised the Kettering-based company as experts in Google Ads. To earn the accolade, Qoob demonstrated its proficiency in managing Google Ads campaigns, delivering exceptional customer service, and consistently driving strong performance for its clients.

“As a Google Premier Partner, we have access to exclusive resources, advanced training, and strategic insights directly from Google,” said Qoob’s CEO Matthew Rigby-White. “This means we can use the latest innovations to benefit our clients’ businesses.

“Google Premier Partnership status also gives us access to beta features and early releases, allowing us to implement cutting-edge strategies and technologies before they become mainstream. This ensures our clients stay ahead of their rivals and their digital marketing achieves maximum impact.”

As a trusted partner, Qoob also has direct access to dedicated support from Google’s team of experts, which means issues can be resolved quickly, campaigns optimised effectively and exceptional results delivered, Matthew added.

Qoob also made the move to state-of-the-art offices in Kettering earlier this year. Now both the Qoob team and clients are enjoying upgraded facilities and spacious meeting roomsthe perfect environment for collaboration and creativity to thrive.

We are confident that these improvements will enable us to deliver even better results for our clients,” said Matthew.

Record jobs back expansion plans

Employment in and around London Luton Airport is at a record high, according to new research.

The number of people in work at the airport or in its supply chain has risen by 9% between 2022 and 2023, and is now at record levels, the airport has announced in its 2023 Sustainability Report.

A total of 12,100 people were employed in and around the airport, with 84% of these jobs being full-time.

Of the total, around:

n 6,400 jobs were in the transportation and storage sector.

n 4,200 in administrative and support.

n 600 in manufacturing.

n 400 in accommodation and food service.

n 300 in public administration, defence and security.

n 200 in wholesale and the retail trade.

Luton Rising, the Luton Council company which owns the airport and other assets for community benefit, is seeking approval of the long-term sustainable growth of the airport to a new capacity of 32 million passengers per year by the mid-2040s.

Its application for a Development Consent Order, which makes best use of the airport’s existing runway, would support up to a further 11,000 new jobs and £1.5 billion in increased annual economic activity across the UK. A decision is due to be made by the Government by 4 October.

Luton Rising chair Paul Kehoe said: “Employment at and surrounding London Luton Airport contributes significant economic benefits to Luton as a whole

and to the region. Many businesses are based in Luton due to the presence of the airport. Our expansion proposals represent one of the region’s biggest job creation programmes in a generation and are central to Luton’s transformation into a vibrant service economy. It is our mission to raise the standard of living for local residents, and build an economic air bridge in the heart of the Golden Triangle.”

Luton Council is the sole shareholder in Luton Rising. Chief executive Robin Porter said: “This is good news to be celebrated and should be seen as verification for the bold measures Luton put in place to respond to the financial challenges posed by Covid, and as evidence of how a successful and growing airport contributes to the wider prosperity of our communities.”

Luton is currently the number one place in the country for wider jobs growth, according to the latest Centre for Cities report, he added.

The Sustainability Report confirms that full- and part-time working patterns in the vicinity of the airport differ from those found within Luton town, with the airport employing 84% of its staff full-time as against 64% in the town as a whole.

The total of full-time employees in and around the airport was 10,200 in 2023, which increased by 1,000 (12%). Part-time employees numbered 1,900— unchanged from the previous year.

Employment in and around the airport has risen by 44% since 8,500 jobs in 2014.

Paul Kehoe

“Our expansion proposals represent one of the region’s biggest job creation programmes.”

Bridging the gap: Get it right and the rewards are immense

Employers have a pivotal role to play in narrowing what MKBLP chair Nicholas Mann brands the ‘stubborn skills gap’.

The Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards 2025 have launched with a theme that resonates deeply with the challenges faced by many businesses in our vibrant city: the need to close the skills gap and create educational opportunities to support future roles. Despite Milton Keynes’ reputation as a burgeoning hub for technology, finance, logistics, and professional services, this growth is hindered by an enduring skills shortage.

Milton Keynes is ideally positioned for business success. Its location, excellent transport links, and network of business support make it attractive for start-ups and established companies alike. However, the absence of a traditional undergraduate university and insufficient investment in higher education opportunities have created a stubborn skills gap. This challenge is welldocumented in the City Council’s MK City Plan 2050, which emphasises the necessity of better access to education and skills training as crucial to strengthening our economic role.

Local businesses frequently report difficulties in filling vacancies due to a lack of skilled candidates, as reflected in SEMLEP’s 2023 Business Survey, where 45% of businesses reported recruitment challenges.

Of course, this skills gap is not only evident within Milton Keynes but is reflective of a broader national trend. The 2019 Employer Skills Survey noted that 24% of vacancies in England are attributed to skills shortages, and a 17% deficit in basic digital skills was reported by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport.

Industries such as life sciences, technology, and sustainability are evolving at a breakneck pace, necessitating the urgent upskilling of current workers to

maintain our competitive edge. While the government’s Skills England initiative to build a highly trained workforce across the UK should help to increase the talent pool, businesses must forge stronger links with educational providers and be agile and open to new opportunities to attract and retain talent.

While some local businesses engage with educational institutions, many do not, leaving a significant portion of young talent untapped. This issue is compounded by reports that qualified young people often lack ‘work readiness,’ exhibiting insufficient experience and a poor understanding of essential workplace behaviours.

“We cannot expect educational institutions to produce graduates that meet our needs without engaging with them.”

While our skills providers must continue to collaborate with businesses to address these needs, the business community in Milton Keynes has a pivotal role to play. We cannot expect educational institutions to produce graduates that meet our needs without engaging with them. We

Sally Alexander, chief executive and group principal at Milton Keynes College, joins Nicholas Mann at the launch of MKBAA 2025. The college is one of the headline sponsors of this year’s competition

must communicate our short, medium, and long-term needs effectively and support schools and colleges by providing regular work experience and internship opportunities.

Milton Keynes is uniquely positioned to address the challenge. Our business community is vibrant and proactive. Local educational institutions like Milton Keynes College, The Open University, and MK are already in partnership with many businesses to meet economic demands. The South Central Institute of Technology is another key player, delivering technology skills in collaboration with employers— which is of particular significance since the city’s technology and digital industries account for one in every three jobs.

While a residential undergraduate university would significantly bolster our efforts, we must work with what we have, leveraging our strengths to bridge the skills gap. The rewards for getting this right are immense and the availability of skilled workers and a stronger talent pool will directly impact economic growth.

By focusing on this theme for the MKBAA 2025, we aim to energise the dialogue around skills development and drive real change. It is an invitation to not just talk about solutions, but also to implement them, ensuring Milton Keynes remains a leader in innovation and productivity.

The urgency of the skills challenge

Closing the skills gap and increasing educational opportunity are the themes of the 2025 Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards.

The city and wider region are facing an ongoing skills shortage despite continued growth, with around 45% of businesses in the South East Midlands frustrated by their inability to hire employees with the skills they need, according to a survey by the former South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership. Milton Keynes City Council’s MK City Plan 2025 puts improved access to education, skills, and training among its top priorities.

Nicholas Mann, chair of awards organiser Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership, said: “Milton Keynes is a thriving hub of innovation and growth, but our success hinges on having a skilled workforce that can meet the demands of our dynamic economy.

“The 2025 MKBAA theme highlights the urgency of this challenge and the need for strategic partnerships between businesses and educational institutions. Businesses must play their part in finding a resolution to this challenge.”

The awards opened for entries on September 17, with an initial deadline of November 8. Awards will be presented in a total of 17 categories, including for the first time Skills & Learning and Manufacturing & Supply Chain. The winners will be announced at a gala dinner and ceremony at Stadium MK on March 20.

Milton Keynes City Council, the Open University, and food manufacturer Brioche Pasquier are headline sponsors, joined for 2025 by Milton Keynes College, which hosted the awards launch event.

“Our sponsorship of these awards is a testament to our commitment to the Milton Keynes community and to the vital role that businesses play in driving economic growth and creating opportunities for all,” said Sally Alexander, chief executive and group principal of Milton Keynes College.

The launch event featured an inspiring presentation by Ajira Bouchada, business lead of Cebiso M Studio in Milton Keynes and an alumna of Milton Keynes College

THE CATEGORIES

n Celebrating Diversity

n Charity of the Year

n Design and Creativity

n Culture, Arts, and Heritage

n Innovation and Technology

n New Business

n Customer Service

n Leisure, Entertainment & Hospitality

n Professional Services

n Business Impact in the Community

n Small and Medium Business

n Micro Business

n Entrepreneur of the Year

n Manufacturing and Supply Chain

n Built Environment (Property and Construction)

n Skills & Learning

n Outstanding Contribution

THE TIMELINE

Entries open September 17

First round closes November 8

Entries stage 2 opens November 27

Entries stage 2 closes January 6

Awards ceremony March 20

Previous winners at the Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards were at the launch to encourage other to follow in their footsteps

Lionel Naidoo, MD of Dragon Information Systems, talks through

five key technologies that should be on the radar of ambitious SMEs.

The game-changing tech for every SME business

In today’s fast-paced digital world, technology is no longer a luxury but a necessity for small businesses. From streamlining operations to boosting productivity and enhancing the customer experience, having the right technology and tools in place - along with the support of a trusted IT provider like ourselves - can significantly impact efficiency and growth.

The good news is that technology is also increasingly accessible for businesses of all sizes and budgets. More than 60% of British SMEs say the use of technology and digital platforms has helped their business to expand. More than half agree that digital platforms have allowed their businesses to compete more effectively against larger brands.

Here are five game-changing technologies to take a look at.

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has revolutionised the way businesses operate. It allows small businesses to access data and applications from anywhere at any time. This flexibility is crucial for remote work and collaboration and offers a scalable solution that can grow and flex with business needs.

Example: Microsoft 365 is an advanced suite of cloudbased productivity applications. It includes tools for email, word processing, group collaboration, data analysis, presentation development, storage and more. By leveraging

Prepare

your organisation’s IT environment for AI

cloud computing, Microsoft 365 allows users to access these applications and their data from anywhere with an internet connection, providing complete flexibility and scalability.

Customer Relationship Management

Using a CRM system can help small and growing businesses to manage interactions with current and potential customers and nurture those relationships. It is a place to centralise customer information, track sales and automate marketing campaigns. Using a CRM can ensure you always have consistent and up-todate interactions, with the ability to set reminders, automate tasks (so no balls are ever dropped) and to track trends and insights.

Example: There are many options out there, some of the most popular ones being Salesforce, HubSpot, and Zoho CRM.

Cybersecurity

With the increasing threat of cyberattacks, investing in robust cybersecurity is essential. Small businesses are often targeted and implementing regular staff training, firewalls, antivirus software and conducting security audits can all help protect your business from potential threats.

Example: There are many standalone options available, providing varying levels of protection. Here at Dragon IS, we work closely with our customers to ensure every step of their IT systems and working habits are assessed, taking a security by design approach that provides complete peace of mind.

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

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

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

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

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

Scan the code to find out more.

Artificial Intelligence and Automation

AI and automation can help small businesses save time and reduce costs. Chatbots, for example, can help in handling customer inquiries 24/7, while automation tools can streamline repetitive tasks like invoicing and email marketing. Embracing AI can lead to more efficient operations.

Example: Microsoft Copilot has taken things to another level. The pro version of the AI assistant (available on subscription) can help businesses with a wide range of daily business tasks, from creating PowerPoint presentations in seconds to summarising Teams calls and drafting marketing materials.

Social Media Management Tools

Social media is a powerful marketing channel for small businesses and using social media management tools that can help with managing multiple accounts, scheduling posts and analysing performance can be really useful. Effective social media management can help increase brand visibility and drive the right kind of web visitors.

Example: Platforms like Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social and Later can all help to manage multiple social media accounts, with pricing based on criteria such as how many accounts you wish to manage and the volume of content you plan to share. Alternatively, make use of the analytics and scheduling tools found within most of the social media platforms themselves. An added bonus: These tools are generally free.

We work with small and medium-sized businesses, helping them with a broad range of issues relating to their IT infrastructure and cybersecurity. For an informal chat about your IT needs, please email info@dragon-is.com or call 0330 363 005.

The real agenda behind City Plan

As I write, we are eight weeks into Milton Keynes City Council’s 12week consultation on the new MK City Plan 2050, which is set to take over from the disappointing Plan. Readers of this column can see it here: https:// shorturl.at/16H12 (be warned: “A guided tour for the published online platform will load when you visit the site for the first time. If you’d like to see it again, you’ll have to use incognito mode within your web browser as the tour only loads on a first visit.”).

How convenient. The draft plan itself, which accompanies the public questionnaire, is, in my opinion, designed to be such an impossible effort to read and complete, with its millions of words, hundreds of questions, and links to other supporting documents, that hardly anyone will make it to the end.

However, I am happy to bring you the real agenda, which does not require much reading between the lines. For instance, the MKCC draft plan and accompanying questionnaire (which I shall henceforth shorten to MKCC draft) mention its ambition to improve the health of residents by forcing them to walk. It does this so many times within this document that I lost count.

It looks very much like the council is preparing this as the excuse for every horror it unleashes. “Providing an affordable and accessible way of getting around the city will support people’s wellbeing and ability to lead healthier lifestyles. This includes a focus on integrating new development with high-quality public transport provision, with a new Mass Rapid Transit System at its heart, and supporting the opportunity for people to be active and walk, cycle, or scoot as much as possible in their dayto-day lives.”

So there is the clue. Once again, our council is plodding out its old excuse to destroy the use of personal transport within MK even though our private vehicles are moving inexorably towards pollution-free. What do you think this Mass Rapid Transit System will be?

Monorail? Er, no. An actual free gift of one was rejected decades ago.

Underground railways? Er, no. Far too expensive.

Trams? Er, no. They need infrastructure and no one at the council will push for that.

Buses? Yes, you got it in one. We will get more horrible, unreliable, stuck-in-

Theo Chalmers is chair of Urban Eden and managing director of Verve PR. urbaneden.org / vervepr.co.uk

t.chalmers@vervepr.co.uk, 01908 275271

traffic, endlessly circuitous buses taking hours out of your life. Meanwhile, you will be prevented from driving anywhere or parking your pollution-free personal transport anywhere either—all because the council requires that land to build 63,000 new homes—over 53% more housing than exists now.

I asked why we need 63,000 new homes in May’s Business MK, as this is a greater number than the government is calling for. The MKCC draft spills the beans:

“Coordinate the phased reduction of ‘front of house’ surface car parking areas along boulevards with the introduction of MRT, promotion of green routes for active travel, and other pedestrian improvements. Gradual reduction of surface car parking as new development comes forward. Reduce parking requirements in tandem with improved public transport provision. Manage retained parking areas to allow flexible usage to meet different demand profiles.”

Can you see where our fabulous onceuser-friendly city is going?

The council goes to enormous lengths to repeat the lies it propagated in the early stages of planning for the Western and Eastern expansion areas and even areas east of the V11 Tongwell Street but still west of the M1—areas that have no redways and no grid roads. For instance, it claims to take an “infrastructure first” approach to ensure provision of

“No new grid roads, redways, overpasses or underpasses will be built in MK. Ever.”

the necessary health, education, and community facilities for residents. It also advocates aligning growth with a new fast city-wide Mass Rapid Transit alongside maintaining the grid roads “as an integral part of the city’s unique design and character.”

It also pledges to expand the grid roads and redway network into the design and layout of new developments. “Proposed extensions of the Grid Road and Redway network should ensure the grid continues to function effectively and sufficient land/corridors are safeguarded for future Mass Rapid Transit links.”

The grid roads should also include potential for future upgrading to dual carriageways or the MRT system, accommodate public transport and pedestrian crossings above and below ground, and include 80 metres of reserve land between roads and residential areas (60 metres for other land uses).

Sadly, these are all strangers to the truth. They know it. We know it. No new grid roads, redways, overpasses, or underpasses as described above will be built in MK. Ever.

And yet the MKCC draft continues. Its ambition for a population of 410,000 by 2050 remains, to be achieved through “sustainable and transformational growth of the city supported by significant investment in infrastructure.”

29,000 new homes are already due to come forward by 2050. The MK City Plan 2050 will seek to allocate land for a further 24,000–34,000 new homes including 12,000 in Bletchley and Central Milton Keynes that would, the council says, “support our aims for investment and renewal of Central Bletchley and deliver transformational growth in Central Milton Keynes to make the city centre a more vibrant, exciting, and liveable place (my bold italics).”

I don’t know about them, but I get excited when I can park easily and preferably for free.

Another promise made is this: “Manage the level of parking needed to support a vibrant city centre while maintaining high levels of convenience.” Just how convenient do they think it will be when you can only go to the city centre on a bus?

You still have a few days left to post your comments but—and I am really sorry to tell you this—your comments will most likely be ignored.

Cheerio.

His 200th column for Business MK

‘Flexibility is so advantageous’

“For us, it is the ideal location. We wanted somewhere that is easily accessible for our patients who come from far and wide, with free parking, wheelchair access and all the amenities we need.”

Sue and Lee Charles have based their business Clearer Ears Clinics at Milton Keynes Business Centre for the past three plus years. In that time the business has diversified from ear wax removal, bespoke earplugs and a blood draw service to also working with a local GP to provide a minor skin surgery clinic, a training company with new Training Hub next door to the clinic and a newly launched and already thriving e-commerce business providing medical equipment and supplies.

“We were finding it difficult to get our own supplies and we wanted to find a way to supply our own business and help our training course delegates,” said Sue.

They set the business up seven years ago after specialist paramedic Lee,

keen to have his ears cleared himself, searched in vain for specialist help at the right price. “There was so little available, and we thought there must be a gap in the market here and we can fill it.”

Clearer Ears initially welcomed clients a few days a week and soon had opened clinics around the UK as demand increased. The move to Milton Keynes Business Centre, operated by Capital Space on Linford Wood in Milton Keynes, came as the business looked to expand to keep pace with demand.

Since then Clearer Ears has become part of the larger Clearer Clinics Group and has updated its base in unit 205 three times in order to meet the standards of the Care Quality Commission. “It has also been to create better use of the space,” said Sue. “We have two clinic rooms and a waiting room and we have to be governmentregistered so we have to comply with CQC requirements.”

Lee and Sue work in the business full-time, alongside three self-employed

practitioners. As well as ear clearing, Clearer Clinics sells bespoke ear protection and operates a blood taking service, cryotherapy skin lesion treatment, laser hair removal and other similar treatments.

Having invested considerably in the business and location, joint directors Sue and Lee have no plans to move on and are building and managing the company’s clinics in Milton Keynes, Bedford and Hitchin.

“Milton Keynes Business Centre gives us such a versatile space,” Sue said. “It is central and so is an ideal location. The atmosphere is great and the centre offers everything we need for our patients. We will be here for the foreseeable future and will be looking to expand our services, providing more services to the community.”

The business is already operating up to seven days a week, with its training arm working with clients on Saturdays and Sundays. “Having that flexibility is so advantageous for us,” said Sue.

A new name, even greater support

Last month, the South Midlands Growth Hub welcomed the news that the South Midlands Authority has been established to champion economic growth in the region by supporting businesses, improving skills, and enhancing career opportunities.

So, what does this mean for businesses across the region?

Besides the new name (now the South Midlands, rather than the South East Midlands), the launch of the South Midlands Authority enables us to continue building on the strong relationships we already have with each local authority. It is a natural continuation of the collaboration that we and the South Midlands Careers Hub have demonstrated over the past 12 months to unite skills and business support to achieve economic success.

At the Growth Hub, we have always prided ourselves on acting independently

for the benefit of the entire region. To date, we have supported nearly 10,000 businesses, with advice, guidance, and grant funding.

This announcement enables us to expand on the successes of the business programmes we run on behalf of the local authorities—such as Step into Net Zero—and work strategically with each organisation to develop new and innovative programmes that best serve our businesses.

The new partnership will also ensure a more coordinated approach.

The whole region benefits from economic growth, with stronger opportunities available to unlock funding and attract investment.

The transition to the South Midlands Authority (SMA) increases collaboration

between all parties, maximising opportunities, minimising disruption, and enabling the Growth Hub to deliver for every business across Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire, and Luton.

We are excited to continue serving as an intelligence resource and representing the diverse range of businesses and industries across the South Midlands.

For those unfamiliar with the South Midlands Growth Hub, we provide free support to every business located in Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes, and Northamptonshire.

Learn more about how we can support you at: www.southmidlands.org.uk or call us on 0300 01234 35.

RUTH ROAN

South Midlands Growth Hub Manager southmidlands.org.uk

Central Bedfordshire

Central Bedfordshire Council, through its Be Central Bedfordshire website and services, provides a wealth of support and information to help all businesses, either established or new to the area, to thrive and grow.

Boost for green skills in construction

New construction courses which provide green skills to residents and businesses are now available.

The courses which are fully funded, offer an opportunity for unemployed people, employers and those already working in the construction industry to develop essential retrofitting skills tailored for a sustainable career.

Run by The STC Group, there are three courses available which cater to various skill levels, from beginners, employers looking to train their staff and to those already working in the industry.

Retrofitting training courses on offer:

■ Level 2 in Understanding Domestic Retrofit

■ Level 3 in Domestic Retrofit Advice

■ Level 4 Award in Assessing Domestic Dwellings for Retrofit

So if you are looking to start, or progress your career in the green sector get in touch. The courses vary in length, but each provides in-depth training about retrofitting homes.

n For more information and to apply, visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/ info/303/retrofitting_skills or call 0345 565 2656

Charles and William Eid

“Our investments are intended to keep our offer relevant as we continue to champion innovation.”

Bakers unveil £150m investment plan

ADunstable based business has unveiled a £150 million investment plan to mark its 40th anniversary, generating more than 500 jobs.

Signature Flatbreads, one of the UK’s leading family bakery businesses, was founded by Dr Samir Eid in 1984 and celebrated its 40th anniversary in September this year.

The multi-cultural business, which employs over 2,000 people with 27 languages spoken, has pioneered making world breads accessible to UK consumers, baking alternatives to traditional loaves.

The company introduced the UK’s first commercial naan breads and tortillas into British supermarkets in the 1980s and says driving innovation remains core to the company’s success. Under its growing brand Deli Kitchen, it offers a range of breads including Italian-inspired Sliced Focaccia, Greek Flatbreads, Brioche Style Wraps and Persian Flatbreads.

The company supplies to customers in more than 70 countries from its bakeries in the UK and India.

The business, which had a turnover of £200 million last year, is now led by thirdgeneration bakers William and Charles Eid. The 40th anniversary marks the end of an ambitious £100 million investment programme, with plans to invest more than £150 million to expand its range of breads and create more than 500 jobs over the next few years.

Joint chief executive William Eid said: “In 1984, my late father founded our bakery with a mission to introduce a variety of breads from around the world to the UK market and beyond. Our investments are intended to keep our offering relevant as we continue to champion innovation and to support our customers in their own growth plans.”

His brother and joint chief executive Charles added: “Our small family bakery has grown into a market leader, baking over two billion breads each year as we proudly celebrate our 40th year. We now export to more than 70 countries from our bakeries but family values and teamwork remain at the heart of everything we do.”

New interactive map aids commercial property search

Following the launch in November last year of the new interactive map and the inward investment website www.becentralbedfordshire.co.uk, the Business & Investment Team at Central Bedfordshire Council are delighted to announce their new map-based commercial property search.

This is the next in a series of planned new features for the interactive map. It is the result of innovative joint working between Central Bedfordshire Council and digital media developers Deetu (digital mapping) and Alcium Software (website and property database).

This latest feature to the interactive

“The

interactive map and commercial property search serve as two key tools when marketing Central Bedfordshire to potential investors.”

map brings together the popular commercial property search and the map’s interactive and 3D functionality, allowing the user to search and access information for commercial properties, directly from the map itself.

This allows users to immediately see all available properties in relation to key transport networks, research and innovation hubs or key suppliers and business partners.

The user can customise their view to show only the types of properties required, with links to the relevant property brochures and agents’ details.

The interactive map and commercial property search serve as two key tools when marketing Central Bedfordshire to potential investors, while showcasing our strengths in the area and our central location in the Oxford-Cambridge Corridor.

n To explore the map’s new functionality, visit map.becentralbedfordshire.co.uk and select the Vacant Properties option from the top menu.

Ofsted inspectors praise ‘ambitious’ curriculum

Central Bedfordshire Council’s Employment and Skills Academy has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted after an inspection in July.

Ofsted inspected the Bedfordshire Employment and Skills Academy over four days and the service was rated ‘good’ in six categories resulting in an overall ‘good’ rating. Inspectors looked at:

n The quality of the education provided;

n Behaviour and attitudes;

n Personal development;

n Leadership and management;

n Adult learning programmes;

n Apprenticeships.

The report highlighted a supportive learning environment, with inspectors saying: “Learners and apprentices develop positive relationships with staff and benefit from a culture where the principles of equality and diversity are nurtured. They feel highly valued and supported.”

It also praised BESA’s leadership and

the variety of courses on offer. “Leaders and managers provide an ambitious and accessible curriculum that helps learners to develop the knowledge and skills they need to improve their employment opportunities and to progress in their careers.”

Tutors continually update their subject knowledge to ensure it remains current, by completing training and webinars, the report added. They were also praised for “…provid[ing] learners and apprentices with useful information to help them plan their next steps.”

The report made three recommendations to help BESA build on its ‘good’ rating.

Cllr Steve Watkins, executive member

for assets, business and housing, said: “We are delighted that BESA has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted across all categories. This recognition highlights the positive impact we are making in helping residents develop essential skills and secure employment.

“We are encouraged by the feedback and will continue to build on our achievements, ensuring that we maintain these high standards. Our goal is to keep providing a service that supports the long-term success of our community.”

At the time of the inspection, 400 adult learners were enrolled across various courses, while 43 individuals were actively participating in apprenticeship programmes.

n For more information about the courses and qualifications offered by BESA, visit.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/besa

Read the full Ofsted report at files.ofsted. gov.uk/v1/file/50255953

For more Central Bedfordshire news and event updates, visit www.becentralbedfordshire.co.uk or email info@becentralbedfordshire.co.uk

Retail mogul backs coaching business

Retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis has given a significant business boost to Northamptonshire-based business Haus of Coaching.

Its founder Rachel Collar was among the winners last month in the businessman’s Small Business Sunday initiative, in which he selects six businesses each week and supports them on Twitter and Instagram.

Haus of Coaching is also featured on the #SBS website, a hub exclusive to all Small Business Sunday winners. The initiative now boasts a community of over 4,000 small businesses.

“It is fantastic to receive this recognition from Theo, especially as we are just three years into the business,” Rachel said. “His support will help raise our profile and showcase the work we do to a wider audience.”

Haus of Coaching’s sister business Haus of HR received SBS recognition last year.

Theo, who chairs Ryman Stationery, homeware retailer Robert Dyas and lingerie chain Boux Avenue, said: “My hope is that all #SBS winners become part of a collaborative community where they can share their experiences and successes. I wish Rachel continued success with her business ventures.”

Eye-watering penalty must be a wake-up call

An employment tribunal has fined a property management company in London £90,000 after finding the business guilty of sex discrimination. The case followed a job interview with a candidate at which she was asked about the age of her children. Six days later, her job offer was withdrawn.

The decision was likely linked to the conversation at the interview, the tribunal concluded. She had been asked the question because she was a woman.

Rachel Collar, founder and managing director of Towcester-based independent HR specialist Haus of HR, looks at the case and its messages to employers.

As business owners, you are aware that the Equality Act 2010 protects your employees from discrimination at work. This protection starts before they even step through the door.

Discrimination can happen from the very first interaction with a candidate. Business owners must be aware that discrimination claims can be brought by individuals even before their first day on the job.

“Personal questions about protected characteristics are an absolute no-go area.”

Recruitment can be a creative process - think open house events, video introductions or other fun and innovative ways to attract great candidates. There are no set processes required by law. But whatever route you take, it is essential to follow a fair process and stick to objective criteria when assessing a candidate’s suitability for the job.

The case in London and the eyewatering penalty should be a wakeup call. From the very first moment of contact, an employer should focus solely on the candidate’s ability to do the job.

Personal questions about protected characteristics, such as marital status or family plans, for example, are an absolute no-go area. Instead, business owners must create objective, clear and specific job descriptions that can be referred back to throughout the recruitment process. Document your decisions and ensure your recruitment process is fair and free from discrimination.

Rachel Collar

AI + EU = a UK compliance challenge

Chris Buck, associate partner at Franklins Solicitors, explains how, despite Brexit, European Union legislation on Artifical Intelligence will affect UK

The EU Artificial Intelligence Act is legislation which has recently been passed by the EU Parliament to govern the supply and use of all AI systems in the EU.

The Act was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on July 12 and came into effect on August 1 this year. However, most of its provisions apply only from August 2, 2026, although some will take effect in early February 2025.

Nevertheless, the European Commission encourages organisations to adopt the AI Pact voluntarily before the AI Act starts to apply. The AI Pact is expected to be launched during the transitional period between the Act coming into force and the start of its application.

The Act takes a horizontal approach in its application and applies to all AI systems generally, instead of setting out specific rules for each sector. It establishes a legal framework for the development, supply and use of AI in the EU and contains the following:

n Rules for the supply and use of AI systems in all member states.

n Extraterritorial provisions for operators based outside the EU.

n Prohibitions on certain AI practices considered dangerous.

n Technical requirements for AI systems presenting high risk of harm.

n Operator requirements for organisations at different levels in the high-risk AI supply chain.

n Specific rules for providers of general-purpose AI models. This includes provisions to protect copyright works.

n Requirements for certain AI systems to be completely transparent when those systems interact directly with humans or generate certain content.

n Market surveillance rules. Monitoring the AI’s abilities to learn is important.

n Measures to support innovation, help SMEs and start-ups.

The Act sets out sectors which would be excluded from its application. These include:

n Systems used exclusively for military, defence or national security.

n Systems used by third country public authorities or international organisations for compliance with international agreements or judicial cooperation with the EU or a member state.

n Systems used for the sole purpose of scientific research and development.

n Systems for purely personal activity.

n Systems released under free and open-source licences unless placed on the market or used as a high-risk AI system.

Article 5 of Chapter 2 of the Act sets out the AI activities that are prohibited:

n Systems which contain subliminal techniques and would ultimately manipulate or distort the behaviour of a person by impairing that person’s ability to make an informed decision and therefore causing or likely to cause harm.

n Systems which would exploit a person’s vulnerabilities due to their age, disability or social or economic situation with a view to distort that person’s behaviour and cause harm.

n Systems used for social scoring based on known or predicted personality and which causes detrimental treatment

unjustified or unrelated to the context or their social behaviour.

n Systems which assess the risk of a person to commit a crime or reoffend.

n Systems that create or expand facial recognition databases through untargeted scraping or facial images from the internet or CCTV.

n Systems used for emotion recognition in the workplace or educational instructions. There is however an exception for medical or safety reasons.

n Systems with biometric categorisation used to infer characteristics, such as race, political opinions or religion.

n Systems using real-time, remote biometric identification in publicly accessible spaces for law enforcement purposes, except when searching for victims of abduction, preservation of life and finding suspects.

The Act applies to all businesses within the EU, albeit its scope is extraterritorial. This means that all businesses in the UK which develop AI systems for the EU market will fall under the Act’s regulations. UK companies therefore must act now in order to comply with the Act’s requirements. Businesses would need to:

n Assess its impact on compliance.

n Create an inventory of AI systems.

n Identify prohibited AI systems and take action as necessary.

n Review and update the AI governance model to align with the Act.

n Develop comprehensive risk management procedures.

n Ensure robust data management practices.

n Ensure proper control protocols are in place.

n Understand internal and external dependencies related to AI systems.

Notwithstanding this, the UK government acknowledges that legislative action will need to be taken in the future in response to the everexpanding AI technologies. The Act will undeniably bring new compliance challenges for businesses and businesses need to address these challenges.

n To discuss how your business can remain compliant, contact Chris Buck, associate partner in the Franklins Solicitors Business Services team on christopher.buck@franklins-sols.co.uk or 01908 660966.

Chris Buck

Cash is king for organisations of all sizes. Financial consultant Adrian Goodman looks at how SMEs in particular can manage their money and keep the wolf from the door.

In large ‘blue chip’ organisations, where cash and borrowings are more readily available, the focus is more on profit than cash. For SMEs, effective cash flow management is vital for both survival and growth.

Of course profitability is also important but even a profitable business can face difficulties if it runs out of cash. Cash flow - the movement of money in and out of the business - keeps operations running, employees paid and growth opportunities within reach.

You may have heard it said that “cash flow is the lifeblood of a business”. Without enough cash available, you cannot pay bills or other obligations as they fall due and you cannot take advantages of growth opportunities. Many SMEs face the issue of ‘profit without cash,’ where they appear profitable on paper but struggle to meet financial obligations due to delayed customer payments.

Managing cash flow effectively allows SMEs to anticipate shortfalls, plan for challenging periods, and build reserves. By carefully monitoring cash inflows and outflows, business owners reduce the need for costly, last-minute borrowing, which can be unsustainable.

Despite this, sometimes borrowing becomes necessary - or even advantageous in certain circumstances - so an understanding of the options available can be helpful.

Overdrafts

An overdraft allows businesses to withdraw more than is available in their bank account up to an agreed limit. It is a convenient way to cover short-term cash flow gaps and interest is only charged on the amount borrowed.

However, overdraft limits are often modest and exceeding them can incur significant fees.

Business loans

Business loans provide a lump sum that is repaid over a fixed period. They are generally used for larger, planned investments rather than day-to-day cash flow needs.

However, securing a business loan, especially in recent times, often requires a personal guarantee, which means your personal assets could be at risk if the loan cannot be repaid.

Cashflow: Keeping the SME lifeblood pumping

The fixed repayments can also put pressure on cash flow during quieter months.

Revenue-based funding

Revenue-based funding from companies like Outfund and Clearco offers a more flexible borrowing option. Instead of fixed monthly repayments, these lenders take a percentage of your future revenue.

This means repayments are higher during busy periods and lower when revenue slows down, which is particularly useful for businesses with fluctuating income. However, this flexibility can come at a higher long-term cost.

Invoice discounting

Invoice discounting allows businesses to borrow against unpaid invoices, giving immediate access to cash without waiting for customers to pay. The lender advances a percentage of the invoice’s value - usually around 80-90% - and the balance (minus fees) is released once the invoice is paid.

“By understanding and planning effectively, you can maintain a healthy cashflow and secure the future success of your business.”

This option unlocks cash tied up in receivables and is ideal for businesses with long payment cycles. However, the associated fees can add up, especially if used frequently.

For SMEs, cash flow management is about balancing the timing of money coming in and going out.

By using a combination of financial planning and appropriate borrowing options, SMEs can ease the pressure of day-to-day operations. Whether it is an overdraft for short-term needs, a business loan for larger investments, revenue-based funding for variable income, or invoice discounting to free up cash from receivables, there is a solution for every situation.

By understanding and planning effectively, you can maintain a healthy cash flow and secure the future success of your business.

n Adrian Goodman is managing director of PPX Consulting and author of the book Achieving Profitable Growth, available on Amazon.

ppxconsulting.co.uk

adrian.goodman@ppxconsulting.co.uk

01536 856740

Adrian Goodman

Photo: Jo Blackwell Photography

Ann Phillips

A key player in our daily operations

The expertise of experienced business coach Ann Phillips is delivering extra value to clients of accountancy firm Elsby & Co

An innovative Northamptonshire accountancy firm which has created a suite of complementary services to help its clients grow has launched a new coaching service.

Rushden-based Elsby & Co is not content with offering traditional accountancy services alone. It wants to help its clients to grow and achieve their business ambitions.

To this end it offers a host of extra services to its clients, including support with recruitment, corporate finance, estate planning and wealth management.

Elsby’s own business has grown with help from its head of operations Ann Phillips, who is a highly experienced executive coach and management development specialist.

Not wanting to keep its success to itself, Elsby is now offering Ann’s extensive coaching expertise to clients who want to expand their businesses.

Ann said: “We truly care about our clients and really take the time to get to know them and learn about their ambitions so that we understand their unique needs.

“Having this knowledge is enabling us to provide our clients with coaching which can help their businesses to grow

and creates a strong, positive working environment and culture that benefits both their staff and customers.”

Ann provides one-to-one coaching, builds bespoke training workshops and can help troubleshoot problems to enable managers to focus on fixing the long-term causes of issues.

Elsby partner Claire Emery (inset) said: “Having built her knowledge in the corporate world and run her own successful coaching business, Ann excels in supporting growing businesses, particularly those who have experienced rapid growth and whose managers could benefit from guidance to help them get the very best out of their teams.

“Ann is a key player in our daily operations and has helped us to grow. We are proud to be able to share her skills with clients who can benefit from her help and support.

We are really pleased to be able this extra layer of service which is something we would not be able to do if we chose to operate in the way you would expect from a traditional accountant. Offering additional services to our clients is all part of our mission to be the only accountant they will ever need.”

n Visit www.elsbyandco.co.uk or contact 01933 312950.

Rule-tightening targets limited firms

Companies House has introduced new rules for limited companies as part of wider efforts to improve transparency, compliance and processes for businesses operating in the UK.

The most significant changes are:

Registered office and email addresses

Companies must provide a “clear and verified” registered office address. This must be an actual location where documents can be delivered and must be accessible for the inspection of statutory records. Companies will not be able to use a PO Box as their registered office address.

This will combat the use of false or misleading addresses. Additionally, companies must keep the registered office address up to date and accurate at all times or face penalties.

Companies must also provide a

Compliance and transparency are being tightened under new rules now being enforced for limited companies by the government. Danni Rees, of chartered accountants Moore, delves into the detail.

registered email address either when they first incorporate or, for existing companies, when they file their next confirmation statement. Companies House will use this to communicate with the company but will not make it public. Companies House has the power to reject filings if the company does not meet these criteria.

“Companies that fail to meet the new requirements face fines and other legal consequences.”

Stricter identity verification for directors and persons with significant control

New rules requiring the verification of directors and persons with significant control (PSC) are being introduced. All new and existing directors and PSCs will need to undergo identity verification to ensure that Companies House holds accurate and verified information on individuals who control or influence companies.

Stronger checks for company names

Companies House is now running stronger checks on company names

How will the Budget affect your business?

Tony Byrne, of Wealth & Tax Management, looks into his crystal ball ahead of the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s statement later this month.

Trying to predict future tax changes from a Budget is notoriously difficult, although you often get clues from the various preBudget ‘leaks’.

It is not unusual though for Chancellors to spring surprises on us that were not flagged up in advance. So the truth is, anything could be announced in the Budget.

One thing is for sure… on October 30, Rachel Reeves will make history as the first female Chancellor of the Exchequer to introduce a Budget in the UK.

The Chancellor is reportedly considering several changes, including:

n Increasing revenue from Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax.

n Maintaining plans for a 1% increase in public spending, which could result in budget cuts for some Whitehall departments.

n Resisting calls to abolish the two-child benefit cap.

Tony Byrne

n Revising the method for measuring debt to exclude the Bank of England. n Allowing less tax relief on pension contributions.

Because Labour has stated in its election manifesto that they will not increase Income Tax, National Insurance and VAT for working people and nor will they increase Corporation Tax, that means they are likely to concentrate on IHT, CGT and pensions. Certainly, an alignment of CGT with Income Tax looks on the cards.

For advice on preparing for the Budget, take advantage of a onehour Discovery Meeting either at our offices or via a video conference call at our expense worth £270 to each of the first three readers who contact us before October 31.

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 OCTOBER 2024 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. They do not represent the company’s views.

Tax relief on pension contributions could be set at, say, 30%, meaning higher rate and additional rate taxpayers would receive less tax relief and basic rate taxpayers would get more.

The Annual Allowance of £60,000 could also be reduced. It is unlikely that the taxfree cash lump sum will be taxed though it wouldn’t surprise me if the cap were reduced further from the current level of £268,275.

Of course, I may be completely wrong in my predictions of what may happen in the Budget but that would surprise me.

which might give a false or misleading impression to the public. It has the power to refuse to register a company name if they believe it is intended to facilitate fraud, is offensive or gives the false impression that the company is connected to certain organisations such as the police or the NHS.

Companies House can insist that a company changes its name or, in certain circumstances, can pick a new name for the company.

Updated reporting requirements

The reporting requirements for limited companies have been updated to ensure greater accuracy of the information held on the public register. Companies must confirm they are forming a company for a lawful purpose when they incorporate and confirm that their intended future activities will be lawful on the confirmation statement.

Companies must also report changes to their shareholder and shareholdings promptly to make it easier for the public and regulatory authorities to track the ownership and control of companies.

Penalties for non-compliance

Companies that fail to meet the new requirements face fines and other legal consequences, including being struck off the register.

Companies operating in the UK must be aware of these changes and take proactive steps to ensure they meet the new requirements.

n For further information visit moore. co.uk or contact your local Moore office.

Danni Rees is company secretarial manager at Moore East Midlands, covering Northampton, Corby and Peterborough.

Chambers call for a Budget for growth

The British Chambers of Commerce is calling for the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, to use her first Budget to seize the moment to boost business and grow the UK economy.

The BCC’s budget submission focuses on policy recommendations to encourage investment, strengthen the workforce and develop our local economies.

The top five recommendations are:

n Create a competitive investment environment by expanding full expensing to leased assets and promoting North Sea investment.

n Support a healthier workforce by reducing the employer and employee tax on workplace health services.

n Engage employers in skills planning by extending investment in Local Skills Improvement Plans and addressing gaps in local training provision.

n Reform business rates, with the aim of lowering the multiplier to 45p by the end of this Parliament.

n Invest in infrastructure by delivering previously planned transport projects, improving rail capacity and updating planning rules to increase employment land supply.

With inflation now close to target, and interest rates beginning to fall, the first half of 2024 has seen business confidence rise. The BCC has upgraded its economic growth forecast for 2024 three times this year, from a low of 0.4% to an expectation of 1.1%.

However economic growth is forecast to remain flat in 2025 and 2026. Fears over increases in taxation on firms, and warnings of tough choices in the budget, have left business leaders wary.

BCC director general Shevaun Haviland said: “The first budget of a new government is always a huge moment to shape the expectations of business

and the public for the years ahead.

“So the Chancellor is right to champion the critical importance of economic growth and investment. Businesses are keen to get more detail on how the government plans to do this so we can all work to make it happen.

“On trade and investment, the level of funding directed towards growth and expansion by UK firms needs to be unleashed. They need help to realise their growth potential and attract inflows of overseas cash for big ticket projects.”

The BCC is also calling for action on full expensing, North Sea capital allowances and business rates to free up money to invest in innovation, supported by spending on transport, digital infrastructure and the power grid. “This sends a clear signal to investors on the government’s intent.”

The people problem in the UK economy must be fixed, Shevaun added. “Firms are still struggling to find the staff with the skills they need to grow. They either do not have the training or are not looking for jobs at all. Steps are needed to help people with health issues to stay in the workplace and to provide everyone with the skills they need to either get jobs or progress up the ladder..”

Simon Cox, head of policy at Milton Keynes and Northamptoshire Chambers of Commerce, added “The new government’s budget is a key moment for shaping business expectations.

“Economic growth and investment must be at the forefront, with businesses eager to see concrete plans. The skills shortage must also be addressed by training and supporting people to stay in the workforce, ensuring businesses have the talent they need to thrive and grow.”

The Autumn Statement is due to take place on October 30.

Danni Rees

Shevaun Haviland Simon Cox

Once they were an essential purchase on matchdays ahead of the big kick-off. Now Northampton Saints is the latest club to abandon the printed matchday programme in favour of a digital pre-match read for its supporters.

It has long been a mainstay of matchdays at Northampton Saints.

Part of the supporter experience has been the matchday programme, full of features, news, pictures, and details of future games and off-field events.

Not anymore. While the matchday programme remains, it is now available to supporters for free via a new digitalonly format starting this season.

The Saints say the new online programme platform – Zeeon – means that more supporters will be able to view each edition for free via their mobile phones, tablets, or on their desktop.

The digital editions will be published the day before every home fixture and shared with supporters directly via Saints’ social media channels, website, and pre-match email communications. Scannable QR codes will also be situated around the cinch at Franklins Gardens stadium for supporters to read the programme on their mobile devices on matchday.

“Many sports teams, both inside and outside of rugby, have made the switch over to digital matchday programmes in recent years, while at Saints we had bucked the trend somewhat by continuing with a printed edition,” said Saints communications director Jack Miller.

Dwindling programme sales—only around 300 are purchased on an average matchday—prompted the change.

“This is a decision that has taken a lot of consideration, as we know that some of our supporters like to collect a physical keepsake from the matches they attend

A tradition transformed into a ‘dynamic and interactive’ experience

in the form of a programme. However, the reality is that sales of our matchday programmes have dwindled in recent years—I think many supporters would be surprised to learn that only around 300 on average are purchased on matchdays and, as a result, at that volume we are not able to generate any revenue for the club.”

A digital-only programme was trialled at last season’s ‘Green Game’ in January against Newcastle Falcons and was viewed by more than 2,500 users. “We are very confident that our supporters will find this new service easy to use and enjoy keeping up to date with the latest from Northampton Saints on matchdays,” said Jack.

“The move is also positive for our ambitions in sustainability. We want to

operate the most sustainable rugby stadium in the country and be a pioneer for climate action in rugby and beyond. A digital programme prevents thousands of pages being printed for every home matchday and then transported to the stadium, substantially reducing our impact on the environment.”

Programme platform Zeeon already works with other rugby and football clubs. Managing director Will Biggs said: “While we already collaborate with multiple clubs across the Gallagher Premiership and URC, having the Premiership champions host exclusive elements of their match programme via our platform is an incredible milestone for us. Our goal is to transform a traditional aspect of matchday into a dynamic and interactive experience for supporters.”

Feeling the buzz as a new era dawns for the Dons

Club partner East Engineering Components has renewed its support of the League Two club MK Dons for the new 2024-25 season.

“Being able to lock down East Engineering Components for a further season is absolutely fantastic for the club,” said the Dons’ group finance director Ryan Gawley.

“We only partner with companies that we share an affinity with, and we are delighted to continue our journey. The support we have received from them and our club

partners over the last few years has been vital.”

East Engineering Components is based in Aspley Guise and stocks and supplies engineering components.

Managing director Mark East (inset) said: “We take great pride in our Milton Keynes roots and are proud of the benefits this partnership will bring to the local community, where all of our team live.”

He paid tribute to the work of former chairman Pete Winkelman, who stepped down after the club’s sale to a Kuwaiti consortium. “We are looking forward to working closely with the new owners and the MK Dons team,” said Mark.

“We would like to thank Pete for all his hard work over the last 20 years, and we can feel a real buzz building in MK with the news of a new investor.”

“This is a valuable relationship that shares an enthusiastic audience and one we can both utilise to increase engagement.”

Curtain up on a partnership to boost the crowds

Cross-promotion is key, according to the heads of a new partnership between Royal & Derngate and Northampton Town Football Club.

The football club is already a member of the theatre’s Business Club and both have committed to promote activities at the theatre and Sixfields stadium to encourage more people to try something new.

“Many of our supporters are truly passionate about theatre or football,” said Royal & Derngate’s development manager Chris Smith. “If we can build on that passion to expand people’s interests into another area, that is a benefit all round.”

Royal & Derngate and the Cobblers worked together to bring the multimedia production The Twelfth Man to life at Sixfields Stadium.

The theatre will have an increased presence on Cobblers’ match days, including ‘lucky seat’ draws to win tickets for certain shows. It will also promote the football to its audiences to encourage more townsfolk to experience the Cobblers match days. The football club will share special promotions from Royal & Derngate with its season ticket holders.

The Cobblers’ marketing manager Charlotte Hyams said: “This is a valuable relationship that shares an enthusiastic audience and one we can both utilise to increase engagement. As a town, Northampton is not only lucky to have a successful football, rugby and cricket team but also a thriving theatre.”

F1race team Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS is on track to make major inroads into its aviation emissions by the end of next year. It aims to quadruple its emission reduction levels by investing in Sustainable Aviation Fuel certificates. Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS doubled its reduction rate last year, cutting air travel emissions by 6,695 tonnes of carbon dioxide. A year earlier, the Brackley-based operation had become the first sports team in the world to invest in Sustainable Aviation Fuel through book and claim and direct refinery capacity. The increased

‘A fantastic opportunity to elevate our brand across the county’

Chris Smith and Charlotte Hyams at the Royal & Derngate’s Business Club wall...

... and in the tunnel at Northampton Town’s Sixfields Stadium

Pulse Group Media director

Kerry Lewis-Stevenson (centre) at the business club launch in the summer

implementation of book and claim means the business is set to quadruple annual aviation carbon emission reductions through SAFc use in 2025. It expects to reduce aviation emissions

More than a strategy... creating a greener future

through SAFc purchase by a total of 18,500 tCO2e across 2024 and 2025, with 8,000 tCO2e saved in 2024 and 10,500 tCO2e saved in 2025.

Mercedes-AMGF PETRONAS forecasts emissions reductions of more than 27,500 tonnes of carbon through its investment in SAFc. “Our investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuel is more than a strategy; we believe it can create a greener future,” said the team’s head of sustainability Alice Ashpitel.

“We see SAFc as a game-changer, a way for sports and businesses to make a lasting impact. We hope that our support for this sector can help trigger others to

The book and claim system allows corporate consumers to buy SAF certificates that represent the certified lifecycle emissions reductions from cleanly-fueled trips and use them in corporate emissions reporting.

Companies can purchase certificates from SAF producers or air transport providers, compensating them or paying them up front for their investment in SAF and allowing them to continue to produce or buy the more costly alternative fuels. This incentivizes airlines to make the switch to climate-friendlier fuels.

Construction plant and equipment supplier Shellplant is the new goal and teamsheet sponsor at Northampton Town FC for the 2024-25 season.

“As a new brand with the club, it shows the growing commitment Northampton Town has to working with local businesses around the county,” said Cobblers commercial executive Ollie Lloyd. “It is great to work with new businesses to create innovative ideas to support them during the journey.”

n Shellplant, based at Earls Barton, has been in business since 1972, selling construction plant and equipment and supplying parts and aftersales services.

“The opportunity to support local sport and invest in our area is really important to us,” said Shellplant partner Julian Payne.

n Business Times publisher Pulse Group Media is the latest business to link up with the Cobblers as part of the club’s Commercial Development Programme.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to elevate our brand across the county, and connect with new business prospects,” said Pulse Group Media director Kerry Lewis-Stevenson. “The programme’s innovative approach and focus on empowering businesses make it the perfect platform for us.”

The publisher also prints and distributes Business MK, NN Pulse, and MK Pulse, as well as running the Your Business Expo exhibitions in Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes, and Bedfordshire.

“We look forward to sharing our packages and assets with other businesses across Northamptonshire and connecting with new and engaging industries,” said Cobblers commercial director James Corrigan.

n Fox & Co has also joined the commercial development programme at Sixfields.

“Coming from Northampton and

do the same and drive further investment in SAF production.”

Sustainable Fuels will change the face of Formula One in 2026 but they are already one of the cornerstones of the team’s sustainability strategy, she added.

Mercedes-AMGF PETRONAS saved 339 tCO2e through a switch to HVO biofuels for land freight and on-site at the European race venues. It targeted 100% biofueled logistics for all nine races in the 2024 European season, with the results due to be reported this month.

Its targets for 2030 include a 75% reduction in Race Team Control emissions and 100% reduction of Scope 1 & 2 emissions.

Team principal and chief executive Toto Wolff said: “A net reduction in our emissions sits at the heart of our operations and the ambitious sustainability targets we have set ourselves. We continue to invest in innovative solutions and technology that will enhance our performance, helping us go further faster.”

watching the Cobblers growing up, I feel like I am in a privileged position, where I can now support my local team in more ways than one,” said Fox & Co owner Brent Fox, who founded the business ten years ago. “With all three of my sons playing football and it being a big part of our lives, it feels nice to support the mighty Town.”

n Silverstone Shooting Centre, the largest privately owned shooting range in the UK, is working with Northampton Town FC to promote awareness and support for the sport.

Silverstone Shooting Centre is looking to make the sport more accessible and sees collaboration with the Cobblers as an effective way to reach a wider audience. The shooting centre is home to indoor and outdoor ranges and, as a Home Office-approved club, runs a training programme for new shooters to obtain their firearms licence as well as training and competitions.

“Our partnership is designed to show Northampton Town fans and players that the sport of target shooting is both great fun and safe to try,” said Silverstone Shooting Centre’s owner John Thorne. “Many people will have seen shooting on TV recently in the Olympics, and hopefully we can introduce new people to the sport in a safe way.”

Creating a vision for my clients to see their future

Viewings, negotiations, reflections... and an essential cup of tea. Join Martine Crawford, branch manager at Belvoir estate agency in Corby, on a typical day at work.

Morning hustle...

My day as an estate agency branch manager begins early. As I sip my morning tea, I review my schedule for the day and week ahead.

I am very hands-on in the office, and my schedule is packed, as usual, with morning meetings, property viewings, valuations, and a few urgent follow-ups. The first challenge of the day, however, often comes from balancing these demands, managing and supporting my team, while remaining flexible enough to handle the unexpected, because as an estate agent, surprises are the norm.

Martine Crawford

“At the viewing, my role shifts to that of a storyteller... I love planting the seeds of what could be done...”

Connecting with clients...

My first task of the day is to check my emails and messages. Being an estate agent is a 24/7 job, and clients often expect immediate responses. I pride myself on my ability to communicate effectively and understand that a quick reply can make the difference between closing a deal or losing a client.

The morning is usually filled with client calls and responding to enquiries. My phone is my lifeline in managing relationships, negotiating deals, and coordinating with other agents, as well as speaking with solicitors and conveyancers. Each call requires a different approach: some clients need reassurance, while others are all business.

I reflect on how important it is to be adaptable and empathetic, and understand that buying or selling a home is one of the most significant decisions in a person’s life.

Property viewings and negotiations...

By mid-morning, I am in my car, heading to a property viewing. Today, I am showing a house to a young couple looking for their first home. As I drive, I mentally prepare and review the property’s features, its selling points, and potential concerns they might raise.

At the viewing, my role shifts to that of a storyteller. I am no longer just showing a property... I am creating a vision for my clients to see their future in this property.

I love planting the seeds of what could be done to the property to make it their dream home. Not everyone has a vision, so this part of my job is both challenging and exhilarating.

Every client is different, and understanding their needs and desires is key to making the right pitch. This couple seems interested, so I feel a rush of satisfaction as there is a potential sale here.

Back at the office, I engage in negotiations for another property, this time representing a seller. Negotiation is where my experience and intuition truly shine. Advocating for a client while also working to keep the deal alive is a delicate balance, and I thrive on this challenge. I find it intellectually stimulating and rewarding when I can bring both parties to a happy conclusion.

Lunchtime reflection...

Lunchtime is often a quick affair and usually just a brief moment of solitude where I can gather my thoughts. Today, I have a moment to reflect on the entrepreneurial side of the business. As a businesswoman, I am always looking for ways to grow and explore new market trends.

I sometimes reflect on the challenges I face as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry. While it is not always easy, I am proud of how far I have come, and this keeps me motivated to break more barriers.

I know that my success is not just about selling houses, but about brand awareness, reputation, and legacy. I secretly have a passion for marketing and have a BA Hons in business marketing, where I wrote a journal on estate agency and the challenges the industry faces. I have so many plans for further development within the business.

Afternoon grind...

The afternoon brings more property valuations and viewings, each with its own set of dynamics. I move from one appointment to the next—the variety of

my work keeps me engaged, and no two days are ever the same.

By late afternoon, I am back in the office, sifting through paperwork, chasing sales, and assisting the lettings department. I occasionally have to play the part of a rent chaser if payments are late. This is the part of the job I find the least glamorous but equally essential.

Contracts, legal documents, and endless forms are the backbone of our business, and my attention to detail ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

Wrapping

up and reflecting...

As the day winds down, I take a moment to review my achievements and plan for tomorrow. There are deals to finalise, clients to follow up with, strategies to refine...

Some days are tough, especially when a sale falls through or a client is unhappy. But most of the time, the satisfaction of helping someone find their dream home or sell a beloved property outweighs these challenges.

That is what keeps me motivated to do it all over again the next day. It is a neverending cycle, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Martine (seated) with colleagues at the Belvoir office

Business Soundbites

A snapshot of what business people have been telling us.

“With a legacy of a record high tax burden and government debt close to 100% of GDP, there is no room for a fiscal stimulus to slingshot the economy on to a stronger and more sustainable growth path.”

Professor Joe Nellis of Cranfield University and economic adviser to accountants MHA, ahead of the Budget Statement later this month.

“Real growth will require private sector investment and quickly.”

The Chancellor needs to tread a careful line, Professor Nellis warns.

“It is unlikely that we will see real investment pick up until after the Budget when companies will be able to understand the tax landscape from the new government.”

MHA’s head of manufacturing Chris Barlow

“We wanted to close the loop and be a through-the-line sponsor.”

Suzuki GB’s managing director Dale Wyatt explains the company’s extension of its sponsorship of MK Dons FC to include the women’s teams and Sports & Education Trust.

“This sponsorship is about more than just supporting an eventit’s about standing by the people, businesses and traditions that make our communities thrive,”

Steven Smillie, relationship manager in Scotland, on why Milton Keynesbased Allica Bank was among the sponsors of this year’s World Stone Skimming Championships.

“When it comes to wellbeing at work, employees would choose general improvements in workplace culture over wellness interventions.”

Investors in People chief executive Paul Devy in the wake of an IIPcommissioned YouGov survey.

“A collaborative methodology is required to establish harmony between the built and natural environments.”

Treat trees causing subsidence in buildings, don’t just cut them down. Freya Chapman, residential lead at ground engineering expert Mainmark in Milton Keynes.

‘Love and effort’ serves up success

“Extremely chic surroundings for thoughtful modern dishes,” is the verdict of an AA inspector after the organisation awarded a second rosette to fine dining restaurant Hibiscus.

The restaurant is located within Delapré Abbey’s historic Billiard Room. Under the leadership of executive head chef Bart Polinski, Hibiscus offers a sevencourse tasting menu using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, many grown in Delapré Abbey’s Walled Garden. The focus, Bart said, is on sustainability and flavour.

“We are pleased to have received our second AA Rosette,” said Bart, who was named Chef of the Year at the 2022-23 Weetabix Food & Drink Awards. “It shows how much love and effort our team puts into what we do, and it is amazing to see that recognised.”

The second AA Rosette is the latest in a series of awards, including the Booker

Dining Venue of the Year at the 202223 Weetabix Food & Drink Awards, and the Food & Drink Award at the 202021 Northampton Business Excellence Awards.

Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards director Rachel Mallows said: “This fine dining experience is

Business pays tribute to ex-deputy leader

Business leaders have added their own voices to the tributes paid to the late former deputy leader of Milton Keynes City Council, Cllr Robin Bradburn (pictured) Cllr Bradburn passed away last month. The National Liberal Democrat Conference in Brighton held a minute’s silence in his memory. He was a steadfast backer of the Milton Keynes business community, leading the council’s sponsorship of the Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards.

Nicholas Mann, chair of awards organiser Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership, said: “In the years that I knew him, Robin proved himself to be a staunch supporter of our business community and, by extension, MKBLP, MKBAA, and me personally. When I think of him, I think of kindness and humanity; a man for whom nothing was ever too much trouble to help you. I will miss him greatly.”

Robin stepped down as deputy leader earlier this year. Council leader Cllr Pete Marland described him as “a role model of public service.” His widow Marie is the current Mayor of Milton Keynes.

truly worth visiting, as it celebrates local provenance and seasonality of ingredients in such a beautiful setting. I am absolutely delighted to hear of this second rosette success for Hibiscus and congratulate the team at Delapré for helping to put Northamptonshire on the culinary excellence map.”

Hibiscus’ executive head chef Bart Polinski. Below: Rachel Mallows, director of the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards

Hibiscus’s restaurant manager, Valeria Sula—herself an expert in wine pairing— added: “This achievement is a testament to our team’s dedication and hard work. We strive to create a welcoming and exquisite dining atmosphere for our guests, and this award acknowledges our commitment. Our charitable objectives include supporting our community and promoting the benefits of heritage and green spaces, on wellbeing, and every visit to Hibiscus helps us to continue this work.”

Putting the pollinators in pole position

The Bee and the Butterfly… a colourful mosaic inspired by wildlife in Howe Park Wood in Milton Keynes and on display outside the Education Centre at the ancient woodland, a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The Parks Trust, which manages the site, received Section 106 funding for the project (inset), created by artist Melanie Mosaics. Sarah Griffiths, outdoor learning and interpretation manager at The Parks Trust, said: “Melanie’s creation perfectly captured the purpose for this new public art piece; to raise awareness of the importance of bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

“Without them, many of the crops we rely on for food and clothing, as well as many wild plants, would disappear”.

The Bee and the Butterfly joins a collection of public art found in Milton Keynes’ parkland.

Happiness receives a helping hand

Its mission is to create a happier, more compassionate society focusing on personal and community wellbeing.

Now the Year of Happier Living campaign is coming to Northamptonshire.

The campaign is run by the Action for Happiness initiative and is being led, in Northamptonshire, by a group of volunteers backed by the county’s two local authorities and charitable organisations.

The volunteers have received funding to promote Action for Happiness resources and the campaign’s 10 Keys to Happier Living.

Action for Happiness chief executive Mark Williamson said: “The Action for Happiness hub in Northamptonshire is a brilliant example of how a group of local volunteers can have a real impact on people’s lives.

“The funding they have secured for the ‘Year of Happier Living’ will help many more people in Northamptonshire access evidence-based tools and resources that will support their happiness and mental health and help them make a difference in the happiness and mental health of the people around them.

“We know happiness has a social ripple

effect; if we experience people building a happier, kinder world, we are more likely to feel happier and pass it on by taking positive action ourselves. So this initiative has the potential to spread and make a real difference in Northamptonshire.”

The resources and courses provide a framework and tools to help develop daily habits. They are particularly relevant for people struggling with mental health issues, helping to support their recovery journey.

Cllr Gill Mercer, North Northamptonshire Council’s executive member for adults, health and wellbeing, said: “It is really important that we all give as much importance to mental health as we do to physical health.

“Both mental and physical health are interwoven with each other, as mental ill health is associated with increased chances of physical illness. Also, those with poor physical health or long-term health conditions are unfortunately more

“This initiative has the potential to ripple out and make a real difference in Northamptonshire.”

likely to suffer from poor mental health.”

West Northamptonshire Council’s deputy leader, Cllr Matt Golby, added: “The Year of Happier Living will help increase access to evidence-based tools to support people with their mental wellbeing, enabling them to access the support they need. Together, we are committed to working with partners across the county to provide our communities with the tools they need to thrive.”

Networking

A group for networkers looking for referrals, introductions, opportunities and sales. NORTHANTS AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Every Tuesday at noon. NATIONAL NETWORKING

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

AYLESBURY

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

2nd Thursday 12 noon-2pm: Online. BUCKINGHAM

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

4th Thursday 10am-11.30am: Online. Contact: Anna Atkins-Carter, regional director North Bucks / West Chilterns. 07540 097776, email anna.atkinscarter@theathenanetwork.com or visit theathenanetwork.com

BEDFORD

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

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

3rd Thursday 12 noon-2pm: Online.

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

MEET THE NEIGHBOURS

October 15 10am-11am: Online

Joint event with Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire Chambers of Commerce. Join a series of virtual rooms to connect your business with up to six others. Free event, Chamber members only. CONNECT OVER COFFEE

October 17 9.30am-11.15am: Courtyard Luton Airport, Airport Way Informal networking, Free event for Chamber members; non-members £25 + VAT. Book on to Chamber of Commerce events via events.chamber-business.com

IGNITE

Tuesday 6.45am:

The Turnpike, Harpole, Northampton ACHIEVERS

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

Wednesday 9.30am-11am: Online. APOLLO

Wednesday 10am: Abbey Hill Golf Centre, Two Mile Ash, Milton Keynes.

FUSION

Thursday 6.45am:

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

Thursday 6.45am: Mount Pleasant Golf Club, Lower Stondon nr Henlow. PAVILION

Thursday 6.45am-8.30am:

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

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

Thursday 11.45am-1.30pm:

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

Friday 6.45am: Holiday Inn London Luton. LIGHTHOUSE

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

October 1, 15, 29 6.45am-8.45am: The Beefeater, Buckingham Breakfast meeting + speaker. Visitors: £10. More details: bucks-fizz.biz or contact David Babister 07796 136688.

Regional sponsor:

Business MK and Business Times

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

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

4th Tuesday: Miss Vietnam, Market Square. BRACKLEY

1st Thursday: Paisley Pear, Northampton Road. DAVENTRY

3rd Friday: Arc Cinema, Mulberry Place. DUNSTABLE

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

LUTON

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

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

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

TOWCESTER

4th Thursday: Towcester Mill Brewery, Chantry Lane.

WELLINGBOROUGH

2nd Tuesday: Castello Lounge, Market Street

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

Business networking and referral group. Price: £6.

MILTON KEYNES

4th Thursday, 7.30am-9.30am:

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

NORTHAMPTON BREAKFAST

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

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

WELLINGBOROUGH

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

VIRTUAL MEETINGS

Meeting fee: £6 (first meeting free).

WEDNESDAY BREAKFAST

4th Wednesday, 7.30am-9am.

THURSDAY BREAKFAST

3rd Thursday, 7.30am-9am.

FRIDAY BREAKFAST

2nd Friday, 7.30am-9am. THE ACCOUNTABILITY CIRCLE

Monday 10am-11am: Online

Time management and productivity. Price: £6 per session or £12 per month. More information: buscomm.co.uk.

October 11, 25 7am:

Windmill Hill Golf Centre, Bletchley

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

BEDFORD

October 10 9.30am-11.30am

Brewpoint, Cut Throat Lane, Bedford Host: Aruno Rao.

Brunchtime networking. Price: £26. MILTON KEYNES

October 2 9.30am-11.30am

The Woburn, George Street, Woburn Host: Heide Swift.

Brunchtime networking. Price: £26. NORTHAMPTON

October 8 9.30am-11.30am

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

October 16 9.30am-11.30am

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

Networking with lunch. Price: £28.

AMPTHILL

October 10 11.45am-2pm

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

BEDFORD

October 31 11.45am-2pm

The Woodland Manor Hotel, Green Lane, Clapham

Host: Aruno Rao.

BUCKINGHAM

October 21 11.45am-2pm

The Grand Junction, High Street, Buckingham

Host: Heide Swift.

KETTERING

October 22 11.45am-2pm

The Kettering Golf Club, Headlands

Host: Aruno Rao.

MILTON KEYNES

October 3 11.45am-2pm

The George Inn, Watling Street, Little Brickhill

Host: Aruno Rao.

MILTON KEYNES NORTH

October 14 11.45am-2pm

The Cherry Tree, Olney

Host: Aruno Rao.

NORTHAMPTON

October 15 11.45am-2pm

The White Hart, Main Road, Hackleton

Host: Aruno Rao.

TOWCESTER

October 30 11.45am-2pm

The Navigation Inn, Thrupp Wharf Marina, Cosgrove

Host: Aruno Rao.

Contact: busywomen.net or call 07957 284851.

NETWORKING BREAKFAST

3rd Friday, 7am-9am Astral Park, Leighton Buzzard

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

October 2, 7.30am-9am:

YMCA, North Sixth Street, Central Milton Keynes

The longest-established breakfast networking club in Milton Keynes. Speakers: Nicholas Mann, chair of Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership; Amanda Wright, director of Yellowyoyo; Jerry Taylor, of TRT Communications. Book at citybreakfastclub.co.uk

VIRTUAL

October 1, 8 10.30am-12 noon

October 9 12.15pm-1.45pm Online BREAKFAST, NETWALK & BRUNCH

October 3 7.15am-8.45am; 9.05am-9.50am; 10am-11.30am

Willen Hospice Café , Willen Lake IN PARTNERSHIP EVENT with Buckingham businesses

October 3 5pm-6.30pm

The Grand Junction, Buckingham IN PARTNERSHIP EVENT with Leighton Buzzard businesses

October 10 5pm-6.30pm Leighton Town Football Club

GOLD MEMBERSHIP BUSINESS WORKSHOP

October 15 9am-12 noon

x+why Unity Place, , Central Milton Keynes

MK MEET-UP EVENT

October 24 4.45pm-7pm

MK:U Innovation Hub, Central Milton Keynes IN PARTNERSHIP EVENT with Olney businesses October 30 5pm-6.30pm

Olney Rugby Club

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

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

October 17 12.30pm-2.30pm

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

Wednesdays 6.45am-8.30am: The Hopping Hare, Hopping Hill Gardens, Northampton

Breakfast networking + members’ presentation opportunities. Price: £10 visitors. Contact: enigmanetworking.co.uk Email: chair@enigmanetworking.co.uk or call 07889 967779.

MILTON KEYNES VIRTUAL NETWORKING October 18 10am-11am: Online. Networking + an update on the benefits of FSB membership. Free event for FSB members and non-members. To book on to FSB events, visit fsb.org.uk

COFFEE & CONNECT

October 10 10am-12 noon: Frosts Garden Centre, Woburn Sands Informal networking. Price: £12.50. Book at askgoto.com/event/coffee-connect-mk-20/

LBBC

LEIGHTON BUZZARD BUSINESS CLUB Wednesdays 7am-8.30am: The Dukes, Leighton Road, Heath and Reach Breakfast networking with speaker and member presentations. Visitors: £10.

Contact: leightonbuzzardbiz.co.uk. Email LBBC chairman Steve Baker at steve@sbfinancial.co.uk or call 01296 641868.

LET’S MEET MK

October 2 5pm-7.30pm: Marco’s Holiday In Central Milton Keynes Informal networking with speakers. Hosted by The Point Radio and Connection Communications. Book at 1055thepoint.com/local/lets-meet-mk/

#LOVEBIZ NETWORKING DERNGATE COMMUNITY

October 2 9.30am-11am: Online

Networking community for women in business in Northamptonshire and beyond. Price: £19.95. Contact: Julie Cameron at juliecameron@ lovebiznetworking.co.uk or lovebiznetworking. co.uk.

LUTON COFFEE CLUB

1st Tuesday 8am-10am Mano Coffee, George Street Informal networking. Free event.

To find out more, email organiser Stephen Wood at s.w@srwood.co.uk or call 01582 401221.

WOMEN WITH VISION

October 11 11.30am-1.30pm:

Silverstone Museum

Networking + 2-course lunch. Price: £30 + VAT Chamber members; non-members £50 VAT. MEET THE NEIGHBOURS

October 15 10am-11am: Online

Joint event with Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire Chambers of Commerce. Join a series of virtual rooms to connect your business with up to six others. Free event, Chamber members only.

NEXT GENERATION PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT –THE POWER OF PUBLIC SPEAKING

October 17 5.30pm-7pm: Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, Waterside Way, Northampton

Hosted by Next Generation Chamber. Presenter: Beccy Hurrell, of Beccy Hurrell Voice & Arts. Free event fr Chamber members and nonmembers.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE FORUM

October 22 8.30am-11am: Northampton Active, Bedford Road, Northampton

Panel discussion + Q&A with representatives from the Department of Business & Trade, Export Academy, export Finance and Innovate UK Business Growth.

Free event for Chamber members and non-members.

Networking

MAXIMISE YOUR MEMBERSHIP

October 24 8.30am-10.30am: Tresham College, Church Street, Wellingborough

Find out more about the benefits of Chamber membership. Free event for Chamber members and non-members.

CHAMBER PORTAL WORKSHOP

October 25 11am-11.30am: Online

Learn how to upload news, blogs, events, tips and job vacancies to the Chamber website. Free event. Chamber non-members welcome. To book on to Chamber events, visit chambermk.co.uk/events.

MEET OF MK

October 31 5pm-7pm:

The Italian Sur Lago, Furzton Lake Contact: mkfm.com/events/mkfms-meet-of-mk/

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

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

BRAND AND BUSINESS BOOST DAY

October 2 9am-3.30pm: The Barnsdale, Rutland Workshop led by ActionCoach Oakham & Kettering on how to sell effectively and ethically. Price tbc.

FRIDAY @4

October 11 4pm-5pm: Online

Free event to NNBN members and nonmembers.

NNBN NETWORKING

October 14 7pm-8.30pm:

The Chester House Estate, Irchester Informal networking. Free event for NNBN members; visitors £10.

THE FREEDOM WORKSHOP

October 15 11.30am-1.30pm: Holiday Inn Northampton, Bedford Road

Building the value of your business and preparing it for sale. Presented by Business Doctors, Kilby Fox Chartered Accountants and Wilson Browne Solicitors. See below under Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce. Free event.

For more information and to book, visit nnbn.co.uk/events/

TAKING THE FEAR OUT OF INCLUSIVE RECRUITMENT

October 8 9.30am-12.30pm:

The Granary Hotel, Fawsley

October 22 noon-3pm: Northampton Active, Bedford Road

Advice on developing an inclusive recruitment strategy, including the law, funded support available and hear some success stories from local businesses.

Part of the people and skills element of the government’s UK Shared Prosperity fund. Led by Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce with West Northamptonshire Council, Learning & Skills Academy, Diversiti, Track NN, Haus of HR and ACE Working. Free event for Chamber members and non-members.

WOMEN WITH VISION

October 11 11.30am-1.30pm: Silverstone Museum

Networking + 2-course lunch. Price: £30 + VAT Chamber members; non-members £50 VAT.

MEET THE NEIGHBOURS

October 15 10am-11am: Online

Joint event with Milton Keynes and Bedfordshire Chambers of Commerce. Join a series of virtual rooms to connect your business with up to six others. Free event, Chamber members only. NEXT GENERATION PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT –THE POWER OF PUBLIC SPEAKING

October 17 5.30pm-7pm: Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, Waterside Way, Northampton

Hosted by Next Generation Chamber. Presenter: Beccy Hurrell, of Beccy Hurrell Voice & Arts. Free event fr Chamber members and nonmembers.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE FORUM

October 22 8.30am-11am:

Northampton Active, Bedford Road

Panel discussion + Q&A with representatives from the Department of Business & Trade, Export Academy, export Finance and Innovate UK Business Growth.

Free event for Chamber members and non-members.

MAXIMISE YOUR MEMBERSHIP

October 24 8.30am-10.30am: Tresham College, Church Street, Wellingborough

Find out more about the benefits of Chamber membership. Free event for Chamber members and non-members.

CHAMBER PORTAL WORKSHOP

October 25 11am-11.30am: Online

Learn how to upload news, blogs, events, tips and job vacancies to the Chamber website. Free event. Chamber non-members welcome.. To book on to Chamber events, visit northants-chamber.co.uk

Fridays 6.45am-8.45am: The Cock Hotel, Stony Stratford

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

12 noon-2pm, networking lunch.

BEDFORD & AMPTHILL

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

LEIGHTON BUZZARD

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

LUTON

2nd Monday: South Beds Golf Club/ Online.

SANDY & BIGGLESWADE

1st Wednesday: Stratton House Hotel, BIGGLESWADE.

Contact: Louise Yexley on 07989 020647, Email: louise.yexley@wibn.co.uk or visit www.wibn.co.uk.

MILTON KEYNES

1st Tuesday: The Brasserie at Milton Keynes College, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley.

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

QUIZ NIGHT

October 18 7pm: Wavendon Community Centre

Raising money for the Women’s Fund at Milton Keynes Community Foundation. Price: £10 per person. For more details and to book, visit womeninenterprise.co.uk.

BUSINESS ROOM

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

BEDFORD

3rd Thursday 9.30am-11.30am: The Kingfisher.

KETTERING

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

NORTHAMPTON

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

OLNEY

2nd Wednesday 9.30am-11.30am: The Cherry Tree Restaurant & Bar.

SOUTH NORTHANTS

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

3rd Wednesday 12 noon-2pm: The Stanwick Hotel, Stanwick.

THE CONNECTIONS CLUB - NORTHANTS

For business owners, influencers and decisionmakers.

NORTHAMPTON

1st Tuesday 11.45am-2pm: Delapre Abbey, Northampton.

Contact: Barbara Hodgson 07504 946 585 / 01933 652884, Email: barbara@yourbusinessmatters.co or visit yourbusinessmatters.co

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