Business MK December 2022

City centre needs to be more than just an employment hub

MKDP

director discusses priority for future of Central Milton Keynes

Ongoing work overseeing major development projects to improve Milton Keynes as a city means that the work of Milton Keynes Development Partnership is far from done, an audience of businesspeople has been told.

Affordable housing is a priority for Milton Keynes City Council, of which MKDP is a wholly owned subsidiary. But it has completed much of its original brief when set up after the council acquired undeveloped land assets across Milton Keynes in 2013 from English Partnership for £32 million and is now charged with developing assets as revenue streams.

MKDP’s challenge is to garner crossparty support for its work in order to survive administration changes. Work with private sector partners is being done in order to ensure the survival of long-term projects for the good of the city, said MKDP’s special projects director Adam Sciberras. “There will always be something for us to do,” he told a meeting of networking group the City Breakfast Club.

Plans for the regeneration of Bletchley under the Towns Deal funding, enhancing Station

Square as a community facility as well as a welcoming gateway to Milton Keynes for rail passengers, moving the city centre market to a more suitable site in order for it to thrive and delivering enough affordable housing to attract and retain younger employees remain high on the partnership’s agenda.

But it is widening the appeal of the city centre to be more than merely an employment hub that is the most urgent priority.

“It does not feel as vibrant and dynamic as we would like it to be,” said Mr Sciberras. “The test is whether the city centre is somewhere you would like to stay for a weekend and the answer at the moment is probably ‘No’. What would change that mindset is what we are focusing on.”

The city centre is a changing demographic with employers keen to bring their staff back into the office but facing employees who are reluctant to do so, he added. MKDP is also considering ways to improve Station Square from the large empty space that visitors walk into when they leave Milton Keynes Central train station, with plans to create a more neighbourhood feel being worked on. “We are looking seriously at developing a

‘neighbourhood’,” Mr Sciberras said. “It is pretty bleak at the moment and we are trying to improve that.”

Key to improving Station Square will be to address the sense that it is less safe than other areas due to its openness and the underpasses leading to and from the square. “It does not feel safe, particularly for women,” Mr Sciberras said. “That is the biggest feedback we get about the station.”

Earlier this year MKDP began the search for a private sector development partner for Milton Keynes Open Market to collaborate on plans to move the market from its current location outside the centre:mk shopping centre to a more suitable location.

The market’s importance to the city was stressed by Ian Revell, chief executive of Milton Keynes Community Foundation. “It is so important, with the cost of living issues, that the market serves a significant purpose, particularly to some of the more deprived communities in the city,” he said during a Q&A after Mr Sciberras’ presentation.

“It is one of the most popular markets in the region and it needs sorting out.” >To page 3.

Mazda has opened a new national training centre on a business park in Bedfordshire. Read more news from the area’s thriving automotive sector, including an EV chargepoint manufacturer’s purchase of a rival and the views of vehicle upcycling pioneer Lunaz on the COP27 climate summit. Pages 14-15

Wonderful: Party firm rebrands

Global celebrations group Amscan International has unveiled the results of a major rebrand.

The Milton Keynes-based designer, manufacturer, distributor, wholesaler and retailer of party products has rebranded as Wonder and has set itself a revenue target of £500 million b 2026 – an increase of 40 per cent.

The increase is in line with the rise in turnover it has enjoyed this year, to £300 million. The rebrand is a key element of the group’s continued implementation of its global strategic growth plan.

It follows the announcement in September by the business that it had acquired Swedenbased online retailer Party King to further expand into the Nordics.

“Our old group name did not reflect the dynamic, global, multi-channel, multi-product group of leading brands and businesses we are today,” said Wonder’s chief executive Joe Hennigan. “It also caused confusion between our group and the trading name for our wholesale business.”

In addition to its UK

operations based at Brinklow in Milton Keynes, Wonder has offices in Germany, Sweden, Australasia, Asia and Africa.

The company employs around 2,500 people worldwide and its retail brands include the UK’s largest online party store Party Delights, Ginger Ray and several other brands across 15 countries.

Mr Hennigan said: “Our existing product and trading brands will continue to exist and be used as they are today. They will all be part of the Wonder family of companies.”

Hospice opens new £4m extension

uckinghamshire’s LordLieutenant Countess Howe has officially opened the new extension at Willen Hospice.

She is pictured with, from left, hospice chairman Paul Davis, Milton Keynes Mayor Cllr Amanda Marlow and the hospice’s chief executive Peta Wilkinson. Also attending the opening were Milton Keynes South MP Iain Stewart and Alexander Boswell, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire.

The building opens at the end of Willen’s 40th anniversary year. “It is a great honour to be able to recognise this milestone and thank all those who have contributed to this project coming to fruition,” said the Lord-Lieutenant. “The final outcome is not about bricks and mortar, it is about the many people who will benefit from it.”

The £4 million Building a Legacy

The brand aims to reflect the colourful traditions and celebrations across the world that are central to a sense of identity, health and happiness. “Our products and services enhance these celebrations,” Mr Hennigan said. “Our talented global team, paired with cutting-edge technology, create unforgettable moments of joy, positivity and magic for millions of people worldwide. We believe Wonder encapsulates this succinctly and brilliantly.”

The company underwent a management buyout in

January last year, backed by private equity house Endless.

“We have grown quickly since the MBO,” Mr Hennigan said.

“With Endless’s backing, we will continue to remain acquisitive while investing heavily in our people, processes and technologies to provide the platform for sustainable profitable growth.

“Our £500 million revenue target by 2026 is ambitious but we believe we have the knowledge, expertise and capabilities to continue to build on our momentum and make it happen.”

project will transform the specialist palliative care Willen Hospice provides.

The newly refurbished 15-bed inpatient unit has state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. The new Bradbury Wellbeing Centre enables Willen Hospice to take care of patients’ physical, emotional, spiritual, psychological and social needs. It coincides with the launch of its Living Well programme which offers personalised outpatient support through education and activity groups.

Hospice chief executive Peta

Wilkinson paid tribute to benefactor Shirley Anne Hawes, whose legacy enabled the project to become reality.

“A humble woman who wanted to make a difference,” Ms Wilkinson said.

“What a fantastic philanthropic legacy to leave your local community.”

She also paid tribute to the late Reverend Leslie Jell, the first chairman and general manager of Willen Hospice, who died last month. “The legacy he leaves behind is beyond measure,” Ms Wilkinson said.

Chambers lead work on region’s new skills plan

Chambers of Commerce in Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire are taking the lead in the development of a new skills plan for the South East Midlands region.

They have been appointed as the designated lead for the Local Skills Improvement Plan, which will incorporate the views of employers alongside those from local authorities and the further education sector.

The LSIP is part of a national drive by the government, outlined in its Skills for Jobs

white paper. Chair of the LSIP’s executive group Kevin Rogers, pictured, said: “This is an opportunity for employers to engage and have a voice to shape how their current and future workforce can access the right training to excel in the modern, digital, greener workplace while remaining competitive.”

The first phase of the plan is due to be published in the spring.

Mr Rogers, chair of Northamptonshire law firm Wilson Browne Solicitors,

is an immediate past president of Northamptonshire Chamber and is a volunteer enterprise adviser, working to link schools with businesses. He is also a non-executive consultant to the board of the web-based Law Training Centre.

“I have been involved in the skills agenda throughout my career,” he said. “What an opportunity to make a difference.

“I am looking forward to working closely with the team across the three Chambers.”

Wonder’s chief executive Joe Hennigan with the new brand

Long hours put van drivers at risk of burn-out, says survey

Overwork and struggling to maintain a suitable work-life balance are putting the UK’s van drivers at risk of burn-out.

Around half are suffering with mental health issues, a significant increase in the past 12 months, says the study by Milton Keynesbased manufacturer Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

Drivers are working beyond their regular hours half of the time, compared to the average UK worker who clocks longer hours a third of the time. The side effects include sleep problems, stress headaches and panic attacks and the longer hours are causing one in five van drivers to feel overwhelmed by work on a daily basis.

A total 94 per cent say they have felt overwhelmed at least once in the past year. Positively, three-quarters of those who suffered issues had sought professional support to help them cope.

Kate Thompson, head of marketing at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “Mental health in the workplace is an incredibly important topic and one we are proud to continue exploring, with the aim of normalising discussions and promoting best practice.”

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is urging the UK workforce to take time out and practise wellbeing, whether in the form of taking up a new hobby, exercising, talking to friends or getting outside.

It launched its #DownTools campaign last year to raise awareness of the risks of burnout and, as part of a continued partnership with Mental Health UK, the company - headquartered at Blakelands - is supporting its customers to shut up shop, put down the hammer and close the laptop at the end of the working day.

“Our research over the years has really cast a light on the prevalence of mental health issues within the workplace and particularly with men and small business owners and the difficulties of establishing an effective balance,” said Ms Thompson.

“So we hope that by raising awareness, we will encourage people to prioritise their wellbeing and provide the resources to regain a productive worklife balance.”

Bank invests £1m levy funding in MK:U

Banking giant Santander is preparing to invest more than £1 million in apprenticeship levy funding for businesses in Milton Keynes to use to upskill and reskill their staff.

It is working with MK:U, the new model digital and technical university in the city, to develop the skills of the future for its workforce and for the local community.

MK:U is Santander UK’s strategic education partner and the partnership will see its academics deliver innovative education and training in the company’s new headquarters at Unity Place, opposite Milton Keynes Central railway station. The announcement is part of Santander UK’s scholarships, skills and entrepreneurship programme which aims to help people access the educational opportunities and

Santander earmarks money to tackle digital and tech skills gap

ripple effect it will have in the regional tech ecosystem.”

Santander UK chairman William Vereker added: “We are committed to creating real opportunities, transforming lives and helping to drive economic prosperity across the UK. Santander has a long heritage and involvement in education and skills and we recognise that the challenges our country is facing require a new approach if we are to develop the skills tomorrow’s workforce will need.”

Cranfield University chief executive and vice-chancellor Professor Karen Holford said: “It is fantastic to see Santander continue to invest in Milton Keynes. Cranfield University is proud of our commitment to Milton Keynes through MK:U and this partnership with Santander will enable us to make a huge difference, not only to local businesses but also to the lives of their employees.”

skills they need to fulfil their potential.

Professor Lynette Ryals, chief executive of MK:U, said: “The current digital skills gap requires a new approach and pioneering relationships with

Habitat Bank initiative restores nature and helps developers

Alandowner at Emberton near Olney is helping to create the first Habitat Bank in Milton Keynes.

Joseph Soul is working with Environment Bank and its team of ecologists, who specialise in creating and restoring natural habitat to support biodiversity recovery.

Mr Soul owns Wood Farm, a working farm and campsite, and is eager to begin the work that will further diversify the land, create a new income stream and provide a range of benefits to nature.

“We are delighted that Wood Farm is going to host a Habitat Bank so that we can do our bit to enhance local biodiversity,” Mr Soul said. “Our Habitat Bank is to be located adjacent to two local wildlife sites, which we know are precious within our community.”

The increased biodiversity value is measurable using government-approved metrics and can be translated into Biodiversity Units, sold to developers so that they meet soon to be mandatory planning requirements in relation to Biodiversity Net Gain.

Environment Bank developed its Habitat Bank model to help developers to secure BNG. Its work is important to the realisation of the government’s ambitions for nature recovery and a net zero future. It aims to create more than 200 Habitat Banks over the next five years. In return for managing the habitat, farmers and landowners receive funding for a minimum of 30 years. This opens up a new avenue of economic yield for rural communities which have

business. Our partnership with Santander opens up new learning opportunities to people and businesses in Milton Keynes. I am truly excited about the difference this will make and the positive

MK:U is delivered in partnership by Cranfield University and Milton Keynes City Council. It and its curriculum are being designed with and for business, focusing on the technological and digital skills needed for the future as well as connecting networks and communities through its Innovation Hub in Milton Keynes.

Mr Vereker said: “We all have different backgrounds, different skills, different aspirations. Our new programme is designed to help thousands of people to fulfil their potentialwhether they are a budding entrepreneur with a great business idea, someone in mid-career who is looking to reskill or a young person from an under-represented community who dreams of going to university.”

struggled financially with Brexit and the cost of living crisis.

Most of the Emberton site currently consists of cultivated arable land, primarily wheat. The plan is for the site to be home to habitats including meadows, mixed scrub, and native hedgerows. “All of these habitats will be essential in restoring nature and ensuring that biodiversity can thrive,” Mr Soul said.

Environment Bank

MKDP: Plans will generate thousands of jobs

>From page 1.

Mr Sciberras, inset, said the market had performed well during the pandemic and was expected to remain popular as the cost of living crisis continues.

MKDP is making strides on the regeneration of Bletchley after a successful bid by the Towns Deal board for £25 million of government funding for the plans.

The partnership now owns the Brunel centre shopping centre and car

park behind it, as well as the sites of the former police and fire stations next to Bletchley railway station. Its vision is to create an open high street linking to the train station in time for the opening of the East West Rail line running between Oxford and Bedford, and ultimately to Cambridge.

The city centre masterplan will take between 15 and 20 years to deliver and the long-term proposals are expected to create thousands of new jobs for graduates and trainees in particular, Mr Sciberras said.

ecologists have conducted a thorough assessment of the site. Its findings have informed a detailed Habitat Enhancement and Management Plan co-created with Mr Soul so that practical aspects of managing the land were taken into account and the plans for restoring the biodiversity value of the site were achievable and appropriate.

The restoration project will be fully established over the

next ten years and maintained and managed for at least 30 years.

Environment Bank’s principal ecologist Sophie Moy said: “We are all about creating a real and lasting positive change for biodiversity through the creation of a more functional and resilient natural landscape.

On a site like Mr Soul’s, at 38 hectares, this project promises to deliver just that; landscapescale nature recovery.”

SIMPSON ROAD, BLETCHLEY

Character Office/retail/ trade counter unit c.1,500 sq ft Refurbished throughout Large yard to rear TO LEASE

Professor Lynette Ryals

Environment Bank’s principal ecologist Sophie Moy (right) and colleagues

Fingers on the pulse, helping city to realise its potential

At the start of 2022, in the wake of easing lockdown measures, consumer demand was recovering, and employees were beginning to head back to the office writes Nicholas Mann, chair of Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership

This year new challenges have emerged in the shape of surging inflation, supply chain issues and labour shortages. However Milton Keynes continues to chart its course as a UK powerhouse.

A magnet for growth and investment with an economy rich in services and tech-based firms, Milton Keynes will, according to a business report released in May, be home to one of the UK’s fastest growing economies by the end of 2023. Notwithstanding this rising recognition on an international platform, and the coveted city status we finally received this year, the cornerstone of the Milton Keynes success story continues to be its pioneering and entrepreneurial spirit.

New business start-ups and scale-ups are interwoven into

the fabric of Milton Keynes. There are so many fledgling companies within our midst and, while we appear to hold a better new business survival rate than other UK cities, continued efforts to support these businesses is vital, particularly as we navigate ongoing economic challenges.

Milton Keynes City Council’s award-winning £3.1 million Economic Recovery Plan has helped to shift business start-ups into a higher gear, driving growth and helping to build resilience.

Through workshops, grants, free training and a structured programme of support, more than 900 businesses have so far benefited from the council’s support.

With more than 7.5 million people living within an hour’s drive of Milton Keynes, the scope for talent is extensive and, as a result, there are many small ‘hidden gem’ start-ups throughout the city.

It is one of the reasons why we have created a new Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards category for Micro Businesses. Defined as an organisation with less

than ten employees, the category aims to shine a light on these businesses away from the SME category which sees significant levels of entries each year.

On the subject of MKBAA, in March we witnessed their triumphant return, reflecting the environmental objectives of businesses.

The theme for MKBAA 2023 is Celebrating Diversity, a topic which has also dominated recent MKBLP dinner and breakfast events.

MKBAA and the events and speakers which make up the MKBLP calendar exist to resonate with and support the business community. As an organisation, it is vital that we continually develop the interests of the extensive Milton Keynes business community, listening to the challenges they face and offering signposting and support at every opportunity.

Continually listening not only helps to shape the MKBAA awards and the themes of the MKBLP events but also the roster of highcalibre speakers who attend. Over the course of this

year, we have heard from key national figures from the world of politics, law, charity and education along with the NHS and the Bank of England. All have covered hard-hitting topics which have provided guidance and valuable insight.

Plans are already under way to enhance these events in 2023. As our member network continues to grow, keeping our finger on the pulse of the Milton Keynes business community has never been more important to ensure that we play our part in realising the full potential of this great city.

Aviation firm submits plans for airport move

Plans by aviation company Marshall Aerospace to move its headquarters to Cranfield Airport from Cambridge will be a significant boost to the area, says the leader of Central Bedfordshire Council.

Subject to planning approval, Marshall aims to open a new purpose-built facility on the Cranfield University campus in 2026 and will close its current base at Cambridge Airport the following year. The company has submitted an outline planning application to Central Bedfordshire Council as the next step in its relocation plans. The application follows a comprehensive round of public consultation.

Marshall chief executive Kathy Jenkins said: “We are pleased to have reached this important milestone in our aerospace relocation

programme. We have been delighted with the response we have had thus far to our proposals with the vast majority of people welcoming the employment opportunities and economic benefits we will bring to the area.”

Central Bedfordshire Council leader Cllr Richard Wenham, pictured below, said Marshall’s arrival would be a major boost to the entire area.

“Marshall Aerospace is a major player in its field. This is evidence of the extensive work we do to showcase our area as an attractive business location and has the potential to provide exceptional new opportunities for local people to find rewarding, highly skilled work close to home.”

Marshall already works with Cranfield University on skills development and research projects. Cllr Wenham said: “We are determined to continue to build local prosperity.”

Nicholas Mann

Business has its say on the future plans for city

Council prepares to consult as City Plan vision takes shape

Business and other organisations are to have their say on a new City Plan for Milton Keynes.

The plan being put together by Milton Keynes City Council, will replace the current Plan:MK in place since 2019 and will plan the city’s development until 2050.

The council is in the early stages of preparing The New City Plan and will be consulting and arranging public involvement opportunities across the city over the next two years. Councillors will then vote on the final plan in 2025.

Economic and cultural prosperity is one of four main themes of the proposed plan. The council is set on strengthening Milton Keynes as a leader in the national economy, with Central Milton Keynes at its heart.

The plan also will focus on building affordable homes in the city as part of its vision to offer high-quality homes and neighbourhoods. It also

is looking at creating a built environment and transport systems that have a positive impact on climate change.

The council wants to work with businesses, organisations and residents on a plan it envisages as ambitious and innovative with a focus on high-quality sustainable growth, genuinely affordable housing and new job opportunities.

A consultation on the vision and objectives of the New City Plan will be held early next year asking local people to be involved in the process from the very beginning.

Council leader Cllr Pete Marland said: “This is a plan of opportunity and will set out a blueprint for a green and sustainable future where everyone has a fair chance to do well. We want everyone in our city to live a life that they are proud of, with the opportunity to find a genuinely affordable home and have access to jobs that allow them to flourish and take care of their families.

Pioneer partnership aims to draw investment to city centre

The UK’s first partnership between council and retail to enhance a city centre has been launched in Milton Keynes.

Milton Keynes City Council and centre:mk have entered into the agreement as part of the council’s work to support households and businesses and create jobs across the whole city.

“To build a prosperous future for the generations ahead, we must deliver growth that is well planned

The two bodies have signed a Memorandum of Understandingthe first of its kind between a local authority and a major shopping centre. It sets out how the council and centre will work together to provide greater support to entrepreneurial, cultural and community groups, create livelier vibrant public spaces in and around

and protect those things that make Milton Keynes special. We can only achieve this by working with local

centre:mk and improved integrated future transport links.

City council leader Cllr Pete Marland said: “It is important that we capitalise on these opportunities and keep our city centre feeling fresh and interesting for visitors and residents This partnership signals our wider ambitions for the city centre and will bring knock-on benefits far beyond high street retail, such as continuing to attract major investment in Milton Keynes, maintaining local jobs and connecting community groups to the public.”

The council and centre:mk are keen to create and improve community spaces. Centre director at centre:mk Kevin Duffy said: “We believe that we can play a major role in attracting and showcasing initiatives that are unexpected and rarely experienced within traditional city centres. We are confident this initiative will help support that ambition.”

communities. We will be reaching out to as many people and organisations as we can to make sure

everyone has a say in how we make our city an even better place to live, work and visit for generations to come.”

US Army contracts chiefs visit cluster firms

Procurement chiefs from the US Army have been to Northamptonshire to see for themselves the cutting edge technology available to the global defence sector that is being developed ‘across the pond’.

A delegation led by the US Army’s chief technology officer Charneta Samms has visited Silverstone Park and

met with tech companies based there, including Delta Cosworth, KW Special Projects, Lunaz and the Digital Manufacturing Centre.

The eight military representatives were greeted by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire James Saunders Watson and heard an outline of the work of the Silverstone Technology Cluster, which supports

the growth and profile of advanced engineering, electronics and software businesses in the area around Silverstone.

STC chief executive Pim van Baarsen said: “We were delighted to host the group and introduce them to some of the innovative businesses in the cluster and enable them to discover new technologies that can help them improve their efficiency and effectiveness.”

Regional law firm HCR Hewitsons helped to arrange and host the visit by some of the most senior figures in US military tech procurement. “This was a great opportunity to showcase the region’s credentials for advanced engineering technologies to a significant new market,” said Dominic Hopkins, joint head of HCR Hewitsons’ Central England office in Northampton. Feedback has been positive, he added.

The American military delegation with hosts (left) Dominic Hopkins and Kieron Salter

(From left) Centre director Kevin Duffy, Cllr Pete Marland, Ed Sellick, director of investment management at centre:mk operator Federated Hermes and Sophie Lloyd, strategic lead, economy and policy at Milton Keynes City Council

Food campaign organisers issue appeal for business support

Regular contributions are vital over winter, says MK Food Reach

Regular support from the business community will be vital in the campaign against food poverty this winter.

Organisers of the MK Food Reach campaign have issued a heartfelt plea as the cost of living crisis leaves more families across the city facing the prospect of struggling to feed themselves as the rising cost of energy, food and other basics hits pockets hard.

MK Food Bank, one of the charities to benefit from the campaign, has seen a rise of almost a third so far this year in the number of families turning to it for help.

MK Food Reach was launched by law firm Franklins Solicitors in the summer as a way to help families struggling to keep pace with the rising cost of living and to reuse surplus food that otherwise would be destined for landfill. It aims to raise enough money to bring truckloads of surplus food to Milton Keynes for distribution to families in need. Each truckload of 26 pallets costs £9,000.

Milton Keynes-based organisations including fellow law firm Freeths and waste management specialist Cawleys are already backing the campaign, helping to bring the first truckload of supplies to the city in the summer.

Franklins partner Andrea Smith said: “Food poverty is a real problem. The idea of MK Food Reach is for businesses and individuals to contribute by raising funds to bring a truck load of food into the city. But we need more than just a one-off contribution; we need regular contributions so that we can bring truckloads in regularly this winter and beyond.”

She was speaking to guests at the City Breakfast Club networking meeting last month. Employees and their families are unlikely to reveal whether they use food banks but MK Food Bank estimates that one in 30 households currently use its service. The number that have used MK Food Bank this year is 31 per cent higher than in 2021.

“We are seeing 60 new families come to us every week,” said MK Food Bank’s

operations manager Louisa Hobbs. “And the face of those families is changing. These are people we have never heard from before or who we would never have expected to need the food bank.”

MK Food Reach also works with the HisChurch charity, which in turn works with retailers around the UK including Lidl, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s to take their surplus food and deliver it to food banks. The food is perfectly edible but has been rejected for a variety of reasons that prevent it from being put on the supermarket shelves.

Ms Smith gave the example of packs of chicken tikka

masala, rejected because ‘masala’ has been spelt wrongly. Pasta is refused because it is the wrong shape and Alpen bars find their way to food banks simply because the apple pieces in them are too chunky, she said.

Franklins has set up a JustGiving page justgiving. com/fundraising/mk-foodreach for donations.

The campaign is only £2,000 away from being able to bring another truck laden with supplies to the city. “26 pallets is fantastic but it does not scratch the surface of what is needed across the city,” said Ms Smith. “Regular support is really important and this is a really critical time.”

College leads the way in focus on diversity

Retaining its ranking as a leader in diversity means that Milton Keynes College is on the right track to creating a fairer future for all its employees and students, says the college’s head of equality, diversity and inclusion.

Milton Keynes College Group has retained its Leaders in Diversity status from the National Centre for Diversity - the only organisation in the city with this award. The status recognises organisations going above and beyond in their commitment to the FREDIE values of fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion and engagement.

Now the college is set to extend its equality, diversity and inclusion training programme and support resources to more staff.

“This much sought-after award from the National Centre for

Diversity is recognition of the importance we place on ED&I at the College Group and efforts across the board to embed the centre’s FREDIE values into every aspect of our offering,” said Milton Keynes College Group’s equality, diversity and inclusion manager Arv Kaushal inset.

Last year the college group became one of the first FE institutions to publish data on its ethnicity pay gap and providing ED&I training to its senior leadership team.

“However, this absolutely is not the end of our journey,” said Mr Kaushal.

“It is validation that we are on the right path to deliver a fairer future for all at MK College Group. And we want to support other organisations within our Milton Keynes community to pursue their own journey to being more equal, diverse and inclusive.”

Louisa Hobbs (left) and Andrea Smith (right) receive a pallet load of supplies at MK Food Bank earlier this year

Hires strengthen property law specialism

Law firm Neves Solicitors has strengthened its commercial property and private client departments with three new hires.

Ceyda Alkan is a specialist commercial property solicitor and has been joined by associate solicitor Leyla

Mehru, pictured, and senior private client executive Tristy Pateman in the private client team.

Residential property and conveyancing specialist Haneef Khan has been promoted to associate.

“The appointment of Leyla,

Partners delighted as litigation expert joins

Experienced litigation lawyer Rebecca Wells thas joined the regulatory and dispute resolution department at law firm Woodfines Solicitors.

She is pictured, top centre, with head of department Mike Hayward and the team. “Rebecca adds to the strength and depth of the department and the team’s partners are excited to have her with us,” Mr Hayward said.

Tristy and Ceyda as well as Haneef’s well-deserved promotion will further strengthen and develop our already very experienced specialist teams,” said managing partner and head of commercial Stewart Matthews.

New head relishes school challenge

Swanbourne House School has appointed Nick Hollway, pictured, as its new head. Mr Holloway will take up his role when the new academic year begins in September 2023 but will work closely with the school near Winslow for the next two terms.

He is currently deputy

head of Brambletye School in Sussex, having begun his teaching career at Cothill House in Oxfordshire. Before switching to teaching, Mr Holloway worked in finance for 12 years at HBOS plc. Until September, the school will continue to be led by acting head Simone Mitchell, the school’s deputy head.

“Prep schools are amazing places and I am committed to developing the exceptional all-round education offered at Swanbourne House,” said Mr Holloway.

Swanbourne House joined with Stowe near Buckingham and Winchester House in Brackley last year to form The Stowe Group of Schools.

Group head Dr Anthony Wallersteiner said: “Nick impressed the selection panel with the clarity of his strategy and vision.”

IoD appoints new branch chair

Professor Keith Straughan is the new chair of the Institute of Directors’ Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes branch.

His career has been spent in education and business, with a portfolio of strategic advisory, executive coaching and consulting roles. His academic background spans world-leading universities, non-traditional university models and vocational education.

Mr Straughan, pictured, has also spun out five companies from his university work, founded three further businesses and served as a non-executive director on eight different boards.

“At the IoD, we provide a voice for local business and we are an authoritative resource partner through our work around governance, policy, representation, professional development and networking,” Mr Straughan said.

He plans to meet branch members, who include startup entrepreneurs, directors and representatives of the

public and third sectors, in order to understand the issues they face and how the IoD can support them and their business.

Faisal Khan, chair of Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes’ regional branch IoD South, said the branch was preparing for ‘an exciting time’ ahead.

“This is one of the fastest growing economies in the country. It provides all the ingredients for successfully starting and scaling up a business,” he added. “Our members will play a leading role in the area’s continuing success.”

Support programme welcomes record intake

Business building initiative the NatWest Accelerator has welcomed more than 60 entrepreneurs in Milton Keynes to its new programme.

The scheme supports entrepreneurs to take their small and medium-sized business to the next level and this year saw a record number of applications.

This year is the first time the six-month programme has run in person since the pandemic. One of the entrepreneurs joining the scheme is Oz Azubuine, founder of Ozzlebox, an entertainment company based in Luton’s Hat Factory that uses human beatbox to inspire creativity.

“When I started my entrepreneurial journey, I did not realise that I was treating my business as a hobby. It was taking all my money with very little in return,” he said. “Only around the time of the pandemic, when I pivoted the business model to a digital one, did I realise that

a business pays you money and a hobby takes your money.

“I fell in love with entrepreneurship again and gaining recognition, like being accepted into the NatWest Accelerator programme, has given me a new lease of life.”

The bank’s group chief risk officer Bruce Fletcher welcomed the entrepreneurs at the programme’s headquarters in Milton Keynes. “We are committed to removing barriers to business and providing opportunities to help companies grow,” Mr Fletcher said. “Our Accelerator hubs are a central strand of our strategy.”

The Milton Keynes Accelerator hub is part of a network of 13 hubs run by the bank. The network is one of the largest of its kind across the UK and over the past four years has supported more than 3,500 individuals and businesses, helping them to achieve an average turnover of

just over £300,000 and to raise a total £198 million in investments.

Support via the programme includes one-toone coaching, introductions to local business support organisations and free use of NatWest’s office space

“We know that entrepreneurs are having to do several jobs at once,” said NatWest’s regional ecosystem manager Debbie Lewis. “They need to be the CEO, finance director and HR manager, often without having any experience in some of those areas and without a support network.

“The bank’s Accelerator programme is designed to help entrepreneurs to be all those things while supporting them in running their business and providing a network for guidance and advice.”

n The Accelerator programme is open to any business with ambition to expand. Applications open thre times a year and businesses applying do not need to be NatWest customers.

MD: Acquisition fits our strategy perfectly

Industrial automation and control products specialist

Routeco has acquired a majority stake in software distributor AutoLogic Systems.

The deal is part of Milton Keynes-based Routeco’s strategy to add software tools and consultancy to its portfolio. AutoLogic, based near Thame in Oxfordshire and founded in 1993, is established within the UK as a provider of simulation products, consulting and related services, primarily to the manufacturing, transport and logistics sectors.

The company provides solutions for demonstration, simulation and controls testing and is a Value Added Reseller of Emulate3D by Rockwell Automation. Under the deal, all AutoLogic’s employees and the management team remain in place. Other terms have not been disclosed.

Routeco’s managing director Dave Amps said: “I am very excited to welcome AutoLogic Systems Ltd into the Routeco Group. It fits perfectly with our strategy to provide innovative software tools and consultancy to our machine builder, end

user and systems integrator customers.”

AutoLogic has worked with Routeco for several years.

“I am delighted that we are now part of the Routeco Group,” said managing director Graham Carter.

“The acquisition gives us a tremendous opportunity to grow our business by providing our advanced software solutions and outstanding consulting expertise to even more customers. There is no better fit for us.”

Routeco was advised by corporate lawyers at Milton Keynes law firm EMW.

Glass works smart to boost energy performance

Described as ‘a once-in-ageneration investment’, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed by the US Congress and awaiting the signature of President Joe Biden aims to rebuild America’s roads, bridges and rails, expand access to clean drinking water, ensure every American has access to high-speed internet, tackle the climate crisis, advance environmental justice, and invest in communities that have too often been left behind.

Part of the deal involves tax incentives in relation to buildings using smart glass, which changes between transparent and translucent, either letting light pass through or blocking some or all wavelengths of light. When installed in the envelope of buildings, smart glass helps to create climateadaptive building shells with benefits such as natural light adjustment, UV and infrared blocking, reduced energy use, thermal comfort and privacy. Some smart windows can self-adapt to heat or cool for energy conservation in buildings.

Smart windows can eliminate the need for blinds, shades or window treatments.

The decision by Congress to endorse the law, which will be enacted once signed by President Biden, is music to the ears of a company in Milton Keynes.

Smartglass International has specialised in manufacturing and supplying switchable glass since 2001.

The business controls every aspect of its manufacturing, processing and finishing each product in-house using state-of-the-art machines and furnaces to achieve the highest levels of clarity and consistency.

“Within the Bill is a whole section that talks about tax incentives for companies wanting to use smart glass products because of their energy performance, their versatility and ability to reduce glare,” says Smartglass International’s UK sales manager Dan Butcher.

“We are moving towards a net zero carbon neutral future and this is a

product that will continue to be utilised going forward. It is an exciting time.”

Smartglass International is one of a clutch of manufacturers specialising in smart glass. Founded in Ireland at the start of the century, the company now has clients in 35 countries and has shipped more than 160,000 sq ft of product in the past 21 years.

It has been in the UK for 20 years and had its UK sales office and showroom in central Milton Keynes for eight years before a move last year to Milton Keynes Business Centre on Linford Wood.

“Milton Keynes is a great location for us,” says Dan. “The facilities here at MK Business Centre are really good. Prepandemic, the view was that we had to be in the centre of town but the

reality now is that the pandemic caused businesses to review their cashflow, budgets and how they were operating in terms of hybrid working.

“We looked at alternative bases and when you move just two miles from the city centre to an office two times the size with parking and it’s within your budget, it was a no brainer.”

Business continues to be good and the office in Milton Keynes Business Centre continues to thrive. “We have come out of the pandemic much stronger than we were going into it,” says Dan.

“The plan for now is to continue to ride out the uncertainty at the moment - we are as busy as we have ever been and in the UK this year there has been a big push to acquire more of these projects.”

Advertisement Feature Published on behalf of Capital Space, operator of Milton Keynes Business Centre

NatWest’s chief risk officer Bruce Fletcher and regional manager Debbie Lewis in conversation with entrepreneur Oz Azubuine, one of the new intake on the Accelerator support programme

Automation

plc secures majority stake in software firm

Bank of England, it’s down to you to tame inflation

The economic backdrop facing Chancellor Jeremy Hunt was one of uncertainty and unease, with the UK economy confronted by 11.1 per cent inflation, an inevitable recession and the urgent task of restoring financial credibility to the government.

Jeremy Hunt was facing a £33 billion current account deficit at a time when consumer disposable income continues to be eroded and millions of Britons already grappling with a cost of living crisis.

The result was a mini budget that announced £55 billion of fiscal tightening with the aim of reducing the deficit over the next five years - 51 per cent of the squeeze being driven by tax hikes, 49 per cent by spending cuts.

investors as the budget appears to have been designed to avoid any potential shock to sterling or gilt markets.

The Autumn Statement, in which Chancellor Jeremy Hunt outlined his plans for £55 billion of measures to reduce the UK’s fiscal deficit, seems to have had a cautious welcome from the markets. Wealth management specialist Jason Stather-Lodge, pictured, managing director of OCM Wealth Management, assesses the Chancellor’s statement but warns there may be further pain to come.

All eyes were on him and how the new Conservative leadership team would put forward a plan to support low-income households and balance the books while at the same time restore credibility to the government following the disaster of the September mini-budget.

The Chancellor did not disappoint and managed, through sleight of hand, to achieve his aims with a tweak here and there, coupled with freezing tax allowances and some new energy profit levies.

Buckinghamshire’s

While the headlines will point to a plethora of tax rises and spending cuts, Jeremy Hunt has loosened fiscal policy over the next two years, cushioning the impact of the coming recession, with the tightening occurring in the four years from 2024/25. The onus is therefore back on the Bank of England to tame inflation and bring it back to the two per cent target.

Although the £55 billion package of tax hikes and spending cuts was as expected, it forms the largest tightening of fiscal policy since the Osborne ‘austerity’ Budget in 2010, highlighting to markets that the partnership of Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt will take their financial discipline more seriously than their predecessors.

The immediate aftermath of the autumn statement saw investors give a tentative seal of approval to the budget. The pound fell by more than one per cent but remained well above September’s all-time low and not far below the recent three-month high. This is a massive contrast to what was seen with Kwasi Kwarteng’s budget, with the rally in the run-up and a muted reaction suggesting that this government has restored a level of UK credibility.

With almost 30 per cent of UK government debt being held by foreign investors, the muted response within the gilt market indicates a seal of approval from investors in relation to the path laid out by the Chancellor. The involvement of the Office for Budget Responsibility, which presented fiscal forecasts to accompany the plans laid out by Mr Hunt, also helped to reassure

With inflation running at a 41year high alongside a need for fiscal restraint, a return to austerity is likely to add further pressure on the economy as consumer spending falls and consumer confidence levels remain near record lows. The OBR has laid out expectations for the UK economy to shrink by 1.4 per cent in 2023, with the Bank of England expected to take interest rates up to around four per cent to restore stability to consumer prices.

With energy prices contributing to higher than expected headline inflation levels, consumer focus was on the energy price guarantee which is helping to shield households and businesses from price shocks. An announcement to slightly reduce the level of protection on offer from April 2023 will be a concern to many, as annual household energy prices are set to increase up to £3,000, further squeezing disposable income levels amd dragging more consumers into energy poverty.

Without the current levels of government support, headline inflation levels are expected to have risen to around 13.8 per cent, highlighting the impact that a reduction in support could have moving forward. With it we are now expecting inflation to fall considerably in the second half of 2023 which will, when it happens, make everyone feel better.

As a result of the rising cost of living, combined with fiscal restraint and slowing economic growth, many analysts now believe the UK is already in a recession which they anticipate lasting for four straight quarters, with unemployment set to increase to almost five per cent by the end of 2024, indicating further pain to come.

We believe that what the Chancellor managed to achieve was positive in the short term, noting the market reaction has been positive. He has pushed most of the cuts out to after the next general election, managing to convince the wider market that the Conservatives were back in control. If that was the aim, it has therefore been a success.

There are many critics including us who believe that he should have gone further in simplifying the tax system. However, as we want economic stability first and foremost and that is how the market has reacted, we are happy and accept that paying more tax is required to balance the books.

Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng are now firmly destined to be remembered for all the wrong reasons in historical trivia and Jeremy Hunt and Rishi Sunak have managed to restore credibility in the short term. The challenges facing the Chancellor will be vast in the coming years with fiscal

tightening and we have to hope that we do not see a heavy rise in unemployment above expectations and growth below expectationsthat will have deep consequences for the UK economy and the level of borrowing, resulting in a deeper, longer recession.

The ability to spend to stimulate economic growth rests heavily on the Bank of England’s ability to bring inflation back to target, although this requires the government to show a level of solidarity to ensure that the interest rate hikes are not offset by increased fiscal outlay.

We are definitely on target for UK interest rates to reach a peak of about 4-4.5 per cent (better than six weeks ago when forecasts briefly hit 6pc) in 2023 but the expectation is that inflation will fall in 2023 and employment will remain strong (compared to historical reference points) despite the headwinds.

If that comes true, we can realistically say the economy has normalised and the era of cheap money and no inflation has ended.

OUR VIEW: OCM WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Let’s supercharge your business pension

Tony Byrne, managing director of Wealth & Tax Management, looks at a little-known scheme that is technical but ideal for

Are you the owner-manager of a SME business?

Successful, sitting on cash in your company bank account burning a hole in your pocket, bothered by the large increase in Corporation Tax from 19 per cent to 25 per cent, frustrated by not being able to pay enough into your pension scheme and your accountant not giving you any meaningful tax saving advice?

Well, worry no more. There is a solution for people like you. It’s technically known as a Defined Benefit Small Self-Administered Scheme, or DB SSAS for short. What are the benefits of such a scheme?

n Contribute 2-3.6 times the annual allowance into a money purchase pension scheme (Defined Contribution scheme or DC for short);

n Set up an unlimited number of SSAS;

n Overcome the Money Purchase Annual Allowance contribution limit of £4,000;

n Overcome the Tapered Annual Allowance contribution limit of as low as £4,000;

n Buy commercial propertyyour office business premises, for example;

n Invest in a shares portfolio;

n Become your own bank by lending to your business for commercial purposes;

n Corporation Tax relief on contributions;

Find out

n Protection from creditors in the event of business failure; n Free of Inheritance Tax; n Tax-free growth until income is taken.

You may well not have heard of such a scheme nor has your accountant perhaps recommended it to you. That may be because most people have never heard of it and few pension providers offer DB SSAS. Also, it is highly technical so few SSAS providers want to get involved in this area. Moreover, few professionals such as accountants and even financial planners know about it.

A SSAS is ideal for SME business owner-managers, their spouses and staff. You can have between 1 and 11 members of a scheme.

It is in effect a super tax-efficient business trust and business tool with many benefits.

Helping businesses to prepare for the economic storm ahead

Following a challenging few years, it now looks as if the UK is heading for a recession which could see the economy shrink by more than two per cent by the end of 2023. So what can local businesses do to prepare for challenges ahead?

KPMG’s recent CEO survey found that more than two-thirds (69pc) of UK CEOs believe a recession will make it harder to rebound from the pandemic and 63pc believe it will disrupt anticipated growth over the next three years.

Many of our local businesses are having to make hard choices now to help their businesses to weather the challenging conditions they face.

For our army of start-up businesses and entrepreneurs, the slowdown in venture capital and private equity investment means looking for new ways to attract funding and conserving cash to better position themselves for a new funding round as the economy recovers.

It is not all doom and gloom, however. Our local transactions teams have had a busy year with plenty of deals still happening as good businesses attract the investment they need and the local businesses we speak to are confident there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

So what are the areas on which businesses are focused as they plan to weather the economic storm ahead?

n COSTS Getting a handle on a changed cost situation and taking costs out of a business to protect profitablity is a key focus.

There is not one solution. It will depend on the business - and potentially even the sector - but cost improvements that a business should be thinking about will include revisiting finance arrangements and renegotiating debt interest with lenders, reviewing and renegotiating contracts and better data insights to fully understand the profitability of your product range, markets or customers.

n TAX The Chancellor put tax at the heart of his recent Autumn Statement in an effort to create stability, but for many businesses, the tax system can feel complex, and not the valuable lever it can be to grow or invest in a business. Often tax is the area that is addressed at year end and not considered up front as part of the decision making process. Key initiatives to look at in attempting to unlock capital include making an R&D claim or looking at the superdeduction which allows companies investing in qualifying new plant and machinery assets to cut their tax bill by up to 25p for every £1 they invest.

n TALENT The ability to recruit, retain and upskill staff will be crucial to the future success of our local businesses.

Now is the time for businesses to identify the knowledge and capability gaps that they have now and are likely to have in future and to engage with their workforce to make sure they are equipped with the skills to overcome them to help to future proof their business.

continually assessing our employee value proposition to ensure our firm represents the values of our people and creates a sense of belonging.

n ESG Environmental, social and governance initiatives are not only growing in importance for investors, customers and regulators. They are also important to help improve financial performance and driving growth. Now is not the time to be pausing planned ESG initiatives. Delivering a sustainable recovery from the pandemic and recession and making decisions that address our societal challenges will benefit us all in the long run.

As we head into what will be a difficult winter, I am certain that our local business community is ready to weather the challenges ahead and be in a stronger position to benefit from the upturn when it comes.

Pete Rowe is Office Senior Partner for KPMG in Milton Keynes and its 125 staff based near Bletchley Park.

Having a strong employer proposition to recruit the talent needed to take a business forward is vital. Across our offices in Milton Keynes and Watford, we are www.kpmg.co.uk

Bar chain completes £16.5m pubs acquisition

Real estate specialists at Shoosmiths advised Revolution, which operates 69 bars across the UK, on the property and land aspects of the £16.5 million deal that brings 21 Peach pubs across the Midlands and southern England under the Revolution umbrella.

n Risk warning: The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate taxation advice, inheritance tax planning or trusts. A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until age 55 (57 from April 2028 unless the plan has a protected pension age). The value of your investments, and any income from them, can go down as well as up which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Your pension income could also be affected by the interest rates at the time you take your benefits. The tax implications of pension withdrawals will be based on your individual circumstances, tax legislation and regulation which are subject to change. You should seek advice to understand your options at retirement. This article is based on my own observations and opinions.

The deal enables Revolution to diversify its business and target growth across its drinks, food and accommodation operations.

Leading the Shoosmiths team was real estate partner Kirsty Chalkley, pictured, supported by legal director Simon Dawes and with input from property litigation principal associate

“This landmark acquisition is set to bring together two businesses that are at the forefront of their markets, offering a high-quality experience to a diverse demographic

of customers,” said Ms Chalkley. “It will see Revolution also expand its real estate footprint, enabling it to tap into markets outside of towns and cities. We have a strong partnership with Revolution and are proud to be supporting the business on the next stage of its growth plan.”

Revolution is a long-standing Shoosmiths client, with the law firm advising on all aspects of its existing group property portfolio.

Revolution Bars Group’s chief financial officer Danielle Davies said: “Shoosmiths’ expertise was a key component to the success of the deal, which is set to be an exciting and transformative opportunity.”

the SME owner-manager.

A super tax efficient business trust and business tool with many benefits

Tony Byrne

Richard Willcox and planning partner Karen Howard.

Global professional services firm KPMG is supporting companies across the region to navigate the increasingly complex economic challenges they are facing as they continue to target growth. Pete Rowe, Senior Partner for KPMG’s Milton Keynes practice, explains.

Pete Rowe

Our business community is ready to be in a stronger position to benefit when the upturn comes.

Theo Chalmers

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

www.urbaneden.org www.vervepr.co.uk e: t.chalmers@vervepr.co.uk 01908 275271

Embarrassing predicament may cost council millions

Readers may recall how I have been so saddened, so often, by Milton Keynes City Council’s apparent incompetence in dealing with planning matters that I have been somewhat forced to tell you all about them.

There are, in fact, so many new and ongoing cases that I am looking forward, with even greater sadness, to telling you about them all in the new year.

For now, though, I will simply describe this latest very serious, potentially very costly fiasco - one that may cost council taxpayers in this city millions of pounds.

Towards the end of the minutes of a very long and very boring council audit committee meeting under ‘Additional Papers - Item 11 - Statement of Accounts’, the council describes how it sold a huge parcel of land - 14 hectares out of a much larger plot of some 43 hectares - on the north west side of Calverton Lane at Two Mile Ash - part of the Western Expansion Area - to a housing developer for, it is believed, the sum of £10.7 million.

However, the council had failed to prove ownership of the 14 hectares (some 34.6 acres in old money) it sold. A Romany Gypsy family had occupied the land for generations and went to The High Court of Justice to prove ownership of it by ‘adverse possession’. This is where anyone who can prove unopposed occupation of land for more than 12 years can own it. I am familiar with a similar case in Loughton - also not at all publicised - in which The Parks Trust lost control of a plot of land where a very fine privately owned house now sits.

It is amazing, isn’t it, how success has many fathers but failure is an orphan?

I quote the council audit committee minutes directly: “Calverton Lane - Adverse Possession Claim. The Council brought a claim to the High Court to seek possession of land registered in its name at Calverton Lane, to remove Romany Gypsies who were in occupation of the site. The land had previously been transferred to the Council from Buckinghamshire County Council in 1995.

“In March 2019 the Council entered into a conditional agreement for the sale and purchase of land with Redlawn Land Limited (L&Q) for the development of new homes, commercial premises and other development. At the time the Council entered into this agreement, Romany Gypsies were using a significant portion of the Land for rearing livestock, mainly horses. The claimant stated that his family had meaningful occupation and so had rights to the land, even though the title was registered to the Council.

“The Council tried to formally secure vacant procession in 2019, however a dispute developed.

“The High Court ruled in March 2022 against the Council and upheld the adverse possession claim. The Council has subsequently been denied the right of an appeal. In line with this ruling the legal ownership of the land now transfers to the claimant.

“In light of this judgement, we have amended the accounts to remove this land from the Council’s balance sheet. This has reduced the Council’s fixed assets by £10.7m.

“As the land had been included within the Development Agreement for the Western Expansion Area, we have also added a Contingent Liability in Note 31 which sets out the potential implications that might arise if the land is not reacquired. At this stage it is not possible to quantify the financial impact as this will be dependent upon several factors which are subject to further work and the outcome of negotiations.”

It is believed that the land was originally sold without planning permission. Now that it has planning permission, it is worth many tens of millions of pounds more. And it simply must be acquired by the council to pass on to Redlawn Land Limited (L&Q) because without it they cannot build on the land they do have because of access issues.

Enquiries with local agents suggest that 34.61 acres of land with outline planning permission for ‘the development of new homes, commercial premises and other development’ might be worth as much as £1.5million per acre - that is a total of £51.915 million - and this, of course, does not include any damages due to Redlawn Land Limited (L&Q) for negligence. These alone may be very substantial.

Whatever the land is worth, you can bet that this will be a simply crippling sum for Milton Keynes City Council to find at a time where it has already cut its services to the bone and no more cuts can be made.

It is worth noting here that the “Contingent Liability in Note 31, which sets out the potential implications that might arise if the land is not reacquired” mentioned in the audit committee minutes, is so secret that we, the council taxpaying residents who will end up footing the bill, are denied access.

So, what will the council do? It can negotiate with the incredibly wealthy Romany Gypsy family in possession or, failing the mutually satisfactory completion of any agreement, it can apply for a Compulsory Purchase Order.

Both options are literally frighteningly expensive and hugely embarrassing. Surely some heads must roll. What do you think, dear reader?

Cheerio… and Happy Christmas.

Igniting the enthusiasm for careers in logistics

Two major campaigns are seeking to create a shift in the perception of logistics.

The South East Midlands is home to a major cluster of logistics and supply chain businesses, with many globally renowned fulfilment companies, couriers and distribution parks: DHL, XPO Logistics, Mercedes, James and James, Amazon, Scania and Prologis are based in this area. Regionally, it is one of the fastest growing business sectors, with twice as many of the local workforce employed in logistics than the national average.

But “for too long, many people’s perception of jobs in warehouses is that they are low paid, unskilled and without the opportunity to progress,” said Robin Woodbridge, head of capital deployment and leasing at Prologis UK.

This is a sector packed with exciting global opportunities and needs to be championed as a great career choice.

The Generation Logistics campaign, backed by the government, is highlighting the innovative careers that the sector offers and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport is piloting their next generation of Think Logistics. The latter’s mantra is ‘We’ve got to educate the educators’, aiming to dispel myths and improve information given to young people about the opportunities available in logistics.

To contribute, the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership and the Careers and Enterprise Company, with Prologis and CILT, have hosted careers information sessions, culminating with an event which brought together careers leaders from schools, business representatives, enterprise advisers who work with schools on careers programmes and two major employers, Clipper Logistics and online retailer boohoo, based at the DIRFT site in Daventry.

Analysis of over 50,000 job postings in the South East Midlands in the 12 months to August 2022 showed that a third were within logistics and supply chain. 45 per cent of the logistics roles advertised were for business operations, digital and engineering positions. There are growing opportunities for people with skills and talents in robotics, data and the design and digitalisation of systems and processes, along with commercial skills, from marketing and sales through to global customer service.

John Henderson, CILT’s Northamptonshire group chair, said: “We have been talking about making

careers in logistics far more attractive for a long time. The key is to build twoway relationships between schools and employers in the sector. This initiative is starting to make traction, which tackles skills shortages and raises the profile of this key part of the UK economy.”

Logistics businesses are creating opportunities for employees to develop their careers. They are keen to attract dynamic, creative and forward-thinking individuals who can develop their businesses and help the sector to be more effective, efficient and sustainable.

Asked about the top three things learned at DIRFT, participants said:

n The range of careers in the sector and the breadth of skills needed;

n The routes into successful and rewarding jobs in the sector;

n The scale of the local logistics sector and number of people it needs to meet growth demand.

“There is a groundswell of change and opportunity bubbling up from within the logistics sector,” said SEMLEP’s chief executive Hilary Chipping. “The pandemic put a spotlight on just how essential logistics is to the way we live our lives and the sector is transforming as a result.”

In partnership with businesses, trade associations and training providers, SEMLEP and the Careers and Enterprise Company Careers Hub are supporting better connections between schools, local employers and careers leads. SEMLEP is taking the lead nationally on behalf of the national network of LEPs to highlight the skills and sector development needs for logistics through official channels such as All Party Parliamentary Groups.

Prologis is creating training programmes to support the specific and growing needs of the sector. “We must all continue in our efforts to grow talent locally and encourage people to look at job opportunities in local logistics companies,” said Ms Chipping.

“From operators to engineers, from drivers to project managers to software developers, there is great variety of career roles to choose from.”

Prologis’ real estate and customer services manager Liz Allister added: “It was fantastic to host a first event for career leads and enterprise advisers at DIRFT. It ignited engagement and enthusiasm for the evolving world of logistics and the many career paths open to all. We look forward to hosting more career-focused events with our customers and stakeholders to support this fantastic, dynamic career option.”

n SEMLEP is seeking more people from business to work with schools’ careers leaders to improve local careers learning. It is also looking for more businesses to open their doors so more young people can experience what it is like to work in logistics. Help to grow talent and inspire the next generation of logistics leaders.

you manage road risk correctly from the start, the result is a safe fleet’

Sizeable savings are the benefit for an electrical services business that enrolled its fleet management on a government training course.

Cheaper insurance and running costs, no collisions in four years and less down time and absenteeism are the principle advantages to Leighton Buzzard-based AES Fleet from taking part in the government’s Driving for Better Business programme.

The company runs nine Ford Transit vans, from which its mobile engineers fit and maintain camera systems, air conditioning units, telematics systems and other technology across the PSV, HGV and LCV sectors.

As with all road risk management, however, the company’s good practice starts at home and managing director Richard Stansfield said the business benefits to their fleet operation are substantial.

The company, based on the Harmill industrial estate in Grovebury Road, checks all driver licences regularly through FleetCheck. It trains all its drivers in thorough walk-round checks and defect reporting every morning and keeps a spare vehicle on fleet so that any defects can be addressed rapidly without a loss of productivity.

Webfleet Solutions telematics systems monitor the performance of each driver. Any exceptional incident such as harsh braking,

Mazda opens new national training centre

Training for dealership staff across the entire Mazda network in the UK is taking place at the marque’s new Mazda Academy in Bedfordshire.

Mazda has welcomed its first delegates to the academy on Stewartby Business Park near Bedford. The 11,000 sq ft facility is delivering training for dealer roles from apprentice through to master technicians, as well as management training in sales and service.

The centre has capacity for up to 40 delegates a day plus live broadcast rooms for remote online training.

Mazda UK sales director Peter Allibon said: “The automotive industry is changing at a rapid pace, with new vehicle technologies and electrification, as well as changing customer demands and preferences, so supporting our dealer network in being set up for success through these changes is crucial and the new centre is an investment to ensure that is exactly what we do.”

The academy, which opened in September, aims to host 5,500 delegates a year working with three technical trainers and three commercial and product trainers. It includes a large technical training workshop with space for eight cars in dedicated bays, EV charging points and is configured for training on combustion engine,

an emergency alarm, or near miss is seen as an alert, the footage is checked and Mr Stansfield feeds back constructive criticism or praise to the driver as appropriate.

Cameras are not only commonplace in UK life but also essential for capturing a full narrative of what happens on the road and for coaching drivers appropriately, says Mr Stansfield.

“Collisions are preventable. If you manage road risk correctly from the start and ensure compliance and training throughout, the result is a safe fleet.”

Insurers now look at evidence of near misses as well as collisions, so the cameracoaching initiative pays dividends in assuring insurers of their low risk profile.

AES has seen a £2,000 reduction in fleet insurance costs for the second year running,

which across nine vans is substantial, Mr Stansfield said. The company has had no collisions in four years.

He believes the fleet’s running costs are also reduced by around 25 per cent each year through preventative maintenance. “Reactive maintenance is always more expensive and creates unplanned downtime.”

If, for example, brake pads are regularly checked and replaced, not only will the vehicle brake efficiently and safely but also the discs will not become damaged.

“Conversely if you let the pads wear too far, you are suddenly replacing ten discs as well as pads,” he said. “Regular maintenance prevents damage.”

AES also takes an active interest in driver welfare and mental health. The company arranges accommodation for drivers after a long journey so they do not drive when tired. Both AES Fleet’s senior managers have taken mental health awareness training so they know how to offer appropriate support.

“A van is a tool. However, if you put someone tired or unwell behind the wheel, it is a weapon,” Mr Stansfield said.

“My ethos is about getting everybody home safe to their families every night. That is my underlying goal. We do everything we can to make that happen and that is the ultimate business benefit.”

Reducing the amount of raw materials being used in the development and manufacture of new transport solutions is key to the automotive sector’s contribution to tackling climate change, says the founder of the world’s leading upcycler of vehicles.

David Lorenz, founder and chief executive of Lunaz whose factory is at Silverstone Park, says the recent COP27 climate change conference in Egypt has highlighted the need for a more sustainable mindset.

He is calling on the automotive industry to consider converting fossil- fuel-powered vehicles to electric to prolong their life. “The more raw materials, the more carbon we use, the less likely we are to recover from the environmental impact we have caused to date by scrapping previously manufactured cars, trucks and other fleet vehicles,” Mr Lorenz said.

The COP27 summit at Sharm El-Sheikh marked the 30th anniversary of adoption of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

“It goes to show that the need for greener, and better, solutions have been a pressing issue for a long time and will become more crucial in the future,” Mr Lorenz said. “Planning for the future is great but there is an urgent need for implementation now that we simply cannot afford to postpone any longer.

“Why wait to manufacture brand new systems? Why not reuse what we have already and swap

Mazda has opened its national training centre for dealership staff in Bedfordshire

plug-in hybrid and full battery electric vehicles. A digital studio provides live broadcasts and inhouse training content creation, while two broadcast rooms are fully soundproofed for delivery of live training. The first floor houses three classrooms, a canteen and trainee

break-out areas.

The academy, run by manager Rob Hancock, will deliver a new apprentice programme and online training programmes for service, senior and master technicians.

“The training provided at and from this centre will ensure Mazda

customers get a premium service whenever they interact with our network,” said Mr Allibon. “And crucially, having the capacity to provide dealers with a range of different mediums for learning will ensure this is done in the most effective and efficient way.”

The building reflects the latest in Mazda’s corporate identity across both floors with the 7,500 sq ft ground floor highlighting Mazda’s heritage and the 3,500 sq ft mezzanine’s décor reflecting the Crafted in Japan inspiration of Mazda’s premium interiors.

The production line at Lunaz’s factory at Silverstone. Below: Founder and chief executive David Lorenz

It is our vision to plot a more sustainable path to a decarbonised future

‘If

Richard Stansfield: Reactive maintenance

is always more expensive

COP27 confirms industry needs to think greener and better, says CEO

The plant, which opened in July, has capacity to create 1,100 Upcycled Electric Vehicles a year. The factory uses energy-saving equipment and technology to reduce its environmental impact and Lunaz expects to create up to 300 new jobs as the business expands further.

“I believe that the most sustainable vehicle is the one that already exists, which is then upcycled to run on electric power,” Mr Lorenz said. “In fact, it is our vision at Lunaz, focusing on upcycling vehicles to plot a more sustainable path to a decarbonised future.

EV chargepoint start-up buys competitor

Growth plans prompt deal to bring business out of administration

Home EV chargepoint manufacturer EVIOS has acquired the prestige home charging business Andersen EV, which went into administration in October.

The management of EVIOS has indicated that the two brands will run alongside each other, serving different parts of the EV market and benefiting from shared investment in technology, installation personnel and customer support.

Production of Andersen units has already restarted and all associated customer support services will be merged with the existing operation at EVIOS’ headquarters on Stewartby Business Park near Bedford.

EVIOS was launched in April this year by David Martell, former chief executive of Cranfield-based Chargemaster - now known as BP Pulse - which was sold to BP in 2018. With £5.8 million raised from investors to date, a robust supply chain and growing order books, EVIOS is on track for rapid expansion. Its first unit, the EVIOS One, is currently being rolled out to UK customers, with plans to launch EVIOS Two in 2023.

Mr Martell said: “Andersen’s design-led positioning complements our leadership in technology and functionality, and running both brands in parallel will help us to

serve an even broader range of customers.”

Andersen EV’s parent company Muller EV called in administrators

Nick Holloway and Will Wright from Interpath Advisory in October after the company ran into trading difficulties. A total 38 staff were made redundant, with a few retained while the administrators sought a potential purchaser.

Mr Wright said: “Companies up and down the automotive supply chain have been experiencing a myriad of issues over the past 12 to 18 months and Andersen EV was unfortunately no different.”

Mr Holloway added: “We are pleased to conclude this transaction which ensures the Andersen brand will continue to live on. We would like to thank everyone who helped to secure the transaction within a short timetable and wish Evios plc all the very best for the future.”

Three Andersen employees have transferred to EVIOS as part of the deal.

their fossil fueled engines with cleaner, zero-emission electric powertrains right now?”

Lunaz is already upcycling vehicles at its Applied Technologies division at Silverstone. Its 2000,000 sq ft factory is removing the diesel engine from refuse collection lorries, installing a more environmentally friendly electric powertrain and upgrading the cabin to be more ergonomic and safer for the driver and crew.

“If we can upcycle bin lorries, imagine what other transportation methods could benefit from this ethos. The remanufactured and upgraded refuse trucks we have started with harness the power of upcycling as they are cleaner, cheaper, and better equipped than an all-new battery electric alternative could ever be.”

An independent audit revealed that a Lunaz upcycled refuse truck saved more than 80 per cent of the embedded carbon compared to manufacturing from scratch.

“We are very happy to contribute one element of such a vast infrastructure and demonstrate how much it helps local authorities and fleet operators in their goals towards reaching net-zero emissions,” Mr Lorenz said.

EVIOS will fully support Andersen’s existing customer base across the UK and will honour any remaining product warranties. Putting customer needs at the forefront of the takeover process, EVIOS has also announced that it will fulfil more than 200 pending product orders and will continue to operate Andersen-ev.com and the Kønnect+ app, which helps Andersen users manage, change and report on their charging activity.

EVIOS created 60 new jobs when it opened its facility at Stewartby earlier this year. Bedford Mayor Dave Hodgson opened the building, where EVIOS designs, manufactures, and ships its new home charger, in August.

He said: “Their innovation and focus on green energy brings exciting prospects for a sector we are looking to grow in the borough.”

Vauxhall signs electric charge partnership deal with energy tech company

Vauxhall is to expand its Plug & Go electric vehicle home charging offer after agreeing a partnership with green energy tech pioneer Octopus Energy. The deal is creating more options for customer home charging, access to more than 300,000 public charging points in the UK and mainland Europe and new smart energy tariffs.

As part of Luton-based Vauxhall’s plan to become an electric-only brand by 2028, the partnership with Octopus Energy allows new and existing Vauxhall owners to opt for

the installation of a home wallbox charger linked to the UK’s first flexible charging tariff, Intelligent Octopus.

Vauxhall managing director James Taylor said: “Vauxhall is committed to electrifying Britain. By partnering with a highly respected brand like Octopus Energy we are giving our electric vehicle drivers the ability to ensure that they charge at home in the greenest and most affordable way possible as well as simplifying public charging by providing access to many networks across the UK with just one card.”

The Ohme wallbox charger is the third charger offered through Vauxhall. Customers control the wallbox via a smartphone app, enabling them to schedule charging to make the most of the tariff.

The Intelligent Octopus tariff features electricity from 100 per cent renewable sources, with new customers receiving an initial £25 off their bill. The tariff charges the vehicle using renewable energy when it is at its cheapest.

Octopus Energy Group’s chief product officer Rebecca DibbSimkin said: “It has never been a

better time for drivers to go electric. With the range of vehicles, chargers, flexible tariffs like Intelligent Octopus and roaming services like Electric Universe, making the switch has become an absolute no-brainer.

“We are incredibly excited to be working with such a forwardthinking brand as Vauxhall. Going electric is not only good for the planet, it is also cheaper than fueling gas guzzlers and has the added benefit of helping to end our dependence on fossil fuels.”

Vauxhall is continuing to electrify its model range, including the

Vivaro van manufactured in Luton. Most of its passenger car models, including UK bestseller the Corsa, are available with electrified powertrains and, as the UK’s leading electric van manufacturer, Vauxhall already includes an electric version of every van it offers for sale.

The announcement also builds on Vauxhall’s existing partnership with JustPark, designed to help more UK drivers to switch to an electric vehicle by helping them find convenient charging locations near their home using the JustCharge Community Charging network.

Vehicle manufacturer

David Martell

Networking

Business events across Milton Keynes, North Bucks and Bedfordshire

MILTON KEYNES VIRTUAL NETWORKING

Expo delivers a different way to do business

Networking lunch.

AYLESBURY

2nd Tuesday 12 noon-2pm: Online

MILTON KEYNES

2nd Thursday 12 noon-2pm: Online

BUCKINGHAM

3rd Tuesday 12 noon-2pm: Online

CAPPUCCINO CONNECTIONS

4th Thursday 10am-12 noon: Online

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

BEDFORD

2nd Wednesday 12 noon-2pm: Online

SOUTH & EAST BEDFORDSHIRE

4th Tuesday 12 noon-2pm: Online

WOBURN

3rd Thursday 12 noon-2pm: Online

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

Business networking and referral group.

Price: £6.

MILTON KEYNES

2nd Thursday, 7.30am-9.30am: Abbey Hill Golf Centre, Two Mile Ash

VIRTUAL NETWORKING

Tuesday Brunch

2nd Tuesday, 9.30am-11am

Wednesday Breakfast

4th Wednesday, 7.30am

Thursday Breakfast

3rd Thursday, 7.30am

Friday Breakfast

2nd Friday, 7.30am

THE ACCOUNTABILITY CIRCLE

Monday 10am-11am: Online

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

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

WINTER MEMBERS RECEPTION

December 1 4.30pm-6.30pm: The Rufus Centre, Flitwick Networking event + an update on the benefits of Chamber membership. Free event for Chamber members.

CHAMBER AGM

December 9 11am-11.30am: Online Free event for Chamber members. To book on to Chamber events, visit www.chamber-business.com/events

Alt. Fridays 7am: Abbey Hill Golf Centre, Two Mile Ash Networking breakfast with speaker. Price: £15. Contact: www.businessgrowthclub.co.uk or Mark Orr 07903 655169

December 9 10am-11am: Online.

Hosted by Daxa Patel. Free event.. To book on to FSB events, visit www.fsb.org.uk

TENDERING FOR CONTRACTS AND MANAGING COMPLIANCE

December 14 2pm-3.30pm: Online

Speaker: Katy Berrill, GBN member and managing director of Bid & Tender Support. Her presentation includes:

n An introduction to tendering for contracts; n Examples of environmental requirements; n Typical sustainability and environmental questions asked;

n Approaches to answers; n Ten top tips for tendering for contracts. Free event for GBN members. To book, visit www.greenbusinessnetwork. co.uk

CHRISTMAS CHARITY LUNCH

December 8 12 noon-2.30pm: Northampton Marriott Hotel Networking opportunities over lunch for Chamber members only. Price: £25 + VAT. To book on to Chamber events, visit www.chambermk.co.uk/events

Businesses signing up for Your Business Expo are being given a wealth of exclusive benefits to ensure each makes the most of the opportunities generated from the event.

Headline sponsor qoob has created a portal with exclusive access for exhibitors at the event which will be held at Hangar One at Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire on February 8.

The qoob group, which has been working with Your Business Expo organiser Business Times - sister publication to Business MK - since 2021, has put together a marketing pack which includes a range of free resources from graphics for use on social media to templates for press releases and flyers.

Matthew Rigby-White, managing director of the full service marketing agency, said: “The aim of the exhibition is to reach, engage and connect so we want to help make sure this happens. It is important that exhibitors start looking at ways to promote the Expo so, as soon as they sign up, they will be given access to the portal.

December 13 7.45am: Online meetings. More information: www.bucks-fizz.biz

If you are serious about growing your business, BNI works. Last year BNI members in the UK generated more than £482 million worth of business for each other. To find out how, visit a local chapter meeting and see for yourself. Each chapter has a personality of its own and finding where you fit best helps you get connected.

DIAMOND

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

APOLLO

Wednesday 10am: MK Gallery

PHOENIX

Friday 9.45am: The Bedford Golf Club

ENCORE

No fuss, no membership, pay as you go... The Business Buzz format is relaxed, informal, conversational B2B networking.

Town focused events meet face-to-face, allowing visitors to build better, more robust relationships. These are complemented by regional virtual events.

All Business Buzz events run 10am-noon

BRACKLEY

1st Thursday: Paisley Pear, Northampton Road.

MILTON KEYNES

3rd Friday: Revolucion de Cuba, Savoy Crescent, 12th Street

BEDFORD

1st Wednesday: George & Dragon, Mill Street

BIGGLESWADE

2nd Wednesday: Yorkshire Grey, London Road

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

EAST MIDLANDS

1st Friday: Online. Price: £10

BEDFORDSHIRE

4th Tuesday: Online

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

Friday 6.45am: Holiday Inn London Luton More information: www.bni.co.uk Airport

PIONEER

Wednesday 9.30am: Online meetings More information: www.bni.co.uk

December 7 7.30am-9am:

Book at www.citybreakfastclub.co.uk

December 14 12 noon-2.30pm: Maaya, The Hub, Central Milton Keynes

Sponsors: Document Logistix; EMW; Pinders Networking in a relaxed environment with exceptional Indian cuisine. Price: £25. Find out more at www.thelondoncurryclub.com

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

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

Leighton Buzzard

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

Luton

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

Sandy & Biggleswade

1st Wednesday: Stratton House Hotel, Biggleswade

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

Milton Keynes

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

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

CHRISTMAS LUNCH

December 14 12 noon-3pm:

Moore Place Hotel, Aspley Guise

Price: £42 WE members; non-members £58 To book, visit www.womeninenterprise.co.uk

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

“It costs money to exhibit but often exhibitors believe it is simply down to the organisers to promote the event. I totally disagree - it is down to everybody to share information about the event with their network.

“If each exhibitor even got just two or three people to attend, we would soon have more than 200 people in the room. It really makes good business sense. They want to see a return on their investment but if they do not tell their network they are going to be exhibiting then it is a missed opportunity.”

Your Business Expo aims to create opportunities for quality sales leads, to meet with the county’s key decisionmakers and to increase awareness of each exhibitor’s individual brands. Insightful workshops delivered by industry experts on key business topics will be run throughout the day.

The workshops will include one run by specialists from qoob who will be offering solutions to businesspeople looking to get better returns from their marketing.

“We believe our specialist knowledge has real value. We want to share this information with as many people as possible to help businesses overcome challenges and find fresh solutions,” said Matthew.

“Many of us have either exhibited or attended an exhibition. Your Business Expo is promising a different way to do business.”

Delta by Marriott Hotel, Kents Hill Networking breakfast event hosted by the longest-established breakfast networking club in Milton Keynes. Speakers: Sue Burke, Lolly Marlborough, from MK ACT.

Matthew Rigby-White

Business2Business

Resort celebrates sustainability award success

Meetings and conference venue Wyboston Lakes Resort has won the Sustainability Award in the Meetings Industry Association’s miaList 2022.

The miaList, now in its 11th year, recognises inspiring and exceptional individuals and performance in the business meetings and events industry.

“Sustainability is a top priority for our business and so, to be recognised for our hard work in implementing so many valuable initiatives is fantastic for the whole company and our Green Team,” said Wyboston Lakes managing director Steve Jones. “We will continue to strive for new opportunities to be more sustainable and achieve our ambitious goals.”

Eagle brewery sold to Spanish partner

Spanish brewer SA Damm is set to be the new owner of the historic Eagle Brewery in Bedford.

Current owner the Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company expects to complete the sale by the end of this year.

The move is a major step for the brewing company, which brews the premium beer Estrella Damm. The Eagle Brewery will become its first brewery outside mainland Europe and only the second outside Spain.

All 67 production staff working at the Eagle Brewery will transfer to Damm’s workforce in the UK.

CMBC’s logistics operation in Bedford will continue from its current location on the site for around the next 12 months, before moving to a new location.

Wyboston

SA Damm’s executive president Demetrio Carceller Arce said: “This deal will strengthen our position in the UK market and help drive our brand in the UK, a key market for the company’s international growth.

The British public can currently enjoy our products in more than 10,000 bars and restaurants, a figure we expect to continue to grow in the coming years.”

In only five months, 9,000 ecoconscious guests have chosen to have a tree planted on the resort instead of having their room cleaned under Room2Grow, a new initiative offered to those staying more than one night.

The resort published its fouryear Green Energy Roadmap in September as the foundation for its plan to become self-sufficient by producing its own green energy using the natural resources available on site. Total investment in the development is likely to be more than £5 million, Mr Jones said.

Last year for the seventh consecutive year, zero waste was sent to landfill. All electricity used on site is generated from renewable energy sources, saving more than 1,300 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. Wyboston Lakes aims to have achieved its net zero carbon emission ambitions by 2040, Mr Jones said.

CMBC and Damm have maintained a long and successful partnership distributing Estrella

Damm. The UK is one of Estrella Damm’s key export markets and much of the partnership’s activity has taken place at the Eagle Brewery, where Estrella Damm has

BID backs patrols to boost town centre safety

Tackling crime and anti-social behaviour is a major concern for businesses based in Luton town centre. But their fears are being eased with the launch of a new scheme that is bringing extra security to the streets.

Luton Business Improvement District is funding the My Local Bobby initiative in response to feedback from late-night businesses such as pubs, restaurants, shops and takeaways. Two security officers are patrolling every Friday and Saturday night, starting this month.

Luton is the first town outside of London to begin the crime prevention initiative, launched in 2007 by former Metropolitan Police detective David McKelvey.

My Local Bobby provides a full range of security services and patrols of residential and public realm areas across London. Its senior management team consists of former police officers and ex-military personnel and the scheme has made a significant difference to crime and anti-social behaviour levels in the areas they work.

Luton BID is in communication with Luton Council and Bedfordshire Police to increase the statutory provision of officers but sees

CMBC chief executive Paul Davies said: “I am grateful to all of my colleagues and their counterparts at Damm for their collaboration throughout the process of making this agreement a reality. This significant moment for the brewery, becoming Damm’s first brewery outside mainland Europe, has been made possible thanks to the brilliant and dedicated team at the Eagle Brewery, who we will be supporting throughout the transition.”

the My Local Bobby partnership as a temporary solution.

BID manager Julia Horsman said: “We have a fantastic working partnership with Bedfordshire Police and Luton Council and are determined as a collective to reduce the fear of crime for the benefit of staff and the public. We ultimately want to improve town centre safety and create a safe and secure environment for all.”

been packaged for the UK market since 2010. Under the sale agreement, Eagle

Brewery beers including British ale brands Hobgoblin and Wainwright will remain part of the CMBC portfolio.

‘Significant’ deal is part of beer maker’s growth drive in the UK

The Eagle Brewery in Bedford. Below: Paul Davies, chief executive of Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company

This deal will strengthen our position and help drive our brand in the UK

Lakes Resort pictured holds Platinum accreditation from Greengage Eco-Smart, a Gold Award from Green Tourism and the IACC Gold Star after implementing a series of significant energy and waste reduction initiatives.

Baring all for charity... and boss is back for more

Landscaper Craig Nester is one of a group of gardening specialists baring all for a cheeky fundraising calendar produced by the horticultural charity Perennial.

The co-founder of Habitat Landscapes at Millbrook near Ampthill has featured in previous calendars and is again baring all for the charity’s Naked Grubby Gardener calendar for 2023.

Proceeds go towards the charity’s work helping people in the horticultural sector

to improve their financial and mental well-being. The calendar, published since 2014, is back in print after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic and follows the success of Perennial’s garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show earlier this year.

The calendar, priced at £10, is, as always, all about a bit of fun but there is a serious and important message behind it, which is to raise funds and awareness of the services Perennial offers.

“A job in horticulture is hard, physical work and, despite the important contribution this makes to our collective wellbeing, jobs can be seasonal, attract low pay and people in horticulture do not always enjoy job security,” said Perennial’s director of marketing and fundraising Anita Bates.

“Now, with the worst cost of living crisis in a generation, the spiralling

Craig Nester

Find out more about the calendar and the work that Perennial does at www. perennial.org.uk.

To buy a calendar, visit https://shop. perennial.org.uk/products/the-perennialnaked-gardeners-calendar-2023

cost of energy and in work debt at a level never seen before, the calls to our helpdesk are increasing. Together we can help real people through this crisis t we cannot do this without the support of our volunteers and fundraisers.”

Video firm wins Channel 4 emerging company support

Avideo production company based at Henlow is one of ten independent production companies from across the UK are set to receive support from Channel 4’s 2022 Emerging Indie Fund.

Hill 5.14 has won the drama award, one of ten specialism that the channel

is awarding from its Emerging Indie Fund to help to boost their growth.

Channel 4’s director of commissioning operations Emma Hardy said: “The Emerging Indie Fund continues to make a real difference, providing practical support and helping small production companies

grow and become more established.”

The Emerging Indie Fund delivers support including financial assistance for slate development, regular access to a Channel 4 commissioning editor, development workshops and expert advice from a business development consultancy.

Bobbies: ‘A visible presence through regular patrols’

From page 17

In the meantime, My Local Bobby is providing a temporary answer. “This will lead to greater economic investment, ensuring a brighter future for Luton,” said Ms Horsman.

AW House, an office building in Luton town centre is supporting the initiative by allowing the officers to use the facilities in the office space while they are on patrol.

My Local Bobby’s operations director Ahmet Izzet said the patrolling security officers are sociable and will proactively engage with workers, residents and visitors. “They will focus on developing great working

relationships with businesses, who will all have a direct line via town centre radios to the bobbies, providing reassurance that they can be contacted if staff or business owners are feeling vulnerable or concerned.

“We are looking forward to bringing our successful My Local Bobby crime prevention initiative to Luton, as it is the first town outside of London to benefit from the scheme. Our bobbies have been proven to provide a visible presence through regular patrols and to act as a deterrent for crime and anti social behaviour, dealing with issues as they arise and contacting the police if required.”

The region’s premier business to business titles, highlighting the brilliant people, companies, talent and opportunities in Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire.

Find out more at www.pulsegroupmedia.co.uk or call 01604 259900 or 01908 465488.

Keep in the loop and sign up for your free copy every month.

Business Times: https://bit.ly/BUSINESSTIMESSIGNUP

Business MK: https://bit.ly/BUSINESSMKSIGNUP

George Street in Luton, on the My Local Bobby patrol roster

New training hub is developing aviation’s workforce of the future

Training of apprentices for the aviation industry is under way at a new regional hub at London Luton Airport.

The hub has been opened by Resource Group, Europe’s leading aviation skills business, in the former Monarch Airlines Engineering Training Academy. It is being run in collaboration with the British School of Aviation and is expected to make a significant contribution to the industry’s demand for maintenance skills needed to sustain the aviation sector in the future.

The project involved a £55,000 investment to create a classroom for up to 26 students and a practical training workshop. The hub welcomed its first group of apprentices in October.

Ian Fitzpatrick, managing director of Resource Group - Training Solutions, said: “As the aviation industry has reopened, there has been an immediate and growing need to recruit and train new talent. This project is part of Resource Group’s response to the significant challenge facing our industry.”

Apprentices from airlines including TUI, easyJet, DHL and Harrods Aviation will spend the first year of their two-year apprenticeship programme undertaking practical and classroom-based

Jobs fair highlights careers at airport

More than 700 students from the University of Bedfordshire are considering a career in aviation after attending a jobs fair showcasing the opportunities in the air industry locally.

London Luton Airport - the region’s largest employer - hosted the fair at the university’s Luton campus, with employers including travel giant TUI, airlines easyJet and Wizz Air, ground service company Swissport and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

London Luton’s HR director Nik Jones said: “We can offer a range of career pathways to local young people. Our partnership with the University of Bedfordshire is just one example of the ways

training to gain the relevant skills and qualifications to become Cat A Maintenance Certifying Mechanics.

Mr Fitzpatrick said the support of British School of Aviation, also based at London Luton, has enabled the group to open the facility and bring in several new airline clients to the programme.

The new apprentice training hub aims to bring new skills and opportunities to Luton and the surrounding area. The school runs courses for pilots, engineers and cabin crew and the partnership with Resource Group is taking advantage of the synergy with BSA’s established Part 147 Type

Training engineering courses. BSA executive director Anoop Singh Bamrah said: “This collaboration allows seamless progression for any employer wishing to progress their apprentices all the way to their chosen aircraft type.

The BSA product portfolio is ever increasing with further types coming online and we stand ready to support the apprentice employers with the huge opportunities that this collaboration presents.”

It is rewarding to see the former Monarch Airlines Engineering Training Academy in use once again, he added.

Mr Fitzpatrick said: “Our

post-pandemic, regional training initiative is designed to bring our training offering closer to our client base, with the sole aim of significantly reducing the burden of apprentice accommodation costs at a time when the industry is largely in recovery mode.”

Restoration works nears completion on ‘iconic’ store

Repaired, reinstated and restored to its former glory, the traditional shopfront and iconic lettering of Goldings on Bedford High Street is set to be unveiled by the end of this month.

The work, including repairs to the second floor wondow, reinstatement of the window on the first floor, a new colour scheme for the painted letters on the front façade and installation of bespoke traditional gold lettering above the fascia, is nearing completion as part of Bedford Borough Council’s High Street Heritage Action Zone building works.

“It has been so exciting to see the scaffolding go up on this next High Street Heritage Action Zone scheme and I cannot wait to see the scaffolding come down on the iconic Goldings building, uncovering the beautiful restoration,” said Cllr Henry Vann, portfolio holder for town centres and planning. “Like many Bedfordians, this building has been an immovable part of my life.”

The restoration works are part of a programme helping to breathe new life into the High Street, he added. The project was made possible with the support of the property’s owner, his designer and contractor who worked closely with the council’s HSHAZ team. Other premises on Bedford High Street are in the pipeline to receive grant funding for building works as part of the HSHAZ scheme.

The South East Midlands Enterprise Partnership provided funding for the High Street scheme in 2020.

“Making places attractive live and work is key to the future of our town centres,” said director of programmes and governance Judith Barker.

in which we engage with the surrounding community to highlight the many exciting and diverse career opportunities that are on offer on their doorstep.”

The University of Bedfordshire’s careers and employability service and the Department for Work & Pensions co-hosted the event.

The university’s business school runs a specialist aviation and airline management course that teaches business, leadership and specialist areas including aviation law, entrepreneurship, crisis management and aviation safety and security. Students gain hands-on experience at London Luton to enhance their degree and CV.

“The University of Bedfordshire is very pleased to help facilitate this jobs fair partnership which will benefit both local employers and prospective employees,” said Michelle Everitt, head of the university’s careers and employability services and assistant director of student experience.

“Opportunities like this help our students and graduates to gain essential employability skills and valuable career experience which supplements their degrees both during and after their studies, as well as raising awareness of the convenient job opportunities available to them on our region’s doorstep.”

Principal: Campus courses will align with business needs

of local employers

top of the agenda in a host of new courses being taught at the new Barnfield College campus in Luton.

Business leaders joined guests from the public sector, staff and students at the official opening of the campus. They heard how the new campus - the first of a three-phase development at the site in New Bedford Road - will play a key part in Luton Council’s plans to improve skills and qualifications among the town’s future workforce.

Guests were given a tour of

the specialist facilities, labs and studios, each fitted with the latest industry-standard equipment supporting a course and qualification offer that aligns with the region’s growth industries, said Barnfield principal Cathy Gunn. “These new facilities will serve the community for years to come,” she added.

The celebratory event marked the official opening following 18 months of redevelopment at the New Bedford Road site. Barnfield College, part of West Herts College Group, was supported by the South East Midlands Local Enterprise

Partnership to secure £4.75 million towards the new campus development as part of the government’s Getting Building Fund.

SEMLEP’s director of programmes and governance Judith Barker said: “Raising aspiration and providing employer-led learning for young people is key to the council’s plans to end poverty in the town by 2040 and SEMLEP’s vision for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.”

Future phases will deliver specialist construction and engineering facilities and a sports hall.

‘Upward mobility ensures that opportunity knocks for all’

More women are working in the funeral services sector today than only a decade ago, taking on ‘front line’ roles such as drivers, bearers and embalmers.

Many companies have changed the way they work in order to welcome a new type of employee, one looking for part-time or flexible roles. The change means the industry is also attracting people looking to change careers or those who now require a part-time position to fit in with family and other commitments.

The result is a workforce with different skill sets and experiences.

The trend is being reflected at regional funeral services company Neville Funerals. It now has the ability to present an all-female funeral team for the very first time, an indication of the shift in team make-up. Director Charmian Alexander says it is a byproduct of the company’s open recruitment policy.

“Compassion and kindness are two of our most valued qualities when it comes to looking for new team members, regardless of gender. We understand that the shift towards a truly balanced workforce is not just about hiring more women team members but about upward mobility and ensuring that opportunities are open to anyone based on their suitability for the role, regardless of any other factor that has historically contributed to workplace bias.”

The pandemic enabled

Neville Funerals, like thousands of other businesses, to take stock and review their business, planning ahead for the post-pandemic years.

“It opened up a much wider conversation about how we work and how we can evolve workplace culture,” said Ms Alexander. “While fully remote working is not really an option for most of our team, it is seen as far more acceptable to have roles that are fluid with more flexible working roles available.”

The current status quo reminds her of her early days working in the industry. “In the early 2000s people were often surprised to see me arrive in a private ambulance to bring people into our care as there was a perception that women within our industry work in the offices arranging the funerals and the men carry the coffins.

“It is wonderful to see that, as a result of our changing workforce, we are now able to offer a completely female team for the first time. There are still improvements that need to be made across the industry but I am proud to work for a business that prides itself on being inclusive while tackling stereotypes and offering rewarding career options for all potential candidates.”

Neville Funerals is a dedicated equal opportunities employer. It is a member of the equality register Committed2Equality, an organisation designed to enable businesses to reach their potential and demonstrate diverse working practices.

Pictured: (from left) Neville Funerals colleagues Laura Howard, Karen Turner, Phillipa Smith, Shantelle Racca, Alison Bailey, Melissa Hamblin, Tamara Thompson

Environment charity calls on business to back nature reserve

Acall has gone out to businesses to back a charity’s plans to create a new nature reserve at Clophill Lakes in Bedfordshire.

Environmental charity The Greensand Trust is working to transform a former restored quarry site into a haven for wildlife which it expects to open to the public next year and has launched its Clophill Lakes Nature Reserve Appeal to help make it happen.

The reserve will provide a tranquil green space allowing people to experience its rich wildlife, historic heritage and varied landscapes, the charity says.

The Greensand Trust acquired the site earlier this year and has since been planning and carrying out initial habitat works, including planting thousands of trees. Fencing has been erected to allow livestock to be brought in to graze areas to create wildlife-rich grassland and meadow and further works are planned to create safe access routes for visitors.

The trust intends that the site, once completed, will provide opportunities to connect with nature - beneficial for

people’s mental and physical health and wellbeing - and to create an understanding of the importance of habitats and wildlife, as well as the site’s historic features such as Cainhoe Castle, built in the 11th century.

“As a charity we need to raise funds to put towards the costs of establishing the public access and to enhance the reserve’s habitats and conserve and protect the Cainhoe Castle Scheduled Monument,” said a Greensand Trust spokesman.

n Find out more about the Clophill Lakes Nature Reserve Appeal at www.greensandtrust.org/Appeal/clophill-lakes. All donations made in 2022 will be matched by the The Peter Smith Charitable Trust For Nature, founded by The Greensand Trust’s patron to preserve wildlife in the UK and overseas.

Developer hands back green space to The Parks Trust

Parkland, ponds and play areas across the Oakgrove estate in Milton Keynes have been transferred from developer Crest Nicholson to The Parks Trust, the charity that cares for over 6,000 acres of the city’s green space.

Crest Nicholson has built around 900 homes at Oakgrove over the past decade, as well as three play areas, a junior cycle track and wetland habitat that runs through the centre of the development.

The transfer agreement, on a 999year lease, means the areas will receive

the same quality of management as those elsewhere in the city under The Parks Trust’s care.

Crest Nicholson has also provided a one-off capital endowment payment to The Parks Trust which will be invested to provide the funds needed to look after the area in perpetuity, at no ongoing cost to residents.

The Parks Trust will undertake landscaping, maintenance and improvement work at the play areas, ponds and habitats, said its head of environment Phil Bowsher.

“Oakgrove’s landscape has been

carefully designed to connect with and extend the Ouzel Valley Park and is the latest addition to our unique linear park system that runs through the city,” he added.

“Ongoing, we continue to work with housing developers in Milton Keynes and support them with our local knowledge so that their designs for green spaces and play areas are suitable. We do this not only for the benefit of future residents and to sustainably expand the linear park system but also to protect and improve precious local biodiversity.”

Children’s charity Ride

High has secured a grant of more than £385,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund.

The charity, which uses horses and an associated educational programme to support vulnerable and disadvantaged children, will use the funding to increase the number of children it supports to over 300 each year, an increase of almost one-third.

Ride High will receive the grant over three years. The grant will also allow the charity, based at Loughton Manor in Milton Keynes, to introduce new wellbeing elements and optional counselling to its programme with YIS Milton Keynes.

Ride High has worked vulnerable children in Milton Keynes since it was launched by Rachel Medill in 2013. It has responded to the growing needs of the city and has made a profound difference to the lives of more than 1,800 children in need, says chief executive Olivia Sugdon.

“The demand for children’s services however continues to rapidly increase so our award

from the National Lottery Community Fund could not have come at a more pertinent time,” she adds.

“The funding will enable us to support hundreds more children through our programme tto instil confidence, pride and to encourage positive mental health and wellbeing leading to happier outcomes.”

The charity made the announcement at an event attended by Milton Keynes Mayor Cllr Amanda Marlow and Mary Tuckett, Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire.

“The money will help so many children in Milton Keynes by providing much needed therapies and giving them the support that they need,” says Cllr Marlow.

“As the mother of an autistic teenager, I have seen at first hand the positive and calming effect that horses have on an anxious person. By using horses as a therapy tool through spending time riding, grooming, and caring for the horses all helps to give that person the confidence to face the world.”

Professional services firm Deloitte has donated £7,000 to a charity that supports adults with learning disabilities to help it through the cost of living crisis.

Camphill MK became Deloitte’s charity partner for its Milton Keynes office earlier this year for the next three years under Deloitte’s 5 Million Futures programme supporting schools, charities and social impact organisations.

As well as financial support, Deloitte is arranging IT training for Camphill MK staff and will donate laptops, in addition to future fundraising activities.

“The cost of living crisis is real and the impact on our charity is across almost every area, from the actual and considerable increase in utilities to food costs for our 70 residents and purchasing materials for their workshops and activities,” said Camphill MK’s chief executive Tim Davies. “We look to protect our residents from big financial worries like this and this support from Deloitte is a welcome contribution to our community.”

Camphill MK hosts 70 residents at its sites in Willen Park and Pennyland and is expanding its community by building 60

neww accessible bedrooms. The aim is to assist the ageing population of residents in living dignified and comfortable lives in later life. Deloitte will continue to support the charity until at least 2025 with advice, staff impact days, payroll giving and training.

Claire Burton, head of corporate responsibility at Deloitte, said: “We have made this donation after listening to Deloitte’s 5 Million Futures charity partners to understand how best we can support them.” Deloitte works with a total 28 charity partners and 34 partner schools under the 5 Million Futures initiative.

Clophill Lakes. Inset: Cainhoe Castle

Milton Keynes Mayor Cllr Amanda Marlow, para dressage rider and Ride High patron Amanda Shirtcliffe, Deputy Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire Mary Tuckett are pictured with Ride High founder Rachel Medill and chief executive Olivia Sugdon, children, friends and supporters of the charity after receiving the grant cheque

OU increases support for Ukrainian refugees

Insights into Ukrainian culture and language are the subject of a free online course for people housing, caring for or working with Ukrainians in the UK.

The course has been developed by The Open University in Milton Keynes for UK residents hosting refugees and service providers working with people who have arrived from Ukraine.

Hosted on the OU’s OpenLearn platform, learners on the course have a chance to chat in the forums provided, to find out more about supporting Ukraine’s struggle and other Ukrainerelated topics.

The OU has also translated into Ukrainian its package of free online resources for Ukrainian refugees in the UK including courses from English language to articles on writing a CV.

“We applaud the efforts taken by The Open University in attempting to equip externally displaced Ukrainian people with skills and knowledge that would make their stay in the UK easier,” said Dmytro Zavgorodniy, director general for the Directorate for Digital Transformation at the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.

“Delivery of targeted courses for the UK hosts should likewise allow them to be better aware about Ukrainian culture and language.”

Previously, the OU announced a package of support for Ukraine including: n Fee waivers for existing students from Ukraine in the 2021/22 academic year;

n A total 12 scholarships totalling £240,000, complete with study starter pack and

access to careers and employability services; n Potential job roles posted on the dedicated sites for refugees jobs4ukr.com and Talent Beyond Boundaries; n A commitment to continue working with partners including Milton Keynes Council, the Department for Education and the Home Office on delivering support for refugees arriving in the UK, as well as supporting the Ukrainian HE sector, their academics and students.

“So many people in the UK have reached out and opened their homes to people fleeing from the war in Ukraine,” says Dr Mirjam Hauck, director of the OU’s Open Centre for Languages and Cultures.

“We hope this free course will be invaluable in helping them support their guests and understand Ukrainian culture, heritage and language.”

The course includes modules on Ukraine’s history, geography, its education and healthcare systems and ethnic and religious diversity.

OU vice-chancellor Professor Tim Blackman, inset, said: “As the appalling situation in Ukraine and the plight of those whose lives have been upended due to the conflict sadly continues, the OU is further enhancing our package of support.

“We will continue to seek ways to mobilise our efforts as a university to support people from Ukraine as they find refuge in our four nations.”

Now here’s a ‘soup-er’ way to help the homeless...

YMCA MK has launched a soup recipe book as part of a brand new fundraising campaign. Featuring 24 recipes, the book is a collection of soups gathered from restaurants, businesses and community groups from across Milton Keynes.

It is the traditional winter warmer and a dish that, because of soup kitchens, has strong association with the homeless whom the YMCA helps, providing a hot, tasty, nutritious and low-cost meal.

The book, sponsored by Milton Keynes-based food manufacturer Cranswick Foods, will be available to buy in HomeGround Café at the YMCA campus and on

the YMCA MK website as well at a number of pop-up events planned in the run-up to Christmas.

Cranswick Foods’ sponsorship means that all the proceeds go directly to YMCA. The book costs £5.

“We believe a business as large as ours in the

centre of Milton Keynes has a responsibility to give back to the community,” said Cranswick Foods’ HR manager Rachel Tudhope.

“Our partnership with YMCA MK enables us to make a positive impact on our community. We are really excited to support YMCA on this exciting new project.”

Contributors include Paris House restaurant in Woburn, the Namji takeaway in Wolverton, commercial vehicle maker Scania, Milton Keynes College and the Warbler on the Wharf pub restaurant at Campbell Park marina.

A group of YMCA residents worked with chefs at Milton Keynes College’s catering

school to create a Spiced Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup recipe. And a worker in the YMCA MK’s HomeGround café has created a beetroot and horseradish soup that is included in the book.

It is cheap to make, nourishing and colourfulin the current cost of living crisis, use red cabbage in the soup if you do not have much beetroot in order to make the soup even more affordable, said the charity.

YMCA MK is calling on businesses and the wider community to support its initiative by buying a copy of the book, by hosting a soup supper or by inviting friends around to make a soup from the book and raise money for the charity.

n For more details, visit https://mkymca.com/getinvolved/soupfest-mk/

Cyclists scale the Alpine heights for hospice

Seven days, 650 miles… and £58,000 raised for Willen Hospice.

A group of 31 cyclists rode to the challenge to cycle from Paris to Nice on the French Riviera, enjoying the picturesque Maurienne Valley through the French Alps before tackling three unforgiving Tour de France climbs; Col de SaintJean, Col du Galibier and Col du Telegraphe.

And some of those cyclists are pictured, left, at a thank-you event hosted by the hospice to confirm the

amount raised and to raise a glass to their efforts.

“This was a fantastic challenge which really pushed and rewarded the cyclists,” said Willen Hospice’s Challenges fundraiser Dawn Clark, who was part of the support crew on the cycle ride. “Not only should they be proud of themselves for conquering the Paris to Nice ride but they should also be incredibly proud of the amount they managed to raise for Willen Hospice.”

The money is a valuable boost to the hospice’s work providing

specialist, compassionate care for people affected by a life-limiting illness. Ms Clark also thanked the support crew and the ride sponsors Incentive Smart, hireful, Corley Cycles, Marcus Jordan, Workwear Pro Direct, VizionWealth and Dawson Group. Willen Hospice needs to raise £5.9 million a year and relies on local community support for much of those funds.

The charity’s next challenge is a trek to Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in January. Find out more at www. willen-hospice.org.uk/Kilimanjaro.