Business MK December 2024

Inside your edition this month

Meet the team

Publisher: Kerry Lewis-Stevenson kerry@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk

Editor: Andrew Gibbs news@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk

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Photography: Steve Brill

Inspiring female students to consider a career in the automotive industry is the aim of a week-long work experience event hosted by Milton Keynes-based Steven Eagell Group.

A total of 14 students took part in introductory and careers workshops and spoke with some of the group’s female employees. They toured the company’s Lexus Milton Keynes dealership at Bradwell, where they saw the latest Lexus models at first hand.

The girls also took part in work experience placements in different departments across the business, including marketing, accounts, customer services, and sales and service roles at the company’s Toyota and Lexus branches.

The Steven Eagell Group Work Experience Week was part of the Automotive 30% Club’s Work Experience for Women campaign, in which members each developed their own initiatives to provide work experience opportunities to women. The campaign aims to encourage women into roles not previously considered and dispel myths about working in the automotive industry.

The Automotive 30% Club is a network of more than 70 automotive leaders who have pledged to be inclusive leaders and build diverse gender-balanced businesses. Group chief executive Steven Eagell joined the Automotive 30% Club as a Silver Member in 2021 as part of the company’s efforts to address the gender imbalance across the industry.

Group managing director Gary Smith said: “We are committed to continuing to work towards creating a business

An origami challenge was among the interactive games and tests for the students on their visit to Steven Eagell Group

Reshaping perceptions for an industry’s future

that attracts, retains and nurtures the top female talent in the industry, fostering a diverse workforce that is better equipped to meet the challenges of the future. To achieve this, it is vital that we play our part in reshaping the perception of the automotive industry while demonstrating to young women just starting

out in their careers that this is a sector in which they can thrive.”

Jim Nowell, head of school at the college’s South Central Institute of Technology, said: “We are committed to delivering Fairer Futures, so when the Steven Eagell Group approached us to take part in their initiative to encourage more women and girls to consider careers in the automotive industry, we were very excited to take part. Our students were thoroughly engaged in learning about the Steven Eagell Group, the wider automotive industry and the individual departments for their placements.”

Programme boosts appetites for a career in tech

More than two-thirds of secondary school students who have received careers advice through the Silverstone Park Schools Programme now say they would consider working for a tech or engineering company.

The latest figures, based on feedback from the 955 Year 8 and 9 students reached in the 2023-24 academic year, showed that 71% had their interest sparked by businesses which volunteer their time through the programme to deliver industry-focused workshops and tours of their premises.

The programme for 2024-25 is under way with three partner schools – The Buckingham School in Buckingham,

Sponne School in Towcester, and Kingsthorpe College in Northampton. Feedback from students in 2023-24 showed that, as a direct result of the programme’s workshops and business visits, more than 90% increased their understanding of the skills required in the world of work and of the importance of STEM GCSE subjects for pursuing future career opportunities.

The programme was launched in 2018 in response to local employers’ concerns about the skills gap and has reached more than 9,000 young people. Many businesses taking part operate at the highest levels of advanced engineering and manufacturing.

Leonie Matthews, programme manager at Ahead Partnership, which manages the programme for Silverstone Park, said: “The site visits have been a real eye-opener into what the world of work and the jobs of the future look like and the types of opportunities available. By participating, the volunteers are actively helping to address the skills gap and rolemodel their professions, promoting their companies to a future skills pipeline.”

Clodagh Shanahan, curriculum leader of business at The Buckingham School, said: “Students are extremely engaged on the day, and this leads to an increased understanding of the skills required to succeed in the world of work.”

CEO: My role is to save the hospice

Chief executive Kate Broadhurst has issued a stark warning, over the future of Willen Hospice.

The hospice is facing a funding deficit of up to £2 million next year and faces the threat of losing its charitable status if it cannot make up the shortfall.

It needs to raise a total of £8.7 million in order to continue its palliative care for endof-life patients at home and in the 15-bed hospice overlooking Willen Lake and has launched a petition calling for fairer funding for its at-home care service.

The service is free to patients and their families but costs £1.4 million a year to deliver. Speaking to an audience of businesspeople at the City Breakfast Club networking meeting, Kate said: “We are one of the worst-funded hospices in the UK. Some get 75% or 50% of their running costs each year, with all of the at-home care paid for by the NHS. We get nothing in the fastest-growing city in the UK.

“This will no longer be tolerated.”

Willen Hospice requires £8.7 million a year to deliver its services yet receives between 13% and 14% of that total in funding from the NHS. The remainder comes via

Willen Hospice is facing a potential £2 million deficit and a threat to its charitable status

donations from individuals, businesses and community organisations, as well as from the hospice’s chain of shops across the area.

“We have an annual deficit of £1.5 million, and it will be over £2 million next year,” said Kate. “Failing to raise sufficient funds could result in the loss of our charitable status.”

New narrative champions investment in town

A new business narrative is pitching Bletchley and Fenny Stratford as prime locations for potential investors.

The presentation, developed by Milton Keynes City Council, forms part of a wider campaign under the Town Deal Fund to attract significant investment into the regeneration of Bletchley and Fenny Stratford.

Compiled with substantial input from local businesses, the narrative highlights why these towns are ideal for business growth and a sound choice for investors. It positions Bletchley and Fenny Stratford as a thriving joint hub of innovation, connectivity, and entrepreneurship.

The presentation emphasises key projects set to transform the area, including an innovation hub and the opening of the East West Rail line, which will link Oxford, Milton Keynes, and Bedford via Bletchley station. These initiatives are expected to generate substantial business opportunities and new jobs.

As part of the campaign, the council has also created a free-to-use photo library showcasing landmarks and businesses in Bletchley and Fenny Stratford, along with a fact pack designed to support business marketing efforts.

Find out more at: groundbreakingbletchleyandfenny.co.uk/home/ business-narrative.

Council leader Cllr Pete Marland said: “Bletchley and Fenny Stratford has a proud community who we know, like us, are very passionate and ambitious about their town. This narrative sets out why developers should invest in Bletchley and Fenny Stratford, which we will continue to encourage.”

More than 7,000 people have signed the fairer funding petition since it launched in September, demonstrating significant public support for the hospice’s cause. The target is 10,000 signatures as Willen Hospice prepares to lobby the NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board.

“Willen Hospice will not survive if we do not get that funding, but I am not going down without a fight,” said Kate, who joined the hospice in January after a 23-year career at John Lewis Partnership.

She called on employers to consider how they can help. “What matters to the younger generation is working for a company that has a clear proposition and a social conscience. There is no clearer purpose than the one upheld by Willen Hospice.”

She also urged organisations to support the hospice’s fundraising initiatives, including the Big Willen Hospice Quiz in February, a three-day trek in Iceland in March, and the Everest Base Camp Challenge in October. “My role is to save the hospice,” Kate said. “I will not always be asking the community for funding, but now we really need it.”

Kate Broadhurst

Ready to rise to the £50 Challenge

Milton Keynes and Northampton are poised to see a significant boost in charitable support thanks to a law firm’s innovative fundraising initiative.

The 2025 Franklins £50 Challenge begins in February, this year, raising money for a record 12 charities, including seven for the first time.

The challenge, organised by Franklins Solicitors, gives £50 to teams from businesses across the region and challenges them to use the funds to raise as much money as possible for their selected charity.

Franklins received a record number of applications from charities eager to benefit from the annual challenge, which was first launched in 2018 and has raised more than £135,000 since. “Each year, the £50 Challenge continues to grow and attract more participation,” said Franklins partner Andrea Smith. “We received over 40 applications from charities who wanted to be part of the 2025 campaign.

“It was an extremely difficult decision to narrow this down, so much so that we decided to select 12 charity partners – a 25% increase from last year.”

In Milton Keynes, this year’s benefiting charities are: Age UK Milton Keynes, Arthur

businesses as possible signing up to make a difference.”

“We are really excited to be working with local charities who do amazing work in our communities and rely on public support to help make this happen,” said Andrea. “We hope to see as many

The Franklins £50 Challenge, under the tagline Local Help and Hope for Every Generation, begins on 24 February and runs until 24 May.

To learn more, including how to participate, visit franklins50.co.uk.

Law firm celebrates triple win at Dealmaker awards

EMW Law is celebrating three successes at the Insider Central & East of England Dealmakers Awards. The Milton Keynes firm brought home the trophies for Corporate Firm of the Year, Private Equity/Venture Capital Deal of the Year – the sale of Milton Keynes powertrain engineering company Helix to Middleground Capital – and Deal of the Year (£10m+).

EMW’s head of corporate, Simon Arkell (pictured), said: “Our team is stronger than it has ever been. It is brimming with incredibly talented people.”

The Milton Keynes firm’s corporate team has acted on more than 50 merger and acquisition transactions in the past 12 months, with a total value of more than £0.5 billion. In October alone, the team completed 27 deals, with a combined worth of more than £130 million.

“Behind the numbers, there is another story of an exceptionally busy team demonstrating drive, determination, humour, and a strong ‘in it together’ mentality – the essence of the team’s culture,” said Simon.

“Our success at the Dealmakers Awards is a testament to their dedication, talent, and hard work, as well as the continuing support of our clients and partners.”

Ellis Mental Health Foundation, Headway, Milton Keynes Hospital Charity, Shay’s Smiles, Willen Hospice, YMCA.

Franklins partners Andrea Smith and Simon Long are joined by TV presenter and businessman Nick Hewer to launch the 2025 Franklins £50 Challenge

UK must solve ‘productivity puzzle’

The issue of low production levels is the nation’s Achilles heel when it comes to economic growth, says The Open University.

Addressing the productivity puzzle is a key challenge facing employers as the UK economy grapples with stagnant productivity growth, according to a new report from The Open University.

One in four businesses believe productivity has declined over the past five years. The report, based on a YouGov survey of more than 500 UK businesses, highlights a disconnect in how organisations are tackling productivity.

Almost one-third (29%) of organisations do not measure productivity, despite 75% identifying it as a priority. This gap leaves many companies ill-equipped to pinpoint areas for improvement.

Two in five UK decision-makers agree that the ongoing skills shortage is negatively affecting their organisation’s productivity. Among the biggest barriers to productivity improvements are:

n Lack of budgets (28%)

n Lack of relevant technical skills (24%)

n Outdated systems of technology (24%)

n Lack of leadership and management skills (21%)

n Mental health and wellbeing challenges (20%)

Viren Patel, director of employers and partnerships at The Open University, said: “Low productivity has become

the Achilles heel of the UK economy for the last decade and a half. This report underscores that addressing the ‘productivity puzzle’ is crucial for most organisations. With growth a priority on the UK government’s agenda, identifying barriers to productivity and establishing measurement systems are essential first steps.”

The report found that while 27% of employers offer hybrid and flexible remote working arrangements to boost productivity, only 15% regard these as obstacles to progress. The OU is encouraging employers to invest in upskilling, prioritise employee wellbeing and explore new technologies.

Only one-third of organisations are using equality, diversity and inclusion as a strategy for enhancing productivity. This missed opportunity may prevent businesses from maximising their workforce’s potential and diversifying their talent pool by including members of local communities who may have previously faced barriers to work and training, the OU says.

“Increasing productivity is not about working employees harder for longer or recruiting more staff,” said Viren. “It is embedded in employee wellbeing, development of skills, technology, and equality, diversity and inclusion. Improved productivity will not only benefit businesses and the wider economy but also improve employees’ experiences.”

Larger organisations are already acting to improve productivity levels

Rebrand: A move with the times

Video production specialist the Video News Factory has rebranded as TVNF. The company, based in Central Milton Keynes, is now TVNF. The move, said managing director JP Allard, reflects its evolution in a rapidly changing media landscape.

The business, which moved to the city centre from its previous studio at Kiln Farm 18 months ago, has expanded its services to include AI-powered production, gamified content, advanced 3D animation, and storytelling.

“Our rebranding as TVNF marks an exciting new chapter and milestone in our company’s 12-year journey,” said JP. “While we remain committed to our core strengths in video production and 3D animation, we are embracing the future with open arms.”

– 75% of those surveyed have done so compared to 37% of small and mediumsized enterprises. Some organisations are optimistic about their productivity levels, with nearly half rejecting the notion that it has worsened over the past five years.

This demonstrates how some organisations are adopting productivity solutions, but this is not reflected across UK organisations as a whole, says the OU.

Pump firm completes deal for packaging specialist

Corporate lawyers at Geoffrey Leaver Solicitors have completed work on the acquisition of packaging business Moody Direct by pumping equipment distributor AxFlow UK.

The law firm, based in Central Milton Keynes, has worked with AxFlow’s UK operation for several years.

Corporate partner Danielle Austin said: “We were delighted at the opportunity to work with them again on the acquisition of Moody Direct. We look forward to seeing the combined expertise of AxFlow UK and Moody Direct strengthen their position as industry leaders.”

AxFlow UK is part of the Axel Johnson Group, with operations across 26 European countries, and is a leader in the pumping systems and fluid handling industry. Moody Direct, headquartered in Nottinghamshire, is among the UK’s leading suppliers of packaging solutions

to the dairy, food and beverage, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries.

AxFlow UK’s managing director Neil Langdown said: “We are thrilled to welcome Moody to the AxFlow family. Their expertise in hygienic sales and servicing, as well as their reputation

for best-in-class customer service, will strengthen AxFlow’s existing position in the UK. Moreover, this will enhance our onsite service capability and enable us to offer our customers a comprehensive service for homogenisers, separators, and plate heat exchangers.”

Danielle Austin (centre), corporate partner at Geoffrey Leaver Solicitors, with corporate solicitor Gemma Gurney and employment partner Paula Stuart (right)

Milton Keynes Community Foundation appeals to businesses to support its Cost of Living appeal.

If you knew your colleague slept in his car...

Poverty is now a harsh reality for many families in Milton Keynes, impacting thousands of residents, yet it often goes unseen. MK Community Foundation’s #InvisiblePovertyMK campaign shines a light on this urgent crisis, worsened by the cost of living, raising crucial funding for local charities providing essential support to those in need.

One story highlighted by the campaign is that of Isaac, a 28-year-old office manager from Monkston, who is homeless and secretly living in his car, while balancing work and supporting his children. But nobody sees his poverty.

Nobody knows that he is struggling because he dresses smartly for work and all his colleagues like his upbeat and cheerful demeanour. Nobody knows that behind that cheerful smile, he hides the fact that he split up with his wife and is now homeless.

Nobody knows that he still has to pay the mortgage and support his children

Published on behalf of Milton Keynes Community Foundation

so he cannot afford to rent a place. Nobody knows that he is sleeping in his car and turning up early to work to wash and shave.

Nobody knows that he is starting to lose hope. Nobody knows because he is invisible and so is his desperate situation.

Isaac represents countless others in Milton Keynes quietly struggling to meet basic needs as expenses continue to rise. His story is one of many that highlight the urgent need for greater community support and resources.

UnityMK is among many local charities awarded a Cost of Living grant by MK Community Foundation. The £10,000 grant, awarded earlier this year, enabled the charity to keep its doors open, continuing to support those most in need of its help.

Ria House, UnityMK’s corporate and community fundraising manager, said:

“We found the number of people who are homeless definitely increased last winter. On average, we were seeing two newly homeless people every single day our centres were open. Some of these people were working or were the type of people who would never have thought they would find themselves in this situation and were completely unprepared.

“We have also faced challenges caused by the cost of living crisis ourselves so the grant could not have come at a better time for us.”

The Community Foundation is calling on businesses to support the #InvisiblePovertyMK campaign.“Local businesses are vital to the success,” said chief executive Ian Revell.

“By contributing, you not only help us to fund charities that provide essential support to those struggling in our community but you also help to strengthen the very neighbourhoods where your employees and customers live.”

n Find out more at www.mkcommunityfoundation.co.uk or email claire.baldock@mkcommunityfoundation.co.uk. To donate, visit justgiving.com/campaign/invisible-poverty-mk

Leasing firm sets up charity fund

A new endowment fund to support charities and groups working with cancer sufferers in Milton Keynes has been launched by the Milton Keynes Community Foundation.

The fund has been set up thanks to a £25,000 donation from vehicle leasing specialist ICR Leasing. The Foundation has matched the contribution, establishing a £50,000 endowment fund.

“We take great pride in being able to give back to the community,” said ICR Leasing director Will Chapman.

“Being part of the fabric of Milton Keynes means more than just conducting business here: it means actively contributing to the wellbeing of people and organisations that make this area so special.”

As the population expands, cancer cases have risen by 33% across Bedford, Luton, and Milton Keynes.

Milton Keynes University Hospital’s Cancer Centre is treating 150 patients every day.

The Foundation’s associate director of philanthropy, Jake Geelan, said: “We are thrilled to partner with ICR Leasing on this important initiative to support cancer sufferers. Their generous support allows us to extend our reach and help even more local people.”

ICR Leasing director Thomas Ryan said: “Cancer is a devastating disease that impacts countless lives, and sadly, nearly everyone is touched by the pain and challenges it brings at some point. Through our donation and MK Community Foundation’s generous matching contribution, this endowment fund will provide grants for years to come.”

MP: Compliance is key to economic growth

The two go hand in hand, sustainability showcase is told.

Compliance with business standards has a key role to play in the growth of the UK economy, Milton Keynes Central MP Emily Darlington has said.

She was speaking at a Sustainability Showcase event hosted by business standards and improvement company BSI at its office in the city.

“Nurturing sustainable and inclusive innovation is key to economic growth,” she said.

The MP, elected to represent the Milton Keynes Central constituency in July’s General Election, visited BSI’s Knowlhill headquarters at Kitemark Court to learn about the organisation’s work in promoting sustainability initiatives.

During her visit, she learned about BSI’s Net Zero Pathway, its Thirst for Change water security campaign, and its collaboration with Morrisons to certify carbon-neutral eggs.

“Compliance with standards plays a critical role in our economic growth – the two go hand in hand,” said Emily. “The way we grow the economy is to make sure we nurture the innovation that is happening here.”

The Sustainability Showcase highlighted BSI’s efforts to create a more sustainable future at its offices worldwide, with a particular focus on its Knowlhill site as a model for sustainability. Measures include

procuring 100% renewable electricity and installing charging points for electric vehicles to support BSI’s goal to decarbonise its operations by 2030.

More than 90% of the UK company’s fleet in July this year consisted of electric, plug-in, or hybrid vehicles.

Biodiversity improvements at Kitemark Court include bird boxes, a wildflower bed with a bug village made from reusable materials, and living walls that bring nature into the working environment.

Matt Page, BSI’s managing director for UK & Ireland assurance, said: “It was great to reinforce BSI’s status as a leading employer and business in the constituency as well as to showcase the contribution of BSI to the UK and globally, especially with regards to sustainability.

“BSI is proud to partner with businesses to tackle society’s critical issues – from climate change to building trust in digital transformation and everything in between – in order to accelerate progress towards a fair society and a sustainable world.”

Emily added: “Having the oldest standards institution in the world partly based here in Milton Keynes is something I am incredibly proud of. Thank you to BSI for its commitment to growing the UK, Milton Keynes, and the global economy while doing so in a way that is sustainable and inclusive.”

Emily Darlington

In his mid-50s, Paul Kitchen made the decision to end his career in marketing and become a pub landlord. One year on, he tells Andrew Gibbs why he has no regrets.

I

like to work... but this does not feel like work

Paul Kitchen is 56. For the past 30 years or so he has honed his craft in marketing, advising organisations of all shapes and sizes on how best to promote their brand, their offer, their expertise and their USPs.

Since the pandemic, Paul had been working with pubs. Often commissioned by the owning brewery, he would visit, assess and report back on what, in marketing terms, was broken and how it might be fixed. “It was about helping pubs to understand why their marketing was not working. Inevitably, it was down to the landlord. Wheelie bins out the front, the garden overgrown, very little beer in very poor condition, a plummeting reputation… just not a nice local to go to.”

Paul likes a pub. In fact, he grew up in several. His parents were landlords, ‘Mine Hosts’ in establishments including in Newport Pagnell, Milton Keynes and Cambridge. “They loved the business and I loved growing up in pubs. I could steal cigarettes and Coke and crisps.

“ I had a lovely life growing up in the pub and I always said to myself that I would love to run one.”

Now Paul does. After three decades, he left his business Proper Marketing behind and has signed a new five-year lease as landlord of The Crooked Billet in Newton Longville, 12 months after taking over a pub that had been closed for just over a year.

“I liked my job in marketing but I did not love it any more. I was self-employed and a company of one and so I could become self-unemployed. At that point there was work coming in but I did not have the ambition to build a marketing business.

“I thought, when the opportunity came up: ‘I’m healthy, I’m well and this would be perfect for me’. I could use my personality and my years of experience to create a

pub that I would like to go to and I hope other people feel the same.”

Having lived in Newton Longville for almost 25 years, Paul, his wife Nessie and daughter Poppy knew The Crooked Billet well. “I used it as my local,” he said. “I loved to pop in for a pint or two and a chat.”

The owners at the time were husband and wife John and Emma Gilchrist, who ran the establishment as a gourmet restaurant. They left in 2015, to be replaced by three landlords in turn who had very different ideas for the establishment before it closed in 2022. One envisaged a dedicated vegetarian and vegan restaurant; another planned its future as a sports bar. The third wanted to run The Crooked Billet in conjunction with two other pubs nearby. “No one could seem to get it right,” said Paul.

“I like to open a new year with a new challenge.”

Brewery Greene King owned the building, built around 1600 as a farmhouse. The premises became a licensed village pub around a century later and became Newton Longville’s only hostelry in the 1800s when the village’s seven other pubs closed one by one. It added a brewhouse to cope with an expanding population.

The Crooked Billet had been closed for several months when Paul began talks with Greene King in early 2023 over the possibility of taking on the lease. “I like to open a new year with a new challenge. I do not mind working on my own, which I was doing with Proper Marketing, but I am too sociable to do that for long.”

The brewery supported Paul with the necessary legal, safety and compliance

work and welcomed Paul on to the Pub School course at its head office in Bury St Edmunds, guiding would-be landlords on the trade and what is required.

“The first meeting was quite scary because I wanted to understand what I did not know,” said Paul. “I wanted to be in the position where I knew what I did not know and then advance to knowing what I did know.”

Pub School taught him all aspects of the pub trade. “They spent a lot of time on the relationship people have with alcohol and spotting the signs and how to deal with that. It is a very responsible job. You are a community pub, a responsible building and people should rely on us to be insured and compliant and legal and safe when they are in our care.”

An initial 12-month lease signed, Paul and Nessie took over The Crooked Billet in October last year. Nessie had given up her job as facilities manager at Hazeley Academy school in Milton Keynes. Poppy had just finished college. “The place was a dump,” said Paul. “The walls were grey, the drains were blocked, the water did not run, the garden was overgrown and the hedges were a mess. It was just a wreck.”

Refurbishing and transforming the pub and separate restaurant area has cost around £50,000. Paul has plans to build a patio area in the expansive pub garden ahead of summer.

“The kitchen was usable, having only been fitted two years previously. There was beautiful stainless steel units and worktop but no cutlery or crockery.” Fitting it out to professional catering standards

Paul, daughter Poppy and wife Nessie with The Crooked Billet team. The pub won silver in the Top Local Pub category at the Buckinghamshire Food & Drink Awards in October

before recruiting a chef cost £10,000.

“Pub School does not teach you about the surprises on moving in,” Paul said.

They had two weeks from moving in to have the pub ready to welcome patrons. Greene King carried out obligatory work under the lease terms while the garden was tidied, hedges trimmed, crockery and cutlery sourced, the walls repainted and lights lit with uniform bulbs.

Paul focused on setting up the business: the beer, the food, hiring chef and bar staff while Nessie managed the entire refurbishment project.

“When you know what you don’t know, it is daunting and I had to work out how to do it,” he said. “But everything started to work. The beer came through but I knew nothing about fitting out a kitchen.”

Head chef Lara, newly recruited, drew on her experience to order what they needed. £6,000 later, a new kitchen was up and running and awaiting the first checks from the restaurant.

Meat comes from Pollard Butchers in the village. Hunter’s Farm Shop at Little Brickhill supplies the fresh vegetables. Fresh fish is delivered twice a week from Billingsgate fish market in London.

Head chef secured, the pub turned its attention to recruiting bar and restaurant staff. “I thought we would need six staff. We currently employ 19 because you need multiples to cover the same role. A lot of them are aged 16-19, still at school or college so their education is, understandably, their priority.”

Staff simply not appearing for their shift creates major short-term headaches. Fortunately, Paul is now part of a network of pubs within a ten-mile radius that call on each other to help out with staff, produce or supplies. He recently had to make some calls when his regular chef called in sick.

“Within 40 minutes, a chef arrived from the Betsy Wynne [at nearby Swanbourne]. We look after each other – it is a great

network. What other business would look after each other like that?”

The offer at The Crooked Billet is based around its quality, consistency of the product and experience and value for money. “I have always liked people and people seem to like me,” said Paul. “I am non-confrontational, a good listener and I like hearing people’s stories.

“The win is that they come in the first place. The real win is when they come back.”

“I wanted to be the face of the pub. I make sure I am here all the time so I recognise people, learn their name and what they drink. I meet locals I have never met before even though I have lived here for 24 years. The win is that they come in the first place. The real win is when they come back.”

The decision to move from marketing to ‘Mine Host’ has been the right one. “I am really proud of my dad and how far

he has come,” said Poppy. “We all wanted a change and we had talked about it but the idea became more serious.

“I have never seen him so happy. He is a social butterfly now, in a job where he talks to people and makes them happy.”

So was it the right decision? “You have to work and I like work but this does not feel like work,” Paul said. Any regrets? “That I did not do this when I was 35.”

His advice to others pondering a career change: “Do it but if you think you can go into running a pub with £10,000 and it will work then think again. You have to understand what you are getting into. After going to pub school I am working on what I know I know and that changes every day.

“You have to have a good sense of humour. Be calm. Be healthy and have the ability to think and stay calm under pressure. And you have to have a massive tolerance threshold. I am not a good publican but I am a good customer. If that is you then you are the best person to run a pub.”

Get down to business at a venue to meet your needs

Sometimes an employer needs a quiet place, away from the office and from familiar faces in coffee shops. It may be for a one to one chat, a more formal meeting, a team catch-up or a presentation to staff or clients.

On the outskirts of Milton Keynes and ticking all the boxes is The Crooked Billet, its spacious and welcoming bar area easily adaptable for a morning meeting or presentation for any number between two and 30 people.

It is an area that landlord Paul Kitchen is keen to offer to businesses. “We already

host some small meetings and we would love to welcome more,” he said.

The package on offer includes arrival from 8am, when coffee, tea and pastries await. The pub can be set up to create

break-out spaces as well as a main meeting area , which includes a 50inch Smart TV presentation screen and sound system.

The great-value £45 packageavailable 8am-12 noon - includes free wi-fi, ample parking, refreshments throughout the session and a delicious pub lunch.

n To find out more, call The Crooked Billet on 01908 827511 or email hello@crookedbillet.pub crookedbillet.pub

Advertisement Feature

Paul Kitchen front of house at The Crooked Billet and (left) with his daughter Poppy

A forum of business and local authority leaders has taken the first steps to strengthen trade links between the Silverstone region and the booming Chinese economy. Andrew Gibbs reports.

China: Ready to reconnect and ready to do business

Initial steps are being taken to forge a new commercial relationship with China that could bring a multi-million-pound boost to the South Midlands economy.

The “Crown Jewel” of Silverstone will be the epicentre of a movement to develop strong collaborative links with Chinese cities and provinces mirroring the Silverstone region across Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire with its specialisms in advanced manufacturing, engineering, and motorsport.

Senior Chinese representatives have indicated that their homeland is ready to welcome businesses in Milton Keynes and the wider region with a view to nurturing those relationships. Speaking at a forum at Silverstone Park, Madam Bao, Minister for Economic & Commercial Affairs at the Chinese Embassy in London, said China was preparing to remove market access restrictions in manufacturing, to increase the number of nations it would consider for investment, and to open its telecoms, internet education, culture, and medical sectors more to the rest of the world.

China’s trade figures overseas have

grown in more than 160 countries and regions around the world this year, she added. Imports and exports are at a record high, and the Chinese government is implementing a five-pronged plan to stimulate economic growth.

“We have to change the narrative from a negative one to a more balanced perspective.”

Northamptonshire already has established links with China since 2018, when the University of Northampton helped to facilitate the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by the then-Northampton Borough Council and the city of Dalian in north-east China.

“We have over the years developed some significant relationships between the Northamptonshire region and China, with Silverstone at its heart, given its insights and experience in generating an industrial cluster with a supporting ecosystem based around a racetrack,” said Associate Professor Adrian Pryce DL

of the University of Northampton, one of the forum organisers.

The region is looking to work with both the UK and Chinese governments. Following Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s visit in October, China has agreed to restore full dialogue and cooperation with the UK, marking progress in a previously frosty relationship between the two nations. Its government is also ready for “mutually beneficial cooperation” in trade, finance, green development, science and technology, health, education, and culture, Madam Bao said in her presentation to the forum.

China wants business communities on both sides to seize the opportunities, she added. She encouraged regional businesses to explore the Chinese market and foster “fruitful exchanges.”

Adrian said: “We have to change the narrative about China from a negative one to a more balanced perspective, based on a reconnection in which the UK challenges, competes and collaborates with China as appropriate.

“In terms of trade, investment and

The Silverstone UK-China Business Forum meets to discuss strengthening links with China

non-sensitive R&D, the focus should be on collaboration. There is strength in working together. You cannot enter and win in the Chinese market on your own; it has to be done in stages, city by city. Regional civic-business alliances working with the British and Chinese governments are key to exploiting the opportunities and managing risk.”

Chinese technology has moved forward apace, to the point where the worry among Western corporates that China would simply welcome their products only to copy and produce them at a far cheaper price is now a concern within its own economy.

“The level of engineering now is so advanced that they are worried about their own IP and R&D,” said Adrian. “We should be trying to secure fresh investment through R&D partnerships.”

The Silverstone UK-China Business Forum was chaired by John McLean, who chairs the China UK Business Development Centre, the London branch of the Institute of Directors and is a senior adviser to the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK. He holds an OBE for his work in China over 25 years.

“The aim is to take a proactive position on Anglo-Chinese relations,” said John. “If China is opening up then we must be proactive in embracing that opportunity.”

The UK already receives requests to visit from between 40 and 50 Chinese delegations a year. “Many are attracted by the Silverstone Technology Cluster and there is an appetite to do business,” said John.

Speaking at the forum was Steve Lynch, former managing director of the British Chamber of Commerce in China and now executive director at the Eastern Powerhouse and director at Beijing to Britain, and Professor Shaowei He, of the University of Northampton.

They were joined by Jeff Astle, managing director at global public affairs and strategic communications

consultancy APCO Worldwide and China Group Ambassador at the IoD, as well as senior representatives of West and North Northamptonshire Councils and Buckinghamshire Council. Also round the table were representatives of the Federation of Small Businesses as well as other trade and professional bodies.

The forum aims to follow the successful path of Liverpool China Partnership, an award-winning organisation set up in 2015 to expand Liverpool and the city region’s business, academic and civic partnerships with China.

Shaowei said: “There is a recognition of a need for a strong regional platform as an umbrella for this collaborative relationship and to follow the LiverpoolChina relationship. We want to build the Silverstone UK China partnership for Northamptonshire and align it with the emerging Silverstone ecosystem strategic vision that the university is working on with Buckinghamshire and West Northamptonshire Councils, Silverstone Park, and Silverstone Circuits.”

“It is a massive market, a great influence on the world economy and we would be fools to ignore it.”

Liverpool China Partnership president Gary Millar has led many delegations to China and hosted more than 200 visits to Merseyside. “My own experience highlights just how effective and pioneering our teamwork has been,” he said. “It has been recognised that we have helped create strong friendships and outstanding mutual cooperation between our two great countries.

“Our networks are extensive, and our

connections the envy of other global cities.”

Now the call has gone out to businesses across the NorthamptonshireBuckinghamshire region either looking for new import/export markets or to forge close collaborative links with China to join the forum.

“In two years’ time I would like to see a thriving relationship with at least one major Chinese city and/or province where we have created a bridge for Northamptonshire businesses to collaborate successfully with Chinese businesses in terms of trade, innovation, and investment flows,” said Adrian. “We want to persuade people to take notice. China is ahead of us in so many ways. It is a massive market, a great influence on the world economy and we would be fools to ignore it. If we engage, we can profit from it.”

Today’s China is changing fast, with Western influences combining with the country’s traditional way of life.

“The emerging middle class represents untapped demand, and they have a strong interest in premium as well as up-and-coming artisan brands,” said Adrian. “If yours is a business that has the potential to grow, the Chinese market is enormous.

“With the university’s many existing links in China and John McLean’s China UK Business Development Centre working together with local authorities, we can create a solid platform for inward investment and R&D to drive growth and productivity as well as opening up significant new markets.”

n To find out more about the Silverstone UK-China Business Forum, email Adrian Pryce at Adrian.pryce@northampton.ac.uk

The Silverstone UK-China Business Forum took a tour of their host venue Silverstone Park, including the Innovation Centre

Adrian Pryce

Milton Keynes City Council’s pledge to back the innovators blazing the Smart City trail.

‘Use

us as a technology testbed’

Tech innovators in Milton Keynes will have the backing of the city’s council as they bid to bring their trailblazing new products to market.

Entrepreneurs looking to test their tech will be welcomed to the city and to use it to trial their creation.

Milton Keynes City Council is looking to build on the success of the inaugural MK Artificial Intelligence Festival last month, which drew more than 1,000 visitors to a week of events at which tech experts and businesses showcased the cutting-edge technologies designed to benefit the city.

“Our message is clear: if your smart city tech will benefit residents, we want to hear from you,” said Cllr Shanika Mahendran, cabinet member for economy, sustainability and innovation.

“Milton Keynes is leading the way on AI and is the home of innovation. We will continue supporting the businesses already working in this area and want to encourage other tech businesses to speak to us to see if we can work together to help them bring their products to market by using MK as a testbed.”

The Milton Keynes AI Festival 2024

followed the World AI Safety Summit last year, hosted by the UK government at Bletchley Park, at which international political and business leaders met at the wartime base of the codebreakers to debate the future of AI.

The festival showcased the ongoing work to boost the city’s position as a leader in the tech ecosystem and deliver on the city council’s Technology, Smart City, Digital and Creative Industries Strategy, which aims to enhance Milton Keynes’ global reputation as a smart city and the home of innovation.

Already one in three jobs in the city are in tech and the city council is determined to encourage further local tech investment, creating more skilled jobs.

Nicholas Mann, chair of Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership, said: “Milton Keynes is a hub of technological progress and this festival highlighted the exciting work often happening behind closed doors. We must continue to promote our city’s dynamic nature and innovation in AI to inspire the next generation of talent.

“Engaging young minds with the skills and possibilities in AI will ensure that

Milton Keynes remains at the forefront of the UK’s AI landscape.”

A year on from the AI Safety Summit, Milton Keynes City Council and industry leaders hosted a range of exhibitions highlighting the opportunities presented by modern technologies. The AI Safety Summit’s chief executive Erica Lewis joined a panel including Bletchley Park’s chief executive Iain Standen to reflect on the AI Safety Summit and the results of international governments and leading AI companies meeting to consider how AI can benefit society through internationally coordinated action.

The MK AI Festival also hosted events, conferences and hackathons hosted by major organisations, including Bletchley Park, The Open University, HM Government Communications Centre, Santander and Protospace. The festival culminated in the opening of the UK’s first Smart City Experience Centre in centre:mk.

The centre is a joint initiative between the private sector and the city council, serving as a shop window for customers to experience and interact with robots and digital technologies.

>>

A flashback montage of highlights of the Milton Keynes AI Festival

Driverless bus is set for testing on city’s roads

Take a look at the self-driving bus that will begin trials on the streets of Milton Keynes this month.

StreetCAV is a driverless shuttle and was developed by a consortium of private and public sector organisations, supported by funding from the CAM (Computer-aided Manufacturing) Supply Chain UK programme.

It is due to begin test runs on the city’s roads this month and, if successful, will transport its first passengers next year.

StreetCAV, led by Smart City Consultancy, is funded by the CAM Supply Chain UK programme run by Zenzic, the body created by the government and industry to champion connected and automated mobility.

If the Milton Keynes pilot scheme is a success, it could become a blueprint for similar fleets around the UK. Smart City Consultancy’s chief executive, Ian Pulford, said: “We truly believe we have developed a solution which can change the future of urban mobility while making our towns and cities smarter, greener and more inclusive.”

Public safety has been top of the agenda during the vehicle’s

development, he added. Working with Milton Keynes City Council, BT, and Electronics Computers and Systems, SCC is to establish a city centre control room, connected by a bespoke communications network that will enable the Ohmio vehicles to be supervised and managed remotely.

Zenzic’s aim is to help the UK to become a world leader in the development and deployment of selfdriving and connected vehicles. The organisation has already provided more than £100 million in funding to scores of projects through its programmes, as well as helping set up the CAM UK Test-bed. Its programme director, Mark Cracknell, said: “Should the trial prove a success, it could lay the foundations for a more connected, inclusive and resilient transportation network not only for Milton Keynes but for towns and cities across the globe.

“It is a perfect example of how, by working more collaboratively and bringing together industry, academia and the public sector, the UK can lead the way in accelerating the self-driving revolution.”

>> The tech on show included Pepper, a robot designed to provide information and solutions to visitors in a highly interactive humanoid form, and a robotic dog serving as an alternative to real animals, such as for surveying particularly inaccessible areas of buildings or supporting emergency services.

Two autonomous vehicles, which residents can expect to see operating in the city before the end of this year, were also on display.

“We are incredibly proud of our very first Milton Keynes Artificial Intelligence Festival, which attracted a diverse audience and enabled us to begin breaking down the barriers between emerging tech and everyday life,” said Cllr Mahendran. “It is not always easy for everyone to understand how advances in tech benefit our communities but this is our priority as a council in our smart city work.”

Plans are already under way for the 2025 festival, she added.

DPD’s new autonomous Ottobot delivery vehicle can carry up to eight packages at a time

Ottobot: Delivering to your door soon

Milton Keynes is to be the first location in the UK to benefit from a new multi-delivery robot developed by distribution giant DPD.

The company has used autonomous delivery robots in the city since 2022 but the new multicompartment fully autonomous Ottobot is larger, with a payload capacity of 70kg and eight separate compartments for packages and collections.

The Ottobot will be deployed from DPD’s base at Knowlhill and will use the redway network to travel to residential addresses.

The vehicle features fourwheel powered swerve drive with independent steering and suspension for maximum manoeuvrability. Sensors including light detection and ranging ‘lidars’ and cameras, as well as cuttingedge software, enable the Ottobot to navigate the most complex environments autonomously.

DPD has run autonomous delivery Cartken robots in Milton Keynes since July 2022. These are also now operating in Raunds in Northamptonshire, Bristol and Lincoln.

“This is the next chapter for us in terms of autonomous deliveries after a very successful roll-out across a number of different locations,” said Tim Jones, DPDgroup UK’s director of marketing, communications and sustainability. “It is well over two years now since we began autonomous robot

To page 17 >>

Lionel Naidoo, MD of Dragon Information Systems, on navigating tech jargon when you are a

small business.

Helping SMEs to cut through the tech speak

When you are a growing business with big ambitions, having the right technology in place can make all the difference. But with so much jargon and ‘tech speak’ around, it may feel like a challenge to navigate.

According to a recent study, 57% of small firms do not understand what the term ‘digital transformation’ actually means - and that could see them missing out.

For those that have digitalised, revenues grew by 8.1%, with two-thirds of small businesses saying digitalisation made their business run more smoothly, 28% saying it helped them get paid faster and 38% saying it improved their customer experience.

At Dragon IS, technology is our passion and for more than a decade we have been supporting SMEs to gain the greatest value from their IT systems. We aim to make things simple - and a big part of that is how we communicate.

We will never bamboozle anyone with jargon or tech speak. In this article, I attempt to explain and demystify some terms small businesses are likely to encounter.

CMS (Content Management System)

A CMS is a platform that allows you to create, edit and manage your website content without the need for any specific type of technical expertise. In recent years we have seen more and more CMSs popping up and that means it has never been easier to

Prepare your organisation’s IT environment for AI

manage a website with little or no experience.

Why it matters: Using a CMS can help to simplify website management, saving you time and boosting productivity.

Responsive Design

This refers to the ability of a website design to adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes. So, whether someone visits your website on a desktop computer, tablet or mobile, the experience will be optimised for the device they are using.

Why it matters: Having a responsive website is crucial to provide a positive user experience and stopping people ‘bouncing’ off – simply leaving the site as soon as they arrive (and potentially head straight to a competitor). It can also help to boost SEO.

Cloud Computing / Cloud Telephony

Long gone are the days of businesses needing to have an onsite server and dedicated hardware. With cloud computing, employees can access company systems and data from anywhere and at any time. All they need is an internet connection. The same goes for telephone systems. Rather than being chained to a phone on a desk, with cloud telephony and the move to digital, employees can communicate from anywhere. Why it matters: Cloud services offer scalability, cost savings and flexibility. They make working remotely or on the move easy.

CRM (Customer Relationship Management System)

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

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CRM software can help businesses to manage contacts and sales leads, record interactions and marketing efforts all in one place. They can be great for helping teams to spot trends and ensure they do not miss new business opportunities. Some popular examples include HubSpot, SalesForce and Zoho. Why it matters: A good CRM system can streamline customer communications and help you to nurture leads effectively.

Phishing

Phishing is a form of cyber attack where scammers will impersonate a legitimate entity - pretending to be a bank, the Post Office, HM Revenue & Customs or other company, for example – in order to trick users into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or their credit card details. Why it matters: Recognising phishing attempts helps prevent data breaches and financial losses.

Social engineering

Social engineering is the name given to cyber attacks that prey on humans, such as phishing emails, text messaging (smishing) and phone calls (vishing). In each case, a cyber criminal will attempt to trick an employee into clicking on a malicious link or volunteering sensitive information. The approach will usually include a time-sensitive call to action.

Why it matters: Unfortunately, all it takes is one employee for this type of attack to be successful. It is a weak spot to which even major multinational corporations have fallen victim.

Here at Dragon IS, we work with small and medium-sized businesses, helping them with a broad range of issues relating to their IT infrastructure and cybersecurity. Email info@dragon-is.com or call us on 0330 363 005.

Photo:

David Wilson South Midlands

AI actions do not reflect ambitions

Employers welcome the potential of Artificial Intelligence for their business. But the fear of rules and regulations is holding back their investment plans.

Business leaders are predicting huge gains to be made from Artificial Intelligence, yet delays in its implementation are caused by legal and regulatory hurdles.

According to a survey of 450 business leaders, including senior executives and General Counsel, conducted by Milton Keynes law firm Dentons, corporate-level AI decisions are being hampered by two competing viewpoints.

Confidence is high that implementing AI will reap rewards, yet uncertainty over the regulations governing its implementation is creating an “ambiguity gap” and a resultant threat of inactivity.

The Dentons research found that 70% of those surveyed cite AI adoption and implementation as the key growth driver for their business. Just over half expect between 10% and 20% of their revenue to be directly attributed to AI, and almost all agreed that AI will deliver more revenue than humans within 20 years.

However, concern over likely increases in regulations is persuading many to hold back before committing to a business future with AI at its forefront.

Just over two-thirds of those surveyed said they are delaying AI investment decisions because of fears of changes to and an expected increase in the rules and regulations. While 63% do not have a formalised AI roadmap, a similar

‘Potentially

>> From page 15.

Sarah Beeby

“Introducing AI incorrectly will leave organisations with a workforce that cannot utilise it.”

proportion stated that organisations failing to embrace AI-driven change are becoming increasingly unviable.

Dentons’ people, reward and mobility partner, and co-clients and markets partner, Sarah Beeby, was closely involved with the research. Speaking at Dentons’ office in Central Milton Keynes, she said: “Organisations need to ensure that they are not waiting to see what others do and suddenly introduce AI without understanding the implications.

“Introducing AI incorrectly will leave organisations with a workforce that cannot utilise it and will not engage with it—or with a workforce that feels threatened by it.”

The Laws of AI Traction Report: looked at

a massive uplift in productivity’

drop-off point for customers.”

deliveries and we have learned a lot in terms of how best to deploy the technology and how to maximise the effectiveness of the robots day to day.

“Ottobot potentially gives us a massive uplift in terms of productivity, with the ability to deliver up to eight parcels at a time before the robot needs to return to the depot to be reloaded. As always when we invest in new innovation, we want to learn fast and try new things so we will be looking at how Ottobot could double up as an additional, mobile parcel

DPD parcel recipients will receive a text message when the robot is outside their property and retrieve their package using a secure one-time pin code. The robot battery lasts up to six hours and is swapped for a new fully charged one at the depot to keep the robot on the road.

Ottonomy’s founder and chief executive Ritukar Vijay said: “It is fantastic to see Ottobot deployed in the UK parcel delivery market. DPD is already well ahead of its competitors with its robot fleet and is well placed to maximise the full potential of Ottobot.”

how to close the gap between ambition and action. It considers AI traction through three key dimensions:

■ Corporate agility: Building strategic and operational capacity to quickly adapt and respond to the opportunities offered by AI;

■ Workforce transformation: Preparing the workforce for the changes wrought by AI;

■ Digital resilience and data management: Implementing sufficiently scalable digital infrastructure and sound data governance for rapid and safe transformation, and a robust data strategy.

Paul Jarvis, Dentons’ UK, Ireland & Middle East chief executive, said: “AI is near the top of every boardroom agenda, but there is a significant gap between ambition and action.

“We asked organisations what they thought their spending on and revenue from AI would be in three years’ time, with most predicting a marked increase in both areas. This suggests that they are pausing investment decisions by a matter of years rather than months, indicating the extent of uncertainty in the market.

“With the stakes so high, action to deploy AI needs to rapidly catch up with ambition and optimism. Even though fragmented and rapidly changing regulations across the world are having a chilling effect on AI investment levels, our view is this lack of consistency need not cause delay.”

n Scan the code to download a copy of Laws of AI Traction

It may be old-fashioned but we still need a Plan B

In the era of digital miracles, a comprehensive, thought-out, robust and tested back-up plan in the event of a technology failure is as important as ever. Alicia Crisp, of advisory firm MHA, outlines why.

Industries critical to everyday life –including airline, finance, healthcare, and shipping – have for the most part slowly recovered from the global impact of the damaging software update issued by CrowdStrike which, according to Microsoft, affected some 8.5 million devices worldwide. While this number accounts for less than 1% of all Windows machines, the effect was catastrophic.

Within hours, over 5,000 flights had been cancelled around the world and, in the UK, the government activated its COBRA emergency team.

This incident brings to mind the failure of the National Air Traffic Service system on August 28 last year, which affected over 700,000 passengers.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority, the failure was triggered by the inability of the flight plan processing system to manage flight plan data for a specific flight from Los Angeles to Paris. Both primary and secondary systems generated critical errors and entered maintenance mode, preventing data transfer to air traffic controllers.

The workaround involved manually inputting flight data, reducing capacity to only 60 flight plans per hour, compared to the usual 800. With NATS managing around 2.5 million flights annually in UK airspace, the impact was severe.

How could both Plans A and B fail, leaving NATS reliant on a Plan C that operated at only 7.5% effectiveness?

In recent years, several tech-related

failures have illustrated the same issue. In early 2023 in the USA, service outages disrupted both United and Hawaiian Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration’s database failure triggered a national ground stop that halted all take-offs.

Meanwhile, a back-up failure at the New York Stock Exchange led to abnormal market swings when systems incorrectly continued the previous day’s trading on January 25.

In November, an IT failure left half of Australia without phone service when Optus, the country’s second-largest telecom provider, was down for 12 hours. More recently, BT was fined £17.5 million after a network fault left thousands of 999 calls unanswered for more than ten hours.

“When the stakes are national, an effective Plan B is a necessity, not a luxury.”

All of these incidents point to one clear conclusion: a reliable Plan B, one that is failsafe-tested regularly, is too often missing.

In many offices, the default advice for any IT problem is a standing joke: “Have you tried turning it off and on again?” But this humorous response reflects a much larger issue.

For non-critical infrastructure, restarting a device might work as a back-up plan. However, when the stakes are national,

affecting emergency services or critical infrastructure, an effective Plan B is a necessity, not a luxury. With technology advancing exponentially, it seems that organisations - even entire nations - have come to trust these systems almost implicitly. This reliance is likely to increase as AI technologies are integrated more widely. Already, AI is seen as a cure-all, with the promise to foresee and forestall a host of issues, perhaps leaving less room for investing in robust, destruction-tested Plan Bs.

In the era of digital miracles, it might seem old-fashioned to advocate for robust Plan Bs. However, as more of our lives and livelihoods depend on digital infrastructure, we are likely to see these failures and their impacts grow.

A proper Plan B - well-designed, tested and reliable - is more essential than ever.

Alicia Crisp is an audit and advisory partner at MHA

Manufacturers put battery breakthrough product to the test

Vehicle makers and battery manufacturers in Europe and USA are running the rule over new cathode materials developed by a pioneering producer of next-generation battery materials in Milton Keynes.

Integrals Power is shipping samples of its proprietary LFP Lithium Iron Phosphate and LMFP Lithium Manganese Iron Phosphate materials for evaluation by its customers. The materials will be used to make Lithium-ion cells for electric vehicle batteries and static energy storage systems.

The materials have been developed and manufactured at the company’s UK

pilot plant at Kiln Farm. It has the capacity to produce 20 tonnes of LFP material a year and is also developing breakthrough LMFP chemistries, made using high-purity raw materials instead of bulk precursors

The cathode materials are critical components in lithium-ion batteries. Integrals Power founder and chief executive Behnam Hormozi said: “The fact that these materials were manufactured on our UK pilot line is a proud achievement and we are excited to see how they perform in the real-world applications of our customers in the EV, battery manufacturing and energy storage sectors.”

Alicia Crisp

Time to set the standards for others

In my last column, I touched upon the pressing issue of the skills shortage.

However, given its critical importance, I find it necessary to revisit this topic, particularly because, over the past few weeks, two significant MKBLP events have highlighted the crucial need for skills development.

During a dinner and subsequent members’ breakfast, we heard from esteemed voices such as Kirstie Donnelly, chief executive of City & Guilds, and Professor Lynette Ryals, and Matthew Bell, from Cranfield University and MK:U, who emphasised the vital connection between skills and business productivity.

Their insights underscored a truth that should resonate with every business leader in our city: skills are the golden thread weaving prosperity into the fabric of both community and business.

The skills crisis is not a new issue. It is a long-standing challenge that has impeded economic growth across the UK. A report from the Learning and Work Institute earlier this year warned of the UK’s skills base potentially plateauing, projecting an economic deficit of £20 billion annually due to a “great skills divide.”

This gap significantly contributes to our stagnant productivity, with notable disparities between the UK and European counterparts like Germany and France.

The Open University recently highlighted a concerning statistic: one in four businesses believe their productivity has declined in recent years. These reports should serve as a wake-up call to us all.

Funding and access to skills remain formidable barriers. Yet Milton Keynes— one of the fastest-growing economies in the UK—has a unique opportunity to tackle these challenges head-on.

We must aspire not only to generate new skills but also to retain existing talent through robust upskilling initiatives. Our city’s ambitious 2050 plan, aiming for a population of 400,000, clearly outlines the necessity for better training and skills access. However, the responsibility lies not only with local government but also with businesses willing to engage with educational establishments to ensure the skills developed align with ongoing needs.

The dialogue around skills is not just theoretical—it is practical and urgent.

Over the last month, Milton Keynes hosted both the AI Festival and the STEM Festival, which drew tech leaders and more than 1,000 students to explore opportunities

MKBLP chair Nicholas Mann makes no apology for returning to the subject of the skills gap.

in AI and STEM careers. These events demonstrated a strong appetite for these fields. It is now incumbent upon us to ensure this talent is nurtured and retained through continuous education and upskilling.

While Milton Keynes lacks a residential university, initiatives by MK:U offer hope. Its degree apprenticeships are a strategic avenue to harness new talent and upskilling opportunities for existing employees. Impressively, 40% of MK:U’s learners are engaged in reskilling. Furthermore, MK:U has launched one of the UK’s first Robotics Engineer Degree Apprenticeship courses, addressing an urgent demand in an industry poised for future growth.

For Milton Keynes to sustain its position at the forefront of enterprise, we must pave the way for businesses to engage with our educational establishments. Understanding and utilising resources like the apprenticeship levy can bridge the skills gap, ensuring our local workforce is equipped and ready.

MKBAA 2025 will provide a platform for open dialogue, fostering collaboration between businesses and academia to create a blueprint for success.

The skills conversation must remain vibrant and impactful. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that Milton Keynes not only leads in enterprise but also sets a standard for other cities to emulate. Let us continue engaging, collaborating, and innovating to build a thriving future for businesses and the community.

Business MK is MKBLP’s official media partner

Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership has announced Business MK as its official media partner.

MKBLP chair Nicholas Mann writes a regular column exclusively for the magazine, which has published in Milton Keynes and North Buckinghamshire since 1999 and is respected for its quality of journalism, information and analysis and as the longest-established and trusted business publication in the area.

MKBLP news, views and events will feature in Business MK, including event announcements, reports on presentations at MKBLP breakfast and dinner events. Articles will appear both in print and online at businessmk.co.uk.

“We have worked closely with Business MK since MKBLP came into being and before that through the Large Employers Association,” said Nicholas. “The magazine has always been supportive of what we are trying to do and to formalise the partnership seems like a natural next step.

“It is also so timely as we look to adapt the organisation to the changing business landscape. It is more important than ever that we get our message out to as wide an audience as possible and Business MK, as part of Pulse Group Media, is the ideal medium through which to do that.”

Business MK editor Andrew Gibbs said MKBLP is playing a key role in the wider Milton Keynes community. “MKBLP is a powerful voice and works hard to ensure that Milton Keynes business leaders are informed and addressed by leading figures in their field on the business issues that matter to them.

“The partnership is also a highly effective lobbyist on the city’s behalf. We are determined to play our part in that by broadcasting MKBLP’s news, views and activity as widely as possible.”

Nicholas Mann

When your grandfather is a former British boxing champion, it is no surprise that your career path might take you down a sports-related route.

Matt Angell’s grandfather Bill was a professional boxer who won the British lightweight title in 1942.

“He taught me to box in the garage at his home,” said Matt. “I loved the sport then and I love it just as much today Boxing is an art form. It is a dance. It is all about your feet, the distance between you and your opponent, the movement… it is about mastering the art.”

Growing up, Matt was also a keen –and proficient – boxer, swimmer and footballer. But his dreams of a career in professional sport ended with a serious Achilles tendon injury in his teens. “I could not do anything for two years. I could not skip, could not run, could not box.”

When he had recovered sufficiently, he travelled in South East Asia where he learned to coach boxing in Thailand. On his return to the UK, aged 24 he qualified as a personal trainer.

14 years on, Matt is the owner of Boxing Lounge – a “power boxing facility, not a fight gym”, he is keen to point out. Boxing Lounge specialises in personal training in groups of up to six people under the guidance of either Matt or his fellow instructor Mike Lewis, a former Army soldier who saw service in Afghanistan where he lost a leg in action. “He is an absolute inspiration,” Matt said.

Having been a personal trainer for 11 years, first at David Lloyd Leisure at Newlands then at Fierce Gym in Wolverton, Matt opened Boxing Lounge at Milton Keynes Business Centre on Linford Wood earlier this year.

As you train, you sense the progress

“Milton Keynes Business Centre is a great place to be. They have been so supportive since we opened, always checking in to make sure we have everything we need. We have quite a few people now from other units in the centre who come to the classes because the management team spread the word.”

Matt has invested in top-quality equipment for his students. They train in a Pro Training boxing ring, use Rivals punchbags and gym equipment including dumbbells, apparatus and squat racks from fitness equipment supplier MuscleSquad, based at nearby Wymbush. A mural of world boxing legend Muhammad Ali, some 20 feet high, dominates one wall of the training room.

Boxing Lounge runs sessions for children aged 6-10 and 11-15. Adult sessions are for anyone over the age of 18. “Only this week we had a couple of women in their late 50s, a gentleman in his early 60s and a

21-year-old all in the same class. Anyone can come along.”

As well as the physical benefits of training, boxing is a powerful tool in maintaining and improving mental health. “Ours is a power boxing facility that gets people physically moving, which is good,” said Matt. “Mentally, it is unbelievable. As you train, you can sense that you are progressing which makes you feel better and gives you more to focus on.”

Looking forward, Matt’s goal is to keep increasing the membership while maintaining the small class sizes that are key to the Boxing Lounge ethos. He would love to stay at Milton Keynes Business Centre, perhaps moving to a larger unit or securing a second one.

“I would have to think about what to do with the Ali mural,” he said.

“Milton Keynes Business Centre is right in the area I want to be in. It is close to everything, is easy to get to for me and my clients – it is a perfect location.

“The ambition for the business is simple: to continue to grow the membership and get as many people as possible to take up and benefit from the art of boxing. We think we are doing a really good thing and everyone who has come along has really enjoyed it.”

Matt Angell (right) and fellow instructor Mike Lewis

The pressure on businesses to adapt Environmental, Social, and Governance practices is growing rapidly, with corporate stakeholders driving demand for more sustainable, ethical and transparent business practices.

While this shift towards sustainability and ethical governance is vital for the future, it also introduces significant cost pressures. However, with thoughtful planning and leveraging of available tax benefits, businesses can achieve ESG goals without compromising financial stability.

A tech-savvy approach for stakeholders

MHA tax director David Stone explores several cost-effective strategies, particularly around tax savings, to help stakeholders to balance the financial challenges of ESG compliance.

Green Finance for sustainable investment

One significant way to reduce the upfront costs of ESG practices is through Green Finance. At MHA, we understand that one of the primary barriers to implementing green technology and sustainability initiatives is the high up-front cost. To support businesses on their net-zero journey, we offer specialised Green Asset Finance solutions, which provide a way to invest in sustainability without immediate financial strain.

This type of finance allows companies to adopt the latest green technologies while benefiting from key advantages.

Maximising tax relief through ESG initiatives

Businesses looking to implement ESG practices into their organisations can reduce costs through strategic tax planning:

can be supported through tax-efficient strategies such as:

n Employee Ownership Trusts

Transitioning to an EOT allows business owners to exit tax-free while employees benefit from tax-free bonuses. This structure promotes long-term employee engagement and social responsibility, aligning with both ESG goals and efficient tax planning.

n Tax-efficient equity plans Offering equity as part of employee compensation is another strategy that aligns with ESG’s social goals by promoting wealth sharing. Gains from such plans are typically taxed at lower Capital Gains Tax rates, making them a cost-effective option for both businesses and employees.

n Charitable donations and sponsorships Supporting local charities or community projects can be structured to offer tax relief, enhancing a company’s social footprint while benefiting from financial savings.

“Turn sustainability into a financial asset rather

than a burden.”

Governance

Environmental

The government have several initiatives to help businesses to reduce their environmental footprint.

n Capital Allowances for energyefficient investments Full first-year relief is available for the purchase of electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, energyefficient plant and machinery and building upgrades such as insulation.

n Green subsidies and incentives There are additional subsidies and grants for businesses that focus on sustainability projects, such as renewable energy installations or transitioning to greener supply chains.

Social

The “Social” aspect of ESG often revolves around employee well-being and community engagement. These goals

Good corporate governance underpins a robust ESG strategy and tax compliance plays a crucial role in this. MHA offers guidance on tax risk management and helps businesses to navigate new reporting requirements that are integral to strong governance practices. By investing in tax governance, businesses can avoid costly errors and minimise the risk of unforeseen tax liabilities. This approach enhances transparency, reduces the chance of timeconsuming HMRC enquiries and builds trust with stakeholders, all while saving time and money.

For stakeholders, the challenge of balancing the growing demands for ESG compliance with cost pressures is significant. At MHA, we are committed to supporting businesses on this journey, offering expert advice on sustainable financing, tax-efficient strategies and governance frameworks that drive success in the new ESG landscape. By embedding tax considerations into every aspect of ESG strategy, businesses can turn sustainability into a financial asset rather than a burden.

Susan Popoola, organiser of an International Men’s Day forum in Milton Keynes, reflects on a discussion of positive male role models as part of the continued progression towards inclusion.

A pivotal step on the pathway to inclusivity

Most people are aware that International Women’s Day is in March. Very few, however, know that an International Men’s Day exists or when it is. “Why do we need a special day for men?”, some even ask, when it is often felt that men already dominate the public eye.

However, if we are to achieve a wellbalanced and inclusive society, we need to ensure that we do not overlook or sideline men. We also need to progress beyond the conversations of male privilege and negative behaviours to highlight the positive behaviours, attitudes and approaches that we appreciate in men.

In line with this, International Men’s Day has six pillars which actually serve wider society:

■ Promoting positive male role models.

■ Celebrating men’s positive

■ contributions to society, community, family, marriage, child care and the environment.

■ Focusing on men’s health and wellbeing.

■ Highlighting discrimination against men in areas such as social services,

■ social attitudes, expectations and law.

■ Improving gender relations and promote gender equality.

■ Creating a safer, better world in which people can grow to reach their full potential.

For International Men’s Day has the specific goals of:

Promoting positive role models

Highlighting the achievements of men across various fields and encourage positive masculinity.

Addressing men’s health issues Raising awareness about mental and physical health challenges, including high suicide rates and underperformance in education. Encouraging gender equality Advocating for equitable treatment and opportunities for all genders.

This year’s International Men’s Day provided the perfect opportunity to celebrate men who inspire and embody the qualities we aim to amplify. With that in mind, I decided to organise an event in Milton Keynes to bring together a mosaic of voices to celebrate men, with the

support of organisations such as Women Leaders, Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership, law firm Howes Percival and Milton Keynes College.

The celebration featured impactful storytelling about men who have served as role models or are inspirational in some form, complemented by responses from male voices.

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard in the fight for equality,” said Dr Julie Mills (inset) , chair of Women Leaders UK. “While it might appear counterintuitive for Women Leaders to support an International Men’s Day event, it is not. As a charity, we have repeatedly said that supporting women is not anti-men. Taking the opportunity to celebrate our personal role models - those inspiring men who have played key roles in our journey - is an important part of working inclusively towards gender parity.”

Leaders Outstanding Contribution category. It was striking to hear them share vulnerable and moving stories of just how important a part men play in our homes, workplaces and society as a whole.

“It was striking to hear moving stories of just how important a part men play in our homes, workplaces and society.”

The Countess Howe, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, provided the context of the complexities and changes in society which impact the roles and responsibilities of both men and women. While being mindful of the historic disadvantages that women have faced, we also need to be mindful of how things are changing and impacting the traditional roles of men, she said.

Lady Howe’s introduction was followed by stories from a line-up of inspirational women invited by Susan to take the mic to champion their positive role models.

This included Dr Julie Mills, Kurshida Mirza, the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, Enigma Fitness director Kelly Haynes and former F1 engineer Gemma Hatton. They were joined by creative director and content maker Kiana Kamlian, Anne Stunell, head of HR at Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Services, and Ayser AlJawad, this year’s winner of the Women

Simon Nichols, founder of Thrive Mental Health and Jack Maude, lead of Milton Keynes College’s Men’s Network, took up the invitation to respond, talking also of the men who had supported them, the importance of creating safe spaces like this for men to open up, feel safe to be vulnerable and be listened to.

In his closing remarks, Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership chair Nicholas Mann highlighted the need to love our young men into the people they, we and our society need them to be. Otherwise we leave them vulnerable to the influence of ‘bad actors’ who will readily feel the gap.

This event is a pivotal step in recognising men’s invaluable contributions to our shared path towards an inclusive society that recognises the value that we all bring. With the support of the businesses and wider community of Milton Keynes, she plans to move the conversation into board rooms, leadership teams, the wider workplace and education.

International Men’s Day next year is November 19.

n Susan Popoola is founder and chief executive of leadership development consultancy Mosaic Fusions and author of Male Perspectives on the Value of Women at Work

www.MosaicWorld.live

Susan Popoola

Chamber welcomes new president at AGM

Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce has appointed Anna Clarke as its new president.

She replaces Robyn Allen, who stepped down at the Chamber’s AGM last month at the end of her term in post.

Anna, who is group director: employer engagement, partnerships and apprenticeships at Milton Keynes College, has been a non-executive director of the Chamber since 2022. She also takes over as president of Milton Keynes Chamber’s sister Chamber of Commerce in Northamptonshire

“I am deeply honoured to take on the role of president and I look forward to working with our members and the Chamber team to further drive economic growth, innovation and a vibrant business community in Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire,” Anna said.

“I am excited to collaborate with

our expert team to deliver the Chamber’s strategic plan alongside my fellow nonexecutive directors.”

At Milton Keynes College, Anna’s role has been to nurture partnerships between businesses and education providers, focusing on workforce development and ensuring that local businesses have access to the talent and skills they need to succeed.

Chamber chief executive Louise Wall said: “Her extensive experience and passion for fostering collaboration will be invaluable to the Chamber and our members. I am confident that under her leadership, we will continue to strengthen our support for local businesses and drive ongoing growth and innovation.”

Rachel Collar (inset), owner of HR consultancy Haus of HR, becomes vice-president of both Chambers.

MD settles in at Volkswagen Group UK

Volkswagen Group UK, whose head office is in Milton Keynes, has announced that Damien O’Sullivan will succeed Alex Smith as the company’s managing director. He takes over this month, having been Audi brand director at Volkswagen Group in Ireland for the past three years. Damien previously worked in the far East as Audi’s vice president dealer development in China and as aftersales director in Taiwan.

Stefan Specht, chairman of the

Volkswagen Group UK supervisory board, paid tribute to Alex Smith’s six years at the helm of Volkswagen Group UK at its head office on Blakelands and a total of 14 years with the business.

Alex, who is leaving at his own request, said: “I am very proud of everything the team and the networks have achieved in a period which has included Brexit, a pandemic, a supply crisis and the introduction of mass-market electromobility.”

Business Board names members

Recruitment has been completed of members of the new Business Board that will act as the voice for businesses across the region.

The Business Board will provide strategic advice to the South Midlands Authorities Board. Its mission is to ensure that the economic strategy of the South Midlands aligns with the needs and opportunities faced by businesses in the region.

By doing so, the Business Board aims to drive sustainable economic growth and enhance the region’s competitive edge.

Business Board lead Cllr Jim Weir, Deputy Mayor of Bedford Borough Council, said: “The Business Board will play a pivotal role in helping to shape the future economic strategy of the South Midlands.

“It will work closely with existing advisory groups, including the Growth Hub Board and the Careers Hub Steering Group, ensuring that the business community’s voice is integral to the decision-making process.”

The South Midlands Authorities comprise the six councils within the former South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership region that have taken on SEMLEP’s functions after its closure earlier this year.

The 15 inaugural members of the Business Board are all senior figures in business in the South Midlands.

Board chair Jason Longhurst, UK head of sustainable investment and partnerships at developer Prologis UK, said: “The South Midlands is a thriving area for businesses. Our role is to ensure that we represent their views, needs and ambitions to the South Midlands Authorities.”

Members Suzanna Austin (FSB); Naomi Butters (ICENA); Paul Clarke (Cranfield Aerospace Solutions Ltd); Nick Greenway (Cosworth); Stephen Henson (TC Group); Oliver Jaycock (London Luton Airport); Phil Lawrie (Silverstone Museum); Michael Moran (2020 Developments Ltd); Andy Paul (Fliweel.tech); Viren Patel (Open University); Keith Purdie (Colworth Park); Justin Richardson (Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce); Dr Cathy Smith (University of Northampton); Prof Leon Terry (Cranfield University).

Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce’s new president Anna Clarke (left) with the Chamber’s chief executive Louise Wall

Theo Chalmers

How we treat those in need is a measure of our humanity

Iwas recently delighted to attend the fundraising concert Rays of Sunshine a charity choir concert with food which took place at the Church of Christ the Cornerstone in Milton Keynes city centre November. It was an event to raise funds for the Sunflower Ukrainian Supplementary School and was very enjoyable, featuring a highly entertaining, hugely professional, accompanied choir: MK Musica.

One thing I never knew before was how totally accomplished and superb are Ukrainian bakers - their macarons frankly putting French rivals to shame. I mention this event because it shows just how well Ukrainian refugees have been welcomed into our hearts here in MK.

If you would like to help, visit ukraineappeal.org.uk.

Conversely, the same cannot be said for some of our other refugees, those apparently fleeing from persecution in Yemen, Eritrea, Sudan, Somalia and even Turkey. I recently watched a

Theo Chalmers is chair of Urban Eden and managing director of Verve PR. urbaneden.org / vervepr.co.uk t.chalmers@vervepr.co.uk, 01908 275271

video shot by some anonymous, selfappointed watchdog who styles himself TruthHurts101UK. You can easily find it on YouTube. This all stems from the fact that somewhere between 140 and 200 immigrants - most of whom have allegedly made their way here technically illegally in rubber dinghies - are now being housed, fed and supported by our government with the involvement of Milton Keynes City Council. They are all staying at the large and underused Ramada Hotel, part of the M1 Newport Pagnell services.

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What our anonymous film-maker and his many supporters and commentators appear to focus on is that these immigrants are all, it seems, male with no women or children present and all of fighting age. The suggestion being that they are here to do us all harm.

The rabble also comments on their apparent religion which they believe to be Islam, despite at least one of the briefly interviewed Ramada residents claiming to be a Turkish Kurd (only a majority of whom are Muslim, some being Christian, Zoroastrian, Yarsanist, Yazidist, Alevist or followers of Judaism).

According to Wikipedia: “During the violent suppressions of numerous Kurdish rebellions since the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, such as the Sheikh Said Rebellion, the Ararat rebellion, and the Dersim Rebellion, massacres have periodically been committed against the Kurds, with one prominent incident being the Zilan Massacre.

“The Turkish government denied the existence of Kurds. The words “Kurds” or

“Kurdistan” were banned in any language by the Turkish government, though “Kurdish” was allowed in census reports.

“Following the military coup of 1980, the Kurdish languages were officially prohibited in public and private life. Many people who spoke, published, or sang in Kurdish were arrested and imprisoned. In Turkey, it is illegal to use Kurdish as a language of instruction in both public and private schools. The Kurdish language is only allowed as a subject in some schools.”

So one may reasonably ask why we are so keen to help the put-upon Ukrainians and so apparently unkeen to help the similarly put-upon Kurds.

Another issue for these self-appointed guardians of Britishness is that our government is giving them fully-serviced, centrally-heated accommodation, three full meals a day, ‘pocket money’ and even, it is alleged, free cigarettes while our lifetime-of-tax-paying pensioners go without the winter-fuel payment or frankly very much else, while we have the highest fuel prices in Europe and food price inflation is off the scale.

My personal experience of this is Asda’s eight pack of Pain au Chocolat. This was £1 until about a year ago. It is now £1.90. I would like to apologise here for being apparently obsessed with French-style baked goods in this column, just as I was apparently obsessed with Germany in last month’s writing.

So back to the subject in hand. How true it is - and how justified - that we are treating these immigrants so well is hard to tell but one of these refugees even offered our Mr Anonymous a cigarette when he enquired about them, seeming to have no issues about their apparent cost. Do our governments both local and national act as they should or do the people feel outraged and, if so, is this outrage justified?

Frankly I really do not know. But I do care. Surely how we treat those in need is a measure of our humanity and identifying any groups of people as somehow unworthy or somehow ‘not human’ is the start of every oppression we have ever seen.

What I do know is that Christmas is coming and I wish you all the very best for the festive season. May all your days be happy and bright.

Cheerio.

BID backs council’s taskforce plan

The body representing businesses in Luton town centre has thrown its weight behind a new Town Centre Taskforce set up to maintain and improve the area and attract more businesses and investment.

Luton Business Improvement District is working with the council, Bedfordshire Police, Luton Point shopping centre and The Culture Trust to implement short- and medium-term improvements.

Enforcement is taking place alongside investment in the public realm. Longerterm projects are also on the horizon, such as The Stage, which will transform the Bute Street Shoppers’ car park into an area with homes, community space, retail, and green space, and 2020 Development’s proposed Power Court stadium and associated development.

The taskforce has been set up to maintain the momentum of the Town Centre Masterplan put together by Luton Council and launched three years ago.

The BID’s engagement manager Julia Horsman said: “Luton BID is delighted to be playing a proactive role in the town centre task force, representing the business community and ensuring their views, concerns and interests are heard.

“It is encouraging to see such a focus on our town centre from our partners across the town, working together to make the best use of resources and expertise which will benefit both businesses and residents.

“With two large-scale developments coming into the town we have so much to look forward to but it is vital that we continue to carry out short-term action to ensure that Luton continues to flourish throughout the building phase of the exciting projects.”

Bedfordshire Police and the council’s Neighbourhood Enforcement Team patrols are working together to cover hot spot areas and deal with repeat offenders of anti-social behaviour. Police-led action days are planned and the council has

Levypayers opt for five more years

Businesses across Luton have voted in favour of renewing their status as a Business Improvement District.

The decision secures £2.2 million to be spent on continuing to improve the trading environment and represent business interests over the next five years.

82% of votes cast voted in favour of the BID Renewal Ballot by total number of businesses, and 88% of votes cast voted in favour of the BID by Rateable Value. The ‘Yes’ vote is higher than that in the previous ballot in 2019.

The renewal of Luton BID will start on January 1. Businesses with a rateable value of £12,001 or above will pay a levy based upon their rateable value, creating a collective fund of more than £2.2 million to spend over the next five years.

BID chair Gavin O’Brien said: “This is fantastic news for Luton and a huge congratulations must go to all the businesses which rallied and joined forces to ensure we secured a ‘yes’

recruited a dedicated town centre antisocial behaviour officer.

Cllr James Taylor, Luton Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration and inclusive growth, said: “A rejuvenated, clean, safe and more vibrant town centre is key to achieving our vision for Luton 2040.

“We must ensure that investors and businesses see it as an ‘investible’ town centre where residents and employees will enjoy living and working and find it enjoyable and safe.

Gavin O’Brien

vote in our renewal ballot.

“Thanks must go to all those businesses that engaged in the process by sharing their ideas and opinions on how we can work together to improve the area and who, ultimately, voted in favour of the plans to support each other in these challenging and uncertain times.”

“The Town Centre Masterplan is really ambitious and deliverable but it is also realistic that things will not happen overnight and we are up against some real challenges.”

Some positive changes have already happened, he added.

“We are doing a lot that is making a visible difference but people have said it is not a place they want to spend time so we need a coordinated, targeted and sustained effort to address issues so it is safe and welcoming.”

Chamber steps in after renewal ballot vote

Bedford’s Business Improvement District is to close at the end of its current term.

Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce has said it will work with Bedford Borough Council and businesses in the town to maintain visitor numbers to Bedford town centre and economic growth.

The announcement comes in the wake of the vote by levy-paying businesses in Bedford town centre against renewing its Business Improvement District for another five years.

The current BID will continue its current activity and services until March 31 next year. “While some will naturally be disappointed that the BID will not continue beyond March, it is important that we now focus on ensuring that local businesses and the town centre remain supported during this transition,” said the Chamber’s chief executive Justin Richardson (inset)

“The BID has played a

significant role in driving initiatives that have helped enhance Bedford’s town centre experience.

“Its absence will undoubtedly present new challenges but the Chamber is committed to working closely with local businesses and Bedford Borough Council to explore alternative ways to maintain momentum in promoting footfall and economic growth. To page

Jobs boost as Jet2 lands at airport

More than 125 new jobs are being created at London Luton Airport –with the prospect of more in the pipeline – as a result of holiday airline Jet2.com’s decision to open 17 routes from the airport.

Jet2.com and Jet2 Holidays are to operate 36 flights a week from London Luton to destinations across Europe. The first flights are due to depart in April.

The airline’s decision has been welcomed by the airport and Luton Council, the sole shareholder in local economic development company Luton Rising whose assets include the airport and the Luton DART rapid transit system linking it with Luton Airport Parkway station.

London Luton’s chief executive Alberto Martin said: “This is fantastic news for the millions of passengers who choose to fly from the airport each year and marks a major expansion of Jet2’s operations in the south of England. It will create exciting new jobs for local people and new opportunities for our local supply chain that we already work so closely with.”

The airport is predicting a bumper year in 2025, he added. “The addition of 17 exciting new routes on our departure boards, including three destinations

exclusive to the airport, underlines our commitment to providing even greater choice.”

Council leader Cllr Hazel Simmons said Jet2’s investment would create new jobs and economic growth. “What makes our airport different is that it is owned by Luton Rising wholly for community benefit,” she added. “Employment in and around the airport is already at record levels and this announcement will make another major contribution to the next chapter in its ongoing success.”

The expansion at London Luton is part

of Jet2.com’s and Jet2 Holidays’ growth plans. Chief executive Steve Heapy said: “This latest expansion reflects our strategy to be the UK’s leading and best leisure travel business and it underlines the confidence we have.”

Creating new jobs, Jet2 plans to be a major boost for the local economy, he added. “We are looking forward to our first day of flying. Customers and independent travel agents have been asking us to open at London Luton Airport for many years now so we know how enormously popular this announcement will be.”

(from left) London Luton Airport’s chief commercial officer Jonathan Rayner and chief executive Alberto Martin with chief executive Steve Heapy and managing director Ian Doubtfire of Jet2

IT firm seals ‘milestone’

link with university

IT network infrastructure and cybersecurity specialist Switchshop is to work with students on research projects and developing new product lines under a new partnership with the University of Bedfordshire.

The collaboration will enable students from the university’s School of Computer Science & Technology to gain firsthand industry experience and meet Switchshop’s vendor partners, such as HPE Aruba Networking, Fortinet and Acronis.

They will hear from industry professionals at a series of workshops and join field trips to major companies’ headquarters to find out more about their IT and security practices.

CST head of school Dr Edward Braund said: “They will have the opportunity to work on live industry projects, gaining first-hand experience of how their subjects apply in the real world.”

The partnership with Switchshop aligns with the university’s Career Powered

Education strategy which focuses on equipping students with a degree that acts as a springboard to the career they choose and the skills they need for the workplace.

Switchshop’s head of marketing Jennifer Burford said: “This partnership marks a significant milestone for Switchshop and represents our commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in the field of network technology and cybersecurity.

“By collaborating with a forwardthinking institution like the University of Bedfordshire, we are not just investing in the future of our industry – we are actively shaping it. This partnership opens up exciting opportunities for knowledge exchange and research collaboration.

“Moreover, this partnership will provide invaluable real-world experience for students, bridging the gap between academic learning and industry application.”

‘Devastated’ by ballot vote

>> From page 25.

“We will continue to champion the needs of the local business community, ensuring that Bedford remains a vibrant and attractive place to work, shop and invest.

“The change presents an opportunity for a fresh perspective and we are ready to engage with partners to shape the future of the town centre.”

The renewal ballot attracted only 129 votes – a 30% turnout. 45 levypayers voted in favour of another five-year term. 84 voted against.

The BID’s volunteer chair Samantha Laycock said: “We are devastated by this outcome. Our team has worked tirelessly to support the businesses and community in Bedford town centre, and we believed passionately in our vision for the next five years.”

Bedford BID was among the original tranche of Business Improvement Districts that began work in 2005, one of 12 BIDs that piloted the independent businessled model.

However, it lost the support of Bedford Borough Council in September, when councillors were told that the BID’s renewal proposals “lack ambition for revitalising the town centre and simply propose to deliver more of the same”.

The BID’s work will be taken over as part of Bedford Council’s town centre improvement and regeneration programme.

“We would also like to thank the supporters of the BID and many other partner organisation for the last 20 years of mutual support and wish Bedford Council the best with their vision for a safe and welcoming town centre,” said Samantha.

Conference venue strikes gold with top trade accreditation

Meetings and conference venue Wyboston Lakes has struck gold with accreditation from the Meetings Industry Association.

The hotel, conference and training centre near Bedford achieved the highest level of accreditation from the sector’s nationally recognised standard after assessment by a panel of independent industry experts. The process includes

legal compliance, accessibility and quality checks of facilities, customer service, ethical codes of conduct and best practice standards.

Wyboston Lakes’ director of operations Simon McMahon (inset) said: “To be recognised with this accreditation is testament to the tremendous efforts of our highly dedicated

team, particularly the long-term commitment to delivering the highest of service standards.”

MIA chief executive Kerrin McPhie said: “The iconic status is one of the sector’s highest accolades, demonstrating excellence to prospects, clients and employees. This achievement is no mean feat.”

Adrian Dutch (left), Pro Vice Chancellor at the University of Bedfordshire, with Switchshop director James Curry

Festival brings £7m into town

Hosting BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Stockwood Park in May gave Luton’s businesses a £7 million boost, according to an independent economic impact report.

The report, commissioned by Luton Council, highlighted how the event had uplifted the town’s image and community pride, as well as generating an exponential return on investment for businesses from the £500,000 investment – a government grant of £350,000 and sponsorship by economic development company Luton Rising of £150,000.

Thousands of visitors stayed overnight in the town, generating £1.5 million in income. Others who lived more locally also spent in town, bringing an extra £1.6 million into Luton businesses.

The report also cited increased pride in Luton among its residents as a result of the event. Visitors also said they left with an improved perception of Luton.

“It is still hard to believe over three million viewers had their eyes on Stockwood Park,” said Cllr James Taylor, portfolio holder for regeneration and inclusive growth. “Not only did it create great excitement for those attending but it also generated a significant amount for the local economy. We are thrilled to see the positive feedback left by those who may have come with preconceived ideas but left with a new, improved image of the town that we know and love.”

Feedback has shown a real interest from businesses and the community to host large music events in the future, he added.

“Importantly, the event’s success shows Luton can manage fantastic major events of this kind safely and successfully so we are excited to talk to commercial partners to build on the legacy of the weekend.”

Celebrating a positive impact on packaging

A packaging specialist has spoken of its vision for reducing further the environmental impact of packaging waste.

Carlton Packaging continues to champion greener, smarter solutions that benefit both businesses and the planet and has restated its commitment to advancing its sustainable packaging technologies.

The business, based at Bedford’s Link Logistics Park, has been celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The company’s products are designed to Scan here to subscribe for your print and/or digital copy of Business MK each month. For the

help businesses to reduce their carbon footprint, cut down on plastic use and operate in a more eco-friendly way.

“Celebrating 30 years is an incredible achievement, and we owe our success to the trust and loyalty of our customers, as well as the hard work and dedication of our team,” said director Marcus Magee.

“Our mission from day one has been to deliver smarter, sustainable and efficient packaging solutions and we are proud of the positive impact we have made on our industry over the years.”

A leader’s relationship with a team reflects every day, not just a decision on a single event such as the office end-of-year party, arguesw Freddie Guilmard of leadership consultancy RTP

Leadership is not just for Christmas

As we approach the end of another turbulent and busy year, almost everyone will start to look forward to the office Christmas party. Some leaders will have been pondering whether they should go ahead with the expense, while others will not question the importance of recognising the team’s effort on this one day of the year.

In a recent coaching conversation with a leader of a fast-growing business, he shared his dilemma about wanting to do the right thing, yet feeling conflicted because the business performance had fallen just short despite everyone’s best efforts.

He recognised that a Christmas party was important to boost the morale of his employees, but he was truly concerned about how he would be perceived as a leader—whether for declining the expense or being seen as weak for approving it despite narrowly missing the target.

He was determined to be a great role model, “especially at this time of the year,” yet admitted it had been a very challenging year. Taking over from his father—a year in which he had not always been supportive of the team—he often found himself too focused on the wrong things, spinning too many plates, and struggling to solve everyone’s problems.

Ultimately, I believe he was trying too hard to please everyone and make his father—his role model—proud.

It reminded me of a recent conversation I had with a group of senior executives preparing for change. I asked them who they looked up to, both inside and outside their business. Who inspired them and why? What was their perception of their leadership reputation, and why would anyone choose to be led by them?

Many cited an external “guru” from a Ted Talk or a sporting icon who had inspired them in some way. But then one of them said: “Alex in the design team. She is one of our middle managers, always consistent in her behaviour, a great cross-collaborator, always willing to support others, and has the most engaged and high-performing team in the business.”

Freddie Guilmard

“You do not always have to look up to find your role models. Look sideways, look down, look for those shining stars who can make a difference and start to recognise and celebrate what they do.”

I bet Alex wouldn’t think twice about whether her team should have a Christmas party or not.

Jim Collins, in his research on what makes a great business, emphasises the importance of leadership at all levels for sustainable performance. In practice, this means individuals taking responsibility and being accountable for their actions.

Every day, in my work, I come across many brilliant people—not just in leadership roles—who truly inspire me. I also work with senior managers who have a deep desire to understand what they can do differently to build more human-centric businesses and be seen as great role models.

So, back to my client and his Christmas dilemma. What we ended up talking about was this:

■ Your team and colleagues will not just notice what you do at Christmas but what you do every day, how you treat them, and how you make them feel.

■ Leadership is hard and can feel lonely. You do not always have to look up to find your role models. Look sideways, look down, and seek out those shining stars who can make a difference—then recognise and celebrate what they do.

■ No matter your role, seniority, or status in life, what you do will impact someone, somewhere, whether you like it or not.

Enjoy your Christmas turkey and a well-deserved rest. Maybe start to think about next year’s Christmas party and ask yourself how your leadership role can make the next decision a nobrainer.

Merry Christmas..

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

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

Network of partners boost our support offer

In light of the recent budget announcements relating to SMEs, now more than ever businesses need to know where to go to understand some of these changes and ensure they are not only compliant but in the most efficient way for your business.

That is where your Growth Hub can help. Most readers of this magazine will be able to access fully funded support from us at the South Midlands Growth Hub as long as you have a business in Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes or Bedfordshire.

Our support can look very different for every business, depending on the challenges you are facing and your growth aspirations. Alongside our free events programme and our library of free resources, all SMEs in the region can utilise our business adviser team for one-to-one support for as long as required.

You will have the opportunity to undertake a deep dive diagnostic with our advisers, produce an action plan to implement and have regular review sessions to monitor progress and overcome any obstacles.

Published on behalf of

Some challenges can be quite niche and require specific advice from industry experts. That is where our network of partners comes in. We have worked hard to develop relationships with more than 70 key partners and stakeholders in the region so we can access the most appropriate guidance for you.

There were some big changes announced in recent weeks by the Chancellor which will have an impact on

the majority of businesses in the South Midlands. The Growth Hub is proud to have partnered with TC Group, a local accountancy practice with an expert tax team to share some of these key changes for employers and what they mean, in particular the rises in Employer National Insurance Contributions.

Read the full report at tc-group.com/ autumn-budget-hub/.

We will also be working with TC Group across 2025 to bring businesses a dedicated workshop on preparing an exit strategy and how the changes to both inheritance tax and capital gains tax could impact a successful exit.

This is just one example of how we can support businesses much further than just our own in-house knowledge when it comes to needing expert advice and guidance. Our partners are always forthcoming in helping us and, in turn, our businesses across the South Midlands. This ensures stability, growth and prosperity remain at the forefront of our mission in supporting businesses. n Find out more at growthhub. southmidlands.org.uk/

The benefits of challenger bank business accounts

Efficient, quick and on an app. Tony Byrne of Wealth & Tax Management explains why he is delighted with his new way of banking.

If you are a business owner or a business executive, you need to know about the benefits of challenger bank business accounts.

If, like me, you have had a High Street business bank account for many years, you will be well aware of the frustrations of using such an account. The challenges you experience as an individual with such banks are nothing compared to the challenges you face as a business account holder.

Most high street banks still insist on you using a card reader and an authentication card. At least one such bank does not allow you access to your online banking without them so if your PIN is not recognised, no Internet banking. Such banks will only give you the option of visiting a branch to unlock your PIN at a cashpoint machine. The trouble is that one such Scottish bank’s nearest branch

Tony Byrne

is in Edinburgh... I live in Milton Keynes. Another business bank I use has insisted on a 45-minute interview to discuss the renewal of a mere £10,000 overdraft facility which my business has had for years and is automatically renewed each year. I rang the bank to make the appointment and gave up after waiting for an hour without a reply. I decided recently to open some challenger bank business accounts. The whole process was so much more efficient and quick and all done on an app. A business account can be opened in about 15-20 minutes including having an account number and sort code allocated straight away and a virtual debit card issued on the spot,which you can add to your Apple Wallet instantly.

If you are interested in finding ways to make your business more successful, take advantage of a one-hour Discovery Meeting either at our offices or by a video conference call at our expense worth £270 to each of the first three readers who contact us before 31 December 2024. You know it makes sense. We offer a great cup of coffee too. Ring us on 01908 523740 or for free on 0800 980 4516 or email wealth@wealthandtax.co.uk and quote DECEMBER 24 offer to book your free discovery meeting.

With facial recognition too, my experience so far has been very encouraging. I am delighted. Give it a go yourself. The time and hassle you will save will surprise you.

www.wealthandtax.co.uk

RISK WARNING The value of investments can fall as well as rise. You may not get back what you invest. The information contained within this blog is for guidance only and does not constitute advice which should be sought before taking any action or inaction. All information is based on our current understanding of taxation, legislation, regulations and case law in the current tax year. Any levels and bases of relief from taxation are subject to change. Tax treatment is based on individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate tax planning, estate planning, or trusts. This blog is based on my own observations and opinions.

Ruth Roan, Growth Hub manager

It is on us to champion small firms

Keep supporting the SMEs: The message from FSB development manager

James Anderson as small business owners digest the Autumn Statement and prepare for the festive season.

It is fair to say that Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves’ Autumn Statement has been received pretty badly by the local small business community.

Of course, there is a broad understanding that our public services are in need of investment and money has to be found to support this. But the two main takeaways that we are hearing from small businesses are that it is going to be harder to employ people and that costs are going to rise for consumers because of these additional employment costs.

At the Federation of Small Businesses, our main ask to government in advance of the Budget was for an increase in Employment Allowance which would shield many of our smaller businesses from any possible National Insurance hikes and we were pleased that the government listened to us and doubled the allowance to protect around one million SMEs from increases.

However, we have warned that SME employers with more employees will struggle with the rise in employment costs, including through the changes to employer National Insurance Contributions and the large additional costs that businesses will incur due to government’s raft of new employment law plans.

The FSB has been very clear in our warning of the difficulty SMEs will be confronted with in meeting all of these changes at once and the potential impact on jobs, wages and prices.

We had been very concerned that businesses in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors would struggle when

“Through our networking events, we continually hear of good news stories where businesses have found a niche and are thriving.”

their special relief ended in April and we were relieved to see in the budget that it would be retained, even if it is at a much reduced rate.

We were also encouraged to see the freezing of the small business rate multiplier which we know is a lifeline for small businesses, protecting them from an inflationary hike in business rates.

As ever, it feels like a hard time for people to be running their own businesses but, through our networking events that we run for small businesses across the country, we continually hear of good news stories where businesses have found a niche and are thriving.

The most financially successful businesses provide something that people either need or want, be that service or a product. But for many small businesses, profit is not the king and they are just trying to either make a small living for themselves or provide some employment for others.

Either way, small businesses continue to be the lifeblood of our economy and communities and it is on us, the consumers, to keep supporting them. So, in the lead-up to Christmas, please think locally. How can you support the economy that supports your community?

James Anderson is development manager for the Thames Valley region of the Federation of Small Businesses. fsb.org.uk

James Anderson

Veterans fly high in their new careers

Budget airline easyJet has launched a campaign to recruit Armed Services veterans and is supporting initiatives to help them transition into careers, including engineering and cabin crew

It comes after new research by the airline, whose UK headquarters are at London Luton Airport, revealed that 80% of veterans wanted to take on a new challenge after their service. 60%, however, believed more support was needed to transition into civilian jobs.

Now the airline is working with former SAS soldier and best-selling author Andy McNab to support the launch of weServed – a platform for veterans looking for a new roles. The campaign is part of easyJet’s ongoing work to encourage older workers and careers changers to join the airline.

easyJet is working with organisations such as The Career Transition Partnership, the official resettlement service for the Armed Forces and ForceSelect, a leading provider of military service leavers to UK industry. weServed founder and chief executive Hugh Andree said: “We know they appreciate the exceptional skills held by ex-military personnel and will make it easier for them to find a new home which puts their vast experience and dedication to good use.”

easyJet’s research found that a career in travel is a top choice for veterans reentering the workforce, with almost a fifth surveyed choosing aviation specifically. They cite flexibility, visiting new places and skills development opportunities among the reasons.

A third of those surveyed were interested in operational roles while a quarter were interested in a career in a customer-facing role where they could employ the transferable skills gained in the military such as attention to detail (25%), teamwork (25%), security and

Fundraising... now the heat is on

Office tenants on a Milton Keynes business park are preparing to rise to a red hot challenge in aid of the children’s grief charity Harry’s Rainbow.

Colleagues on The Park MK are warming up for a fundraising firewalk over hot coals at temperatures of up to 500 degrees Celsius.

The Fundraising Firewalk is the brainchild of the park’s marketing and lifestyle manager Sarah Osoba.

“Our business park community is quite competitive so I wanted something to challenge them as well as sharing what we have with the wider Milton Keynes community,” she said. “A Firewalk is not for the faint-hearted so I hope we raise lots of funds for Harry’s Rainbow while bringing the community together in this shared experience.”

safety awareness (21%), communication (21%) and problem-solving (21%).

Rosie Delrosario (pictured below) is a former RAF military transport driver who joined easyJet as cabin crew in her late 50s. She said: “I know that veterans who are thinking about joining the civilian workforce may have concerns. But I want them to know that it is possible to have a fulfilling career after service and easyJet provides thorough support and understanding to those of us from a military background.”

easyJet’s chief operating officer

Captain David Morgan, a former British Army officer and an honorary Air Commodore for the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, said: “We are incredibly proud to

Each participant faces the longest five-metre walk of their life, cheered on by spectators. Competitors are asked to raise a minimum £80 in sponsorship – book your place at the ‘early bird’ discount price before January 1.

The event booking is now live on Eventbrite for people to book their place. The event itself takes place on March 5.

Harry’s Rainbow’s fundraising and events manager Alison Johnson said: “We are so grateful to The Park MK for supporting Harry’s Rainbow with this exciting event. We have seen a huge increase in registrations at Harry’s Rainbow this year therefore we are really relying on companies and the local community to help us raise enough money to support this demand moving into 2025.”

have ex-service people like Rosie as part of the easyJet team and help deliver the excellent service which has made us the UK’s leading airline.

“So we are delighted to be working with weServed, ForceSelect and CTP to help veterans find meaningful new opportunities, bringing with them a wealth of experience and valuable transferable skills, joining much-valued fellow former military colleagues who have found highly rewarding new career paths.”

Andy McNab said: “Every year, some 20,000 people leave the armed services and we know it can be a challenge for veterans to find the right career fit. But easyJet has shown it understands the value of their incredible skill sets.”

Getting to grips with tech at the South Central Institute of Technology

Everything stops for tea and technology

For many, keeping pace with technology in the form of the latest phone, tablet, iPad, app or internet function is a walk in the park. For others, it is a struggle.

Now help is at hand in the form of a series of informal courses for those in the latter group but who want to survive in the digital world, beat the online scammers and stay in touch with friends and family.

When Maureen Gibbons joined her first class, her knowledge was, she admits, very limited. “The world has changed so much,” said the 74-year-old. “It is like learning a new language. I could not have told you what a browser was before.”

The sessions take place at the South Central Institute of Technology in Bletchley on Mondays and at other local community venues within Milton Keynes. Relaxed and friendly, they are driven by the problems people are facing in real life.

“People ask us how to use their banking apps, how to book doctor’s appointments, getting on to WhatsApp or just sending and receiving text messages and calls,” said Milton Keynes College Group’s project director for adult learning Di Cook.

“They want to know how to do the things the rest of us take for granted..”

“It may seem obvious to a lot of people but if you do not know these things it can be very isolating for those who feel left behind.”

The problems people want solving are discussed over a cuppa and some biscuits in what has become a social as well as a learning event.

“We have people coming along who are quite elderly and they are making friends, which is really lovely to see,” said Di. “There are some great benefits for many of them.

“We had one lady who, now she has the skills, has got back in touch with a friend who moved abroad years ago.”

Others have shied away from visiting the doctor because they do not know how to book an appointment online. Scam victims have received advice on how to prevent it happening to them again.

“From online shopping to watching films, they want to know how to do the things the rest of us take for granted,” said Di.

The courses are free. To find out more, call 07961 504476.

“The sessions have been so helpful,” said Maureen. “They keep it simple. It is not a big class so you can ask if you are stuck. Everybody here is at a different stage of their adventure with it but we all know we need to have it.”

Specialists begin hall’s upgrade

Work is under way on a major refurbishment of Newport Pagnell Baptist Church.

Luton-based construction firm Neville Special Projects won the contract to deliver the first phase of the project, the renovation of Lovat Hall community centre.

Neville Special Projects is replacing the existing asbestos roof with a new composite insulated roof and suspended grid ceiling, curtain walling, internal fire doors, high level windows and new photovoltaic solar panels.

The updates were essential for the hall to continue provide the space for the church’s activities and the many community groups it hosts on a weekly basis.

Mark Talbot, construction site manager at Neville Special Projects said: “One of the many great things about having operated across Buckinghamshire and surrounding counties for so long is that we get to play a small part in the evolution of our communities. The services that Newport Pagnell Baptist Church provides is testament to this. We were pleased to be able to deliver a smooth service so that Lovat Hall could continue to function as a core space for local people.”

Neville Special Projects is a division of the Neville Trust Group of Companies that is preparing to celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2025.

The Newport Pagnell Baptist Church project has been funded by church members and grants from Community Ownership Fund, FCC Communities Fund, Carbon Offset Fund and Milton Keynes Community Foundation.

Church fundraiser Sam Hall said: “We are delighted that as a result of this work our church and community can continue to use and enjoy this space for many years to come.”

The Neville Special Projects team

Our focus is to understand our clients and their business

Industry expertise

Look for a broker who understands your specific industry.

They should be familiar with the unique risks your business faces and recommend policies tailored to your needs. For example, a broker experienced in construction may offer insights on liability, while one focused on retail might highlight product risks.

The main question is: Does the broker understand your business?

Market access

Ensure the broker has access to a broad network of insurers. This allows them to provide competitive quotes and find specialised coverage options that suit your business needs.

Limited access might mean fewer choices and higher premiums.

Reputation and references

Research the broker’s reputation by checking online reviews or asking for client references.

A strong track record of service and reliability can indicate their ability to handle claims, provide ongoing support, and act in your best interest.

Danny Flowers, managing director of Motum Insurance Services, puts himself in the client’s shoes when it comes to choosing an insurance broker.

Customer service and communication

Evaluate their responsiveness and willingness to explain policies clearly.

A good broker should act as a partner, offering proactive advice and being available to answer questions or assist with claims throughout the policy term.

Find out about their aftersales service, a broker which only focuses on selling you a policy is unlikely to provide any real service post sale.`

Cost versus value

Consider the balance between price and the value of their services.

The cheapest option is not always the best. Focus on the broker’s ability to provide comprehensive coverage, risk management advice and claims support, which could save your business money in the long run.

By prioritising these factors, you can select a commercial insurance broker who will best serve your business needs.

Culture

Are your business cultures aligned? People buy people and if you cannot get on with your broker at some level, the chances are your relationship will not last beyond the initial policy period.

A good relationship allows both parties to be open and honest about any challenges with both the policy and the business.

At Motum we focus on understanding our client and their business. For us, making sure we provide the right levels of cover at the right price is equally as important as ensuring our values align.

Danny Flowers

It’s Christmas... prepare for the worst

The festive season is almost upon us... Sara Marshall, of Franklins Solicitors, advises employers that it is important to strike the balance between having fun and maintaining standards of behaviour at the company Christmas party.

Christmas is a magical and happy time of the year for many and a work Christmas party is an opportunity to spend time with work colleagues and celebrate in a more relaxed setting.

However all too often, the combination of a relaxed atmosphere and too much alcohol brings out the worst in employees, leading to a negative impact on its workers or the company reputation.

Attending an alcohol-fuelled party can be a source of anxiety for many people and can have an impact on their mental health. An employee may not want to attend a Christmas party and they should not feel pressurised to do so.

Also, Christmas is a Christian holiday and staff should not be pressured to attend if they do not want to on the grounds of religion.

Conversations with managers about performance, salary and benefits should not be discussed at a Christmas party and senior managers should be reminded that their behaviour should lead by example.

Parties may lead to inevitable workplace gossip and care must be exercised to avoid this opportunity.

It is important to remember that any

work party or gathering can be argued to have effectively taken place at work. An employer may be vicariously liable for wrongdoing by an employee if that wrongdoing is “closely connected” with the employment.

Employees can therefore argue that any unfair treatment that they have received at a Christmas party took place within the workplace, opening employers up to liability and subjecting employees to disciplinary action for the same reasons.

It is therefore important for employers to prepare for the worst, hopefully in order to avoid issues arising.

Offending employees at the Christmas party should be asked to leave and a meeting arranged for the next working day to discuss their conduct.

Employers should have policies in place that specifically deal with potential problem areas. The standard of behaviour should be clearly outlined within the policy together with the potential consequences of infringing these expectations.

Reminding employees of these policies in advance of the staff party may prevent infringing behaviour from occurring in the first instance and will assist the

employer in disciplining fairly. The standard of behaviour expected should be communicated to employees and any breaches should be actioned reasonably.

Employees may be investigated and face disciplinary action if their employer suspects that they are under the influence of alcohol and drugs or for incidents of bad behaviour at the party.

Employers should be wary of the risks of harassment, misconduct, absenteeism, religious discrimination and unfair dismissal inherent during the Christmas party.

Drink driving after the office party

Other than giving the incredibly simple advice of ‘Don’t do it’, a company may want to think about organising transport to ensure everyone’s safety when leaving or offer accommodation close to the venue. Employees should be reminded that they must arrange alternative transportation home if they are intending on drinking.

Absenteeism

If the work party is to take place in the middle of the week, there will be a risk that employees will be absent the following day. A company may want to remind staff that they should arrive for work on time and in a fit state to perform their work.

If they are driving for their work, they should not be drinking alcohol the night before.

An employer can make deductions from employees’ pay if they turn up for work late the morning after the company Christmas party, provided that the right to make deductions from wages for unauthorised absence is reserved in the employment contract.

These are just a few examples of the things that can go wrong. It is important to strike the correct balance between ensuring that employees can enjoy themselves at the party but also comply with their employer’s expected standards of behaviour.

Advising employees of clear and consistent policies should avoid a number of issues from arising in the first place.

n Sara Marshall is an Associate Partner and Head of Employment Law at Franklins Solicitors. For any legal matters relating to employment, contact sara.marshall@ franklins-sols.co.uk or call 01908 660966.

Sara Marshall

Health & Safety

Risk and reward: Health and safety must top any business agenda

It is pivotal for the growth plans and culture of any organisation of any size, says compliance specialist Adam Fox

In today’s fast-paced commercial landscape, managing health and safety goes beyond mere compliance. It is a cornerstone of your business strategy, pivotal for fostering growth and safeguarding your company’s culture and reputation.

Let’s delve into why embedding robust health and safety protocols into your core business strategies is not only just smart… it is essential for maintaining smooth operations and ensuring employee safety.

Keeping the business buoyant

Prioritising health and safety keeps your business running smoothly. Effective safety measures significantly reduce accidents and health-related absences, minimising disruptions and maintaining continuous operations.

It is not just about sidestepping immediate costs and disruptions. Ensuring uninterrupted operations maintains client trust and enables businesses to stick to project timelines. Essentially, a solid health and safety policy acts as a safeguard for your business, protecting operational flow and stability.

Legal and financial benefits

While this might sound obvious, dodging legal trouble is a must. Neglecting health and safety obligations can lead to severe fines, legal issues and, in extreme cases, might even shut down your business.

Proactively managing health and safety not only mitigates these risks but also reduces insurance premiums and the costs associated with workplace incidents.

Happy employees, better output

A safe workplace boosts employee morale. When staff feel their welfare is a priority, job satisfaction and productivity increase. This uplift in morale can lead to more innovative and enthusiastic contributions to your business, enhancing culture and overall performance.

Retaining talent

With a commendable safety record, your business becomes an attractive place for top talent and, importantly, helps to retain your employees.

High turnover rates are costly and disruptive. By making your workplace safe, you will see skilled workers stay longer, reducing recruitment costs and operational disruptions.

Enhancing operational efficiency

Incorporating safety into your business operations often leads to better efficiency. Simple adjustments, such as organising workspaces to minimise risks, can make them more suitable for their intended tasks and even more efficient. Also, reducing time lost to injuries directly boosts productivity, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.

Innovation through safety

Who says safety cannot be innovative? Utilising technology to monitor health and safety can provide data that lead to broader operational improvements. Implementing modern safety measures often means your processes are not only safer but also more streamlined and cost-effective.

Polishing public perception

An exemplary safety record greatly enhances your public image. In an era where consumers favour companies that demonstrate corporate responsibility, a reputation for stringent health and safety practices can significantly differentiate you from the competition.

Fostering trust

Companies that consistently prioritise health and safety are viewed as less risky by investors and more stable by insurers. This perception can lead to better investment opportunities and more favourable terms from insurers, underpinning the financial health of your business.

Addressing implementation hurdles

Integrating health and safety into your business strategy comes with its challenges, such as initial investment costs and - more often than notresistance from your team.

Strong leadership and effective communication are key in surmounting these obstacles, ensuring everyone is on board with new safety initiatives.

“From enhancing operational continuity to improving your company’s market standing, the advantages are substantial.”

Practical

tips to overcome obstacles

Engage all levels of the organisation in safety initiatives. Leverage technology to enhance training and monitoring and continuously refine your safety processes to ensure they remain effective and align with the evolving needs of your business.

Elevating health and safety from a compliance obligation to a strategic business focus offers immense benefits across various aspects of business operations. From enhancing operational continuity to improving your company’s market standing, the advantages are substantial.

Businesses that recognise and act on this insight are not just protecting their workforce but are setting themselves up for sustained success.

With more than 20 years of experience in asbestos management, health, safety and more recently business coaching, I have gained extensive insights into integrating robust health and safety strategies that propel businesses forward.

Trust me, prioritising this is not just good practice… It is essential for modern business success.

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

Adam Fox

Martin Carmody, managing director of brand, creative, digital and comms agency Stratos, explains why he places significant value on respect, equality and inclusivity in the workplace.

A positive culture can power productivity

With a significant portion of our lives spent at work, ensuring a positive workplace environment is essential to the long-term health, happiness, and productivity of our people.

I was honoured to be asked to contribute to The Open University’s latest report on productivity, alongside Safaraz Ali, chief executive and founder of the Multicultural Apprenticeship and Skills Alliance; Nerys Bolton, associate head of school, Curriculum and Innovation, School of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care at The Open University; Sir Cary Cooper of Manchester Business School; Anthony Impey, chief executive of Be the Business; and Dr Fidèle Mutwarasibo, director of the Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership at The Open University.

The Powering Up Productivity report, which makes a case for investment in people, skills, and technology, recognises the impact positive workplace culture can have on every element of business growth.

At Stratos, we believe that it is our people who create our culture, and that is why we only employ those who share our commitment to caring, communicating, and compromising with one another, our partners, clients, and the wider

business community.

“In the most basic terms, if you’re a good person and you want to do good work, you’re our kind of person.”

The report is based on a survey of 500 employers, which found that one in four are reporting that their productivity has worsened in the last five years. This aligns with government figures that document the UK’s poor productivity performance compared to the likes of the United States, France, and Germany.

The Open University’s report makes recommendations to organisations looking to address and improve productivity by:

n Setting clear goals.

n Tracking and analysing utilisation.

n Investing in reskilling and upskilling.

n Adopting new technologies.

n Unlocking hidden talents.

n Supporting wellbeing.

n Making small, incremental changes.

n Seeking external advice.

Bucking the UK’s plateaued productivity trend, this year Stratos has doubled in size, taking on new creative and account management experts as well as some

“We

value our partnerships, working with other people and teams at the top of their games to make us all stronger. “

of the digital, comms, and client services team at former Milton Keynes agency Interdirect.

And while it has been a hugely exciting year for Stratos, communication has—and continues to be—crucial to ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard, opinions are considered, and needs are supported, as we navigate together the next steps to business and personal success.

Flexibility comes a close second to communication in my list of workplace productivity priorities, and it is something I have proudly championed at Stratos. We trust our people and value their ability to self-motivate and commit to producing the best possible outcomes for our clients.

That is why we have openly welcomed our team’s personal priorities and offer flexible office and home working. We have even accommodated some of our people moving and working from locations such as Liverpool, Bulgaria, and South Africa. When it comes to measuring team performance and productivity, I strongly believe that tracking and analysing utilisation is crucial to the success of any organisation—but it needs to be treated with respect and diligence.

The team must understand why it is such an important part of the business and appreciate that it is not in play to micromanage or ‘point fingers.’ It is there to get a true reading of the time and resources that we have available to us.

Stratos is realistic about what we are able to achieve as a small but mighty team, and that is why we value our partnerships, working with other people and teams at the top of their games to make us all stronger.

Leaning on specialist know-how, experience, and knowledge, we work alongside each other to create a tailored approach that adds true value to projects, businesses, and brands.

Likewise, The Open University— headquartered at its Walton Hall campus in Milton Keynes—works with more than 2,700 employers across the four nations of the United Kingdom to provide learning and development to staff.

Its research and innovation address some of the most pressing challenges faced by society.

n To learn more about the different ways to increase productivity in your workplace visit business.open.ac.uk/productivity.

n Stratos is based in Central Milton Keynes. stratos.agency

Martin Carmody

A strategic approach to team structure

How organisational

design can help a business to thrive

Business owners are already setting goals for the new year. An oftenoverlooked element of success is organisational design—a strategic approach to structuring teams, workflows, and roles within a business to improve efficiency and productivity. It is key to ensuring a business runs smoothly, according to HR consultant Rachel Collar. “It is about making sure the right people are in the right roles, communication is clear, and everyone knows their part in the company’s larger mission.”

As businesses reflect on 2024 and plan for 2025, now is the perfect time to review how teams are structured.

n Are employees well-placed to deliver results?

n Is communication between departments seamless?

“Improving how your teams collaborate can have a transformative effect.”

n Are decisions being made efficiently or are there bottlenecks that slow progress?

“One of the most common challenges we see is businesses operating with outdated structures that no longer serve their goals,” said Rachel, owner of HR consultancy Haus of HR, based in Towcester. “By realigning teams and workflows, businesses can streamline operations and boost performance.”

Organisational design does not stop at reshuffling employees. It also encompasses systems and processes, she added.

Effective structures ensure that the business is poised to move towards its strategic objectives without unnecessary friction and engaging with HR experts for organisational design may be the missing piece of the puzzle. “Improving how your teams collaborate can have a transformative effect on overall productivity and morale,” Rachel said.

Rachel Collar

The Chancellor’s challenge and a pensions dilemma for investors

In presenting her party’s first Budget in 14 years, the new Labour Chancellor was faced with a challenging task. Following her announcement of a “black hole” in the public finances, Rachel Reeves would need to strike a balance between the need to renew the Treasury’s coffers while also maintaining Labour’s manifesto promises.

A tall order indeed.

With the full details of the Budget now revealed, many have looked unfavourably on some of the Chancellor’s decisions, criticising it for a lack of growth-generating measures given the Chancellor’s rhetoric on the need to revive economic growth in the UK.

Away from the initial market reaction to the Budget, the largest fall-out for investors has clearly surrounded the fact that pensions will now form part of an individual’s estate, therefore anyone who has an estate valued above their individual allowances will now be hit by a tax on second death and pensions potentially locked into probate before they are released.

This will have a big impact on a lot of individuals as today a pension sits outside of the estate and, as such, most individuals would not be taxed (as long as couple’s joint estate without pensions is below the £1 million total threshold). From 2027 your pension - irrespective of what protection you have in place today (allegedly) - will form part of your estate and, being potentially assessed as part of your estate, will therefore be locked in probate.

This will cause three problems.

Chartered wealth manager Charlie Lodge takes an investment perspective on the Autumn Statement.

increased from 13.8% to 15.0% with effect from April 6, 2025 and the secondary threshold at which NICs are payable will be reduced from £9,100 to £5,000.

n The main rates of capital gains tax will increase with immediate effect to 18% for non and basic rate taxpayers and 24% for higher and additional rate taxpayers.

n The rate for business asset disposal relief will rise to 14% for 2025/26 and 18% from 2026/27.

n Inheritance tax business and agricultural 100% reliefs will be capped at a combined total of £1 million from April 2026. Above that, the rate of tax relief will be 50%. However, the cap will not apply to AIM shares which will just qualify for 50% relief.

n The additional Stamp Duty Land Tax rate for second homes and buy-to-let properties increased from 3% to 5% from October 31 this year.

n The temporary increases in the 0% SDLT band for first-time and other property buyers will end on March 31,2025.

n VAT at 20% will be applied to private school education and boarding services from January 1, 2025. From April 1, 2025, charitable relief for business rates will be withdrawn.

n Far more individuals’ estates are likely to be charged Inheritance Tax and charged at 40% on second death.

n Pension funds will likely not be immediately available and from 2027 locked into the probate process.

n There is an interaction between total estate and main residence nil rate band that is worth £175,000 per person for estates below £2 million in that if your estate goes above £2 million then you start to lose it.

If, therefore, your total estate goes

Charlie Lodge is a

Chartered Wealth Manager and operations supervisor at OCM Wealth Management.

“There is much still to digest, with a consultation period on the key pension changes still to be completed.”

above £2.35 million including pension then your allowance against which you pay no Inheritance tax reduces to £650,000.

In addition to the key headline, the other big news stories we saw were:

n The main rate of class 1 employer National Insurance Contributions will be

n Subscription limits for Individual Savings Accounts, Junior ISAs and Lifetime ISAs will be frozen until April 2030.

As ever, the Budget publication contains a wide range of detailed proposals and there is much still to digest, with a consultation period on the key pension changes still to be completed so let us hope they think in the round on that one.

Please also remember government and taxes rise and fall so what has changed today could very much reverse tomorrow.

n To discuss the budget and how it potentially impacts you, your family or your business, please do not hesitate to contact OCM Wealth Management.

ocmwealthmanagement.co.uk

Charlie Lodge

MInor tweaks can make a major impact on business performance.

Chartered accountant Adrian Goodman, of PPX Consulting, explains more.

Incremental improvements: The small steps that lead to big gains

For SME business owners, managing growth and profitability often feels like juggling multiple priorities. It is easy to focus on major initiatives or large cost-saving projects but sometimes the most impactful improvements come from making small, incremental changes across several areas of your business. Applied consistently, these minor adjustments can lead to significant overall gains.

Think of your management accounts as a performance dashboard for your business. They are more than just numbers; they are a reflection of your operations, efficiency and decision-making.

By identifying small improvements across different areas - revenues, costs, and operational metrics - you can compound their effects over time. This is where regular performance evaluation comes into play. Without reviewing the individual lines in your budget regularly, it is impossible to spot opportunities for these incremental gains.

Management accounts provide the insights you need to make those small but effective adjustments, ensuring you are always improving your business in manageable steps.

Boosting sales does not always require a major marketing overhaul. Here are some small but effective strategies:

n Review pricing A slight price increase on high-demand products or services, especially those where you already deliver great value, can improve margins without driving customers away.

n Upselling and cross-selling Train your team to suggest complementary products or premium options. Even modest success rates can lead to noticeable revenue growth.

n Customer retention It is cheaper to keep a customer than to acquire a new one. Simple loyalty initiatives, like discounts for repeat purchases, can encourage clients to return.

Cost reduction does not always mean slashing expenses dramatically. Targeted efficiency improvements can make a big difference.

n Supplier negotiations Regularly renegotiate terms with suppliers. A reduction of between 2% and 3% in costs for frequently purchased items or services can add up over the year.

n Energy efficiency Simple actions

Adrian

Goodman

“Big changes can be risky and disruptive whereas smaller adjustments compound over time to deliver lasting results.”

like switching to energy-saving bulbs or automating heating schedules can lower utility bills.

n Reduce waste Whether it is stock, materials or time, tackling waste can lower costs and improve productivity.

Operational tweaks are another area ripe for incremental gains.

n Streamline processes Look for repetitive manual tasks that could be automated. For example, use accounting software integrations to reduce administration time.

n Improve debtor management Tighten credit terms and follow up on overdue invoices promptly. A small improvement in debtor days can free up cash flow for growth.

n Staff training Equip your team with new skills or tools to work more effectively. Even minor productivity increases per employee can enhance overall output.

Chasing big wins such as significant revenue growth or drastic cost cuts can be tempting but it is not always sustainable. Like the fable of the tortoise

and the hare, the steady and consistent approach of making small incremental gains often builds a more resilient and successful business in the long run.

Big changes can be risky and disruptive whereas smaller adjustments compound over time to deliver lasting results.

To make incremental improvements work, focus on measurable actions and track progress. Start by reviewing your management accounts to identify areas where even modest adjustments could have an impact.

Then set realistic goals, implement changes, and monitor the results.

By embracing small, steady improvements and regularly reviewing your management accounts, SME owners can unlock the full potential of their business. Over time, these incremental gains will lead to a stronger, more resilient foundation for sustainable success.

Of course, the starting point is to get robust performance evaluation in place in the first place. If you need help with that, give PPX Consulting a call.

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

ppxconsulting.co.uk

adrian.goodman@ppxconsulting.co.uk 01536 856740

Mandy Young

Inspiring the careers of future superstars

Supercharging the growth of women’s sport is the name of the game for a new series of sports seminars hosted by the University of Northampton.

The university has a calendar of events planned in the run-up to the Women’s Rugby World Cup in the UK next September, including six matches at the cinch stadium at Franklins Gardens, home of Northampton Saints.

The seminars aim to inspire conversations on raising the profile of women’s sport and inspiring the next generation of professional players and participants.

The UON Sports Seminar Series is one part of the university’s festival of action taking place in the lead-up to kick-off on August 22, inviting the public to its Waterside Campus to hear insights and messages of inspiration from community sports organisations and international sportswomen.

The first session took place last month, at which Mandy Young, founder and chief executive at the Adrenaline Alley indoor skatepark in Corby, spoke about her ongoing work to encourage young women and girls into BMX, skateboarding, scootering and skating.

Adrenaline Alley offers free sessions for females which help them to develop the social

and life skills which enable female riders to become coaches and professional athletes. Among those helped by the centre is Charlotte Worthington, who went on to win gold at the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2020 in the BMX freestyle. She also competed at the Paris Olympics earlier this year.

“Without Adrenaline Alley my life would be so different. I would not have travelled the world, been a two-time Olympian or met the wonderful people I have that have helped me on my journey,” she said.

The seminars take place monthly and are free to attend. “It is an incredibly exciting time for Northampton as we look forward to a summer celebrating women’s rugby on an international stage from our very own Franklin’s Gardens –just a stone’s throw from campus,” said UON’s head of science Scott Bradley.

“It is incredibly important to continue ensuring future generations of women’s rugby and sports are supported from the grass roots up, which is at the beating heart of what we do here at UON.”

The Rugby World Cup Impact Programme, delivered by the RFU in partnership with the UK government and Sport England, also aims to create more opportunities for females across all levels of the game through its volunteer, coaching and internship programmes.

Weatherbys renews Cobblers deal

Racing administrator Weatherbys, whose in-house creative and printing facility publishes the racecards for every horse racing meeting in the UK, is continuing its backing of Northampton Town FC.

The company, based in Wellingborough, is a long-time supporter of the Cobblers.

Head of operations Steve Arnold said: “Weatherbys is extremely proud to be continuing our long-standing partnership with Northampton Town Football Club. We are a family-run business and wholly support and relate to the brilliant work the club does within the community. We are excited to play a part in those efforts again.

“We have partnered with the club for over 15 years now and the club’s commercial team have been a pleasure to work with, providing us with innovative opportunities and avenues for growth.

“We look forward to this continuing, particularly through the club’s business network that has proven to be a great platform for us to grow awareness of our market-leading print and fulfilment services.”

Weatherbys is keen to promote its creative and printing offer to businesses across the region.

Northampton Town’s commercial director James Corrigan said: “Weatherbys has been a valued sponsor of our club for many years. We are proud to have such a long-standing partnership with a local business that embodies dedication and true loyalty.”

Scan here to subscribe for your print and/or digital copy of Business Times each month. For the latest news from Northamptonshire, visit business-times.co.uk

Quantity surveyor and Loughborough Lightning prop forward Isla Curphey knows that paid employment is a huge benefit as she works to achieve her dreams of playing rugby for England.

Having time away from the pitch and training ground to focus on developing her career as a quantity surveyor is providing a perfect balance for the mental wellbeing of Loughborough Lightning prop forward Isla Curphey.

She has begun her first year in employment after graduating in commercial management and quantity surveying at Loughborough University and is equally focused on cementing her place in Northampton Saints’ women’s Lightning squad as the season gets into full swing.

Her on-pitch ambition is to represent England. But she also realises that her rugby is sustained and fuelled by her professional employment which delivers the financial resources and life balance that she needs to keep her dreams of sporting success alive.

“I do believe having something externally from rugby is good for you,” Isla said. “I feel like rugby is an escape but also, with the level that we train at, sometimes you need an escape from the rugby just to relax.

“Working takes your mind off things but then with the rugby, it also takes your mind off the work so they work really cohesively together.”

Isla grew up on the Isle of Man, where she first discovered her interest in construction working with her father building animal sheds on farms and horse arenas.

‘The world would be our oyster’:

Rugby player has her life in perfect balance

“I got into it fairly young. I must have been about 12 or 13 helping build, driving tractors and things. I really enjoyed it.

“I went through school and did not really know what I wanted to do. I did A levels and failed and then decided to go to college for construction because that was what I enjoyed at home and at work.”

Isla’s story is one of nine highlighted in Premiership Women’s Rugby’s campaign Powered Differently, which aims to showcase the determination and resilience of women players.

Also featured are nurse Carys Cox, who plays for Trailfinders Women, marine conservation student Freya Aucken at Harlequins and tattoo artist Amber Schonert, who plays for Sale Sharks.

“Just to be able to sustain rugby in

Former England Test bowler Devon Malcolm has called for support from local people for plans that could see the village of Brixworth take ownership of its cricket and tennis club facilities.

West Northamptonshire councillors are to consider a plan for Brixworth Local Services Centre, on the southern edge of the village just off Northampton Road. It includes 16 affordable homes, a convenience store, a spa and wellbeing centre and a gym as well as a Section 106 agreement should the scheme get the go-ahead that would see the freehold of Brixworth Cricket and Tennis Club transferred to a Community Interest Company or similar to take on full management and ownership.

It is an opportunity which would help to

reality motivates me because, obviously, in women’s rugby it is not as high level as we would like it to be with funding. I am able to assist that so that I can then do my best at rugby,” said Isla. “In my free time I will work to be able to make sure that I am able to concentrate and really do rugby full-time and can spend all the time that I need to at training.”

Her job away from the pitch is valuable for her wellbeing, providing an escape from the high-octane environment that surrounds elite sport. “You also never know what’s going to happen. You do not want to rely on the rugby and then maybe get injured. Anything can happen so being able to have that career that you can then go into to be able to live a life is important.”

safeguard the cricket club’s future, said Devon Malcolm, the club’s president. He has been involved in the club since the move to its current ground 17 years ago

Isla Curphey

Devon Malcolm

Just champion: Leisure centre nets national award

Moulton Leisure Centre is among the winners at leisure operator Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions Awards.

General manager Andrew Joy (right) is pictured with the Site of the Year award presented by four-time Paralympic gold medallist Maisie Summers-Newton (also pictured), who trains at the centre with Northampton Swimming Club.

“The Sporting Champions scheme

and said he cannot sit back and watch the opportunity slip away.

The former fast bowler, who has lived in the area for almost 30 years, said: “It would be remiss of me to sit back and see all the work that the community has put in drift away. It is massively important to see the club continue.”

Without the security of a long-term lease, the club cannot apply for England & Wales Cricket Board funding. “If we do own the ground, the world would be our oyster,” said Devon.

Brixworth residents have voiced concerns over the proposal from a countryside development and traffic angle. Brixworth’s parish council is opposed to the scheme.

Brixworth Cricket and Tennis Club

has been very successful in providing exceptional support to emerging talent and we were delighted to showcase this,” said Andrew. “It is fantastic to see how the scheme has expanded over the years.”

Moulton was a joint winner of the award with Middlesbrough Sports Village.

Everyone Active runs more than 230 leisure and cultural centres across the country, including Moulton Leisure

facilities are currently owned by a former Brixworth village GP, Dr Dallas Burston. He personally funded the building of the sporting facilities in the early 1990s. Since then, Dr Burston has only charged £1 a year in rent and has sponsored equipment and functions.

The grounds are worth around £500,000, an amount of money which Devon said the clubs just do not have.

If Dr Burston’s plans for Brixworth Local Services Centre are approved, the village would own the grounds as part of a Section 106 – an agreement between a planning authority and a developer that ensure certain extra works related to a development are undertaken for the benefit of the local community.

A covenant would be included to

Cricket targets female superstars

Northamptonshire County Cricket Club is targeting the female players of the future with the launch of its new Emerging Players Programme for girls.

The club is looking to support and develop players of regional cricket standard or who could join the county’s new Tier 2 team Steelbacks Women.

Northamptonshire wants the programme to help to bring on players to play at regional and Steelbacks level.

It will also support all aspects of player development including technical, physical and wellbeing and give players access to expert resources in and outside of cricket.

A squad of 12-15 girls will be selected from NCCC’s under-13 to under-18 county age groups and will be based at The County Ground.

The programme will be led by Paul Harris, the club’s current head of girls’ pathway, with the support of head coach of Northamptonshire Steelbacks women David Ripley.

Centre and Daventry Leisure Centre, in partnership with West Northamptonshire Council. Cllr Daniel Lister, cabinet member for local economy, culture, and leisure, said: “This achievement underscores the importance of accessible, high-quality leisure facilities in supporting not only elite athletes but also encouraging broader community involvement in sports and wellbeing across West Northamptonshire.”

prevent future residential or commercial use of the grounds or buildings.

Brixworth’s current facilities are used by Northamptonshire County Cricket Club as a secondary training ground. Its membership is full, including a thriving female section.

“From my point of view, what is important is the wider contribution of the cricket club and getting young people involved in playing cricket,” said Devon. “The long-term benefits of cricket are so valuable.

“We have tried to make the club more diverse and we are the envy of most clubs in terms of our facilities and what we have done. If we managed to take ownership of the cricket club, it would open up more funding opportunities for us.”

Andrew Joy (right) with Moulton Leisure Centre’s award

Business Soundbites

A snapshot of what business people have been telling us.

“Shopping at local stores is more than just a purchase. It is an investment in the community’s long-term prosperity.”

Simon Cox, director of Northamptonshire membership group NNBN, urges support for the Small Business Saturday campaign on December 7.

“A genuine ‘pinch-me moment’ for the management team.”

Howes Percival chairperson Geraint Davies on the law firm’s inclusion for a fifth year in the list of the UK’s 100 Best Large Companies To Work For.

“One thing we often talk about at Saints is the virtuous circle between commercial and on-pitch performance.”

Northampton Saints chairman John White after the 2023-24 Gallagher Premiership champions reported a 12% increase in revenue, a rise of almost 10% in commercial income and a £1.8million improvement in the club’s trading loss.

“The BoE will have to devise a longterm strategy for handling inflation as the 2% target is not likely to be met on a sustained basis for a few years.”

Professor Joe Nellis of Cranfield School of Management predicts that upward pressure on prices will push inflation higher, forcing the Bank of England to be more cautious on interest rates.

“SMEs now face making some tough decisions.”

David Bharier, head of research at the British Chambers of Commerce, fears for small businesses in the wake of the increase in NIC contributions, the rise in the National Living Wage and the impact of the Employment Rights Bill.

“The sector has been hit time and time again and simply cannot take any more.”

Oli Khan, president of the Bangladesh Caterers Association, warns that plans to abolish the 75% business rates relief for hospitality businesses will sound the death knell for many in the sector.

Iain Stewart, who was MP for the former Milton Keynes South constituency for 14 years until the General Election in July, talks to Andrew Gibbs about his new career and life after Parliament.

A privilege for 14 years. Now my priority is to earn a living

It is the day that every MP dreads, but one way or another, they know it to be inevitable. “I wanted to win in July, but I was conscious that it may not happen, so I was mentally ready for it.”

Iain Stewart was MP for the former Milton Keynes South constituency from 2010 until he lost the campaign for the new Bletchley and Buckingham seat at the General Election in July.

His political career was blossoming. He was chair of the Parliamentary Transport Select Committee for two years until the election and had previously held positions as the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Scotland—the land of his birth—as Lord Commissioner (HM Treasury), Assistant Whip in the House of Commons, and Parliamentary Private Secretary to thenTransport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin.

But the Labour landslide numbered him among the Tory casualties, losing the Bletchley and Buckingham seat to Labour’s Callum Anderson by 2,421 votes.

We are talking days after he cleared out his constituency office for the last time. After a summer of reflection, however, Iain’s appetite for work remains. He has joined Milton Advisers, the consultancy set up by his former Parliamentary assistant Alex Walker, the ex-Conservative leader on Milton Keynes Council. Milton Advisers offers strategic communications and government relations services to businesses and administrations around the world.

Iain has joined the firm as a senior consultant, specialising in Parliamentary, governmental, and transport-related matters.

“When I was elected, there was a need for a constituency perspective for Milton Keynes because transport is essential to its future well-being, but also a need to look at policy nationally and internationally.”

At Milton Advisers, he focuses on issues such as new technologies, data, Artificial Intelligence, and transport in a strategic sense—how it fits into wider policy plans. “My role is to be focused and challenge, using my experience of transport and how it fits into the wider agenda. That is where I feel I can add value.”

Iain has lived in Milton Keynes since moving to the city more than 30 years ago as an accountant with Coopers & Lybrand. “I realised early on that accountancy was not my calling, but I used it as a good introduction to business.” He worked as an associate at executive search company Odgers Berndtson until his election in 2010. He first stood for election in 2001. Three general elections later, he was elected as MP for Milton Keynes South. “The pressure on you as an individual, on your family and friends, is significant, but I have always had a passion for it. It is something I have wanted to do for a long time, and I am incredibly grateful that I had the chance to do it. I had the opportunity to represent half of Milton Keynes and its businesses, charities, and community groups, and that was a privilege.”

Four highlights come to mind: helping radio station MKFM to secure its FM broadcasting licence; the East West Rail project linking Oxford with Bletchley, Milton Keynes, and Bedford—and ultimately to Cambridge—that is set to run its first passenger service next year; his role in

Iain Stewart served for two years as chair of the Transport Select Committee and numbers the delivery of East West Rail among the highlights of his political career

Iain Stewart received a CBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List in June for his political and public service

securing city status for Milton Keynes in 2022 after unsuccessful bids in 2000, 2002, and 2012.

Iain also worked with Bletchley Park to secure a posthumous pardon for code breaker Alan Turing, who had been convicted in 1952 for gross indecency after being arrested for having an affair with a 19-year-old man. This conviction meant Turing lost his security clearance. The pardon was granted under the Royal Prerogative of Mercy in 2013.

He was a minister for Scotland as the nation was discussing a second vote on leaving the UK. “The threat of another independence referendum was very high on the agenda. I am a passionate unionist, and I do not want to see my country and the UK split up. I am thankful that Scotland moved away from that course.”

The low point: the pandemic. “That was the most challenging period. We were making decisions when there was not a good option, no ‘advice book’ from previous pandemics, and we had to make judgment calls on what was best.

“With lockdown, we had to balance protecting people’s lives against the implications of an economic hit and other considerations such as the impacts on mental health and children’s education.

“That was the most difficult time, and we did the best we could.”

His hope is that the UK Covid-19 Inquiry into the nation’s response to the pandemic and the lessons to be learned for the future focuses on the latter. “I hope that the inquiry does not become a blame game. I want it to be more of a learning experience so if something like that happens again, we can look back to inform our decision-making.”

Iain relished his time in Parliament and welcomed the opportunity to hear and debate differing viewpoints. “Nobody goes into politics without having a fairly hard

skin, and I do not mind people criticising me—that is debate, which is fine—but personal abuse is difficult to handle.”

To the point where Iain is no longer active on social media. “The level of comment was vile, and it started to affect my mental health. I do not mind people disagreeing with me, but questioning my integrity is something else. Social media is often vile, and it is something we have to address.

Ministers and Parliamentarians need to be held to account and challenged. That is absolutely right, but taking it to a personal level is not.”

Away from the Commons, Iain aims to use his new role to continue to have an input into the transport measures under way when the General Election was called. Most notably, the Rail Reform Bill that aims to set up GB Rail to deliver a more integrated structure for the UK’s rail network.

The network generates its funding from three sources: tickets, government subsidy, and extra income sources such as land and property. Now is a great opportunity for the UK to bring the funding of its rail network in line with more progressive countries such as Japan and France, he said.

“We do not do it as well as in other countries. Japan’s rail system generates around half its revenue from property, with shopping malls under stations and commercial offices on top. We need to look urgently at how we can do better in this country, then we can amend what the taxpayer and the rail user pays.

“The industry needs to think through what the customer wants, and I want to be involved with that, whether that is through consultancy work, a full-time role, or a portfolio career.”

His departure from Parliament has opened up new opportunities. Iain sees it as a positive, both professionally and personally. “Right now, I do not feel an immediate urge to return to politics. If you ask most politicians, they will say it is a bug we have always had, and it never goes away. That may well hold true for me, but my immediate priority is to earn a living and start the next chapter in my working life.

“I also have to consider my family. My partner has put up with a lot over the years—politics is a seven-day-a-week job. I want to spend more quality time with him, and I have to look out for others in my family. My parents are both 80, and I am an only child, so I have a duty of care there.

“I do not know about going back into politics—it is way too early to make a call on that. The next election is four or five years away, and it will depend on what the next steps in my career are. But I look back on the 14 years in Parliament as a great opportunity. If someone had offered me a contract for those 14 years at the start, I would have signed it immediately.”

Tributes paid to executive chairman

Asset hire company Dawsongroup has announced that its executive chairman Peter Dawson has died after a short illness.

He joined the family haulage business launched by his father in 1953 and was instrumental in its expansion before launching the Dawsonrentals division in 1974.

The company brought its operations under a single entity in the 1980s and Peter became sole shareholder when his brothers Tony and Nicholas left to set up businesses of their own.

In 1988 he floated the company on the stock market and began the development of a new purposebuilt head office in Milton Keynes at Tongwell, which remains its HQ today. The new building formally opened in 1990 and remains the group’s head office to this day. Ten years later, Dawsongroup was delisted and returned to 100% family ownership.

Chief executive Steve Miller, who joined Dawsongroup in 1986 and took on his current role 30 years later, said Peter always held his main board to account His values of honesty, integrity and humility set the tone for the company’s high standards and levels of conduct.

In an obituary on the Dawsongroup website, Steve said:

“Peter has been extremely supportive of his main board and encouraged and guided them to share his vision of the future, which has resulted in numerous successful acquisitions, setting Dawsongroup apart from its competition. Peter’s influence can also be seen in the way he insisted on strong financial discipline, which has ensured a sustainable, robust and secure business.”

A modest man who took neither success nor money for granted, his quote of ‘Don’t count the profit until the cheque has cleared the bank’, remains a Dawsongroup corporate mantra.

Peter Dawson

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

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

AYLESBURY

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

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

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

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

BEDFORD

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

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

3rd Thursday 12 noon-2pm: Online. Contact: Kate Cherry, regional director Bedfordshire & St Albans. Tel: 07909 675333, email: kate.cherry@theathenanetwork.com or visit theathenanetwork.com

MEMBERS WINTER RECEPTION

December 4, 4.30pm-6.45pm: Mitchell Hall, Cranfield Sponsored by Fliweel.Tech. Informal networking. Chamber members only. Free event. Exhibition stand: £75 + VAT. AGM

December 6, 9.30am: Online Chamber members only. Free event. Book on to Chamber of Commerce events via events.chamber-business.com.

Tuesday 6.45am: The Turnpike, Harpole, Northampton ACHIEVERS

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

Wednesday 9.30am-11am: Online. APOLLO

Wednesday 10am:

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

Thursday 6.45am:

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

BLAZE

Thursday 6.45am:

Mount Pleasant Golf Club, Lower Stondon nr Henlow. PAVILION

Thursday 6.45am-8.30am:

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

Thursday 6.45am-8.30am:

The Kettering Golf Club, Headlands, Kettering. STERLING

Thursday 11.45am-1.30pm:

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

Friday 6.45am: Holiday Inn London Luton. LIGHTHOUSE

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

More information: bni.co.uk

December 10, 6.45am-8.45am: The White Hart, Buckingham Christmas quiz. Visitors: £10. More details: bucks-fizz.biz or contact David Babister 07796 136688.

Regional sponsor: Business MK and Business Times

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

BEDFORD

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

4th Tuesday: Miss Vietnam, Market Square. BRACKLEY

1st Thursday: Paisley Pear, Northampton Road. DAVENTRY

3rd Friday: Arc Cinema, Mulberry Place. DUNSTABLE

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

LUTON

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

MILTON KEYNES

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

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

TOWCESTER

December 19: Towcester Mill Brewery, Chantry Lane.

WELLINGBOROUGH

2nd Tuesday: Castello Lounge, Market Street

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

Business networking and referral group. Price: £6.

MILTON KEYNES

4th Thursday, 7.30am-9.30am:

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

NORTHAMPTON BREAKFAST

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

NORTHAMPTON EVENING

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

WELLINGBOROUGH

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

VIRTUAL MEETINGS

Meeting fee: £6 (first meeting free).

WEDNESDAY BREAKFAST

4th Wednesday, 7.30am-9am.

THURSDAY BREAKFAST

3rd Thursday, 7.30am-9am.

FRIDAY BREAKFAST

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

Monday 10am-11am: Online

Time management and productivity.

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

Increasing the Buzz about Christmas

Networking in December is usually focused around delivering some relaxed festive cheer. But the hosts of the Towcester Buzz networking group are planning to go one step further.

They are hosting a pop-up expo after the final meeting of the year on December 19, giving Buzz regulars and guests the opportunity to showcase their products, services and expertise.

The group meets monthly at Towcester Mill Brewery, which will open its bar area after the meeting ends at 12 noon. The expo will take place in the venue’s Steam Room, located directly above the brewery and its beer brewing kettle and a regular host of social, bingo and open mic nights.

“As it will be our Christmas event, we thought we would offer something special,” said Towcester Buzz host Ian Taylor. “Our venue will be open straight after the Buzz event if anyone would like to stay for a bit of festive cheer and for those who would like to bring along their products., services or merchandise for a mini pop-up expo.”

To find out more, email Ian at ian.taylor@tinderboxbd.com

IGNITE

Ian Taylor (right) with Towcester Buzz co-host Simon Evans

Networking

December 6, 20, 7am: Windmill Hill Golf Centre, Bletchley Networking breakfast with speaker. Price: £15 nonmembers. Contact: businessgrowthclub.co.uk or Mark Orr 07903 655169.

December 9, 11.30am-3pm: Mitchell Hall, Cranfield

Special Christmas event for all groups. Includes networking, speakers and a festive lunch. Price: £65, members and non-members welcome. Book at https://mailchi.mp/505e9fb359a0/ ba863pmvf9

Brunchtime networking. Price: £26. BEDFORD

December 12, 9.30am-11.30am: Brewpoint, Cut Throat Lane, Bedford Host: Aruno Rao.

NORTHAMPTON

December 10, 9.30am-11.30am: The Chester House Estate, Irchester Host: Kirsty Parris.

TOWCESTER

December 18, 9.30am-11.30am: The Navigation Inn, Thrupp Wharf Marina, Cosgrove Host: Kirsty Parris. Contact: busynetworking.net/meetings

December 9, 11.30am-3pm: Mitchell Hall, Cranfield

Special Christmas event for all groups. Includes networking, speakers and a festive lunch. Price: £65, members and non-members welcome. Book at https://mailchi.mp/505e9fb359a0/ ba863pmvf9

Contact: busywomen.net or call 07957 284851.

NETWORKING BREAKFAST

3rd Friday, 7am-9am: Astral Park, Leighton Buzzard Breakfast networking with speaker. Price: £13. Contact: info@buzzardnetworking.co.uk or visit buzzardnetworking.co.uk

December 4, 7.30am-9am:

YMCA, North Sixth Street, Central Milton Keynes

The longest-established breakfast networking club in Milton Keynes. Christmas event in aid of MK Act refuge. Book at citybreakfastclub.co.uk

VIRTUAL

December 3, 10.30am-11.30am

December 10, 10.25am-11.30am: Online BREAKFAST, NETWALK & BRUNCH

December 5, 7.15am-8.45am; 9.05am-9.50am; 10am-11.30am

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

December 5, 5pm-7pm: The Grand Junction, Buckingham LUNCHTIME NETWORKING

December 11, 12.15pm-1.45pm: Slug & Lettuce, Central Milton Keynes GOLD MEMBERS CHRISTMAS LUNCH

December 13, 12 noon-2.30pm: Delta by Marriott Hotel, Kents Hill

Book at the event booking diary web page at collaboratemk.co.uk.

Contact: Tim Lee, email: tim@collaboratemk.co.uk or 07786 527845.

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

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

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

BUSINESS BOOTCAMP: NEW YEAR REFRESHER

January 30, 9am-3pm:

The Woodlands at Hothorpe Hall, Leicester

The FSB brings businesses from across the Midlands to a woodland retreat to help you get your mind, body and business ready for the year ahead. To book on to FSB events, visit fsb.org.uk

COFFEE & CONNECT

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

LBBC

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

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

#LOVEBIZ NETWORKING DERNGATE COMMUNITY

December 4, 11.30am-2pm: The Hopping Hare, Hopping Hill Gardens, Northampton Christmas lunch. Price: £34.50.

Contact: Julie Cameron at juliecameron@lovebiznetworking.co.uk or lovebiznetworking.co.uk.

LUTON COFFEE CLUB

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

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

CHRISTMAS CHARITY LUNCH

December 11, 12 noon-2.30pm: Mercure Northampton Hotel, Silver Street Joint event with Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce and Next Generation Chamber. Twocourse lunch plus a raffle in aid of the Chambers’ Charities of the Year. Price: £35 + VAT Chamber members only.

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

MEET OF MK

December 5, 5pm-7.30pm: Urban Food Market, Unity Place, Central Milton Keynes

Price: £16.75

Contact: mkfm.com/events/mkfms-meet-of-mk/

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

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

MARKETING IDEAS FOR YOUR BUSINESS OR BRAND

December 2, 4pm-6pm: Online

Free event to NNBN members and nonmembers.

LEADERSHIP ROADSHOW: PREPARING FOR 2025

December 3, 9am-12 noon: The Holistic Club, Kent Road, Upton People and leadership trends. Price: £26.71 GO GREEN, GO BIG

December 4, 9am-11am:

Vulcan Works, Guildhall Road, Northampton Boost your website and revenue in the ecodigital economy. Free event.

CHRISTMAS MEET-UP

December 5, 5pm-7pm: Square Feet Coworking, Mare Fair, Northampton Informal networking. Free event (minimum £5 donation for a Christmas jumper photo by Samantha Peel of Welly Pictures).

PEOPLE, PLANET, PINT

December 5, 6pm-8pm: Brampton halt, Chapel Brampton Informal networking over a drink. Free event. FRIDAY@4

December 6, 4pm-5pm: Online

Networking. Free event. NETWORK & LEARN: THE SECRETS TO BEING A GREAT EMPLOYER

December 9, 9am-12 noon: North Northamptonshire Council, Kettering Hosted by the council and South Midlands Growth Hub. Free event. BUSINESS NETWORKING

December 9, 7pm-8.30pm: Chester House Estate, Irchester Networking. Free event for NNBN members; visitors £10.

LUNCH & LEARN: CREATE YOUR 2025 PEOPLE PLAN

December 10, 12 noon-1pm: Online Workshop. Price: £42. Proceeds to the Northampton Saints Foundation. MAKE WORK PAY: LABOUR’S 100-DAY PLAN

December 11, 12 noon-1pm: Online

Webinar for HR, business owners and managers. Presented by Gateway HR. Free event. NNBN CHRISTMAS PARTY

December 19, 6.30pm-9pm: Kettering Park Hotel & Spa

Three-course meal and entertainment. Price: £32. For more information and to book, visit nnbn.co.uk/events/

CHRISTMAS CHARITY LUNCH

December 11, 12 noon-2.30pm: Mercure Northampton Hotel, Silver Street Joint event with Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce and Next Generation Chamber. Twocourse lunch + a raffle in aid of the Chambers’ Charities of the Year. Price: £35 + VAT Chamber members only.

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

To book on to Chamber events, visit northants-chamber.co.uk/events

CYBER SECURITY:

ADDRESSING RISK IN A DIGITAL AGE

December 5, 10am-11am: Online

Presented by the Department for Business & Trade. An overview of the cyber security threats, including the most common facing small organisations. The webinar provides advice to organisations looking to increase their cyber security and highlights free advice and services available.

NETWORK & LEARN:

THE SECRETS TO BEING A GREAT EMPLOYER

December 9, 9.30am-12 noon:

North Northamptonshire Council offices, Kettering Hosted with North Northamptonshire Council. Workshop presented by Gateway HR on revitalising your recruitment process and being a good employer.

NETWORK & LEARN:

BUILD A WINNING SALES PROCESS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

December 12, 9.30am-12 noon: Arndale House, Luton Workshop led by sales transformation specialist Extended Revenue Services. How to develop a ‘winning’ sales process and the steps you need to take to do so.

Book your place at semlepevents.evolutive.co.uk/event/search/

Fridays 6.45am-8.45am:

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

12 noon-2pm, networking lunch. BEDFORD & AMPTHILL

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

LEIGHTON BUZZARD

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

2nd Monday: South Beds Golf Club/ Online. SANDY & BIGGLESWADE

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

MILTON KEYNES

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

CO-WORKING DAY & WREATH WORKSHOP

December 6, 9.30am-4.30pm: Fairspace MK, Margaret Powell House, Central Milton Keynes

Networking, lunch + a wreath-making workshop run by Cerus Botanical Design. Price: £65, all proceeds to Milton Keynes Community Foundation.

FUNDRAISING FESTIVE LUNCH

December 11, 12 noon-3pm: Horwood House Hotel, Little Horwood Price: £50 WiE members; £65 non-members.. For more details and to book, visit womeninenterprise.co.uk.

BUSINESS ROOM

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

BEDFORD

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

KETTERING

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

NORTHAMPTON

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

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

SOUTH NORTHANTS

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

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

NORTHAMPTON

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