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Business MK March 2022

Incorporating Business2Business

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

‘An incredible moment’: BID chief executive receives her MBE

Food manufacturer celebrates sustainability milestone. P5 NE W S

elanie Beck, chief executive of the MyMiltonKeynes Business Improvement District, is pictured receiving her MBE for services to the community from HRH The Prince of Wales. She travelled to Windsor Castle for the ceremony. Ms Beck was awarded the honour for her contribution to the community during the pandemic. It is testament to the vital role the BID plays in Milton Keynes. It receives money from its levy paying businesses based in Central Milton Keynes, which it uses to deliver improvements to the city centre on top of those provided by Milton Keynes Council. Since its creation in 2017, the BID has delivered £5 million of additional improvements to Central Milton Keynes, creating a safer, cleaner, better connected, smarter and more vibrant city centre. In December, 95 per cent of eligible businesses voted in favour of renewing the BID for a further five years. “Being presented my MBE by Prince Charles was an incredible moment and one that I will treasure forever,” said Ms Beck. “I am immensely proud to support and promote Milton Keynes and I am fortunate to work alongside a fantastic team and colleagues from across the city and beyond who share my love for our amazing city and all it has to offer.”

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Meet the finalists in this year’s Business Achievement Awards. P7

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A superb meal for 4 at Hotel La Tour... take a look around. P8

CO MM UN ITY

Unions welcome airport pay deal: News from Bedfordshire. P17-20

It’s back: The Dragon Boat Festival is ready to roar. P21

Action plan puts business at the top of the skills agenda

hanges to the skills strategy for the South East Midlands aim to put the needs of business first and foremost at the head of skills provision. The South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership has put together a five-point priority action plan in response to a changing employment market and the skills mismatches being reported by businesses around the region. The new plan advocates change across the spectrum of education

and training provision available and will build on previous investment. The actions aim to connect the different approaches to developing and strengthening the talent pipeline of people aged from eight to 68 and places attention on the occupations in demand today, whilst planning for the workforce of the future. Activities include: n Informing: Putting greater emphasis on collecting and sharing information on the current local labour market to help people, especially

young people, make more informed decisions about their job options. n Inspiring: By sharing experiences, supporting employers to interact more with their future workforce and promoting the variety of different pathways available in helping people develop meaningful careers. n Investing: Joining up investment in facilities, programmes and business support to enable a coordinated response to the different skills needs of business. The plan is the second to be published

by SEMLEP’s Skills Advisory Panel after talks with local business owners who are currently facing issues with recruiting and retaining employees. The plan draws from the results of a SEMLEP business survey of more than 1,800 local businesses as well as the latest analysis of economic data and trends for the South East Midlands economic area. Skills Advisory Panel chair Pat Brennan-Barrett said: “By working together with multiple agencies >>To page 3

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Offices plan for historic Almshouses

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estoration plans for the Almshouses in Great Linford Manor Park have taken a major step forward. The Parks Trust has finalised an agreement with Milton Keynes Council to take on a 999-year lease of the building. Built in 1696 the Almshouses are a Grade II* listed building and part of the wider historic landscape of Great Linford Manor Park, which is undergoing a National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery Community Fund project managed by The Parks Trust. Subject to planning, The Parks Trust is looking to restore the building, letting out three Almshouses as office premises and the larger central

The Almshouses schoolhouse as a private residential property. It plans to create a community space in the other three Almshouses as part of the wider restoration of Great Linford Park. The Almshouses renovation will cost around £1.3 million, funded jointly by The Parks Trust, Milton Keynes Council

and a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund. Once planning permission is given, the work is expected to take eight months to complete. Ben Allott, head of property at The Parks Trust, said: “The prominent position of the Almshouses within the historic landscape makes them an ideal location for a new

lease of life as a community hub and interpretation space. “The restoration of the Almshouses demonstrates how the collaborative relationship between Milton Keynes Council and The Parks Trust can lead to beneficial outcomes, in this case for Milton Keynes’ people and its heritage.”

Council backs entrepreneur hub

ew funding of £55,000 is set to provide a boost to female entrepreneurs in Milton Keynes. The council is providing the funding to the Hubs Nesting Programme run by the Love Local Hub based in centre:mk. It provides mentoring, support and a start-up space for female entrepreneurs and a city centre base from which business owners can highlight their products and services. The Love Local Hub is part of the council’s commitment to helping women back into work. Research suggests they have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic and have been almost twice as likely as men to lose their jobs through the crisis.

Cllr Robin Bradburn and Love Local Hub co-founder Samatha Poole The project, to which the council has previously committed £35,000, falls within its £3.1 million Economic Recovery Plan for the borough. Council deputy leader Cllr Robin Bradburn urged new businesses to contact the Love Local Hub to discuss support. “The Love Local Hub has been fantastic

in helping new businesses get up on their own feet and I am delighted that we are strengthening our partnership with them through this new funding,” he said. “The pandemic has left many people struggling and we know women, and particularly those in the retail sector, have had it the toughest. It is partnerships like these that will help us deliver a fair and prosperous recovery.” The Love local hub has helped 50 new businesses in the last year through its ‘bootcamps’, many of which are now developing an online presence and considering opening their own premises. The new funding will continue this support and bring new businesses onboard.

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March 2022

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OU joins bid to grow the space economy

he Open University is set to play a key role in the growth of companies working in the space sector. It is one of ten organisations to receive a share of the UK Space Agency’s regional funding package. The money will be used to fund work by industry, academia and regional organisations to develop commercial opportunities for local businesses from space-

related research programmes. The first phase will be the establishment of collaborative work across the region, focusing on industry capability and research programmes, sourcing funding and collaboration opportunities and building a forum for future partnerships. Martine Harvey, regional space innovation manager at the OU, said: “The region has the potential to grow considerably over the next few decades and part of that growth depends

Big Enough to Cope, Small Enough to Care

on streamlined collaboration mechanisms to make the sum greater than the parts. “We are very pleased to be working with stakeholders in the region to enable that growth and begin to realise this potential.” This work will contribute to the UKSA’s ambitions to grow regional participation in the sector, increase local advocacy for space, attract external investment and improve knowledge exchange.

‘Employers at the heart of skills systems’

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>> From page 1 responsible for education and skills, government, businesses, young people and their families, we can connect both employers to learners and, crucially, skills provision to the needs of businesses.” Job vacancies in the South East Midlands logistics sector have risen by 87 per cent in 18 months. Digital-related job vacancies are up by 50pc. The reasons behind the figures are national policy changes affecting training and provision, the UK leaving the European Union, an aging population and rapid growth in certain sectors, said Paul Thompson, SEMLEP’s employment and skills manager. “These all point to the need for greater collaboration and flexibility from people with interests in employment and skills to address the changing needs of employers and individuals,” he added. Ms Brennan-Barrett, who is principal and chief executive of Northampton College, said: “The aim of this annual plan and of the wider activities of the Skills Advisory Panel is to help put data-led and evidence from employers at the heart

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CAR E Pat Brennan-Barrett of the national and local skills systems to create a better future for us all.” Local councils, skills providers and businesses have already done much to identify and raise the profile of skills needs, provision and requirements for today’s economy and those predicted for the future.

EA S E n Read the full Skills Plan, including an overview of current support programmes and investments in skills available to businesses and individuals who live and work in the South East Midlands, at www.semlep.com/south-eastmidlands-skills-strategy/

Campbell Park plan makes a splash

egeneration company Urban Splash has exchanged on a deal with Milton Keynes Development Partnership to develop three phases of work at Campbell Park. The plans will see the delivery of between 850 and 950 homes. Urban Splash director Nathan Cornish director at Urban Splash said: “Our plans take the garden city principles that inspired Milton Keynes to the next level.”

To feature or comment email: news@businessmk.co.uk

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March 2022

Business News Promotion

Such a breadth of support services at such a low fixed cost

Catherine Eyers, managing partner at Carlton DeVere

‘Carlton DeVere was set up specifically to help start-ups and small businesses to concentrate on what they do best’

Business MK

March 2022

here is no doubt that the Covid pandemic has pushed business growth in terms of new startups. More than 835,000 new businesses were started in 2020, a rise of 41% from 2019, when almost 592,000 new businesses were started. As the pandemic started, 2019 itself saw a staggering increase of 96% of new business start-ups compared to the previous year. London typically saw around a third of all new start-ups. More than 99% of businesses in the UK are classed as small (fewer than 49 employees) and in fact the majority have only one employee. The most popular type of business is online retail, with the majority of business owners working from home. It is estimated that around 7.5million workers of all types want to work from home permanently and indeed it has been seen that home workers are more productive than their office-based counterparts. This is contrary to what many business owners thought before Covid hit. At Carlton DeVere, we have been advising clients who have offices - for a long time before Covid - that remote

working is certainly an option but they were worried about lack of oversight and productivity. Covid forced this situation upon them and it has proved that the concept can work well. There is no doubt that there is a financial incentive for small business owners to work from home. A problem can occur, however, when you start employing staff at your home. This can change the way you are taxed. The fact remains that many small business owners are losing their livelihoods due to Covid. Many have found that they have to work much harder to secure the same income they had before, leaving little time for administration, marketing, chasing debts and so on. Government departments such as HM Revenue & Customs and the Courts and Tribunals Service show little sympathy, giving little or no leeway to struggling business owners. This is where a business like Carlton DeVere can step in and help. Carlton DeVere was set up specifically to help start-ups and small businesses to concentrate on what they do best and farm out their administration. When we talk about administration, it is not just VAT

returns, accounts, corporation tax and the like but also those services that businesses need in order to continue running, such as debt collection, marketing, PR, websites, recruitment and so on. Carlton DeVere is unique in that it offers almost every business support service, selectable through a simple menu of choices on its website. www.carltondevere.co.uk has a page for packages and options which allows you to tick a box for each service you are interested in and a low, monthly fixed fee is generated. There are no additional costs whatsoever and your package can be changed at any time. Carlton DeVere offers its services at far lower rates than accountants, solicitors, advertising and PR agencies and other professionals because they have a team of specialists in each area, together with highly efficient systems. Carlton DeVere is the only business support service we know of in the UK that has such a breadth of support services at such a low, fixed cost. Its business model is completely transparent, which is why all of their prices are freely shown online for each service offered.

For local business news visit www.BusinessMK.co.uk

Business News

Site director is hailed as a manufacturing inspiration

eet Sam Pearl, a true innovator in the food manufacturing industry. The site director at Cranswick Convenience Foods in Milton Keynes is being hailed as an inspiration within the sector, having established Cranswick Milton Keynes as a sound, responsible and innovative manufacturing business. Its site at Snelshall employs

more than 750 people from the local area with a staff retention of more than 80 per cent. It became the company’s first facility to receive an official carbon neutral certification, beating its target a decade earlier than planned. It also sources 100pc renewable electricity and has just become the first Cranswick site to have a completely paper free learning and development department. Now Sam has beaten off national

competition to be named among the top 20 most inspiring individuals in UK manufacturing. The accolade has come in the annual top 100 list published by The Manufacturer magazine. The list has been published since 2014, the magazine’s response to research findings that there was a lack of visible role models in manufacturing and to promote careers in the manufacturing sector. “I am really proud to have won

this award although it is the skill, enthusiasm and experience of the entire team here at Milton Keynes who are behind our success,” says Sam. “I am determined to recruit more of the best so I am excited that this award will enable me to engage with the next generation of manufacturers who may not even know they want to work in food. I am testament to it being an exciting place to forge a career in.”

Sam Pearl

Food firm celebrates carbon neutral milestone

ood manufacturer Paulig has passed a milestone in its quest to achieve carbon neutrality across all its factories. Its plant in Milton Keynes at Kingston, where it makes tortilla bread and Santa Maria spices, is the sixth Paulig plant and the first outside Scandinavia - to become carbon neutral. Earning the CarbonNeutral building certification for its Milton Keynes factory was achieved by reducing the factory’s emissions and compensating for unavoidable emissions. Key to achieving the

certification was switching the gas used for baking and frying to renewable gas. As a result, total emissions from Paulig’s operations have been reduced by up to four per cent, contributing to the company’s overall objective of lowering them by 80pc by 2030 compared to 2018. The business plans to make all ten factories carbon neutral by 2023. “The food and beverage industry plays an important role in mitigating climate change, said Paulig’s director, sustainability and public affairs Lea Rankinen. “Paulig aims to become a sustainable

enable the health and wellbeing of people and the planet; n 100pc of raw materials from high-risk areas come from sustainable sources verified by external partners

frontrunner in the industry, to serve as an example and hopefully inspire others to take similar measures.” Making its factories carbon neutral is one part of Paulig’s Sustainability Approach,

which is based on the UN’s Global Goals of sustainable development. The company has pledged to meet three targets by 2030: n 70pc of net sales will come from products and services that

n 80pc less greenhouse gases emissions from its own operations, 50pc less emissions in the value chain and all packaging will be recyclable and made from renewable or recycled materials. Simon Solway, Paulig’s country manager out of home and retail UK & Ireland, said: “Customers are keen to understand what our

sustainability credentials are and we are happy to demonstrate everything we at Paulig and Santa Maria are doing. Getting the Milton Keynes factory carbon neutral is adding to our outstanding credentials.” Paulig, which is family-owned and headquartered in Finland, is the European leader of Tex Mex with products sold in 70 countries around the world. The company employs 120 staff at its factory in Kingston, which has been operating since 2006. It has four automated production lines and produces up to 2.5 million flour tortillas a day.

Demystifying asset finance Close Brothers Asset Finance have recently appointed a new Area Sales Manager who will focus on Milton Keynes, Bedford, Northampton and surrounding areas. Savio Zuzarte has spent extensive years within the commercial lending industry and is looking forward to supporting customers through the recent challenging times.

What are the typical finance products?

Close Brothers Asset Finance have been funding vehicles for several decades, yet many business owners have a limited understanding of what asset finance is and how it can help them. In this short piece we outline what it is and how it works…

 Hire Purchase (HP) allows the customer to buy the equipment on credit. The finance company purchases the asset on behalf of the customer and owns the asset until the final instalment is paid

What is asset finance?

 Refinancing (Capital Release): The finance company purchases the asset from your business and finances it back to you, releasing the equity raised into your cash flow. At the end of the refinance term, you own the asset

Asset Finance is an alternative form of funding used by businesses to obtain the equipment, vehicles, or capital they need to grow. What’s the point of asset finance? It makes the otherwise unaffordable affordable because it gives businesses access to the vehicles and equipment they need without incurring the cash flow disadvantage of an outright purchase.

 Finance lease: The full value of the equipment is repaid to the finance company, plus interest, over the lease period.

To see how we can help your business, please visit: closeassetfinance.co.uk/ad-transport

To feature or comment email: news@businessmk.co.uk

Lending decisions made by real people We don’t just look at your credit score when making a decision, the overall health and plans for your business are just as important. Our straightforward finance solutions help real businesses fund new equipment purchases or unlock the value held in existing assets to ease cashflow. Speak to us today, we’re here to help.

closeassetfinance.co.uk/ad-transport Close Brothers Asset Finance is a trading style of Close Brothers Limited. Close Brothers Limited is registered in England and Wales (Company Number 00195626) and its registered office is 10 Crown Place, London, EC2A 4FT.

Business MK

March 2022

Legal Briefing

Divorce: Protecting your business requires careful planning and advice Lawyer Tina Shah, of Neves Solicitors, offers some guidance on the sensible principles to follow

always possible, it is an important consideration.

usinesses can be an emotive subject when a relationship breaks down. Often those who have built a business from the ground up or have a business that centres around their particular skill set do not feel they should be forced to sell or share part of what may be a very valuable asset. One of the key questions to arise from divorce will be what is the value of the business or share of the business held by each spouse? Consideration will need to be given to its assets, earnings and structure. Often an expert valuation from an accountant will be relied on. This can also minimise any dispute over valuations. Arranging a valuation can sometimes be complicated and costly so it is important to seek legal advice prior to doing so. Protecting your business before a

It is sometimes tempting, not least for tax purposes. There is a balance to be struck; involving your spouse helps them to make a claim by having been involved in the business and so having contributed to its success. Against that, it is a pity not to use income tax reliefs by appointing them a role within the business. Again, this is where a nuptial agreement would help to determine that spouse’s interest if your relationship were to breakdown.

divorce requires careful advice. If you are seen to be moving assets or shareholdings simply to avoid future claims on divorce, this can damage your case considerably. Where transactions have taken place specifically to do this, the court does have the power to set them aside. It is worth bearing in mind several broad principles:

Prevention is better than cure A pre-nuptial agreement or post-nuptial agreement can assist in limiting claims against a business. It may be too late by the time you get to the divorce, for obvious reasons. But if you have planned well ahead at the time you get married or subsequently - perhaps when inheriting a business - getting the agreement of your spouse not to make damaging claims against the business can be helpful.

Involving a spouse in the business

Tina Shah If you are currently married and own a business, it is certainly worth considering a nuptial agreement at any stage.

Do not mix your business assets Not with your private assets unless necessary. Keeping the business entirely independent of your private wealth can help in divorce. It will help if, say, the family home has not been used to secure borrowing within the business. While this is not

Sharing business ownership

other shareholders or partners, the court is less likely to take steps that would damage the livelihoods of the other shareholders or partners. n By taking professional advice and taking time to plan, you can put measures in place to protect your business if your personal relationship were to break down in the future. Tina Shah, associate in divorce and family law, is experienced in all areas of family law including acting for clients with family farms and businesses. Contact Tina on 0330 0945 500, email family@nevesllp.co.uk or visit www.nevesllp.co.uk

Sharing ownership of a business with outsiders can help on divorce. If a business is 100 per cent owned by one spouse who is getting divorced then the courts may treat it just like any other asset - to be divided or shared unless there are good reasons not to. If the business is jointly owned with

Adviser’s creative division completes merger with fellow sector specialist

he specialist creative industries division of business advice firm Fortus has completed its merger with fellow industry specialist Balmforth Associates. Fortus has been working for the past two years with a growing portfolio of clients in the marketing and advertising,

film and television, publishing, music, fashion and architecture sectors. It has an office in Milton Keynes - which the firm describes as a “creative hotspot”as well as in London and Leeds. Balmforth Associates has built a sizeable client portfolio across the creative, media and built environment

sector since it was founded by Bryony Balmforth in 2010. She has moved to Fortus as associate director - creative industries. “This feels the right time to make the move both for myself and the business,” she said. “There is certainly a very natural fit with Fortus from a cultural perspective too.”

The creative sector is an important part of the UK economy and Fortus is looking forward to growing its presence within it, said executive director - creative services Rob Quinn. “This announcement represents a natural extension to our expertise within the industry and I look forward

to welcoming Bryony to the team. “She is well-known and highly respected within the industry and her sector expertise will be a valuable addition to our clients and Fortus as a whole. We are striving to remain at the forefront of the support available to business owners across the sector”.

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Business MK

March 2022

Promotion

or nearly 40 years Tindall Security has specialised in the design, installation and maintenance of domestic and commercial security systems. Established in 1932, the company has been providing a nationwide service integrating a comprehensive range of security solutions and locksmith services to protect and monitor homes, businesses, industrial and public sector buildings throughout the UK. We are dedicated to building long-term relationships with our customers and provide endto-end solutions including ongoing maintenance and technical support to ensure you get the most from your security devices throughout their lifecycle. We provide all customers with a FREE SURVEY by a trained security professional allowing us to discuss and evaluate your needs and design an integrated security solution that exactly matches your needs and budget. Our field teams of highly trained and accredited engineers install and maintain your systems to ensure optimum operational capacity.

Our 24-hour helpdesk is operated by trained service operatives who can provide over-thephone technical support and/or book a fault call and arrange for an engineer visit. We partner with leading security systems manufacturers to bring you the very latest digital security technology that can be controlled and monitored from smartphones and devices making your security visible and accessible, giving you peace of mind whenever or wherever you happen to be. The quality, reliability and professionalism of our service is assured via our certification against the GOLD Standard by the industry’s leading certification body the National Security Inspectorate. Tindall Security has become the first installer of intruder alarms in the UK to be accredited against the official police security initiative Secured by Design. Our designs, systems and installations are audited by the NSI and the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board annually to ensure we operate in compliance with technical standards and industry best practice.

For local business news visit www.BusinessMK.co.uk

Business News

Judges praise quality of MKBAA entries

he judging panel for Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards 2022 has announced the finalists for this year’s awards. The theme for this year’s awards is MK – Leading the UK’s Green Recovery: Survive, Revive & Thrive and many of the businesses and

Design entrepreneur accepts speaker invite

n t re p re n e u r a n d fashion designer Wayne Hemingway is to be the guest speaker at this year’s Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards. His career in fashion began when he started to sell some of his and his girlfriend’s old wardrobes, which were full of hand-made and vintage clothing, at a market. With his future wife, he then built Red or Dead into a worldwide label and, after 21 seasons on the catwalk, it was sold in a multi-millionpound deal. They went on to found HemingwayDesign with a mantra of Design is about improving things that matter in life and over the past two decades it has delivered many high profile and award-winning affordable new-build housing schemes, transformed housing estates and delivered a series of seaside regeneration projects. Nicholas Mann, chair of awards organisers Milton

organisations who entered this year focused their submissions around this subject. Anita Nadkarni, chair of the judging panel, said: “The judging panel had a really tough job this year. “There were so many excellent submissions that really show the breadth and depth of the business

community in Milton Keynes. It was also humbling to see how many businesses had taken on board the environmental theme of this year’s awards, giving us all a positive outlook for the future.” The awards ceremony will be hosted by radio broadcaster Tony Dibbin.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY Bridgman & Bridgman LLP; Clearview Intelligence Group Ltd; KAIA Clothing; Red Giraffe Marketing Ltd

NEW BUSINESS Emerging Markets Quality Trials (more:trees); Shoedini

MKBAA FINALISTS BUSINESS IMPACT IN THE COMMUNITY Autism Early Support Trust; Diversity Marketplace; Future Wolverton Ltd CHARITY OF THE YEAR Harry’s Rainbow; Milton Keynes Hospital Charity; MK Foodbank; Willen Hospice CULTURE & ARTS Pauline Quirke Academy – Milton Keynes; The Arches Theatre; The Stables CUSTOMER SERVICE Allica Bank Ltd; Aztech IT Solutions; Climb Quest Milton Keynes; EAC Consulting Group DESIGN & CREATIVITY Red Giraffe Marketing Ltd; South Central IOT/Milton Keynes College Group; Visual Identity

To feature or comment email: news@businessmk.co.uk

TECHNOLOGY PragmatiQ Solutions; Tomorrows Journey; Triad Plc

SMALL & MEDIUM BUSINESS Clearview Intelligence Group Ltd; Cook Recruitment Group; Diversity Marketplace; mergency Care Gateway; WSA – The Communications Agency

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Detached HQ office / showroom 3,250 sq ft

LEISURE & ENTERTAINMENT Climb Quest; Vertigo VR Ltd

Wayne Hemingway Keynes Business Leaders Partnership, said: “Wayne is a sought-after speaker, covering a range of topics from brand loyalty to social responsibility, urban design

INNOVATION Emerging Markets Quality Trials; (more:trees); Tomorrow’s Journey

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Cook Recruitment Group; Dentons UK and Middle East LLP; D.O.T.S. Chiropractic; Whitecap Consulting

and his long-term passion of sustainability. This fits well with the MKBAA theme this year, looking at the role Milton Keynes businesses can play in the green recovery.”

TO LEASE

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR Scott Jones, 123 Internet Group; Harry Alston, Generation Z Marketing; Shalom Lloyd, Naturally Tribal Skincare Ltd; Sanj Chandi, Treat Street

Business MK

March 2022

Competition

Win a fabulous meal for 4 at Hotel La Tour Ahead of its opening next month, take a look inside the 4-star+ Hotel La Tour

otel La Tour, a multi-millionpound development featuring t h e c o u n t y ’s h i g h e s t destination bar and restaurant Fourteen will open in Milton Keynes in April 2022. The 4* plus hotel with 261 luxury bedrooms is set to be the town’s newest hot spot for leisure and corporate hospitality. Located on the first floor of the hotel and spanning more than 14,000 sq ft is a dedicated conference and events space featuring nine high-tech rooms and a private outdoor terrace, designed to provide inspiration and motivation for business events. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer natural lighting and fabulous views, with the aim to enhance productivity and alertness in attendees. Each of the soundproofed private meeting rooms vary in size and shape to suit a range of preferred configurations and are fully equipped with state-ofthe-art conferencing technology and ergonomic seating, keeping guests connected and comfortable throughout the working day. Enjoy revitalising conference

COMPETITION lunches from new heights at Fourteen, the hotel’s destination sky bar and restaurant, soaring 50 metres up with 360-degree panoramic vistas of Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire. The stylish 180-cover all-day contemporary British restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner with all dishes using seasonal, British- sourced produce. The bar offering includes expertly made classic and contemporary cocktails, fine wines and champagnes and locally sourced brews as well as small bites and sharing plates. Thoughtfully designed for a restorative sleep after a dynamic day, business and conference guests can expect all bedrooms to feature floor-toceiling windows, boasting views over n

Milton Keynes Central or Campbell Park, as well as the latest technology such as Ultra HD TVs, ultra-fast wi-fi and 24-hour room service. Tiered packages are available to book with delegate day rates starting from £45. This includes use of a built in LCD TV screen with laptop connectivity for presentations, stationery for delegates, access to the 400 Lounge for welcoming delegates and registration and the business lounge where delegates can help themselves to unlimited servings of tea, coffee, snacks, juice and refreshments, as well as a buffet-style lunch served in Fourteen. 24-hour rates start from £185 and incorporate an overnight stay for single occupancy in a Signature King room

including breakfast the following morning. Use of the meeting rooms comes with PA system, microphones, lecterns, electric drop-down screens, ceiling projectors, laptop connectivity for presentations, stationery for delegates, access to the business lounge with unlimited refreshments, access to the 400 lounge and a buffet-style lunch at Fourteen. An exciting new venue to host corporate events and gala dinners, Hotel La Tour is conveniently located in the heart of Milton Keynes Central with good transport links. The M1 motorway is a five-minute drive and London Luton Airport just 30 minutes away. The hotel is also next door to a 1,400-space car park where guests can park at £8 for 24 hours.

To celebrate the upcoming opening of Hotel La Tour, Business MK is offering one lucky entrant and three guests the chance to win a complimentary meal at the hotel’s destination sky bar and restaurant Fourteen. Email your answer to the question below, along with your name and contact details, to news@pulsegroupmedia. co.uk by March 18. The editor’s decision is final. What cuisine is served at Fourteen? (A) Modern British (B) Asian Fusion (C) Mexican n Prize includes a complimentary meal for four persons to the value of £40 per head (including food and beverages). T&Cs apply.

For more information and to book the corporate facilities, visit https://hotel-latour.co.uk/conference-events/

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

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March 2022

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For local business news visit www.BusinessMK.co.uk

THE POWER

of Three

The Power of 3 runs through the core of OCM as we have three professional disciplines brought together allowing

us to deliver such a powerful client focused proposition. As an Independent Chartered Financial Planning Firm, a Discretionary Asset Manager and Tax planning

specialist, we utilise the power of 3, to ensure we deliver a seamless and first class, cost and time efficient service to clients. This is because at OCM we truly believe Our Clients Matter.

CHARTERED

Financial Planners TAXATION

& Accounting DISCRETIONARY

Asset Managers

ocmwealthmanagement.co.uk 01604 621 467

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate the activities of tax planning, estate planning or IHT planning.

OCM Wealth Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (www.fsa.gov. uk/register/home.do). FCA Registration No: 418826. OCM Asset Management is a trading name of OCM Wealth Management.

To feature or comment email: news@businessmk.co.uk

Business MK

March 2022

Money Matters The days of relying on the welfare state and your employer for financial security are fading. Today, says Wealth & Tax Management managing director Tony Byrne, multiple income streams are key to financial success in life.

The side hustle: Key to ensuring your financial future

he world is changing and business income. Earned very fast. Disruption income, on the other hand, is is all around us. income from employment or Here today, gone self-employment. It is where tomorrow. How can you you exchange your time for make sense of today’s fast money. changing world? How best Which source of income do you prepare yourself for would you rather have? the unprecedented changes Earned or passive income? happening around us? I know which source I prefer. A popular phrase keeps In the 21st century, it is vital popping up. It is called to build multiple sources of ‘Side Hustle’. What is a income, especially passive side hustle? A side hustle is income. This is a strategy a means of making money otherwise known as layering. alongside one’s main form of Once you have multiple sources of income, if some employment or income. While there are many of them fail, you have other examples of side hustles, such sources to fall back on. This is by far the best way as teaching English online, becoming a virtual assistant to ensure your financial or writing an e-book, I prefer security. The days of relying passive income because on the welfare state and passive income is where your employer are gradually money works for you fading and we all will whereas earned need to increasingly It is vital income is where become selfyou work for reliant and to build money. financially free in multiple Examples of order to survive sources passive income and thrive in the of income are rents, dividends future.

Tony Byrne To discuss ways to create multiple sources of income, join us for 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 March 31. You know it makes sense. We offer a great cup of coffee too but unfortunately not a virtual one. Ring us on 01908 523740 or for free on 0800 980 4516 or email wealth@wealthandtax.co.uk

www.wealthandtax.co.uk n The contents of this article are for information purposes only and do not constitute individual advice. You should always seek professional advice from a specialist. All information is based on our current understanding of taxation, legislation and regulations in the current tax year. Any levels and bases of relief from taxation are subject to change. This article is based on my own observations and opinions.

Business MK

March 2022

Batten down the hatches and await a ‘perfect economic storm’ Covid fall-out plus rising inflation may drive many firms to the wall, warns expert

lmost 2,900 Milton Keynes businesses found themselves in “significant” financial distress during the final quarter of 2021. The figures, produced in the Red Flag Alert report by insolvency specialists Begbies Traynor, show a five per cent increase in the number of businesses struggling between Q3 and Q4 2021 to 2,887. The debt storm that has been brewing for years - and temporarily put on pause by measures to support companies through the pandemic - could now be about to hit and send shockwaves through many industries, warns Begbies Traynor partner Julie Palmer. Companies in the real estate and property and support services experienced the biggest quarterly increases, seeing 6pc and 8pc rises respectively between Q3 2021 and Q4 2021. The figures for Milton Keynes mirror the national picture. There are also concerns about a steep increase in County Court

Judgements - often a key early sign for future insolvency - as official data shows a 10pc rise. Ms Palmer said: “Businesses in Milton Keynes that have bravely battled through the pandemic could now finally start to fail as the pressures they face become too much. “Support from the government such as furlough payments, tax reliefs and a moratorium on landlords being able to evict businesses due to rent arrears cannot go on forever. Without those in place to protect them, a rising number of companies in the region will have no other option but to throw in the towel after two years of struggling on in the economic uncertainty caused by measures to combat coronavirus.” Inflation is now the “silent thief” in the economy with the true rate potentially running far beyond the official 5.4pc rate and possibly more than seven times the Bank of England’s target of 2pc. Rising wage, energy and materials costs

mean the CPI figures are showing only part of the story and the subsequent impact on the public’s disposable income is expected to be far greater. Ms Palmer said: “The lag effect of the economic fall-out from Covid, plus spiralling inflation, has created a perfect economic storm for many companies, particularly the region’s SME sector, which will undoubtedly drive insolvency rates even higher.” Although official government support measures are unwinding, there are indications that the authorities are willing to help businesses that are trying to fight on, the report says. “Anecdotally, we are hearing stories about HMRC giving companies two or even three years to pay their tax bills,” said Ms Palmer. “Extra leniency may not be an official policy but it sends a signal that officials are trying to help businesses survive, even though it might only be delaying the inevitable.”

Catch me if you can: Act targets directors of dissolved companies New rules mean the Insolvency Service can now go after rogue directors who closed their firm to avoid paying back a bounce back loan. Tom Guthrie, director at insolvency specialist BRI in Milton Keynes, explains.

ou may recall the film Catch Me If You Can in which FBI agent Carl Hanratty, played by Tom Hanks, made it his mission to capture Frank Abagnale Jr (Leonardo DiCaprio) and bring him to justice for the millions he had stolen. It has been reported that some 44,000 fraudulent bounce back loan applications totalling £1.6 billion were denied during the pandemic. There will, however, still be many which got through the net and that misuse is estimated at between £3.5 billion and £4.9 billion. This time the government would appear to be taking on Tom Hanks’ role by granting the Insolvency Service new powers to tackle unfit directors who dissolve companies in an attempt to avoid paying back government-backed coronavirus loans. The snappily titled Ratings (Coronavirus) and Directors Disqualification (Dissolved

Companies) Act 2021 seeks to tackle rogue directors who have closed down their company via the striking off process. Directors who have potentially abused the financial support provided by the government, which ultimately leaves the British taxpayer out of pocket. The new measures will extend the Insolvency Service’s power to investigate the conduct of directors of dissolved companies and, if any are found to have acted inappropriately, the directors could face repercussions such as being personally liable for company debts or being disqualified to act as a director for up to 15 years. Plot spoiler: Abagnale was always one step ahead of the authorities but eventually Hanratty’s persistence resulted in him catching his man. Does this government have enough investigators and prosecutors to pursue those who have deliberately sought to take liberties with taxpayers’

Tom Guthrie money? Only time will tell as this ending is still to be written. n If you, or your client, have any questions or queries regarding the investigations into a director’s conduct or dealing with the financial impact that coronavirus has had on your business, contact BRI for a free, confidential and without obligation chat. We are here to help. Tel: 01908 317387 www.briuk.co.uk

County celebrates as business numbers hit record high

Direct, using data from Companies House and the Office for National Statistics. Luton formed the highest number of new businesses (3,563), followed by Central Bedfordshire (2,103) and Bedford (1,730). The retail sector saw 1,213 new businesses incorporated, possibly the result of pent-up demand after the lockdowns of 2020 and early 2021, said Inform Direct’s operations director John Korchak. The construction sector saw 949 incorporations. “Reaching a new record number of companies demonstrates an active economy

with entrepreneurs motivated to invest in new businesses which meet current and emerging demands for goods or services,” said Mr Korchak. “The overall picture for the UK is also an optimistic one.” The UK saw 771,617 new businesses formed, compared to 780,760 in 2020. The overall number of UK companies totalled just over five million, a 3.5pc increase on the total of 4.8 million at the end of 2020. This continues a ten-year trend, says Inform Direct. Company dissolutions across the UK - 606,912 during 2021 - hit a record high.

For local business news visit www.BusinessMK.co.uk

Business News

MPs back bid for Great British Railways HQ

he campaign for Milton Keynes to be the home of the new national rail body Great British Railways has the backing of the city’s two MPs. The government has committed to the new organisation’s headquarters being outside London when it takes over from Network Rail - already based in Milton Keynes next to Milton Keynes Central railway station - next year. Milton Keynes Council is preparing a bid for Milton Keynes to welcome the new headquarters. But the bid will be in competition from others around the country. Calling on business groups, community and civic leaders and residents to champion Milton Keynes’

case, Milton Keynes South MP Iain Stewart said: “Milton Keynes’ strong, historical links to our nation’s railways make it an ideal location for the new Great British Railways headquarters and I will be backing their bid all the way.” His Parliamentary colleague Ben Everitt, who represents Milton Keynes North, said the city was “absolutely the perfect place” to house the GBR headquarters. When Great British Railways was announced, both MPs called on Milton Keynes Council to bid to become the home of the new HQ and wrote to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps backing the bid. Milton Keynes already plays a signficant role in the

UK rail industry, they said. It is home to Network Rail’s national centre The Quadrant and the world’s longest continuously running rail works Wolverton Works, which houses the Royal Train. Bletchley Station is to benefit from the Towns Fund while East-West Rail will link Milton Keynes with Oxford and Cambridge. A shortlist for the GBR headquarters will be finalised in May, after which a public vote will help to determine the winning location. Mr Stewart said: “This HQ would bring new highly skilled jobs to the area, level up and create opportunities for residents and cement MK’s status as the true home of British rail. I urge local residents, leaders, and business

Advertisement Feature

MPs Ben Everitt (centre) and Iain Stewart with Santander chief executive Nathan Bostock (left)

Unity Place: ‘A sign of confidence in investment appeal’

anking giant Santander’s decision to build its £130 million new UK headquarters in Milton Keynes is testament to the city’s pulling power when it comes to attracting inward investment, a MP has said. Ben Everitt was speaking after a tour of the under-construction Unity Place with his Parliamentary colleague for Milton Keynes Iain Stewart. The MPs were joined on their tour by Santander chief executive Nathan Bostock and discussed progress on the project and Santander’s role within the wider business community. Unity Place, opposite Milton Keynes Central station, is due to open next year. Mr Everitt, who represents the Milton Keynes North constituency, said: “The views from the top were simply stunning. I was delighted to hear how Santander are keen to make sure the building will also be for public use, with street food options on the ground floor, and their continued support of the MK:U project. It really showcases how our city can be the present and the future for UK businesses and innovation.” Mr Stewart, MP for Milton Keynes South, added: “I have said it before but I truly believe this is one of the many signs of confidence in Milton Keynes being an excellent location for businesses to locate to and for people to work in.” Once completed, Unity Place will house facilities for the wider business community and community groups as well as more than 5,000 Santander employees. Mr Bostock said: “I was delighted to be able to share our latest plans for Santander’s new headquarters in Milton Keynes. The campus will provide state-of-the-art facilities enabling collaborative working not just for Santander colleagues but also for local businesses and local community groups through the dedicated community space.”

FGolfStore is excited to open its door and welcome both new and experienced golfers to its brand new site in Milton Keynes. This state-of-the-art golf store combines great customer service with the very latest technology to deliver a customer experience second to none. With its flagship store in Cambridge welcoming customers since 2019, the Milton Keynes store will provide the same attentive, personal touch which has been so warmly received by AFGolfStore visitors to date. It is an ideal destination for all golfers in Milton Keynes. AFGolfStore endeavours to make the sport of golf more personal, taking the time to guide each

To feature or comment email: news@businessmk.co.uk

groups to get behind our bid and prove to the country why Milton Keynes should be the home of Great British Railways.” GBR will also have five regional headquarters covering North West & Central, Eastern including the East Coast Main Line, Southern, Wales & Western and Scotland. The aim, the government says, is to put decisionmaking and investment at the heart of the communities using those railways every day. Announced as a major pillar of the reform launched in the WilliamsShapps Plan for Rail published last year, GBR will replace Network Rail as the operator of rail infrastructure and will also control rail service

contracts, fares and timetables. The new organisation will be modelled on the operations of Transport for London, which contracts services on systems such as London Overground. Andrew Haines and Sir Peter Hendy, the current chief executive and chair of Network Rail respectively, will oversee GBR’s creation. “A critical component of this will be a cultural shift to a much more customercentric, flexible and responsive railway,” said Mr Haines. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Our railways have kept this country moving for almost 200 years but it is time to kickstart a new age that will shape our network for the next 200.”

Welcome to golf’s new driving force

customer through a journey of discovery to uncover the right technique and equipment for them. The fundamental drive of the business is to deliver exceptional

customer service and introduce golfers to the very best options on the market, regardless of whether they are new to the sport or an experienced player who is

looking to reduce their handicap and increase performance. The AFGolfStore team of PGA professionals and club fitters are available to help. The free club fitting service will be available to book seven days a week and the team will always tailor their approach based upon the specific requirements of the customer. 2021 saw a huge uptake in playing golf and AFGolfStore is determined to help make golf even more accessible. AFGolfStore hopes that its new location in Milton Keynes will provide greater flexibility for visiting customers to sample the supreme customer service and family environment that the team has managed to cultivate and nurture over the past three years.

Business MK

March 2022

Feature

Play your part in developing the talent you need

“T

he development of logistics, digital and engineering skills needs attention now”. This is the stark warning coming from the business-led group tasked by central government with helping resolve the mismatch of local skills attainment and employer skills needs. With the focus still very much on supporting economic recovery, there is good news and difficult news for this area. Job vacancies in the local logistics and supply chain sector are up as much as 56 per cent today compared to March 2020. This is driven by changes in consumer and business demand, as well as the UK’s exit from the EU. But while employment opportunities are growing fast, attracting people with the right knowledge, experience and skills is an increasing challenge. Many sectors, including manufacturing, engineering, construction and hospitality, also report widespread shortages of people who meet the job-specifications for the most badly needed roles. There has been a significant boost for digital occupations within businesses, leading to a 27pc jump in vacancies. Much is being done locally to accelerate the development of digital

Skills Hub:MK is one organisation working to tackle the skills gap skills and grow talent within this area. This includes high-level apprenticeship courses for up to 500 students through MK:U, led by Cranfield University and the newly-opened Northampton College Digital Skills Academy, SouthCentral Institute of Technology in Milton Keynes and local programmes such as the Skills Hub:MK. However, the Skills Advisory Panel at SEMLEP, which is responsible for bringing this economic analysis together, has highlighted the need to increase the pipeline of individuals training in software development, programming, related engineering and computer support specialisms. These are all firmly on the skills action list. Other good news for the area includes

skills development opportunities in the construction sector, such as the Modern Methods of Construction Facility at Bedford College and the Advanced Construction Test and Training Centre at Northampton College. The challenge here is getting enough people through the employer-designed courses. Job vacancy analysis in the same period (March 2020 to November 2021) for the construction occupational group shows job opportunities were up by 24pc.

Employers know and tell us what they need The skills analysis was commissioned by the Department for Education. The

government department provides grant funding to the Local Enterprise Partnership SEMLEP to bring together business leaders, schools, colleges, universities, training providers, local councils and other groups responsible for skills development and promoting economic growth. Working together, this group is tasked with setting out the status of employment-relevant skills in the area, attainment levels and the needs of employers together with an action plan to resolve skills mismatches to support growth in our local economies. The latest skills analysis was published in the South East Midlands Local Skills Plan on January 28. With the skills challenges for economic recovery firmly identified, now is the time to take coordinated action to support local business growth for 2022 and limit any negative impact caused by the skills gap. Three highlighted recommendations include: n A boost in employer engagement with education providers to inform course content, keeping it relevant to their needs. This is essential to respond to and capitalise on the increasing pace of digitalisation, a shift towards net zero and changing business and consumer trends. n Force a fundamental shift in how we support, develop and talk about the core skills, attitudes and behaviours

needed by employers, alongside technical and practical skills. Let’s move the dial on what we previously referred to as ‘soft’ skills, and power these up. n Promote all the different pathways into employment in growth occupational groups and sectors, raising the profile of opportunities, including learning new skills to take on new roles or reskilling in areas that have the greatest opportunity. There are already multiple initiatives available that help employers, skills providers and others to come together to collaborate. Key to this is developing the pipeline of people inspired to and capable of working in those occupations where we have the most need and make the most of the opportunities open to them. If we as a business community do nothing then we can expect nothing to change. There have never been so many opportunities to get involved and take action so now is the perfect time to do your part to help develop the talent you and your company will need for the future. n For more information visit www.semlep.com/growing-talent/ or contact Paul Thompson, SEMLEP’s employment and skills manager, at paul.thompson@semlep.com.

Bringing back the love into wealth management

CM Wealth Management was founded by Jason and Maggie Stather-Lodge 18 years ago after Jason left Ernst & Young having become apathetic with the financial services industry and the lack of ‘love’ clients were being given. This client-centric culture that Jason and Maggie have always held at the very centre of the company has seen the company evolve exponentially. OCM now looks after 430 families with total wealth under influence of circa £800 million. In recent years OCM has been named by the Financial Times as one of the 20 Best Financial Advisers in the UK. The company is described as ‘Expert’ by Defaqto for its award-winning investment strategy Outcome Based Investing. Jason and Maggie are immensely proud of what they have achieved and have always maintained their valuesorientated culture. The firm employs more than 40 staff at its head office in Northampton and now offers far more than solely wealth management, with the Power of 3 running through the company as it brings together three professional

Business MK

March 2022

Promotion

disciplines that allow them to deliver a powerful client-focused proposition: 1 Independent chartered financial planning; 2 Discretionary asset management; 3 Tax planning specialist. OCM has built a reputation around delivering the ‘love’ within a familyoffice proposition, allowing the business to meet all of its clients’ needs. They specialise in intergenerational tax Family business: Jason and Maggie Stather-Lodge with daughter Charlie and retirement planning, often dealing with several generations within a customer service - and OCM love to see, with their daughter Charlie and - always at the core of every the rest of the senior management team family group - a model which client encounter. is also reflected internally, looking to ultimately inherit the dayOCM is with OCM’s unique T h e y o u n g e r to-day management of the business in open to all, generation is also an the coming years as the founders take offering as a family-run looking to help integral part of the a step back. business. everyone plan for OCM structure, with As the firm grows The development programme that retirement and so does the breadth of an average staff age of OCM offers is unique to the firm, services offered and with 30 years and the next with employees coming in with clear beyond generation of advisers - sight of progression paths and many a variegated client bank. OCM is open to all, looking to who have all come up through opportunities to explore the business help everyone plan for their retirement the graduate training programme - are before deciding on their longer-term and beyond. all under 27 years old. goals. The company has a diversified client Jason’s and Maggie’s focus has Outside the office, staff camaraderie proposition with different offerings always been to nurture and develop is actively encouraged, with OCM days for all clients but with exceptional the next generation and that is plain out to the races, team visits to the pub,

away days to group wild run events and the newly established OCM netball team. Jason and Maggie understand that a happy workforce means happier outcomes for all, especially OCM’s valued client family At OCM, the clients are always at the heart of what the firm does. The name says it all: OCM: Our Clients Matter. n Find out why clients love being part of the OCM Family. Give them a call to arrange a no obligation meeting. 01604 621467 www.ocmwealthmanagement.co.uk

For local business news visit www.BusinessMK.co.uk

Making Tax Digital Are you ready?

S Tax

ince 2019, VAT-registered businesses with a taxable turnover above the VAT threshold (£85,000) have been mandated to keep digital VAT records and send returns to HMRC using Making Digital (MTD) compatible software.

From April 2022 these requirements will now apply to all VAT-registered businesses, meaning any business who voluntarily registered under the taxable turnover threshold of £85,000 will be affected.

Being able to keep your invoice records and paperwork stored online, so you no longer need to keep large boxes of paperwork Being user friendly The ability to see how your business is performing in real time Being able to produce sales invoices easily, with the ability to automate your credit control and get paid faster

What is MTD?

MTD compatible software There is a large choice of MTD compatible software on the market. In most circumstances we recommend Xero. We have partnered with Xero since 2013 and have helped many clients transfer onto the software, providing set-up and training support. There are many reasons we chose to partner with Xero, outside of the Making Tax Digital requirements, including:

MTD for VAT Although this has been in place since 2019 for MOST VAT-registered businesses MTD for VAT will be expanded to cover ALL VAT-registered businesses. This will mean more businesses needing to keep digital VAT records and submit VAT returns using MTD-compatible software. Action needs to be taken as soon as possible by those businesses now caught by these regulations from April 2022. MTD for Income Tax

MTD is a key part of the Government’s plans to make it easier for businesses to get their tax right and keep on top of their tax affairs. HMRC’s ambition is to be one of the most digitally advanced tax administrations in the world, modernising the tax system to make it more effective, more efficient, and easier for customers to comply. This means businesses need to keep digital records and use compatible software to send their VAT returns or Income Tax updates (more details to follow) to HMRC. Keeping digital records and providing updates to HMRC directly through MTD compatible software is designed to reduce errors, cost, uncertainty, and worry. This streamlined digital experience integrates tax into day-to-day business record-keeping, so that businesses can view their tax position in-year and be confident that they have got their taxes right.

Summary

MTD for Income Tax Self-Assessment will apply from April 2024 for unincorporated businesses and landlords with total business or property income above £10,000 per year. Further Information? Have you ever wondered what Xero is and how it could change the way you run your business? This is your chance to find out.

Manage your accounts from anywhere, on any device Manage your cash-flow Invoice customers from any device Take payment directly from your sales invoice via an online payment gateway Unlimited user access, with multiple user levels Sync bank statements automatically with direct bank feeds View live reports e.g. profit & loss, balance sheet, age receivables

Come along to our free seminar to discover the key features of Xero and how it could help run your business finances. We understand the move to online software is a step into the unknown for many businesses, so we’ve set-up a series of events to help provide information about Xero and how to best transition your businesses finances online. Visit advaloremgroup.uk/events or scan the QR code below to register and attend our “An intro to Xero” seminar. For more information about MTD or Xero, please get in touch for a free meeting. Contact us on: (e) enquiries@advaloremgroup.uk (w) advaloremgroup.uk (t) 01908 219100

High level security

Cloud Accounting Specialists

We have a range of Cloud Accounting Packages available, offering different bundles of services to suit your requirements, for a fixed monthly fee. Scan the QR code to learn more

But don’t take our word for it. Here’s what our clients have to say. Xero is key to keeping our accounts info up-to-date and allows Ad Valorem to provide Management Accounts, which are so valuable to assess business performance and to aid decision making. Tony – TRME Sports

To feature or comment email: news@businessmk.co.uk

Business MK

March 2022

Networking

>> The local Networking round-up Networking Lunch Bedford 2nd Wednesday, 12 noon-2pm: Online Bedfordshire (East) 4th Tuesday, 12 noon-2pm: Online Woburn 3rd Thursday, 12 noon-2pm: Online Cappuccino Connections 3rd Friday, 4th Thursday: Online Contact: Kate Cherry, regional director Bedfordshire & St Albans. 07909 675333 email kate.cherry@theathenanetwork.com or visit www.theathenanetwork.com/katecherry

March 16, time and venue tbc 3rd Wednesday of the month (exc. August), 7.30am Networking breakfast with speaker. Contact: Kerry Ransby email: kransby@woodfines.co.uk

Slovenia: the place for your European Business Hub March 9, 12 noon-1pm: Online Webinar hosted by the British Chambers of Commerce, the BritishSlovenian Chamber of Commerce and Spirit Slovenia. The event will cover the benefits of setting up a business in Slovenia, the support available and hear from businesses about their experiences. Free event. Connect over Coffee March 10, 10am-11.15am: Online Informal networking event. Free event. Meet the Neighbours: Hertfordshire March 15, 11am-12 noon: Online An hour of virtual networking hosted with Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce. Free event for Chamber members, non-members £1. Manufacturers’ Breakfast March 24, 8.30am-10.30am: The Forest Centre, Marston Moretaine Focus on the support available for local companies. Presentations by the Warwick Manufacturing Group, part of the University of Warwick, which has been supporting manufacturing SMEs, on the challenges and opportuities for SMEs, sustainable manufacturing and using data to save energy, increase productivity and reduce waste. Free event. Connect over Coffee March 31, 10am-11.15am: The Farmstead, Linmere, Houghton Regis. Informal networking event. Free event. To book on to Chamber events, visit www.chamber-business.com/events

Diamond Tuesday, 6.45am: Abbey Hill Golf Centre, Two Mile Ash. Apollo Wednesday, 10am: MK Gallery. Phoenix Friday, 9.45am: The Bedford Golf Club. Encore Friday, 6.45am: Holiday Inn London Luton Airport. Pioneer Wednesday, 9.30am: Online meetings. More information: www.bni.co.uk

Business MK

March 2022

March 8, 22, 7.45am: Online meetings. More information: www.bucks-fizz.biz

10am-noon: No fuss, no membership, pay-as-you-go networking. Brackley (New Group) 1st Thursday: Plough Pub & Kitchen, High Street Milton Keynes 3rd Friday: Revolucion de Cuba, Savoy Crescent, 12th Street Bedford 1st Wednesday: George & Dragon, Mill Street Biggleswade 2nd Wednesday: Yorkshire Grey, London Road Price: £6, payable in advance on the Business Buzz Booking App https://app.business-buzz.org/app or at the event. East Midlands (Virtual) 1st Friday: Online. Price: £10 Bedfordshire (Virtual) 4th Tuesday: Online Price: £10, payable in advance on the Business Buzz Booking App https://app.business-buzz.org/app or at the event.

Business networking and referral group. Price: £6. Milton Keynes 2nd Thursday, 7.30am: Abbey Hill Golf Centre, Two Mile Ash. Virtual Networking Tuesday Brunch 2nd Tuesday, 9.30am-11am. Wednesday Breakfast 4th Wednesday, 7.30am. Thursday Breakfast 3rd Thursday, 7.30am. Friday Breakfast 2nd Friday, 7.30am. More information: www.buscomm.co.uk

Alternate Fridays, 7am: Abbey Hill Golf Centre, Two Mile Ash Networking breakfast with speaker. Price: £15. Contact: www.business-growth-club.co.uk or Mark Orr on 07903 655169.

South Central Women in Business 2nd Tuesday, 12 noon: Online. Cherwell & North Bucks Networking 3rd Wednesday, 10am-11am: Online Networking forum for entrepreneurs, the self-employed and small businesses. To book on to FSB events, visit: www.fsb.org.uk

Breakfast networking online and face to face. 1st and 3rd Friday, 7am. Monthly dinner event. For more information, contact yvonne@4unoworries.com

For more information about the group and future events email: mkbamebn@gmail.com

Business After Hours March 23, 5.30pm-7.30pm: Milton Keynes Kia (Delgarth Informal networking. Price: £10 + VAT Chamber members, non-members £15 + VAT. Policy Hour: The Bank Of England March 24, 8.30am-9.30am: Online Discussion on interest rates, inflation and the economy. Hosted by Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire Chambers of Commerce. Free event. To book on to Chamber events visit www.chambermk.co.uk/events

Networking events provide a platform to meet and build relationships with peers and fellow members. The group also hosts personal development sessions, with talks from business leaders. Built a Brand. Now What? March 30, 3.30pm-4.30pm: Online Presented by Robyn Allen, president of Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce and owner of Robyn Allen Solutions. Subject: Managing your online personal brand. Email: info@nextgenerationchamber.co.uk to book your place For more information, visit: www.nextgenerationchamber.co.uk

For more information about the group and future events email: corporate@willen-hspice.org.uk or visit: www.willen-hospice.org.uk/get-involved

12 noon-2pm, networking lunch. Bedford & Ampthill 1st Tuesday: The Swan Hotel, The Embankment, Bedford / Online. Leighton Buzzard 3rd Wednesday: The Dukes, Heath & Reach / Online. Luton 2nd Monday: South Beds Golf Club, Warden Hills Road / Online. Sandy & Biggleswade 1st Wednesday: Stratton House Hotel, Biggleswade. Contact: Louise Yexley on 07989 020647, email: louise.yexley@wibn.co.uk or visit: www.wibn.co.uk Milton Keynes 1st Tuesday: The Brasserie at Milton Keynes College, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley. Contact: Edith Samambwa on 07802 581838, email: edith.samambwa@wibn.co.uk or visit: www.wibn.co.uk

Networking Lunch March 30, 12 noon-2pm: The George, Little Brickhill For menu and price details and to book, visit: www.womeninenterprise.co.uk

For local business news visit www.BusinessMK.co.uk

Appointments Promotion

Nigel Ingram

Anna Cawley

Recycling specialist makes board changes

ecycling and resource management specialist Cawleys has announced two new appointments to its board. Operations director Nigel Ingram has joined the main board while director Anna Cawley has taken the new role of strategy and communications director. Both promotions reflect the success achieved by Cawleys in the last few years and its plans for future growth. The family-run business has also made promotions in its sales and account management divisions. Kathryn Wright becomes sales

director and Peter Greig advances to head of account management. Both promotions took effect last month. Ms Cawley, who will head development of the company’s Carbon Reduction Plan, said: “As we emerge from the pandemic and look forward, environmental governance will be increasingly important. It is vital that our strategy compliments our dedication to sustainability and my new role will be instrumental in overseeing our journey to net zero status.” Mr Ingram added: “Our recycling rates continue to be some of the best in

the business and we will be looking to build on these. Since joining Cawleys it has been a pleasure to build on the great foundations in place and drive the operations division from strength to strength. “It is an honour to be joining the board of such a forward-thinking business that has managed to retain its independent status as a family-run organisation.” Cawleys is also preparing to celebrate its 75th anniversary this year. Headquartered in Luton, the company also has bases in Milton Keynes and Wellingborough.

A significant STEP on the career ladder

egional law firm Neves Solicitors has strengthened its expertise in two specialist areas of law. Senior associate Maxine Braham, has qualified as a full member of STEP, The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, who are internationally recognised as experts in the field of inheritance and succession planning. Stewart Matthews, joint managing partner and head of company commercial, said “Gaining this qualification requires

a great deal of dedication and commitment. We are delighted to welcome Theresa as a great addition to the firm.” Theresa Chong has been appointed as a senior associate in the commercial property team. Since qualifying over 18 years ago, Theresa has gained extensive experience as a commercial property solicitor, with particular expertise in landlord and tenant matters, management of property portfolios and investment acquisitions and disposals.

Maxine Braham

Theresa Chong

n Property consultancy Aitchison Raffety has unveiled Gill Crowther as its first people director. She had been working worked with Aitchison Raffety as a consultant and will continue her consultancy work for other organisations. She is a fellow of the CIPD and an Engineering and Business Studies graduate of Warwick University. Her appointment follows Aitchison Raffety’s move last year to become employeeowned.

Family tragedy drives charity’s research director

aving held senior management positions at Cancer Research UK, the NHS Cancer programme and the Wellcome Trust, Karen Noble is bringing plenty of experience to her new role. She has started work as director of research, policy and innovation at Brain Tumour Research and Ms Noble pictured has a very personal reason for joining the Milton

Keynes-based charity’s quest to find a cure for brain tumours, having lost her sister to glioblastomamultiforme, an aggressive and incurable form of the disease, in 2011 at the age of 47. “I have witnessed at first hand the devastation caused by a brain tumour diagnosis and know the despair felt by families when faced with such a dismal prognosis and the fact that patient survival rates have not improved in years,” she says.

“Investment is key and I am delighted to be joining an influential charity which is making a difference and giving much needed hope to so many people.” With 20 years of grants and research management experience working in the life sciences sector, Karen will oversee the development and implementation of the charity’s research and policy strategies with a view to helping to increase the national investment in brain tumour research to £35 million a year.

Next Generation Chamber welcomes new committee members

ew faces have joined the committee of the Next Generation Chamber, which supports young entrepreneurs from across Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire. The organisation was created in 2017 by Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire Chambers of Commerce specifically to help businesses support and nurture staff. It provides personal development sessions and social opportunities to its membership of more than 100.

New committee member Nina Gandy is corporate partnerships fundraiser at Cynthia Spencer Hospice in Northampton and joined Next Generation Chamber in 2019. She is joined by Imran Ilias, a commercial litigation paralegal and future trainee solicitor at Northamptonshire law firm Wilson Browne Solicitors, and Jamie Cochrane, associate at PBC Business Recovery & Insolvency. Next Generation Chamber president Hannah Brady said: “It is brilliant to see Nina, Jamie and Imran joining

To feature or comment email: news@businessmk.co.uk

the committee. I am really looking forward to working together this year to strengthen Next Gen.” She paid tribute to outgoing vice president Connor Slasberg, the organisation’s inaugural president. “We will certainly miss his enthusiasm and impressions in our committee meetings.”

Allawee Albaghdadi

Law firm plans to grow Milton Keynes office hub

s part of its accelerated growth strategy, law firm Shakespeare Martineau has promoted real estate development partner Allawee Albaghdadi to head up its Milton Keynes office hub. Allawee, who joined Shakespeare Martineau in April 2021 to work alongside six others who joined from EMW last year, will lead plans to substantially grow the city centre hub, with the aim of at least doubling its size within the next couple of years, inspired by the firm’s aspiration to become one of the most admired top 30 legal and professional groups by 2025. Allawee takes over from partner Mark Thompson who has been in the role for more than six years. Mark will continue to be an integral member of the Milton Keynes team focusing on growing the commercial and corporate offering, as well as continuing to support regional businesses. The promotion is part of the commitment by Shakespeare Martineau to reinforcing its regional expertise and strengthening its Milton Keynes footprint - providing legal and professional services support to the area’s businesses across numerous sectors, including healthcare, education, real estate development, investment and social housing, as well as areas such as corporate, commercial, insolvency and wealth. Allawee said: “I am thrilled to have an opportunity to head up our Milton Keynes office.

As a thriving economic hub, Milton Keynes continues to go from strength to strength, with so much more potential for growth within the region. Situated in the middle of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, Milton Keynes is an exciting place to be. I look forward to working with everyone in Milton Keynes as 2022 unfolds, growing our team locally, and collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team to better service our clients both within the region and nationally.” Allawee specialises in real estate development, with wide experience both within private practice as well as in-house for major retailers Amazon and Frasers Group. He works with commercial developers on projects such as the development, funding and letting of retail parks, sports centres and industrial schemes. He also works closely with a number of residential developers on their acquisitions, options and promotion agreements. Kavita Patel, head of the south region at Shakespeare Martineau, said: “The south is a key region for us and Allawee’s promotion to head of Milton Keynes will play a huge role in our accelerated growth strategy in the area. “Location means a lot to our clients and, unlike other firms that are retreating from regional locations, we are expanding. As well as widening our talent pool, this benefits our clients by giving them direct access to local legal experts, who are backed by a fullservice national law firm.”

n Find out more about Next Generation Chamber at www. nextgenerationchamber.co.uk or call 01908 733082.

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March 2022

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NE W S

‘Give an entrepreneur a podcast and let the magic happen’. P19

Union bosses praise airport for agreeing ‘substantial’ pay deal

AW AR DS

‘The easiest recruitment decision we’ve ever made’. P19

PR OP ER TY

The search is on for the best in Bedfordshire. P18

A busy property market sees more deals done. P20

nion bosses have urged the aviation sector to “take a leaf from Luton’s book” after agreeing a substantial pay increase for its members working at London Luton Airport. Negotiations between the Unite union and the airport have resulted in a pay deal worth £1,800 per worker and will be paid to the 600-strong workforce who are directly employed by Luton airport. The deal is worth 9.2 per cent to the security guards who are the lowest paid group of staff directly employed by the airport.

Unite urges aviation sector to follow London Luton’s lead to attract new staff Now other aviation companies should follow suit in order to attract new talent to their ranks, says Unite general secretary Sharon Graham. “Workers at Luton Airport will welcome this substantial pay increase. It is a great deal delivered by Unite. It is essential that the entire aviation sector takes a leaf from Luton’s book and starts increasing pay and improving conditions in order to make

the industry attractive to thousands of new entrants,” she added. Other workers employed by the airport who will benefit from the pay increase include air operations, passenger service assistants, engineers, fire crews, administrators, cargo officers and baggage control. The pay deal coincides with the airport undertaking extensive recruitment of new staff ahead of the

summer season when Luton will be at is busiest. The pay increase at Luton Airport comes at a time when there are growing staff shortages throughout the aviation sector. As the sector returns to normality following the pandemic, companies are struggling to recruit workers, due to the low pay, unsocial hours and poor conditions currently on offer. “Unite will now use this agreement as the basis to secure decent rates of pay for all workers at Luton airport regardless of their employer,” said Unite’s regional officer Jeff Hodge.

NE WS

Wedding venue toasts quality rating

1st choice recruitment 124mm x 28mm.qxp_Layout 1 06/04/2021 16:08 Page 1

There’s nevcer been more businesses in Bedfordshire. P20

Putteridge Bury

1st Choice for Recruitment in Bedford, Biggleswade, Milton Keynes, Northampton and Huntingdon for over 30 years.

www.1stchoice.net Head office: 01234 210025

utteridge Bury, on the outskirts of Luton, has won an award confirming it as one of the finest wedding venues in the UK from the wedding planning magazine Hitched. Part of the University of Bedfordshire, the grade II listed Elizabethan style manor house stands at the centre of the estate. Its grounds were designed by foremost architect of the era Edwin L Lutyens and planted by Gertrude Jekyll. The west gardens include a beautiful oak tree planted by King George V in 1926

and an intimate walled garden. The building and its picturesque parkland is used for events, functions, and conferences but it is for exceptional weddings that it has received this latest accolade. It is the only Bedfordshire venue to be granted a 2022 Hitched Award “It is always an absolute pleasure to host weddings here at Putteridge Bury and we work hard to make couples’ days as unforgettable as possible,” says Putteridge Bury general manager Andrew Keen. “The fact that we are the only

venue in Bedfordshire to receive a Hitched Wedding Award for 2022 is incredibly exciting and feels like a deserved reward for our wonderful team that has made us stand out from the crowd.” Now he and his team are looking forward to hosting weddings throughout the year. “The recognition helps spur us on to another busy wedding season. After a challenging couple of years, we are looking forward to hosting a full wedding season this year - it is full steam ahead to some fantastic weddings and maybe even some more awards.”

Business2Business

March 2022

Business MK

March 2022

For local business news visit www.BusinessMK.co.uk

Business News: Bedfordshire Appointments ‘The simplest recruitment decision we have ever had’

orty years ago, Karl Montford began his Saturday job at Neville Funerals’ branch in Bedford. He cleaned the funeral cars and worked in on general admin tasks. When he left school, Karl took a permanent post at the funeral directors… and now he has risen to become its Bedford branch manager. His career has seen him work his way up, as a driver bearer, funeral arranger, funeral director and assistant manager at the branch in Roff Avenue. Along the way, he has become the firm’s qualified expert on repatriation, liaising with airlines on the compassionate transportation of loved ones back to the UK. “Branch manager roles at the business are viewed as pretty crucial positions for us,” says Neville Funerals director Vicky Trumper. “They are the face and presence of the business in any location and as such have to have the trust of the local community

P Karl Montford and a great relationship with our clients. Karl is so well respected locally and within the business that it was simply the most straightforward recruitment decision I think we have ever had. ” Now Karl is looking to pass on his experience and knowledge to the next generation of Neville Funerals employees. “The fact that it was the first interview I have ever had was quite nerve-racking,” he says. “Throughout my career I have not thought about moving anywhere else as it is just been such a pleasure to work at Neville’s. It is just a second family for me really.”

Managing director George Georgiou welcomes Lee Saunders

Sales specialist joins workwear firm

unstable-based safety and workwear specialist Essential Workwear is targeting a sales boom after the recruitment of new head of sales Lee Saunders. Mr Saunders has worked at a senior level in the

clothing and workwear industry for over ten years. Essential Workwear managing director George Georgiou said: “Lee is a great addition to our team as a formidable sales professional with an impressive track record. ”

Vauxhall directors on the move

Colin MacDonald

auxhall has moved the head of its Luton factory to become its new transformational projects director. Colin MacDonald began his new role last month, having joined the Luton plant as director in May 2020. He is succeeded by Mark Noble inset, formerly plant director at Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port factory.

Podcasts... Grasp the nettle and you have a powerful marketing tool on your hands, says podcaster Anna Parker-Naples.

Mr MacDonald is responsible for several industrial transformation projects in the UK, including the potential electrification in the Luton manufacturing plant. Vauxhall aims to offer an electrified version of all cars and vans in its range by 2024 and to offer only fully electrified vehicles by 2028, seven years ahead of the UK government deadline.

To feature or comment email: news@businessmk.co.uk

odcaster Anna Parker Naples has launched her new podcast for entrepreneurs and saw it reach the top 100 business podcasts. Now she is calling on fellow entrepreneurs and business leaders to ‘grasp the nettle’ and use the podcast as a powerful marketing tool. Podcasting for Entrepreneurs reached 14th in the business charts and topped the marketing category of podcasts soon after its launch last month. It was created as part of Anna’s campaign to reduce the gap between the professional audio world and the business world. The podcast blends her podcast industry experience with her real-life experience of entrepreneurship, having created a multi-million pound business from scratch over the last three years. Entrepreneurs are nervous of podcasts entering the ‘unknown’ audio space. Almost four in ten female entrepreneurs fear the technology and 42 per cent have Anna Parker-Naples concerns over visibility. “There is no doubt that the podcast industry is booming with over 2.5 million podcasts now live,” says Anna, who lives in Leighton Buzzard. “Yet it is clear there is still heavy resistance to tapping into the huge opportunity here from many business owners - and it is no surprise to me that a huge proportion of resistance is down to visibility fears.” She knows the fears well. Rejected by the drama school RADA at 18, Anna abandoned her dream of becoming an actress and decided to pave out a successful career using her voice. successful podcasts since January “When I became wheelchair2020. ‘When bound during my third She acquired her knowledge you give pregnancy, depression hit while wheelchair-bound, a mission-led and I wanted to hide dedicating her time to but, thanks to the start of entrepreneur a learning about the world a personal development of audio and investing podcast, magic journey, I instead found a in a recording studio at happens’ passion within me to help home. Today she is an awardothers who were feeling trapped, winning voice actress and audio to step up and get visible and that path producer working with brands including has led me here.” Coca Cola, FC Barcelona, Aardman Today she is passionate about helping Animation, Virgin and the BBC. other entrepreneurs to tackle their fears “I have been asked why this and why so more business owners, particularly now and the answer is that I have walked female entrepreneurs, can use podcasts to the walk and talked the talk and I cannot grow their businesses. see anyone marrying the two specialisms Audio and podcasting continues to in such a way that enthusiastic be male-dominated - only 21pc of entrepreneurs can really get hold of podcasts in 2020 were hosted by women. something and practise it,” Anna says. Anna is a top-selling podcast author “I tried and failed with my first podcast and international podcast host. Her but it did not put me off. I evaluated and Entrepreneurs Get Visible podcast has created something totally different with received more than 200,000 listeners Entrepreneurs Get Visible and now I love in 106 countries. She is also the UK’s letting others in on the secrets. leading podcast launch expert and has “This field was always set to grow helped other women launch over 300 but people’s thirst for audio content has

Embrace audio content and watch your business soar grown exponentially during the pandemic and if you want your business to soar, you really cannot ignore this space.” Knowledge is key in launching a successful, profitable podcast. Episodes include the minute detail of which microphone to use and which platform is right, to formats to consider, repurposing your podcast and how to land the best guests. “It takes planning, strategy and commitment to build an engaged listening audience, providing the best quality content that has people coming back for more.” Podcasting, she says, is both an art and a science. “When you give a passionate missionled entrepreneur a podcast, magic happens because in that moment of them choosing to share their knowledge and expertise and connect with someone else very directly human to human, a ripple effect is triggered. That advice will impact that listener, that listener will take action as a result and that message will be multiplied.”

Partnership aims to build on construction skills

ricklayers of the future are learning their trade at a centre dedicated to teaching the latest in brickwork installation. Industry-recognised Association of Brickwork Contractors courses in modern masonry techniques are on offer at the ABC Assessment Centre at Bedford College. It is the first training provider to offer Construction Industry Training Board-

approved accreditation in bricklaying processes. Centre manager Simon Livett said: “The training programme is our response to industry demand for more, betterskilled operatives in the brickwork sector. “Over the years, manufacturers have developed many fantastic aids for bricklayers but there is a growing feeling that on site the level of workmanship

has not necessarily kept pace with the evolution of new products and bricklaying techniques. “ A suite of training courses has been devised in conjunction with ABC members. David Wilkins, Bedford College Group director of construction and building service, said: “This is being undertaken in several colleges across the UK and we are delighted to part of that pioneering activity.”

Business2Business

March 2022

Business News: Bedfordshire

Furniture firm relocates to new larger unit

can be delivered in 48 hours and assembled in minutes. The unit was leased through commercial property consultancy Kirkby Diamond, which was acting for the previous owner-occupier, a chair manufacturing company. Head of commercial agency Eamon Kennedy said: “This is an excellent deal for Swyft Home as it allows them to consolidate two operations into a single building, bringing efficiencies and cost savings to the business. “There was a lot of interest from potential occupiers as the high demand for industrial stock continues and we were

pmarket furniture manufacturer Swyft Home is relocating in Bedfordshire after agreeing a deal on a warehouse unit. The company, which supplies furniture for John Lewis stores and other interiors retailers, has signed a long-term lease on a 36,214 sq ft industrial unit at Southfields Road, Dunstable. The relocation allows the company to move from two smaller units into a single, larger premises. Swyft Home creates selfassembly sofas, armchairs, ottomans and stools, which

Swyft Home has signed a lease on a new larger unit (above) in Dunstable. CityFibre is moving to a unit (above right) in Luton able to achieve a five-year lease at above the asking rent, which is a great result for our client.” The detached, two-storey warehouse unit has a 22,860 sq ft warehouse with an additional 7,294 sq ft mezzanine and 6,060 sq ft of office space. n The UK’s largest independent broadband

network provider is bringing investment to Luton after agreeing a long lease on a new industrial unit. CityFibre has taken a tenyear lease on a 3,864 sq ft unit at The Quad - a new-build industrial warehouse scheme on Butterfield Business Park. The development consists of a total ten industrial units ranging from 3,864 sq ft and

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19,996 sq ft. Kirkby Diamond, acting on behalf of a private investor, secured the new occupier. “It is fantastic to welcome CityFibre to The Quad,” Mr Kennedy said. “Their arrival is linked to them undertaking a contract to provide fibre broadband within Luton over the next few years.” Kirkby Diamond achieved

Business numbers hit a record high ‘An active economy with entrepreneurs motivated to invest’

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a new headline rent on the estate, he added. “Demand for industrial stock is still strong and rents are increasing quarterly due to the lack of supply. This new development provides companies with high quality accommodation in a convenient location.” CityFibre operates the UK’s largest and independent full fibre platform.

he number of businesses in Bedfordshire reached a record high during 2021 despite the continuing economic challenges resulting from the pandemic. The number of registered companies in Bedfordshire rose to 47,831, up from 46,207 at the end of 2020 – an increase of 3.5 per cent. Almost 7,500 new businesses were registered in the county. The statistics come from the Review of Company Formations by company secretarial and formation specialist Inform Direct, using data from Companies House and the Office for National Statistics. Luton formed the highest number of new businesses (3,563), followed by Central Bedfordshire (2,103) and Bedford (1,730). The retail sector saw 1,213 new businesses incorporated, possibly the result of pent-up demand after the lockdowns of 2020 and early 2021, said Inform Direct’s operations director John Korchak. “It is excellent news to see that Bedfordshire has achieved a record high for the number of businesses in the county despite the continuing challenges of the pandemic,”

he added. The construction sector saw 949 incorporations. “Reaching a new record number of companies demonstrates an active economy with entrepreneurs motivated to invest in new businesses which meet current and emerging demands for goods or services,” said Mr Korchak. “The overall picture for the UK as a whole is also an optimistic one with the total number of companies now exceeding five million for the very first time.” The UK saw 771,617 new businesses formed, compared to 780,760 in 2020. The overall number of UK companies totalled 5,005,147, a 3.5pc increase on the total of 4,837,426 at the end of 2020. This continues a ten-year trend which shows the number of businesses in the UK doubling in that period. Dissolutions across the UK - 606,912 during 2021 - hit a record high. Possible reasons are that new enterprises set up early in the pandemic have closed as people have returned to full-time employment or businesses thriving preCovid-19 have suffered as behavioural and spending patterns have changed,.

THE LATEST LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS EVERY DAY www.businessmk.co.uk For local business news visit www.BusinessMK.co.uk

In the Community

t’s back… the annual Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival returns to Willen Lake on September 24 and new festival organisers New Wave Events are expecting an even higher turnout this time around. Entries are already coming in following the festival’s launch last month. The Dragon Boat Festival, supported this year by Business MK, its sister title MK Pulse magazine, MKFM and MK Charities, attracts more than 50 companies annually and for the first time companies can raise money for a charity of their choice. There is a great incentive for teams to raise as much sponsorship as possible as the top fundraisers will win a charity trophy and the sponsorship raised by the participating teams is expected to make a significant contribution to the charities in and around Milton Keynes. New Wave Events executive director Alicja Mierzejewska said: “We are thrilled to be able to carry on the legacy of the festival and we are excited to bring new and fresh ideas in the years to come. Being involved with planning this festival previously, we knew it was and is an important event for the participants, charities, and local community, so we started planning as soon as possible.” Both Alicja and her codirector Lucy Morton worked

The dragons are back The countdown begins to Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival 2022 for the previous organisers of the festival, Gable Events which closed during the pandemic. “I am so glad we get to bring this amazing event back to Milton Keynes and the new feature to raise money for any local charity I think will bring more interest and raise vital funds to help so many different charities in the area,” said Lucy. “After such a tough couple of years, this is exactly

what the community and charities need and we cannot wait for it to all come together for the best year yet.” The festival will be using smaller 30ft dragon boats, holding crews of up to 11, with reduced entry fees to make it easier for companies and organisations of all sizes to enter teams. Companies, clubs and organisations from across the region are putting their

teams together to take part and represent a mix of new and returning crews but all with the same aim in mind: to enjoy a great day out with colleagues and friends and make a difference in their community. Enhanced Gold and Silver entry packages are available which include marketing benefits such as the company’s logo on each side of a dragon boat as well as a significant donation to the charity of their choice. Says Alicja: “When Gable Events closed it was certainly an end of an era but we are optimistic for the future and we are here to bring everyone back together again after what has been a difficult time for everyone. Our dragons are ready and waiting.” To take part in the dragon boat racing and help raise money for your charity, no previous experience is required - just plenty of team spirit and enthusiasm. The dragon boats, qualified helms and all racing equipment are provided and each crew is guaranteed a minimum of three races. n For further information and an entry form visit: https://dragonboatevents. co.uk/milton-keynes-dragonboat-festival/. Find out more about charities you can help at www. mkcharities.com/

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Business MK

March 2022

In the Community

Council backs new storage hub scheme

Church acts to tackle food poverty

charity providing meal boxes for children in Milton Keynes who are going hungry says demand has doubled during the pandemic. The boxes are now being given out at 76 schools and children’s centres in Milton Keynes. Each of the partners keeps a store of recipe boxes which can be given to any child or young person believed to be in food poverty. There are five varieties from which to choose - curry, tuna pasta, tacos, spaghetti bolognese and a “Kettle Only” box for those in emergency accommodation containing all the ingredients needed to cook a hot meal at home for a family of four. The St Mark’s Meals scheme was started by Reverend Paul Oxley at St Mark’s Church in Central Milton Keynes. “Teachers tell us that lots of children arrive at school hungry and they have not eaten anything since their free school meal the day before,” says Rev Oxley. “It is not just holiday hunger, children are going hungry every night of the year, trying to sleep with empty tummies and then trying to learn the next day.” One in four children in the city are believed to be at risk of frequent hunger and the charity has seen a rise in requests for help from education in recent months. St Mark’s Meals fears that the rising cost of living is likely to push even more families into poverty. Demand for its services has almost doubled during the pandemic as has the number of schools with which it partners, from 39 in October 2020. Milton Keynes College is seeing the impact on its learners and is collaborating with St Mark’s. This includes being part of the MK Child Poverty Partnership, having the meal boxes on site to distribute to students and encouraging staff and students to donate money and food items. “Not having enough to eat must surely be one of the grossest inequalities any child can face,” says the college’s community engagement manager Rebecca Myrie. The college’s support has made a significant difference to the charity. Says project coordinator Angie Row. “Having like-minded organisations cheering us on helps us to work hard to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry.” n Find out more at stmarksmk.com/meals

Business MK

A Sixth formers put together the toiletries hampers destined for MKAct

Saint’s legacy still inspires students

harities in Milton Keynes have benefited from the day of service carried out by pupils at Thornton College near Buckingham. Inspired by the story of St Claudine, whose followers founded the college, every student took part, raising thousands of pounds and helping hundreds of people. Year 13 students collected toiletries and created and delivered 42 hampers to the MK Act refuge for women affected by domestic abuse. Years 10 and 11 students took part in a ten-mile sponsored walk and raised more than £1,000 for MK Winter Night Shelter, while younger students made 100 felt donkeys to send to The Donkey Sanctuary for it to sell. Pupils also took part in litter picking, environmental projects, cleaning duties, wrote contact letters to the elderly and washed staff cars for donations. Some of the youngest students made tray mats and light

In the early 19th century a French woman who lost her family in the bloodshed of the French Revolution turned her attention from her own grief toward the needs of orphaned girls on the streets of Lyon. She rescued, fed, clothed and educated those that she found so that they could live in safety within a family environment. The group of religious sisters that St Claudine started came to England 100 years later and founded Thornton College. catchers for residents at Willen Hospice, Thornton College’s chosen partner charity. “Seeing the students fully embrace the ethos of the school, while serving others was an inspiration,” says Shauna Murphy, head of RE and chaplaincy. “It is a way in which our young people can fully embrace the relevance that St Claudine still has for our community today, and a reminder of how her story and actions continue to influence us.”

ilton Keynes Community Foundation has unveiled a new website. It offers a smoother, more accessible experience for those looking to support their local community or apply for funding for an upcoming project. The move comes after “two of the most unprecedented years Milton Keynes has ever seen”, said a spokesman. Last year alone, the Community Foundation gave out more than £1.6million in grants to 198 groups and charities to help them to continue their work.

March 2022

As well as showcasing the new Funding Fairness branding, key features include a search function, simpler navigation and a mobile friendly design. The website also has a dedicated sub-site for its meeting and conference facility Fairspace MK. Philanthropy director June Oldroyd said: “We hope that our new website will enable us to provide even greater support across the borough to ensure a fairer future for everyone.” n Visit the new site at www.mkcommunityfoundation.co.uk

not be charged back to the charities. Subject to approval by councillors, the council will commit to a 20-year lease for the new charities hub, worth up to £1 million. In the meantime, the council will continue to manage the previous temporary warehouse in Kiln Farm. Local tech firm and social enterprise It’s What’s Next IT has also moved to Kiln Farm to set up a new drop off point for donations of unwanted laptops and other IT equipment, helping to reduce digital poverty. Cllr Rob Middleton, cabinet member for resources, said: “I am incredibly proud of our partnership with the food banks and everything they have achieved since the start of the pandemic. They provide a real lifeline to families struggling to make ends meet. “This initiative is testament to what we can do when we work together to support families and that is why we want to commit to this vital relationship for the long term. The new space in Granby will allow us to bring charities together to ensure support is available to people when they really need it.”

Baby Basics is one of the charities set to benefit from the new hub

Younger students show off their efforts for The Donkey Sanctuary

Foundation launches new website

new permanent home for charities across Milton Keynes is set to open thanks to £1 million of funding from Milton Keynes Council. Charities including MK FoodBank Xtra, Baby Basics MK and St Mark’s Meals were gifted a temporary base last year at a council-funded warehouse so they could concentrate on their support for local people instead of worrying how to fund accommodation and other bills. Now the council is due to approve a relocation to a new facility in Granby, working with Milton Keynes Community Foundation. The new hub will create more space for the charities to store essential goods and the council has agreed to pay rent and utility bills for FoodBank Xtra so it can concentrate more resources into helping people that need it the most. At the start of the pandemic, the council entered into a partnership with MK FoodBank Xtra which has seen 14,000 food parcels handed out to people in need. The Community Foundation will be giving the council a discounted rent which will

New pillars reflect spirit of unity

wo new pillars to be engraved at The Milton Keynes Rose in Campbell Park will commemorate the Black Lives Matter movement and the Windrush Generation. The Black Lives Matter pillar will be dedicated to George Floyd, who died in Minneapolis in May 2020 in an incident that reignited a push for racial justice and equality. The pillar commemorating the Windrush Generation remembers the day in 1948 that the HMT Empire Windrush ship arrived in London

bringing the first African Caribbean people to settle in the UK, invited from Commonwealth countries to work on the construction of post-war Britain. The Milton Keynes Rose Trust hopes that future generations will look back on the pillars as symbols of a commitment by Milton Keynes to be a place where everyone feels welcomed and appreciated. “The Milton Keynes Rose is a place for everybody - a space that is welcoming and can speak to everyone,” said trust chairman Debbie Brock.

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In the Community

How sweet the sound of hymn’s celebration

heritage project celebrating 250 years of the hymn Amazing Grace has received a £10,000 boost. Milton Keynes Council has awarded the grant money to the Cowper & Newton Museum in Olney, which will use the funding alongside £98,760 already received from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to collaborate with local partners on the Amazing Grace and its Legacies: Reflections at 250 programme. The hymn was written in Olney by the town’s curate John Newton to accompany the New Year’s Day Sermon in 1773 at the church of St Peter & St Paul. It is now known and sung worldwide.

Amazing Grace and its Legacies: Reflections at 250 will take place over this and next year in Olney and wider Milton Keynes. It will include conversations, exhibitions, talks, walks, and cultural and community activities in collaboration with The Open University, the Friends of the Caribbean-MK, The Stables Theatre in Wavendon, the African Diaspora Federation-MK, Olney Town Council, the African and Caribbean Arts & Heritage Union-MK, the Sierra Leone Committee-MK and St Peter & St Paul Church, Olney. Milton Keynes Council deputy leader Cllr Robin Bradburn, cabinet member with responsibility for culture, said: “We are very pleased

The Cowper & Newton Museum in Olney

to be providing support for this local heritage project and to top

up the funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund so more can

be achieved. The council has worked with the Cowper & Newton Museum trustees for many years and the work they do is an important part of our creative and cultural strategy. “We want to ensure the museum’s significant heritage can reach and positively impact our residents, communities and visitors. I look forward to some fascinating cultural activities over the next two years.”

Fundraising with a smile leaves charities purring

Network Rail’s national centre The Quadrant, next to Milton Keynes Central railway station, is one of the locations of the Tap to Donate machines

Donation scheme for homeless passes milestone

he Tap to Donate scheme set up by MyMiltonKeynes Business improvement District to contribute to a long-term solution to homelessness in the city has passed £10,000 in total donations. Starting off with two trial donation points when it launched in 2019, the scheme has grown to nine machines around the city centre, including within the shopping centres, train station, hotels and leisure venues. The money raised has gone to the Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership, which works to support those most at risk of homelessness. So far MKHP has completed an initial assessment of service provision and brought together a network of 35 local organisations to work on solutions. It has begun to implement its health and wellbeing strategy, targeting more than 750 households in temporary accommodation, supported training for volunteers working with the homeless and coordinated food provision for 200 homeless and vulnerable people.

It is also working with Jurys Inn hotel to distribute surplus food, bedding and linen to those who need it. A Covid action group is delivering vaccines to rough sleepers and MKHP is developing Pathways to Independence, a pilot plan to help homeless people. Chief executive Tracey McCillen said: “When we first discussed the idea of the Tap to Donate machines with MyMiltonKeynes, we could never have imagined how successful the scheme would become and we are overwhelmed to have reached such a milestone target in just two years, particularly given the huge challenges we have all faced.” The Tap to Donate initiative also boosted funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, enabling MKHP to complete its research report Impact of Covid 19 on homelessness in Milton Keynes, the first report of its kind for the borough. One of the BID’s priorities has been to

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work with the council and local charities to develop a long-term solution to homelessness and aggressive begging. The BID has also supported the YMCA. BID chief executive Melanie Beck pictured said: “We are immensely proud of our members for supporting us to donate £75,000 to the YMCA and in reaching nine Tap to Donate locations and £10,000 so far and for voting for MyMiltonKeynes to continue its work to create a safe, clean, mobile, intelligent and amazing city, for at least the next five years. “But most of all we want to thank the Milton Keynes community, whose contributions enable MKHP and their partners to go far beyond what has ever been possible before, in their mission to end homelessness in Milton Keynes.” n Find out more about Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership and how to support its work at https://mkhp.co.uk/.

riving specialists CAT Driver Training have raised almost £3,500 for charity… thanks to a smile. The company, which delivers bespoke training to drivers from the road, track, race and motor industry, has run its annual CAT Smiles initiative since 2019. Every time a client agrees to have their photo taken for social media, CAT donates £5 into a custom Terramundi Charity Pot. “Just before Christmas it was our pleasure to reveal the 2021 ‘CAT Smiles’ total,” says CAT Driver Training co-owner Jo Hoad. “Facebook followers tuned in to our live broadcast as I smashed the pot, revealing the total sum raised.” This year’s smiles raised £1,798.21 for Mission Motorsport and £1,660 for Barnardo’s. Each client participating in the initiative was put into a draw to decide who would choose the receiving charity. Tim Coope’s was the name drawn out of the hat; his charity choice Barnardo’s. “Though no longer with us, my father was looked after by Barnardo’s for a number of years before the Second World War and he talked with great fondness of his time there. I am delighted that the money raised by CAT can go towards helping their continuing work

in supporting vulnerable children in the UK.” CAT Driver Training has supported the Mission Motorsport charity for several years. “We have witnessed first-hand the benefit of their inspirational work, supporting veteran soldiers,” says Jo. “In 2021 we launched CAT’s first publication Your Track Day Guide. It was always our plan to donate the profits of this book to a worthy cause Mission Motorsport felt like the natural choice. It is our pleasure to donate the sales of our book to such a worthy cause.” The total comprises all profits from the book’s sales on Amazon and copies purchased by clients at CAT headquarters at Millbrook Proving Ground near Ampthill. The money will go to a motorsport programme across the UK developed by the charity for wounded, injured or sick ex-servicemen. “Fundraising has been so difficult during Covid at a time when the charity was being called on more than ever,” says Mission Motorsport chief executive James Cameron. “The support of the CAT Driver Training team, and the community behind it, has been wonderful and not only keeps the light on in difficult times, it has also been a great encouragement for our work.”

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March 2022

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