Business Times Northamptonshire January 2024

Business Times January 2024

Est. 1991

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In print and online Business Times is published in Northamptonshire for the county’s business community www.Business-Times.co.uk

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FSB’s appeal: Time to get tough on business crime. P5

We want best for business, Chamber tells politicians

FE AT UR E

Tech cluster chief’s warning to the industry. P7

AW AR DS

Spotlight on Education & Training. P11-14

Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Louise Wall with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer during his visit to Silverstone

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Success for county firms on the national stage. P15

Charity’s delight at record donation. P20-21

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usiness wants stability, whichever political party is in government after the next General Election, the chief executive of Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce has told an audience of senior businesspeople and national media.

Louise Wall was speaking at a visit hosted by the Chamber to electric vehicle upcycling company Lunaz’s factory at Silverstone by Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer.

“The Chamber is an apolitical body that wants the best for business so it is vitally important that we get our message to all parties and that, whoever is in government after the next General Election whenever that falls - provides stability,” Ms Wall said.

She welcomed proposals by Labour to replace the current business rates system, to accelerate planning decisions to speed up investment and to introduce legislation tackling late payments.

CEO calls for stability in message to all political parties ahead of General Election “We listen to businesses all the time and we have also been listening to what the Labour Party has planned,” Ms Wall said.

“These are just some of the measures that our members have been telling us they would like to see and we look forward to hearing more.”

Sir Keir told the audience of national media and businesses that he wanted to ‘get Britain building’ and that a sound economy would provide the

platform to deliver for the whole country.

“This is a Labour Party that has broken new ground in our relationship with business,” he added. “The party gets the value of private enterprise and understands working people want success as well as support.

“We know that borders must be secured, economic stability is the foundation for everything but that in tough times like ours, we must use the power of government carefully, but decisively. We need to stoke the fires of renewal, the pride and purpose I know burns inside communities like this.”

During the Leader of the Opposition’s visit, Lunaz announced plans to double its workforce by 2025 from 175 to 350 skilled clean-tech specialists at its factory at Silverstone. n Full story and more on Sir Keir’s visit to Northamptonshire on page 3.

Business News

Business Optimism levels reflect bleak economic outlook, say analysts Times Distributed by Royal Mail to more than 9,500 key executives and decision makers every month.

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rofit expectations are falling, with almost one in three firms bracing themselves for a decrease over the next six months, said new research from professional services firm Grant Thornton.

Its latest Business Outlook Tracker, which monitors mid-market business sentiment, said that optimism is reduced and organisations are holding lower investment expectations.

“Throughout most of 2023, businesses have remained relatively optimistic about the economy and their ability to weather the many challenges,” said James Brown, Grant Thornton’s practice leader in the Central and East region. “This latest set of business outlook data suggests that businesses are now starting to come face to face with hard realities resulting from a combination of poor economic performance, biting covenants, higher interest rates, relatively high levels of inflation, energy cost increases, political uncertainty, and decreased investment expectations.”

Key findings in the Business Outlook Tracker include: ■ Profit expectations have plummeted 20 percentage points since October to 46 per cent. This is 9pc below the rolling average.

■ 32pc expect a decrease in profits.

■ Optimism about economic growth stayed flat since October at 58pc - 11 percentage points below the rolling average (69pc) and just 1pc higher than the lowest recorded level.

■ Revenue growth expectations fell 12 percentage points below the rolling average to 58pc.

Business Times | January 2024

high for funding position (17pc).

■ Investment expectations continue

James Brown ■ 18pc of respondents were pessimistic

about revenue growth - the highest level recorded in three years.

At Grant Thornton’s recent Planning for Success in 2024 webinar, Schellion Horn, head of economics consulting at Grant Thornton, outlined five actions businesses can take to meet their goals in a challenging economic climate next year: ■ Making full use of the

Apprenticeship Levy;

■ Looking into green grants and

government grants;

■ Taking advantage of investment

zones;

■ Reviewing workforce strategy; ■ Partnering with industry

associations to lobby

Webinars deliver on 2024’s ‘hot’ employment topics

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new series of free webinars is providing much-needed support to business owners.

The online seminars, hosted by Ketteringbased HR Solutions and running until April, cover key business topics such as employment contracts, apprenticeships and long-term sickness.

Next up, on January 11, is Apprenticeships: A Solution to Your Recruitment Challenges, which focuses on the benefits of apprenticeships in detail and how they can help business owners to address current recruitment challenges.

These are followed by Menopause in the Workplace on January 30, Tools for Effective Performance Management (February 15) and Supporting LongTerm Sickness on March 9. An additional virtual employment law seminar will run at the end of March to give businesses insight into the changes afoot and how they could be impacted.

HR Solutions put together the webinar programme based upon the results of its annual SME Business Survey in collaboration with Business Times and qoob.

The series began last month and looked at the employment developments likely in 2024. Hundreds of n

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■ Pessimism levels were also at a record

businesses signed up for webinar The HR Year Ahead: The Key Trends to Watch.

As well as new employment legislation, the session focused on staff planning, employee retention, recruitment and positioning the employer brand.

The SME Business Survey identifies the issues facing SMEs across the country and HR Solutions then creates a webinar schedule with topics picked specifically to help address those challenges.

During 2023, this has included seminars on the cost of living crisis, employee retention, employment law bills, EU reform, the four-day working week and Artificial Intelligence.

Greg Guilford, chief executive of HR Solutions, said: “Our expert team deliver these free webinars on a monthly basis to provide tips and guidance on the latest developments in HR and health and safety.

We are proud to offer this invaluable service with expert knowledge and advice on topical issues completely free of charge.”

Each webinar is recorded and published in HR Solutions’ videos and Webinars archive.

The latest SME Business Survey closed last month and the responses are being analysed at HR Solutions’ head office.

To access the webinars, visit www.hrsolutions-uk.com/upcoming-webinars/

to slow. The biggest deceleration is in technology, recruitment, skills development and international markets.

Mr Brown said: “The only way to get the economy on to a high-growth, lowinflation path which leads to economic prosperity and welfare gains is to invest in areas that improve productivity, close the productivity gap, and enhance skills.

“Currently there are decreased investment expectations across the board, including in these key areas. The government has put some measures in place such as the Apprenticeship Levy, green grants, R&D tax credits and while businesses should take advantage of these, they currently do not seem to be sufficient to ward off all the pressures faced.

“Businesses will know that investing in these areas is critical to their long-term competitive success so the fact that they are cutting back in these areas paints a clear picture of the pressure they are under.”

It is understandable that optimism is at an all-time low and businesses in the thick of the storm are trying to find a way through.

However, more than half of respondents remain optimistic about the economic outlook, suggesting that businesses can still see light at the end of the tunnel, Mr Brown added.

“The economy is predicted to improve from 2026 onwards, by which point government policies such as childcare and pension reform will hopefully have kicked in and started loosening the labour market.”

Council looks to merge offices and improve services

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lans to bring more council teams together into a central office and make further improvements to customer service offerings across West Northamptonshire are set to move forward this year.

West Northamptonshire Council is progressing proposals to relocate the majority of its office workers to its base in One Angel Square, Northampton. It will continue to enhance its local hubs at The Abbey in Daventry and The Forum, Towcester as well as more of its drop-in events in Brackley.

The moves follow a review which identified that the council has more office space than it requires. Staff based in the modern part of the Guildhall in Northampton and some at The Forum in Towcester will relocate to One Angel Square during 2024 and early 2025. The historic Guildhall will remain and will continue to house the Coroner’s Office, committee and meeting rooms.

Council leader Cllr Jonathan Nunn said: “Bringing more of our colleagues together into a central Northampton office will enable us to collaborate and innovate to deliver better services for all our residents. ” Once services have relocated from the modern part of the Guildhall during 2024 and 2025, the council will look at disposal options for surplus offices.

For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk

Business News Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer gives his speech on the factory floor to business guests and the media at the Lunaz factory in Silverstone.

Below: Sir Keir in conversation with Lunaz’s founder and chief executive David Lorenz

Clean-tech pioneer pledges 175 new jobs Vehicle upcycler prepares to enter full production

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nvestment in net zero technologies is set to ramp up at the manufacturing headquarters of the world’s only dedicated industrial vehicle upcycling and electrification company.

Lunaz has announced plans to double its workforce by 2025 from 175 to 350 skilled clean-tech specialists at its factory at Silverstone.

The company is on course to upcycle 1,100 vehicles per year and is increasing its workforce as it prepares to enter full production through 2024 and beyond. A global network of facilities will follow with Silverstone placed as the permanent R&D and engineering hub for a rapidly expanding international company.

The jobs boost confirms Lunaz’s commitment to the UK, said the company’s founder and chief executive David Lorenz. “We are showing no signs of slowing,” Mr Lorenz added.

He made the announcement on the day of a visit to Lunaz’s Silverstone facility

by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. The Leader of the Opposition toured the 250,000 sq ft factory where Lunaz is converting existing commercial and passenger vehicles to its proprietary

zero-emissions electric powertrains. Sir Keir met members of the Lunaz team and was shown commercial vehicles at different stages of the restoration and upcycling process, developed entirely in-house using Lunaz’s proprietary battery and powertrain technology.

He used the visit to state the importance of cleantechnology companies such as Lunaz and the role they play in accelerating the critical global shift towards net zero.

The commercial vehicle upcycling and electrification sector, in which Lunaz is an international pioneer, is predicted to grow tenfold over the next five years.

“Fast-growth clean technology companies like Lunaz show the incredible talent, innovation and ingenuity that exists here in Britain,” Sir Keir said.

“We will back to the hilt the ambition and innovation of British business. The UK has enormous potential to take a global leadership position in the critical path to net zero industry. Companies like Lunaz show how it can be done.”

Upcycling and electrifying an existing industrial vehicle saves more than 80 per cent of the embedded carbon

compared to replacing it with a new one. A Lunazupcycled refuse truck is also better equipped for safety, comfort and driver wellbeing and represents a 25pc capital saving over its as-new equivalent for local authorities and business operators, the company said.

Lunaz itself has experienced rapid growth in both its passenger car and industrial vehicle upcycling operations.

When it was founded in 2018, the Silverstone factory occupied 7,000 sq ft and employed just five people: today it extends to more than 250,000 sq ft.

Local authorities including Buckinghamshire County Council and Biffa, the UK’s leading sustainable waste management company, have all committed to upcycling and electrifying significant proportions of their fleets with Lunaz.

Mr Lorenz said: “We welcome all policy that supports and stimulates growth in this vital and vibrant sector. We are encouraged to see political leaders engaging with and recognising the enormous power of the circular economy practices employed by Lunaz to accelerate our critical path to net zero.”

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Business Times | January 2024

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Business News Advertisement Feature

Food manufacturer enters administration Former owner blames ‘corporate greed’ for collapse

V Sara Homer, chief executive of Brackmills BID, launches the renewal ballot campaign

Vote YES

BID launches renewal campaign ‘Vote YES to keep our estate safe, secure, clean and green’: Businesses from Northampton’s Brackmills Industrial Estate have gathered to officially launch a renewal campaign.

Brackmills, home to more than 180 businesses and 11,000 employees, has held Business Improvement District (BID) status for over 14 years, an initiative which sees businesses pool an annual levy and use these funds exclusively for the benefit of the estate.

At the official launch of the BID’s renewal campaign Sara Homer, chief executive of Brackmills BID, said: “We are now in the final year of our third term as a BID so we have gathered here to officially launch our renewal campaign.

“We are urging businesses across Brackmills to vote YES in next year’s BID renewal ballot. Only with a YES vote can we ensure our estate continues to thrive and we don’t return to the pre-BID days of crime, road hazards and general decay.”

DSV, which opened its impressive new 387,000 sq ft Brackmills site in April, hosted this renewal event, with businesses including Asda, igus, Miswa Chemicals, Xtra Express and Indica Automotive.

Speaking at the event Charlotte Patrick (below), vice chair of Brackmills BID, said: “So many of the things you see on Brackmills now - the additional winter gritting, CCTV cameras, road improvements, additional security and clean green spaces - are because of the BID. If we don’t get a YES result in our March 2024 ballot, much of this will disappear and Brackmills will be back to its darker days.

“So we need to be successful and we need your help to do this.”

Throughout December businesses were encouraged to complete business and employee surveys, helping the BID team to plan priorities for the next five years and to create a new Business Plan Brackmills BID goes to ballot on February 14, with ballot papers sent to all estate businesses and businesses asked to vote YES to a further five years of BID status.

The last chance to vote will be Wednesday, March 13, with the BID ballot result due to be announced on Thursday, March 14.

Bites, producers of plant-based products, has gone into administration with its former owner Heather Mills blaming ‘corporate greed’.

Howard Smith and James Clark were appointed joint administrators of the company, which has a manufacturing site in Corby’s Burkitt Road, last month. They said in a statement: “The company is currently continuing to trade and all outstanding contracts or orders for the supply of goods and services are being reviewed.”

The statement on the administrators’ website added that ‘it is not currently possible to forecast the outcome of the administration’.

Interested parties will be contacted by January 19, it said.

The company’s website reveals that the products were distributed to 28 countries and 80 plus awards have been given in ‘global recognition of continuous innovation’.

The decision prompted Ms Mills to publish a lengthy statement on her personal website. It read: “With great regret, I am sorry to announce that after 30 years of pioneering plant-based

production and innovation in the meat-free, fish-free and dairy-free sectors, VBites Foods Ltd, a company very dear to my heart, is entering into administration. This is extremely distressing for me on a personal level but also for my wonderfully loyal and hard-working staff.

“My team and I have undertaken 30 years of product creation and evolution as well as personally investing tens of millions of pounds into the business and offering every solution I feasibly could to keep it going but sadly mine and my staff’s efforts have been thwarted by a demand that I stepped away from day to day management in order to secure essential investment.”

She also cited corporate greed, poor management, the cost of living crisis, price rises in the global ingredients and utilities markets and the current state of the UK’s manufacturing economy.

Her statement continued: “The plight of VBites is not an isolated case and I think it is important to take stock and highlight the various factors that are contributing to the struggles of companies like ours in the current market.

There are learnings we can assimilate and actions we are to take if we are to ensure that the movement course corrects and grows for the greater good.”

Ms Mills blamed what she described as the “galvanised and well-funded marketing of misinformation currently being undertaken by the meat and dairy industries - and sadly backed by select celebrities who, in my view, should take their responsibilities as influencers much more seriously”.

She added: “Another major issue we must contend with is the influence of corporate greed. It is unsurprising and inevitable that where profits are to be made, amorphous corporate entities will follow and unfortunately their practices too often undermine the entrepreneurial spirit, flexibility and agility of movement that saw plantbased entrepreneurs have so much success.”

She concluded: “As you can most likely tell this is a passionate topic for me and I am hopeful that as a unified force we can turn things around - and hopefully before it is too late.”

Jack Fisher

Courier firm looks to create new jobs

N Visit www.brackmillsindustrialestate.co.uk for full details on the BID renewal ballot. To find out more about how BID status has transformed Brackmills read the Brackmills BID 2023 Prospectus.

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Business Times | January 2024

ew jobs are part of the expansion plans for a managed courier services business that has moved into new larger premises after only one year in operation.

World Options is settling into its new office at Signal Park in Daventry after achieving sales of more than

£1 million in its first year as part of MBE Worldwide, the UK’s largest retail group of franchised shipping services.

Managing director Jack Fisher has recruited a team of four and is looking to create up to five new jobs as the business grows further.

“As the global economy gets

more and more connected, and with the boom in e-commerce, the courier industry is a very vibrant market place and looks set to grow further,” he said.”

World Options Holdings Ltd manages three brands in the UK: Mail Boxes Etc., PACK & SEND and World Options.

For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk

Business News Weetabix has changed its slogan to ‘Grown from 100% British Wheat’ sourced within a 50-mile radius of its Northamptonshire factory following consumer testing that showed choosing British-grown wheat is a key factor driving many to purchase Weetabix.

Farmers lead our push to net zero, said Weetabix

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armers who have harvested 75,000 tonnes of wheat this year that goes into the manufacture of breakfast cereal products at Weetabix’s factory at Burton Latimer are playing a key role in the company’s sustainability drive.

Sourcing responsibility is one of the four key pillars under the ‘Change for Even Better’ strategy. Weetabix is committed to helping its farmers on their journey to producing wheat with a lower carbon footprint while enhancing soil quality, improving crop resilience and managing the risks presented by the uncertain environment in which they are working.

And the farmers working four million acres of countryside within 50 miles of the Weetabix factory

feature on the boxes of every Weetabix-made cereal in response to consumer interest in where the wheat comes from and its journey from field to spoon.

Weetabix has produced its annual Sustainability Report, which records the work the business has done in 2023 towards achieving its Change for Even Better goals.

Supply chain, procurement and technical director John Petre (inset) said: “We know this has been another challenging year for everyone.

But we also know progress on sustainability remains important to all our stakeholders.”

Weetabix has also been working with the Weetabix Growers Group, a small group of farmers set up in 2010, to evaluate new carbon

reduction technologies, including regenerative agriculture, precision nitrogen applications and soil assessments.

The group is focused on optimising the amount of nitrogen fertiliser applied to wheat and assessing how carbon can be absorbed rather than released through their farming methods.

The company has reduced the

carbon footprint of its packaging on cereal boxes by 20 per cent and by 8pc on its On the Go bottles.

The weight of plastics in its drinks bottle is down by 15pc, inner cereal carton bags by 9pc and Alpen plastic packs by 4pc.

The report also highlights how the health and wellbeing of its 1,100 employees is a priority. Weetabix has expanded its Mental Health

First Aiders programme with 15 newly trained volunteers joining the network of 41 across the company’s four sites. The company has also continued its partnership with The English FA and Football Association of Wales.

Mr Petre said: “Our Change for Even Better strategy has guided us again this year but it is our people who really make the difference, ensuring that sustainability remains part of our Weetabix DNA. I am pleased to say that our work developing science-based targets has continued and I am also delighted that we passed the important milestone of making 100pc of our packaging.”

Get tough on crime, FSB urges PFCC candidates Small firms call for action as C offence figures continue to rise andidates in May’s election of Northamptonshire Police, Fire & Crime Comissioner, PFCC have been urged to put business crime at the forefront of their agenda.

The call has come from the Federation of Small Businesses in the wake of its latest research in England and Wales, which shows that small firms are facing a double whammy of virtual and physical crime. More than 80 per cent have been impacted by crime at least once in the two years to January 2023 - an increase from 49pc for 2017 -2019.

Traditional crime, including organised shoplifting, drained more than £1,000 from more than half of small business in the last two years, with one in ten losing more than £10,000, said the FSB’s Cracking the Case report. Now, ahead of the PFCC elections, FSB leaders are demanding that candidates in Northamptonshire place business crime front and centre of their manifestos.

The organisation has also put forward a series of recommendations to the Home Office, the government and the National Cyber Security

Centre to introduce measures against business crime.

FSB area manager for Northamptonshire Jennifer Thomas said: “Small businesses are a huge and increasing target for criminals.

The new Home Secretary and the police must act to provide the safety and security on which day-to-day economic life depends.”

The FSB has received significant numbers of reports of shoplifting. “Our study further shows how serious and unprecedented the problem is,” said Ms Thomas.

“This is certainly not what we need at a time when we look to grow our economy.

Witnessing our small highstreet shops and independent businesses losing their hardearned money because these crimes are overlooked by authorities is disheartening, not to mention the mental toll on small business owners and their staff.”

Traditional crime is led by vandalism, damage to premises and anti-social

behaviour followed by burglary, robbery and theft.

A total 37pc of businesses have fallen victim to fraud, costing 44pc under £1,000 but 8pc said it had cost them more than £10,000.

Invoice fraud is the most common offence, along with card and cheque fraud and unauthorised payments from bank cards and accounts.

One in ten have faced malware attacks or have had their social media accounts hacked. 92pc of respondents had been affected by phishing.

The surge in crime against small businesses is despite more than six in ten taking measures to protect themselves, such as installing or updating security, initiating a training programme and improved insurance cover.

An overwhelming majority have installed anti-virus software and updated the software on their IT systems to keep out the cyber criminals and fraudsters.

Two-thirds of small firms have reported their most impactful crime to the police, their bank and their IT provider/service.

Sally Wood, the FSB’s area leader for Northamptonshire and a financial consultant working in Northampton, said: “Crime against small

businesses not only has a detrimental impact on those who run and work for them but also hurts the wider economy. [The] PFCC election for Northamptonshire is a good opportunity for

candidates to show they have the backs of small firms in our area. In order to create flourishing high streets and town centres, we need small business owners to feel safe and listened to.”

Ms Thomas added: “We need to see not only firmer and swifter action from the police and government but also politicians standing in the general election to make business crime a priority.”

Jennifer Thomas. Right: Sally Wood

To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk

Business Times | January 2024

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Business News

‘The essence of our town’s spirit’

New building responds to hybrid working demand

Candidate calls for a new approach to revive centre

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ffshore investors who own almost one-fifth of UK high streets are putting profit before community interest and taking economic benefit away from town centres nationwide, said Labour’s prospective Parliamentary candidate for Northampton South.

Mike Reader bemoans funding cuts, ‘a lack of love and an absence of vision’ that has affected Northampton town centre.

A Labour Party survey of almost 1,000 residents has shown little support for the current regeneration plans and now Mr Reader is calling for a new approach to restore Northampton town centre to its former glory.

“Our high street should be more than just a shopping destination. It must become a community hub, a rallying point and the essence of our town’s spirit,” said Mr Reader, who has worked in the construction industry for 15 years and leads a team at an international consultancy and construction firm that designs and implements campaigns to help governments worldwide achieve best value from their construction

Mike Reader and infrastructure projects.

What is required, he added, is a new perspective on the town centre’s revival. “We have to start at the heart of the problem - who really owns our town centre? The complex and often obscured ownership of properties means we, the community, are left with little say in how our town develops. Too often, we are presented with a choice between another unwanted betting shop or a vacant shop front.

“It is staggering to learn that across the UK, nearly 20 per cent of our shops are owned by offshore investors. These distant stakeholders, more concerned about profits than community interests, shape our high

streets’ futures, pushing aside local voices and needs.”

Mr Reader has unveiled a fivepoint plan for the town centre: n Bring the market back to its former location as soon as possible. n New legislation to make it easier for community and council to hold landlords and investors to account or work with them to lead change. n Champion community and co-operative ownership so that the benefits of high street rejuvenation are shared locally rather than captured for private profit. n Reform business rates. n Devolve funding decisions on town centre transformation so

they are made locally rather than nationally.

“Ownership should be transparent,” Mr Reader said. “By understanding who holds the reins, we can ensure our economy’s benefits flow back into our community. We must leverage the strength of community ties and level the playing field for our local businesses in terms of taxes, making sure the big online players pay up too. Importantly, we need to keep decision-making local.”

Northampton town centre could be great again, he added. “It could become a vibrant hub which draws people into our town from across the region. But that only happens with radical fresh thinking.”

ising demand for hybrid working has led to workspace provider IWG opening a new Regus building in Kettering.

The opening of the two-storey building is one of more than 600 that took place last year worldwide. IWG plans to add 1,000 new locations in the next 12 months.

The building in Kettering, just off the A14, is operated by workspace rental agency Celvista under a franchise partnership.

IWG’s founder and chief executive Mark Dixon said: “We are establishing a stronger footprint in Northamptonshire area with this latest opening. Kettering is a fantastic place for us to boost our expansion plans. The need for high-quality flexible workspaces continues to soar as hybrid working becomes the new normal.

Our opening in Kettering comes at a time when more and more companies are discovering that flexible working boosts employee happiness and satisfaction while helping the environment.”

IWG also operates the Spaces and HQ office brands. Celvista’s managing director Manny Singh said: “We look forward to supporting the growth and success in this thriving town.”

YES, YOU CAN HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT...

If you think you can’t get expert legal advice without it costing a fortune, think again.

Review your contracts of employment and staff handbooks… for free In the last few years...

There have been two key changes that may affect employment contracts and handbooks.

April 2020 saw changes requiring employers to issue written statements including prescribed information to each new worker on or before their first day.

The necessary detail require changed e.g. training information must now be included as must all forms of paid leave – including family friendly leave.

Hybrid and remote working Another change is the shift in traditional working practices. Gone is the 9-5 office based role, for many replaced with flexible ways of working including hybrid working – potentially here to stay for the medium to long term. Do your contracts and policies adequately cover this?

Further likely changes Restrictive covenants: potentially, changes will be made to the future enforceability of restrictive covenants.

Check that your contracts provide sufficient protections

6

Business Times | January 2024

to your organisation’s information as you may find confidential information and (where applicable) IP clauses need updating.

Contracts: are yours up to date?

Unless your contracts have been revised to take account of the changes, they will not be legally compliant. This may not be an issue for those the organisation employed before April 2020, but it will be an issue for any new hires you have taken on, or you are planning to take on.

In conclusion, can you be 100% certain your contracts and handbook reflect your current way of working?

What is the cost?

There is none – we don’t charge for the review (charges would only apply if you ask us to help update the applicable documents).

Contact the Employment Team (EmploymentLaw@ wilsonbrowne.co.uk), or call 01604 876697 for further information to arrange your free review.

Jennie Jahina is a Partner and Head of the Employment team. A member of the Employment Lawyers Association, Jennie has 23 years’ experience as an employment lawyer and is an accredited CEDR Mediator.

Specialising in all aspects of employment law, she routinely acts for both private sector organisations ranging from SMEs to multi-national companies and public sector organisations.

For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk

Business News

Planners give green light to F1 R&D facility Aston Martin receives the go-ahead A for workshops and testing centre ston Martin F1 has been given the green light to build a new research and development facility at its Silverstone site.

The proposal was approved by planners at West Northamptonshire Council for the work at Buckingham Road. This is the latest phase for the team which in its presentation said it has ‘a proud and long-standing association with Silverstone’ dating back to 1991 with the Jordan GP team.

The team’s acquisition by a consortium led by chairman

Lawrence Stroll has already brought £200 million investment to ‘realise an ambition to continue to be a truly competitive participant in the Formula 1 World Championships’.

The new facility comes with the promise of more jobs and will bring all its work under one roof rather than the current situation which sees the team operating from several

leasehold properties.

The report to planners said: “Northamptonshire has been our favoured choice, we are already established and networked in the area. We remain in the region because of the high skills base in the area and, given our recruitment plans, continued access to one of the UK’s most skilled workforces will

be required to meet our objective to become a world leader in Formula 1 innovation, design development, and production.

“We are of course aware that our proposals fit with Northamptonshire’s strategic planning and economic regeneration strategies with the protection and expansion of skilled jobs and an increase in training, apprenticeships, and work experience opportunities for people in the economic area.

“We intend to set new benchmarks for quality management and

environmental standards. From the outset, the new facility will reflect the excellence, discernment, and attention to detail for which Formula 1 is world renowned. Our new facility has been designed to greatly enhance an area of great importance to the UK motorsport industry providing continued high quality employment opportunities for both local candidates and those from a wider international catchment area.”

The facility on a 32.3-acre site will provide space for research and development workshops and testing.

Cluster chief calls on tech firms to improve industry’s recruitment figures

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ilverstone Technology Cluster is leading a new initiative to get UK industry and educators working together to inspire young people about careers in engineering and manufacturing.

“STC stands for Skills as well as Promotion, Support and Thought Leadership,” said its chief executive Pim van Baarsen as he addressed an audience of more than 150 at the network’s Innovation & Growth Conference.

His presentation highlighted figures from the Institution of Engineering & Technology that show UK engineering and manufacturing is struggling to encourage and recruit enough people for the future: n 49 per cent of engineering firms struggle to find the skills they need; n The current engineering shortfall in the UK is 173,000 people; n 18,000 more engineers retire each year than begin a career in the industry; n Only 16.5pc of engineers are women;

n 29pc of the LGBTQ community would avoid engineering for fear of discrimination; n Only 57pc of engineering graduates go on to have a career in the industry; n 5pc of current engineers will have retired by 2026.

Mr van Baarsen said: “I find these statistics alarming because to me these are not the figures of a thriving successful industry. So no matter how cool the stuff is that you are working on, no matter how full your orders books are, if we keep doing what we have always been doing then these numbers are only going to get worse and it is not going to end well.”

Silverstone Technology Cluster has unveiled a new Skills Workstream that aims to correct stereotypes of the engineering sector, showcase career opportunities, encourage apprentices and work placements and enhance the links between industry and education.

The scheme will facilitate pooled apprenticeships and create an Educators and Industry Forum to improve communication and narrow the skills gaps, Mr van Baarsen said. The Skills Workstream will also advocate communal training to reduce costs to individual employers and host careers fairs and other events.

Mr van Baarsen said: “We want to bring educators and industry together for their mutual benefit, to aid recruitment and retention, plus upskilling, and making young people aware of the opportunities. We want to help the cluster companies find the people that they need to ensure there is a skills pipeline and so that we do not see those depressing stats continue.

“We feel that if we all work together and collaborate then we can make a difference and the statistics show we really should. We, the industry, cannot afford to turn people away. We have to do better.”

Spotlight on Education & Training. Special feature: Pages 11-14

Partners hail success of design software

S

cotts Timber Engineering and MiTek UK & Ireland have announced a partnership to offer highly detailed 3D modelling and automated design features for housebuilders.

MiTek PAMIR is a 3D modelling and design software system that delivers a powerful and versatile CAD, layout and engineering package.

It means higher-quality drawings for clients and quicker turnaround times when detailing and amending drawings, said Thrapston-based Scotts managing director James Scott.

The transition to MiTek PAMIR involved a comprehensive review and restructuring of Scotts Timber Engineering’s operations.

Head of sales Billy Richardson said: “It is clear that MiTek is investing and developing in its systems beyond its competition and we wanted to be a part of that. PAMIR has made complicated designs more accurate and streamlined our entire design process. We can now respond more efficiently to client feedback

without the need to start from scratch.”

Tim Garner, commercial director of MiTek UK and Ireland, added: “It is great that Scotts are already seeing the many benefits of our software and service. We continue to invest heavily in our suite of software and we are very excited to bring timber frame detailing into our PAMIR platform in response to the growing adoption of MMC by homebuilders.”

To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk

Pim van Baarsen at the Silverstone Technology Cluster’s Innovation & Growth Conference

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Business Times | January 2024

7

Business News Can maker goes behind camera to back disability campaign

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urturing a diverse, equal and inclusive workplace is the subject of a film and campaign by staff at drinks can manufacturer Ball Corporation’s factory at Burton Latimer.

Their film aims to raise awareness about people with disabilities in the workplace. It was launched to mark the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Ball, the world’s leading manufacturer of infinitely recyclable aluminium drinks cans, opened its fourth UK manufacturing site at Burton Latimer at the start of 2023.

Warehouse manager Neil Howitt, who appears in the video, said: “This is the second year our plant has supported the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and it has proven to be the perfect opportunity to look back at the things we have done on our inclusivity journey so far and to look forward at ways we can build on our progress.”

The company uses its recruitment process to ensure everyone, regardless of disability, has the opportunity to gain employment with the company, said diversity and inclusion manager Lauren Touré.

8

“It is not just talk,” she added.

“We have taken action and I am really proud of the work we have done. There is more action to take and more physical and behavioural barriers to break down but, with our strong culture and focus on diversity and inclusion, I am confident it is something we can do as a team.”

Ball Corporation has a dedicated team of Executive Diversity Champions. One is Tom McCarthy, vice president of integrated business planning, who championed the

Business Times | January 2024

discussions and the resulting film.

“We have seen this kind of sustained, positive influence bear fruit where colleagues with disabilities or long-term health conditions can now access any reasonable adjustments more easily,” he said. “The video provides a genuine snapshot of how talented people with disabilities can and are contributing their skills in a variety of roles to Ball’s global operations every day- often without their peers’ awareness of their unique ability.”

Cawleys seals sale to expanding recycling firm R egional waste management and recycling company Cawleys has been acquired by SUEZ recycling and recovery UK. The deal for Cawleys - details have not been disclosed - is the second by SUEZ this year. The company sees as a strategic growth area for SUEZ group, which has a target to reach 40 per cent turnover from international markets by 2027.

Founded in 1947, F&R Cawley Ltd is now a major provider of recycling and waste services to businesses in the area. It employs more than 200 staff across its three locations in Wellingborough, Luton and Milton Keynes with a fleet of 70 vehicles and handles 90,000 tonnes of waste every year from its 4,500 customers.

Strategy and communications director Anna Cawley said: “Cawleys has grown to become a leading independent commercial waste business and we are proud to have served our customers for over 75 years.

“When it came to selling our

business, we wanted to find a buyer who shared our values and who we were confident would maintain our excellent customer service. As a triple bottom line business with a strong track record in the industry, SUEZ is perfectly placed to take our business forward.”

Cawleys’ management team will continue to work with SUEZ and will oversee the transition for both staff and customers, she added.

John Scanlon, chief executive officer of SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, said: “As we grow, we want to work with likeminded companies that share our commitment to putting our customers at the heart of what we do and who understand our triple bottom line approach that balances profit with the needs of people and the planet. F&R Cawley are the perfect fit. This acquisition develops our footprint north of London and offers our customers a resilient, endto-end solution for their waste and recycling needs.”

For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk

To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk

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Education & Training Concerns over skills levels among the current and future workforce are an ongoing issue. But employers in Northamptonshire are developing links between business and the education sector to tackle the crisis.

Pages 11-14 >>

Students from Kingsthorpe School (left) at sports management and promotion company CoFiGi and (right) from Sponne School, pictured at digital reality developer Hexagon

Back to school and bridging the skills gap

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usiness volunteers from companies based at Silverstone Park are to resume their work advising local secondary school students on career options and pathways.

The Silverstone Park Schools Programme worked with more than 800 students in 2023 and volunteers from employers based at the park are preparing to begin a new round with partner schools Kingsthorpe College in Northampton and Sponne School in Towcester. They will visit the schools for a series of in-class career workshops and host visits by the students to their premises.

Silverstone Park occupiers Carbon Composite Solutions, CoFiGi Performance, Ducati UK, Fibonacci, Hexagon, Lunaz, Performance Projects, PUNCH Flybrid, Silverstone Composites and TD Group have all volunteered to take part in the programme. So have Silverstone Technology Cluster members engineering consultancy EES Solutions in Coventry, Lutonbased electronics manufacturer Jaltek Systems and brake system designer NS85 in Warwick.

“It is a really important initiative that is helping to address concerns about the skills gap in the local area,” said Silverstone Composites managing director Marcus Trofimov.

“Our area of work, in manufacturing carbon fibre componentry for Formula 1 and advanced engineering sectors such as space and automotive,

definitely falls under ‘jobs of the future’ and the career possibilities are exciting and many.

“Young people can often bring new ideas and fresh thinking to a project.

We firmly believe companies should, where possible, be supporting them through work experience, apprenticeships or full-time roles and opening their eyes to the opportunities through the Silverstone Park Schools programme is a great start.”

CCS, which makes composite components for the motorsport and wider automotive sectors, is taking part in the programme for the first time.

“We have decided to volunteer because the programme is delivering young people with the best careers advice possible direct from

employers,” said director Scott Noon. “Conversely, this can only be of benefit to employers by helping them build a potential skills pipeline for the future.

“The minds of students - and also teachers and parents - are being opened to career possibilities that they otherwise might be unaware of, thereby helping to address issues surrounding a skills gap on both a local and national level.”

Carbon Composite Solutions will send along at least one female engineer to the workshops. “We want to reach out to female students and help them realise that our type of work is very definitely not a ‘male only’ environment,” Mr Noon said.

The programme is managed by careers outreach specialist Ahead Partnership and sponsored by

Silverstone Park and developer MEPC. “As the number of businesses locating to Silverstone Park increases, so does the number of people being employed here - many of whom are in their youth which is great to see,” said MEPC’s Ruth Williams, asset manager at Silverstone Park. “The feedback from schools and students themselves shows how much of a positive impact the Silverstone Park Schools Programme has had on young people and we look forward to building on that success during the 2023/24 academic year.”

Added Leonie Matthews, Ahead Partnership’s programme manager: “Silverstone Park’s occupiers have demonstrated their commitment to support local young people through their participation in our programme

Volunteers taking part in the Silverstone Park Schools Programme

onsite. We are delighted to continue to deliver such impactful events and hope to build on the successes from this year.”

The participating schools, which also include The Buckingham School, recognise the value of the programme. “The business volunteers demonstrate how it is possible to go from the classroom in your early teens to successfully running a business or holding a senior management role,” said Sponne School’s PSHE learning leader Ann Warner. “This is giving our students a head start and is surely to the advantage of the local business community.”

Feedback from parents and teachers echoes the views, said Kingsthorpe College’s assistant headteacher Paul Crisp. “The programme genuinely inspires and motivates students at what is a really important stage in their formative years.”

Businesses wishing to volunteer for the Silverstone Park Schools Programme can email leonie. matthews@aheadpartnership.org.uk to find out more.

Ducati UK’s managing director Fabrizio Cazzoli said: “We are delighted to continue our support of the Silverstone Park Schools Programme which, through its volunteer network, is doing so much for teenagers, as well as their teachers and parents, in making them aware of career types and pathways that are on their doorstep.”

Help us to help you: College invites employers to join its industry boards

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oulton College is calling on local businesses to become active members of its new Industry Skills Boards, ISBs, which have been launched to ensure its students leave ready to join the region’s employers with the appropriate skill set.

By participating in one of the college’s four ISBs, employers can have a direct say on what skills they

are looking for in their respective sectors, while helping to shape the future curriculum of the FE college’s provision in areas including construction, agriculture, animal management, and sport.

Matt Smith, executive director of skills and business development at Moulton College, said: “We want to ensure our students leave here with the skills and attitudes needed to help

To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk

them and their future employees succeed, whatever the industry or job role. To do that, we want local employers from a range of sectors to join our ISBs and help us shape our curriculum so that it better suits their needs going forward.”

ISBs will be held three times a year and will be chaired by a local employer, with business representatives joined by Moulton’s

staff, trade associations, qualification bodies and other stakeholders. By giving employers a say, Moulton College hopes to develop students equipped and ready to make a positive impact on the local economy and community.

The ISBs cover the college’s four main curriculum areas: sport, animal management and welfare landbased courses such as agriculture

and horticulture and construction.

Those involved will be encouraged to help shape the curriculum provision further by providing speakers and sharing the latest techniques in use in their respective industries so students can hear first-hand how businesses operate and their expectations.

For details or to apply visit: www. moulton.ac.uk/employers/skillsadvisory-groups

Business Times | January 2024

11

Education & Training

Intelligent, keen and with a good work ethic One manufacturer sees a bright future ahead for students as a result of a thriving work placement scheme it is running with Northampton College.

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onstruction students at Northampton College are playing a significant role in creating two major developments in London.

Modular building technology specialist MY-Fab has joined forces with the college to provide work placements to 250 students on carpentry, mechanical, engineering, electrical installation, decorating and plumbing courses this academic year.

MY-Fab specialises in highprecision offsite construction and has developed a bespoke structural steelframed system which is completely manufactured in its Northampton factory on the Lodge Farm industrial estate.

Currently, the learners are working on two student accommodation

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modular building projects at MYFab’s Northampton base which are both destined for London.

“We want to help develop the next generation of local tradespeople with Northampton College,” said MY-Fab factory manager Eilan Azulay. “Starting in a place like MY-Fab gives students a great introduction to the construction industry. They are working indoors in a controlled, safe environment and are learning about the important qualitative characteristics of modern methods of construction which include cost efficiency, accelerated project timelines and high-quality craftsmanship.”

MY-Fab’s products hold the industry’s highest levels of sustainable marks and standards.

“Showing this to the next generation

Business Times | January 2024

MY-Fab plumber Nertil Ruka fits taps to a shower with Level 2 plumbing heating and ventilation student Zack of builders will hopefully help improve the UK’s building stock,” said Mr Azulay. “Helping students to learn about modern methods of construction now will enable them to play a pivotal role in the future of construction and secure a lifetime of good employment.”

The current two projects - which include a six-storey building - are delivering valuable experience to the students. “When these projects are complete, they will have somewhere to go to see the fruits of their work as these buildings will last for a long, long time.”

Mr Azulay has been so impressed with the students that he is urging other businesses to partner with the college. “We hope this is the start of a long-standing relationship with the college. Their students are intelligent, keen, have a good work ethic and they are a pleasure to work with. We hope this partnership will lead to students joining our company at the end of their studies but even if that does not happen we will still feel this has been a beneficial experience.

“We cannot see any downside... there are only benefits.”

MY-Fab also took part in the

college’s Employer Fair and has offered to give its teaching team a tour of the factory’s facilities.

“Establishing robust connections with local employers such as MYFab is essential to us as we strive to deliver students who are wellprepared for the workplace,” said college principal Pat BrennanBarrett. “We are very grateful to MY-Fab for offering our students invaluable work experiences and the opportunity to take on important responsibilities and test the skills they are learning with us on their courses.”

For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk

Education & Training Welcome to the first of a regular column in a new alliance between Business Times and the University of Northampton. Each month we reflect news, opportunities and insight into the work, life departments and people of the university and highlight how the university can help you and your business.

Social impact is our institution’s core purpose

by ADRIAN PRYCE DL Associate Professor Faculty of Business & Law University of Northampton

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s the only university in the county, the University of Northampton plays an important role in the life of Northamptonshire, increasingly so since its move to the new Northampton town centre Waterside Campus in 2018.

With over 1,500 staff and 12,000 students it clearly has an important economic impact, but the university works closely with both the West and North Northamptonshire Councils, the Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire and multiple stakeholders across the county, supporting the local authorities, businesses, charities and various cross-sector initiatives such as the Northampton Town Forward for redevelopment, Northamptonshire Surprise for the visitor economy.

The university is also a member of Northamptonshire Anchor Institutions Network that brings together some of the largest employers in the county to work together to address important

Adrian Pryce social and economic issues to make Northamptonshire a great place for people to live, work and visit.

The university’s 2023-27 strategy, led by the Vice-Chancellor and chief executive Professor Anne-Marie Kilday, puts social impact as the core purpose of the institution, with the objective of transforming lives, communities and businesses for the better.

Hence the university’s strap line: Supporting aspiration, creating opportunities, delivering impact.

Relationships and external engagement are fundamental in creating social impact. We plan to

further develop collaboration with our local communities and deploy our expertise to help shape policy and development in the town and county. Our social impact, however, reaches beyond Northamptonshire to the national and international stages both through our international faculty and students as well as through partnerships with other universities around the world.

The University of Northampton has three faculties, each led by a Dean, that deliver the core University courses: n Faculty of Business & Law Dean: Karen Jones. n Faculty of Health, Education & Society - Dean: Jacob Saranga. n Faculty of Arts, Science & Technology - Dean: John Sinclair.

The university also has a number of research institutes and centres.

Institutes, such as the Institute for Social Impact & Innovation are stand-alone units that focus on key themes, with dedicated full-time staff. Research centres are housed within one or other faculty, with lecturers opting in to focus their research and enterprise activities on key issues, such as in the Centre for Sustainable Business Practices.

A leap into the employment law unknown Every four years, we get an extra day in February thanks to the leap year. But what does this mean for employers and employees in terms of pay and annual leave?

paid one-twelfth of their annual salary each month regardless of the number of days in that month.

Do I have to pay my employees more for the extra day?

The statutory minimum annual leave entitlement for workers in the UK is 5.6 weeks, which includes eight Bank Holidays. For most workers who work fixed hours five days a week, this equates to 28 days.

This does not change in a leap year so there is no need to recalculate your employees’ holiday entitlements. However, for those who work irregular hours, you might need to account for the extra hours worked on the leap day.

The answer to this question depends on how your employees are paid. If they are paid on an hourly basis, you will need to pay them for any hours they work on the extra day, as you would for any other day.

However, if they are paid an annual salary, then you do not need to pay them more for the extra day. In these cases, employees are usually

Research and enterprise activities are led by over 50 professors, associate professors and readers, and a number of Visiting Professors from around the world. Dr Cathy Smith, the Dean of Research and Knowledge Exchange, has responsibility for oversight of the university’s research and enterprise activities.

The faculties and deans are supported a number of directorates, covering areas such as HR, IT, marketing and student admissions, student futures, library, learning and student services, estates and campus services as well as global engagement and student futures.

The Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice- Chancellor, the chief operating officer, the deans and directors form the University Leadership Team, which meets weekly and considers matters relating to the strategic oversight of the university.

As well as being a catalyst for community-wide activity across the county, the university is increasingly keen to support individual local businesses and charities. It does this in a number of ways, with a local community radio station it supports financially - NLive Radio - with the business-focused Open4Business

show that airs on Tuesdays 7pm9pm on NLive Radio 106.9FM or via www.nliveradio.com.

Support for local organisations through extensive Knowledge Exchange activities that include consultancy, research and advice as well as workshops, masterclasses and special lectures plus business start-up services along with grant search and application support. The university works closely with all the local business membership bodies such as Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce and Federation of Small Businesses and plans to extend these collaborations in the future.

We would also like to hear from you how the University can help you and your business. So please get in touch.

Adrian Pryce is associate professor in the Faculty of Business & Law at the University of Northampton. adrian.pryce@northampton.ac.uk www.northampton.ac.uk

IT’S NOT JUST A JOB.

Do my employees get more annual leave?

Jennie Jahina is a specialist employment lawyer, helping all sizes and types of private sector business, and public sector organisations. Jennie deals with strategic projects (restructuring, compliance, business relocations and outsourcing/insourcing exercises), day-to-day operational and people management matters, and employment tribunal representation.

n This article is an abridged version of a longer article which can be found on our website www.wilsonbrowne.co.uk. We hope this helps you understand some of the employment law issues that arise from the leap year and how to deal with them. If you have any further questions or need any advice, please contact Wilson Browne Solicitors.

If you need help with employment issues, call Jennie on 0800 088 6004.

“I pride myself on providing practical and clear advice, striving for outcomes that save businesses time, money, stress and reputation… It’s what I do.”

Jennie Jahina Head of Employment

0800 088 6004 enquiries@wilsonbrowne.co.uk wilsonbrowne.co.uk

To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk

Business Times | January 2024

13

Education & Training

Bus operator Stagecoach wins contract for student transport

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he University of Northampton has agreed a new transport contract with bus operator Stagecoach.

The contract is due to start in March. Stagecoach will take over from the university’s current transport service provider Uno. The university has made the switch, it said, because of the changing public transport landscape and to better integrate transport services at the university with the town of Northampton and beyond.

Stagecoach plans to continue routes centred on the university including

the Number 18 (Waterside Campus to Park & Ride Sixfields), Number 19/19A (Waterside Campus to Kingsthorpe - Scholars Green Halls of Residence) and the Number 21 (Rectory Farm to the Town Centre via Weston Favell).

Uno, which has partnered with the university for the past ten years, will continue to provide transport services until the new contract begins.

The university’s director of estates and campus services Tracey Russell said: “We are proud of the transport links we have already built between university sites,

accommodation buildings and the main travel hubs of Northampton and we look forward to continuing to nurture these in the coming years.

“Alongside both Uno and Stagecoach, we are working hard to ensure a smooth transition between providers to minimise impact on our service users as well as maintain value for money and quality of service.”

Stagecoach Midlands managing director Mark Whitelocks said: “We are delighted to be extending our network to include these additional services.”

University commits to support its technicians

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triggered cultural change at higher education and research institutions across the UK and leveraged several millions of pounds worth of external funding to support the technical community.

Cathy Smith, UoN’s Dean of Research and Knowledge Exchange, said: “By signing the Technician Commitment, the University of Northampton formalises our commitment to the excellent technical colleagues we have working here.

“Their expertise and knowledge are essential to delivering research and teaching. We rely on them and must seek to retain and nurture their talent.”

Technician Commitment programme director Dr Kelly Vere said: “The University of Northampton is an excellent addition to our community of signatories and we are eager to support them on their journey in supporting their technical staff who deliver teaching and research.”

Accreditation gives career boost to graduates

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he University of Northampton is the newest signatory to the Technician Commitment, which makes a pledge to create a more positive culture for the technical community in higher education and research.

University technicians are sometimes considered as ‘behind the scenes’ but their role is vital, catering for the day-to-day running and maintenance of research labs, studios and specialist facilities.

They also assist students and staff with research projects, demonstrating complex technical skills and equipment, furthering technical expertise and contributing to outreach activities.

The Technician Commitment, launched in 2017 by the Science Council and the Gatsby Foundation, aims to ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians.

The initiative has

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leading professional body’s accreditation of the University of Northampton’s Biomedical Science degree has given a massive boost to the employment credentials of future graduates.

Accreditation of the course by the Institute of Biomedical Science, IBMS, confirms it is relevant to current professional practice, informed by the latest advances in research, and anticipates future developments in this critical scientific and biomedical field. It means that graduates are guaranteed to fulfil the academic requirements needed to become a registered biomedical scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council, HCPC. The University of Northampton will work in close partnership with the IBMS for the benefit of its students in the months and years ahead to ensure the successful delivery of biomedical science education and training.

IBMS accredited degrees are assessed by professional and academic experts to ensure they offer comprehensive subject specific knowledge alongside high standards of teaching and laboratory facilities that are valued by employers such as the NHS. Dr Jodie Score, deputy head of subject for science and programme lead for biomedical science said: “Accreditation from IBMS is very significant for the University of Northampton, which we are immensely proud of achieving.

The accreditation for this programme demonstrates our offer of a solid scientific education to students, including practical, analytical and interpretive skills. It is a seal of approval and assurance that the course meets the highest standards required by the IBMS and will provide our fantastic students with the very best grounding for entering their future careers as biomedical scientists.”

For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk

Business News n The power of an award win is second to none. Meet the companies from across Northamptonshire celebrating success at national and regional level.

President hails award winners T A golden night for family firm

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wo Northamptonshire companies have struck gold at the SME National Business Awards.

Alex Isherwood (above), managing director of Northampton-based vehicle repair shop Service MOT Repairs is pictured with the company’s Gold Award in the Family Business of the Year category.

Also winning gold, this time

in the Employer of the Year category, was CommSave Credit Union, also based in Northampton.

A Silver award in the High Growth Business of the Year went to independent asbestos consultancy Acorn Analytical Services (pictured below), which moved to new premises on Northampton’s Moulton Park industrial estate in November.

Get in touch

he president of Wellingborough & East Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce has paid tribute to the area’s ‘vibrant and thriving’ business community.

Speaking at the Chamber’s annual awards ceremony, Pritesh Ganatra praised the winners and finalists for their talent and innovation.

The awards were presented this year at Harrowden Hall, home of Wellingborough Golf Club. Guests at the breakfast event also heard a presentation titled 250 Years of a Local Family Firm by Simon Cooper, director of Wellingborough-based UK horse racing administrator Weatherbys GSB. The Chamber presented five awards: Services Business of the Year, Retail Business of the Year, Industry Award, Community Award and Excellence Award.

Mr Ganatra said: “It is inspiring to witness the incredible contributions of businesses across the area, showcasing their dedication to excellence and community prosperity. The Business Awards are a testament to the vibrant and thriving local business community.”

Food consultancy The Nutrient Gap, which helps clients with product information and compliance, was named Service Business of the Year. “It reinforces our commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction and making a positive impact with our services,” said founder Georgina Stewart.

The UK’s first importer and supplier

of wines from Moldova, Wine Chateau, retained its title as Retail Business of the Year. Managing director Cristina Paunoiu said: “Being a small family business, winning this award increases our credibility to customers for the quality service and products we offer.

It motivates us to continue pushing boundaries, setting new standards and elevating our business to greater heights.”

Family-owned timber engineering business Scotts of Thrapston, which has been trading for more than a century, received the Industry Award. “It is a celebration of the generations of hard work, dedication and values that define our company,” said managing director James Scott.

The Northamptonshire branch of the national RSPCA animal charity collected the Community Award. Head

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Wellingborough & East Northamptonshire Chamber president Pritesh Ganatra (centre) is pictured with this year’s Chamber award winners at Harrowden Hall of operations Richard Burns said: “It not only shines a light on our mission of the past six decades but also strengthens our resolve to continue championing the rights and welfare of pets and rescues.”

Nene Valley Crematorium won the Excellence Award for supporting bereaved customers’ wishes for their loved ones, initiating an innovative recycling of metals scheme and for sharing its profits among selected charities. “We are unbelievably proud of our team that made this possible,” said its head of operations Richard Porter.

Weatherbys administers UK horse racing under contract from the British Horseracing Authority and registers all thoroughbred horses in Britain and Ireland in The General Stud Book. The business, which sponsored the Excellence Award, also runs Weatherbys Bank.

Read what our clients say about us Business Times | January 2024

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Business News

Blinds to meet needs of today’s education establishments Advertisement Feature

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or schools, academies, colleges and universities looking to invest in commercial child-safe blind systems, now is the perfect time to start planning for installations during all the main school holidays.

Saxon Blinds once again spent Easter, summer and the half-term holidays working on projects throughout the education sector, taking advantage of the buildings being empty to complete our works with the minimum fuss and disruption.

Many of the heavy duty blind systems we install in schools are transforming the performance and look of classrooms, school main halls, sports halls, making them more suited to modern technologies and the time now spent looking at screens.

They can also increase the potential use of the building when it comes to hiring out to other outside groups or organisations, so increasing the opportunity to generate additional income into the school.

As well as modern blinds systems that look better and work more efficiently than the

traditional curtain systems, Saxon Blinds is also helping more and more education clients fit systems that can be deployed should there be a security breach.

Roller blinds can be instantly lowered where there are signs of intruders, or where there is a situation the might be upsetting to the children.

“Our bespoke systems are all manufactured in our Northampton factory and as such are built to suit any given situation,” said Saxon Blinds managing director Mark Grainger.

“The are compliant with safety regulations, so there are no dangling cords or anything that might prove hazardous, and blinds systems are closely fitted to each individual window, leaving exit doors and fire exits clearly accessible.”

Saxon Blinds produces a complete range of products, offering choice, flexibility and competitive pricing, as well as a five-year guarantee on all commercial blinds.

All Saxon Blinds staff are DSB checked and part of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme. n For more details contact Saxon Blinds on 01604 601888, email sales@saxonblinds. co.uk or visit www.saxonblinds.co.uk

Advertise on the local radio station for all of Northampton Harness the power of local radio to boost your business.

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H

ealth and safety consultancy Acorn Safety Services is recruiting after moving into new premises.

The company, which specialises in legionella testing, fire safety inspections, health and safety risk assessments and offering advice on Construction Design Management regulations, is looking to expand its team following a year of continued growth and its move to premises on Moulton Park in Northampton.

Health and safety manager John Crockett said: “With the law around health and safety continuing to change rapidly, our services are very much in demand, particularly when it comes to testing for legionella, which can prove deadly if it is left undetected. With the move into new premises, we are now looking to grow the team and extend the range of services we can offer to our clients.” n Young players from a Northampton rugby club have been given the gift of a new kit.

Players from Northampton Old Scouts RFC’s under12s and under-eights teams will play in new matchday kits thanks to sponsorship

John Crockett (left), with Acorn Safety Services colleagues Adam Midson, legionella and fire manager, business manager Zeynep Guzelkasap and health and safety consultant Joanne Doherty

Safety firm creates new jobs after office move from health and safety consultancy Acorn Safety Services.

Director Ian Stone said: “We take our commitment to the local community very seriously and we are

really pleased to be able to support the young people of the town in this way.”

Club president Keith Shurville said: “The kits look fantastic and are a real boost to all our players.”

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Business News

Waste collection: Firms urged to have their say Funding boost for B rural businesses F Directors celebrate promotion

H

arrison Baxter and Katie Newman have good reason to smile after being promoted to director level at Northampton construction consultancy Bhangals.

Former operations manager Katie has been promoted to associate operations director.

Harrison, previously the company’s estimating manager, is now associate estimating director. “From starting out as an administrator five years ago to being where I am now is something I am extremely proud of and I am incredibly grateful to be a part of

such an amazing team,” said Ms Newman. “I am so excited for the journey ahead.”

Mr Baxter oversees a team of around 20 estimators. “I am so excited about this promotion,” he said. “My journey throughout the last five years has been unimaginable and I have grown within the business and within myself by a staggering amount.”

Bhangals managing director Parm Bhangal adds: “They are both an asset to our business and their dedication and hard work has paid off.”

usinesses are to have their say on proposals to introduce a new environmental policy for Northampton town centre.

West Northamptonshire Council is looking to implement a policy which will help to improve environmental standards and set out the way that businesses handle their commercial waste.

This will be trialled initially in central Northampton and will then be considered for roll-out across the wider West Northamptonshire area.

The consultation is available until January 28. The council is seeking public opinion to shape parts of the policy around waste from businesses in the town centre and to help the council to understand any obstacles that businesses face in respect of their waste collections. This will form part of a wider project of engagement with Northampton town centre businesses.

Cllr David Smith, cabinet member for community safety, engagement and regulatory services, said: “By developing a policy, we can help to understand the current challenges and how we can put measures in place to improve the environment

for our community. We will look to trial this in Northampton and then consider implementing a policy for wider West Northamptonshire which seeks to support businesses with their waste and create a greener, cleaner space.”

Every organisation has a responsibility to ensure that any waste arising from their activities is handled, stored and disposed of in a responsible manner as defined by the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (section 34) and the Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991.

After consultation, a waste policy will apply to the town centre of Northampton for the management of all commercial waste generated by businesses.

Read the consultation documents and have your say at https:// westnorthants.citizenspace.com/cet/ northampton-town-environmentalpolicy/.

Feedback from the consultation will be collated and analysed and will help the council to prepare and shape the Northampton Town Centre Environmental Policy which will be considered by Cabinet in May.

unding support has come for rural businesses in West Northamptonshire in the form of a new diversification and growth programme.

West Northamptonshire Council has launched a Rural Business Grants programme that is using £919,772 of UK Shared Prosperity and Rural England Prosperity funding to provide up to 50 per cent of equal match-funding of between £2,500 and £100,000.

The funding can be used to support capital projects. All projects and expenditure must be complete by March 31 next year.

The council has appointed Ngage Solutions, which previously worked with rural businesses in the area through the LEADER project, to manage the programme.

To secure a grant, applicants will need to check the eligibility criteria on the council website and complete an online application form.

Manual or Automated Blinds for Businesses and for Schools

Affordab & made le t measureo

For all types of commercial window blind systems, call us:

01604 603111

www.saxonblinds.co.uk To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk

Business Times | January 2024

17

Networking The business networking events this month across Northamptonshire KEEP YOUR FINGER ON THE PULSE OF BUSINESS... www.business-times.co.uk www.pulsemagazine.co.uk

A group for networkers looking for referrals, introductions, opportunities and sales. A tried and tested model offering dynamic weekly online meetings and an experienced management team: Northants and surrounding areas Every Tuesday at noon.

National networking Every Wednesday at noon.

Contact Gary Thorpe for all events.

Email:gary.thorpe@debt-doctors.co.uk Tel: 07963 766052 or 01536 333425.

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

IGNITE Tuesday 6.45am: The Turnpike, Harpole Northampton PIONEER Wednesday 9.30am-11am: Online PAVILION Thursday 6.45am-8.30am: The Old Northamptonians RFC, Sir Humphrey Cripps Pavilion, Billing Road, Northampton PROSPERITY Thursday 6.45am-8.30am: The Kettering Golf Club, Headlands, Kettering STERLING Thursday 11.45am-1.30pm: The Old Northamptonians RFC, Sir Humphrey Cripps Pavilion, Billing Road, Northampton LIGHTHOUSE Friday 6.45am-8.30am: Old Northamptonians Association, Billing Road, Northampton Contact: Duncan Webster. e: duncan@ bnibreakfast.co.uk or call 07977 422220.

Regional sponsor: Business Times; Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce No fuss, no membership, pay as you go... The Business Buzz format is relaxed, informal, conversational networking. Our town-focused events meet face to face, allowing visitors to build better and more robust relationships.

These are complemented by regional virtual events.

All Business Buzz events run 10am-noon.

BRACKLEY 1st Thursday: Paisley Pear, Northampton Road.

Price: £8 + VAT. DAVENTRY 3rd Friday: Arc Cinema, Mulberry Place.

Price: £10 + VAT. NORTHAMPTON 3rd Wednesday: Fox & Hounds, Harborough Road.

Price: £8 + VAT. TOWCESTER 4th Thursday: The Saracen’s Head, Watling Street.

Price: £8 + VAT. WELLINGBOROUGH 2nd Tuesday: Castello Lounge, Market Street Price: £8 + VAT.

18

Business Times | December 2022

Find out more about NextGen Chamber at www.nextgenerationchamber.co.uk

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

EVENING BUSINESS NETWORKING January 11 7pm-8.30pm: Kettering Park Hotel & Spa, Kettering Parkway January 25 7pm-8.30pm Northampton Town Centre Hotel, Silver Street Informal networking event. Price: Free event for NNBN members; visitors £10.

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

Ian Taylor, host of the Business Buzz Towcester networking group that meets at the Saracen’s Head. Details: See Business Buzz listings

For more details, download the Buzz App or visit www.business-buzz.org/about/locations/. Book and pay at https://app.business-buzz.org/app.

The Business Community is focused on growth through collaboration and support with engaging and interactive meetings; both online and face-to-face.

Monthly face-to-face (£16 - first meeting free): Northampton Breakfast 3rd Wednesday, 7.30-9.30am: The Turnpike, Harpole.

Northampton Evening 4th Tuesday, 6.30-8.30pm: : Cheyne Walk Club MONTHLY VIRTUAL Price: £6 - first meeting free.

Wednesday Breakfast 4th Wednesday, 7.30-9am.

Thursday Breakfast 3rd Thursday, 7.30-9am.

Friday Breakfast 2nd Friday, 7.30-9am THE ACCOUNTABILITY CIRCLE Mondays, 10am Helping you get your things action list from to do to done! (£6 per meeting or £12 per month).

Contact: buscomm.co.uk/ourevents

NORTHAMPTON January 9 9.30am-11.30am The Chester House Estate, Irchester Host: Kirsty Parris.

Brunchtime networking. Price: £26.

TOWCESTER January 17 9.30am-11.30am The Navigation Inn, Thrupp Wharf Marina, Cosgrove Host: Kirsty Parris.

Brunchtime networking. Price: £26.

Contact: www.busynetworking.net/meetings

Networking for businesswomen aiming to grow their business in a professional manner while getting to know each other better and having some fun along the way.

Networking with lunch. Price: £28.

KETTERING January 23 11.45am-2pm The Kettering Golf Club, Headlands Host: Aruno Rao. NORTHAMPTON January 16 11.45am-2pm The White Hart, Main Road, Hackleton Host: Aruno Rao. OUNDLE January 9 11.45am-2pm The Woolpack Inn, Kettering Road, Islip Host: Sarah McCarron.

TOWCESTER January 31 11.45am-2pm The Navigation Inn, Thrupp Wharf Marina, Cosgrove Host: Aruno Rao. Contact: www.busywomen.net or call 07957 284851.

The FSB has 2,000 members across Northamptonshire.

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE January 26 10am-11am: Online Hosted by Sally Wood, director of Sally Wood Consultancy Limited and FSB area leader for Northants, Leics & Rutland.

To book and for details of other networking, support and webinar events online, visit www.fsb.org.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.

THE IMPORTANCE OF GOAL SETTING January 16 5.30pm-7pm: Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, Waterside Way, Northampton Free event. To book, email info@nextgenerationchamber.co.uk

Feature your networking group in future editions of Business Times. email details to news@business-times.co.uk.

Or scan the QR Code >>.

SPEED NETWORKING + LUNCH January 17 11.30am-1.30pm Sedgebrook Hall Hotel, Pitsford Chamber members only. Price: £20 + VAT. To book on to Chamber events, visit www.northants-chamber.co.uk/events

UK BUSINESS FORUM NORTHAMPTON 2nd Wednesday 5.30pm-9pm: Delapre Abbey, London Road A friendly, informal and relaxed networking event for small business owners.

Each event features a short presentation on topics to support business owners followed by informal networking.

UK Business Forums has been the home of small business community support and advice for nearly 20 years. Membership is not necessary but join for free and maintain the business relationship you make at our networking evenings through our free online business support forums.

Free event. To book, visit www.ukbfevents.co.uk

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

KETTERING 2nd Tuesday 12 noon-2pm: Kettering Park Hotel & Spa NORTHAMPTON 2nd Thursday 12 noon-2pm: Sunn Inn, High Street, Hardingstone SOUTH NORTHANTS 3rd Tuesday 12 noon-2pm: The Fox & Hounds, Whittlebury WELLINGBOROUGH 3rd Wednesday 12 noon-2pm: The Stanwick Hotel, Stanwick THE CONNECTIONS CLUB - NORTHANTS Only open to business owners, influencers and decision-makers.

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

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

For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk

Your Business Times

New suppliers: Confidentiality dilemma shows value of NDAs

Ahead of the game in government’s heat and building strategy plans

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W

hen appointing a new supplier there is often a dilemma over the issue of confidentiality. How do you strike the balance between sharing enough information to obtain the best deal without jeopardising confidential business information?

“It is imperative that business owners treat their confidential information with the utmost importance when appointing new suppliers,” said Tom Bodkin, a partner at law firm Borneo Martell Turner Coulston in Northampton.

“For example, sharing designs and recipes with other businesses can be risky if the process is not managed carefully with appropriate legal safeguards.”

Tom Bodkin

protect the information from being shared further or used other than for An How to mitigate the risks of a the purposes of this disclosure. excellent tool confidentiality leak If the supplier is then formally Counterfeiters and copycats and becoming an engaged, there is likely to often obtain information via the be additional confidentiality accepted part of existing supply chain, so one of clauses embedded in the supplier modern business your earliest considerations when agreement. appointing a new supplier should practice An NDA can be an excellent tool be the matter of confidentiality. and is becoming an accepted part The two main options are limiting of modern business practice. Courts disclosure and the use of a Non-Disclosure have shown a willingness to enforce them, Agreement, NDA. However, it is usually prudent either by way of an injunction, damages or both, to use a combination of both. depending on the circumstances of the case.

Limiting disclosure Trust and risk management By taking extreme care with precisely what Clearly you should adopt a tiered risk management confidential or commercially sensitive approach to any supplier engagement, taking information is revealed, to whom and at what a practical approach to each appointment stage, you can go some way towards mitigating depending on the circumstances. the risk of leaks.

Over time, the nature and extent of the business Think of this like the ‘dripping tap’ approach, relationship may evolve and their access to whereby at each stage just enough information confidential information may increase. Where is shared with the right people to take the this is the case, great care should be taken to appointment process to the next stage without ensure that the confidentiality terms are reviewed oversharing at any time. regularly.

The key advantage of the dripping tap approach to disclosure is that you limit the risks at source. How Borneo Martell Turner Coulston can help Put simply, if information is not released in the If you are appointing a new supplier and are first place then it cannot get into the wrong hands. looking to address confidentiality risks, then

A Non-Disclosure Agreement Here, a contractual agreement is entered into with proposed suppliers at a very early stage.

The NDA contains confidentiality clauses which

t the start of another new year, what potential of this situation many years ago and does 2024 promise for Griffiths Air became an accredited installer of heat pumps and solar panels under the government’s Conditioning & Electrical Contractors?

The Burton Latimer-based business, Microgeneration Certification Scheme. In established in 1999, continues with steady fact, they were the first Northamptonshire growth in all aspects of the building and installer to gain MCS status for heat pumps engineering services sector. That encompasses back in 2008. Since then, many hundreds have air conditioning, domestic gas, electrics, been installed, with most also being regularly evaporative coolers, heat pumps, plumbing, maintained by Griffiths. solar panels, underfloor heating and ventilation.

In 2013 Griffiths opened their Energy Their customer base is varied with domestic, Efficiency Centre showroom on Burton commercial and industrial clients not only from Latimer’s High Street and welcomes visitors to Northamptonshire but also the surrounding view working examples of heat pumps.

Following the COP28 world climate counties of Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire, Oxfordshire, conference in Dubai and the government Rutland, Warwickshire and occasionally publishing its Heat and Buildings Strategy, there has been much publicity regarding heat beyond.

The emphasis over recent years has been pumps and the objective of reducing the use of on energy efficiency, with the government, fossil fuel boilers over the coming years. The government’s financial incentive Boiler households and businesses all looking at ways of reducing the use of the Upgrade Scheme provides an upfront grant of £7,500 for end users world’s precious energy resources The replacing an existing gas or oil and at the same time saving boiler or night storage heaters money. emphasis over with a heat pump.

Griffiths realised the business recent years has

been on energy efficiency

get in touch with our team of commercial solicitors without delay. Contact Tom Bodkin in the corporate and commercial team on 01604 622101 or email tom.bodkin@bmtclaw.co.uk

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice.

Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.

n Contact Griffiths on 01536 420666, at www.griffithsaircon.co.uk or visit the Energy Efficiency Centre showroom at 111 High Street, Burton Latimer, open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.

Outstanding customer service leads to growth in business An award-winning firm of chartered accountants saw its client base grow during its 30th anniversary year thanks to its unwavering commitment to customer service.

Elsby & Co launched in 1993 in a back bedroom of a Northampton home and has gone on to employ more than 60 accounting professionals at its offices in Sywell and Rushden who work with clients ranging from sole traders to large SMEs. Last year, it welcomed a variety of new clients after launching a series of services and initiatives that provide businesses with high levels of customer service and far more than the normal compliance service provided by most accountancy firms.

Partner Claire Emery said: “We pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with clients and we’re not surprised that our biggest source of new business comes from client referrals because customer service is at the heart of everything we do.

“These relationships are as important to us now as they were when we set out on our journey in 1993 because our aspiration is to be the only accountant our clients will ever need - or wish to consult - throughout the lifetime of their business and beyond. To this end, we’ve launched exciting new services, including Elsby Wealth Management and our Business Hub which takes care of clients’ back-office finance functions and provides real-time management

We’re always looking for ways to support our clients with their growth aspirations.

Claire Emery accounts information and regular strategy meetings.

“Throughout 2023, we also ran affordable networking events to give Northamptonshire businesses the opportunity to forge strong relationships with one another.

“We do things like this because we’re always looking for ways to improve our customer service and support our clients with their growth aspirations.”

The firm has also recently launched Elsby Corporate Finance and Elsby Estate Planning Services.

Elsby Corporate Finance helps clients with acquisitions, succession planning, corporate and commercial finance, business sales and valuations, strategic planning and corporate development.

Elsby Estate Planning Services partners with JP Estate Planning to help clients with wills, bloodline planning, power of attorney, trusts and probate and care home advice.

The firm has also employed a dedicated training and development manager who has been working with Elsby & Co’s teams to further improve the customer experience provided by the firm.

Elsby & Co clients have access to a secure dedicated client portal.

For more information, email Elsby & Co at help@elsbyandco.co.uk, call 0330 053 9189 or visit www.elsbyandco.co.uk

To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk

Business Times | January 2024

19

Community

Have your say on plans for Greyfriars

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usinesses in Northampton have been having their say on the future and revamp of the vacant Greyfriars site in the town centre.

They are among hundreds of organisations, residents and visitors who have given their views on the future of the area and ideas for temporary uses of the site while it is being developed.

The 14-acre area includes the former bus station site, East and West Island, Mayorhold Multistorey car park, Belgrave House, Corn Exchange and Victoria Street car park.

Feedback so far highlights culture and craft. Ideas include workshops to rent, craft studios, music venues, independent retail space and places for new artists and talent to start up.

Others suggest different generations living at Greyfriars in a mix of build-to-rent, buildto-buy, later living and student accommodation. Landscaping and recreation also feature, as do walking and cycling routes.

The online consultation at ampnorthampton.com is due to close on January 7. West Northamptonshire Council is working with consultation experts Deetu and architects Studio Egret West to develop the engagement and proposed plans for the future scheme. Feedback collated from the first stage of engagement will be considered by the council with a second round of consultation planned for the spring.

Move is ‘pivotal moment’ for NAB

N

orthamptonshire Association for the Blind has moved to new premises at Moulton Park in Northampton. The move takes place as part of the charity’s growth plans and aims to bring greater independence to NAB service users.

A spokesman said: “The move to Moulton Park marks a pivotal moment in our organisation’s growth and its promise to make a positive impact in the lives of its users.

“NAB’s increased capacity will enable us to provide a more comprehensive level of support to our service users.”

IT colleagues rise to the Teamwork Trust challenge

S

taff from IT consultancy 3RS IT Solutions have pledged to support a charity which supports adults with mental health needs, autism and learning and physical disabilities, by undertaking fundraising challenges suggested by their social media followers.

Director Stephen Souch and service operations manager Ethan Malvern will be raising money for Teamwork Trust through a series of activities and challenges over the next year, all of which will be decided by a series of online polls across their social channels.

“Some people may know that my son is autistic and The Teamwork Trust does a huge amount to support people with additional needs in Northamptonshire,”

said Stephen (inset). “We want to help them by raising as much money as we possibly can.”

He and Ethan have formed two teams and plan to post a series of polls on 3RS’s social media channels. “While we are secretly hoping people are not too brutal, we will try anything so we would urge everyone to get online and have their say.”

Teamwork Trust chief executive Helen Burdett-Wright said: “This support will make a huge difference to our life-changing charity and our service users cannot wait to get involved.” n Teamwork Trust has appointed Tom Davies as its head of services and operations. He was previously head of Spectrum Northants’ education service.

T

he Northampton Museum and Art Gallery volunteer military archive and research team have won a national award and have been highly commended for the Volunteers in Museum Learning Award issued by the Marsh Trust with the British Museum.

The six volunteers make the military archive of objects and documents relating to the Northamptonshire Regiment and the Northamptonshire Yeomanry accessible by answering family history queries alongside book and other research enquiries.

The team also welcomes visits to the collection, including one by new recruits from C-Company Anglian Regiment to see the Victoria Crosses held

by the museum.

Cllr Adam Brown, West Northamptonshire Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for housing, culture and leisure, said: “It was a pleasure to meet with the team to discuss their work which has a significant value for visitors.”

The British Museum and the Marsh Charitable Trust have been working in partnership for 15 years through the Volunteers for Museum Learning award which recognises the contribution of volunteers to help museums engage with their visitors.

The award forms part of a programme of awards presented by the Marsh Charitable Trust in the fields of science, ecology, conservation, heritage, literature and volunteering.

Free will writing service eases worry for cancer patients

F

inancial firm Montgomery Financial is offering adult cancer patients a free will writing service in partnership with Northamptonshire charity The Lewis Foundation.

Charles Breen, founder and managing director of the Wellingborough-based company, approached the charity to offer a ‘much needed and meaningful’ free will writing service to individuals battling cancer.

Having witnessed since the age of 11 his mother’s battle with cancer and understanding the emotional and financial challenges faced by individuals undergoing cancer treatment, Mr Breen and his team of will writers were keen to provide their expertise to Northamptonshire patients who do not have a will or need theirs updating.

The initiative involves offering free wills to up to ten cancer patients every six weeks, with the hope that those who take up the service might consider leaving a gift to The Lewis Foundation.

Patients can put themselves forward or be nominated by The Lewis Foundation volunteers or NHS nurses.

Recognising that charity is serious business 20

Museum celebrates award for military archive team

Business Times | January 2024

“Working in the financial services, I have seen first-hand how people going through treatment are affected,” said Mr Breen (pictured with The Lewis Foundation founders Lee and Lorraine Lewis).

“Their income is impacted and they might not be able to afford much of what we all take for granted.”

Offering a free will allows cancer patients to focus on important things like spending time with their loved ones and resting and recovering, he added. “It gives people reassurance and removes uncertainty during a really difficult period, and we are delighted to be able to use our expertise in this way.”

The Lewis Foundation provides free gift bags to thousands of adults undergoing cancer treatment in hospitals across the Midlands.

“The Lewis Foundation is dedicated to supporting individuals through their cancer journey and this collaboration enhances our mission by addressing a vital aspect of their wellbeing,” said co-founder and chief executive Lorraine Lewis.

“Having a will gives individuals peace of mind that their affairs are in order and their families are cared for.

Lee and Lorraine Lewis take delivery of the latest pallets from Avon UK

0800 088 6004 enquiries@wilsonbrowne.co.uk wilsonbrowne.co.uk For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk

Community

Saints’ Engage programme is a winner

U

Cheers: Meet the winners at Northamptonshire Community Foundation’s annual awards ceremony

Ding dong... record donation calling ‘Such a worthwhile T and meaningful housands of end-of-line products are heading for adult cancer patients across the Midlands thanks to a staggering donation from Northampton-based global company Avon UK. It has gifted thousands of discontinued health, beauty and fashion items to The Lewis Foundation, which provides free gift bags to individuals undergoing cancer treatment in 17 hospitals… marking the charity’s biggest ever single donation.

A total 84 pallets of cosmetics, toiletries and accessories arrived at its Grange Park industrial estate warehouse in Northampton, full

local cause for us to get behind’

of items including branded bubble baths, handbags, lipsticks, and pyjamas.

“We rely on donations of unwanted stock that is discontinued or no longer needed by local retailers, manufacturers and warehouses,” said The Lewis Foundation’s founder and chief executive Lorraine Lewis. “We

have been astounded by the sheer generosity of local businesses since we opened in the summer but this latest donation by Avon UK is by far the biggest one we have ever received.”

The charity has had to take over an extra room in the warehouse to store the items before they are distributed.

Avon UK’s director of communications Kate Donovan said: “We have refined our product portfolio which is why we have been able to make such a significant donation on this occasion and we are thrilled we could help The Lewis Foundation and the women they support. It is such a worthwhile and

meaningful local cause for us to get behind.”

Added Ms Lewis: “We are over the moon at the sheer quality of the products which we know will be very popular.

“The more gift bags we can provide means more smiles for individuals feeling frightened and lonely as they receive cancer treatment. We cannot thank Avon UK enough for choosing to support us.”

The Lewis Foundation is looking for more Northamptonshire businesses to donate surplus stock as an innovative way of giving back while reducing waste.

Abbey’s appeal as exhibition aims to revive its sporting heritage

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new sports-themed exhibition is in the planning at Delapré Abbey and local people with a connection to the Abbey are being urged to share their sporting memories, stories and photos.

The Abbey, originally a nunnery established in 1145, is steeped in sporting history and to celebrate this a new temporary exhibition is being planned for 2024.

“Gaelic football and hurling were once played here, one of our fields is still known for its roots in archery, we were a popular horse riding and pony club venue and we are today still home to a golf club,” said head of engagement and interpretation Eleanor Sier.

“Before the council bought the Abbey in 1949, resident families including the

Bouveries were keen sports people. Miss Bouverie played tennis and golf and the whole family were keen horse people, as were the Coopers who rented the house in the early 1900s.”

The Abbey’s 2024 Sporting Exhibition will focus on 20th-century history, with community stories, memories and photos at its heart.

The charity Northamptonshire Sport has been based at the Abbey for two years.

“During that time, we have partnered with the Abbey’s team to develop exercise classes and opportunities to help people be more active,” said chief executive Chris Holmes.

“It makes perfect sense for us to be here; we share the vision of a happier and healthier

Recognising that charity is serious business To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk

county and look forward to this exhibition.”

Delapré Abbey’s Sporting Exhibition will take place in the main historic house from May to October.

Entry will be included in entrance to the main house and will be free for people with an annual pass.

“We are appealing to local people to get in touch,” said Ms Sier. “We want memories, stories, photos, letters and have a dedicated group of volunteers who will be on hand to gather these stories and these examples of valuable living history.” n Contact Ms Sier with your photos, memories and stories at eleanor.sier@delapreabbey.org or call 01604 760817.

sing the values of rugby to inspire, educate and support young people is the ethos behind the Northampton Saints Foundation. It returned 37 students to mainstream education after exclusion via its Engage programme, which has earned the organisation the Excellence in Education award from Northamptonshire Community Foundation.

The Saints Foundation was one of eight winners at NCF’s annual ceremony, as was Re:Store Northampton, which works to address poverty through community projects. It received the Happy and Healthy Communities award for its project which trained 15 vulnerable adults to grow their own vegetables in a community allotment.

“Engage is such as positive programme supporting some many of our local young people to make positive change,” said Northampton Saints Foundation managing director Catherine Deans. “We could not do this without the support of funders such as those that have supported us via Northampton Community Foundation.”

Voluntary association Q Space won the Building Better Communities award for its support of the LGBTQ+ community in Northamptonshire, including hosting a prom for 32 young people.

Outside in Theatre in Corby won the Celebrating Culture and Heritage Award for its Bramble Ramble family activity packs.

The Victoria Centre in Wellingborough won the Tackling Inequalities Award for supporting Ukrainian families and their hosts in Northamptonshire. Home-Start Kettering won the High Sheriff Award.

The Lady Juliet Townsend Award for Volunteering went to Steph Clayson, counsellor at Northampton mental health charity The Lowdown. Lucy Smith, one of the founders of Thomas’ Fund who has volunteered with children, families and young people for over 16 years, was runner-up. The Avon Inspiration Woman Award winner, Pat Manchester, is a co-founder and trustee of the Daventry Contact charity that redistributes furniture to those in need.

The awards were supported by county businesses including Scott Bader Commonwealth, Rathbones, Tangerine Red, Wilson Browne Solicitors, Discover Northamptonshire, the University of Northampton, Bambino Mio, law firm EMW and Avon.

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