Business Times Northamptonshire March 23

Manufacturer throws training lifeline to prison offenders

Scheme enables prisoners to learn a trade ahead of their release

Offenders looking to secure a brighter future for themselves with employment after their release from prison have received a boost thanks to a Northamptonshire-based forklift producer.

Linde Material Handling, which has a depot at Wellingborough, has partnered with the new HMP Five Wells to open a workshop where prisoners can learn a trade on a scheme similar to an apprenticeship.

HMP Five Wells, on the edge of Wellingborough, three miles from the Linde Material Handling depot on the Finedon Road industrial estate, is the UK’s first purpose-built resettlement prison. It is operated by private security company G4S and opened last year

at a cost of £253 million. It houses up to 1,680 low-risk male prisoners, all of whom have been transferred from other prisons as they approach the end of their sentences.

The prison is fitted with 16 classrooms and 24 workshops in which offenders can learn the skills they need to find workplace opportunities after their release.

Lauren Wren, Linde’s depot manager for its Region East depot, set up the partnership with HMP Five Wells’ business enterprise and community manager Paul Cunningham after learning about similar projects involving their customers. The Linde workshop offers a full day’s work preparing some of the firm’s small truck range for

a typical range of tasks.

Linde is a global manufacturer of forklift trucks and warehouse trucks and provides intralogistics solutions and services.

Each prisoner chosen to join the programme first undergoes a thorough screening process and is supervised by G4S prison staff who have completed the necessary training on

Linde’s forklift trucks.

He then undergoes a stringent assessment before being offered day-release at Linde MH’s workshop.

The Release on Temporary Licence programme, which aims to facilitate the rehabilitation of prisoners, gives participants the opportunity to qualify in much the same way as through the company’s

apprenticeship scheme.

“I look forward to the day when we employ someone from this programme,” said Ms Wren. “I have been overwhelmed with the support from everyone - the management, field and workshop engineers all playing their part.”

One inmate, who is planning a career in commercial tyres, said:

“There are not enough jobs out there and the ones that appeal need qualifications, which cost money.

“This course gives me a huge chance and I could not let it pass. I have a little boy waiting for me and I want to make him proud of me.

If I can have a career in the commercial tyre world, that would be incredible.

“It is something I now want to do.”

n From a former ironworks factory to a state-of-the-art business centre, the transformation of Northampton’s Vulcan Works is complete and the centre has opened its doors to the business community. Read about it and take a look inside on page 3.

Editor Andrew Gibbs news@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk

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

Distribution centre escapes Ford’s UK job cuts plan

Ford’s distribution centre at Daventry will not lose jobs in the car manufacturer’s recent announcement that more than 1,300 jobs are to go in the United Kingdom. The centre employs around 300 workers and the company says that parts and components which go from Daventry around the UK will be required as Ford transitions to manufacturing electric vehicles by 2030.

A fifth of the company’s UK workforce will go in the two-year plan, part of a major restructuring programme that will

see Ford cut a total 3,800 jobs across Europe. Development staff will be at the sharp end as the company admits it faces an uncertain economic future and prepares for the transition to electric vehicles.

Most of the UK cuts will be at its research site at Dunton in Essex. Several hundred back office posts are also expected to go but the sites at Halewood, Dagenham and Daventry will not be affected. The announcement comes less than two years after Ford closed its engine plant in Bridgend, South Wales.

By 2030, it expects every Ford car built in the UK to be fully electric.Two out of three commercial vehicles will be either electric or plug-in hybrids.

Martin Sander, head of Ford’s electric vehicles division in Europe, said: “Paving the way to a sustainably profitable future for Ford in Europe requires broad-based actions and changes in the way we develop, build, and sell Ford vehicles.

“This will impact the organisational structure, talent, and skills we will need in the future”

Sales Director Martin Lewis-Stevenson martin@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk

Advertising Sales Jenny Homeshaw jenny@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk

Advertising Sales Jan Lewis jan@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk

Advertising Sales Sharon Maplethorpe sharon@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk

Feature Editors: Annie Roberts Sammy Jones

Graphic Design: Simon Goodger

Marketing & BDM Devon Luffrum devon@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk

Photography: Steve Brill

For those unfamiliar with the term, ‘CoCo’ is the abbreviated name for corporate and commercial legal teams. Our commercial law offering has seen some real changes in recent years: bigger, better, stronger…but never losing sight of the fact that what really matters is expert legal advice and great client service.

These fundamentals have seen us win Northampton Law Society Law Firm/ Large Law Firm Of The Year in 2015, 2017/18, 2019, 2021 and 2022.

Now, from March 1, Holly Threlfall joins us as a partner in our corporate and commercial team and further strengthens our offering to all businesses, supporting private companies of all sizes; ownermanaged business, SMEs, partnerships, sole traders and charities.

Following the firm’s AGM in May, Holly will also become the head of team, working alongside existing partners Andrew Kerr and Duncan Crowther, together propelling our CoCo team throughout Northamptonshire.

Holly’s drive and enthusiasm is a great addition to our commercial law offering. Not only will she focus on our corporate

and commercial contract services and delivering excellent customer-focused assistance to our clients but also she will be working closely with the firm’s employment, litigation, commercial property and private client teams, delivering a comprehensive offering to businesses regardless of their size.

As part of the exciting plans for growth, she will be central to growing the team further with the addition of a contracts lawyer and other team members.

Kevin Rogers, chair of the board and head of the commercial teams, says: “We are genuinely delighted to have Holly join us and to spearhead the continued growth of our company and commercial team. Her experience and enthusiasm is a real asset to us and we are all very excited to have her on board.”

Holly adds: “Having seen the marked

increase in the profile of Wilson Browne Solicitors and the growth in their reputation as a leading regional law firm, I am tremendously excited to be joining them. I am really looking forward to working with all of the teams, being part of their plans for continued expansion and of course supporting the businesses of Northamptonshire.”

Whatever the type or size of business, Holly deals with all aspects of the business lifecycle from incorporation and start-up enterprises, advice on directors’ duties and shareholder rights, preparing Shareholder Agreements, Partnership Agreements, corporate governance and secretarial support; mergers, sales and acquisitions, succession planning, restructures and demergers, loan agreements, commercial contracts and security documentation.

Needless to say, she prides herself on giving a high level of attention, client care, and accessibility throughout any transaction putting the client’s needs at the forefront of all work she undertakes.

We say we are ‘All The Help You Need’. Holly’s move to Wilson Browne Solicitors bolsters that proposition.

Advertiser’s Announcement

It’s all go for ‘CoCo’

Main photo: Heads of Teams (from left) Duncan Crowther (Corporate & Commercial); Hayley Mauro (Commercial Litigation); Holly Threlfall, Jennie Jahina (Employment); Ika Částka (Commercial Property); Tom Warrender (Commercial Property). Below: Holly Threlfall with board members John Punni (left) and Tom Warrender

£14 million has been invested in the conversion of Vulcan Works from a disused former factory to a modern business space aimed at the creative sector. Now the doors are open and the new centre is expected to create hundreds of new jobs and welcome around 150 start-up businesses in the next decade.

Where history meets the creative future

Its transformation has been months in the making. Now a brand new £14 million hub supporting start-up businesses in creative industries has opened its doors in Northampton.

Vulcan Works provides lettable office space, workshops, meeting rooms and co-working spaces for business owners from its newly revitalised space in the heart of Northampton’s Cultural Quarter.

Extensive construction works in the Grade II listed former ironworks factory have created an impressive, state-of-the-art centre for local businesses that remains true to the building’s heritage.

Garrick Hurter, centre manager for Oxford Innovation Space which runs the building, said:

“We have been busy preparing the centre ready for everyone to see, getting signage approved and making sure all the infrastructure is raring to go. Now we are proud to open our doors and welcome the business community, who I know will be wowed by the incredible facilities on offer.”

Vulcan Works is expected to support around 150 startup businesses in its first ten years, creating around 500 jobs in the area. The centre has also pledged to work with local contractors and agencies, ploughing more

money back into the local economy. The refurbishment works have been funded by West Northamptonshire Council and South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership, which facilitated a Local Growth Fund contribution of £6.3

University helps firm tackle data challenge

Computing academics have helped a tech firm to support companies managing the data generated by building and structural safety.

It is vital to keep an eye on the ‘health’ of all structures but those in different locations and climates face different stressors. Now Northamptonbased Dyna-Mo Instruments has developed a solution involving sensors to help companies monitor structures. Facing vast amounts of data, the company sought the help of computing experts at the University of Northampton to create a solution that records and presents the data in a userfriendly format.

The UoN team was led by senior lecturer in computing Dr Triantafyllos Kanakis. He said: “We suggested organising the data in a structured and synchronised cloud-based data lake, a centralised place for data. The data feeds from different facilities can be organised in a user-friendly format for users to compare the data, look for relationships and analyse.”

The project was funded through Knowledge Exchange for Better Business, a Community Renewal-funded project managed by West Northamptonshire Council, that helps to link business with university expertise.

Dyna-Mo Instruments

managing director Toby Cottam, said: “The proposal documentation has enabled us to engage with key development and adoption partners to put the platform through its paces and ensure the end product serves both the technical and nontechnical in a variety of monitoring applications.”

The support from UoN had been invaluable, he added.

“We have been able to accelerate our plans and now have a clear path to deliver the first release of the platform.”

Dr Kanakis said: “Dyna-Mo liked our proposal and we are looking forward to discussing how can we help with the implementation stage.”

million, together with £3.06 million from the European Regional Development Fund.

Cllr Daniel Lister, West Northamptonshire Council’s cabinet member for economic development, town centre regeneration

and growth, said: “I am immensely proud that Northampton now boasts such an innovative and inspirational hub for fledgling creative start-ups, giving them the tailored support they need to flourish.

“Vulcan Works has been a hugely exciting project to be involved with and I am delighted with how the space looks and feels. I look forward to seeing the countless success stories that will, no doubt, come from this fantastic venture.”

NEW HIGH TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

B r o o k l a n d s T e c h n o l o g y P a r k , c o m b i n i n g a h i g h r a t i o o f o f f i c e t o w o r k s h o p s p a c e i d e a l f o r t e c h n o l o g y , r e s e a r c h & m a n u f a c t u r i n g e n t e r p r i s e s .

H i g h s p e e d b r o a d b a n d

A i r c o n d i t i o n i n g

L o w e n e r g y s e r v i c e s

S o f t l a n d s c a p i n g L o w c a r b o n f o o t p r i n t H i g h s e c u r i t y s i t e

B u s i n e s s U n i t s f r o m 4 , 0 0 0 s q f t t o 8 , 0 0 0 s q f t

L o c a t e d b e t w e e n N o r t h a m p t o n a n d W e l l i n g b o r o u g h w i t h e a s y a c c e s s t o a l l m a j o r m o t o r w a y n e t w o r k s

C o m p l e t i o n D u e : F e b r u a r y 2 0 2 3

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n p l e a s e c a l l , e m a i l o r v i s i t t h e w e b s i t e

T : 0 1 6 0 4 8 0 1 6 2 0

E : e n q u i r i e s @ b r o o k l a n d s t e c h n o l o g y p a r k c o u k

W : w w w b r o o k l a n d s t e c h n o l o g y p a r k c o u k

The reception area at Vulcan Works

‘A golden chance to invest in an improved economy’

Leaders welcome decision on regional partnership plan

Proposals for a locally-led partnership for the Oxford to Cambridge region have been given the green light by government. Government support for plans to create a pan-regional partnership overseeing growth in the OxfordCambridge region, including in Northamptonshire, has been described as a ‘major milestone’ by South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership chair Peter Horrocks. He was speaking after the announcement by Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, that ministers had come down in favour of the pan-regional partnership. The decision unlocks access to up to £2.5million of government funding for the partnership to deliver sustainable growth and environmental enhancements. The partnership’s role will be to champion the region between Oxford and Cambridge as a world leader of innovation and business. It also aims to strengthen cross-boundary collaboration among its partners.

Northamptonshire expects to play a key part in the partnership.

Cllr Daniel Lister, West Northamptonshire Council’s cabinet member for economic development, town centre regeneration and growth, said: “We have ambitious plans to continue to deliver high-quality jobs, including growing our advanced engineering and financial services sectors, to boost economic growth and attract world-class employers and innovation opportunities to our area. This partnership will help to enable that. This is an exciting opportunity to work with partners to secure recognition of West Northamptonshire and improve our region.”

The partnership’s initial programme is to develop propositions to attract international investment and profile the region on a global stage and to continue work under way on shared environment principles.

The new pan-regional partnership has begun the search for an independent chair. In the interim, a shadow board has been set up to oversee the partnership’s programme

and agree governance and funding. Mr Horrocks, a member of the shadow board, said: “Clear-cut government support for our local vision for the Oxford Cambridge area is a major milestone. By developing ambition for the economy and environment in tandem, this region can help lead the UK in environmentally sustainable economic growth. For the vibrant and beautiful area between Oxford and Cambridge this represents a golden chance to create investment in an improved economy and enhanced environment that benefits all.”

The shadow board is chaired by Cllr Barry Wood, leader of Cherwell District Council. He said: “We believe that, by working together, the whole Oxford to Cambridge region can be greater than the sum of its parts. With official status as a Pan-Regional Partnership backed by government, we can unlock potential and further strengthen our area’s position as a globally recognised region of science and technology that delivers prosperity for our communities.”

Staff at Metro Bank in Northampton welcomed members of the West Northamptonshire Community Safety Partnership to host the partnership’s 16 Days of Activism Campaign.

It is calling for an end to all forms of violence against women and to raise awareness around the issue. Also at the event was West Northamptonshire Council’s domestic abuse and sexual violence co-ordinator Maddy Allen.

:“We were delighted to join them in this important campaign,” said Kai Penn, local business manager at Metro Bank Northampton. “We are always seeking new ways to help and support our local community.’’

n Metro Bank area director Kerry Reynolds is on a panel leading discussions at a Women in Business Start Up Workshop at the Northampton Guildhall in St Giles Square.

The event, on March 4

Bank hosts safety group’s anti-violence

11.30am-12.30pm, is part of West Northamptonshire Council’s International Women Day celebrations. Also on the panel are Sally Wood from the Federation of Small Businesses, Ruth Roan, of the consultancy Building Business and Asy Ho, local enterprise manager with NatWest.

Places are limited. To book, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/womenin-business-start-up-workshoptickets-529072388757

Also taking place will be a presentation of the Inspirational Women’s Awards, organised by the council’s Women’s Forum. They aim to celebrate women who have a real impact on the community or workplace.

Motorsport teams complete merger

Two Northamptonshire-based motor racing teams have merged ahead of a multi-car assault on the Kwik-Fit British Touring Car Championship in the new season.

The joining forces of BTC Racing at Brackley and Silverstone-based Motus One is part of an expansion programme that will see the company competing with its Customer Racing programme in the Intelligent Money British GT Championship, British Endurance and McLaren Trophy.

The merger with Motus One, brings 2021 British Endurance Champion Will Powell into the business as marketing and commercial director.

Mr Powell is also a specialist motorsport marketing, media and sponsorship expert. The expansion and new One Motorsport brand provides sponsors, partners and affiliated businesses with a package of motorsport content, events, exposure and the hospitality in the paddock for high-profile racing series in 2023, the company says.

“All the guys at Brackley firstly need the recognition of our achievements in 2022 and in such a short space of time competing in the BTCC,” said One Motorsport

owner Steve Dudman. “The change of name is not to leave our achievements behind but to plan for the future as we lift our company profile within the motorsport Industry.”

Managing director Danny Buxton, who was head of McLaren customer racing before joining BTC last year, added: “With our BTCC programmes already locked in for the year ahead, it gives us a super platform for on-track success and commercial growth.”

Mr Powell also competes in BTCC and other sports car series alongside private clients.

“In a relatively short period, my team at Motus One have worked hard to build a team capable of competing at the top,” he said.

“Joining forces with Steve Dudman and Danny Buxton in the newly formed One Motorsport takes things to the next level.

“I am looking forward to leading the commercial operation, where I have always been at my strongest, and helping to drive forward the GT and BTCC programmes on track.”

One Motorsport’s relaunch will encompass a new website and social media channels.

Jeweller unveils investment plans

town and invest in our stores.”

Jewellery business Michael Jones Jeweller has begun a seven-figure expansion and refit programme at its two stores in Grosvenor Shopping Northampton and Gold Street. The independent jeweller, which is run as a co-operative, will extend into the former Burton’s unit in the shopping centre. Its flagship Gold Street store is to extend into a former hairdresser’s next door.

The works will coincide with the redevelopment of Market Square, which Michael Jones believes will inspire a new era for the town centre. Branch manager Thomas Sinclair said: “For 100 years, Northampton has been our home and now feels the right time to underline our commitment to the

Property investor finalises shopping centre acquisition

Real estate company Evolve Estates has continued its expansion programme with the acquisition of Grosvenor Shopping Northampton.

The company, part of the M Core group, has completed the purchase of the centre from L&G for an undisclosed sum. Grosvenor Shopping Northampton houses just under 320,000 sq ft of retail, leisure and events space anchored by Primark, Boots and Next.

Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District operations manager Mark Mullen said: “It is good to see such a prominent retailer reaffirming their faith in Northampton’s retail offer and investing in their premises. We are looking forward to seeing the new stores and the impact this has on attracting more shoppers into our town centre.”

Mr Sinclair said: “The work to revamp the Market Square feels like a once in a generation opportunity to get Northampton back on track. We love the town but it is fair to say it is something of a rough diamond right now. We want to play our part in polishing it and giving it a chance to shine.”

Evolve Estates partner Joe O’Keefe said the company was delighted to have completed the deal in “an incredibly challenging market”. Evolve remains committed to investing in the retail sector, he added.

The company was attracted to Northampton because of the development projects already under way in Northampton town centre, including Market Square, Greyfriars and the Abington Quarter.

“These will provide significant opportunities for us and the town to grow and fulfil its potential,” said Mr O’Keefe. “This is one of the largest retail centres to come under our ownership and we are excited to get to work. It is also rare to find a scheme like this, with so many positive projects going on in and around it.”

Teams rise to the charity challenge Schools praise firms backing careers outreach programme

It is up and running… the fundraising has begun as the teams embark on their ventures turning £50 into profit for charity in the #Franklins50 Challenge.

Between now and May, more than 20 teams from across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes will grow the £50 into cash for their chosen charity. The teams have five charities to choose from. In Northamptonshire, either Cynthia Spencer Hospice or Northampton Hope Centre; in Milton Keynes, MK ACT, MK Food Bank and Willen Hospice.

Andrea Smith, partner and head of business services at Franklins, said: “It is a brilliant team-building opportunity and we cannot wait to see what imaginative ways teams come up with to raise some money.”

Louise Miller-Chalk, pictured, whose interior design company Miller and Chalk is based at Towcester, is Northampton born and bred. “I am eager to support local charities and raise awareness of the

important work The Hope Centre is doing in the community,” she said. She is planning events at the design studio, including an afternoon tea, and a sponsored abseil down the Northampton Lift Tower.

Telecoms provider dbfb, based in Northampton, is raising money for Cynthia Spencer Hospice, its charity of the year. Business support administrator Sarah Jones said: “We have taken part previously and are excited to do so again.”

Office technology company Syncro is using its £50 to hire a professional photographer to take portrait photos for sale at £25 each. The company is supporting Cynthia Spencer Hospice.

“They are a credit to our community,” said co-founder Stuart Mildren.

Hundreds of secondary school students are benefiting from advice on career choices and pathways from pioneering tech sector businesses in a careers outreach programme.

The programme, run by tech business estate Silverstone Park, is working with students from Sponne School in Towcester and Kingsthorpe College in Northampton.

Around 30 volunteers from companies based at Silverstone Park are attending career activity days at the schools and students also have the opportunity to tour Silverstone Park to see the types of careers and skills required to work on the estate. These include advanced engineering, software development, electronics and manufacturing. Businesses in construction, marketing, media and recruitment are also taking part.

Silverstone Park developer MEPC’s asset manager Ruth

Volunteers outline opportunities for students

Williams said: “Opening young people’s eyes to the types of careers that exist - some of which might not be obvious - is essential in being able to show them there is something for everyone.” The programme, which runs until May, first launched in 2018 in response to employers’ concerns about the skills gap among school

leavers. This year more than 600 Year 8 and 9 students are taking part. The programme is managed by Ahead Partnership, a specialist in delivering social value projects. The participating schools are keen for their students to take advantage of the programme.

Ann Warner, learning leader for PSHE & Careers at Sponne School, said: “The business volunteers genuinely have the interests of students at heart and help them to understand it is not just academic results but also attitude, application and initiative that can lead to some really remarkable careers.” Kingsthorpe College has taken part in the programme every year since it launched. “It has proved invaluable in giving guidance, motivation and perspective for students as they prepare to make the important decisions about which subjects and career paths to follow,” said deputy headteacher Scott Wade.

business bites

Latest business news from North Northamptonshire Council

NN Job Club

Need help or support finding a new employee? The NN Job Club is a weekly service, designed to offer a range of support and assistance to Jobseekers across the North Northamptonshire area.

For more information: email nnjobclub@northnorthants.gov.uk or visit www.northnorthants.gov.uk/jobclub

E-bike Scheme

Would your employees benefit from an e-bike trial? If your business is located within North Northants, you can take part in this county-wide trial for FREE.

For more information: email e-bikescheme@northnorthants.gov.uk or visit www.smartmovenorthamptonshire.net

Does your NN Business need support from the local Council? We provide a wide range of business facing services that are dedicated to supporting your business in achieving its full potential.

DISCOVERNN APP

Have

Northampton South MP Andrew Lewer assesses the challenges facing Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt as he prepares his Budget statement.

There can be no question that the economic environment in which the Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt is having to make his budget decisions is immensely challenging. Inflation is still at 10.1 per cent, although down from the 11.1pc high of last year.

Energy prices may be falling but they are still volatile. There are plenty of other pressures too that paint a difficult path ahead. Government gross debt at the end of Q2 2022 is now equivalent to 101.9pc of GDP and lockdown-related supply chain challenges continue across the globe with the outcome of the war in Ukraine still not certain.

There is no doubt that tackling inflation will be central in the budget, plus many commentators have stated that the days of cheap borrowing are well and truly over.

Our tax levels are at their highest in over 70 years and public sector expenditure is well over 40pc of GDP. The second age of globalisation which began after the fall of the Berlin Wall is no more. The Covid crisis has accelerated its demise. Global supply chains will be very different as they rebuild over the next five to ten years. The peace dividend which gave western governments the opportunity to disinvest in defence spending has come to an abrupt halt.

Tackling inflation requires a clever balancing act

NATO defence force capability is worryingly vulnerable and in need of a hefty injection of new spending in order to rebuild.

It is not all doom and gloom, however, and in any case it is important for the Chancellor and the government more widely to demonstrate the way forward. There is a growing sense that recent price surges are in retreat, with stocks and bond markets recently rallying. Investors are concluding that interest rates may have peaked and this is welcome news.

The economy can recover but the balancing act that the Chancellor has to manage in the battle to deal with inflation is not to strangle the recovery and make it weaker. Overtaxation can damage our economic recovery as can uncontrolled public spending.

Perhaps even more damaging than the short-term but significant economic consequences of the

reaction to the Kwasi Kwarteng September 2022 ‘mini budget’ is the risk that the major tactical errors of that time lead to a conclusion that the strategy of a lower tax rate, higher productivity and thus better levels of growth economy approach is in itself misguided and thus discredited for a political generation. That would be a hugely damaging legacy and one which, even within the limited room for manoeuvre that the Chancellor has, he can still avoid. One way to avoid this - which I

believe is especially important - is freezing the upcoming increase in corporation tax from 19pc to 25pc, which comes into force in April. This increase will take 6pc from bottom lines at a time when businesses are at their weakest, battered by Covid, crippled with Covid loan debts, high energy prices, inflation and supply chain issues.

There is another argument why this increase should not come into force and that is around the issue of tax take. The Treasury estimates that this 6pc tax increase will bring in an extra £18 billion into public coffers. I beg to differ and I have Treasury figures to prove it.

From 2010 to 2017, UK corporation tax rate fell from 28pc to 19pc yet receipts doubled from £31.7 billion to £62.6 billion - from 2.4pc to 2.9pc of GDP. This reflects higher investment, the dynamic impact of tax changes that Treasury modelling often fails to capture.

Higher taxation puts a squeeze on investment, as we have seen recently with Astra Zeneca’s decision not to invest in the UK and go to Ireland instead, blaming the uncompetitive tax environment for their decision. There are other measures that the Chancellor might consider that I and many others believe would assist our economic recovery:

■ Revisiting decisions over IR35 and self-employment;

■ Longer timeframes for CBILs repayments;

■ Not cutting back on support for energy bills for business too quickly;

■ Pension reform to extend tax-free, lifetime and annual allowances;

■ Review VAT registration levels. Looking further ahead, family or household taxation options, income tax thresholds, awkward and disincentivising increases in people’s taxation payments, merging so-called National Insurance and income tax and radically simplifying the tax system altogether have much to commend them.

This Chancellor has proved himself very open to having discussions and receiving submissions about the Budget - and indeed the approach to the economy overall. I shall be meeting with him ahead of the Budget to make the case for the suggestions above.

Events calendar brings estate firms together

Brackmills Industrial Estate in Northampton is a thriving Business Improvement District. As part of its BID status, businesses on the estate pool an annual levy and use this funding for projects, initiatives and events which will benefit and improve the estate.

Brackmills already has a packed calendar of events for the year and in March the BID is planning two face to face events: a Jobs Fair at Delapré Abbey and a networking event to mark International Women’s Day on the estate.

BRACKMILLS JOBS FAIR

March 31, 10am-1pm:

Delapre Abbey, London Road, Northampton

Masses of jobs are set to be promoted at this Jobs Fair, with businesses from across Brackmills Industrial Estate set to exhibit and promote their vacancies. At this free event, a host of roles will be promoted – everything from office work and management to driving jobs, packing and facilities.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Networking event

March 8, 8.30am-10.30am:

Decathlon, Brackmills

We know there are some amazing women - and men - working on Brackmills Industrial Estate so the BID wants to celebrate this day with resident businesses and employees. At this event delegates will hear from some guest speakers, network and enjoy a tour of the Brackmills-based Decathlon distribution centre hosted by the world’s biggest sports retailer.

Brackmills BID wants to know how it can help its resident businesses and their staff, so come and join us. Light refreshments will be provided, please let us know of any dietary requirements.

Both events are part of Brackmills BID’s commitment to supporting its businesses and staff. So, if you work on Brackmills and want to know more about these events or others planned this year, visit www.brackmillsindustrialestate.co.uk/upcoming-events

Andrew Lewer MP

HR firm makes first hires

Expanding HR consultancy Haus of HR has welcomed two new staff members. Hayley White, who has worked in industries including the police, retail and hospitality in her 15-year career, joins as an HR adviser while Kelly Henderson, with 18 years of experience working in recruitment and training across the automotive industry, has arrived as an administrator.

“It is great to see the team grow,” says Towcester-based Haus of HR founder Rachel Collar. “This means we can support even more clients.”

On board the SEMLEP board

The South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership has added expertise in engineering, firther education and training at board level with three new non-executive directors. The appointments of Andrea Wilson, Anna Clarke and Professor Christopher Fogwill were endorsed at SEMLEP’s AGM in December. Rachel McGrath, chief executive of Northamptonshire Community Foundation, joined the board as an observer in September.

Ahotelier, retail boss and cultural leader have outlined their visions for the future of Northampton town centre after their appointments to the board of the Business Improvement District.

Tom Litchfield, operations manager of Grosvenor Shopping Northampton, Simon Smith, general manager of the Park Inn Northampton and Chris Evans, director of sales, marketing and development at Royal & Derngate, have joined the BID board to help guide the town centre through the next few years of unprecedented change in Northampton as redevelopment works to the high street and surrounding

BID directors share their town centre vision

areas gather pace.

In March 2021, businesses voted to renew the BID for five more years, securing a significant £1.5 million to be spent on promoting the area.

Businesses pay an annual levy into a collective pot which is used to deliver the BID events, initiatives and projects in line with the BID

Business Plan. The board comprises local business people, serving as directors on a voluntary basis to steer the project delivery.

Mr Smith has worked with BIDs elsewhere in the UK. “Northampton is a town with a huge amount of potential and I am looking forward to working closely with businesses to unlock

MDs move in management reshuffle

Changes to the group leadership team at Northampton-based building materials distributor Travis Perkins take effect from this month.

We can offer you as a customer a tailored 3PL service from either of our 2 sites in Northamptonshire, offering the following: • Pick and Pack: B2C, B2B, Amazon FBA, FBM and SFP with WMS to aid processing and inventory control

that potential,” he says.

Mr Evans adds: “The wealth of cultural heritage we have here in Northampton is incredible. This is a brilliant opportunity to bring business and the arts closer together, working for the good of the town.”

Maintaining a strong retail offer will be crucial, says Mr Litchfield. “The next couple of years will no doubt present obstacles to overcome but I want to play my part in helping businesses mitigate those challenges and be ready for a reinvigorated, new look town centre which will put us at the forefront of the 21st-century town centre experience.”

James Mackenzie, currently managing director of Toolstation UK, becomes managing director of Travis Perkins General Merchant business. He replaces Kieran Griffin who, after 28 years with the plc, is leaving to pursue new opportunities. Stepping into Mr Mackenzie’s post at Toolstation UK is Angela Rushforth, currently managing director of heating and pipeline solutions distributor BSS.

“I am delighted to confirm these appointments from our experienced management team and the opportunity this brings to drive further collaboration and innovation opportunities across the Group,” says chief executive Nick Roberts.

“I am really looking forward to working with James and Angela in their new roles and extend our thanks to Kieran for the contribution he has made over many years in the group.”

New BID directors Tom Litchfield, Simon Smith and Chris Evans with Northampton BID’s operations manager Mark Mullen (left)

Once it was rare... Now it is one of a kind

Historic Bentley sets upcycling milestone

It is one of only a few examples of the luxurious Bentley S2 Continental that remain worldwide. Now its new guise confirms the stylish car as one of a kind.

The car, built in 1961 and one of only four examples built, has become the rarest vehicle to be converted to fully electric propulsion. Originally powered by a 6.2-litre V8 petrol engine but now completely restored, the car runs via an electric powertrain designed and installed by skilled technicians at upcycling and electrification specialist Lunaz’s facility at Silverstone.

Lunaz has electrified rare and highvalue cars including Aston Martins, Jaguars and Rolls-Royces since it opened its facility at Silverstone Park four years ago. However, the Bentley project is a first, said Lunaz chief executive David Lorenz.

“This magnificent Bentley S2 Continental was already an exceptional motor car. It is the rarest vehicle ever to be converted to fully electric propulsion and the most exclusive project we have ever undertaken at Lunaz Design. It is literally one of a kind.”

The car pictured was built in 1961 by London coachbuilder James Young when some luxury car bodies

were still produced by independent coachbuilders to the customer’s specification, on a ‘rolling chassis’ supplied by the manufacturer.

The S2 Continental’s build sheets say its first owner initially commissioned a four-door body but had a change of heart - research shows the car has only ever existed in its present two-door form.

It was sold in 1967 and since has been owned in Germany and Japan before returning to the UK. The Bentley Continental was always the rarest S2 variant and this car is one of only a handful left in the world.

All Bentley S2 variants were powered by the then-new ‘L’ Series 6.2-litre V8 engine, made from aluminium alloy for an improved power-to-weight ratio. This ensured the engine could sustain the power demands of automatic transmission, power steering and air conditioning without affecting performance.

“This car is also a further demonstration of our proven upcycling process and technologies, developed entirely in house at our Silverstone facility, which are fast becoming the de facto gold standard for electrification projects involving the world’s most prestigious marques,” said Mr Lorenz.

Travis Perkins invests in electric forklift fleet switch

Building materials plc Travis Perkins is to replace its fleet of 1,100 diesel forklift trucks with electric vehicles by the middle of next year.

The multi-million pound investment is one of the largest programmes of its kind and is taking place eight years ahead of schedule, the company says. The move, named Project Switch, is part of Travis Perkins’ plan to reduce its vehicle and plant fleet emissions by 27 per cent over the next four years. Other

steps include trialling alternative fuels and training drivers to operate machinery and trucks in the most energy-efficient way.

Travis Perkins, whose head office is in Northampton, forecasts that Project Switch will reduce the company’s emissions by up to 6,600 tonnes a year.

“Construction has a key role to play in decarbonising the built environment and we are committed to lead on this in our own business, our supply chain and in the wider

industry,” said Alan Williams, chief financial officer and Travis Perkins group’s decarbonisation sponsor. As part of the programme, the company’s newly formed Forklift Truck Champion network will take part in training to increase knowledge and awareness of its decarbonisation plans so they can help local forklift operators to improve their skills. The 18-month switchover is due to start this summer. The vehicles will be supplied by Staffordshire-based Briggs Equipment.

Manufacturers and suppliers joined clients and staff to raise a glass to the opening of the new Technical Experience Centre at AM Labels’ headquarters in Kettering.

Guests at the event, sponsored by printing technology manufacturer Epson, inspected the state-of-theart machinery on show and took a tour of the new centre to see for themselves the range of labelling, barcoding, RFID, robotics and automation equipment available.

The centre was officially opened by Kettering Mayor Cllr Keli Watts, who praised the hard work of AM Labels’ staff.

Managing director Tony Mariani, inset, said: “Since relocating to new premises at the beginning of 2022, we have invested heavily in the creation and build of our Technical Experience Centre. Now that the space has

Labels specialist opens new technical centre

officially opened, it will act as a hub for businesses across the UK to experience demonstrations of the latest and most innovative technology available.”

The Technical Experience Centre welcomed visitors over three days. Visitors were also invited to have their own personalised cookies printed using a DTM Eddie printer, which utilises edible ink to print full-colour photos, logos, text and other designs directly on to the surface of food items including cookies, cupcakes, macarons and pastries. They also had the opportunity to tour the company’s

in-house production facility. AM Labels has an extensive label manufacturing operation in a state-of-the-art production area that stocks a large variety of label materials.

“The opening of our new Technical Experience Centre was a great success and, on behalf of the entire AM Labels team, I would like to say a big thank you to everyone that joined us throughout the three-day event,” said Mr Mariani. “We are also extremely grateful for the support received from several of the industry’s leading manufacturers and suppliers, and a special thank you to Epson for being our event sponsor.”

The business networking events this month across Northamptonshire

LEARN HOW TO PODCAST

March 2 9.30am-11am:

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 and see for yourself. Each chapter has a personality of its own and finding where you fit best helps you get connected.

Elite BNI (Kettering)

Tuesday 6.45am-8.30am: Online

Ignite BNI (Daventry)

Tuesday 6.45am-8.30am:

The Turnpike, Harpole Northampton Pioneer BNI (Northamptonshire)

Wednesday 9.30am-11am: Online

Pavilion BNI (Northampton)

Thursday 6.45am-8.30am:

The Old Northamptonians RFC, Sir Humphrey Cripps Pavilion, Billing Road, Northampton Prosperity BNI (Kettering)

Thursday 6.45am-8.30am:

The Kettering Golf Club, Headlands, Kettering Sterling BNI (Northampton)

Thursday 11.45am-1.30pm:

The Old Northamptonians RFC, Sir Humphrey Cripps Pavilion, Billing Road, Northampton Lighthouse BNI (Northampton)

Friday 6.45am-8.30am

Franklin’s Gardens, Weedon Road, Northampton

Contact: Duncan Webster. e: duncan@ bnibreakfast.co.uk or call 07977 422220

With the right support at the right price it is possible for any small business to succeed. Members believe there is so much to gain with a positive attitude of mutual face-to-face. All monthly breakfast meetings, 7.30am-9.30am.

WELLINGBOROUGH

1st Thursday: Great Doddington Club, Lower Street

Price: £16.

NORTHAMPTON

3rd Wednesday: The Turnpike, Harpole.

Price: £16.

VIRTUAL MEETINGS

Price: £6

Brunch

2nd Tuesday 9.30am-11am: Online

Breakfast

4th Wednesday 7.30am-9am: Online

3rd Thursday 7.30am-9am: Online

2nd Friday 7.30am-9am: Online

Afternoon

Fridays 3pm-4pm: Online Visitors welcome.

THE ACCOUNTABILITY CIRCLE

Monday 10am-11am: Online

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

Price: £6 per session or £12 per month. Find out more at buscomm.co.uk/ourevents

NNBN HQ, Poppy Design Studio & Marketing, Elgee Works, Victoria Street, Desborough Workshop led by Simon Cox.Free event for NNBN members; visitors £10.

SPEED NETWORKING

March 8 1.20pm-2.30pm:

Kettering Conference Centre

Free event, part of thre Northamotonshire Chamber of Commerce’s Business Exhibition.

EVENING NETWORKING

March 9 7pm-8.30pm:

Kettering Park Hotel

Informal networking. Free event for NNBN members; non-members £10.

BUSINESS BRUNCH

March 10 9.30am-11am:

Kettering Park Hotel & Spa

Q&A with Kevin Hollinrake pictured, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business. Questions submitted in advance.

Price: £15 for NNBN and Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce members; non-members £22.50.

NNBN ONLINE

March 16 9.30am-10.30am

Informal networking. Free event for NNBN members; non-members £4.99.

NNBN COMES TO NORTHAMPTON

March 16 7.pm-8.30pm:

Delapre Abbey, Northampton

Launch of a new monthly meeting for the West of Northamptonshire NNBN. Free event.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP

March 30 9.30am-11am:

Business Before Hours 8am-10am Networking breakfast. Free event.

ChamberLIVE: Embracing equality in the workplace 11am-12 noon The 2023 International Women’s Day panel discussion delivered via the Chamber’s Women With Vision network and aims to highlight the theme of #EmbraceEquity and how to achieve this.

ChamberLIVE: Abbz Thomas 12.30pm-1pm Hayley Mauro, of Wilson Browne Solicitors, interviews motorcycle racer Annabel ‘Abbz’ Thomas, from Burton Latimer. Speed Networking 1.20pm-2.30pm With networking group NNBN

Free to attend for visitors. To pre-register, visit www.northants-chamber.co.uk/

LOCAL SKILLS IMPROVEMENT PLAN

Match 31 8.30am-10.30am: Kettering Park Hotel

Networking + information event, funded by the Department for Education. Have your voice heard about the skill gaps within your employment. Free event, Chamber members and non-members welcome.

Visit www.northants-chamber.co.uk/events

UK BUSINESS FORUM NORTHAMPTON

2nd Wednesday 5.30pm-9pm: Delapre Abbey, London Road

NETWORKING BREAKFAST

March 15 7am-9am:

Daventry Town FC

Hosted by Rollasons Solicitors, a platform where mutually beneficial business relationships can be cultivated, enabling businesses to build strong networks in Daventry and the wider area.

Price: £12.

Speaker: Callum James, tax manager at Cottons Accountants.

To find out more, call Rollasons Solicitors on 01327 301771 or email info@dmb.co.uk

NNBN HQ, Poppy Design Studio & Marketing, Elgee Works, Victoria Street, Desborough Find out more about the benefits of NNBN membership. Free event, NNBN members only. For more information and to book, visit https:// nnbn.co.uk/events/

LOCAL SKILLS IMPROVEMENT PLAN

Sector-specific forums, taking place online.

MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING March 2 1pm-3.30pm;

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

March 2:

Paisley Pear, Northampton Road.

Price: £8.

Northampton Buzz

March 15:

Fox & Hounds, Harborough Road.

Price: £8.

Wellingborough Buzz

March 14:

Castello Lounge, Market Street

Price: £8.

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

The FSB has 2,000 members across Northamptonshire. These include a monthly FSB Northampton virtual networking at which everyone is welcome - you do not have to be a FSB member to join in.

Northamptonshire

March 23 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.

EDUCATION & CHILDCARE March 6 1pm3.30pm;

ENTERTAINMENT & MUSIC

March 13 1pm-3.30pm;

FINANCIAL & PROFESSIONAL March 20 1pm3.30pm;

RETAIL March 21 9am-11.30am;

HOSPITALITY & TOURISM March 21 1pm3.30pm;

LOGISTICS & TRANSPORT March 27 1pm3.30pm;

HAIR & BEAUTY March 28 9am-11.30am;

PUBLIC SECTOR March 30 1pm-3.30pm;.

Networking + information event, funded by the Department for Education. Come along to our Local Skills and Improvment Plan event to have your voice heard about the skill gaps within your employment. Free events, Chamber members and non-members welcome.

BUSINESS EXHIBITION

March 8 10am-3.30pm:

A friendly, informal and relaxed networking event for small business owners. Each event features a short educational presentation on topics to support business owners followed by informal networking. First drink of the evening is on us. 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

Practical support to help businesses grow their business. The Business Room is a one business area group for business owners, those in employed positions, MLMs and franchised businesses.

KETTERING

March 6 6 12 noon-2pm:

Kettering Park Hotel

NORTHAMPTON

March 9 12 noon-2pm:

Old White Hart, Far Cotton

WELLINGBOROUGH

March 15 12 noon-2pm:

The Stanwick Hotel, Stanwick

SOUTH NORTHANTS

March 21 12 noon-2pm:

The White Horse, Silverstone

THE CONNECTIONS CLUB - NORTHANTS

Only open to business owners, influencers and decision-makers. Each session is limited to a maximum of three business areas.

NORTHAMPTON

March 7 11.45am-2pm: Delapre Abbey, London Road, Northampton.

NNBN is a business membership for North Northamptonshire which aims to help businesses in the North Northants area recover, build and grow for a brighter future.

Kettering Conference Centre

Make new connections and do businesses with scores of Northamptonshire’s leading businesses. Exhibition includes:

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

Q&A

Where business people discuss their motivation, ambition, experience - and themselves. In the spotlight this month is Jessica Pilkington, managing director of Northampton-based PR and marketing company Pilkington Communications and winner of the Business Person of the Year award at the Northamptonshire Business Awards 2022.

I am addicted to variety... and terrible TV

What was your first job?

Apart from Saturday jobs at Dolcis Shoes and Toys “R” Us in my teens and then some waitressing and bar work during my student years in Brighton, it was as a trainee reporter at the Mercury & Herald, the weekly sister paper of the then daily, now weekly, Northampton Chronicle & Echo. My full-time wage, aged 23, was £6,750 and I thought the world was my oyster.

Why did you choose your particular career?

It chose me. I couldn’t get a job after graduating from the University of Sussex so I ‘temporarily’ moved back into my mum’s house in Northampton.

After a bit of work experience at the local paper, I was offered a fully funded journalism traineeship. It was the making of me. I learned the art of interviewing people, of identifying a newsworthy story and shorthand, a skill I still relish today. What’s the best job you’ve had and why?

This job, right now. I am addicted to variety and no two days are the same, which suits me. Because I have chosen to work with the notfor-profit sector, I get to see amazing people, projects and communities in action: organising media launches at community green spaces, spotlight features on charities, profiles on social enterprises, award applications, press releases, social media training and so much more. …and the worst and why?

Early days on the newspaper were pretty tough - lots of shouting, deadlines and pressure.

One of the first jobs I was sent on was to knock on the door of a family whose little boy had only just diedto ‘get their story’. I assumed they’d tell me to get lost but they welcomed me in, showed me photos, told me all about their little boy and asked me to write it all down.

That was an interesting lesson.

Sometimes people want to talk and want to share, even in the most tragic of circumstances. Other times - I learned quickly - they do not. Both need to be respected equally. What’s the best advice you’ve received in business?

Work with people who challenge you. Embrace honesty.

Pay it forward - do something kind for someone because someone has done something kind for you.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Winning two awards, inset, at the Northamptonshire Business Awards, run by the Chamber of Commerce, last year. I was actually in New York for the ceremony - a birthday present adventure - but even from the other

side of the world it felt incredible. Great profile and exposure and we’ve had so many new business enquiries.

…and the low point?

There has not been a low point, although Covid brought huge changes. Pre pandemic I’m not sure I knew what excited or motivated me. Then, during the first few months of Covid, I had dozens of calls from local start-ups, charities and small businesses all seeking advice, many desperate for help.

I spoke to the team at SEMLEP, who were offering grants, and I identified an opportunity - grants for small organisations to raise their profile, launch fundraising campaigns and so much more. This felt like a turning point. Who in business do you respect the most?

I am blown away by Groundwork Northamptonshire. Their CEO Kate Williams is kind and compassionate but also strong and inspiring and her leadership is exceptional. Alison Holland, who leads social enterprise Brightwayz, has taught me more than she knows and is an example to so many.

Last year I was approached by Ball Corporation, a global can making company which has just opened a plant in Northamptonshire, to run their local PR campaign and to connect them with grassroots community groups. Working with this team, in particular their head of diversity and inclusion Lauren Toure, has opened my eyes to the importance of recruiting a truly diverse workforce.

What annoys you the most in business?

Blagging. As I’ve got older, my blag-ometer has got stronger. It’s not always about the words people say; it’s about their actions. I’m not sure I knew this when I was younger. If people told me they were great, I believed them. Now I’m more impressed and motivated by actions. … and in life?

People being too scared to address tricky topics for fear of upsetting or offending. Always best to say something if the alternative is to say nothing.

What’s the best thing about where you work?

I feel lucky to have our office inside Delapré Abbey. Every day I arrive at the Abbey, I feel uplifted.

What’s your career ambition?

To continue to raise the profile of the not-for-profit sector and to continue to love what I am doing as much as I do today, as I’m writing these words. What have been the best moments of your life?

Having my kids, Harry and Polly and having the guts to make a change and hand my notice in at the newspaper when I was 29.

Harry was just two at the time, my boyfriend (now husband) took a sabbatical and together we took a year out. We travelled through South America and South East Asia and I wrote articles, emailing my adventures and photos back to the editor of a local magazine called Image. The News of the World picked up my story, proclaiming Harry ‘the young Indiana Jones’.

When we returned to the UK, I was expecting our daughter Polly. Today seeing her thrive at university and forge her own life

and future is definitely up there as one of my best moments. This is not my achievement, it’s hers... but it doesn’t half feel good. …and the worst?

The words “Your son has cancer”.

Harry was 15, had a cough and was on antibiotics. I took him to an out of hours doctors on Boxing Day. We had been watching a film at home but something felt wrong. We paused the film and I knew - or thought - I was overreacting and that I’d be home within a couple of hours. Instead, I found myself in an ambulance on route to Leicester.

Within a few days we were told Harry was very ill. Within a couple of weeks we were told he had only months left. Over the next four years Harry was given the ‘all clear’ and the ‘no hope’ diagnosis three times. He died, at home, on March 10that is now five years ago.

How do you relax?

I’m brilliant at doing very little when I’m not working. I love terrible TV, a good novel and a mug of Earl Grey tea.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

For the first few years after losing

MY FAVOURITE...

FOOD Seafood, ideally consumed with a glass of white wine by the ocean.

BOOK House of Spirits by Isabel Allende. Magical and mystical. FILM Truly, Madly, Deeply, starring the late Alan Rickman.

TV PROGRAMME Ted Lasso

Check out Apple TV. Funny, clever, emotional, British. RESTAURANT I recently discovered a lovely family restaurant called La Pazienza in Northampton, on the Wellingborough Road. Feels like a piece of heaven.

DESTINATION Central America, Sri Lanka, India, New Zealand... My destination of choice will always be somewhere I have not yet been. Life should be an adventure.

Harry, I struggled with the idea of ever feeling any sense of pleasure or happiness. Now I take it where I find it, even if I continue to feel my son’s loss throughout. There is no longer any guilt when it comes to feeling anything close to pleasure.

What’s your worst fault?

It takes me about ten seconds longer than most people to get the punch line of a joke (something I share with my dad). I make up for it with a very loud ‘Barbara Windsor’ style laugh.

What’s your most treasured possession?

My memories and the boxes I put together as my two kids got older; first baby grows, letters to the tooth fairy, school reports, their first cuddly toy, letters from their grandparents. I know that Harry won’t see his box now, but it’s no less precious. I plan to give Polly hers in a few years - I’m not sure she knows I’ve saved all her baby teeth. What are you afraid of?

Losing someone else close to me and losing my ability to communicate. Words are so integral to my sense of self. The idea of not being able to verbally express myself as I get older terrifies me. I love words, the power they have, the ability words have to express, explain and share. Tell us something you regret. Not appreciating my knees when I was younger. I used to run to clear my head. I miss that. As I’m writing this, I realise I need to snap out of it and get my bicycle out of the shed. Tell us a secret about yourself. When I go to restaurants I often tell staff I am allergic to parsnips. I’m not - I just HATE them. And sprouts.

Jessica Pilkington. Her company Pilkington Communications was named West Northamptonshire’s Business of the Year at the Northamptonshire Business Awards 2022

‘I love words, the power they have, the ability they have to express, explain and share’

100+ exhibitors, hundreds of visitors, inspiring seminars and great networking... Business Times looks back at the success of Your Business Expo 2023 at Sywell Aerodrome

Business survey is set to reveal results

Findings deliver healthcheck on economy

The findings of the long-awaited Northamptonshire Business Survey are to be revealed at the Wellingborough & East Northants Chamber of Commerce Spring Meeting, held in collaboration with Business Times Chamber members, employers and local stakeholders are being invited to join delegates already booked to attend the Chamber’s event, which will revolve around celebrating Northamptonshire. The highly anticipated results from The Northamptonshire Business Survey will be revealed at the meeting. WENCC committee member Oliver Jelley, director of PR and digital marketing agency Orange Juice Communications, will announce the findings to what is expected to be a packed house.

Responses to the survey, a groundbreaking piece of research that aims to deliver a healthcheck to

Northamptonshire’s economy, are already coming in.

The survey was launched at the Your Business Expo event, organised by Northamptonshire’s leading business newspaper Business Times and which drew more than 100 exhibiting companies - many among the leading employers in the county - and hundreds of visitors to Sywell Aerodrome near Northampton last month.

Business owners taking part in the survey will be asked to provide insight into topics such as margins and profits, digital transformation, hybrid working and sustainability. The deadline for responses is March 17.

WENCC president Pritesh Ganatra said: “The survey will paint us an image of the state of businesses in Northamptonshire and the outcomes will help guide the future of business in our area towards success.”

n The Spring Meeting takes place on May 5, 7am-10am at The Chester House Estate, Irchester near Wellingborough. To register, visit www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/spring-meeting-celebrating-northants-tickets-537746423027.

WILSON BROWNE SOLICITORS

EPC rules extend to non-domestic properties

An Energy Performance Certificate gives a property a rating from A - most efficient - to G (least efficient) depending on the energy efficiency of the building.

It is developed from a complex calculation, which looks at several indicators such as the age and type of building, its insulation, heating and the way in which it was constructed. It is valid for ten years.

The Update and The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations

2015

Also known as MEES Regs 2015, these regulations currently impose bans on landlords renting out non-domestic

Pride in supporting clients’ growth

Accountancy firm N-Accounting has been named Business Growth Practice of the Year for the East Midlands in the SME News Finance Awards.

The Northampton-based practice has launched a business growth accelerator programme which aims to help small and medium-sized businesses reach a

and domestic properties if they fall below a specified energy rating of ‘E’.

This ban can be avoided if a landlord makes significant energy efficient improvements or is eligible for an exemption.

Its implementation is in stages:

From April 1, 2018 These regulations apply upon the granting of a new lease to an existing or new tenant of domestic or non-domestic private rental property.

From April 1, 2020 These regulations apply to all privately rented domestic property in scope of the regulations, including where a lease is already in place and a property is occupied by a tenant.

From April 1 2023 These regulations

will apply to all privately rented nondomestic property in scope of the regulations, including where a lease is already in place and a property is occupied by a tenant.

Therefore, this means that landlords should review their portfolio to identify which properties fall below the requirements.

Landlords who let sub-standard property (EPC bands F and G) and do not have a valid exemption will be liable to financial penalties and other action by way of enforcement.

n If you need advice on your leases and the financial penalties in light of the above, please contact the Wilson Browne commercial property team.

HAUS OF HR

Bad people skills can cost firms thousands

Managers with poor people skills are causing employees to become demotivated, stressed, and disengagedand it is costing companies thousands of pounds.

It leads to a loss of productivity and increased employee turnover, says an HR expert. And these managers are causing business owners extra stress and frustration, adds Haus of HR founder Rachel Collar, .

additional training and development for managers lacking the right skills.

“A great manager should lead a team by example,” says Ms Collar. “That means they should listen to what their people are telling them, they should understand what drives both the team and the individuals and they should recognise a job well done.”

£1 million valuation in two years. It also unveiled Apex, designed to help small business owners grow their profits and the value of their business by following

a structured two-year support package.

Managing director Nishi Patel said: “We take great pride in supporting our clients with their own business growth.”

“It is important that as soon as you notice problematic behaviour from a manager, you tackle the issue to stop it becoming a company-wide issue,” says Ms Collar inset “Not only do bad managers have a negative impact on their team but they can also stop you from developing future managers in the right way, which leads to longerterm problems.”

Haus of HR recommends

Great managers know that it takes a team to hit goals and be successful. Communication is also central to good management so each employee understands their role and the goal towards which they are working.

Employers should tackle problematic behaviour quickly. As a result, it is easier to correct bad traits and shows that the employer takes employees’ happiness seriously, says Ms Collar.

N-ACCOUNTING

HR SOLUTIONS

HR consultancy strikes gold for customer service

HR services consultancy HR Solutions has collected a national award for outstanding customer service for the second consecutive year. The company, headquartered in Kettering, has won the Gold Trusted Service Award for 2022 from customer insights company Feefo.

The award is made on the basis of client ratings. To qualify, a business must have collected at least 50 Feefo reviews over a two-year period and achieved a Feefo service rating of at least 4.5. HR Solutions scored 4.8 out of a possible 5. “We pride ourselves on service excellence, delivering the highest support to our customers and we use Feefo to gather authentic reviews on our services while regularly seeking feedback from

our valued clients,” says HR Solutions’ chief executive Greg Guilford.

“This award is reflective of our

BORNEO MARTELL TURNER COULSTON

Planning is key to success in partnership mergers

Where there is a good cultural alignment, a merger can offer numerous benefits to two smaller partnerships, particularly in terms of sharing costs and resources.

“There are a host of commercial issues that one has to be aware of when contemplating a merger of two partnerships,” says Anna Horrell, a commercial solicitor with Borneo Martell Turner Coulston in Northampton. “Careful analysis of the two businesses is critical, as is ensuring the required documentation is correctly completed.

“There will inevitably be a lot of moving parts and having a knowledgeable legal team to work alongside you will help you to maximise the benefits from a merger.”

Given the breadth of issues to review, risk assess and agree on, the legal path to a partnership merger will happen over the course of a few stages. Examples of the key stages include:

n Heads of terms Once there has been a loose agreement to merge, our legal team will assist you in the negotiation of the critical terms affecting the merger with a view to putting together a heads of terms.

This will lay out the clear business intention of the parties and the framework for all the other stages and associated documentation.

n Tax position Checking your tax position with a tax specialist is strongly advised at an early stage. Better to be forewarned than not, especially if it transpires that merging your business may not avail you of any tax advantages you originally anticipated.

n Documentation stage Once all the aspects of the merger have been commercially agreed, our legal team can help to ensure the smooth implementation of the practical elements as well as the documentation. As in previous stages, this may require input and expertise across property law,

Trademark registration: Protect your brand on social media

While social media can be hugely beneficial for many businesses, it is not without its problems writes consultant Anna Horrell Organisations have had to adapt to deal with unfavourable reviews, account hacking, data protection breaches, fake accounts and even liability for unlawful acts by employees.

The law has struggled to keep up with the meteoric rise of social media. As such, there is no ‘social media law’ you can call on to address these issues. Instead, a mix of long-established legal principles and new laws are used in a bid to address the ever-changing issues presented by social media.

As things stand, one of the quickest and most effective ways to protect your business on social media is by reliance on a registered trademark.

One of the biggest problems online is the ease with which an identity can be

hidden, copied or faked. This might just be because a business happens to have the same name, but disgruntled clients or campaigners can take advantage of this to set up spoof accounts, and social media provides cybercriminals with convenient platforms on which to execute their latest scam.

A trademark is infringed if a third party uses the mark, or something similar, without permission in the course of trade. If your brand name is protected by a trademark, any unauthorised use in the course of trade on social media impersonator accounts and in hashtags or the like can constitute trademark infringement. A registered trademark is a crucial element of an effective brand development and protection strategy. Trademark registration provides a cost-effective, straightforward way to protect your brand on social media. Our

GRIFFITHS AIR CONDITIONING

Think hybrid, think savings on energy bills

Keeping our business premises and homes warm during the cooler months and doing it as economically as possible is something we all have to think about.

Burton Latimer-based Griffiths have several energy-efficient solutions on offer to assist with reducing fuel costs, including a hybrid system that combines a gas combi boiler and heat pump. Although originally aimed as a replacement for existing gas boilers in two- or threebedroomed properties with a heating load between 12kW and 20kW, it can also be suitable for larger, harder to heat premises.

tax law, commercial law, corporate law, employment law, to name a few.

n Regulatory Partnerships often operate in regulated sectors where approval is required, for example vets, dental practices, and doctors. Prior to the merger progressing, any regulatory authorities should be consulted to check what, if any, approvals are needed. A partnership merger really benefits from a ‘one stop shop’ in legal representation. Borneo Martell Turner Coulston have a strong team of experts across corporate, commercial, property and employment which will allow us to deliver you streamlined, comprehensive advice to take you from start to finish of a successful partnership merger.

For an informal discussion, please contact Anna Horrell in the corporate and commercial team on 01604 622101 or email anna.horrell@bmtclaw.co.uk Borneo Martell Turner Coulston has offices in Northampton and Kettering.

The Daikin Altherma Hybrid smart controller automatically monitors operating conditions, heat pump efficiency and heat load to determine the most economical running mode that achieves the lowest running cost.

The hybrid system could provide a considerable saving on current gas costs.

For water-based central heating systems using either radiators or underfloor heating, the Daikin Altherma range of air source heat pumps provide more than 4kW of heat for every 1kW of electricity needed to run them.

Replacing existing gas or

oil boilers for an air source heat pump could qualify for the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme with a £5,000 grant. Ground source heat pumps, although more suited to new build projects, also qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme with a £6,000 grant. Griffiths are part of the ‘Underground Network’ of approved installers of Kensa ground source heat pumps.

For offices, shops or other commercial areas, the Daikin range of energyefficient air-to-air heat pumps will provide quick warm-up times and cost savings and are able to cool in the summer months.

A wide range of indoor units allow the fan coils to be floor-, wall- or ceilingmounted or even fully concealed behind panelling and suspended ceilings. Modern inverter-controlled compressors and clever weather compensation controls minimise the electricity costs.

Griffiths provides the ancillary electrical or plumbing installation services required for all these products and most importantly, arrange for the company’s service division to carry out the regular service visits to ensure equipment is operating as efficiently as possible.

n For further information, contact Anna Horrell, pictured, in the corporate and commercial team on 01604 622101 or anna.horrell@bmtclaw.co.uk

Borneo Martell Turner Coulston have offices in Northampton and Kettering. These articles are for general information only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.

solicitors have vast experience working with clients to develop strategies that provide optimum online and offline protection.

dedication to service excellence and we are delighted to have achieved it for two years running.”

‘’ is season, the contemporary wardrobe combines technological innovation and sustainable design to create e ortless layers that re ect our enduring dedication to the planet.’’

Alessandro Sartori, Artistic director for Zegna, Come and discover the stunning new fabrics from across the globe available at Saint Crispin Bespoke menswear, put an appointment in the diary today to make sure you are ready for the important events this spring.

‘Game changer’ donation boosts food banks

Five foodbanks in Northamptonshire and Leicestershire have received a share of £100,000 from the Market Harborough Building Society as part of its Thrive Agenda.

Staff put the fun into fundraising

Building products manufacturer Forterra, whose head office is in Northampton, has presented almost £50,000 to its charity of the year Mind after a series of fundraising events last year. After raising just over £24,680, Forterra matched the funds by £25,000 to bring in a grand total of £49,680 for the mental health

charity which offers information, advice and support to people experiencing mental health issues.

Says Caroline Wildman, Forterra’s marketing director: “Our employees have really risen to the challenge with each event and the amount of participation has been inspiring.”

Now Forterra colleagues are planning more fundraising in 2023.

Cyclists swap the sofa for the saddle

Anew fitness challenge calling on Northamptonshire people to get off their sofas and on to their bikes has opened for sign-ups.

The SofatoCycle training programme encourages participants to choose their goal, be it five miles, 50 miles or any distance in between, to prepare for Cycle4Cynthia, the annual fundraising event for Cynthia Spencer Hospice, which begins at

Holdenby House on September 17. SofatoCycle participants need no cycling experience, just a functioning bike and a few hours a week to train. To take part, sign up at www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk/ event/C4C2023. Cycle4Cynthia is celebrating its 20th anniversary and aims to have 1,000 riders on the start line, each raising £100, to raise £100,000 for the hospice’s services.

Youngsters score with new kit sponsor

Players at a newly-formed youth football team in Blisworth have taken to the pitch in a smart new kit thanks to sponsorship from award-winning asbestos consultancy Acorn Analytical Services.

Blisworth U7 Greens was formed last year. Club secretary Gary Edwards says: “Without Acorn’s

support this team would not have got up and running. With their help, we have been able to buy the kit and the equipment so we could not be more grateful for their support.”

Acorn Analytical Services director Ian Stone says: “At Acorn we have a strong sense of community and we always like to do what we can to support local teams.”

Corby Foodbank, Kettering Foodbank and Kettering Community Unit have each received funds to pay for food supplies, expanding the range of products, storage, fuel bills, rent, insurance and general running costs.

“We have realigned our goals to reflect what really matters to our members now,” says MHBS chief executive Iain Kirkpatrick. “We have outlined our roadmap to a better society, called the Thrive Agenda.”

The first step is to support local foodbanks, he adds.

“The money is an absolute game changer, allowing us to expand the level of food crisis support throughout Corby and the surrounding villages,” says Corby Foodbank manager Martin Langford.

Adds KCU’s operations director Sylvia McLevy: “Without this financial support we would have made compromises on the amounts we are able to give out in each parcel to ensure that everyone still receives food support.”

The other two recipients are Leicester South Foodbank in Wigston and Jubilee Foodbank in Market Harborough.

“This donation will help so many families and individuals in so many ways,” said Jess Stone, a trustee of Kettering Foodbank.

Rise to the challenge, says Mayor

Mayor of Kettering Cllr Keli Watts is pictured after unveiling a commemorative stone added to the Kettering timeline in the town’s market square to mark the 25th anniversary of Cransley Hospice.

She is pictured with the hospice’s founder Rev Dr John Smith, North Northamptonshire Council chair Cllr Larry Henson and Rachel Herrick, Cransley Hospice Trust’s director of income generation. The

trust has planned a programme of fundraising events and activities for 2023, headed by its #25for25Challenge which runs until January 25, 2024.

The challenge is open to individuals or teams of friends, groups, family or colleagues. Find out more at www.cransleyhospice. org.uk. The hospice hopes to raise a total £250,000 to support specialist care for patients and their loved ones in Northamptonshire.

Hedgehog heroes strike gold for support of wildlife on university campus

Hedgehogs are the gardener’s ally, keeping plant-damaging pests at bay as they feed on slugs, insects and larvae.

But their numbers are falling dramatically. More than half of the countryside hedgehog population has perished since the turn of the millennium, say experts, as has one in three of those in the UK’s towns and cities. Now efforts are afoot to help Britain’s spikiest animal bounce back.

The University of Northampton is one of 250 other institutions registered on the Hedgehog Friendly Campus initiative, a national

biodiversity scheme from the British Hedgehog Preservation Society. It awards universities, colleges, students’ unions, and primary schools for helping hedgehogs and other wildlife on their campuses.

UoN has held silver status since 2021 thanks to the work of its Hedgehog Squad of student and staff volunteers, who have put up information plaques and created hedgehog ‘highways’ and habitat piles to support the insectivores as they forage around the campus.

Now the campus also holds gold status - at least until 2026.

Five of the university’s ground

staff have trained to become ‘Hedgehog Allies’, the university has raised £284 for the BHPS and volunteer Freya Smith, who has now graduated in computing, gave talks to fellow students and those at another campus, which has joined the Hedgehog Friendly Campus

scheme as a result.

“Receiving Gold certification for the dedication of our Hedgehog Squad is wonderful news,” says Dr Janet Jackson, senior lecturer in environmental science. “We are all very excited to see their commitment recognised in this way. It is also a tremendous outcome for this endangered icon of the British countryside and reflects the wider benefits for wildlife across our beautiful campus.”

Hedgehog rescue centre Little Wiggly Snouts, based in Rushden, has earmarked UoN’s Waterside campus as a good release site for

rescued hedgehogs who could not go back where they were found. Two were released a year ago and the Hedgehog Squad has since recorded other hedgehogs in four sites on campus using wildlife cameras.

“A population of animals such as hedgehogs can signify a healthy, local ecology so it is little wonder that Waterside is a haven for other forms of wildlife, such as insects, birds and otters in the River Nene,” said Dr Jackson. “But we are not complacent and are already looking at broadening our environmental approach.”

African adventure brings home a £10k fillip

An expedition to Africa has helped to raised £10,000 for Northampton Saints Foundation towards the cost of a new vehicle to transport students.

Northampton-based travel company Africa Exclusive celebrated its 30th anniversary with an expedition to the continent which saw holiday makers travel the length of the Zambezi River, more than 1,600 miles. Proceeds of the nonprofit expedition are being divided between three charities, Tusk, Send a Cow and Northampton Saints Foundation, which each received £10,000.

Africa Exclusive’s managing director Laura Burdett-Munns said:

for foundation

“We have been crafting unique holidays to our world’s wild places for more than 30 years but during this time our roots have remained firmly in Northampton. As well as supporting conservation and communities in Africa, we are committed to helping our local community thrive.”

Northampton Saints Foundation ambassador Jack Fleckney joined the holiday makers on behalf of the Foundation and spent time with the young people at Tongabezi School in Zambia, founded in 1996.

“Being an ambassador for the Foundation is so inspiring,” he said. “While I was there, I taught them some rugby and shared with

them what life was like for the Foundation’s students. I recorded a video of my time at the school and the students back home were able to watch it and learn about day-to-day life in a school in Zambia.

Back home, Africa Exclusive employees completed fundraising of their own, travelling the virtual length of the Zambezi River in various fundraising challenges.

“Having an additional vehicle means our young people can take part in more work experience and social inclusion opportunities to help build their skills and personal development,” said Catherine Deans, managing director of the Saints Foundation.

‘So much work, time and love’: Charity founder hails single

Hundreds of people showed up online and in person for the launch of The Lewis Foundation’s charity single, with donations flooding in within hours of the event.

The single is a rendition of the song Chasing Cars, by Snow Patrol, led by ‘Singing Solicitor’ Kevin Rogers, chair of law firm Wilson Browne Solicitors, and broadcaster John Griff and backed by talented school pupils, NHS staff, local musicians and businesspeople.

Its release raised more than £1,600 in the first 24 hours alone.

The video and live launchwhich features Kevin’s daughter Bethany, Northampton School for Girls’ award-winning Madrigalis, Kettering General Hospital choir, musicians Beccy Hurrell, Ian Taylor and Wayne Jenkins and volunteers - tells a story of how The Lewis Foundation provides free gifts and care packs to adult cancer patients in 17 hospitals across the Midlands.

“It was just incredible,” said The Lewis Foundation’s chief executive

Lorraine Lewis. “So much work, time and love has been put into the

single by Kevin, John and the local community and we cannot thank

n Chasing Cars by the #singingsolicitor is licensed by Universal Music Publishing Ltd and is available on Amazon / Spotify / Apple Music / iTunes / YouTubeMusic and other main streaming platforms. The video is also available at https://youtu.be/sSAS3dTnLCY. Donations can be made via the JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/chasingcarstlf or via SMS by texting ‘Lewis’ to 70450.

Black tie dinner champions employment dreams

Agala dinner is aiming to help raise funds to improve access to employment for people with learning disabilities.

The black tie event, in aid of Mencap, takes place at The Park Inn Hotel and Conference Centre in Northampton on March 24.

Mencap’s internship service gives people with a learning disability access to supported volunteering opportunities in workplaces with a view to securing fulltime paid work.

The Park Inn worked with the charity last year, welcoming interns including Joel, 24, from Corby, who secured a full-time paid role in a Northampton restaurant last autumn.

The gala dinner is the first of several planned for this year as part of a new two-year partnership between the Park Inn and Mencap. It begins with a reception and canapés on arrival, a three-course gourmet dinner followed by entertainment.

Park Inn Northampton sales manager Chris Langsford said: “We have been truly inspired by everyone at Mencap during the past few months and they have highlighted the importance of improving access to employment for people with learning disabilities.”

n Tickets for the Mencap charity gala dinner are £65 each or £600 for a table of ten. Order from marie.brown@mencap.org. uk or by calling 07929 709802.

Recognising that charity is serious business

Take your places on the start line as a new half-marathon prepares for the off in Northampton.

Runners in The Amazing Northampton Run will take in much of the town heritage on their route past landmarks of the town, including the three main sporting grounds; Sixfields Stadium, home of Northampton Town FC, Northampton Saints HQ at Franklin’s Gardens and The County Ground, home of Northamptonshire cricket.

them enough. The video represents everything we stand for and the work we do by showing how we provide support and comfort to adults going through cancer treatment.”

It tells the story of three cancer patients who are lonely in hospital and records their delight when The Lewis Foundation volunteers arrive with free gift bags.

“It is more powerful and thoughtprovoking than we ever imagined,” says Lorraine.

The rendition of Chasing Cars is the charity’s third fundraising single. “We had a vision to make it an even bigger and stronger team effort than before and we absolutely pulled it off,” says lead vocalist Kevin.

“To see the momentum continuing to grow is just amazing. People are sharing their own personal stories now too which is boosting awareness of our campaign. We are urging others to continue to donate as we continue our efforts to spread awareness.”

The race, on September 17, starts from the town square and entries are now open. Teams of three can compete in relay, with runners completing either 4.1 miles, 4.4 miles or 4.6 miles. A shorter route, covering three miles, will start 15 minutes after the half-marathon runners have set off.

The Amazing Northampton Run is a rebrand of The Northampton Half Marathon which has been run by Go Beyond Challenge since 2013. Owner Simon Hollis is keen to get local people and businesses involved. “The big thing for us is to celebrate what Northampton has got,” he says.

Early bird entries are available, with the first 100 places on sale at a reduced cost of £30. The next 100 places are priced at £32.50 then entry rises to £35 for the half marathon (£33 affiliated), £54 for the team relay and £15 for the threemile event. All runners will receive a bespoke event medal and t-shirt.

The last Northampton Half Marathon, in 2019 before the pandemic, raised more than £45,000 for charity. Raise £100 (£160 for a team) for one of the 28 charity partners and receive complimentary race entry.

n Find out more and enter at www.thegreatnorthamptonrun.co.uk

Green space project wins Lottery funding bid

Plans to support more than 300 young people, recruit 300 new volunteers and develop a trio of new community green spaces in Northamptonshire have won the green light.

Groundwork Northamptonshire, which runs an extensive youth work programme, helps people access and enjoy green spaces and provides support to those in need, has been awarded nearly £314,000 of lottery funding for a new three-year project Come Together@Green Patch.

The 2.5-acre Green Patch in Kettering is Groundwork Northamptonshire’s flagship project, an award-winning community garden in which the charity runs school clubs, adult volunteer days, community events and a programme for children and

young people needing an alternative to mainstream education.

The charity is to use the money to recruit a new youth engagement officer and volunteer engagement officer for the Green Patch and will press ahead with ambitious plans to enhance the space and support more local children and young people than ever before.

“To have three years of new funding will make a huge difference to the whole community,” said Groundwork Northamptonshire’s chief executive Kate Williams. “We will also continue to develop our much-loved Green Patch site and hope to replicate this model in up to three other Northamptonshire neighbourhoods.”

On your marks for an amazing run

Laura Burdett-Munns (left) presents the cheque to Saints Foundation fundraising officer Sue Wright

Logistics solutions that scale and flex with you

Our large network of UK sites specialise in ambient, racked and bulk multiuser storage solutions for general goods, including food.

Our logistics functions are centrally positioned to receive your inbound goods and efficiently feed our dedicated distribution network.

From warehousing to distribution we utilise our scale and partner support capacity to work as a seamless extension of your brand able to scale and ex with you.

Fullment solutions across a complex range of SKU’s are delivered by our hands-on experts. Value added services ranging from labelling, co-packing to hamper assembly are all tailored to t your needs.

From start-ups to multi-nationals, simple pallet in pallet out operations to industry specic solutions - we ensure your customers get what they want, when they want it.

Contact the team to discuss your requirements

+44(0)1536 533544

sales@knpgroup.com

www.knpgroup.com