Business Times newspaper June 23

£1m campaign launched to revive former theatre

Campaigners have formed a community interest company to raise the funding to reopen the Granada Theatre in Kettering.

BHVA Axis Hub CIC has launched a crowdfunding campaign to purchase the former Gala Bingo Hall in High Street.

Co-founders Beccy Hurrell and Lindsey Atkins want to revive the Granada Theatre, which once hosted performances by the Rolling Stones, The Who and Morecambe & Wise, as a community hub hosting theatre, performance space, a music studio and with rehearsal rooms, hot desking facilities and a café.

To raise funds to purchase the building, BHVA Axis Hub CIC needs to show match funding from the community in order to access grants to be used acquiring assets. The CIC has launched its crowdfunding campaign on Crowdfunder UK, aiming to raise £1 million to cover the costs of purchasing the premises - also a former cinema - and then making it secure and safe.

Ms Hurrell, who founded arts delivery business Beccy Hurrell Voice & Arts with Ms Atkins during lockdown in 2020, said: “We see the former bingo hall as a way to bring a new identity to the High Street, a place to bring together communities, for the creative arts,

Arts duo seek backing from business for creative hub plan

The 25,000sq ft building on the High Street, once the home of a 1,750-seater theatre and cinema, orchestra pit and restaurant, has been empty and unloved for more than five years.

It was put up for sale in January 2023 and a moratorium has been put in place until this month to allow BHVA Axis Hub CIC an opportunity to put together a feasibility study and obtain funding to purchase it.

Northamptonshire community to become involved in the project and to support their crowdfunding campaign at www.crowdfunder. co.uk/axishubforkettering.

Donations of any amount are welcome – sponsorship opportunities are also available.

businesses and people to flourish.

Our crowdfunding campaign is a key part of our efforts to make this project a reality, and we are both excited and humbled to see the support we are receiving from the community.”

She and Ms Atkins founded BHVA Axis Hub CIC in 2021. The CIC is among the finalists at the national BizX Awards 2023 for best not-forprofit business.

BHVA Axis Hub CIC is inviting business and the wider

“Essentially, we want to pay it forward,” said Ms Atkins. “The creative arts have played a huge part in our lives and we have experienced first-hand ourselves what it can do to help turn your life around.

“We do not come from Kettering but have both made our homes here and rediscovered ourselves while being here. We want others to have this opportunity too.”

Refuse giant Biffa switches to electric. P4 Andrew Lewer MP: Net

Chartered accountant Jen Nixon tells all in Q&A.

Meet the finalists preparing for this year’s awards. P13-15

Garden centre goes solar to meet energy needs. P7

Beccy Hurrell and Lindsey Atkins, of Beccy Hurrell Vouce & Arts, have set up a crowdfunding initiative to bring back the formr Granada Theatre

Business Times

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

book shows anything is possible’

Charity chief executive Lorraine Lewis was joined by supporters, volunteers, friends and family at Delapré Abbey for the launch of her new book Dare to Dream. It tells the story of how she and her husband, Lee set up The Lewis Foundation which now provides thousands of free gift packs to adult cancer patients in 17 hospitals each month.

Advertising Sales Jenny Homeshaw jenny@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk

Lorraine is pictured with business author, broadcaster, leadership coach and brand ambassador, Dr Audrey Tang, who hosted the launch, sharing extracts from the book and interviewing Lorraine about the challenges and successes she has faced as she juggled her law career with the charity.

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

Advertising Sales Sharon Maplethorpe sharon@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk

Feature Editors: Annie Roberts Sammy Jones

Graphic Design: Simon Goodger

Photography: Steve Brill

“The journey has not been easy and people are genuinely shocked by the obstacles we have had to overcome,” said Lorraine.

“I was told when I was younger that I would not get into law because I was

a woman and I was black. But I did.

“Then I was told I should not pursue my dream to work in cancer care but I did that too - taking a sabbatical before leaving in 2023.”

She plucked up the courage to share her story during the first lockdown and wrote the book based on notes from her personal journal.

“I hope it shows people that anything is possible and that kindness really is the most important gift of all,” Lorraine said. “No one should be afraid to push the boundaries and try something different but they must make sure they have a strong community and support network too.”

Supported by their growing team of volunteers, the couple deliver more than 2,000 gift packs containing overnight essentials and toiletries, letter writing kits, miniature radios, and other items to hospitals across the Midlands each month, with demand rapidly increasing.

n Dare to Dream by Lorraine Lewis is available to purchase on Amazon and online through most bookshops. It is also available direct from the publisher: www.troubador.co.uk/bookshop/autobiography/dare-to-dream/

F1 consultancy looks to the future after acquisition deal

An engineering consultancy and software provider working with companies including Renault F1 and Jaguar Land Rover has been sold in a deal completed by Northampton-based corporate finance specialists Watersheds.

GRM Consulting, which provides design optimisation services and software solutions to a range of sectors including the automotive, motorsports, aerospace, rail and medical industries, has been sold to Solid Solutions, part of the TriMech company.

The acquisition of GRM, based in Leamington, is a key part of Solid Solutions’ strategy to grow the engineering services team that services its 15,000-plus software customer base in the UK.

Watersheds partner Tim Harrington said the sale secured an exciting future for all concerned. “GRM is a complex business marrying two connected but very different, aspects - consultancy and software sales. We realised GRM would be attractive to the big players outside the UK and planned our research accordingly. GRM is now part of a much bigger group that serves some of the most prestigious companies in the world.”

Former owners Oliver Tomlin and Martin Gambling, pictured with Mr Harrington (centre), will continue to lead the business through its next growth stage.

“Their staff know that the company’s future is very positive,” said Mr Harrington.

Hundreds of job opportunities in and around Kettering will be showcased at a new initiative.

The event on June 13 will bring together some of the area’s leading employers and help potential employees to understand the training pathways open to them.

North Northamptonshire Council, Jobcentre Plus and Tresham College are organising the event. Further events will follow at Tresham College’s Corby and Wellingborough campuses.

“This is a really exciting event for employers to meet hundreds of people seeking opportunities and for people to talk to companies looking to invest in new talent,” said Cheryl Needham, the college’s head of adult and community learning.

The event runs 4pm-6pm at Tresham College’s Kettering campus. Potential employees can find out more about employment and training opportunities, including apprenticeships, part-time courses and T Levels.

Editor Andrew Gibbs news@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk

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

‘I hope my

Logistics scheme set to create 1,000+ jobs

Anew logistics facility on the outskirts of Corby is expected to create more than 700 jobs.

Planners have given Mulberry Commercial Developments the goahead to transform the almost 30acre site on land north of Gretton Road, part of the Rockingham Enterprise Area.

Mulberry’s proposals involve the construction of a building of some 484,000 sq ft including warehousing and office space and parking including more than 100

Councillors give green light to developers for Rockingham plan

spaces for HGVs. It is anticipated the development could create about 725 jobs once it is up and running as well as 520 part-time roles during construction.

The original planning application was deferred earlier this year by North Northamptonshire Council’s strategic planning committee to allow Mulberry to investigate the merits of repositioning the building

Leadership change: Cleaning industry body unveils new CEO and chairman

The group chief executive of The British Institute of Cleaning Science is to stand down at the end of this month.

Stan Atkins has led the Northampton-based organisation - the largest independent professional and training body in the industry - for 15 years. He will be replaced by current chief operating officer Neil Spencer-Cook.

BICS has also nominated a new chair to succeed Lorraine Davis. Subject to approval, Soo Bartholomew, of Birkin Group, will take on the role.

He has been nominated by Council whose tenure comes to an end in September.

Lorraine reaches the end of her tenure in office in September.

Mr Spencer-Cook said:

“I am honoured to accept

the role of Group MD.

I will pick up the baton from Stan and continue to move forward with BICSc, ensuring that we remain prominent within the industry and offer our members good value and insightful information. We will continue growing the offering of skills training for cleaning operatives and supervisors, and other soft services-specific courses and workshops.”

Mr Atkins has led the Institute since 2008, working to maintain BICSc’s reputation as the cleaning industry’s go-to organisation for membership, standards and training. During his tenure, BICSc Training and Services Ltd. was established to fulfil training requirements both in-house and externally.

He also oversaw the

further from the nearest residential properties, to increase biodiversity net gain within the site and to consider further screening of the development on its eastern and south-eastern boundaries.

A statement filed by Mulberry said: “It has been highlighted that the Rockingham Enterprise Area has been established as a key source of employment-led development,

including logistics and other B8 uses and is a fundamental contributor the long-term economic growth and prosperity of the area.

“It has been demonstrated that not only are the proposals fully acceptable for the application site but also that they are sympathetic and in sync with both the current and expanding land uses which surround the site.”

A report for the council committee said: “Officers consider that the proposed alterations to the development sufficiently addressed the reasons for deferring this application proposal.

“The revised proposal would be acceptable in respect to design, size and siting. The enhanced bund, acoustic fencing together with the increased amount of planting scheme to screen the building and reconfigured HGV parking areas are also considered to be improvements.”

implementation of other key BICSc achievements, including the regular review of the assessor’s app CPSS, the BICSc training centre, the virtual training suite and the launch this year of the new BICSc Cleaning and Hygiene Audit app.

He also oversaw BICSc’s first international engagements.

Ms Bartholomew will take over from Ms Davis in the autumn. Mr Spencer-Cook said: “Soo is a long-time promoter of BICSc and its benefits. We are looking forward to her input into the future of BICSc and building a close working relationship.

Divorce law service aims to ease path for couples

The family law department at HCR Hewitsons - one of the largest in the country - has unveiled its new Unified in Separation legal service, which allows divorce to be managed by a single lawyer rather than having one lawyer for each party.

“We understand the emotional pressures and complexities of divorce,” said James Grigg, HCR Hewitsons partner and head of family law. “That is why we are delighted to launch this ground-breaking service to help couples to achieve their shared objectives without the conflict and costs of going to court.”

Couples using the service will receive advice on a joint beneficial basis to reach an agreement on one or all aspects of their separation.

“It is only suitable where there is no imbalance of power and where both parties are in the right frame of mind,” said Mr Grigg. “Our team of expert family lawyers will carry out a full assessment to ensure interests are aligned.”

The Top 60 law firm’s new tailored service will track the ‘one couple, one lawyer’ framework established by family lawyer group Resolution, a community of family law professionals who work with families and

individuals to resolve issues constructively.

HCR Hewitsons has seen a shift of approach by separating couples towards an amicable parting since the introduction of no-fault divorce last year.

“Of course, this service is very much case-specific and couples must meet the criteria in order for us to act for both parties,” said HCR Hewitsons partner Sally Robinson, head of family law in the Central England region.

“The Council and the team members would like to thank both Stan and Lorraine for everything they have done for the institute during their time

in post and wish them all the best for the future. This should be a seamless transfer process.

Indeed, we hope to offer more industry-focused

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

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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 : A p r i l 2 0 2 3

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

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

Pictured: (from left) Neil Spencer-Cook; Lorraine Davis; Stan Atkins; Soo Bartholomew

Refuse giant signs deal to electrify collection vehicles

Cleaning up its fleet of refuse collection lorries has taken a landmark step forward for waste company Biffa.

It has partnered with vehicle electrification and upcycling specialist Lunaz to give its trucks a new lease of life by replacing their diesel engines with electric power.

The two businesses have signed an agreement under which Lunaz will convert the entire Biffa fleet of currently diesel-powered trucks to

Biffa commits to upcycling programme

clean-air electric powertrains over the next ten years at its Silverstone factory.

After successful technical trials and due diligence, first deliveries are due to take place later this year for operations on UK commercial and municipal refuse collection

routes. The production programme is expected to see growing numbers of vehicles delivered to Biffa each year, with an initial order of up to ten UEVs saving up to 210 tonnes in embedded carbon.

Maxine Mayhew, chief operating officer collection and specialist services at Biffa, said: “We are committed to enabling the circular economy while reducing emissions and carbon expenditure in every aspect of our business.”

Biffa has committed to a

goal of buying no more fossil fuelled vehicles by 2030 and to slash emisions by a further 50 per cent. “This long-term partnership with Lunaz is a major pillar in our collective effort to achieve our 2030 commitments,” Ms Mayhew said.

The electrification and upcycling work will take place at Lunaz’s upcycling and electrification campus on the Silverstone Technology Park. For local authorities across the UK, the procurement of UEVs represents a significant saving, with more than £1 million in public money saved for every 20 vehicles upcycled and electrified compared to buying new EV equivalents.

“We have built Lunaz to answer the critical requirement to transition global industrial vehicle fleets to clean-air powertrains while reversing the ecologically damaging cycle of replacing-with-new,” said Lunaz’s founder and chief executive David Lorenz. “Biffa presents commercial and municipal clients with a solution that is better for the planet, for stakeholders and the taxpayer.”

Good things come to those who know waste

Waste management specialist Cawleys has calculated the value of its support for social and environmental projects.

The company, with depots in Wellingborough, Milton Keynes and its Luton HQ, has developed partnerships with local charities and sponsored grassroots sports teams. It highlights the scale and impact of its community projects in its Good Things report.

Investment by Cawleys last year alone totals the equivalent of £45,000.Among its projects is a partnership with Northampton Town FC, for whom Cawleys has introduced a range of waste management services including specialist food waste recycling for anaerobic digestion - a green alternative to landfill which converts

waste into green energy which is then used by The National Grid. “Working with a local company helps reduce our waste miles,” said Avril Spraggon, facilities managers at Northampton Town’s Sixfields stadium.

Cawleys also sponsors the club’s mascot Clarence, deliver sessions in schools and the community and supports the Cobblers’ Green Match Days with environmental awareness workshops, litter picking, sustainability and recycling initiatives in the ground.

“Our work with NTFC is a perfect example of our determination to deliver customer solutions which positively impact the environment and society,” said Cawleys’ strategy and communications director Anna Cawley.

Two ambulances packed with supplies have been successfully driven and delivered to Poland and Ukraine - thanks to a convoy organised by Northamptonshire communities and businesses

The convoy, co-ordinated by Goodwill Solutions, Brackmills Industrial Estate Business Improvement District, Northampton Supports Ukraine, Slavic Talalayenko and Northampton Town Council, set off in May, delivering school items for Ukrainian refugee children studying in Polish schools and orphanages. Also on board was food, clothing and first aid equipment, which will go directly to Ukraine.

John Sheriff, managing director of Goodwill Solutions, said: “The trip was a great success and very humbling to see what is still happening in Ukraine. The people we have worked with and have helped us with this humanitarian trip, along with the Ukrainians we have met, will be friends forever.”

Cllr Jane Birch, chair of Northampton Town Council’s Community Services Committee, said: “We wanted to do something to support these children and young people whose lives have been turned upside down by the ongoing war in Ukraine.

“It is heart-warming to know that the

school items have now reached them and we are very grateful to everyone who has donated to this appeal.”

Brackmills BID chief exectuive Sara Homer added: “It was an incredible trip

– tough at times but successful, uplifting and incredibly rewarding. Thank you to everyone for their generosity and support.”

John, Slav and Sara would like to thank everyone who helped make this convoy

www.brackmillsindustrialestate.co.uk

“Humbling to see what is still happening in Ukraine”

possible. The ambulances were purchased by Northampton’s local Ukrainian community, while the Brackmills BID and Goodwill Solutions led on the fundraising drive with local businesses which resulted in significant donations.

A special thanks to IN’n’OUT Autocentres, Goodwill Solutions, Brackmills BID, Work Wear Northampton, Signs Express, Northampton Labour Party, Segro, BBC Radio Northampton and many others, including Stratford upon Avon Town Council which donated school supplies.

This convoy is part of the Northampton Supports Ukraine appeal, first launched in March 2022 assisted by Goodwill Solutions, Northampton Town Council, The Brackmills BID, the Northampton West Rotary Club, and a host of committed Ukrainian and Latvian volunteers.

The team are now looking at how they can help in the future.

‘Tough at times but uplifting and incredibly rewarding’

Successful convoy delivers ambulances and supplies to children and families impacted by war in Ukraine

Brackmills BID chief executive Sara Homer and John Sheriff (second from right), managing director of Goodwill Solutions, join colleagues on the convoy to Ukraine

£5.4m funding boost for start-ups and skills

Business is to benefit from a share of a £5.4 million funding pot released by the government for West Northamptonshire.

Initiatives including a new grants programme to help local businesses at all stages to start, sustain, grow and innovate and tailored employment support to help people into work are among projects planned using the slice of the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The money will also provide business support to enable employers to better utilise the local workforce and understand the advantages of being flexible in terms of recruitment

A further £1.9 million has been allocated to free adult numeracy courses through the government’s Multiply funding programmespecifically targeted at improving confidence around day-to-day maths for all levels and advancing people’s chances of progressing their careers.

Ministers have also earmarked £1.367 million to support small business and community infrastructure in rural areas. That money is coming from the from the Rural England Prosperity Fund, a topup of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Cllr Daniel Lister, cabinet member for economic development, town

centre regeneration and growth, said: “This funding is a much-welcomed tool in our strive to build stronger communities and make West Northamptonshire a great place to

Waste firm joins prison initiative to help offenders into employment

Prisoners at HMP

Five Wells near Wellingborough are taking advantage of industry training programmes to gain qualifications and boost their employment prospects after their release.

Environmental waste management company Bakers

Environmental Solutions has opened a dedicated workspace at the prison, the UK’s first purpose-built resettlement centre.

Offenders segregate materials for recycling instead of being sent to landfill. They learn skills at the Bakers InsideOut Academy by using

general tools and machinery such as compactors and balers. Any profit made by the company is pumped back into the prison to fund further training programmes.

Paul Cunningham, business enterprise and community manager at HMP Five Wells, said: “We are committed to helping the men in our care to be work ready when they are released from custody.

Working with Bakers ensures that the men have the required skills and understanding of an industry that is very much in demand and is likely to continue to grow as people are now becoming more aware of

the need to recycle.”

HMP Five Wells is operated by G4S and opened in February last year. It has 16 classrooms and 24 workshops where offenders learn new skills and gain qualifications. Every prisoner chosen to join the training programmes undergoes a thorough screening process supervised by G4S prison staff who have completed the necessary training on Bakers’ recycling machinery.

Bakers also provides job opportunities to offenders on their release. Managing director Paul Baker said the Bakers InsideOut Academy had been devised to kickstart a new socially responsible era for prisons and businesses alike. “Through mentorship, education, scholarship, and a collective people-first approach, local and national business communities can offer the support our prison systems need,” he added.

“Together we can enhance our economy by creating employment opportunities, building personal development programmes and reducing our carbon footprint.”

Law firm wins Investors in People accreditation

Regional law firm Howes Percival has achieved accreditation by Investors in People for a further three years.

The firm, with offices in Northampton and Milton Keynes, has been IIPaccredited for 20 years.

IIP assesses how an organisation is performing across key indicator areas including leadership, values and behaviours, managing performance and continuous improvement. The process also includes a staff survey and interviews with employees.

IIP advises businesses on how to improve workplace culture in areas such as employee engagement, communication,

organisational culture and work practices.

Howes Percival chair Geraint Davies said: “We understand that our people are our most valuable asset and we are dedicated to providing them with the tools and opportunities needed to grow and develop.

Working through the Investors in People framework has had a positive impact on the quality of our people practices, helped us to achieve higher levels of staff engagement and will help us recruit and retain the very best people going forward.”

live, work, visit and thrive. We have worked closely with stakeholders, community groups and local partners to analyse the greatest needs for this funding and, most importantly, to deliver economic prosperity in our area while supporting sustainability, increasing employment opportunities and offering greater support for local businesses.”

Voluntary organisations and plans for new cycleways are also to benefit from the UKSPF allocation. Plans include initiatives to tackle fuel poverty and the cost of living, including by improving household energy performance. The council

also plans to create improved pedestrian crossing points between Billing Road and Abington in Northampton, as well as adding to its decarbonisation and natural environment improvement work. The funding, to be used over the next two years, is the largest allocation in the South East Midlands The UKSPF is a central pillar of the government’s Levelling Up agenda and a significant component of its support for places across the UK. It provides £2.6 billion of new funding for local investment by March 2025 and replaces European Structural and Investment Fund funding.

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

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

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

Jennie Jahina Head of Employment

IT’S NOT JUST A JOB.

Cllr Daniel Lister

Geraint Davies

Food firm’s site for sale at £4.95m

£4.95 million is the asking price for the former Orchard House Foods site in Corby.

The six-acre site on the Earlsfield Industrial Estate houses three factories, a warehouse, offices, 38 parking spaces and a wastewater treatment plant. It is being marketed by chartered surveyors Landwood Group on behalf of administrator Grant Thornton and has gone on the market after insolvency proceedings concluded earlier this year.

“This huge site is in a prominent position on an industrial estate with excellent access and transport links,” said Landwood Group director Helen Jude. “The site offers real potential for a number of different uses, from its current purposes as a high-quality food production facility to warehouse and distribution

or for redevelopment. The potential to split the site and reconfigure it are also an important part of why the site is attracting so much attention.”

Previously a production facility for prepared fruit, juices and desserts, the properties are food safe standard. A total of 591 employees at Orchard House’s Corby facility were made redundant in January this year after the company went into administration owing more than £56 million to creditors.

Orchard House Foods, which also had a plant in Gateshead, reported a loss of £7.7 million in its last financial year to June 2022, due in part to rising costs.The firm was acquired in 2021 by UK private equity firm Elaghmore from its previous owner the American food group Hain Celestial.

Energy savings of more than £38,000 are in the pipeline as part of the refurbishment programme under way at the Nene Business Centre in Wellingborough.

Owner SSG Contracts has installed 292 solar panels at the site it acquired in 2021. The company acted on recommendations in a report

commissioned to calculate the centre’s carbon footprint and to identify where investment could reduce emissions.

The new solar panels are expected to save the business 24 tonnes of CO2 per year and up to £38,500 in energy. The new system will produce enough electricity through the summer to meet the site’s full energy demand and generate enough surplus to return to the grid. The business eventually hopes

to install batteries on site to store the energy produced for use overnight or in winter, allowing it to become completely energy selfsufficient.

SSG Contacts director John Fitzgerald said: “We are focused on the future and driving sustainable growth of the business. As we work towards net zero, we are facing increasing demand from customers to demonstrate our sustainability credentials. By

investing in carbon reduction initiatives, we hope to be able to demonstrate compliance with BREEAM to help our customers meet their own carbon reduction targets.” SSG Contracts, whose headquarters are in Solihull, acquired Nene Business Centre 18 months ago with the support of a £2.6 million loan from Lloyds Bank, to provide office and warehousing space. Now, as part of sustainabilityfocused upgrades to the building, SSG Contracts has secured £167,000 of new funding from Lloyds Bank via the bank’s Clean Growth Financing Initiative, which provides access to discounted lending for environmental purposes.

Other environmental upgrades at the site include energy-efficient LEDs. The 292 solar panels on the roof can produce 120 kilowatts of electricity each hour.

“We are proud to work with local businesses such as SSG Contracts, which prioritise sustainable growth, while supporting others in their sector to do the same,” said Lloyds Bank relationship director Paul Warrington.

Independent property company Hortons’ Estate Ltd has completed its second acquisition with a multi-million pound deal for the Northamptonshire distribution centre of retailer Joules.

It has bought a 19.8-acre site on Oakley Hay Industrial Estate, Saxon Way West in Corby. The site comprises two distribution warehouse buildings let to the clothing and homeware retailer and just over three acres of open storage land with development potential, which is currently let to TUTS (UK) Ltd.

Hortons plans to significantly improve the existing buildings and develop new highquality industrial/warehouse accommodation once the current leases expire.

James Slater, head of building surveying and development at Hortons, said: “This is an excellent site in a strategic East Midlands location. It offers the prospect of future rental growth as well as being extremely well positioned for future development.”

Improvements to the existing buildings to create grade A space will take place ove rthe next two years. “Our hope is that the site will retain existing distribution jobs in Corby and create new employment opportunities,” Mr Slater said.

The acquisition in Corby follows Hortons’ multi-million pound purchase of Sinfin Commercial Park, an industrial and logistics estate in Derby. “We are continuing to expand our investment and development portfolio in the Midlands, with a particular focus on highquality industrial and logistics locations with development potential,” said Mr Slater.

Crow Lane Industrial Park in Northampton, a portfolio of seven fully-let units totalling 55,780 sq ft, has new owners. The park has been sold by asset management company Columbia Threadneedle Investments to a £150 million multi-let urban logistics investment fund for an undisclosed sum.

The fund is managed by London-based property investment company JR Capital and asset manager Chancerygate, based near Banbury. Chancerygate’s asset management director George Jerram said: “Our investment in Northampton is indicative of the confidence we have in the local market for urban logistics property. It is an excellent fit for our investment and asset management strategy. Demand for urban logistics accommodation remains strong both regionally and nationally.”

JR Capital and Chancerygate’s fund is targeting industrial, warehousing and urban logistics investments across the UK in lot sizes of between £5 million and £15 million. The partners’ first fund, which totalled £100 million, secured 18 assets of a total 150 units ranging from Dundee to Exeter and comprising more than one million sq ft.

“Crow Lane Industrial Park is well located in Northampton and will provide the fund with a well-diversified income stream and opportunities to add value in the near term,” said JR Capital’s head of investment Michael Ferris. “We remain extremely bullish on the UK multi-let industrial sector due to the favourable macroeconomic fundamentals and the recent adjustments to pricing has created a buying opportunity for us.”

SSG Contracts managing director Tom Fitzgerald (left) and director John Fitzgerald with Paul Warrington (centre), relationship director at Lloyds Bank

Loan win enables business centre owner to invest in site’s green performance

Developer acquires retailer Joules’ distribution site

Investment fund completes purchase of industrial park

Energy costs at Northamptonshire’s biggest garden centre are set to drop by more than £40,000 per year as investment in solar photovoltaic panels means 75 per cent of its future energy will come from the sun.

Two new solar PV systems have been installed at the Bell Plantation garden centre in Towcester - a total 250 panels delivering a peak generating power of 97 kW

Spread across the rooftops of the site’s two largest buildings, the solar installation, main picture, will generate around 85,000kWh of electricity annually, reducing the site’s carbon emissions by more than 25 tonnes per year - the equivalent of taking five petrol cars off the road.

Design and installation of the new energy system was completed by specialist renewable energy provider Geo Green Power as part of an ongoing partnership with Bell Plantation. Geo Green Power has previously installed two solar PV systems, ground source heat pumps and a Biomass Boiler which together heat 94pc of the space on site.

Garden centre goes solar to secure its future energy needs

Bell Plantation now generates three quarters of its own energy in an entirely emissions-free way. Managing director Ashley Warren said: “We started this company because we believe passionately in supporting the great outdoors and want to do our bit to limit climate change. We wanted to reduce our carbon footprint and Geo Green’s renewable energy systems, both the solar and the heat pump, have given us independence and control over our energy supply and usage.

“Now we will be able to reduce both our climate impact and hugely reduce our energy costs. That is massively important to a company like ours which has substantial energy needs.”

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Bell Plantation estimates that the capital cost of the solar installation will be repaid within five years, including ongoing maintenance costs, and that its energy bills will be negligible from that point onwards.

“We are now seeing a lot of businesses getting really serious about renewable energy,” said Geo Green Power’s managing director James Cunningham. “Modern renewable systems have become much more efficient in recent years and at the same time installation costs have reduced.

“The calculations for business have completely changed and renewables make more sense than ever.”

5 tips to grow a small business... from one that’s been there

The number of SMEs has grown by 2 million since the year 2000. This means small business offerings are increasingly competitive. So here’s advice from Portman Asset Finance on scaling your small business.

MAKE A BUSINESS PLAN

Make an actionable plan with realistic goals depending on your vision and how fast you want to get there. Plans are essential if you want to secure funding but can also define a clear path for success.

INVEST IN TECHNOLOGY

Technology is essential to scaling your business, improving your service offering and meeting increased demand. Assess your technology and systems. Can you improve efficiency without hiring more staff?

BUILD A GREAT TEAM

Parents: The skills pool employers want

Business owners in Northamptonshire are being called on to offer better support to working parents through maternity, returning to work and even pregnancy loss.

Attitudes among employers are changing towards employing parents as an increasing number head back to the workplace due to the rising cost of living.

Parents can be the great pool of skills and expertise that employers are looking for, said a Northamptonshire HR specialist. But businesses should look to create a more family-friendly company culture to attract and retain this talent.

“Parents have a wealth of skills and experience, yes, but because they are parents, they often have additional skills like great listening, patience, and a fresh perspective,” said

Rachel Collar, owner of HR consultancy Haus of HR in Towcester. “Smart business owners should try to attract this type of employee to create a more engaged, loyal, productive workforce. But they will only do this if they are offering the right support and environment to parents, because their needs differ.”

Employers need to understand the different types of leave and benefits that working parents may be entitled to.

“Making parents aware of their entitlements is a good starting place but offering enhanced packages could make a huge difference,” Ms Collar said.

“When employers demonstrate loyalty to employees, they get the same in return so boosting benefits and flexibility for working parents can be a really good move to help business productivity and growth.”

IMPLEMENT EFFICIENT PROCESSES

Today’s processes and systems may fail when you strive for change and growth. Be adaptable and flexible regarding what has worked in the past. Take time to experiment, look to improve efficiency as you expand.

ENSURE

YOUR FINANCES ARE STRONG

Expansion means more people, more equipment and higher running costs. There’s often a lag between the initial investment and unlocking the revenue potential so it can help to spread costs with business finance, helping you to boost growth without taking the financial hit all at once.

Boost

You’ll need more hands and minds to grow. Consider the right time to expand your team and how fast. It is tempting to hire as fast as possible but take time to hire new starters who fit your culture and share your ambition.

As a fast-growing small business ourselves, we understand what it takes to succeed. Portman continues to go from strength-to-strength despite the challenging economic environment.

MD Alex Read said: “Our post-pandemic strategy has yielded significant growth within the business over the last few years. We have adapted well to the changing needs of our customers against a challenging economic background, we continue to grow and expand our product offering.”

As a result, Portman Finance’ has doubled its headcount in the last 18 months as well as acquiring a new 43,000 sq ft office pictured All from a business that started from home with an idea and a lot of effort.

Portman provides a complete range of finance solutions for small and medium businesses, operating a lending arm, as well as finance broking and a luxury car finance division. Visit www.portmanassetfinance.co.uk to talk to the SME finance experts.

growth without taking the financial hit all at once

Ashley Warren, managing director of Bell Plantation

Forestry student relishes his ‘job of a lifetime’ opportunity

Off to Canada for the job opportunity of a lifetime is Kieran Jackson.

The student at Moulton College in Northampton, who has completed his Level 3 Forestry and Arboriculture course, has been hired by Canadian tree care company British Columbia Plant Health Care.

The company had been in the UK scouting for suitable recruits. Kieran, who lives in Kettering, passed his assessment with and heads across the Atlantic to take up a trainee position.

John Marsden, from British Columbia Plant Health Care, visited Moulton College to outline the company’s work and the job opportunities available. “I was impressed with what John shared including the environmental work they do to preserve trees,” said Mr Jackson. “When he offered

interviews to students, I took up the chance straight away.”

Moulton College offers fulltime Level 2 and Level 3 courses in Forestry and Arboriculture for students looking to develop the skills and knowledge to manage, cultivate and care for trees, including ecology, equipment use, aerial climbing and ground-based techniques. The college has more than 440 hectares of estate including woodland as well as fully equipped workshops and a range of machinery essential to tending trees.

The UK government has committed to creating 30,000 hectares of woodland a year by 2025, meaning that woodland creation and tree management is a growing industry.

“There is a big skills deficit in the industry so students choosing to study arboriculture and forestry

Digital innovation is opportunity for county’s future

are in huge demand,” said Moulton College’s arboriculture lecturer Hayley Clayton. “We are immensely proud of Kieran and all of our students. We wish him the best of luck in his new role.”

Mr Marsden said: “I am from the UK myself and moved to Canada to work for BC Plant Health Care. Attracting new talent like Kieran means we are guaranteed a high standard of skills and knowledge. “Moving to Canada is a really exciting opportunity.”

IT firm celebrates place on national public sector framework

Public sector IT specialist Kingsfield, based in Northampton, has won a place on Crown Commercial Service’s G-Cloud 13 framework digital marketplace.

Clients such as the NHS and local authorities purchase cloud-based computing services via G-Cloud 13 at rates cheaper than in-house. The CCS

helped the public sector to commercial benefits equal to £2.8 billion last year.

Kingsfield managing director Brian Boys said: “To be able to provide these cloud-based IT solutions to public sector organisations signifies another milestone in Kingsfield’s journey.”

The framework with G-Cloud runs until November.

Innovators, entrepreneurs and educators are preparing to gather at the University of Northampton for the annual Merged Futures forum focusing on digital and technology.

The event, organised by Digital Northants, takes place on June 30 and is free to attend. It is an opportunity for business to find out more about the University of Northampton, the skills developed by its students and the potential to partner and collaborate with the university.

Cllr David Howes, North Northamptonshire Council’s executive member with responsibility for digital technology, said: “Merged Futures is an excellent celebration of the digital innovation taking place on our doorstep. Many new connections have been made at previous events that have led to new collaborations that help to drive our digital economy forward. We want Northamptonshire to be a county of digital start-ups and we want them to get the support to grow.”

The keynote speech will be from local tech entrepreneur Steve Walsh

who will explore how innovation works and how businesses can create a culture of innovation within teams. Also at the event will be Royal & Derngate Theatre and urban sports venue Adrenaline Alley on how technology powers their business.

“Events like this provide us with the ideal opportunity to make new connections, share best practice and drive forward change together,” said Cllr Dan Lister, cabinet member for economic development, town centre regeneration and growth at West Northamptonshire Council.

Merged Futures takes place at the Learning Hub, University of Northampton, on June 30, 10am-4pm. Find out more and book your free ticket at www. digitalnorthampton.com/mf5

John Sinclair, dean of the university’s Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology, said: “Digital connectivity has become an increasingly important part of work and private lives across the world. Global digital technology is progressing at an accelerated rate.”

Kieran Jackson

Settlement agreements are often a quickfire and effective way to resolve disputes between employer and employee. Sara Marshall, head of employment law at Franklins Solicitors, looks at how they work and the benefits to both parties.

Faster, cheaper, less stressful: Resolution keeps tribunal at bay

Asettlement agreement is a written agreement between an employer and employee or former employee in which the employee agrees they will not refer a specific matter or matters to an employment tribunal, normally in exchange for a one-off cash payment and/or other concessions from the employer.

A settlement agreement can provide a fast, cost-effective option for resolving existing employment disputes or avoiding potential future disputes. They are commonly used during redundancy proceedings and other kinds of terminations.

They can also be highly effective for a wide range of disputes as long as both parties involved have the right legal advice and support.

A key benefit of a settlement agreement is that it allows both parties to avoid the need for an employment tribunal, meaning the matter is kept private and any uncertainty over the outcome is sidestepped. Voluntarily agreeing a settlement is also usually faster, cheaper and less stressful for everyone involved. The specific contents of a settlement agreement will depend on the situation and the requirements of

both the employer and the employee. Typically, it will include details such as:

■ Compensation for termination of employment;

■ The employee’s agreement not to refer specific issues to an employment tribunal - a ‘waiver of claims’;

■ The employee’s warranty that they have no other potential claims against the employer than those listed in the agreement;

■ A contribution towards the employee’s legal costs;

■ Reiteration of, or amendments to, any pre-existing restrictive covenants the employee entered with the employer during their employment;

■ An agreement by the employee to return any property in their possession belonging to the employer;

■ Indemnity from employee tax and National Insurance contributions in relation to the agreed financial settlement;

■ The employee agreeing not to use or share any confidential information relating to the employer or to offer any public criticism of the employer.

■ For a settlement agreement to be considered legally binding it must:

■ Be in writing;

■ Relate to a specific complaint or complaints;

■ Only be signed by the employee once they have had access to independent advice from a lawyer or certified, authorised trade union. This adviser must have appropriate insurance or professional indemnity cover;

■ Name the employee’s adviser;

■ Allow the employee reasonable time to consider the agreement before they sign. The Acas Code of Practice recommends a minimum of ten days;

■ State the relevant statutory conditions regulating the agreement.

n To find out how Franklins Solicitors can support you with an employment dispute, contact Sara Marshall, head of employment law, on 01908 660966 or email sara.marshall@franklins-sols.co.uk

New rules on use and emissions are targeting cuts in demand for heat and power in commercial and residential buildings. Tom Charteress, a solicitor in the social housing and commercial property departments at county law firm Wilson Browne’s office in Kettering, delves into the detail.

Developers of both residential and commercial premises need to know about the recent changes to Building Regulations relating to energy efficiency and emissions.

According to figures from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, heating and powering buildings currently accounts for 40 per cent of the UK’s total energy usage. The implementation of the new building

T&Cs: Clarity safeguards your contract with

your

customers

Terms and conditions of business should be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain relevant and effective in protecting a business. Tom Bodkin, a commercial solicitor at Borneo Martell Turner Coulston in Northampton, explains why and how.

Arobust set of terms and conditions are essential for every business, allowing you to clearly outline the products or services you are selling, the terms on which you are selling them, and the steps that will be taken if things go wrong.

However, as Tom Bodkin, of Borneo Martell Turner Coulston in Northampton, explains: “Not only is it vital to get your terms and conditions drafted properly by a legal professional from the outset, it is equally important to

review them regularly to ensure they remain fit for purpose and protect your business interests.”

Whether you are a startup or a long-standing business, your organisation’s terms and conditions form the basis of a legally binding contract between you and your customers.

They are designed to minimise the risk of consumer complaints and commercial disputes and to provide clarity as to what should happen if you or your clients cannot hold up their end of the deal.

No two businesses are the same, so it is crucial to have your terms and conditions specially drawn up by a solicitor, who will ensure they meet the needs of your business. Why might you want to amend your terms and conditions?

Circumstances change and as your business evolves there are a number of reasons why your terms and conditions may need revising or replacing altogether.

It could be due to the release of a new product or service, maybe a new law affecting your industry or even events such as inflation, pandemic, global conflicts and wholesale price increases.

Tom Bodkin

How our solicitors can help

Any of these could mean that your commercial contracts need updating.

Our specialist commercial lawyers will talk you through the needs of your business, and the different types of clients you have, before revising your terms and conditions. This will ensure you are compliant with all the latest rules and regulations, while protecting your company and catering specifically for your business needs.

For existing clients, they can help renegotiate new terms if required, ensuring that any contract changes will not adversely affect your contractual arrangements with other clients.

For further information, contact Tom Bodkin in the commercial team on 01604 622101or email tom.bodkin@bmtclaw.co.uk. Borneo Martell Turner Coulston Solicitors has offices in Northampton and Kettering.

Energy regulations aim for progress towards net zero carbon ambitions

temperature of 55°C for heating systems;

n Ventilation.

regulations which help reduce the need for heat and power in buildings, will make great strides towards its carbon zero ambitions.

These changes initially came into effect on June 15 last year but did not apply to work subject to a building notice, full plans application or initial notice submitted before that date, provided the work for each building is started before June 15 2023.

So for any development for which

the notices were not in place by June 15 2022 or in respect of which building work is not started by 15 June 2023 where the notices were in place, these are relevant when developing new property.

This update was brought by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and is covered by Conservation of Fuel and

Power: Approved Document L.

Essentially, the document covers the following key changes:

n Reduction of carbon emissions in domestic builds by 31pc and nondomestic by 27pc;

n A new metric for measuring energy efficiency and new minimum standards;

n New maximum flow

In summary, Part L provides advice for energy efficiency measures across a wide range of areas, including pressure testing, insulation, hot water storage and boiler operability. An important point to note about Part L is the required photographic evidence. Part L requires that developers and builders take pictures of each and every aspect of conservation as part of their audit, in order to guarantee that the completed building is fully compliant.

n Find out more about the changes at www.gov.uk/government/ publications/conservation-of-fueland-power-approved-document-l

Sara Marshall

Ensure they remain fit for purpose and protect your business interests

Tom Charteress

SEMLEP unveils new capital grant streams

BID leads public garden’s transformation

Once a forgotten green space in Northampton town centre, a magnet for crime and anti-social behaviour has gone. Now St Katherine’s Gardens stands transformed.

Volunteers from Northampton Town Council, the Royal British Legion, the University of Northampton, Northampton College and town businesses joined forces to spruce up the area as part of The Big Help Out - a national day of volunteering organised by The Together Coalition to mark the Coronation of King Charles III.

Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District secured £10,000 of Lottery funding to help pay for the work, carried out by partners including groundworks firm Danaher and Walsh, landscapers idverde, builders merchants Travis Perkins, Zone Developments and Stepnells

- the developers behind the ongoing Market Square works. Each donated their time and expertise.

“This has been a real community effort, with multiple partners coming together to produce something truly special for the town,” said the BID’s operations manager Mark Mullen. “It is unrecognisable from just a few weeks ago. It is bright, cheerful and you can see the

smiles on people’s faces as they walk through. It is a lovely place to be.”

Areas were set aside for No Mow May to encourage wildlife back. Benches and bins have been repurposed and upcycled, railings and gates have been painted.

Volunteers have planted sustainable, perennial planters and a wild flower and grass bed, established flower beds have been pruned to

encourage regrowth and a floral wellbeing mural, designed by Sarah Hodgkins and painted by college and university students, has been installed.

“It has been an excellent opportunity for our students to showcase their skills and create something very special for the town,” said Northampton College’s curriculum manager for construction Mark Bradshaw.

Growing firms in the South East Midlands are set to find out how they can bid for up to £300,000 for capital projects.

The South East Midlands

Local Enterprise Partnership is to present details of two new funding streams for growing businesses across Northamptonshire at its Show Me Success business conference. SEMLEP chief executive Hilary Chipping, inset, said: “This is an important event for growing businesses. We will be sharing with businesses all they need to know about the new grants, the eligibility criteria and how they can apply for them.”

New grants of up to £50,000 are available for capital projects focused on growth, resilience and innovation.

SEMLEP is also offering new grants of between £100,000 and £300,000 for capital projects relating to innovation, commercialisation of

ideas and decarbonisation. Growth Curve, which supports organisations anticipating high growth in the next two to three years, is due to close at the end of this month. SEMLEP advisers will be on hand to support organisations with applications for the new grants.

The event will also include networking, speakers and business masterclasses. Around 100 businesses have signed up for the event already. Speakers include Martin Spiller, Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship at Cranfield School of Management, who will speak on turbocharging growth.

“Show Me Success will be a fantastic celebration of the rapidly growing businesses which have benefited from our Growth Curve programme during the past three years,” said SEMLEP partnerships and events manager Samantha Hunter.

n Show Me Success takes place at Hotel La Tour in Milton Keynes on June 23, 9am-1pm.Find out more and book your place at www.semlepgrowthhub.com/show-me-success/

Owners juggling business and personal finances

Entrepreneurs have families too and are being hit every bit as much as the man in the street by the cost of living crisis.

Following the Bank of England’s decision to raise interest rates again, the current economic situation, with rising prices and seemingly perpetual uncertainty, is not just affecting individuals writes

Adrian Goodman of PPX Consulting

It is also affecting businesses.

A common perception is that companies are faceless entities and entrepreneurs are multi-millionaires but this is rarely the case at SME level. Most of our clients at PPX are business owners but they are also people with families.

With the rising cost of, well, pretty much everything, people are having to find additional cash to keep their businesses alive while simultaneously trying to manage their personal costs and support their families as well as their employees through difficult times.

Running a business can take its toll on your mental health at the best of times but the current conditions

make it even more taxing. With that in mind, here are three things that owners of smaller businesses should consider when times are tough: Review your budget

Anyone who knows me knows how much I talk about budgets and how vital they are to establishing financial controls. So if you do not have a budget, get one in place asap (we can help with this, of course).

Assuming you have a robust budget in place, this is the time to review it. Pay specific attention to your cost of sales and any material or stock price increases. This will impact your gross margin and therefore your breakeven sales.

Rebudgeting should only be done in exceptional circumstances (we are not quite there yet) but a forecast alongside your existing budget is definitely a

Adrian Goodman

Property investor promotes manager

Investor relations and marketing manager at Barwood Capital Hayley Gordge has been promoted to the company’s business development manager.

adrian.goodman@ppxconsulting.co.uk www.ppxconsulting.co.uk 01536 856 740

good idea if you are picking up a lot of unforeseen cost increases.

Check your forecasted profit in relation to dividends

If you pay yourself in dividends, you need to keep an eye on your profit. Dividends are a distribution of profit so if you do not make enough profit at the end of the year to cover the dividends taken during the year, they must be reclassified as directors’ loans, which are taxed differently.

If your business usually makes enough profit to cover your dividends but you are suddenly hit by price hikes, you need to monitor this to make sure there are no nasty year end surprises.

Manual or Automated Blinds for Businesses and for Schools

The new role is part of Northamptonbased Barwood’s drive to grow its investor list. Ms Gordge’s role is to source new investors for Barwood’s range of regional property funds and vehicles for both commercial and residential opportunities.

Look for cost savings

It seems obvious, I know, but a typical reaction in hard times is to try to increase sales. However, this in itself costs money: higher cost of sales, more marketing spend, an increase in commission and so on.

When costs are increasing, a more effective approach is to reduce your overheads. Remember; additional sales are subject to your gross profit margin before they are realised as profit. A reduction in cost adds value straight to your bottom line.

If you have concerns about the financial health of your business and want to know how you can navigate through challenging conditions, speak to your accountant or contact PPX Consulting for a free consultation.

“Having been with Barwood for over ten years, I have a strong relationship with our existing investors and a wealth of experience to bring to the role,” she said.

Barwood managing director Hugh Elrington added: “Hayley has proved to be a valuable member of the team as we have grown the business over the past decade and is perfect to help us expand our investor network as we continue to explore real estate opportunities in the UK regions.”

Modern blinds to meet education’s needs

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

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

Affordable & made measureto

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

01604 603111

www.saxonblinds.co.uk

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

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

Many of the heavy duty blind systems we install in

schools are transforming the performance and look of classrooms, school main halls, sports halls, making them more suited to modern technologies and the time now spent looking at screens. They can also increase the potential use of the building when it comes to hiring out to other outside groups or organisations, so increasing the opportunity to generate additional income into the school.

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

“Our bespoke systems are all manufactured in our Northampton factory and as such are built to suit any given situation,” said Saxon Blinds managing director Mark Grainger. “The are compliant with safety regulations, so there are no dangling cords or anything that might prove hazardous, and blinds systems are closely fitted to each individual window, leaving exit doors and fire exits clearly accessible.”

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

All Saxon Blinds staff are DBS checked and part of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme.

n Contact Saxon Blinds on 01604 601888, email sales@saxonblinds.co.uk or visit www.saxonblinds.co.uk

Budgets are vital in establishing financial control

SAXON BLINDS

Hayley Gordge

Business News: SME Northamptonshire Business Awards

THE FINALISTS 2023

BEST ENTERPRISING BUSINESS

Sponsor: Starlight

Cumberland Platforms; Pilkington Communications; Support 4 Independence.

BEST NEW BUSINESS

Sponsor: Borneo Martell Turner Coulston Solicitors

Charlies’s Boutique; Ena HR & Training; Haus of HR; Hunsbury Homes; Rose of the Shires Food Company; Serenity on Priors; Silver Cloud Hypnotherapy; Starlight-Digital

BUSINESS INNOVATION

Cumberland Platforms; Mainstream Careers; Nicab; Postworks; Trapp’d; Web Alliance.

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (Less than 50 Employees)

Sponsor: Borneo Martell Turner Coulston Solicitors

Flashback: The party starts for the winners at last year’s SME Northamptonshire Business awards. This year’s finalists are preparing to follo in their footsteps

The cream of the crop: County’s SMEs are ready to celebrate

The finalists in this year’s SME Northamptonshire Business awards have been announced. The winners will be revealed at a black tie awards dinner at Daventry Court Hotel on June 15. Every finalist has won a place on the shortlist for their innovation, sustainability and positive impact, say

the awards organisers. The SME Northamptonshire Business Awards are one of the most sought-after awards for small and medium-sized businesses across the county. Winners in most of categories will go forward to the SME National Business Awards 2023 Final at Wembley Stadium later this year.

Awards director Damian Cummins said the finalists “showcase the very best of Northamptonshire’s businesses.” He added: “Given the exceptional quality and depth of the entries we have received, the Final is set to be an exciting evening. We are looking forward to crowning the deserving winners.”

CBTax; Commsave Credit Union; E M Pritt & J D Whitton; Grand Union Narrowboats; Holly House Residential Home; Revive! Auto Innovations Northampton; Spheretech; Trapp’d.

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (More than 50 Employees)

Sponsor: Grosvenor Leasing

Cumberland Platforms; The ONE Group.

BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR

Sponsor: Northampton Town FC

Fred Ojigbani - Mainstream Careers; Jessica Pilkington - Pilkington Communications; Luke Simmons - Cora Homes; Martin Steers - NLive Radio; Nishi Patel - N-Accounting; Stephen Souch - 3RS IT Solutions.

BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Emily-Louise Varnfield - Lumi SKN; Gita Raikundalia - Nakasero Foods; Greta McDonald - Sweet Lounge; Iram Gilani - Web Alliance; Jessica Pilkington - Pilkington Communications; Louise Boston - Banakedi; Nicola Sexton - KidsStop; Trudi Freeman - Serenity on Priors.

COMMUNITY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Sponsor: CommSave Credit Union Goodwill Solutions CIC; NLive Radio; Northampton Hope Centre; Northamptonshire Health Charity; Service Six; Teamwork Trust. To page 15>

Business News: SME Northamptonshire Business Awards

SMARTER COST-EFFECTIVE IT

l Specialists in IT support, cyber security and cloud services

l Solutions for ambitious businesses looking to grow

l Clients in the UK, Europe and USA

l Skilled, experienced team who think outside the box to deliver the best 01933 426 129 / info@3rs-it.co.uk / 3rs-it.co.uk

Nene Business Park, Waterside House, Irthlingborough NN9 5QF

Acorn Analytical Services Northampton is celebrating its 10th anniversary by being named as a finalist in the High Growth Business of the Year Category at the SME Northamptonshire Business Awards.

It is a big moment for the company which has grown to become one of the UK’s leading asbestos management consultancies employing more than 70 staff, with clients in all four nations.

Director Neil Munro said: “We are delighted to be finalists in this important category. Our success is testament to the dedication of our team who stop at nothing to give our clients the best service possible and we cannot wait for the ceremony in June.”

We are delighted to be nominated for the Family Business of the Year award and feel incredibly proud of our team for helping 3RS reach our goals. We believe it is the people that make the company so without them, we would not be where we are today.

LEILA SOUCH Director

Key Business Skills is delighted to be nominated and shortlisted for two SME Northamptonshire Business Awards.

Key Business Skills has been supporting those both employed and unemployed seeking new employment opportunities through dedicated and personalised support. Funded by the government to support individuals in both their work and life choices, it is great that Key Business Skills has been recognised for its use of innovation and dedicated one to one support.

Key Business Skills has supported over 10,000 individuals across Northamptonshire with high-quality careers support and aids in empowering individuals to reach their potential.

We look forward to supporting another 10,000 in the years to come.

CBTax is a leading professional tax consultancy practice, specialising in R&D tax relief claims across the UK, maximising R&D potential for our clients, with a wealth of experience from qualified, experienced chartered tax advisers, sector specialists, accountants and research analysts.

We are delighted to be finalists for Business of the Year (less than 50 employees) and Employer of the Year at the SME Business Awards.

CBTax has grown exponentially and we are proud to be recognised for our dedication. We are honoured to have been considered alongside other successful businesses and employers in Northamptonshire.

Congratulations to our incredible team for their hard work.

The right employee benefits package is vital - making your company the one people want to work for.

For over 30 years, Commsave’s payroll savings facility has helped businesses to enhance their offer to staff, providing a great way to boost employee financial wellbeing.

The facility is simple to set up and provided free of charge – visit commsave.co.uk/partners to find out more.

We are delighted to be finalists in the SME Awards. Our team works hard to deliver for our members so to be recognised here is a testament to their hard work and reflects our passion for providing affordable financial services.

Helping you afford life

Competitive Edge is an award-winning provider of outstanding learning and development experiences.

We work with organisations to improve business performance through behaviour and culture change. We do this by creating the best learning environment, including a focus on experiential learning, which is both challenging and fun.

We are absolutely delighted to have been recognised and selected as finalists in two categories of the SME Northamptonshire Business Awards: High Growth Business of the Year and Service Excellence

All of us at Cora are thrilled to have our name shortlisted for two prestigious awards: Sustainability and our managing director Luke Simmons as Business Person of the Year

We are a proud Northamptonshire business making our mark across the Midlands, creating amazing places with sustainability in mind. To be recognised as a leader in our field by local business experts is a huge honour.

We want our developments to have a positive, lasting legacy that enhances the lives of everyone in the community through our commitment to combating the climate crisis and building energy efficient homes for the future.

This is just the start of a very exciting time for Cora. cora.uk

We are greatly honoured to have been nominated as finalists for the SME Northamptonshire Business of the Year (less than 50 employees) in our 20th year of ownership.

The care industry as a whole has suffered greatly through the pandemic, and it is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our staff at Holly House who persevered in most trying of times, to ensure that all at Holly House remained safe and achieving the best outcomes possible.

We are gratified by the support and compliments we have received from the community and that our hard work has been recognised.

PARVIN MENON Director

www.hollyhouseresidential.com

CARING WITH COMPASSION

n Highly trained staff

n First class care

n The latest technology

n Rated ‘Good’ by Care Quality Commission (October 2022)

Grand Union Narrowboat Holidays are proud to have been shortlisted in the SME Northamptonshire Business Awards.

This acknowledgement is testament to the hard work that the team at Grand Union Narrowboats put in year-round to ensure that our customers have the best narrowboat holiday and experience possible.

Over the eight years that we have been operating, we have become one of the leading narrowboat holiday companies in the UK for both our level of customers service and quality of accommodation.

We look forward to meeting all the other finalists on the evening and enjoying the evening with you.

Superior Narrowboat Holidays

THE FINALISTS 2023

>From page 13.

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

Sponsor: Web Alliance

CBTax; Commsave Credit Union; Hunters Solutions; Postworks; The ONE Group.

FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

3RS IT Solutions; Low Farm Dog Kennels; Service MOT Repairs; Silverstone Leasing; Truva Lounge Cocktail Bar; Web Alliance.

HIGH GROWTH BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Acorn Analytical Services; Competitive Edge Training & Consultancy; Wills Consultants.

POSITIVE IMPACT

Sponsor: CommSave Credit Union

BeautyWithinn; Encore Environment; Key Business Skills.

SERVICE EXCELLENCE

Baby Sleep Consultant GB; Commsave Credit Union; Competitive Edge Training & Consultancy; HR Solutions; Hunters Solutions; Key Business Skills; N-Accounting; Wills Consultants.

SUSTAINABILITY

Sponsor: Grosvenor Leasing

Cora Homes; Marlec Engineering Co

TOWCESTER BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Haus of HR; Ruby Hook Hairdressing; Truva Lounge Cocktail Bar.

WEBSITE OF THE YEAR

Mad Mantiques

YOUNG BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR

Emily-Louise Varnfield - Lumi SKN; Greta McDonald - Sweet Lounge; Jordan Leonard - Say Something Video.

KidsStop is a childcare business in Northamptonshire which opened in 2007 supported by the Prince’s Trust and offering a service for children aged up to 12. We have a day nursery , preschool, wrap around care and a holiday club.

We have overcome many challenges over the years - the pandemic being one of the most recent. It brought the opportunity to take on the new nursery and renovations began in 2021-22.

Within this time, we have achieved a GOOD Ofsted 5 stars hygiene rating and we are full across all age ranges, until 2025 .

We are absolutely delighted to have reached this far in the awards. To be recognised for the work you do makes every single challenge worth it. Awards like this are what keep me going.

Business

SME Northamptonshire Business Awards

Nakasero brings you a delicious range of condiments. Our recipes are inspired by our travels, uncovering hidden culinary gems from around the world while staying true to our mantra of wholefood food.

Our range includes sugar free; vegan; additive- and preservativefree and Keto, enabling you to create mouth-watering plates of food without compromising on taste or quality.

Our food service catering formats enable chef to create personalised dishes with a difference and unbelievable flavour.

www.nakasero.com

info@nakasero.com

Insta - @Nakaserofoods

“We are very proud to have been nominated for Community Business of the Year. It means so much to us that the initiatives we fund in the local NHS Trusts we support have been recognised.

“It’s important that we can share this recognition with our donors so they can see the huge difference their donations have made to their local NHS teams and the patients they treat.”

ALISON McCULLOCH Head of Fundraising

Enhancing

01604 626927

www.northamptonshirehealthcharity.co.uk

Silverstone Leasing is an award-winning car and van leasing broker offering business and personal leasing in Northampton.

We have been operating since 2012 and offer an unrivalled experience in customer service. We are incredibly proud to be shortlisted in the Family Business of the Year category. Having a family business is just that. Run by your family, for your family and anyone you employ becomes part of your family. It is a culture that we’ve grown at Silverstone Leasing over the years.

We cannot wait for the winners to be announced in June. Good luck to all the amazing finalists.

Spheretech Air Conditioning are delighted to have been shortlisted for the 2023 Northamptonshire SME Business Awards in the Business of the Year (less than 50 employees) category.

As a local business, receiving this acknowledgement pays testament to the high standards that we set ourselves every day and the high calibre of our customer base built up over 20 years, not forgetting the tremendous efforts made by the Spheretech team this last 12 months.

Want to Grow Your Business?

Low Farm Dog Kennels is delighted to be nominated for the Family Business of the Year award.

In 2021 we were granted the highest grade boarding licence and from this point we have been dedicated to offering the highest standard of care for your beloved dogs. We have tripled in size while maintaining the same levels of service and expanding our offering to include grooming and natural treats. In May 2023 our founder trained as a dog trainer and we plan to introduce a cattery in June.

We are committed to make leaving your pets as emotionally pain free as possible. See our reviews at @lowfarmdogkennels on Facebook or at www.low-farm.co.uk

We are extremely thrilled to have been selected as finalists for High Growth Business of the Year and in the Service Excellence category and want to thank the judges for seeing something special in our company.

We are extremely proud of our whole team who work tirelessly to provide the absolute best service to our customers and who have played an integral part in our growth. This has been such a positive boost to the team and recognition of our hard work.

“We know the competition is tough and wish everyone well. We are happy to have been part of this amazing opportunity. Keeping our fingers crossed…”

WILLS Director

Your local Air Conditioning experts

• Commercial & residential air conditioning & ventilation

• Highly competitive, servicing and maintenance packages

• One year’s free servicing with every new installation

• 0% VAT on residential air conditioning systems Spheretech, keeping you cool when its warm & warm when its cool! Get in touch to book a free no-obligation survey & quotation www.spheretech.co.uk

Tel: 01327 810 510 | Email: sales@spheretech.co.uk

cost per lead by 78%? Or a reduction in your cost per sale by 64%? Starlight-Digital has recently achieved all of these feats.

We specialise in multi-channel digital marketing campaigns and have worked with FTSE 100 companies. If you’re looking to grow sales, revenue and profit, we have a solution for you. Our services include PPC (Google Ads), SEO, Social Media Ads, YouTube Ads, Amazon Ads and App Advertising. Chat with our team today. Call us on 0203 376 7800 or email us at hello@starlight-digital.com.

STEVEN

Networking

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

The business networking events this month across Northamptonshire

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.

www.business-buzz.org/about/locations/. Book and pay at https://app.business-buzz.org/app.

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.

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

Regional sponsor: Business Times; Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce

No fuss, no membership, pay as you go... The Business Buzz format is relaxed, informal, conversational networking. Our town-focused events meet face to face, allowing visitors to build better and more robust relationships. These are complemented by regional virtual events. All Business Buzz events run 10amnoon.

Brackley Buzz

June 1: Paisley Pear, Northampton Road.

Price: £8.

Northampton Buzz

June 21: Fox & Hounds, Harborough Road.

Price: £8.

Wellingborough Buzz

June 13: Castello Lounge, Market Street

Price: £8.

For more details, download the Buzz App or visit

The Business Community is focused on growth through collaboration and support with engaging and interactive meetings online and face-to-face. Monthly face-to-face (£16 - first meeting free)

Northampton Breakfast

3rd Wednesday, 7.30-9.30am: The Turnpike, Harpole.

Northampton Evening

4th Tuesday, 6.30-8.30pm: : Cheyne Walk Club

MONTHLY VIRTUAL

Price: £6 - first meeting free.

Wednesday Breakfast

4th Wednesday, 7.30-9am.

Thursday Breakfast

3rd Thursday, 7.30-9am.

Friday Breakfast

2nd Friday, 7.30-9am

THE ACCOUNTABILITY CIRCLE

Mondays, 10am

Helping you get your things action list from to do to done! (£6 per meeting or £12 per month).

Contact: buscomm.co.uk/ourevents

Networking events to meet and build relationships with peers and fellow members. The group also hosts personal development sessions, with talks from business leaders.

SOCIAL NETWORKING

June 14 5.30pm-7.30pm:

Trapp’d. Billing Aquadrome

Network with peers from the Next Generation Chamber in a fast paced and fun escape room environment. To book, email info@nextgenerationchamber.co.uk Find out more at nextgenerationchamber.co.uk

The FSB has 2,000 members across Northamptonshire.

Northamptonshire

June 22 10am-11am: Online

Hosted by Sally Wood, director of Sally Wood

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

#NNSTARTUP DAY

June 14 9am-5.30pm: Online

#NNSTARTUP is an online event where businesses from across Northamptonshire will be sharing knowledge, hints, tips and their business journeys to help support and inspire other start up businesses or those considering taking the step into business.

Free event for NNBN members; visitors £10.

BUSINESS NETWORKING

June 5 7pm-8.30pm:

The Threshing Barn, Chester House, Irchester

June 29 7pm-8.30pm:

Park inn by Radisson, Northampton

Free event for NNBN members; visitors £10.

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

Q&A

Where business people discuss their motivation, ambition, experience - and themselves. In the spotlight this month is Jen Nixon, associate at Moore UK Chartered Accountants in Corby.

WOMEN WITH VISION SUMMER EVENT

June 7 12 noon-2pm

The Granary at Fawsley

Networking, barbecue lunch and speaker. Price: £25 + VAT members; non-members £30 + VAT.

MEET THE NEIGHBOURS

June 15 12 noon-2pm

Cranfield University

Networking lunch co-hosted with Bedfordshre Chamber of Commerce. Chamber members only. price: £17 + VAT.

MAXIMISE YOUR MEMBERSHIP

June 28 8.30am-10.30am

Northampton Active

Find out more about the benefits of Chamber membership. Free event.

For details of all Chamber events, visit www.northants-chamber.co.uk

UK BUSINESS FORUM NORTHAMPTON

2nd Wednesday 5.30pm-9pm:

Delapre Abbey, London Road

A friendly, informal and relaxed networking event for small business owners.

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

UK Business Forums has been the home of small business community support and advice for nearly 20 years. Membership is not necessary but join for free and maintain the business relationship you make at our networking evenings through our free online business support forums. Free event. To book, visit www.ukbfevents.co.uk

Take me to disaster ... but not aboard a bus or train

What was your first job?

My first proper job was as a café assistant at a country park. There were some really lovely regulars that you’d always have a chat with. It gave me a great taste of working life!

Why did you choose your particular career? Even though my strong suit wasn’t particularly numbers I have to say, I was very organised and great at problem solving so I thought accountancy would be a great fit.

What’s the best job you’ve had and why?

BUSINESS ROOM

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

KETTERING

May 8 6 12 noon-2pm:

Kettering Park Hotel

NORTHAMPTON

May 11 12 noon-2pm:

Old White Hart, Far Cotton

WELLINGBOROUGH

May 17 12 noon-2pm:

The Stanwick Hotel, Stanwick

SOUTH NORTHANTS

May 16 12 noon-2pm:

The White Horse, Silverstone

THE CONNECTIONS CLUB - NORTHANTS

Only open to business owners, influencers and decision-makers.

NORTHAMPTON

May 2 11.45am-2pm: Delapre Abbey, Northampton.

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

It has to be my current job. It has enabled me to really progress my skills and see what I am capable of. I also enjoy working so closely with my colleagues and being part of changes to the firm.

…and the worst?

I don’t think I have had a worst job but if I had to pick my least favourite, it would be a short-lived Christmas stint at a catalogue store...the customers were not very friendly.

What’s the best advice you’ve received in business?

Never be scared to ask for help, and be honest.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

There have been so many! I think that developing my manager role and having that close involvement the team has been a real highlight. I also love getting stuck in and helping clients achieve their goals.

…and the low point?

Probably Covid. We had a really important duty to support our clients but at the same time we needed to support our own teams and the difficulties that came with moving

everyone to remote working.

Who in business do you respect the most?

I would have to say the team around me. I’ve had the pleasure of working with some great people on some great projects. What annoys you the most in business? Managing expectations. People expect to have instant access to what they need and it’s human nature to try and meet that expectation when we pride ourselves on giving good service, which can be stressful.

What’s the best thing/worst thing about where you work?

The best thing about where I work is the team and the culture. Everyone is genuinely interested in each other and works well together. It makes for a lovely place to work.

What’s your career ambition?

My ambition is to keep helping Moore to grow and thrive and to keep helping my clients achieve their goals.

…and your life ambition?

To stay happy and enjoy the little things as well as the big things!

What’s the best moment of your life?

I would say meeting my partner and embarking on an exciting new chapter.

…and the worst?

At the time, failing my driving test - it took me three attempts to pass - felt like the absolute worst thing in the world. Obviously it wasn’t and there have been worse things since but you never forget that feeling.

How do you relax?

I really enjoy being outdoors, I like gardening and when I first left home I had an allotment,

MY FAVOURITE...

FOOD Mexican MUSIC/SONG Rock

BOOK Anything by Harlan Coben or Lee Child

FILM Jurassic Park

TV PROGRAMME Anything home makeover-related or police dramas RESTAURANT A local pub, theTollemache Arms

DESTINATION New York, Cape Town

which I would like to do again. I really relax when I’m cooking - it’s my time to unwind after work.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Disaster movies - I love them all. If there is a volcano, a tornado or a big storm, I’m there.

What’s your worst fault?

I like to be organised which is mostly good but sometimes means I’m not as spontaneous as I’d like.

What’s your most treasured possession?

I don’t really have many treasured possessions, I treasure my partner, my dog, my family and friends because as long as they’re around everything else will work itself out.

What are you afraid of?

Birds, especially ones that flap around you unexpectedly. Pigeons are the worst.

What annoys you most in life?

Other drivers!

Tell us something you regret.

Not travelling more when I was younger and carefree.

Tell us a secret about yourself.

I have a strange fear of buses and trains and have been known to walk a very long way to avoid using them.

Which two historical figures would you most like to talk to and why?

Nelson Mandela and Princess Diana. I think they’d be very interesting people following all of the work they did for good causes.

What are the first three things on your bucket list?

n To travel more.

n To have a holiday home on the coast.

n Travel round Scotland

What song/music would you like to be played at your funeral?

Definitely something upbeat. Funerals are sad enough without sad music to match.

Failing my driving test felt like the absolute worst thing in the world... You never forget that feeling

Stylish and effective: Cooling systems set to take on summer

With warmer summers seeming to be a future trend, more and more homeowners are making their environment more comfortable by installing air conditioning in their bedrooms or conservatories. Working with Daikin, one of the world’s largest suppliers of air conditioning systems, Griffiths have been installing air conditioning throughout Northamptonshire and surrounding counties for more than 23 years. Back then it was ‘cooling only’ but more recently heat pump air conditioning has become standard, enabling both heating and cooling from the same system.

GSSARCHITECTURE

Generally, air conditioning systems have an outdoor unit and a wide choice of indoor units that can be wall-, floor- or ceiling-mounted. Another option that is often overlooked is to place a ducted unit in a loft space and feed the conditioned air into flexible ducts that terminate in neat white ceiling grilles.

This arrangement can provide air conditioning to several upstairs bedrooms or multiple rooms in a bungalow without the expense of a separate system for each room. For wall-mounted systems, Daikin offers options to suit budget and required functions. Top of the

A career that makes a difference: Encouraging a new generation

With more than 18,600 students studying architecture as Part I and Part II at university in 2021/2022 - an increase of ten per cent from the previous year - there has never been a better time to continue encouraging the upward trend of young people joining the industry.

GSSArchitecture, a national architecture practice founded in 1879, has had a long-standing relationship with local schools, colleges, and universities and has always supported work experience and work placement opportunities for young people.

In the last five years across its five offices, the practice have supported more than 40 young people either through work experience, university year-out placements or apprenticeships.

As Investors in People Gold Standard, GSS is committed to the training and development of its team members. Five out of its eight current partners started at GSS via a professional training programme.

Throughout 2023, the practice has committed to working with several young people wanting to complete their work experience. Statistics show that more people are choosing architecture as a career path and GSS are committed to supporting them.

“Gaining first-hand experience from an early age allows students to understand how a career in architecture and the wider construction industry works,” said GSS senior partner Tom Lyons. “They can

range is the Ururu Sarara, providing complete climate control with (de) humidification, air purification, ventilation and significant efficiencies in heating and cooling. Next are the Stylish models in white, black, silver or blackwood with a modern and striking design. The popular curved front Emura models - available in matt crystal white or silver - are design at its best, delivering superior efficiency and comfort.

The Perfera model has an attractive design with perfect indoor air quality and, for those seeking the most economical solution, the Comfora model still provides high efficiency and comfort. Currently heat pump air conditioning systems for the home are zero rated for VAT as they are classed as an energy-efficient product.

CREDIT UNION

Community Fund brings cheer to primary school and charity

Adults from local charity Teamwork Trust and schoolchildren from Duston Eldean Primary School are celebrating after receiving generous donations from Northamptonshire-based credit union Commsave. Commsave, one of the largest and most successful credit unions in the UK, set up a Community Fund last year, empowering its members to nominate causes and charities they most care about.

This month the credit union awarded £1,000 to Teamwork Trust, a Northamptonshire charity which works with autistic adults, people with learning disabilities and individuals with mental health needs. It also made a £400 donation to Duston Eldean Primary School, to pay for new library books.

James Richards, business development manager at Commsave, said: “It is a real privilege to be able to support the people and causes our members care about.

of new books was wonderful.

“Our next cheque presentation was at Teamwork Trust, an amazing and uplifting charity that is celebrating its 40th birthday. It was wonderful to meet the service users and the giant cheque certainly made a few people smile.”

Paula Page, English lead at the Duston school, said: “Reading is essential for every child’s success and supplying rich, engaging texts is a priority in our school.

“We are using this generous donation to introduce more non-fiction and diverse books for our children to read as part of our school library.”

Since launching its Community Fund in July 2022, Commsave has awarded more than £20,000 to charities, communities and causes its members care most about.

You need to be a member of Commsave to submit applications to the company’s Community Fund - one of the many benefits of Commsave membership.

have a better understanding and make a more informed decision on whether this is the route for them.”

Architecture as a career is attractive, with the goal of reducing the construction industry’s impact on the environment and changing it from within, he added. “We want to support this in any way we can and by attending careers fairs and giving talks about architecture and how we can make it a more sustainable career option, as well as how we can make a difference in the world, we can encourage people to be part of the change they want to see.”

One student who recently completed work experience at GSSArchitecture, said: “This time has been especially useful to me in learning what it is like as an architect and what happens each day of work. This will definitely help me in terms of choosing architecture as a career.”

n Find out more about GSSArchitecture, how the practice can assist with your career and view the extensive range of projects in a variety of sectors at www.gssarchitecture.com

“My first visit was to the primary school in Northampton and seeing the children so excited about the prospect of getting lots

n Find out more about the fund at www.commsave.co.uk/communityfund

COMMSAVE

CommSave Credit Union also presented a £1,000 cheque to the Teamwork Trust

CommSave Credit Union also presented a £1,000 cheque to the Teamwork Trust

A real privilege to support the people and causes our members care about

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

Clean energy transition needs a sensible timeline

Now is the time to ask the difficult questions: Business must be a key voice in the debate on the UK’s path to achieve its net zero ambitions, said Northampton South MP Andrew Lewer.

The transition from fossil fuels to clean energy is crucial but rushing towards a legally binding net zero target by 2050 may be a recipe for failure.

The UK’s net zero drive, enshrined in the Climate Change Act 2008, requires careful consideration to avoid unintended consequences. A recent National Infrastructure Commission report has warned government about increased vulnerability to power cuts caused by storms, as well as potential disruptions in electricity supplies due to low wind and highlights the need for a more realistic approach. Some targets, especially arbitrary ones, can be harmful and selfdefeating. We need a prudent assessment of our transition journey.

The Climate Change Act 2008 (2050 Target Amendment) Order 2019 legally binds the UK to achieve 100 per cent net zero emissions. Yet its passage through Parliament was swift, with minimal debate and no vote. At that time, the nation’s focus was primarily on Brexit and then the global pandemic of Covid-19. Such jaw-dropping impacts

emanating from this obscure statutory instrument requires not just further careful consideration but a full and open national discussion above and beyond the messianic proselytisers of the doomsday cult environmentalists such as Just for Oil and Extinction Rebellion.

While the UK contributes only 1pc of global emissions of carbon dioxide, it is being subjected to some of the most ambitious and farreaching changes since the Industrial Revolution. A more sensible timeline for transitioning to clean energy is needed, recognising the crucial role of oil and gas in the interim. This needs to be part of a national debate.

New realities in the world - making it a more dangerous place for all of us - demand a shift from an overreliance on efficiency in both supply chains and in energy policy to a focus instead on resilience.

This perspective contradicts the concept of a legally binding net zero policy which imposes strict and inflexible targets within a relatively short timeframe. Instead, we should adopt a longer-term vision, perhaps allowing for a century of

transformation rather than a rushed quarter-century.

Amid these unprecedented times, a pragmatic approach is necessary. We must carefully consider the longterm implications of policies aimed at achieving net zero emissions. The warnings from the National Infrastructure Commission should not be taken lightly as they highlight potential vulnerabilities and risks associated with a hasty transition to clean energy. Energy security

and resilience must be prioritised alongside the decarbonisation efforts. We have seen bad energy policy at play before.

Government is the last organisation to place bets on new technologies. A good example of this was former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s policy to transition motorists away from petrol engines to diesel. It was a costly failure. Great technological breakthroughs were made in the development of the power and efficiency of small diesel engines - Peugeot led the way globally - but in the end it was for nothing after policy-makers reexamined the evidence, leading to a strong move away from diesel. We are racing ahead again with the government betting on fully electric vehicles as the future when there is not the charging

infrastructure to meet the need. Even if it gets anywhere near the charging infrastructure in place, we still do not have the electric generating capacity to meet the ever-soaring demand. It could cripple our economy.

While the transition to clean energy is undeniably crucial, a legally binding net zero target by 2050 may just prove a giant folly and the impositions along the way, such as a ban on internal combustion engine sales by 2030, even more so.

The UK’s energy policies need to strike a balance between environmental sustainability and the nation’s energy security. Careful consideration and a more realistic approach are essential for long-term success.

This is now the time for you and your business to start the debate and ask the difficult questions.

Andrew Lewer

A legally binding net zero target by 2050 may just prove a giant folly

Radio station puts a spring in family support charity’s step

NLive Radio has named The Spring Charity as the Northamptonbased broadcaster’s charity of the year.

The Spring Charity work with vulnerable families, offering community services to improve their wellbeing. They host regular stay and play sessions and cooking classes as well as having close links with other local charities and organisations. Manager Tracey Hamilton said: “The support we will receive from NLive Radio will help us to raise

our profile in the local community and hopefully encourage local companies and individuals to consider making a donation to our charity to help us fund our vital work.”

The radio station has been broadcasting across Northampton for five years.

“They are truly a passionate local charity that works so hard to support their local community,” said station manager Martin Stears. NLive Radio will continue to promote other charities and events, he adds.

Restaurateur Naz Islam is pictured with outgoing Mayor of Northampton Cllr Dennis Meredith as he receives a Certificate for Outstanding Community Contribution in recognition of his work for charity and the wider community.

Naz Islam, owner of Saffron restaurant in Castilian Street, has raised more than £90,000 and established a school and orphanage in one of the poorest areas of Bangladesh with the help of his family.

He was thanked at a ceremony in the Mayor’s Parlour at the Guildhall.

“Although my roots are well-established in Bangladesh, Northampton is very much my home town and I care passionately about its fortunes. It is where I have made my life, raised my family and grown my business,” said Mr Islam.

“It means the world to me and I am grateful beyond words for this recognition.

Mr Islam left school aged 16 and started working in a curry house kitchen. He fell in love with the industry, saving up to buy his own restaurant.

Spring Charity manager Tracey Hamilton and NLive Radio’s Beth Jones, pictured centre, with two beneficiaries of the charity’s work

A fitting tribute: Mental health campaign unveils rebrand

Mental health and suicide prevention charity We Mind & Kelly Matters brought together its mental health services and fundraising work under the new name Kelly’s Heroes.

The charity was set up in 2019 in memory of 24-year-old Kelly Hewitt.

“The renaming marks an exciting new chapter for the charity,” said Kelly’s father and charity co-founder John Hewitt. “We think the new name is a fitting tribute to her memory and the tireless work put in by our staff and supporters.”

Kelly’s Heroes champions the importance of early interventions and accessible mental health support and delivers training to businesses, schools and communities on mental health and suicide

Cooking

Dozens of VIPs and guests have raised almost £1,800 for charity at a special curry night at a restaurant in Northampton. The event, at Saffron restaurant in Castilian Street, amassed a total £1,785 to be split between ABF The Soldiers Charity and St Vincent de Paul, a voluntary organisation that works to ease poverty.

Guests enjoyed dishes from award-winning curry chef Bodrul Islam before digging deep during a raffle and auction.

Saffron has since won multiple awards and was

named World Cuisine Restaurant of the Year at last year’s Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards

“I have known Naz for many years and he is someone with Northampton in his heart,” said Cllr Meredith. “He has accomplished many

wonderful things in the community,”

Mr Islam is a Heart of Northampton award winner and last year received an honorary degree from the University of Northampton in recognition of his services to business and community cohesion.

The charities were both the chosen ones of Northampton Mayor Cllr Dennis Meredith, who has since completed his 12-month tenure as Mayor having raised more than £11,000. “I have had the chance to meet so many wonderful people and community groups and to have raised so much money for my chosen charities is the icing on the cake,” he said.

Saffron owner Naz Islam has helped to raise thousands of pounds for Mayoral charities over the past 25 years.

Voucher winner Dan Hurwood and his daughter with Northampton BID director Kerry Reynolds and Cllr Daniel Lister, cabinet member of West Northamptonshire Council

prevention. All funds raised by the training courses go directly to supporting Kelly’s Heroes’ work.

Fundraising and awareness events have included cycle rides from John O’Groats to Land’s End and The Loneliest Road Cycle Tour across Europe and New York to San Francisco last year, raising more than £300,000.

Kelly’s Heroes provides free online support 365 days a year and a daily Listening Ear service 6pm-9pm.

Wellbeing Wednesdays host walks, talks, craft groups and meet-ups. Said chief executive Sherry Adams: “The charity was founded around two purposes: to raise much-needed funding and to enable people in need to get support.”

n Find out more at www. kellysheroes.org.uk

Recognising that charity is serious business

Town centre celebrates as visitors are lured by the ‘call of the wild’

Retailers in Northampton town centre have reported a significant increase in the number of shoppers as families flocked to town to take part in the Animal Paradise trail commissioned by the town centre’s Business Improvement District.

The trail of 15 toy brick models has been hailed a “massive success”, with more than 25,000 interactions recorded on the dedicated mobile phone app and hundreds of families completing the challenge.

The Animal Paradise

trail, presented and built by BRICKLIVE, was sponsored by West Northamptonshire Council and features models including of a snow leopard, a bottlenose dolphin, a rockhopper penguin and an orangutan.

The models were constructed out of more than 520,000 toy bricks and took more than 2,300 hours to build. Results from LoyalFree, the producers of the specialist trail app, have revealed that 6,761 ‘checkins’ were made at model locations across the two-week period with 811 miles walked

between the various retailers.

Mark Mullen, operations director at Northampton Town Centre BID, said:

“We received such positive feedback from those who took part and retailers reported a surge in footfall throughout the campaign so it has been a massive success igniting imaginations and creating long-lasting memories.”

Everyone who completed the trail via the LoyalFree app joined a prize draw to win one of two £100 vouchers.

“We are dedicated to supporting our local

businesses and attractions, so anything we can do at West Northamptonshire Council to increase physical footfall, champion our local community and boost our local economy we will make a priority,” said Cllr Daniel Lister, cabinet member for economic development, town centre regeneration and growth. “We knew this event would be highly successful in terms of getting people actively engaged with Northampton town centre and exploring the many reasons to keep coming back.”

up a feast of fundraising

‘This is my home town and I care passionately about its fortunes’

Retired group seeks business backing in search for new premises to meet demand for membership

Business is being urged to help a group that brings retired people together to maintain their wellbeing and to share skills to make items for sale.

The Northampton Community Shed is struggling to keep pace with demand for membership. Its workshop is full to capacity, meaning new joiners can only take part as associate members.

Previously the groupfounded in 2016 and which rebranded in 2019 to the Community Sheds - had

received grant funding from the local authority. The funding was scrapped due to budget cuts and the group is in talks with West Northamptonshire Council to find new premises, so far without success. It currently rents a workshop for 1.5 days a week from Spencer Contact, a not-for-profit furniture reuse charity in Northampton.

“We have charitable status but are struggling to expand and meet the needs of a constantly increasing membership,” said trustee

BID backs comedy festival

Some of the UK’s top comedians are warming up for this year’s Edinburgh Fringe festival with performances at the inaugural Northampton Comedy Festival.

More than 40 have been booked to appear at venues across the town centre as part of a month-long series of gigs, including top names such as Jo Caulfield, Paul Foot and Paul Sinha.

The festival takes place over four weeks from June 28 and has been organised by locally based promoters The Comedy Crate with support from Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District.

“We are always looking for ways to give people more reasons to visit our town centre and the Northampton Comedy Festival does just that,” said the BID’s operations manager Mark Mullen above. “This is an opportunity to see big

names in intimate venues as they prepare their material for shows on the nation’s biggest stage.”

Venues hosting performances include Saints Coffee, Cheyne Walk Club, the Park Inn and V&B.

“It is going to be a month of good times with good company as the town comes together to have a laugh in some of the town’s brilliant venues, from coffee shops and hotels to pubs and clubs,” said Mr Mullen.

The focal point of the festival will be a ‘weekender’ on July 8-9, when 25 acts will appear across three stages in the Charles Bradlaugh, The Black Prince and The Lamplighter.

Recognising that charity is serious business

Alan Goodacre. “We are having to offer associate memberships at the moment as our workshop does not have space for more full members.”

Members, which include both men and women, enjoy outings such as canal trips, days out and quiz nights.

The group comprises mostly retired people who bring skills acquired during their working life.

“One aim is to share these skills, as well as making items in the workshop such

as wooden bowls, toys for our great grandchildren, signs for gardens and homes well as dog owners,” said Alan. “These we sell at craft workshops to raise some of our rent money.

“We also receive donations of engineering tools and carpentry tools as well as many other items which we refurbish to be used within the workshop or sold to members to help with our rent.”

Northampton Community Sheds’ current plight means its expansion plans are

limited. “We would welcome help in purchasing or renting a building which we could move into and develop the many skills we have enabling the public to buy some of the items we make,” said Mr Goodacre.

Help would be invaluable in areas such as marketing and social media, he added.

“We are looking for sponsors who can help us to develop and add to our membership by either helping with our rent

or allowing us to rent a bigger premises so we can meet the demand of our ever increasing waiting list.’

Northampton Community Sheds also has an allotment where members grow their own produce and is an “opportunity for a good chat over a cup of tea or coffee with the addition of good fresh air and speak to those who need that little bit of help or encouragement,” said Mr Goodacre.

n Find out more at www.northamptoncommunitysheds.org

Community cafe savours link-up with conference centre chefs

Chefs at Whittlebury Park Hotel are using their culinary flair to create meals for the Community Café in Towcester.

The partnership with Towcester Community Larder follows a successful trial in which the hotel’s chefs including head pastry chef Ben Clark, pictured, took surplus ingredients provided by the Community Larder and created healthy meals for the Community Café.

families and individuals visiting to shop.

Katie Steele, coordinator at Towcester Larder, said: “Not only does it save food from waste, it gives our members recipe ideas for ingredients available at the larder. It is a win win.

“It is an exciting collaboration and we are looking forward to seeing it develop.

Mike Chase, director of The Comedy Crate, said:

“We are delighted to partner up with Northampton Town Centre BID to bring over 40 acts that are warming up either for Edinburgh or for their tour shows. All of the

shows are at bargain prices, giving you the chance to watch TV acts, circuit headliners and stars of the future. Please get behind your local independent comedy club and make this a festival to remember.”

The Towcester Community Larder is a membership programme run by volunteers that acquires surplus groceries from supermarkets and businesses at heavily discounted rates to reduce food waste.

It works closely with charitable food redistributor FareShare and wellbeing charity SOFEA. The programme hosts three sessions a week, with more than 200

“This project highlights the tremendous good that can be achieved when you adopt a joined-up approach to the way that we use precious resources such as food and energy,” said Whittlebury Park managing director Charles Sergeant.

“Not only are we supporting our local community and helping people to reduce their shopping bills but by reducing food waste we are also supporting our farmers and growers and positively impacting the wider environment.”