Business Times Northamptonshire July 2023

Mercedes to bring 500 jobs in new campus plan

The team driving Mercedes-Benz Formula One are planning the creation of a parkland campus at its Brackley site.

Mercedes-AMG Petronas, which currently employs about 1,400 people, is planning for the site to meet the needs of up to 1,900 staff in the next four to five years.

The company has submitted hybrid plans to West Northamptonshire Council to redevelop land at its site off Lauda Drive. The latest

application includes in-depth information about the company’s aspirations and its commitment to remain in Brackley.

The report reads: “Mercedes aspire to be the most successful F1 team in history with the most talented, dedicated and inspired staff in motorsport.

“Mercedes is looking to deliver an exemplar parkland campus of modern, new and retrofit sustainable design responding to the location’s

unique waterside setting, maximising the wellbeing of their employees and implementing best practice building design, energy production and infrastructure”

The company recognises that significant changes will be required to deliver a world-class campus and meets its ‘ambitious’ sustainability objectives to become net zero by 2030’.

The planned investment will include a dedicated

To page 3 >>

n It is all smiles for specialist asbestos consultancy Acorn Analytical Services after the company brought back two SME Northamptonshire Business Awards trophies to its office in Northampton.

After collecting the High Growth Business of the Year gold award, directors(from left) Paul Knights, Neil Munro and Ian Stone returned to the stage to receive the award as overall winner at the awards ceremony, held at the Daventry Court Hotel.

Full report and photos of all the winners: Pages 10-11.

Mercedes-AMG Petronas headquarters at Brackley. The company is looking to expand its campus to house up to 1,900 employees

Glasses raised as £50 challenge passes £100k milestone

Editor

Sales

Advertising

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

We’ve done it… Employers across Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire have been celebrating with Franklins Solicitors as they pass the £100,000 milestone for money raised in the law firm’s #Franklins50 fundraising challenge.

Advertising Sales Jenny Homeshaw jenny@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk

A total of 24 teams from employers across Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire took part in this year’s challenge, which has raised £20,000 to support domestic abuse charity MK-Act and Willen Hospice in Milton Keynes and in Northampton, Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Northampton Hope Centre which helps to feed families in need.

Advertising Sales Sharon Maplethorpe sharon@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk

Feature Editors: Annie Roberts Sammy Jones

Graphic Design: Simon Goodger

Marketing

Photography: Steve Brill

The challenge required teams to take £50 seed funding from Franklins Solicitors LLP and turn it into as much money as possible over three months for their chosen charity. Franklins partner Andrea Smith said: “This year we really want to help towards the current cost of living crisis and improving wellbeing. It is great to see the difference the money raised will make to the local charities involved.”

Top fundraiser for Northampton Hope Centre: Louise from Miller & Chalk, who raised £562.10.

Top fundraiser for Cynthia Spencer Hospice: Travis Perkins with £1,593.80. Best use of social media: Syncro for its launch video. Syncro raised £920.

Most creative fundraising idea: dbfb communications produced, printed and sold their own cookbook featuring the favourite recipes of their staff, along with printed branded aprons. It raised £625.

Best community initiative: OneFourSix digital marketing hosted a BBQ serving breakfast and lunch for the second year running, which was promoted to local businesses and raised £800.

Teams, benefiting charities and Franklins colleagues were at the Northampton Marriott hotel to raise a glass to this year’s campaign and to passing the £100,000 milestone.

Louise Danielzuk, from Northampton Hope Centre said: “In a nutshell this money will mean people in Northampton no longer need to go hungry and the money raised will feed 750 hungry

Pictured: The winning companies (from top left) Miller & Chalk; Travis Perkins; Syncro; dbfb Communications; OneFourSix

families. Every day we are hearing more stories of people unable to feed themselves or families having to go without food because they simply cannot afford the food or the fuel to cook it with. This money means that this no longer needs to be the story.”

Survey finds bosses bullish over profits, sales and jobs

Almost three-quarters of Northamptonshire firms which took part in a survey on local business affairs predicted their sales revenue will increase during the next 12 months.

The Wellingborough & East Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce joined forces with Northamptonshire’s business newspaper Business Times in the first quarter of this year to create the survey investigating the state of business affairs across the county.

The newly released results show 98 per cent of those surveyed expect to maintain or increase the size of their workforce and nearly half expect to see their profits rise.

Chamber president Pritesh Ganatra, inset, said: “We know that Northamptonshire is home to a strong and diverse economy and it is good to see that the majority of businesses which responded to our survey are feeling confident about the future.

“This survey has also provided us with invaluable information about the big issues that businesses are facing this year. Over half of respondents told us they were most concerned about economic uncertainty and almost a quarter said the biggest issue facing them was a talent and skills shortage. The results from this survey will help us to raise awareness about the needs of business in our area and we would like to thank all

the organisations which participated and the Business Times for its support.”

The survey also revealed that half of firms intend to continue the working practices they established in the pandemic and a quarter said they will expand or formalise their current arrangements for home and office working.

The survey was officially launched at this year’s Your Business Expo Northamptonshire which is organised by Business Times’ owner and publisher Pulse Group Media. Director Martin Lewis-Stevenson said: “We were delighted to help launch the Northamptonshire Business Survey at this year’s Your Business Expo. We are always proud to support and champion county businesses through our events and through the Business Times.”

Refugees praise CIC’s job skills training programme

Ukrainian refugees who have completed a job skills training programme have received certificates to mark their success.

The aim of the Ukrainian Community Integration programme run by Cohesive Society CIC is to equip them with the skills necessary to secure employment. Founder Imran Chowdhury said: “So many highly educated professionals have had to flee

their country and are now living in the UK without a job and this is at a time when we in the UK are facing a skills shortage.”

Now Cohesive Society, based in Towcester, plans to run the programme all year round. Each course consists of ten hours of training. “This programme is such a huge help to our community,” said refugee Valentian Bukovska, who took part in the pilot programme.

FSB leads Good Business Charter county bid

Acampaign for Northamptonshire to become the UK’s first Good Business Charter county is gathering momentum.

The Federation of Small Business is encouraging small firms in the county to get behind the initiative. Several towns and cities in the UK are already GBC-accredited.

The Good Business Charter encourages and recognises responsible business practices. To sign up, a business must meet or be working towards the ten components of the charter spotlighting how they treat the environment, their employees and suppliers.

Now the focus turns to Northamptonshire’s businesses and the impact they have on their staff, environment and supply chains. The

smallest business can sign up, thanks to a streamlined version adapted by the FSB and GBC for businesses with fewer than 50 employees.

More than 1,000 small businesses and sole traders have already signed up across the UK. The charter provides a clear framework for businesses of all sizes to champion their care for people and planet.

Being signed up demonstrates a clear message to current and potential customers that a business is committed to operating responsibly, said the GBC.

Among Northamptonshire’s accredited organisations are property investor Barwood Capital, Skills4Stem, Goldings Communications and the University of Northampton. Others include networking

group NNBN, D’Rose Development Consultancy and land and property business Courteenhall.

Chartered accountants Elsby & Co was among the first to be accredited. Its co-founder Clare Elsby, pictured, is also a FSB member and is calling for more organisations to sign up.

“For us it just makes good business sense,” she said. “We were keen to

Bakery strikes apprenticeship partnership

Awell-known bakery business has joined forces with Moulton College in Northampton to recruit a fresh batch of apprentices. Geary’s Bakery chose the college as its apprenticeship partner, with 16 apprentices to begin their education there on day release in September at the college’s Food and Drink Innovation Centre.

The centre is used by full- and parttime learners and apprentices studying for qualifications in catering, food and drink and professional bakery. Geary’s has also donated new equipment, including a spiral mixer, a four-deck oven and a prover.

“The combination of on-the-job training with Geary’s and the learning opportunities we can offer them here at Moulton will give them a great foundation for promising careers in bakery,” said Moulton College’s business development manager Gemma Cullinane.

Founded in 1906, Geary’s employs 400 staff and produces more than one million loaves and rolls a week at its two sites near Leicester. It supplies leading supermarkets and food retailers. Managing director Josh Wesson said: “We are passionate about developing our people so that we can continue to bake highquality products.”

A ‘gateway building’ for Mercedes and Brackley

>> From page 1 marketing building on the current car park which Mercedes said presents “an opportunity to design and build a gateway building not only at the entrance to Mercedes but also at the southern entrance to the town of Brackley”.

A health and well-being hub is proposed near the watercourse which will include a restaurant, gym, yoga space and changing facilities.

Since Mercedes returned to F1 in 2010, it has been one of the most successful teams, winning seven consecutive driver titles and eight consecutive constructor’s titles. The application

highlights that F1 is key to the ongoing growth of the business but expansion into other areas is another key to the company moving forward.

This includes the construction of the boat for the UK challenge for the 37th Americas Cup which

is being undertaken at the Brackley site.

The application includes an insight from team principal and chief executive Toto Wolff about the company’s plans to ‘be more than leaders - we want to be pioneers’.

He adds: “Whether in deploying our resources to drive technological advances that will help society address the environmental challenges that we face or through committing to increase the diversity of our workforce, and supporting those in need in our local communities, our passion is not just in the cares you see on track; it is across everything we do.”

have an external body provide us with an accreditation for responsible business practices, especially as we were already doing many of them.”

The practice, which has offices in Rushden and Sywell, is working on its environmental responsibility and has created a team within the business to work towards environmental commitments. “The application process was therefore very easy for us as a business but it makes you appreciate best practice and allows you to benchmark your business against others which in itself is a very useful exercise,” said Ms Elsby. Studies show that 97 per cent of consumers believe it is important for a business to act responsibly. One recent survey revealed that

almost half of younger workers want the company they work for to demonstrate a commitment to environmental, social and governance.

The time is right to drum up support in Northamptonshire, said GBC chief executive Jenny Herrera. “Northamptonshire provides a wealth of good jobs and institutions committed to people and planet. We want to encourage organisations to seek GBC accreditation as a way to clearly evidence to customers, employees, suppliers and others that you care too. Together we will raise the bar on good business behaviour.”

Accreditation is free for the first year and costs £25 a year for subsequent years. Accreditation is done online through self-certification.

Full STEAM ahead for students’ career ambitions

Inspiring young people about the wealth of careers available in the county was the order of the day at the annual STEAM Northants event.

More than 2,500 students and teaching and schools staff visited the University of Northampton’s Waterside campus for the biggest county ‘careers expo’ for

ten to 18-year-olds, with representatives from more than 45 schools and colleges and more than 70 exhibitors.

The university opened the doors on its areas of expertise including eSports, engineering, paramedic science and popular music department. The keynote speaker was TechWomen100 award winner Beverley Clarke.

UoN widening access manager Natasha Mycawka said: “The whole point of STEAM Northants is to inspire young people, opening their eyes about the possibilities in Northants and beyond and to let them explore and ‘have a go’ at some of the vast array of careers and professional areas available to them”

Toto Wolff

Careers scheme strengthens firms’ skills links with schools

Teachers from across the county are set to benefit from a new national pilot programme that boosts collaboration with local businesses and improve young people’s careers choices.

The Careers & Enterprise Company’s Teacher Encounters programme is engaging businesses including companies such as Kier, Travis Perkins, the Coop and the NHS that are able to offer teachers tours of work places, industry experiences and practical activities.

The Teacher Encounters programme is bringing subject teachers directly into the careers conversation. The new initiative responds to teachers’ views about training available and recognises that teachers are a key source of career inspiration for students.

They will work together with local businesses to:

■ Develop a deeper understanding of local jobs including the routes insuch as apprenticeships - and the skills required in the world of work;

■ Pursue teachers’ interests by exploring ways of enriching the curriculum and connecting learning in lessons to how it is applied in the workplace;

■ Build a shared understanding of the similarities and differences between school and work life.

■ The South East Midlands pilot programme runs until the end of this month and is linking around 35 local teachers to local employers. The programme is supported by Pathways CTM.

Isobel Taylor, strategic hub lead for the South East Midlands Careers Hub, said: “Getting the right skills and talent is a priority for every business. Participation in the Teachers Encounters programme is another brilliant way for firms of all sizes and sectors to step up and take action to help ensure tomorrow’s workforce are informed and inspired about careers in business.”

The South East Midlands Careers Hub is seeking more volunteers from local businesses to ‘Give an Hour’ and support careers activities across the region’s schools and colleges.

n Find out more about Teachers Encounters at www.semlep.com or email careershub@semlep.com

Arrivals confirm strength of ‘bricks, not clicks’ retail revival

Retailers at Charter Court in Corby’s Oakley Vale District Centre have welcomed the arrival of two new neighbours.

Tanning salon Tanners Lane and Butterwick Bakery, which specialises in premium confectionery and sweet treats, have each leased a 700 sq ft unit. For Tanners Lane, it is a second unit to complement its salon in Kettering.

Butterwick Bakery is already open for business at its new shop, the

company’s eighth in the East Midlands - including another Corby location on Rockingham Road. It now employs more than 60 staff and supplies its outlets from its bakery in Corby.

Chartered surveyor Eddisons acted for Charter Court’s landlord. Agency surveyor Amanda Lawrence said: “To see the latest units we have let occupied by growing local business is indicative of the ongoing success of retailers whose offer and in-person experience

cannot be replicated online.” Eddisons has been instructed to market two further units at Charter Court which the current occupier is vacating.

Scan

n County law firm Wilson Browne Solicitors has announced a series of promotions among its staff following its AGM in May. Private client solicitor Kayleigh Brown has become a senior associate while promoted to associate are childcare lawyers Nick Herring and Jemma Izzard, private client team member Debbie Hope, Heather Davies and Jess Leech of the private family law department, James Batey who works in the Court of Protection team, and clinical negligence solicitor Gemma Pabari.

Trials look to develop electric vehicle alert system

Building materials plc

Travis Perkins is taking part in trials to develop sound alerts to be fitted to electric-powered forklift trucks.

The company, headquartered in Northampton, is working with the University of Salford Manchester on the project, which it commissioned in the wake of concern from employees about the quietness of an electric forklift truck compared to a traditional diesel engine and the potential safety risks.

Work is under way to develop a sound alert for forklifts as they move forwards to alert customers and colleagues, similar to those built into other electric vehicles to warn pedestrians and other road users. Earlier this year Travis Perkins announced it is to convert up to 1,100 forklift trucks from diesel to electric power, reducing carbon emissions by up to 6,000 tonnes a year.

“There should always be a safe distance between people and working machinery but exclusion zones work best if people are alerted as they approach any high-risk areas,” said Richard Byrne, Travis Perkins’ HSE and fleet director. “Given the pioneering nature of this decarbonisation project, research is required to ensure we develop alerts that work well as effective warning systems for both our operators and the colleagues and customers who may come into contact with our exclusion zones.”

The Acoustic Centre at the University of Salford is world-renowned for its expertise developed on the back of a similar electric scooter study. The research will involve all the Travis Perkins group businesses, including forklift truck operators and colleagues.

The alerts will be developed using virtual reality technology and measurements from an anechoic chamber to create the most effective sound. “As an early adopter of electric forklifts, this requirement for sound alerts was not something anyone in the industry had foreseen,” said Mr Byrne. “This study is a really important contribution to enhance safety in that it will solve a problem that applies to so many in our industry.”

Once completed, the findings may be shared with the wider industry to promote best practice and for the electric forklift truck sound alerts to be applied as a new standard nationally and internationally, he added.

£1m upgrade ‘a pledge of faith in town’

Northampton’s Park Inn hotel is to rebrand and upgrade to four stars as part of a million-pound investment programme that will also see it become a Mercure hotel from next year.

Parent company Accor announced the deal and said the revamped hotel will be a joint venture between real estate fund manager Frogmore and C1 Capital Partners.

The 146-room Mercure Northampton will operate under a franchise agreement and the extensive renovation will see a real focus on the ‘market town’ history of Northampton, celebrating both the history and future of the Market Square.

The hotel, pictured, had run under the Radisson banner but has been renamed Northampton Town Centre Hotel until it officially becomes a Mercure in

Hotel prepares for refurbishment ahead of brand switch

the spring. General manager Simon Smith said: “This is the start of an exciting journey as we become the town centre’s first four-star hotel. It is a signal of intent and a pledge of faith in Northampton, where we want to establish ourselves as a real asset to the community.”

The hotel will include 12 meeting rooms with total capacity of 600 and a business centre. It will be themed around the concept of a Market Square, with concessions for small local independents. Nearby coffee roaster Yellow Bourbon already

BID celebrates award for gardens transformation

Work to give a new lease of life to a forgotten green space in Northampton town centre has been recognised at a national awards ceremony, with judges praising the project’s impact.

St Katherine’s Gardens has been transformed via a lottery-funded volunteer project as part of The Big Help Out to mark the King’s Coronation weekend.

The project, led by Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District and supported by Northampton Town Council, is the winner of the Social and Community Contribution at the Association of Town and City Management Industry Awards.

“This was a fantastic project to be a part of and showed Northampton in a really positive light, with the town coming together to create something very special for the whole community to be proud

of,” said BID operations manager Mark Mullen. “The difference it has made already is incredible. It is unrecognisable from just a few weeks ago. It is bright, cheerful and a lovely place to be.”

Partners including groundworks firm Danaher and Walsh, landscapers idverde, builders merchants Travis Perkins, Zone Developments and Stepnells, the developers behind the Market Square works, donated time and resources to the project.

Volunteers from Northampton Town Council, the Royal British Legion, University of Northampton, Northampton College and local businesses joined in to spruce up the area and clear litter. Benches and bins have been repurposed and upcycled. Railings and gates have been painted and sections of the park are dedicated to Northampton Town Council’s Bloom campaign and the Climate Change Forum.

Sports company renews Cobblers sponsorship deal

Sports memorabilia company Memento Exclusives is to continue its sponsorship of Northampton Town FC for a fourth season following the club’s promotion to League One.

The Cobblers players will wear the logo of the Northampton-based company on the back of their shirts for the new season which kicks off next month. “It is a sign of confidence in the club that such a respected company worldwide, based here in Northampton-

shire, has become a long-term partner of ours,” said the club’s commercial director Caroline Lucy. “The rising profile of the club following promotion as well as our off the field success shows this is a football club moving in the right direction.” Memento Exclusives’ founder and chief executive Barry Gough added: “Our branding on the back of the players’ shirts is the perfect reminder of how our business can bring fans closer to the action and the sports they love.”

supplies the hotel.

“We hope to develop partnerships with many other local businesses in the months to come to emphasis our commitment to the local area,” said Mr Smith.

Mark Mullen, operations manager of Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District, said: “It is always pleasing to see a business

commit its long-term future to Northampton and this investment is a real show of confidence in what lies ahead for the town centre.”

The Park Inn joins Stifford Hall hotel in Thurrock, Essex in switching to Mercure as part of the deal.

Accor Northern Europe’s vice president development Philip Lassman said: “These signings are the latest announcements within a strong pipeline across Europe, signifying the strength of the internationally recognised Mercure brand and industry-leading services to boost revenues for hotel owners, alongside the ability to retain the individual style and character of a boutique hotel.”

John Matthews, director of asset management at Frogmore, added: “These hotels are ideal properties for the Mercure brand.”

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

BID operations manager Mark Mullen (centre) and team with the award

Green and clean: Enjoy summer on Brackmills

Industrial estates are rarely known for their green spaces and picnic spots. But Northampton’s Brackmills Industrial Estate is an exception.

This thriving estate is home to 18,000 employees and more than 180 businesses and boasts a network of footpaths, cycle ways, pocket parks and green spaces.

To mark Pride the BID invited employees on a lunchtime walk around Brackmills Country Park, organised in partnership with Q Space, a non-profit voluntary association set up to support the LGBTQ+ community and allies in mind, body, and spirit.

For some, it was the first time they had taken time out of their working day to explore and enjoy Brackmills Woods Country Park, a stunning green space tucked between big warehouses. This is a small haven of peace, greenery and trees with a lake at its heart.

This country park, the estate’s other green spaces and the impressive network of cycle ways and footpaths are a real plus for employees and one of the many reason the estate is so popular with both businesses and staff.

Employers urged to back mental health campaign

Mental health in the workplace is among those issues at the top of the agenda for employers. And the subject comes into focus this month as part of a campaign by The Samaritans.

It is running its Talk To Us awareness day on July 24. The charity said employers have an important role to play in supporting mental health initiatives for their staff.

Mental health problems affect one in four people in the UK. Employers are being urged to highlight support mechanisms they have in place already and to look at extending those to help employees.

The Talk To Us awareness day is being backed by Northamptonshire HR consultant Rachel Collar. She said that support can comprise simple steps such as employers sending an

email to staff on the day to highlight the campaign and provide links to support resources such as mental health helplines, employee assistance programmes and mental health first aid training.

“Talk to Us provides a great opportunity for businesses to show their support and raise awareness about this important issue,” said Ms Collar, who runs Haus of HR based in Towcester.

Haus of HR is advising its clients on promoting good mental health among their staff. “Small gestures can make a huge difference,” Ms Collar said. “By showing their support and providing access to resources, employers can help to reduce the stigma around mental health and create a culture of openness and support.”

“As a sports brand, we really appreciate having the clean and green spaces around our base,” said Ellie Smith, community manager at Decathlon UK’s site on Brackmills. “We love the cycle paths and walking and running routes which are good to utilise on our breaks and lunches.

“We also have the two pocket parks on the estate, which is great to help promote physical and mental wellbeing which is something we are passionate about at work.”

Jon Morgan is CEO at In ‘n’ Out Autocentres: “Brackmills is always buzzing with life and people,” he said. “It’s well cared for and well maintained and we particularly like the parks dotted around the estate and have walking meetings with our team.”

Brackmills Industrial Estate is a thriving Business Improvement District, which means resident businesses have voted to improve their environment and pool funding every year to make this happen.

The BID is committed to protecting the estate’s green spaces and constantly maintains the estate’s footpaths and cycle ways, with overhanging branches cut back and landscaping done to ensure cyclists and walkers can stay safely on the move.

Council agrees electrification contract for refuse fleet

Electrification and upcycling specialist Lunaz has won its first contract with a local authority to convert its refuse collection fleet to electric power.

Chief executive David Lorenz is pictured with Cllr Gareth Williams, cabinet member for climate change at Buckinghamshire Council, with delivery of the first of the vehicles to be upcycled at Lunaz’s Silverstone factory.

Work has begun to convert the 26-tonne refuse vehicle from its existing diesel power, with delivery to be made in the autumn. The work is being funded with a grant from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.

The change, which will ultimately transform the council’s entire

refuse collection fleet, will reduce running costs, help to improve air quality and is a significant step in Buckinghamshire Council’s aim to run a more sustainable fleet.

Cllr Williams said: “This is a very exciting moment and a big milestone in our journey to cutting our carbon emissions and meeting our climate change strategy ambitions. It also reflects our commitment as a council, to supporting local business.”

The deal with Buckinghamshire Council follows waste management company Biffa agreeing a sevenyear deal with Lunaz to electrify its entire 1,100-vehicle fleet. The work will support around 300 jobs at Lunaz’s factory on Silverstone Technology Park, Mr Lorenz said.

IT consultancy completes MBO deal

Corporate finance specialists at Watersheds in Northampton have completed work on a management buy-out at an IT and digital transformation consultancy. The firm acted for shareholders Jeff Motto and Israr Chaudry in their exit from Leading Resolutions, the consultancy they founded in 2002 and grew to work with clients including easyJet, the AA and electrical retailer Currys.

The MBO puts the company in the hands of chief executive Pete Smyth and chief operating officer Sheila Bryant. Mr Motto and Mr Chaudry approached Watersheds in 2020 for help with succession and exit planning, Adviser Wendy Lam suggested a potential management buyout backed by private equity and a deal was struck with NVM Private Equity. “The final outcome is a winwin for all parties,” Ms Lam said.

“Great to help promote physical and mental wellbeing”

Warehouse where robots outnumber the humans

Revolutionary robots are working alongside humans at a fulfilment centre in Northampton set up by global online store specialists.

Active Ants has opened its first e-fulfilment centre in the UK at Brackmills Industrial Estate.

The company, founded in The Netherlands in 2010, already runs state-of-the-art robotised operations at its warehouses in Holland, Germany and Belgium.

The warehouse in Northampton

will ship up to ten million parcels a year and at full capacity will have more than 400 robots working alongside 250 employees.

The Active Ants operation has automated storage, order picking, packing and sorting with employees working with robots for the order picking, packing and preparation for sending. The return flow and the receipt of goods is processed manually. Robotisation leads to greater efficiency, higher quality, less carbon dioxide emission and

a better work environment for the employees, Active Ants’ country director UK Khalil Ashong told guests at the official opening of the 252,000 sq ft warehouse.

“We have a structured and efficient process which combines humans and robots, making the site the most efficient and sustainable in the UK,” Mr Ashong said.

Sustainability is a key focus for the company, he added. Its innovative AutoStore solution means that the warehouse storage takes up six

Creative arts organisations join forces

Creative arts students are set for a major boost to their study and career prospects thanks to a partnership between a vocal and creative arts training company and a musical theatre college.

Beccy Hurrell Voice & Arts has linked up with the Emil Dale Academy and is sharing resources, delivering masterclasses and special industry insights.

“EDA is the ideal partner for us as we continue to strive for excellence in the creative arts provision,” said BHVA director Lindsey Atkins. “This exciting new partnership aligns with our mission to provide students with the most comprehensive and wellrounded training possible. We anticipate that our students will flourish under this new arrangement.”

BHVA’s founder Beccy

Hurrell worked as a resident singing teacher at EDA before establishing BHVA. “This collaboration marks a proud moment for us,” she said. “It is a privilege to work with an institution that shares our passion for the performing arts and dedication to student growth. Both organisations are committed to fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment for anyone who is interested in the creative arts.”

Council set to move on station car park

Plans to increase spaces and improve facilities at Northampton railway station by building a new 1,198 space multi-storey car park have moved forward.

West Northamptonshire Council is working with Network Rail and its development partner BlocWork on the project after

stepping in to manage the facility.

Cllr Dan Lister, cabinet member for economic development, town centre regeneration and growth, said: “There is a real need for a new multi-storey car park to replace the current arrangements at Northampton Railway Station. We can

make space available for future development which will further enhance this area.”

The project had been delayed due to the pandemic and rising inflation over the past 18 months. “We are now in a strong position to bring forward this development and manage the facility in house.”

times less space than a traditional warehouse.

The automated packaging machines tailor-make boxes to fit products, which means no box filling is needed, reducing space during last-mile transport and reducing waste. The Northampton warehouse has an A+ rating, an ‘outstanding’ BREEAM certification and more than 1,000 solar panels on its roof to generate its own electricity.

The company runs the logistics

processes of e-commerce companies, mostly in fashion, health and beauty, nutrition and small electronic products. Clients store products close to the end-consumer in Active Ants’ warehouses across Europe all operated under the same advanced software.

“Active Ants managed to combine efficiency in its processes, which reduce costs for our clients, while at the same time reducing carbon footprint, which makes the solution unique,” Mr Ashong said.

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Active Ants unveils its new warehouse on the Brackmills industrial estate in Northampton.

Above: Country director UK Khalil Ashong

Investor completes £1.65m warehouse acquisition deal

Investment company Deeley Group has completed a seven-figure deal to acquire a manufacturing and distribution facility in Northampton.

The business has acquired the freehold of a 13,145 sq ft industrial warehouse on Lodge Farm Industrial Estate in a deal worth £1.65 million from Oheka Services Ltd.

The property, pictured, is occupied by specialist moulding company Burnetts Manufacturing Limited, which provides solutions for rubber, plastic and silicone components. The business has a lease on the site until 2037.

Deeley Group’s joint managing director Eleanor Deeley said: “This deal presented a great opportunity to enhance our commercial property stock and to continue to invest in our core

Spa cleans up at Muddy Stilettos Awards

locations across the Midlands.

The deal was completed in just

two weeks and we thank the other parties involved for supporting what was a very smooth process.”

Lodge Farm Industrial Estate is fully let, which speaks to its location and transport links. “This is a great addition to our investment portfolio and we are pleased to be further expanding our footprint in Northamptonshire,” Ms Deeley said.

Tom Bromwich, partner at commercial property specialists

Whittlebury Spa has won the Best Day Spa category in the Northants Muddy Stilettos Awards 2023.

Now the spa will be among the finalists at the national Muddy Stilettos Awards 2023 later this month.

Bromwich Hardy, acted for Deeley Group on the acquisition.

“This is an excellent investment for the group, sitting in a superb location and with an excellent tenant,” he said. “Its potential for the future - particularly in light of the planned infrastructure workmake this an outstanding deal in every respect.”

Cherry Elliott and Darrell Aldridge, of Higgs LLP, completed the legals on the deal. TDB Real Estate acted on behalf of the vendor.

Spa manager Sophie Clear said: “We are thrilled to be recognised as the Best Day Spa in the Northants Muddy Stilettos Award 2023. We are grateful to everyone who voted for us and to the judging panel for their support and recognition.”

Relive the celebrations at the Daventry Court Hotel as the cream of Northamptonshire’s thriving SME businesses get together to

BEST ENTERPRISING BUSINESS Pilkington Communications

SILVER Cumberland Platforms Sponsor: Starlight-Digital

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (less than 50 employees) Trapp’d SILVER Holly House Residential Home Sponsor: Borneo Martell Turner Coulston Solicitors

FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Service MOT Repairs SILVER Web Alliance

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (50+ employees) The ONE Group SILVER Cumberland Platforms Sponsor: Grosvenor Leasing

BEST NEW BUSINESS Starlight-Digital SILVER Hunsbury Homes

Sponsor: Borneo Martell Turner Coulston Solicitors

BUSINESS INNOVATION Web Alliance

SILVER Mainstream Careers

COMMUNITY BUSINESS Goodwill Solutions CIC SILVER Teamwork Trust Sponsor: CommSave Credit Union

HIGH GROWTH BUSINESS Acorn Analytical Services

SILVER Wills Consultants

Sponsor: Events & PR cora.uk

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR CommSave Credit Union SILVER CB Tax Sponsor: Web Alliance

Haus of HR founder Rachel Collar is ecstatic at winning the Gold Award for Towcester Business of the Year, following last year’s Silver Award. “It reflects our talented team’s unwavering dedication, expertise and hard work. We remain committed to supporting clients’ HR needs and positively impacting the local business community.”

Haus of HR has established itself as the trusted partner for businesses throughout Northamptonshire and beyond. Its comprehensive range of HR services encompasses compliance, talent acquisition and retention, employee wellbeing and engagement, and leadership coaching. Find out more at hausofhr.com or call 01604 261380.

Mandy Soames, sales and marketing director, said: “All of us at Cora are delighted to have received a Gold award in recognition of our commitment to sustainability.

“Our team are passionate about creating amazing places that support our natural environment and showcase the benefits a more eco-friendly approach can bring. It is fantastic to have that work recognised by the judges. We are also thrilled that our managing director took home a Silver award in the Business Person of the Year category.

“As a proud Northamptonshire-based business, winning such prestigious awards in our local area makes this feeling that extra bit special.”

toast this year’s winners. Business Times, official media partner to the awards, was there to record the gala black tie ceremony.

‘These awards mean so much to us all’

The companies making up the backbone of Northamptonshire celebrated in style at the 2023 SME Northamptonshire Business Awards.

The county’s finest small and medium-sized enterprises gathered for the awards ceremony and gala dinner at the Daventry Court Hotel to celebrate their success, and saw asbestos experts Acorn Analytical Services take home the coveted Overall Winner title as well as the High Growth Business award.

“Winning the High Growth Business of the Year award is a fantastic achievement,” said director Neil Munro after collecting the award from Lee Lewis of the awards’ charity partner The Lewis Foundation. “Everyone at Acorn has worked so hard this year and to win this award and to be named the overall winner title on top means so much to us all.”

The judges, all senior figures

in Northamptonshire business, focused on organisations who show outstanding initiative, boldness, sustainability and sound management practices. Awards director Damian Cummins said: “SMEs are responsible for driving innovation and competition across the county’s economic sectors. The sheer number, breadth and overall quality of the entries we have received is a testament of the strength of Northamptonshire’s growing SME market.

“This year’s entries demonstrate a commitment to impact and purpose-driven work that is here to stay. We should all be proud that such businesses choose to call Northamptonshire home.”

Acorn Analytical Services, based on Northampton’s Moulton Park industrial estate, and many of the gold award winners now head to the SME National Business Awards Grand Final at Wembley Stadium in December.

encore-environment.com

This award reflects the progress of our environmental and social value initiatives Project DIVERT and Waste Wise Kids that have had a hugely positive impact on organisations in need and primary schools.

Our interventions work alongside our waste management and environmental services in the construction sector, providing opportunities to think differently about waste and to help towards a more sustainable world that can transform lives. When you know that your sustainable interventions have provided homeless people with a bed and educated thousands of children about ways to stop waste impacting the environment, the whole team feels empowered.

Helping

We were delighted to be named Employer of the Year at the SME Northamptonshire Business Awards. We work hard on making Commsave a great place to work and to be an award-winning employer is both motivational and rewarding.

Our approach to wellbeing is based around supporting our people with their physical, mental and financial wellbeing. We have nearly doubled our team in the last year and have plans to increase further to meet ambitious growth plans.

We were also proud sponsors of the Community Business of the Year and Positive Impact Award and send our congratulations to all the winners.

YOUNG BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR Greta McDonald SILVER Emily-Louise Vainfield

BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR Jessica Pilkington SILVER Luke Simons BRONZE Fred Ojigbani Sponsor: Northampton Town FC

BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR Greta McDonald SILVER Gita Raikundalia BRONZE Nicola Sexton

POSITIVE IMPACT Encore Environment SILVER Beauty With Inn Sponsor: CommServe Credit Union

SERVICE EXCELLENCE HR Solutions SILVER Competitive Edge Training & Consultancy

Sponsor: Business Times + NN Pulse

SUSTAINABILITY Cora Homes SILVER Marlec Engineering Co

Sponsor: Grosvenor Leasing

WEBSITE OF THE YEAR Mad Mantiques

TOWCESTER BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Haus of HR SILVER Truva Lounge Cocktail Bar Sponsor: Events & PR

Keep compliant with rules on subscription services

With predictable revenue streams, it is understandable why a subscription business is attractive. Recent years have seen the launch of innovations such as monthly recipe boxes, coffee pods or health products, with numerous digital apps adding to established subscription services such as magazines.

As yet, there is no prescribed ‘subscription law’ but this area of business could be the focus of more regulation in the future.

“Now is a good time to audit your terms and conditions to ensure that your business is compliant and protecting your consumers as it should,” said Tom Bodkin, a commercial solicitor with law firm Borneo Martell Turner Coulston in Northampton.

“Taking pre-emptive steps now will ensure you are ready for any regulatory changes and will put you one step ahead of your competitors.”

The government is currently looking into tightening up laws around subscription models with a focus on protecting consumers. The

aim is to capture as wide a range of subscription businesses as possible and introduce changes to three key areas:

n Pre-contract There is expected to be more specific requirements that businesses will need to make consumers aware of before any contract is entered into. This will extend to making auto-renewals more of a choice.

n Renewal In addition to more prescriptive changes requiring businesses to connect with the consumer before any renewal, the government is looking at putting the onus on business owners to monitor and be pre-emptive in cancelling inactive subscriptions.

n Cancellation The focus is on making the process as simple as possible for consumers, with the onus on the business owner to take steps to be compliant.

While these changes are not yet law and the proposals could change further, it highlights the key considerations and steps a business can take to make your subscription

Bereavement: Let the grieving be your guide

Managing workplace

bereavement is challenging.

model more consumer friendly.

HOW WE CAN HELP

Getting your subscription business set up correctly, or to keep it running properly, requires compliance across a span of legal issues. Borneo Martell Turner Coulston has a strong team of experts in its commercial team who provide comprehensive advice to help you navigate an area of law that is coming under more and more scrutiny.

n For an informal discussion, contact Tom Bodkin in the corporate and commercial team on 01604 622101 or email tom.bodkin@bmtclaw.co.uk. Borneo Martell has offices in Northampton and Kettering. This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.

Maybe that is why it is rarely mentioned, writes Kawaljit Singh, trainee solicitor at Wilson Browne Solicitors in Northampton. But most people experience loss during their working lives and with Hospice UK reporting that fewer than one in five managers feel “very confident” supporting employees with bereavement, it needs mentioning. Difficulties often lie with communication, or rather the lack of or knowing how to. It is not easy to talk about death - these conversations can cause discomfort. Bereavementrelated communications need effective and compassionate handling. There are a number of ways to achieve this; for instance, ensure grieving employees are not overwhelmed with information. Limit initial conversations to condolences and ascertaining key information, such as:

n Whether and to what extent the employee or a deceased employee’s family is content with information being shared. This is particularly

important where it relates to the death of a work colleague.

n Identifying what time off is needed. This may extend to allowing employees time off to attend a colleague’s funeral.

n What are appropriate ‘keeping in touch’ arrangements such as how and when. ‘When’ can be particularly important as there will inevitably be key times to avoid, especially if a bereaved staff member is also a primary carer.

n Signposting any internal/external support.

It is also vital to remember grief affects us all differently - there is no set grieving period. Nor are there any other set grieving patterns. Ultimately, when affected with bereavement in the workplace. managers should be prepared to adapt and accept a bereaved’s guidance so they can then lead the way.

n For further guidance on this matter, contact the employment team at Wilson Browne Solicitors. www.wilsonbrowne.co.uk

Kawaljit Singh

Tom

Back to basics: A return to normal investment conditions

Jason Stather-Lodge, of OCM Wealth Management, gives investors reasons to be optimistic.

Investors have been hit by a series of ‘once in a lifetime’ events in recent years, with Covid-19, the war in Ukraine and record inflation challenging the long-held industry views on how investments should be managed. The traditional barbell approach to investing which involves a balance between. non-equity and equity assets, has failed dramatically in recent years while exceptional levels of market volatility has brought long-hold, more static strategies which ‘ride the market roller coaster’ into question.

A changing investment backdrop in recent years has forced a shift in market behaviour, changing the way asset managers invest. Between 2013 and 2018, market conditions allowed asset managers to generate strong risk-adjusted returns by rotating in and out of cyclical assets with cash and government debt also generating returns, boosting portfolio performance. However, with rising geopolitical risk, a global pandemic and soaring inflation, the regime has shifted away from managing assets towards managing risk, with all assets becoming toxic. Asset managers had to be more active in managing risk in order to protect clients from excessive market turbulence.

positive returns for investors. To explain why, we must review what has driven key asset class performance in recent years and how conditions are beginning to change.

Non-Equity Focus: Corporate Bonds and Government Debt

Mounting headwinds saw central banks ride to the rescue, injecting huge sums of stimulus to prevent an economic collapse. They did this under Quantitative Easing programmes, which meant that as well as buying their own government debt, central banks were also buying corporate debt to help maintain market liquidity.

Those corporate debt assets have since been progressively sold back into the market, soaking up liquidity and causing the assets to fall in value as supply was outstripping demand. In the UK, the Bank of England has moved all of its QE Corporate Bond assets back into the market - a positive signal as supply will no longer outstrip demand.

The result is that UK corporate debt is now starting to look positive as an asset class and we expect returns to turn positive in the months ahead.

The other asset class that central banks bought in their QE programmes was government debt,

which is directly influenced by rising interest rates. These are traditionally considered low-risk, secure assets; however in a period of rapid interest rate increases (compounded by political uncertainty last year), they have been anything but. As UK interest rates have risen from 0.25pc in March 2020 to 4.5pc in late June with the majority of rate hikes coming in the past 12 months, there has been a significant drop in valuations by up to 26pc in the last two years.

This is a significant decline in value for what is supposed to be a safe asset. However, as we approach peak interest rates in the UK in the coming months (accepting that they could go above 5pc if inflation remains stubborn) and if we compare the outlook now to the 4pc rise in the last 12 months, we expect returns on this asset class to improve. We believe that returns of at least 5pc are possible as the market normalises.

Equity Focus

Equity assets have been extremely volatile since the end of 2018 but particularly since Covid erupted in 2020. While recession was typically the base-case scenario for key developed economies such as the USA, Eurozone and UK, we are now seeing robust labour markets

At OCM, our mandate focuses on shielding investors from excess volatility within financial markets, with a focus on achieving the ‘outcome’ over the long term. In doing so, we remain dynamic in our asset allocation, acting swiftly to reduce risk and protect the ‘outcome’ during periods of market stress.

Over a tumultuous three-year period, the above chart shows how OCM’s macroeconomic overlay with a keen focus on our client’s investment objectives have resulted in a strong outperformance against our benchmark, with this buffer being maintained during a volatile 2022 as we took a significant riskoff approach in February.

Our fundamental view remains

and strong consumer demand with recessionary risks abating as high levels of employment keeps demand stronger than anticipated.

Even in a period of high inflation, this stronger demand is expected to lead to a recovery in global equity indices as confidence grows that the future is a normalising global cycle rotating though recession, recovery, expansion and slowdown rather than a recession which leads to high levels of unemployment and demand destruction. In that environment, we would expect equity returns to average between 8pc and 15pc as an annualised return, averaged over a full economic cycle.

that all assets, apart from cash, are subject to a varying degree of risk during different phases of a full economic cycle. We therefore remain dynamic in our asset allocation, focusing on how we can achieve our desired outcome rather that attempting to beat the market. The effectiveness of OCM’s strategy during changing market environments is clear to see. We believe financial markets demand a more active approach in order to navigate all market conditions, with deglobalisation and ongoing geopolitical tensions likely to result in further need to cyclically rotate the portfolio between different asset classes and geographically to deliver the expected returns.

interest rates peaking, no further geopolitical escalation and global economies transitioning through the standard phases in a normal economic cycle, we would expect returns on portfolios in the coming three to five years to average as follows:

n Cautious 4pc-5pc

n Cautious Balanced 6pc-7pc

n Balanced 8pc-9pc

Returns tend to increase with higher risk levels as a greater element of the barbell is weighted towards equity assets and their contribution is traditionally greater in normal market conditions.

Financial expertise: Make sure it is right for you

Does my business need a Finance Director? This is a question I often see doing the rounds on LinkedIn, writes Adrian Goodman of PPX Consulting, usually posed by a business owner who has been told that they need one but wants to be sure before they commit.

The inherent danger with asking questions on a public forum is that the qualified viewpoint mingles with anecdotal, often negative opinions, which are generally stated more forcefully. Throughout my career, I have heard horror stories, where an ‘incompetent’ Finance Director has damaged or destroyed a business and, while I cannot deny that it does happen, it can also be a case of the business appointing a Finance

Director without really knowing what they are getting into.

There is a huge difference between a seasoned Finance Director and a relatively inexperienced junior FD. Most SMEs do not have the budget or sufficient director-level work to attract and retain a higher level Finance Director, which means they often end up with a cheaper and less able alternative, although no less expectation is placed on their shoulders.

So at what point should a business look for a Finance Director? Firstly, turnover is irrelevant. A simple but well-established distribution business could have revenues of £30 million while a complex, developing, multi-site organisation is turning

Source: Reuters

Assuming therefore we are at a point of market normalisation, with no new Covid spikes, inflation subsiding,

n To discuss how OCM Wealth Management can help you, call 01604 621467 to talk to one of our Wealth Managers.

While this has resulted in a challenging period for investors, the good news is that we now see a normalisation of market conditions on the horizon. Interest rates are moving back to their long-term average of 3 to 5-5 per cent in the UK, while central banks are offloading the assets purchased to maintain market liquidity in recent years. As a result, it is our view that we are returning to a point where the barbell approach to managing assets will again generate Past performance cannot be used as a guide to future performance and the value of your investment will fall as well as rise in value. You may not get back all of your investment and the final value of your investment will depend on the performance of your portfolio. The actual performance of an individual client’s portfolio may differ due to different funds being used and being restricted in relation to certain asset allocations. Performance figures quoted include fund manager charges but exclude adviser, discretionary, custodian and switch charges. Unless stated, income is reinvested into the portfolio. The information contained in this document is for information purposes only. It does not constitute advice or a recommendation or an offer or solicitation for investment.

Director so do your research and make sure you can interview effectively. It may be useful to ask an accountant or other trusted finance professional to help you review CVs or attend interviews. If you are not ready for a full-time Finance Director, consider alternatives, such as:

over less than £10 million. The smaller business needs significant strategic direction while the larger organisation is doing just fine with a competent Finance Manager.

In my experience, the key considerations are:

n Do you understand the role a Finance Director plays in a business?

n Do you frequently need highlevel finance support - to assess opportunities, provide strategic direction or liaise with external

adrian.goodman@ppxconsulting.co.uk www.ppxconsulting.co.uk 01536 856740

parties, for example?

n Do you need a permanent solution or is this a short-term need?

n Can you afford, or at least justify, the expense of a Finance Director’s salary which will often include a bonus, car and other benefits in order to be competitive?

n Will your chosen Finance Director find the work stimulating or will they become bored and move on?

If the answer to these questions is ‘Yes’, you probably need a Finance

n A part-time or interim Finance Director. Access to financial expertise when you need it and although day rates can seem steep, it is nothing compared to the cost of a full-time permanent role.

n Find the right level. A capable Management Accountant or Finance Manager may be a more appropriate fit. You can always reassess later on.

n Develop from within. Supporting an existing team member through an accounting qualification can be a great way to grow an ‘organic’ Finance Director, with plenty of intangible benefits.

PPX Consulting can help to assess your needs and propose a solution. For a conversation, please get in touch.

Comment

Jill Hope, the Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate in Northampton South, responds to Andrew Lewer MP’s comments in Business Times last month that the UK’s target of achieving net zero by 2050 may turn out to be a ‘giant folly’.

There is no Plan Bclean energy is for the next generations

Business has to be at the heart of the move towards achieving net zero by 2050. Individuals do what they can by recycling, changing to electric vehicles, buying electricity from green suppliers, minimising food waste but it is the efforts of businesses large and small that will make the real difference.

The current Conservative MP for Northampton South wants to kick the can down the road (Business Times, June 2023), asking for the changes to happen over 100 years rather than 25 years. No!

By contrast, Conservative-run West Northamptonshire Council signed up to the Net Zero pledge, following a motion from the Lib Dem group.

The tactics of groups like Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion have annoyed and upset the public and businesses simply trying to get on with their lives but the frustration of these groups at not being heard is understandable.

We should all be proud of living in a country which is leading the way on clean energy. We would, of course, be in a much better position currently if the Conservative government had not dropped so many of the green measures implemented by the Liberal Democrats within the Coalition government. For example, the proportion of green energy being generated and the number of homes with decent levels of insulation could have been massively higher. But you cannot turn back time.

Saying we are only responsible for one per cent of global CO2 emissions is ignoring the fact that we are responsible for a much higher proportion of historical emissions, only exceeded by much larger countries like the USA, China and Russia.

Climate change is the biggest challenge facing the planet right now. People like Mr Lewer expect free market economics to solve

Jill Hope

the problem. That simply will not happen. And it will be too late to complain when climate refugees from Australia and southern Africa start to head our way.

The electric car charging infrastructure has been very poorly managed - you only have to stop at any of the motorway services to see people queuing for ages to use one of only three or four chargers. But this can be fixed, whereas the huge number of people suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease because of dirty air - even in Northampton, in St James, where air quality is significantly below EU standards - cannot be fixed and are a massive drain on the NHS through no fault of their own.

Business is going through very tough times. Costs have rocketed at a time when increasing prices is next to impossible. All of a sudden, those helpful Covid loans are needing to be paid back. I heard of a hair salon that managed to get through Covid with such a loan that is now having to pay back £8,000 a month, which is frankly impossible.

However, achieving net zero is not impossible. There are specialists who can undertake an environmental audit for your business and will recommend a series of changes that will enable you to proudly say ‘This business has achieved net zero’.

Isn’t that better than bleating about it being too hard? Tell that to your children and grandchildren.

Employers said that equal pay was impossible. We still have some way to go on equal pay but progress has been made. People said we would never stop smoking in pubs but it happened overnight.

In Northampton there is not enough money to keep the streets clean and in a filthy street it is all too easy for people to think ‘What difference does it make if I drop litter?’ Now the Wombles have led the way by example, cleaning up Northampton area by area, week in week out. People do not tend to drop litter in a spotless street.

Let’s be proud of leading the way in the world, not be cowardly and say ‘It’s too hard’.

n Jill Hope, Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Northampton South, is a former business bank manager and business advisor working across Northamptonshire.

Let’s be proud of leading the way in the world, not be cowardly and say ‘It’s too hard’.

AI has arrived and it’s here to stay, like it or not

In recent years, AI has rapidly evolved into a transformative force, revolutionising businesses across various industries. The profound impact of AI and its numerous benefits are astonishing as it continues to reshape the way organisations are going to operate.

AI, represents the creation of intelligent machines capable of mimicking human intelligence and decision-making processes. It encompasses various technologies such as machine learning, neural networks and deep learning, which empower AI systems to analyse data, learn from patterns and make intelligent predictions.

The potential of AI to enhance business operations when broken down is staggering. By harnessing its power, organisations can streamline processes, improve efficiency, and make decisions like never before. Automation enables repetitive and mundane tasks to be handled by machines, freeing up human resources to focus on more strategic and creative tasks.

The big question is: Will AI take people’s jobs? Kate Shephard, co-founder of specialist Artificial Intelligence business consultancy

Unfold:ai, based in Leicestershire, said: “Perhaps look at it this way: AI is very good at the mundane, datadriven, sequential and predictive things. It joins the dots. People, however are very good at being creative and random, visualising what could be.”

So while many businesses will be able to achieve productivity gains, they will also be able to achieve growth through upskilling people to deliver projects that they never quite get to. It is no secret, though, that AI will change the way we work.

Many experts refer to this as a revolution, the end of the digital era and the beginning of the era of augmentation. A time that will allow us to achieve and do better things in business and our personal lives.

A lot of business leaders will tell you that one of their biggest regrets was not starting their digital business journey earlier. AI is going to follow in that way, only much faster, so understanding AI is key in all areas of our lives. Should we fear AI? There have been many recent news stories about how machines will take over our lives or the world but that is actually AGI (Artificial General Intelligence). There is no

evidence to state that this will happen or, if it does, when it will. However with any type of change of this scale there is always a change curve and fear is always part of that curve.

The government recognises the importance of AI ethics and the need to build trust in AI for it to be widely accepted and utilised. In recent weeks, we have seen a significant step in this direction with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s meeting with US President Joe Biden, which included a focus on the responsible use of AI. The two leaders discussed the need to work together to build a better future for our citizens through innovation and technology while ensuring that these advancements are

YES, YOU CAN HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT.

..

Review your contracts of employment and staff handbooks… for free

In the last few years...

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

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

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

Hybrid and remote working

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

Further likely changes

Restrictive covenants: potentially, changes will be made to the future enforceability of restrictive covenants. Check that your contracts provide sufficient protections

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

Contracts: are yours up to date?

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

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

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

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

developed in a way that reflects our shared values, including those related to ethical AI.

The government established a Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation, which is advising ministers on how to ensure that data-driven technologies are developed and used in ways that are safe, fair and ethical.

The centre is also engaging with industry and civil society to develop ethical guidelines for AI. Additionally, it launched the AI Council, which is composed of experts from industry, academia and civil society, to provide strategic advice on the development and implementation of AI. These efforts are in line with our goal of ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of developing and using AI ethically, responsibly and for the benefit of society.

There is a huge opportunity for many organisations to embrace AI and to understand it and where it can be adopted.

Businesses in the Midlands are starting to properly explore the impacts and opportunities of AI. This can only be a good thing.

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

The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence already transforming the way in which business operates. Northampton South MP Andrew Lewer looks at the benefits and concludes that the potential for increased efficiency and for growth is staggering.

Andrew Lewer

The end of the digital era and the beginning of the era of augmentation

There is always a change curve and fear is always part of that curve

& CO

New Business Hub aims to help firms make informed decisions on growth

An award-winning regional accountancy practice has launched a new suite of services which is quickly proving a hit with growing businesses.

Six months ago, Elsby & Co officially launched its Business Hub to offer businesses far more than the normal compliance service provided by most accountancy firms and it is already attracting clients with turnovers of over £1 million.

The Business Hub takes care of clients’ back-office finance functions and provides real-time management accounts information and regular strategy meetings with Elsby & Co’s expert team.

Partner Kupesh Patel, who heads up the Business Hub alongside senior manager Jack Emmerson, said: “The majority of accountants will just do year-end compliance work, being annual accounts and

GRIFFITHS AIR CONDITIONING

tax returns and meet with their client once a year but our ethos has always been to help our clients throughout their journey and the Business Hub is an extension of that. It is a complete outsourced finance function, from bookkeeping through to non-executive director level support. It gives the businesses we work with clarity on their financial position so they can make informed decisions on their business strategy, such as securing outside investment or recruitment needs to enable them to grow.

“We get involved at an operational level to understand their business and markets as well as helping our clients understand the financials better.”

The Business Hub provides regular bespoke real time Key Performance Indicators and offers a backoffice support function, including bookkeeping, credit control, payroll

and payment processing. One of the big advantages of the Business Hub is that clients also benefit from advice from Elsby & Co’s four partners and senior management team. “Growing businesses get to the stage where they will need higher level finance support, such as employing an inhouse financial controller or finance manager or finance director who

Building engineering services: We’ve got the power for commercial and residential

in turn would need support staff to carry out the lower level work, such as bookkeeping and credit control,” said Mr Emmerson.

“This would come at a big cost to the business and this is where the Business Hub can really benefit them. The Business Hub provides the expertise of multiple people from within our business. We have a wealth of experience and we all

bring something different to the table for our clients.

“This is not something you would necessarily get if you had an internal person doing the job.”

The Business Hub also fills an important gap for smaller growing businesses who are not in a position to recruit a bookkeeper, a finance director and a credit controller. “We can offer all of those things and the feedback we have received so far has been very positive,” said Mr Emmerson..

Elsby & Co, based in Rushden and Sywell, is initially focused on inviting businesses around Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes to join the Business Hub.

n To find out more about the Business Hub, contact Kupesh or Jack by calling Elsby & Co on 01604 678470 or 01933 312950 or email help@elsbyandco.co.uk

DIRECT SELLING ASSOCIATION

New figures from the UK Direct Selling Association shows an increase of more than 36 per cent in the number of people joining direct selling brands in the first quarter of this year.

An estimated 500,000 people in the UK work as independent salespeople in the direct selling sector, which includes brands such as Avon, The Body Shop and Usborne Books. Around two-third of those are working as a second job and less than ten hours per week, mostly in the evening.

Most are using the work to boost their income to offset the cost of living crisis. Almost a fifth work in healthcare and 15pc work in education.

urton Latimer-based Griffiths offer a one-stopshop for all aspects of building engineering services. The established business, now in its 23rd year, carries out a variety of work including air conditioning, domestic gas, electrics, plumbing, underfloor heating and ventilation.

Renewables also form a significant part of their workload with products such as air and ground source heat pumps, solar PV and solar thermal.

Many Northamptonshire-based businesses use Griffiths for one or more of these technologies and many small building companies appreciate the ease of having just one engineering contractor,

especially as so much of what is being installed these days traverses many different technical areas.

While a significant number of projects are in the commercial or industrial sectors, Griffiths also have many domestic customers, especially with regard to the installation and servicing of renewables (heat pumps and solar).

The Griffiths service team ensure equipment that requires regular maintenance, especially air conditioning, heat pumps and gas boilers, are all attended to as and when required and operate as efficiently as possible.

Energy efficiency forms a large part of the regulations that Griffiths have to work to

Band projects are designed to be as economical to install and run as possible. In Burton Latimer, Griffiths has an Energy Efficiency Centre showroom with working examples of heat pumps and many other energy-saving ideas. n Contact Griffiths by

The average amount earned through direct selling is £481 per month, with 64pc reporting that they scale their side hustle up or down to suit how much they want to earn each month or to work around other commitments.

The increase in the first quarter of 2023 is due to people needing to offset the rising costof-living and looking for ways to earn additional household income without the need to commute or pay for additional childcare, said the Direct Selling Association. 38pc of consultants reported that one of the main drivers was to be able to work from home.

DSA director general, Susannah Schofield, speaking at the organisation’s headquarters in Northampton, said: “Direct selling is a retail channel that traditionally performs well in

challenging economic times, not least because people look for flexible ways to boost household income without incurring additional costs uch as commuting or childcare. This, combined with people choosing to treat themselves to lower cost luxuries during times of financial uncertaintythe Lipstick Effect - is expected to drive sales in the sector in 2023.”

Cliff Jones, DSA chair and sales director at The 1:1 Diet, a former employee-owned business of the year which has seen one of the largest increases, added: “We have seen a 134pc increase in new consultants joining our business in the first three months of 2023 compared to the previous quarter and we are already starting to see small green shoots in terms of impact on sales.

“It is clear that increasing numbers of people are now actively looking for ways to offset the rising cost of living, but in a way which is flexible and home-based.”

Kupesh Patel

Jack Emmerson

telephone on 01536 420666, via www.griffithsaircon.co.uk or visit their Energy Efficiency Centre showroom at 111 High Street in Burton Latimer, open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.

The party is not over as new data shows recruitment rise

Susannah Schofield

Q&A

What was your first job?

I ‘worked’ from the age of 14 at the weekends and during school and university holidays. I mucked out and taught people to ride at East Lodge Farm in Ecton, I served at The Buttery in Castle Ashby, pulled pints at The Griffins Head in Mears Ashby and even did a stint at Sainsburys at Sixfields.

However, my first proper job after I graduated was as a recruitment consultant for Badenoch and Clark, who are sadly no longer trading.

Why did you choose your particular career?

I love people. It sounds really corny to say I am a people person, but I am.

I fell into recruitment, as a lot of people do, but I really enjoyed the balance of sales and helping people. My career progressed within the wider HR sphere and I have loved the diversity of the industry and of course, the people.

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

Expect the unexpected! When I started Ena HR & Training, I had a plan - lots of plans in fact - and as an overachiever I quickly saw it as failure that not everything was going to plan.

Being realistic and expecting the unexpected has really helped me to navigate the rollercoaster of emotions and opportunities in business.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

It has to be starting my own business. I have never felt so confident and determined. I have met so many interesting and inspiring people in the last 12 months, all of whom have enriched my life.

I thought it would be a lonely place, being self employed, but I’ve got such a great team around me. …and the low point?

At the start of the pandemic I struggled with poor mental health and this was heavily impacted by work-related stress.

The feeling of overwhelm was horrid and imposter syndrome consumed me. I can vividly remember seeing colleagues on Teams calls and being convinced they were talking about me.

This was silly, really, as reality was so very different, but my mind wouldn’t let me see the wood for the trees.

I look back now and I try to use the experiences from that bleak time to keep myself healthy and make a difference to others.

Who in business do you respect the most?

My Dad. He owned a small business in Sixfields importing leather, called Euroleathers. He bought into the business in

MY FAVOURITE...

the 1960s and ran it successfully until it sold in the late 1990s.

He wasn’t a millionaire but he worked hard and provided very well for us, his family.

He possessed qualities that I aspire to hone over my years in business; he was loyal, honest and genuine.

He had a good sense of humour and always supported the underdog.

He wasn’t always 100 per cent tolerant but he always saw the best in people.

He earned the trust and respect of a lot of people over his career. He was a cautious

FOOD It’s not always the food but the people you share it with. A family Sunday lunch at home or delicious Greek Souvlaki at a taverna owned by friends in Greece.

MUSIC/SONG I like anything you can sing along to. We have tickets to see the legend that is Billy Joel this month. I am so excited!

businessman and saved well for his future.

He once gave me advice, which I think his Dad gave him: ‘You can have a little debt but don’t get in over your head. Always have enough money to be able to afford a pint on a Friday night, even if it’s just the one’.

What annoys you the most in business?

People not being genuine. We are all different, we all make mistakes, we are all learning. I can usually see through someone who isn’t

BOOK The last book I read was Richard Osman’s third novel The

A lovely book to escape with.

FILM Every rubbish romantic comedy going! The most recent film I saw at the cinema was Top Gun Maverick - what an epic 1990s feel good film!

TV PROGRAMME Gogglebox. An efficient way of keeping up

genuine and my trust and respect for them often dissipates very quickly. Sometimes a lack of being genuine comes from a place of lack of confidence, and this is sad and something I like to support people to gain.

What’s your career ambition?

I want to see Ena HR & Training grow to be able to offer a great career to HR, training and recruitment professionals that fits around their unique lifestyle and ambitions. As the team grows, we will be able to make a difference to more business owners and people, which is a great privilege.

…and your life ambition?

Health is everything so I hope that I am healthy and so are my family. Assuming that we achieve this, I want to travel more. My success in business will be judged by the stamps in my passport and not by designer handbags or fast cars.

How do you relax?

I know that I am a much better (some would say nicer!) person if I exercise regularly. I do enjoy running. I also really enjoy cooking my family a roast dinner on a Sunday and it’s even better if the table is filled with family and friends to enjoy the feast.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Terrible romcoms. I love a film with a happy ending and will binge watch any series of a similar theme... Emily in Paris, Virgin River, Chesapeake Shores.

What’s your most treasured possession?

I know I don’t really own them but 100 per cent my daughters. I am their guardian and teacher until they spread their wings and they are my absolute everything. I am eternally grateful to have been blessed with them both. Being a good mum is really hard and at times I am not sure it’s a job I am cut out for but it’s also the best.

Tell us something you regret. Nothing. There are plenty of times in my life that I look back on and wish I had done something differently but I only do that with hindsight.

At that moment in time it was the right choice to make, the right hand you were dealt, or the right reaction.

Tell us a secret about yourself…

I am incredibly untidy! My bedroom always looks like a teenager has moved in and it a source of huge frustration for my poor husband!

What are the first 3 things on your bucket list?

n To drive around Italy eating all the delicious regional foods and gaining beautiful memories, friends, and inches!

n Take my girls to Disney World.

n Travel around South Africa visiting vineyards and experiencing wildlife, stunning scenery and history.

with University Challenge and Love Island (in equal measure) on a Friday evening.

RESTAURANT Hops and Chops at St Crispins in Northampton.

It’s a real treat to go there with friends.

DESTINATION Greece - beautiful people and a beautiful country.

Where business people discuss their motivation, ambition, experience - and themselves. In the spotlight this month is Kate Coulson, managing director of Ena HR & Training.

Bullet That Missed.

Always have enough money for a pint on a Friday night... even if it’s just the one

“My success in business will be judged by the stamps in my passport, not by designer handbags or fast cars.”

The business networking events this month across Northamptonshire

Q&A with FRANK BRUNO

11am-12 noon

The former boxer in conversation. Free event. SPEED 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 Community is focused on growth through collaboration and support with engaging and interactive meetings; both online and face-to-face.

Monthly face-to-face (£16 - first meeting free):

Northampton Breakfast

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

Northampton Evening

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

MONTHLY VIRTUAL

Price: £6 - first meeting free.

Wednesday Breakfast

4th Wednesday, 7.30-9am.

Thursday Breakfast

3rd Thursday, 7.30-9am.

Friday Breakfast

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.

PROCUREMENT AND PUBLIC SECTOR CONTRACTS

July 5 9.30am-11am:

Holiday Inn Express, Kettering

Presented by the procurement team at North Northamptonshire Council. Find out how procurement works at the council, how to find contract opportunities and how to bid for work Businesses, charities and organisations can learn what they need to do and what is required. Free event, NNBN members and non-members welcome.

BUSINESS NETWORKING

1pm-2pm

Hosted by networking group NNBN. Networking around tables of up to ten businesses, including up to three table changes, enabling you to meet as many businesses as possible.

Free event. Opden to Chamber members and non-members.

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

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

Elite BNI (Kettering)

Tuesday 6.45am-8.30am: Online

Ignite BNI (Daventry)

Tuesday 6.45am-8.30am:

The Turnpike, Harpole Northampton Pioneer BNI (Northamptonshire)

Wednesday 9.30am-11am: Online

Pavilion BNI (Northampton)

Thursday 6.45am-8.30am:

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

Thursday 6.45am-8.30am:

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

Thursday 11.45am-1.30pm:

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

Friday 6.45am-8.30am:

Franklin’s Gardens, Weedon Road, Northampton

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

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

July 11 7pm-8.30pm:

Kettering Park Hotel & Spa

July 20 7pm-8.30pm:

Delapre Abbey, Northampton

Free event for NNBN members; visitors £10.

FUNDED SUPORT WORKSHOP with DIGITAL FUTURE FIRST

July 19 9.30am-11am:

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.

The FSB has 2,000 members across Northamptonshire.

Northamptonshire

July 28 10am-11am: Online

Hosted by Sally Wood, director of Sally Wood Consultancy Limited and FSB area leader for Northants, Leics & Rutland.

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

Rock UK, Froniter Centre, Irthlingborough Learn about new funded business support, what you could apply for and the new grants available from July.

Free event, NNBN members and non-members welcome.

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

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

MILTON KEYNES BUSINESS SHOWCASE

July 7 10am-1pm

BUSINESS ROOM

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

KETTERING

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

July 6: Paisley Pear, Northampton Road.

Price: £8.

Northampton Buzz

July 19: Fox & Hounds, Harborough Road.

Price: £8.

Wellingborough Buzz

July 11: Castello Lounge, Market Street

Price: £8.

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

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

YOUR NETWORK IS YOUR NET WORTH

July 11 5.30pm-7pm

Speaker: Sunny Singh pictured below, group commercial director at Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes Chambers of Commerce. The session will provide tips on impactful pitching; building a referral network; hampioning personal brand; winning new business; networking online versus face to face.

Followed by a Q&A session.

Free event. To book, email info@nextgenerationchamber.co.uk

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

Kents Hill Park Training & Conference Centre Exhibition stands sold out, free admission for visitors. Preceded by BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS

8.30am-10am

Breakfast networking, sponsored by LSIP. Free event.

MK CHAMBER BIRTHDAY BARBECUE

12 noon-2pm

Celebrate the tenth anniversary of the formation of the current Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce. Price £10 + VAT. Chamber members and non-members welcome

Book at www.chambermk.co.uk/events

SPEED NETWORKING

July 18 11.30am-1.30pm: Park inn Northampton

Networking with buffet lunch. Price: £18 + VAT, Chamber members only.

BUSINESS EXHIBITION

September 7 10am-3.30pm

Northampton Saints RUFC, Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton Network, make connections and do businesses with Northamptonshire’s leading organisations. Exhibition stands sold out, free admission for visitors.

Preceded by BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS

8.30am-10am

Breakfast networking.

Price: £10 + VAT Chamber members; nonmembers £20 + VAT. On the exhibition agenda:

email details to editor Andrew Gibbs at news@business-times.co.uk. Or scan the QR code >>

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

KEEP

www.pulsemagazine.co.uk

Council welcomes new chairman

West Northamptonshire

Council’s new chairman is Cllr John Shephard. He has received the ceremonial chains of office from outgoing chairman Cllr André Gonzalez De Sávage and has named his two chosen charities for the year; Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust and the Army Benevolent Fund.

“I am looking forward to doing everything I can in the coming year to further raise the profile of West Northamptonshire and the many great communities we have,” said Cllr Shephard, pictured below, a councillor for more than 40 years.

“It is really important that our council fully supports and connects with our residents, businesses and community groups and I will be working hard to continue to build these links as well as helping to showcase their amazing achievements.”

A qualified solicitor, he moved to Northampton from London in the late 1970s to join Becke Phipps where he was a partner for 35 years. He began his political career on Daventry District Council as an elected member for the Spratton Ward.

Get in step to toast trust’s anniversary

Dancing in delight is the Northamptonshire charity Teamwork Trust which has raised more than £1,400 at a fundraising line dance.

Families and friends danced the night away at Grampian Club in Corby to celebrate the charity’s 40th anniversary. The gala was sponsored by Northampton-based CommSave Credit Union.

Teamwork Trust has set itself a £40,000 fundraising target this year to commemorate its four decades.

The charity supports autistic adults and people with learning disabilities and mental health needs at its centres in Corby,

Young people at risk of permanent exclusion from education or being lured into a life of crime are among those being helped towards a brighter future following the opening of Northampton Saints Foundation’s Corby Hub.

The hub, based at Stewart & Lloyds Rugby Club, was officially opened by Mayor of Corby Leanne Buckingham.

The Foundation supports young people aged seven to 16 across the north of the county who have become disengaged from mainstream education through its social inclusion programme Engage. Each session uses the values of rugby to inspire, support and educate young people to develop new skills and build their confidence.

Commissioner praises Foundation’s role in steering youngsters to a better future

The hub has been funded largely by Northampton Saints Foundation ambassador and adventurer Jack Fleckney who raised £45,000 at a 24-hour chin-up event in 2021. Stewart & Lloyds Rugby Club will receive additional funding which it will plough back into grassroots rugby. The new hub takes the number opened by the Northampton Saints Foundation to six, with others in Northampton, Milton Keynes and Ipswich. This year it expects to hold around 5,100 sessions, said foundation head Jordan Letts.

Northamptonshire’s Police &

Community space wins CSR award

Grosvenor Shopping

Northampton’s community initiative Grosvenor

Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold was among the guests at the Corby hub’s opening. “We often talk about how we deal with crime and solve problems after they happened but this hub allows us to look at the issues before they happen,” he said. “I am completely in awe of the Foundation and the work it does to support our young people.”

Cllr Buckingham said the opening of the hub was another example of the town using its strong sporting traditions to nurture the next generation.

“Sport has always brought our community together and the

Logistics MD swaps four wheels for two

connection between the rugby club, which was founded by the steelworks, and Northampton Saints Foundation is yet another example. It is a fantastic initiative.”

Staff from the Foundation work closely with each young person and with their referrer, parent or carer, to understand their individual circumstances and needs. A progression pathway will then be created to help them reintegrate and engage with their learning. Over a maximum of 15 hours per week, young people visit the hubs, away from their everyday routine to learn the skills they need to take on life’s challenges.

n Find out more at www. northamptonsaintsfoundation.org

Kettering and Wellingborough.

Its next fundraiser is a Movie Night at Corby’s Savoy Cinema on July 16, 6pm, with a screening of the 1970s musical Grease. Tickets are £5 - book at www. teamworktrust.co.uk/grease

Gatherings has won a CSR Excellence Award in the Community Commitment category of this year’s International Corporate Social Responsibility Excellence Awards. Grosvenor Gatherings provides a dedicated free space on the upper mall for organisations and charities. The centre invested £4,500 to create the space, which has taken around 200 bookings since it opened in 2022. “It is brilliant to see Grosvenor Gatherings facilitate collaborative and inclusive initiatives for community engagement,” said deputy centre manager Tom Litchfield.

Last year charities using the space raised more than £5,000.

David Goldsborough, managing director of Northampton-based Yusen Logistics, is back at work after completing a gruelling Tour de Yusen Logistics cycling challenge.

Mr Goldsborough has pedalled a total 786 miles in ten stages, starting in Sunderland and calling into most of the company’s UK sites before finishing in Northampton.

He was joined by Yusen colleagues along the route, raising money for local charities nominated at each site.

“We wanted to do something

bigger than we have ever done before and make a real difference,” said Mr Goldsborough, above. “‘I can ride a bike’, I thought. How hard can it be to ride between each of our sites and fundraise along the way? It is a tough challenge but nothing compared to the challenges faced by the people supported by these charities.”

n Yusen Logistics are collecting donations at www.justgiving.com/ team/yluktourdeyusen2022

Corby Mayor Cllr Leanne Buckingham oficially opens the new Northampton Saints Foundation hub. She is pictured with Jordan Letts (right), head of the Saints Foundation, and Northamptonshire’s Police & Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold.

The £0.95 million refurbishment of Northampton’s iconic and historic 78 Derngate is complete.

The heritage house and its expanded visitor centre are now welcoming guests who are enjoying the rejuvenated secluded garden and new-look shop.

78 Derngate, designed as a house but now a museum, is the only building located outside Scotland designed by artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh. West Northamptonshire Council provided funding of £400,000 through the Town Funds

and a further £200,000 in match funding for the refurbishment work, which also attracted support from individuals and organisations.

The 12-month project was completed in May and includes an extension to the main buildings and enhanced gardens, allowing larger groups to visit.

“This is an internationally significant venue,” said Cllr Dan Lister, the council’s cabinet member for economic development, town centre regeneration and growth.

“78 Derngate attracts visitors from all over the world to see the

Once a house, now a museum: 78 Derngate draws visitors from all over the world to see the only house designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh outside London. The building has reopened after refurbishment costing almost £1 million

outstanding design work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, one of our country’s most famous influences on early 20th-century style.

“The house, remodelled by Mackintosh, is unique and it is fantastic to see the empathetic redevelopment works come to life to enhance the museum and enable the 78 Derngate Trust to build its income to become more sustainable for the future.”

The work on 78 Derngate is the first project completed with a share of £25 million secured from the government’s Town Fund to

Project leader relishes town heritage challenge

Two universities are collaborating on a new heritage project in Corby and have issued an appeal for anyone who knows the town like the back of their hand.

BID looks forward to race ‘celebration’

Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement

District is aiming to play its part in the success of a new half-marathon The Amazing Northampton Run. The BID is one of the sponsors of the event in September that will take competitors on a 13.1-mile tour of some of Northampton’s most notable landmarks starting and finishing in the town centre.

BID operations manager Mark Mullen said: “We cannot wait to see the streets jam-packed with runners and their supporters. It promises to be a real celebration of the town, with a party atmosphere as all the runners enjoy seeing

some of the most iconic parts of our town during their journey.”

The event will feature three separate races, all taking place at the same time: a 13.1-mile half marathon, a team event over the same distance broken down into three segments with participants running one section each, and a three-mile race.

Organiser Go Beyond Challenge is working alongside more than 30 charity partners. Free charity places are available to runners in return for minimum sponsorship raised.

Entry costs £15 for the three-mile race, £35 for the half-marathon and £75 for the team event.

n Find out more at www.theamazingnorthamptonrun.co.uk/

regenerate Northampton town centre. Work is also under way on rejuvenating Market Square and restoring the former old Black Lion pub.

Liz Jansson, house manager at 78 Derngate Trust, said: “We are delighted that this much-anticipated and exciting project has now been fully realised. We extend huge gratitude to WNC for their significant input - particularly the regeneration team - in enabling it all to come to fruition. This will help to preserve the site for generations to come.”

When our county’s history comes alive

Historic and cultural sites across West Northamptonshire are preparing to welcome visitors as part of the annual Heritage Open Days event in September.

Stately homes, buildings of historic interest, museums, places of worship and archaeological sites are registering to participate in the celebration of Northamptonshire’s history between September 8 and 17, part of England’s largest annual festival of history and culture.

The festival offers the public free entry to places which may normally be closed or have an entrance fee. Many venues taking part will be connected by Northampton Transport Heritage buses, offering a free hopon, hop-off service.

“West Northamptonshire has a wealth of historic and cultural sites and Heritage Open Days are

a brilliant opportunity to showcase them to visitors from all over the country, helping to promote tourism and boost local the local economy,” said deputy leader and cabinet member for housing, culture and leisure Cllr Adam Brown. “With increased numbers of people expected in town centres during the week-long festival, businesses in the Brackley, Daventry, Towcester and Northampton areas also have a great opportunity to promote themselves and to show visitors what they have to offer.”

The council’s economy team will be on hand to help. A list of participating venues and events is available on the council’s website www.westnorthants.gov.uk.

“I strongly encourage any historic and cultural attractions to sign up and get involved,” said Cllr Brown.

Suzanne Oliver is the University of Northampton’s heritage projects and partnerships officer and is aiming to stimulate interest in the unique heritage of the town as part of the Heritage Impact Accelerator project.

Backed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the scheme will deliver educational projects on community, industrial, architectural and natural heritage. The move follows the success of a similar project in Luton run by the University of Bedfordshire.

Said Ms Oliver, pictured, for 17 years the creative director of arts and learning organisation Catalyst Theatre Arts: “I I found the town fascinating because there was a drive to do exciting things… and we did. I know that is still there.

“We can look back to hundreds of years ago but what is important to people now? What will be Corby’s future heritage? This is what interests me and what drew me to this project.”

The Heritage Impact Accelerator in Luton, which concludes in September, has yielded exceptional results, including 453 hours of oneto-one support and six new CIC heritage organisations, 20 funding bids developed and more than £197,000 secured for heritage projects. “I am looking forward to people getting in touch with me to share their thoughts on Corby’s culture and heritage,” said Ms Oliver.

n The Heritage Skills Hub for Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire launches on July 3 at Stanwick Lakes Visitor Centre and Café, 10am-4pm.

Canons Ashby is among the venues signed up for the Heritage Open Days

‘Internationally significant’: Iconic building reopens after £0.95m refurbishment

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