Business Times Northamptonshire August 2023

Construction firm hails ‘phenomenal’ £75m wins

Building company Kori Construction is looking to a bright future after securing six new projects with a combined value of £75 million.

Kori have been appointed to build four new care homes and an assisted living complex totalling more than 400 bedrooms, and a 100-bed hostel on behalf of the YMCA.

Managing director Jordan Connachie described the contract wins as a major result for the business, which is based at Headway Business Park, Saxon Way West, and a record-breaking month.

Last year, Kori Construction’s turnover grew to £35 million, up from £20 million the year before.

The new contracts propel Kori

Six new contracts put company on track to hit its growth targets

Construction to the next level, Mr Connachie said. “Securing £75 million of business in a single month is a phenomenal result and I could not be more proud of the team here at Kori,” he added. “This host of project awards puts us right on target to achieve the growth targets we set out in our five-year business plan.”

Eighty per cent of the company’s work comes in the form of repeat business from existing customers. “We have been working hard to establish great relationships and a great reputation within the industry

and have received some excellent feedback on the developments we have delivered to date, which put us in a beneficial position to win repeat business. The fact that 80 per cent of the new business comes from existing customers demonstrates that the foundations we have built are strong and that our hard work is paying off.”

Kori has invested in key strategic appointments, digital transformation and in its brand and sustainability activity as it progresses its growth plans.

Mr Connachie said that securing

the contracts coincided with the release of the company’s latest annual accounts which show that it achieved industry-leading profit margins and a 100 per cent increase in net worth in 2022.

“This is a result of our commitment to retain the profits within the business,” Mr Connachie said. “Our ethos has always been about achieving ambitious but manageable growth; growth that can be sustained over the long term so we can build a strong business that delivers for our people, our clients, the communities we work alongside, and the environment.

“That is our vision of success, and it is shared by every member of the team. June’s record-breaking performance is another step closer to achieving that.”

expert legal advice, we’re here to help.

Retailers welcome action on town centre crime. P2

The future of tower crane operation. P3

Alison Mead: The singing bookkeeper tells all. P17

Gross profit: The key performance indicator. P14

Conference highlights appetite for innovation. P7

n It is the size of 30 football pitches and can handle up to 90,000 parcels an hour - that’s 235 million packages a year. Take a look inside Royal Mail’s new Midlands Super Hub at Daventry. Full story: Page 5.

Business Times

Retailers hail action on town centre crime

Retail leaders in Northampton town centre have welcomed a renewed focus on dealing with anti-social behaviour as part of a drive to cut crime and make Northampton a safer place to shop.

Town

not be any offences to report but at this stage it is really encouraging to see members using the system. That is allowing police to be aware of the issues and responding accordingly to identify, arrest and prosecute known offenders.”

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The Northampton Town Anti-Social Behaviour Reporting Scheme relaunched earlier this year and has already seen more than 200 members underline their commitment to reducing rates of criminal activity in the town.

Over the past three months, businesses have collated 74 offences through the system, with a further 27 added in July so far.

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Mark Mullen, operations manager of Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District, said: “In an ideal world there would

The BID has a gallery of 97 known offenders and members are building character profiles to establish patterns of offending, enabling police to be proactive in their approach to crime prevention.

“We have already seen the fruits of this approach, with seven convictions as a direct result of this information gathering,” said Mr Mullen. “All of us want to see the town centre prosper and be a place where visitors can come to shop or enjoy a meal out with friends in a safe and welcoming environment.

“It will not happen overnight but we are making progress.”

Earlier this month, dozens of businesses attended a briefing event in Grosvenor Shopping Northampton to discuss retail crime and the relaunch of the Cops Adopt A Shop campaign, which has seen 60 town centre businesses benefit from relationships with a named police officer.

Neighbourhood Policing

Inspector Beth Warren said: “Since we began our targeted work in the town centre, we have seen a significant decline in anti-social behaviour incidents and will continue our operations to ensure this continues into the school holiday period.”

Rough sleepers continue to be an issue but earlier interventions signpost those in need to the relevant help and support available.

Improve the appeal of Brackley and Towcester to visitors and businesses. That is the brief for new town centre manager Samantha Hosking.

She is the key point of contact working for West Northamptonshire Council in partnership with Brackley Town Council and Towcester Town Council. Her new role, funded as part of a Section 106 financial contribution made by local developers as part of their planning permission, will include establishing relationships with local businesses, the community and voluntary organisations.

Ms Hosking, who lives locally, took up her role last month and is coordinating a programme to revitalise the towns and promote them for investment and business growth.

She said: “I want to bring a buzz back to our high streets. These market towns are full of hidden gems with lots of small, independent businesses and I am confident that by working with the great people who live and work here we can continue to make these towns thriving places for everyone to enjoy.”

Cllr Daniel Lister, cabinet member for economic development, town centre regeneration and growth, said: “We have strong ambitions to broaden the attractiveness of the town centres in terms of their wider leisure and commercial appeal.”

Report highlights BIPC’s £3.6m boost to economy

More than 335 new businesses, 91 new jobs… A new report has shown the value of support for entrepreneurship, economic recovery and growth over the past three years by the Northamptonshire Business & IP Centre.

The report from The British Library said that BIPC Northamptonshire has also contributed to a payback of over £6 for every £1 of public money spent across the BIPC network and generated £3.6 million Gross Value Added.

The BIPC in Northampton Central Library and its network of BIPC Locals in Brixworth, Kettering, Towcester and Wellingborough Libraries are physical hubs where people learn, network and access free information and support in protecting and commercialising a business idea. It provides free access

to UK and global market intelligence, customer insights and company data, intellectual property advice and guidance, workshops and individual mentoring, networking opportunities and online supports such as webinars.

Cllr Daniel Lister, cabinet member for economic development, town centre regeneration and growth on West Northamptonshire Council, said: “The BIPC service offers valuable help and advice to the many entrepreneurs in our area to make sure their businesses have the best chance of success. Creating a sustainable and thriving economy is a key priority for the council and supporting existing businesses as well as start-ups is an essential part of delivering on this.”

The British Library Business & IP Centre National Network also provides

entrepreneurs and SMEs across the UK with free access to databases, market research, journals, directories and reports worth thousands of pounds.

The first BIPC opened at the British Library in London in 2006, with the nationwide BIPC Network established six years later, with support from the Intellectual Property Office. A £13 million investment from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in 2020 enabled the BIPC Network to expand to over 100 locations.

Isabel Oswell, head of business audiences at the British Library, said: “This month marks 50 years since the British Library first began operations and helping businesses to innovate and grow continues to be one of the library’s core purposes.”

Editor Andrew Gibbs news@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk

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Editors: Annie Roberts Sammy Jones Graphic Design: Simon Goodger Photography: Steve Brill

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

centre manager aims to restore the buzz

The crime briefing event hosted by Northampton Town Centre BID was attended by police, BID members, the Northampton Retail Crime Initiative, West Northamptonshire Council’s anti-social behaviour unit and outreach workers

Solar farm plan wins go-ahead

Planning consent has been given for EDF Renewables UK’s Glassthorpe solar farm.

West Northamptonshire

Council has unanimously approved the 49.9 MW solar farm, between the villages of Flore and Upper Heyford.

The solar farm at Glassthorpe will be capable of generating enough low carbon electricity for the domestic needs of more than 9,500 households.

The project will also deliver benefits including a community fund of £20,000 paid annually for the 40-year lifetime of the project.

Crane cockpit proves a breakthrough

No longer do crane operators need to climb up and down giant towers to carry out their daily work. Now, through trailblazing technology and advanced camera systems, they can operate their machine from a state-of-the-art ground control cockpit.

Tower crane supplier Radius Group has unveiled the results of its partnership with SkyLine Cockpit, a system that uses Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality to improve efficiency and safety.

Operators control the tower crane from an onsite ground cabin, using the advanced technology to operate the crane via three large panoramic screens. The system is being hailed as a huge leap forward for the crane and construction sector. Radius, whose headquarters are in Northampton, said the system will reduce

Remote control technology keeps operators grounded

accidents and incidents and enables operators to guide their machine with new precision and situational awareness. The clear line of sight minimises the chances of collisions or accidents caused by limited visibility and the operators benefit from improved working positions, less isolation and a better working atmosphere.

Radius Group managing director Michael Fryer said: “Radius Group has never been afraid to do things differently and by embracing cutting-edge technology and prioritising safety, efficiency and inclusivity, we continue to set new benchmarks and shape the future of the construction sector.”

The Skyline Cockpit system will save businesses valuable time, typically over one hour a day, and operators can switch

Employers urged to back food poverty campaign

Businesses across Northamptonshire are being urged to join forces in the campaign to end food poverty.

The Northants Food Reach campaign, launched with the charities Northampton Hope Centre and His Church, is delivering vital support to families and individuals struggling with the cost of living crisis.

Led by Northampton-based law firm Franklins Solicitors, Northants Food Reach is a platform for county businesses to raise funds towards distribution of food pallets to food banks and charities across Northamptonshire. It enables charities to procure

food and essential supplies from renowned household brands such as Kellogg’s, Mars, Heinz, Lidl, Asda, Waitrose, and Sainsbury’s at a significantly reduced cost, which is then distributed by the His Church charity.

“Food poverty continues to impact our local communities,” said Franklins

cranes on multi-machine sites in a matter of minutes, cutting costs significantly. Automated data recording ensures that productivity is measured accurately and labour calculated efficiently. Radius said this reduces risks, eliminates the need for rescue teams and simplifies safety procedures, also resulting in lower insurance costs and reducing the crane downtime on construction sites.

Skyline Cockpit chief

executive and co-founder Zachi Flatto said: “Skyline Cockpit leverages the company’s long-standing experience and understanding of market needs with the goal of bringing real change to the construction and cranes industries, in terms of productivity, efficiency and safety through technological

innovation. We are proud and excited to have Radius Group lead the way with us to the forefront of crane operation and construction evolution.”

Mr Fryer added: “We are very excited by the potential of Skyline Cockpit to truly revolutionise the construction industry and we are therefore extremely proud to be the first tower crane supplier in the UK to offer this pioneering innovation on live sites.”

Darren Cuming, head of development at EDF Renewables UK, said: “EDF Renewables UK is an experienced developer and we want to work with the community on the next steps as we prepare the site for construction.”

The company will discuss with community groups how the annual £20,000 should be spent, he added.

The company hopes to begin site preparation later this year. Glassthorpe Solar Farm is expected to be operational by the end of 2024.

partner Andrea Smith, pictured. “We urge fellow businesses in the area to stand with us in our mission to combat local food poverty by pledging monthly donations to Northants Food Reach. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a tangible difference.”

Every £10,000 raised by Northants Food Reach can buy around £52,000 worth of food from His Church and charities such as Northampton Hope Centre are already leveraging the discounted rates - it is providing 250 households with a hot meal or choice of food.

Jennie

is a

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

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

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

Jennie Jahina Head of Employment

We are excited by the potential to truly revolutionise the construction industry

Staff need more than a pay rise, employers told

Employers are having to get creative with their incentive packages. A pay rise is often no longer, said an HR specialist.

more loyal, and far more productive.”

more than just a place to work’

A new campaign called #ShowcasingBrackmills is shining a spotlight on a Northampton estate’s people, businesses and achievements.

Brackmills Industrial Estate, home to more than 18,000 employees and 180 businesses, has had Business Improvement District status for just over 14 years, a status which sees resident businesses pool an annual levy which is then used to fund a host of estate improvements.

In the final year of its third five-year BID term and preparing for a renewal ballot early next year, the estate has now launched a campaign to showcase the benefits of a Business Improvement District.

Howard Wilson, UK operations manager at technology manufacturer StarTech.com, and voluntary chair of Brackmills BID, explains: “There are so many things the BID provides to support estate businesses. A primary one has got to be security, with the BID investing heavily in CCTV and Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras which help keep the estate secure.”

Startech.com chose Northampton and specifically Brackmills as its European Distribution Centre because of its unrivalled location, excellent connectivity and transport infrastructure, Mr Wilson adds.

The BID’s calendar of events and networking opportunities are another positive for Brackmills businesses. “BID meetings give us the opportunity to

is

In reality, said Rachel Collar, small pay rises or unobtainable bonus schemes are not effective motivators and can actually have the opposite effect on employees.

She said employers should be looking at rewards that are intrinsic motivators, such as recognition, learning and development and extra responsibilities.

“Contrary to belief, money is not the best motivator , especially for individuals who are career-focused,” said Ms Collar, inset. “What is more important to these employees is feeling valued, having their accomplishments recognised and creating a path that helps them reach their goals.

“Companies that take the time to learn more about these motivators in their employees often find that their teams are more engaged,

Ms Collar, who runs Towcester-based HR business Haus of HR, believes that small rewards can have a big impact on employee motivation and job satisfaction. “Little things can have the same effect as a grand gesture,” she said. Giving a box of chocolates as thanks to an employee who has really impressed a client will demonstrate that an employer has noticed their actions and values their work.

“Helping an employee to work towards their career goals with learning and development opportunities will show how invested you are, that you hope to have this employee working with you for years to come. It all helps an employee feel valued and demonstrates that you are as committed to them as they are to you. “These are all things that are low cost to you, but make a big impression on your people.”

mix with other businesses on the estate,” said Simon Chaloner, warehouse manager at distribution and transport company C Butt in Burryport Road.

“Thanks to the BID, we have met and now work with fellow Brackmills businesses. One example sees us rent warehousing space from one of our neighbours, a benefit to us both.”

The estate’s green spaces are another highlight. “Brackmills is far more than just a place to work and is always buzzing with life and people, said Jon Morgan, CEO of vehicle repair and servicing company In ‘n’ Out Autocentres at Caswell Road on Brackmills.

“It is well cared for and well maintained and we particularly value the green spaces and pocket parks which encourage us to get out and have walking meetings with our team - far better than sitting behind a desk.”

Adds Ellie Smith, community manager at sports goods brand’s Decathlon’s distribution centre on Brackmills: “As a sports brand, we really appreciate having the clean and green spaces around our base.

“There are cycle paths and walking and running routes which are good to utilise on our breaks and lunches.

“We also have two pocket parks on the estate, which are great when it comes to promoting physical and mental wellbeing - something we are passionate about at work.”

School flies the flag for store

Members of an art club at Northampton School for Boys have been flying the flag for a lifestyle store in the town.

They have taken part in a competition organised by Bell of Northampton as part of its 125th anniversary celebrations.

Students were challenged to design a commemorative flag that draws on the store’s heritage but with a modern twist. The top three entries will be manufactured and will fly on the three flagpoles outside the store in Kingsthorpe Road.

The designers each receive

Amazon vouchers and the store has made a donation of £200 to the school to spend on a project of its choice.

Bell of Northampton managing director Lee Ferris is pictured with winning designer Wilson Rodgers and runners-up Monty Whitehead and Sam Harrison. “This year is a big year for us and we wanted to share it with the local community,” Mr Ferris said. “This competition was a great way to engage with a school in the town and celebrate our anniversary. We were blown away by how good the entries were.”

Sponsor a Barbarian at the Saints

Northampton Saints is offering the opportunity to sponsor a Barbarian FC player, when the Saints take on the worldfamous invitational side at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens next month.

The clash kicks off on September 2, with the BaaBaas eager to avenge their 45-39 defeat by the Saints

in last year’s game. The entire Barbarians squad and coaching team are available to sponsor. the package includes a behind-the-scenes view of life as a Barbarian, a chance to watch the squad train and an invite to a special lunch when sponsors will have their sponsored player/coach on their table.

Find out more and book at www.northamptonsaints.co.uk.

‘Brackmills

far

#Showcasing Brackmills campaign highlights business benefits and more as BID prepares for 2024 renewal vote

The newly opened Royal Mail Midlands

Super Hub ‘an investment in the future’, said Royal Mail

Royal Mail has opened its new state-of-the-art Midlands Super Hub in Daventry.

The 53-acre site - the equivalent of 30 football pitches - takes its place as Royal Mail’s largest automated parcels facility. It has the capability to process up to 90,000 items an hour, with each parcel taking just seven minutes to pass through the site’s sorting machines. Alongside its sister Super Hub in the North West, this addition to the Royal Mail business creates an interconnected, marketleading parcels network that stretches across the United Kingdom.

“This is a very exciting time for Royal Mail. The opening of this Super Hub is a key part

Investment team visits tech cluster ‘showcase’

Delegates from the Department of Business and Trade have taken a tour around the hightech activity taking place at Silverstone Park.

They visited some of the businesses at the cutting edge of high-performance technology and in the fastgrowing automotive, defence, space and manufacturing sectors.

The DBT had been invited by the South East Midlands Enterprise Partnership as part of a regional tour that also took in Cranfield University and the Millbrook automotive training ground near Ampthill.

chance to convey to members of what is effectively the UK government’s business growth team how Silverstone Park has transformed into a remarkable showcase for the engineering, manufacturing, electronics and software development industries in the UK.”

The DBT team works with manufacturers in sectors such as automotive, defence, aerospace, space, marine and logistics on inward investment and overseas opportunities.

Mr Henson said: “All of these sectors are absolutely at the heart of what the SMEs in the STC live and breathe.

in our journey to revolutionise our parcels business,” said Royal Mail’s chief operations officer Grant McPherson.

“We have now created a stateof-the-art network of Super Hubs that processes parcels at incredible speeds, has the transport links to ship them efficiently across the United Kingdom and fulfils the needs of our customers for a reliable parcels business that will deliver for them the next day, every day of the week.

“It is truly an investment in the future. It puts us on track to meet our mission to reduce our carbon emissions, and with the Royal Mail Academy centralised at the Super Hub, it’s also an investment in the development and future of our employees.”

Chris Heaton-Harris, MP for

Daventry and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, who attended the opening, said: “I welcome this important investment by Royal Mail, which will give an extensive boost to the economy here. I have been so impressed by this facility and have no doubt it will bring many opportunities to the area.”

The new facility is on the doorstep of several of the nation’s major online retailers. One of its major features, its integrated rail link and dedicated Royal Mail train, connects the Super Hub to the West Coast Mainline which runs from the hub to the firm’s Scottish distribution centre near Glasgow.

The train outstrips the capacity of lorries, taking up

Report endorses Growth Hub impact

SEMLEP’S Growth Hub, which has supported thousands of businesses, has been praised in an independent report commissioned by the government for its positive contribution to the development of local economies.

The organisation has supported firms across Northamptonshire since 2014 via free business advice, workshops, webinars and funding opportunities. Now SEMLEP and 37 other Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Hubs have been commended in a report commissioned by the Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy for their delivery of relevant support to firms in their areas and

communicating local business needs to central government policy makers.

The report authors from the Technopolis Group found businesses working with Growth Hubs experienced increases in their employment levels and turnover and firms said the business support they received was ‘impactful’.

The authors added: “Businesses often described Growth Hubs as a valuable resource that can help find and broker access to a variety of support products, as well as helping develop a better understanding of their own needs.

Supported businesses experienced an employment increase averaging 14 per cent a year after engaging with Growth Hubs and an

average 22pc increase after five years.Average annual turnover rose by £782,000 after working with a Growth Hub.

SEMLEP Growth Hub board chair Rachel Mallows said: “The SEMLEP Growth Hub has a proven track record of business engagement and impact and it is good to see this celebrated in the BEIS report.

“It shows how a regional approach with local information can consistently identify and address gaps and needs of businesses and leverage local partners.”

LEP Growth Hubs are currently funded until March 2024 and are awaiting a final decision on their future.

to 16 Royal Mail trucks off the road every day, and more than 3,000 a year. All of this contributes to Royal Mail’s Steps to Zero campaign - a drive to reduce the business’ carbon emissions to net zero by 2040.

At Silverstone Park they heard from Chris KimberNickelson, commercial director of the park’s operator MEPC, on the estate’s development plans. They also listened to Barclays business development director Steve Henson, who was representing the Silverstone Technology Cluster, and Matt Peachey, head of enterprise zone development for Buckinghamshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

Mr Kimber-Nickelson said:

“This was a tremendous

As such, the delegates were very keen to understand the ecosystem that exists as well as the capabilities in the cluster.” The delegation was also told about the careers outreach work of the Silverstone Park Schools Programme.

Mr Peachey said: “A number of potential investment opportunities were identified, which we will work in partnership to progress. The visit showed the value of longterm collaboration between the local partners and the DBT Virtual Team to promote the Silverstone offer worldwide.”

NEW HIGH TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

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

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

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

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C o m p l e t i o n D u e : A p r i l 2 0 2 3

Super Hub at Daventry

Warehouse trials new storage model

Supply chain and logistics

specialist Bis Henderson

Space has joined forces with logistics property company Prologis UK to trial a new warehouse model in Northamptonshire.

The company is to open a new 335,000 sq ft facility at Prologis Park, Welliongborough West. It is aimed specifically at meeting the needs of businesses with flexible additional storage requirements.

Bis Henderson Space said the new model allows businesses to hire space only as and when they need it, avoiding the commitment and constraints of a long-term leasing agreement.

“This is an exciting concept that is already attracting a significant amount of attention from existing and prospective customers, particularly those with storage requirements in the Midlands region,” said Bis

Henderson chief executive Andy Kaye. “While we want to remain adaptable to our customers’ needs, we are expecting to provide flexible and agile solutions, costed on a pallet-by-pallet basis.

“The traditional warehouse leasing model will remain popular for customers with ongoing storage requirements and for those running contract logistics due to the competitive pricing that can be achieved. However, some businesses are looking for greater convenience and the ability to lease space on a pallet-by-pallet basis and for shorter time periods.”

Prologis UK said that customers have been seeking greater storage flexibility for some time. “This new concept addresses that request and seeks to facilitate our customers’ growth,” said head of capital deployment Robin Woodbridge.

Development plugs gap in industrial market

New industrial space is coming to the Moulton Park estate in Northampton.

Warmflame Developments, which specialises in industrial and distribution units, is to develop more than 47,000 sq ft of new space on the estate. One unit is already sold off plan and demand for such space in the town is strong, Warmflame said.

The new scheme, pictured above, on Anglia Way is the second site to be developed on the industrial estate by the Solihull-based company. Work on the WD.Park Anglia Way project was due to begin last month and will comprise

the construction of two industrial/warehouse units of 21,528 sq ft and 25,747 sq ft. One has already been acquired by a global provider of products and services supporting patient care. Warmflame’s development director Stuart Mair said the scheme would ‘plug a gap’ in the market for such space in Northamptonshire. “As we look forward to practical completion in Q1 2024, this speculative development will provide both this company and another occupier with a high-quality, energy efficient building, located in a prime employment area.”

Northampton-based

Financial advice firm on the move

Rapid growth for a financial planning business based in Northamptonshire has led to a move to new offices and the recruitment of four new staff.

O’Sullivan Financial Planning is settling into its new base at Lamport Manor near Brixworth as it welcomes new clients and reports a 270 per cent increase in turnover in the past two years.

Prop-Search and TDB Real Estate are joint agents on the development. PropSearch director Richard Baker said: “Anglia Way brings some much-needed new stock to Northampton. It is well placed to offer end users access to both a skilled and experienced workforce.”

Warmflame’s previous scheme, on Deer Park Road, completed in October last year with nine units sold within two months of practical completion. This shows the current strength of the market and the demand from occupiers who want to own their own units, Mr Baker said.

O’Sullivan Financial Planning works with business owners and high net worth individuals. The firm now has three certified financial planners in the firm and founder Conor O’Sullivan, pictured below, has just been awarded chartered wealth manager status.

Mr O’Sullivan, a director of Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “All our advisors are in the top echelon of our industry, which makes me immensely proud.”

Logistics firm completes ‘perfect fit’ acquisition

Expanding distribution business

Crisis Logistics has completed its acquisition of parcel and pallets company Action Express.

The new owner plans to retain Action Express’ depot on Brackmills Industrial Estate in Northampton and invest in improvements to the site and its facilities as it looks to increase the volume of parcels and pallets it handles.

Established in 1998 as a same day

delivery specialist, Crisis Logistics offers warehousing, fulfilment and road haulage. It has already purchased ten new vehicles for Action Express, including seven articulated lorries and three 18-tonne trucks, and plans to create new jobs as it grows the company.

Action Express founder and former APC Overnight chief executive Syed Ziaullah, who established the company in 1982 with a bike and

a van, will join the Crisis Logistics board for an initial five years.

Chairman Charles Grant-Salmon said: “As part of our growth strategy, we are expanding our business and developing Crisis Logistics into the market leader and one-stop shop for all logistics services in Northamptonshire. The acquisition will benefit customers of both companies by enabling us to provide a full range of logistics services

Conference highlights appetite for digital innovation across county

Firms leading the way in Northamptonshire’s digital innovation joined students at the University of Northampton to showcase their expertise at the annual Digital Futures event staged at the university.

Around 200 people toured exhibits and attended workshops highlighting local stories of innovation, best practice in digital marketing and advances in education and health technology.

Keynote speaker Steve Walsh, director at Jumpthink digital marketing agency, is pictured during his presentation opening the event, in which he highlighted the importance of creating a culture of innovation.

“Innovation is about sharing knowledge and coming at similar issues from different backgrounds,” he said. “By using our cognitive diversity, we can further our thinking.

“My talk, and these kinds of events, are important to try and share learning, to propel the community forward as a whole but also to disrupt people’s thinking by coming at the same issue from different directions.”

This year’s was the largest Digital Futures event, organised by the Digital Northants partnership between

the university and West and North Northamptonshire Councils. The university’s stand showcased students’ work developing a virtual reality education experience around water safety for the Office for the Police, Fire & Crime Commission. They were supported by a crew from Northants Fire and Rescue Service who simulated a water rescue scenario filmed by the students.

Delegates discussed the university’s new Master’s degree in digital marketing. Others were interested in hiring students and wanted to discuss working collaboratively on projects, said Kardi Somerfield, the university’s senior lecturer in marketing. “It is part learning experience, a big part networking, but there is also some business getting done here.”

Businesses at the event included Microsoft, Amazon and Metro Bank.

Cllr Andre Gonzalez De Savage, inset, chair of West Northamptonshire Council’s place overview and scrutiny committee, said: “There have been so many passionate conversations, handshakes and exchanges of business cards and contacts, you can see it really does

pollinate a whole range of opportunities. The only pity is that it is only one day - it could be three. It has been tremendous.”

Northamptonshire is home to intense passion, energy and enthusiasm for innovation, he added. “Some brilliant products we know we create in Northamptonshire; from special needs learning technology to parts running in high-performance engines all over the world.”

Cllr David Howes, executive member at North Northamptonshire Council with responsibility for digital technology, said: “Each year this event sees new collaborations formed that help to drive our digital economy forward. We want Northamptonshire to be a county of digital start-ups and we want them to get the support to grow.”

across pallets, parcels and general haulage, in addition to specialist services like temperature-controlled delivery and secure distribution.”

Crisis Logistics has invested heavily in a customer relationship management system to support its growth. Managing director Edward Grant-Salmon said: “We want to provide flexible solutions for our customers as they expand and diversify their own operations and

Boat builder Fairline is looking to reach new customers in the Eastern Mediterranean through a new dealer partnership.

The luxury yacht has announced Fairyachts Ltd

the acquisition of Action Express will allow us to do that. The business is a perfect fit with our own operation.”

Action Express is one of more than 90 logistics independents that make up the Pallet-Track network delivering palletised freight around the UK. Chief executive Caroline Green said: “We have every confidence that the new team will steer the business to great success in its new era.”

as its new dealer for Greece and Cyprus. It is led by Aris Sophocleous, who has turned his yachting hobby into a new business venture. The partnership follows similar link-ups in Austria and

Bulgaria, anounced earlier this year. Fairline’s sales director James Powell said: “We are looking forward to a long relationship with the team and reaching new customers in the Eastern Mediterranean.”

Boat firm sets sail with Mediterranean partnership

Keynote speaker Steve Walsh addresses the Digital Futures conference

Town centre improvement plans win green light and £20m funding

Retiring finance head bids farewell

Alan Williams, chief financial officer at Northampton-based building supplies plc Travis Perkins, is to retire next year after seven years in post.

He will be replaced by Duncan Cooper, currently group finance director at housebuilder Crest Nicholson.

Mr Williams led the group through the sale of its plumbing and heating businesses and the demerger of Wickes.

Chief executive Nick Roberts said: “I am hugely appreciative of the expertise Alan has brought to the group and the support he has given me and the wider leadership team.”

Travis Perkins chair Jasmine Whitbread adds: “Alan has been instrumental in driving the group’s strong relationship with our shareholders and supporting the significant shift in strategic focus for the group.

“I am delighted that following a thorough and considered process we have been able to attract a candidate of Duncan’s calibre.”

Mr Cooper has also held senior leadership roles at retail giant Sainsbury’s.

“I am excited to be joining Travis Perkins plc in 2024, a market leading business with an exciting and ambitious strategy to be the leading partner to the construction industry.

“The industry is going through a period of significant change, underpinned by requirements for more sustainable, energy efficient buildings and I am looking forward to working to help shape the next phase of the company’s evolution.”

Committee members relish challenge

Next Generation Chamber, created to support businesses looking to help their staff to advance their careers, has welcomed three new members to its committee.

Consultancy hails ‘a real coup’

HR consultancy Ena HR & Training has welcomed its first employee. Founder and director Kate Coulson, left, is pictured with experienced HR practitioner Caroline McDonald, who has spent 25 years in HR at Northamptonshire Police.

“I am really looking forward to getting to know all our clients,” she said. “I will be supporting them across the full HR spectrum and advising them in any way I can.”

Caroline’s appointment marks a new chapter for the company, which Ms Coulson launched last year. “It is a really exciting moment for our business. Hiring an HR superstar like Caroline just 18 months after launching the business is a real coup,” she said. “She brings with her a wealth of experience and additional skills, not least experience with team development and selection methods, which will be hugely valuable to the company.”

Catering firm adds to its board

Catering supplier Davis

Commercial Services has announced three appointments to its board of directors.

Claire Davis, who has headed the Earls Bartonbased company’s finance operations for the past ten years, becomes commercial director with responsibility for sales, marketing and its overall growth strategy.

General manager James Warburton is promoted to operations director and Phil Clarke, who joined DCS as part of the company’s acquisition of Alan Bush Installations two years ago, is now installations director.

“Our three new board members have proven themselves and their dedication to driving DCS forward and it excites me to officially welcome them to the board,” said managing director Matt Davis.

Fellow director Mark

Clipstone adds: “Working with all three for a number of years now has given me a clear insight and understanding into the dedication and focus on growing DCS they all possess. This extension to the board further bolsters our position as a market leader in a niche sector.”

Abbie Campbell, Alicia Fergusson and Molly Feugard have joined the committee as part of its growth plans.

Ms Campbell, corporate and community fundraiser at Northamptonshire Health Charity, joined NextGen Chamber last year as did Ms Fergusson, who is is personal assistant to West Northamptonshire Council’s chief executive and assistant chief executive.

Ms Feugard, digital marketing executive for Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “I can really see how Next Generation Chamber encourages development and truly champions young business professionals.”

She has been a member since 2021.

The three join existing committee members Nina Gandy, corporate partnership fundraiser at Cynthia Spencer Hospice, trainee solicitor Imran Ilias, who works at county law firm Wilson Browne Solicitors, and Jamie Cochrane, associate at PBC Business Recovery & Insolvency Ltd.

Plans to enhance Corby town centre with a link road to the town’s railway station and to bring in a ‘smart and green’ traffic management system have moved a step closer.

The two projects are among four that have received final approval and a total of almost £20 million from the government as part of the Towns Fund scheme. They, along with a new Corby Sixth Form College and a new Community and Cultural Hub, are set to boost the town’s

economy and the viability of the town centre itself.

The new Corby Sixth Form, based in Chisholm House, is to welcome its first students at the start of the new academic year next month. It will be run by The Bedford College Group and will accommodate 339 students by 2025-26. Chisholm House and the multi-use community and cultural hub building is required to meet demand from the creative, media and third sectors, said North Northamptonshire Council.

Company wins service status

Labelling solutions provider AM Labels has gained accreditation as an Epson Service Partner and is now approved to carry out service and repair work on most Epson ColorWorks colour label printers.

Door to door robot delivery

Parcel delivery company

DPD has confirmed plans to expand its autonomous robot deliveries in Raunds after successful trials in Milton Keynes. The robots will deliver to residential areas within a mile of its depot at Warth Park. Each will have three separate parcel compartments and an extended battery life of up to 12 hours.

“We understand how important printers are to the running of many of our customers’ businesses, therefore we are pleased to be able to support companies in keeping their operations running,” said Kettering-based AM Labels’ sales and marketing manager Brendon Bass.

Award for driver wellbeing initiative

Its contribution to a project supporting the wellbeing and physical and mental health of truck drivers has earned national acclaim for North Northamptonshire Council.

It was highly commended in the Transforming Lives category at the MJ Awards for its work with service station operator Welcome Break in supporting HGV drivers using Rothwell Truck Stop.

The council hosted two

events last autumn where drivers could speak to the team, use body composition scales and have their blood pressure checked.

A health and wellbeing event also took place during the Road Haulage Association’s National Lorry Week. Council officials have carried out two further supporting visits and are following a plan of action throughout 2023 to support drivers using the Rothwell facilities.

Learning leader Kate Coulson has been appointed co-chair of the Association for Learning Development in Higher Education. Ms Coulson, head of learning and teaching enhancement at the University of Northampton, will remain in post for three years.

F1 stressbusters enter the corporate world

Mental training used to lower stress levels among Formula One motor racing pit crews is set to be rolled out to the corporate world.

A unique neural efficiency programme developed by a performance coaching company at Silverstone Park’s Innovation Centre is proving its worth for F1 teams and is already in use at a major corporate in Italy.

Now CoFiGi Performance founders Simon Fitchett and Jof Cox say this is the time to offer the same principles through their ‘mental economy gym’ to non-motorsport sectors in the UK.

CoFiGi monitors brain patterns using electroencephalography bands which detect activity during tests which can include responding to words or numbers on a screen. The EEG bands read electrical activity in the frontal lobe - the thinking part of the brain - and CoFIGI uses the data as a start point to improve neural efficiency.

“From a corporate’s aspect, you might have two people doing the same roles and are pretty good at their jobs, however, one is working at 6,500rpm and the other at 1,500rpm,” said Mr Cox. “We want to get the first person down to the second person’s data.”

Ex-apprentice reaps reward of loyalty scheme

Beaming Ben Daniels has good reason to smile. For the fleet depot supervisor at the Corby base of commercial vehicle workshop operator TruckEast has completed his apprentice loyalty scheme with the company, earning himself a large lump sum bonus.

Mr Daniels joined TruckEast as an apprentice Scania technician in 2013, graduated three years later and developed his skills as an HGV technician before becoming depot supervisor in 2021.

He has benefited from TruckEast’s loyalty scheme, which the company introduced to attract and retain the best talent into the business. It begins the first month an apprentice tech-

nician joins and the company makes a payment into a savings account each month over ten years, at the end of which the former apprentice receives a pay-out if they are still with the company.

Mr Daniels, plans to spend his bonus on home improvements and a holiday. “As well as the qualifications, I have learned some great life skills, have a fantastic team around me and the loyalty scheme, well that’s the icing on the cake. It makes all the hard work even more rewarding,”

This year TruckEast’s apprenticeship programme has welcomed 40 apprentices, “an investment that continues our long-term strategy to grow our own technicians but also drive the ability to promote from

CoFIGI is the UK arm of Italianbased Formula Medicine, a global leader in training methodologies developed with F1 drivers, and its latest enterprise Mental Economy, created solely for mental training. Mr Fitchett said: “If you think that sports people work out to exercise the body, what we do is help exercise the brain to make it perform as strongly and efficiently as possible.

“With the feedback that we and Formula Medicine have had from HR bosses, we believe employers in the corporate world can really benefit from the methods and techniques that we use in F1 to improve the performance of people working in high-pressure roles and environments.

“We have seen strong results with top racing drivers. After we have analysed how their brain is responding to an assessment we put them through, they use our techniques to increase their brain’s efficiency and capacity.

“Take the pressure situation of a pit stop during a Grand Prix, for

example. You do not want to be giving away even a quarter of a second to your rivals and that is what we are about - getting the individual to operate virtually on autopilot so they achieve that poetry in motion.”

Assessment and training take place over ten weeks either at CoFIGI’s base at Silverstone Park or at the client’s premises. Delegates’ data remains completely confidential.

“This is not about stepping on people’s toes or making anyone feel threatened,” said Mr Cox. “Instead, we very much see this as an add-on to an employee wellness scheme that, focusing on mental health, would be a huge bonus for them.”

within,” said group aftersales director Martyn Clipston. “We focus on continual training and development for all our staff. I am very proud of how far Ben has come in the first ten years of what I hope is a long career with TruckEast.”

Team completes sale of garden centre

Popular garden centre and restaurant Beckworth Emporium has been acquired by the UK’s second largest garden centre group.

The business, based in Mears Ashby near Sywell Aerodrome, is now part of the Blue Diamond Group after owner and creator David Brown took the decision to sell last year.

Northamptonshire law firm

Wilson Browne Solicitors, led by corporate and commercial partner Andrew Kerr and commercial property partner

Nina Wilson, acted for Mr Brown in the deal.

‘We had a number of challenges to get the process completed within a reasonable timeframe but Andrew and his team worked tirelessly, to get the deal done within the desired timeframe,” Mr Brown said.

Wilson Browne’s team of specialists collaborated on the corporate, property, intellectual property and employment aspects of the transaction. “It was an absolute pleasure for Wilson Browne

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to be involved in the sale of a well-known and high-profile local business,” said Mr Kerr.

“Many of Wilson Browne’s staff and partners have been customers of Beckworth Emporium.

“I have visited the business many times so to be involved in a business which you have seen through the eyes of a customer as well as being a professional adviser was a rare treat. They have been loyal clients for many years so to be asked to deal with the sale transaction was very exciting.”

‘Mental economy’ techniques aim to boost performance

Ben Daniels (centre) with Martyn Clipston (left) and TruckEast managing director Harley Coulson

The Wilson Browne team who worked on the sale of Beckworth Emporium

Reopening boosts town’s regeneration

Reopening the iconic 78 Derngate building after a major extension is a major step in Northampton’s regeneration, said the chair of the body steering the town’s growth. The expanded building - the only public building outside Scotland with interiors designed by renowned artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh - was previously a house but is now a museum.

Guests at the official reopening last month by Arts Council England’s chief executive Darren Henley, pictured, received a tour of 78 Derngate which now offers a larger visitor centre, rejuvenated secluded garden and revamped shop following the completion of the extensive £950,000

refurbishment in June.

Northampton Forward chair Martin Mason said: “This is an important step in the ongoing regeneration of Northampton. This extension is building on one of the town’s most popular assets.”

West Northamptonshire Council provided £400,000 through the Town Funds and match funding totalling £200,000. Donations from organisations and individuals enabled the expansion plans to be completed. “We are settling in well to our enhanced surroundings,” said house manager Liz Jansson.

“Visitors past, present and yet to come will thoroughly enjoy the added spaces inside and out, which already feel harmonious with the original heritage buildings.”

Beating the elements to mark retailer’s big anniversary

Colleagues at retailer Bell of Northampton have tackled obstacles, water and mudplenty of it - to raise valuable funds for the Northampton Hope Centre. Tammy Pell, John Pell, Brian Upstone, Sunita Hodge and Sarah Brown were taking part in the Summer Wolf Run 5K at Stanford Hall in Leicestershire to mark Bell of Northampton’s 125th anniversary.

Council unveils new magazine

Anew magazine has landed on the doormats of homes across West Northamptonshire.

Produced by West Northamptonshire Council, the first edition of West Northants Life also offers a What’s On guide, promoting the area’s visitor attractions, events and activities.

Rotary Club honours charity founder

Lorraine Lewis, co-founder of The Lewis Foundation, receives a Paul Harris Fellowship from the Rotary Club of Nene Valley’s Tony Billson and a cheque for £2,500 to aid the charity’s work supporting adult cancer patients in 14 hospitals across the East Midlands.

Rotary awards the fellowship to an individual who has shown outstanding support and commitment within their community. The Lewis Foundation, founded by Lorraine and her husband Lee in 2016, now employs over 50 volunteers. n The Lewis Foundation has opened a shop in Northampton’s Grosvenor shopping centre. Stock is being supplied by businesses

across Northamptonshire and all taking are being ploughed back into the charity’s work.

“We had an idea to create a charity shop with a difference selling brand new products and surplus stock and have been trialling it as a pop-up outlet for the last year with huge success,” said Lorraine. “Grosvenor Shopping Northampton have been amazing in allowing us to trial this concept.”

An official opening event is planned for next month. Phil Murphy, head of property and transactions at the centre’s ownermanager Evolve Estates said: “It makes perfect sense to work with a local charity closely connected with residents of the town.”

It also includes a review of the council’s activities and spending, tips to help people recycle more and waste less, a look at recent investment in the area’s roads and regeneration schemes.

Council leader Cllr Jonathan Nunn said: “This new magazine offers a way for everyone to find out more about the many things our council is doing across West Northamptonshire.”

The new magazine also incorporates the Northamptonshire Adult Learning brochure. It is printed on recycled paper and delivered by Royal Mail.

West Northants Life will be published twice a year, with the second edition due out in the winter. Copies can be downloaded at www.westnorthants.gov.uk/ magazine

The event was one of five supported by staff to mark the store’s milestone, with the money raised being donated to The Hope Centre and Cynthia Spencer Hospice. “It was very physically demanding but we pulled together and really supported each other through it,” said Tammy. “We had an amazing day.”

Their efforts raised £1,000, which

The Hope Centre will use to help to people in Northamptonshire facing homelessness, hunger and hardship. Bell of Northampton staff also complete an abseil, Peak District Challenge and the Amazing Northampton Run on September 17 as part of their fundraising. A regular raffle of cakes from across the eras is also taking place at the store’s café Love Lunch @ Bell.

Footballers score big at fundraiser

Fleet firm Silverstone Leasing’s annual five-a-side football fundraiser has hit the back of the net in raising more than £2,000 for Cynthia Spencer Hospice in Northampton.

Businesses from across Northamptonshire rallied their troops for the Silverstone Soccer event at Daventry Football Club, with eight teams vying for the winner’s trophy eventually lifted by Euro Building and Maintenance Contractors for the third year running. Stonhills Estate Agency were runners-up. The event has collected more than £8,400 for Cynthia Spencer

Hospice since its inception in 2020. The competition is the brainchild of Silverstone Leasing’s sales manager Ryan Bishop. “We are over the moon to have raised such an incredible amount of money,” he said. “The families who need the services of the hospice are going through unimaginable pain and heartache and Cynthia Spencer do such valuable work in supporting them when they need it most.”

The event has raised enough over its past events to fund 16 days of care at the hospice. “Our partnership with Silverstone Leasing is one we deeply value,” said its corporate partnerships fundraiser Nina Gandy.

Winning captain Ollie Emery and Silverstone Soccer organiser Ryan Bishop

There to meet David at the end of his journey at John O’Groats was his wife Emma, Gateway HR & Training’s chief executive

Saints Foundation welcomes recruitment man’s pedal power

Northampton Saints Foundation’s work with young people is around £1,500 better off thanks to the pedal power of David Wynne.

He is back at work at Gateway HR & Training in Corby after completing a 14-day cycle ride of more than 900 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats.

Having lost his father at the age of 12, David empathises with other young people who seek additional support as they pass through their teenage years. And the foundation is benefiting throughout this year as Gateway HR & Training’s charity of the year.

Bar one night, account manager David camped in a tent he carried with him rather than pay for accommodation along the way. He experienced highs and lows - “the highs including some amazing scenery and a gem of a bakery in Carwath that made a Steak Diane and Haggis Pie with cheese,” he said.

n David’s fundraising page remains open at https://northamptonsaintsfoundation.enthuse.com/pf/ gateway-hr-cycling-for-the-saints-foundation

Back to the land for grow-your-own campaign

Anew pot of funding is now open for applications - all part of a programme helping people and communities in north Northamptonshire to grow, cook and eat healthily.

Grow, Cook, Eat is funded by Public Health Northamptonshire and managed by the team from Groundwork Northamptonshire. The two-year programme focuses on improving physical and mental health.

A key part of the programme is the launch of a new pot of ‘Seed Funding’, for which community-driven projects with a focus on growing, cooking and eating can apply for grants of £300 up to £5,000.

“We are encouraging applications from any community groups or not-for-profits

across North Northamptonshire that share the Grow, Cook, Eat ethos - which is all about expanding cooking confidence and skills, tackling obesity, giving people access to green spaces and revitalising communities,” said Groundworks Northamptonshire chief executive Kate Williams..

“Grow, Cook, Eat is all about talking, exploring and understanding what is stopping people from growing their own food and eating healthily and identifying the barriers that people currently have when it comes to healthy eating. ”

The monthly deadline for applications is the second Friday of every month. Panel review meetings take place on the last Thursday each month.

Club sets £8k golf day target

Golfers are heading for the practice ground ahead of the Cransley Hospice Trust 25th Anniversary Corporate Golf Day next month.

Tee off is at Oundle Golf Club and the club is calling on Northamptonshire businesses to support the event by entering teams or considering sponsorship. Money raised from the day will help the hospice to continue its delivery of vital services for patients and their families. A number of different sponsorship and competition packages are on offer and sponsoring businesses will enjoy exposure throughout the event. The fundraising target is £8,000. Said Oundle Golf Club chairman Peter Izod: “None of us know when we might need their services and we encourage businesses to join us in making a positive impact and help to raise £8,000 which will make a huge difference to the charity in this special anniversary year.”

Donation adds a spark to athletes’ training regime

Electrical, plumbing and heating specialist RK Electrical Mechanical Services is putting new spark into training at Corby Athletics Club with a £1,000 donation.

The money is part of the Desborough firm’s commitment to supporting organisations across Northamptonshire. The money will help the club to run training sessions and take part in track and field, road running and cross-country competitions.

General manager Kye Bishop said: “We strongly believe in supporting our local community and this contribution will enable the club to maintain their invaluable services.” RK Electrical is also having trackside banners at the

Community fund comes up trumps for county’s children

ACommunity Fund set up by a credit union based in Northamptonshire has made its latest donation - supporting children across the county.

Commsave set up its Community Fund last year and has since awarded nearly £30,000 to both local and UK-wide charities and causes. Its latest award is £2,000 to Northamptonshire Children’s Trust, a not-for-profit organisation which delivers children’s social care and targeted early help services on behalf of both North

Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire Councils.

The donation was used to recognise and reward children at the recent Children in Care Awards.

Colin Foster, chief executive of Northamptonshire Children’s Trust, said: “These awards are all about celebrating children and young people’s achievements, and thanks to the donation we were able to give all our award winners a gift voucher and certificate, something which will have made their day particularly memorable.”

Recognising that charity is serious business

Rockingham Triangle Athletics Stadium to further showcase its support for the club.

“Our club is no different from other organisations with our costs rising so it is pleasing to accept this donation,” said Corby Athletics Club treasurer Graham Curtis. “It will provide facilities for our members to train, especially our younger members, so we can help in their fitness and well-being development.”

Corby Athletics Club welcomes athletes aged eight and upward. “We are proud to play a part in nurturing a healthy and vibrant environment for athletes of all ages and we hope this donation will inspire others to contribute to the success and growth of our family-friendly club,” said Mr Bishop.

CommSave’s business development manager James Richards added: “This organisation does brilliant work supporting local children and it is incredibly rewarding to have been able to make a contribution to this celebration of children’s achievements.”

n Members of the Commsave Credit Union can apply for a Community Fund grant for the charity or cause you most care about. Visit www.commsave.co.uk/ community-fund.

n Find out more about the sponsorship opportunities and book your place at www. cransleyhospice.org.uk/event/25thanniversary-golf-day/, email Sarah Caldwell at events@ cransleyhospice.org.uk or contact the fundraising office at 03000 274040.

He was the shoe factory owner from Earls Barton who became the inspiration for the award-winning film and Broadway musical Kinky Boots. Now Steve Pateman is in rehearsal for an afternoon of Kicks, Cuisine and Class at historic Boughton House near Kettering.

The occasion on September 20 is a fundraising lunch to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Cransley Hospice Trust.

Said community fundraising and events development manager Louise Gurney: “We hope the lunch will be a sell-out. It is a fantastic opportunity for people to get together with their friends for a delicious buffet lunch while enjoying some fun entertainment and it is particularly relevant to the community of Northamptonshire.” Cransley Hospice is looking to raise an extra £250,000 in its anniversary year. “It will make a big difference to the development of end of life care for our community,” said Louise. n Find out more and book your tickets at www.cransleyhospice. org.uk/events/ or contact the fundraising team at event@cransleyhospice.org.uk

Colin Foster (left) receives the cheque from CommSave’s James Richards

Money Matters

The key component in performance evaluation

Adrian Goodman, managing director of PPX Consulting, explains why correct classification of costs is crucial in order to accurately assess the performance of your business.

Ifrequently advise clients on the correct calculation of profit. This is a key component of effective performance evaluation and getting it wrong can skew your decisionmaking and cause significant problems in your business.

There are two sides to this. The first is about timing. Making sure your costs and associated revenues are recognised in the same period is important, otherwise you will report higher profits in one period and lower in the next, purely because you have entered an invoice into the wrong period.

This will affect your performance evaluation, which is the first element of control in your business.

The second variable in this equation is the classification of costs. Most business owners recognise the difference between variable and fixed costs (also known as cost of sales and overheads, respectively) but they do not always appreciate the consequences of mixing them up.

In truth, the terms ‘Fixed’ and

‘Variable’ are an oversimplification because not all costs of sale are variable and not all overheads are fixed. It may help to break these down further as follows:

Variable These costs vary directly (usually proportionately) in line with sales revenue, because they are only incurred by manufacturing the product or providing the service; for example, the raw material used in manufacturing a product.

Semi-variable These costs vary partially in line with sales revenue but also have a fixed element. For example, direct labour where an overtime premium is applied beyond a certain level of activity.

Stepped This describes a cost which remains fixed up to a point, changes once that point is surpassed but is then fixed at the new level, such as a software licence where the price is the same for up to 50 users, but then increases to

a new price for 50-100 users.

Fixed Fixed costs are the same regardless of sales output; for example the rent on an office building or a director’s salary.

Variable costs are almost always a cost of sale while fixed costs are almost always overheads. Semivariable and stepped costs would normally be considered costs of sale and overheads respectively but in truth both of these may stray between categories based on the nature of the cost in the context of the operation.

The general rule of thumb is to ask the question: “Would this cost be incurred if there were no sales in the period?”. If the answer

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is ‘Yes’ then it is an overhead. If not, it is a cost of sale. If the answer is ‘Maybe’ or ‘Partially’ then you will need to apply judgement or seek advice.

But why does this matter? After all the net profit will be the same regardless. That is true but understanding your gross profitsales revenue minus cost of sales - is vital for accurate analysis of your business performance.

Gross margin is one of the most important metrics in any business and informs your marginal contribution, breakeven point and ultimately your economic viability. Putting your costs in the wrong place on your P&L can lead to incorrect assumptions, erratic decisionmaking and ultimately business failure.

Accreditation confirms that all solutions supplied by Subsidium - based in Northamptnshire at Woodford Halse near Towcester - are supported by Android. Gold-accredited businesses receive access to online learning modules via the Android Academy, as well as technical

Gross margin is one of the most important metrics in any business

YES, YOU CAN HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT.

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. For example, 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.

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

Review

your contracts of employment and staff handbooks… for free

University to host esports conference

The University of Northampton is to host a major international esports summit. The university has been working with the International Federation of Esports Coaches since last year to ensure its curriculum aligns with industry and is to host the IFoEC’s annual Esports Coaching and Performance Summit on September 6-7 at its Waterside campus.

“Their own people becoming embedded in our esports team has yielded many benefits for our esports students,” said UoN subject lead for science Scott Bradley.

Speakers include Dr Cait McGee, of wellbeing company 1Healthpoint, and Parth Naidoo, of consultancy SIDO.

Make a difference: Network pledges to tackle county’s economic inequality

Pictured are the founder members of the new Northamptonshire Anchor Institutions Network, a group which brings together organisations to address social and economic inequalities.

Network members commit to:

n Empowering the next generation;

n Employment opportunities;

n Social value gained from local investment;

n Enhancing sustainability.

Group member Simon Cox pictured far left, director of county

networking organisation NNBN, said: “Northamptonshire is in a great fantastic location in the UK and by coming together we can work together to ensure we make a difference.”

The network’s 23 current members include West and North North-

amptonshire Councils, Northamptonshire Community Foundation, Northampton Hospital Group, Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, the county’s Police Fire and Crime Commissioner and Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce.

The business networking events this month across Northamptonshire

do to done! (£6 per meeting or £12 per month).

Contact: buscomm.co.uk/ourevents

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

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.

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

August 3: Paisley Pear, Northampton Road.

Price: £8.

Northampton Buzz

August 16: Fox & Hounds, Harborough Road.

Price: £8.

Wellingborough Buzz

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.

SUMMER SOCIAL

August 7 6.30pm-9pm:

The Courtyard, Chester House Estate Networking + social event. Price: Free networking for NNBN members only; Summer Social (jncluding food): £10.

Visitors: £10 including food.

BUSINESS NETWORKING

August 24 7pm-8.30pm:

BUSINESS ROOM

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

KETTERING

August 14 6 12 noon-2pm: Kettering Park Hotel

NORTHAMPTON

August 13 12 noon-2pm:

Old White Hart, Far Cotton

SOUTH NORTHANTS

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.

August 8: 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.

Northampton Town Centre Hotel, Silver Street Free event for NNBN members; visitors £10. For more information and to book, visit https://nnbn.co.uk/events/

August 18 12 noon-2pm: The White Horse, Silverstone

WELLINGBOROUGH

August 19 12 noon-2pm:

The Stanwick Hotel, Stanwick

THE CONNECTIONS CLUB - NORTHANTS

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

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

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

Northampton Breakfast

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

Northampton Evening

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

MONTHLY VIRTUAL

Price: £6 - first meeting free.

Wednesday Breakfast

4th Wednesday, 7.30-9am.

Thursday Breakfast

3rd Thursday, 7.30-9am.

Friday Breakfast

2nd Friday, 7.30-9am

THE ACCOUNTABILITY CIRCLE

Mondays, 10am

Helping you get your things action list from to

NETWORKING & SUSTAINABILITY

August 24 8.30am-10.30am

Opus Energy, The Lakes, Northampton

Price: £10 + VAT Chamber members; non-members £20 + VAT.

To book on to Chamber events, visit www.chambermk.co.uk/events

NORTHAMPTON

August 1 11.45am-2pm:

Delapre Abbey, Northampton.

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

ADD YOUR EVENT TO OUR WEBSITE FOR FREE.

SCAN THE CODE TO START...

UK BUSINESS FORUM NORTHAMPTON

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

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

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

UK Business Forums has been the home of small business community support and advice for nearly 20 years. Membership is

www.business-times.co.uk

Q&A

Where business people discuss their motivation, ambition, experienceand themselves. In the spotlight this month is Alison Mead, of Silicon Bullet... otherwise known as ‘The Singing Bookkeeper’

A compliment always gives me the warm fuzzies

What was your first job?

My first job as a student was in the ice cream and hot dog kiosks at Chester Zoo. They paid well for Bank Holidays and Sundays and we had a great time working there among the animals.

Dealing with the money was my favourite part. My first proper job after uni’ was as a trainee at chartered accountants Pannel Kerr Forster.

Why did you choose your particular career?

I chose accountancy as I always loved maths and it seemed a good option to take. I soon discovered chartered accountants were mostly unhappy at the company I was at so I stayed long enough to complete one year of training then got myself out.

It meant, though, that later when I worked for a company as a bookkeeper in Sage I had the background knowledge I needed to understand accounts.

What’s the best job you’ve had?

Running my own business over the last 23 years has been the best job. I choose my clients and have gradually honed in on what Iove to do most so I have been able to do more of what I love - training bookkeepers - and sharing my knowledge which can give an immense feeling of job satisfaction. …and the worst?

The eight months I spent at the

chartered accountants was hard work. The training was done alongside the work and being an office junior on an audit was long hours and boring.

Not a great job but it gave me the groundwork for what I do now so I do not regret the experience.

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

Listen to everyone and then act on what is right for you and your own business. We have kept the company as a husband and wife team and resisted the urge to grow but it suits us and pays the bills.

What has been the highlight of your career so far? Being trusted and liked by my clients and realising I am really

valued by those I help. Every time I hear a compliment gives me the warm fuzzies.

…and the low point?

I briefly worked for another company part-time after an enforced work break for a hip replacement when I was 36. We had an incident which made me realise that I had my confidence back and was ready to go back fulltime working for my own company again but it was a hard time getting through that period and getting back on my feet figuratively and literally. Who in business do you respect most?

All those who run their own business who I meet networking. Taking the plunge and leaving employment is hard work.

What annoys you the most in business?

Seeing bad advice given to clients where the supplier is doing what is best for them and not the end user.

I have seen so many people over sold accounting packages and wasting money on features they will never need, especially with subscription-based software available these days.

Don’t pay for what you don’t use. What’s the best thing/worst thing about where you work?

As I work for myself and run Silicon Bullet with my husband, it is obviously a fabulous place to work and the other staff member is lovely. It can also be the hardest place to work as there is no escape or break

others so have activities lined up for most nights of the week otherwise I tend to find I stay working late.

What’s your earliest memory?

Family camping holidays. I was the youngest of five kids and we had a huge tent and not much money but we had a great time.

Schooldays – the best of your life?

I loved school and hated the holidays as I got bored. I like to be around people and bustle. I am the youngest child by quite a gap in my family and always wanted friends around me and hated being alone.

I did quite well at school, not the best, but I worked hard and enjoyed most subjects especially maths and physics.

Who was your best friend growing up?

I changed friends regularly as I moved through schools and had a different friend for each stage in my life as my hobbies and interests changed. When I was in sixth form

I loved watching football and my friend then was the daughter of a Division 1 referee. We went to watch when he refereed Manchester United v Luton. That shows you how long ago that was.

As a child, what job did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to work with children or be a librarian like my older sister. But I had my own kids and read a lot instead.

As a teenager, who was your secret crush?

My first crush was Limahl from Kajagoogoo and I had my long hair cut short just so I could have one of those plaited tails at the back but was never allowed to two-tone my hair.

What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?

Don’t worry so much about your

health. Eat better and you will feel much better.

Apart from marriage/children, what has been the best day of your life?

That is such a hard question. I think finishing university and my studies would be quite high on the list. I enjoyed uni - more for the friends I made - but was really glad when the studying part was done.

How do you relax?

I sing, line dance and play board games. I like doing things with

I am in Northampton Gilbert and Sullivan Group and thoroughly enjoy the shows we do every year . We will be performing The Mikado next year for our 70th anniversary show - look out for news when the dates are confirmed. This year I was the witch in Ruddygore - the Witch’s Curse (left)

STOP PRESS...

Northampton Gilbert & Sullivan group and Northampton Male Voice Choir perform United In Song at Christchurch, Northampton, on September 2 in aid of the Motor Neurone Association. Ticket details at www.ticketsource.co.uk/northampton-gilbert-sullivan-group

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Trash TV. Made in Chelsea... It’s just a way to switch off.

What’s your perfect night out?

A meal and a show. My husband Paul and I like going to see live music and my daughter likes musicals and shows.

from each other. This is why I love to go out networking at Business Buzz so I can see and mix with other business owners.

What’s your career ambition?

I am very happy with my business where it is and with what I am doing. I have no ambitions to further my career - I just want to keep finding the right people who will benefit from my no nonsense bookkeeping training and keep doing more of what I do now.

What’s your worst fault?

I don’t like being told what to do so I will push back if I feel I am being bossed around.

What’s the best decision you ever made in business?

I was for many years a ‘Sage’ lady and just trained clients in Sage 50. I have morphed into a more general bookkeeping trainer and become an expert in Xero as well. I think my business would have been a lot smaller if I had not branched out. Is there anything you regret about your career?

No real regrets as even jobs or clients I have disliked have helped me gain the skills and resilience I now value and need.

You’re retired. What are you doing and where?

I will still do a bit of bookkeeping, maybe for my kids if they start a business. I can’t imagine giving up work completely. We will be travelling in our campervan and working on the road between seeing beautiful places and going on long walks.

What’s your most treasured possession?

My mobile phone. I do everything on it and it is never far from my hand.

Tell us a secret about yourself.

I used to be a very fussy eater and never ate any fruit or veg. Now I am fully Keto and have been for over four years but often those who know me now cannot believe how fussy I used to be right up into my 40s.

Any regrets?

I wish I had discovered eating my way healthy much younger as I could have avoided so much pain and maybe an operation or two. But I needed to meet the right people at the right time to support me and younger me would not have listened or thought being Keto was even a possibility.

What are the first three things on your bucket list?

Visit family in New Zealand. Take an extended break from work. Own a Mini cabriolet.

n GSSARCHITECTURE

Practice speaks of its pride in following in founding father’s footsteps

One hundred years ago

John Alfred Gotch‘the man who built Kettering’ - was elected to the illustrious position of president of the Royal Institute of British Architects. It was an historic moment - Gotch had become the first architect from outside London to hold the post since the RIBA was founded in 1834.

His career to that point had been a remarkable one. He had founded his own architecture practice in 1879 and was joined by Charles Saunders in 1887 and Henry Surridge in 1899 to create Gotch, Saunders and Surridge.

The practice has offices nationwide but, said GSSArchitecture’s current senior partner Tom Lyons, the legacy of John Alfred Gotch lives on in everything the practice does.

In almost a decade after the

n LABOUR PARTY

end of the First World War, GSS designed and built more than 140 branches for the Midland Bank, culminating in the construction of the bank’s headquarters in Poultry, London, grade I listed and designed by the eminent architect Sir Edwin Lutyens.

In Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire, Gotch was involved with 49 schoolbuilding projects between 1891 and 1937. His biggest school-building project, as well as the largest building he erected in Kettering, was Kettering Grammar School, a secondary school built for Northamptonshire County Council in 1912-16 at a cost of £16,323.

Gotch also created the original designs for the Grade II-listed Alfred East Art Gallery in Kettering, together with many of the shops and pubs.

“We have a long history at GSS and we are proud of the legacy that John Alfred Gotch and his partners have left for us to follow,” said Mr Lyons. “We have grown significantly over the years to a national practice but with our head office still here in Northamptonshire. It is fantastic to have so much history and see how far the

practice has come.”

Kettering Civic Society unveiled a memorial plaque to Gotch in 2018 in recognition of his contribution to the town. It remains at the HSBC branch in the town, one of the 142 he designed for Midland Bank.

Today GSSArchitecture now operates from its head office in Kettering with six

New Yorkshire office opens

UK offices and more than 70 staff creating innovative, sustainable design solutions across sectors including residential, education, commercial, healthcare, sports, and leisure.

Mr Lyons said: “We hope to continue Gotch’s legacy by producing exciting schemes and encouraging future generations to also follow in his footsteps.”

n A special thanks to Dr Roy Hargrave for his research on John Alfred Gotch.

GSSArchitecture has opened a new office in Leeds. The practice has had a presence in Yorkshire for more than 13 years, with a studio based in Harrogate, but has opened a permanent studio after the success of its Leeds Collaboration Hub last year.

“We have developed strong working relationships with clients and consultants in the region over the years and we are keen to build upon these,” said GSS partner Jonathan Hunter. The Harrogate studio has relocated to new premises in a more central location, he added.

and stability - no more short-term sticking plaster politics

“I’m Mike Reader and I’m standing to be your next Member of Parliament in Northampton.”

Over the past four months, since my selection by the Labour Party in February, I have uttered that line hundreds of times. Whether speaking to residents or meeting amazing businesses from across our town, the response from our community has been overwhelmingly positive. Northampton is ready for a Labour government.

It is time for change. After 13 years of Conservative Party control, we have nothing to lose and an incredible amount to gain.

Northampton has always been a big part of my life. My first projects as a graduate civil engineer included the Northampton College Booth Lane campus and the Northamptonshire Police Criminal Justice Centre at Brackmills.

The Balti Hut on Wellingborough Road was the restaurant I was brought to for the obligatory first dinner with future in-laws (yes, they did serve their famous family-sized naans backed then). Northampton was the destination we came to to shop or enjoy a night out.

But nearly 20 years on from that first dinner, our town has changednot necessarily for the better.

A combination of factors mean our once vibrant town centre is now an uninviting combination of heras fencing, boarded-up shops and antisocial behaviour.

Uncertainty and a lack of vision from government and local council leaders is eroding confidence in the business community.

Brash and destructive economics has led to financial uncertainty, making it harder for Northampton businesses to access the capital and support they need to weather the storm.

Our businesses deserve better so I am standing in the constituency of Northampton South to deliver the positive change our town needs.

I hold my hands up. I am not a career politician. I am not a former council leader. I am not a former Member of the European Parliament. And, until very recently, I had no plans to turn my experience of leading teams across the globe in the construction industry to politics.

I have spent the last two decades building amazing projects in our industry. Locally, I led and formed Perfect Circle, a joint venture of three East Midlands-based consultancy firms which has gone on to lead more than £1 billion of construction projects across the UK whilst delivering hundreds of millions of pounds of social value and thousands of jobs in the East Midlands.

On the international stage, I have been fortunate to lead teams that have formed government-to-government agreements in South America which have delivered more than 150 schools and hospitals in Peru. Teams

who are now delivering the one of the largest rail programmes in North America and the export of British talent.

I ask for the opportunity to prove to you that the Labour Party is the party of business. I have a vision for our local economy that focuses on growing the Northampton pound by partnering the spending power of our public institutions with the expertise of local businesses to drive living standards, job security and business certainty in our community.

We have set out our vision for Britain’s economic future through our Five Missions. These detailed policy statements focus on ending short-term sticking plaster politics and instead give us the foundations for a long-term plan to give Britain back its future and to restore pride and purpose in the country.

For Northampton’s business community, my focus is on ensuring we provide certainty and stability, not chaos and short-term fixes, so you can plan and invest in our great

town. I am determined to stop the widening inequality in our country between the South East and London and the rest of the UK. We must champion and support our university, colleges and training organisations to ensure we give working people the skills and opportunities Northampton businesses need, while addressing the trade barriers harming Northampton companies who want to do business in Europe and beyond.

I want our manifesto and the longterm plan for our town to be co-created with local businesses large and small, our institutions and our third-sector partners. So I am asking for your help in shaping a Northampton business manifesto for the future. Please contact me at hello@mikereader. co.uk to give me your views. My door is and always will be open to business. Together, we will make Northampton greener, fairer and more prosperous.

Mike Reader

When competition becomes serious business

Let the games begin… the annual HCR Hewitsons Business Games event drew more than 150 competitors to the University of Northampton’s Waterside campus to compete for the coveted HCR Hewitsons Cup. They rose to the challenges including tag boxing, New Age Kurling and hobby horse

showjumping.

At the end of the contest, it was the Northampton-based law firm hosts who took home the trophy, edging out runnerup Avon and third-placed pHp Architects.

“Our second year of hosting the Games - this time at our neighbour’s fantastic facilities - and what a turn out it was,”

Financiers seal deal on consultancy sale

An asset management consultancy recognised as an authority on industrial and infrastructure asset management has been sold in a deal completed by Northampton-based corporate finance specialists Watersheds.

The Woodhouse Partnership Ltd, based in Newbury, has been acquired by the RSK Group, a global leader in the delivery of sustainable

solutions with around 200 environmental, engineering and technical services businesses within the group.

Founder John Woodhouse, who will continue to lead the business as part of the RSK Group, has a reputation as a major player in international asset management and has co-authored many of the industry’s definitive professional standards.

Watershed partner Tim

Harrington, who worked on the deal, said: “We identified RSK as the buyer that not only met John’s criteria perfectly, but also were in a position to buy at the point where TWPL had reached a pivotal point in its growth journey. This sale gives TWPL access to essential additional resources at RSK to capitalise on the rapid worldwide increase in demand for the business services it provides.”

said Dominic Hopkins, joint head of HCR Hewitsons’ Central England office. “We were delighted to once again bring clients and friends of the firm together for an evening of fun, fitness and networking.

“A big thank you to everyone who took part and to Northamptonshire Sport who delivered the event superbly.”

Employer sponsorship backs college’s next generation of employment stars at awards

Ambition, adaptability and academic excellence… meet the winners at Northampton College’s annual awards ceremony held at its Booth Lane campus in Northampton.

A total 60 students who excelled over the past 12 months, both in terms of academic performance and personal progress, took centre stage - among them Level 3 hospitality and culinary arts student Cara Payne who won the Jeff Whitaker Award in memory of the Whitco founder.

Presented by Mr Whitaker’s wife Vita, the award recognised Cara’s passion for the food and drink industry, her appetite for learning and determination to develop her skills further.

Her prize includes the opportunity to spend a week in the kitchens of The Dorchester Hotel in London,

where she will work under the team of Michelin-starred chefs.

Matt Jones won the Rising Star award in recognition of his work on the Level 3 music performance course. He has put on solo performances at college events over the year and has been working with studio engineers from the University of Northampton who have produced albums for stars including Bob Marley and the Wailers.

“The last two years have been the best two years of my life,” he said. “The music scene in Northampton is incredible.”

The Principal’s Award went to Level 3 health and social care student Jackson Cose for his achievements during a work placement that saw him immediately offered a job. Ellie Dodwell, who returned to education aged 22 to secure the qualifications she needed to start a degree

course in occupational therapy at the University of Northampton, received the Katy Wright Award.

“When our students leave us, they go on to make a difference, both in

the workplace and in the community,” said college principal Pat BrennanBarrett. “We are producing responsible young people who are showcasing their ambition, adaptability and

academic excellence every day and they are going to be tremendous assets in whichever field they choose.”

Northampton’s leading employers lined up to sponsor the awards, including

Cosworth, Fablink, NME Electrical Services, Sytner Jaguar Land Rover, DSV, Northampton Partnership Homes, Grosvenor Decorating Supplies and Vintage Guru.

Watersheds partners Tim Harrington (left) and John Stopher with John Woodhouse (front).

All the winners at this year’s Northampton College awards ceremony

It may seem strange to be thinking about heating in the middle of summer but Burton Latimer-based Griffiths are doing just that.

As one of Northamptonshire’s leading installers of renewable heating, they are planning to deal with the constantly growing demand for heat pump heating in new build projects and among property owners wishing to move away from fossil fuels while gaining the financial reward of the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

Griffiths install both air source and ground source heat pumps supplied by two of the leading names in heat pump technology. Daikin is a worldwide brand and their

Abusiness furniture and interior company which has designed thousands of workplaces across the UK is backing a scheme that benefits the environment and social housing tenants.

Verve Workspace, whose head office is in Northampton, has joined forces with Uplyfted which collects used carpet tiles from commercial projects and refurbishes them so they can be used for social housing and other community initiatives.

Verve Workspace group managing director Steve Allan said: “All too often when we are working on an office fit out project for a new client, they need entirely new carpets to suit their interior plans,” said Verve Workspace’s group managing director Steve Allan. “Sometimes that means good carpet tiles are uplifted and disposed of and while we always try to make good use of these tiles it is not always practical.”

The partnership with Uplyfted means that tiles will now go to a good home. The scheme means that council and housing association tenants have access to flooring material they may not otherwise be able to afford.

“Most council and housing association tenants have to provide it themselves and with finances often being tight, this is not always possible,” said Mr Allan.

“Through this scheme they will receive flooring, rather than having to live with bare wooden floors, which not only improves their quality of life but also helps to insulate families from cold and noise.”

Silverstone has finalised a partnership deal with banking giant Santander UK for the bank to become the race circuit’s official sustainability partner.

Under the new partnership, Santander will provide Silverstone with a range of mobility solutions starting with the transition to a fleet of zero or low emission vehicles supplied through Santander Consumer Finance. The new fleet will be used for on-site mobility, event operations and on-track safety and rescue requirements.

The bank will also expand its Santander Cycles scheme to Silverstone. In trials taking place later this year with Santander Cycles partner Tier, the new e-bikes will be available to Silverstone employees promoting a greener mode of transport around the circuit. In the longer term, it is planned to make e-bikes available for guests and visitors.

The partnership deal was brokered by sports marketing and partnerships agency Sidhu & Simon, which will head the partnership’s activation and delivery strategy on behalf of Santander.

Santander UK’s marketing director Dan Sherwood said: “We have a range of initiatives to support them to become more sustainable and we are excited to start rolling these out over the coming months.”

includes low temperature and high temperature options as well as a hybrid model that combines a heat pump and combi gas boiler in the same unit. Working examples of the heat pumps are in Griffiths’ Burton Latimer showroom.

Kensa Heat Pumps, based in Cornwall, have been manufacturing ground source heat pumps for many years, with Griffiths carrying out their first installation in 2006.

Ground source systems are generally suited to new build projects due to the volume of groundworks required for the heat collectors.

All domestic and small commercial heat pump installations will qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme

Pump up the volume: Government incentives are firing demand for renewable heating Bank agrees sustainability link-up at racetrack City

if the property was previously heated by a gas boiler, oil boiler or night storage heaters. The scheme has certain criteria that must be complied with, but that is where an experienced installer such as Griffiths can provide useful advice. All heat pump installation are currently zero rated for VAT.

Regular servicing, and assistance in the event of a problem, are essential where space and water heating are concerned.

The Griffiths service team have many hundreds of clients who rely on them to make sure systems are running efficiently and receive their preventative maintenance when due.

City Breakfast Club, Milton Keynes is the longest running, premier networking event giving you opportunity to meet with the city’s top business leaders. The event takes place on the first Wednesday of each month*.

To book your place, visit citybreakfastclub.co.uk

n GRIFFITHS AIR CONDITIONING

n SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT

n VERVE WORKSPACE

Freeman Chairman

“I am looking forward to ensuring we continue to deliver an informal, informative and interactive networking experience for our

Altherma air source heat pumps have been installed by Griffiths since 2008, the year

in which Griffiths became the first Microgeneration Certification Scheme-

approved installer of heat pumps in Northamptonshire. The Altherma range

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

Partnership is working to help tenants and the environment

Beware loan sharks, warns credit union

Up to three million people in the UK have turned to an illegal money lender in the past three years as they battle against the effects of the pandemic and the cost of living increase.

Research from not-forprofit organisation Fair4All Finance found that seven per cent of 18 to 75-year-olds said they or someone in their household had borrowed from an unlicensed or unauthorised informal money lender who charges interest - also known as a loan shark. Now Northamptonshirebased credit union Commsave has pledged its support and advice to families battling the cost of living crisis.

“The statistics are shocking,” said Commsave’s business

development manager James Richards. “Loan sharks are exploiting the cost of living crisis to target struggling families and it is important to know that this is not just something that happens on low income estates. It is increasingly common in workplaces and often comes in the form of befriending.”

Loan sharks often present themselves as friendly and trustworthy but resort to threats of physical harm when the victim struggles to maintain repayments and interest charges often run to four or five figureswith additional charges added on for missed repayments.

Commsave estimates that more than one million people in the UK are in debt to illegal

money lenders. “Many feel too ashamed, embarrassed, or frightened to do anything,” said Mr Richards. “We need to be more open about this, support each other, and be aware of the threats and signs.”

Commsave, a UK-wide organisation headquartered in Northampton, is urging people to be vigilant and steer clear of unregulated lending. It is also advising people to report loan sharks should they encounter them.

“People tend to go to loan sharks when they come up against some kind of domestic emergency and need to access a few

hundred pounds quickly,” Mr Richards, pictured above, said. “One in five working aged adults in the UK have no savings and banks typically want to lend thousands so many people have limited options for getting their hands on the money they need.

DOING COPYRIGHT, RIGHT

Credit unions such as Commsave are a safe alternative, providing loans from as little as £100. Commsave is one of the largest credit unions in the UK. Financial website thisismoney.co.uk wrote last month: “One option for people struggling to borrow money legally to consider is a credit union. These organisations are often able to lend money to customers on more favourable terms than other high street

lenders, and have schemes in place to assist more vulnerable borrowers who may struggle to access credit elsewhere.”

The England Illegal Money Lending Team has a team of specialist investigators and Liaise Officers who work to bring prosecutions and support those who have used loan sharks.

n Anyone can safely report a loan shark by calling the dedicated number 0300 555 2222.

Businesses across West Northamptonshire have the chance to have their say on the proposed policy for street trading across the area. West Northamptonshire Council’s consultation on its Draft Street Trading Policy 2023 runs until August 27.

The aims of the draft policy is to regulate street trading activities and to prevent obstruction of streets in the district by street trading. This includes:

n Regulation of the location and number of street traders;

n Offering assistance to traders, by providing understanding of where street trade is encouraged, the application and decision-making process;

n Detail on where consent will not normally be granted

in respect of certain sites;

n Consent conditions including site and trading conditions.

The draft policy will replace existing policies in the former South Northants, Northampton and Daventry areas, providing one policy for the unitary council.

Cllr David Smith, cabinet member for community safety, engagement and regulatory services, urged businesses, organisations and residents to take part in the consultation.

He said: “The street trading policy provides guidance and support for those providing services and goods across West Northamptonshire at a local street level. It is designed to ensure that activity takes place in the right places and will help prevent illegal trading.”

F1 Authentics - owned by Memento Exclusives, the Brixworth-based sports memorabilia specialist - and Oracle Red Bull Racing have raised a total of £108,497 for Wings for Life in an exclusive auction.

The auction, held on the memorabilia platform, included the race suit that two-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen wore for the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix in which he scored

his 41st win, matching with Ayrton Senna, and claimed Oracle Red Bull Racing’s 100th victory. The auction also included an exclusive Meet & Greet with Verstappen and a tour of the Oracle Red Bull Racing factory in Milton Keynes.

Wings for Life, which funds global research projects and clinical trials aiming to find a cure for spinal cord injury, is Oracle Red Bull Racing’s official charity partner.

n WEST NORTHAMPTONSHIRE COUNCIL