Cooney Marine's managing director James Cooney at work with some of the state-of-the-art technology introduced by the company
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AWARDS NEWS 'My boss only had loaves and fishes'. P13 FSB appeals to government as costs crisis grows. P7 NEWS Engineering firm sold in £38m deal. P3 MONEY Diversify to protect your investment portfolio. P21 Q&A Creme Eggs: Man's single greatest invention. BusinessP25 TimesSeptember 2022 Est. 1991 In print and online Business Times is published in Northamptonshire for the county’s business community www.Business-Times.co.uk
The new 9,000 sq ft building took three years to complete, with the pandemic forcing the project to be put on hold. James said: “It makes me feel very proud to see the project finally completed.
n Find out more about Cooney Marine on pages 16-17.
The extra space is being put to good use to manufacture high quality railings and parts for some of the finest superyachts in the world.”
MD: Our clients have high expectations and we need to keep delivering
The growth of the business has meant that James took the decision to set up a sister company, Cooney South, to enable the company to better meet the needs of the increasing number of clients in the south-east of England.
The latest technology now in operation enables the team to turn tubes from circles into oval shapes. James said: “This equipment has changed the way we work. Previously the fabrication had to be done by hand which was a lengthy process but now the machine can do the same job in just 90 seconds. It is incredible and means we can feel confident that the company is leading the way in tubular fabrication.”
ngoing investment and innovative ways of working are proving profitable for Cooney Marine, which makes bespoke components for the superyacht industry. The Kettering-based company headed up by James Cooney is growing from strength to strength to meet demand from its prestigious international clients.Anew purpose-built state-of-the-art facility and hi-tech design and technology centre is the latest development for the company which was set up more than 50 years ago by James’ parents Kevin and Ann Cooney. James said: “Since day one the company’s ethos has always been to look at new and better ways of working. This could mean investment in the latest technology or through the people we employ in this specialist sector. Our clients have high expectations and we need to keep delivering to ensure we continue to stay ahead of the game. In these uncertain times it is good that we have been able to take opportunities.”
New facility keeps pace with requirements of global clients
James Cooney and senior manager Kieran McDonnell outside Cooney Marine's premises
“My favourite part of the video was synchronising with the other drivers. This was a challenging element but looked really great in the finished video.”Europa Warehouse in Corby opened in 2020 and employs a team of 300. The £60 million facility is Europa’s largest site and provides services for blue chip and ecommerce clients. Industry research shows that 1,500 injuries are caused annually by forklifts and other industrial vehicles.
The 'dancing' forklifts taking part in the Global Lifting Awareness Day campaign
“This is my first time as part of anything like this,” says Anthony, a reach truck driver who has worked at Europa in Corby for two years. “It was especially good that we got to work with the team from other Europa sites.
GLAD is a worldwide campaign focused on highlighting the innovations and work of affected industries, including anyone with an interest in lifting and working safely at height.
“We aim to create a magazine that everyone can enjoy and share. We hope our members will be as excited as we are about this progressive move to one publication, a publication we can all be proud of.”
n For more information about inbusiness magazine visit https://northants-chamber. co.uk/profile/inbusiness
The Chambers of Commerce for the two areas have opted to merge the current separate inbusiness publications from the February-March edition. They say that the new, bigger, inclusive magazine will give Chamber members more exposure by serving both territories. Its publishers are planning a new modern design, new features and spotlights, as well as the usual features including Member Profile - to be renamed Chamber Chatand Talking Business. The new inbusiness magazine, to be produced by current publishers Kemps Publishing, will also continue in digital form. The Chambers’ director of business development Sunny Singh, pictured, said: “This is a very exciting time for us as a Chamber. We wholly believe in our ‘Stronger Together’ mantra and the new look, merged inbusiness magazine will be the epitome of that statement.
New title will give more coverage for members
“It is vital that we continue to share the success of our members through this well-regarded publication but we felt it was time for a shake-up and see this as an opportunity to modernise and build upon the strong foundations inbusiness has already set.
“It was brilliant to watch the team’s enthusiasm, offering them a chance to get creative,” says Andrew. “I have never been part of something like this on such a massive scale.” Its unique narrow aisles and ninetier towering racks made the Corby warehouse a perfect location, providing a variety of lifting equipment including very narrow aisle forklifts for the video. In the video the Corby team were represented by Ewelina Brzezinska and Anthony Fahnbulleh plus support team including Sonal Patel, Connor Piper and Sally Watson.
Staff at logistics firm Europa Warehouse in Corby have parked their daily work to take part in a ‘dancing forklift’ video in aid of safe lifting. Six drivers were chosen to perform a routine choreographed by warehouse operations manager Andrew Kay. The dance featured high-tech forklifts normally used for transporting and carrying goods in the warehouse ranging from wine and spirits to apparel.TheEuropa Warehouse site was specially selected by Claire Bottle, chief executive at logistics trade body United Kingdom Warehousing Association, as the location for the Global Lifting Awareness Day promotional video.
Two become one as Chamber membership magazines combine
For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk Business News 2 Business Times | September 2022 BusinessTimes Distributed by Royal Mail to more than 9,500 key executives and decision makers every month. To book space in a future edition or talk to us about your advertising plans call 01604 259900 or email news@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk Stay in touch with business across Northamptonshire and read previous editions online at www.business-times.co.uk Disclaimer Lunar Publishing Limited cannot take responsibility for the content of the advertisements, editorial or the services provided by the advertisers. Advertisements are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are accurate. All artwork is accepted on condition that permission has been given for use in Business Times. Reproduction, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. ©Lunar Publishing Limited DECISIONTARGETKEYMAKERS 9,500 DELIVEREDEVERYMONTH MORE THAN The deadline for advertising in the next edition of Business Times is MONDAY 19 SEPTEMBER Connect with us on social media and join the conversation @BusinessTimes91/BusinessTimesNorthamptonshireBusiness-Times 17 Stilebrook Road, Olney, Bucks MK46 5EA Editor Andrew Gibbs news@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk Sales Director Martin Lewis-Stevenson martin@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk Advertising Sales Jan Lewis jan@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk Feature Editors: Annie SammyRobertsJones Graphic Design: Simon Goodger Photography: Steve Brill Publisher Kerry Lewis-Stevenson kerry@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk Advertising Sales Jenny Homeshaw jenny@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk Advertising Sales Sharon Maplethorpe sharon@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk M embers of Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes Chambers of Commerce are to receive a combined bi-monthly inbusiness magazine from next year.
n Watch the video at watch?v=U_31OPALI3Mwww.youtube.com/ Drivers reach the heights at 'Strictly Come Forklifting'
Wouter Witvoet, chief executive at EV Technology Group, added: “This acquisition is of huge strategic importance to the EV Technology Group. Having access to Fablink’s 750 world-class electric vehicle manufacturing and engineering experts in-house makes us more competitive, efficient and agile for Fablink’s existing customers and our own future projects.”
n Pictured: The partners at Cottons and JR Watson & Co after completing the deal A manufacturer of expanded polystyrene products has completed its search for a regional headquarters after purchasing a warehouse unit in Corby.Sundolitt Ltd has acquired Centrix58, pictured, a newly constructed 58,586 sq ft unit at Centrix Business Park - the final development at the 39-acre business park. Sundolitt Ltd is the UK business of the Sunde Group, a world leader in the manufacture of 100 per cent recyclable expanded and extruded polystyrene products. Its products are important to many industries, being applied in thermal insulation for construction and structural blocks for civil engineering and protective and insulated packaging. The company had looked along the Luton to Coventry M1 corridor for suitable premises but, frustrated by a lack of available stock, switched its attention to the Corby area. The Centrix unit was available originally on a leasehold basis but commercial property consultancy Kirkby Diamond, acting for Sundolitt, negotiated a deal with joint agents Burbage Realty and FHP on behalf of developers NFU Mutual and Clowes Developments for the sale of the freehold. “It took time to find the perfect property for the business because of the well-documented shortage of industrial units right across the region,” said Eamon Kennedy, executive partner and head of agency at Kirkby Diamond. “We are delighted we have been able to complete the acquisition. It is a high-quality unit in an excellent location and fits Sundolitt’s requirements perfectly.” The unit has four dock level doors, parking for 74 vehicles and four EV charging points. Sundolitt uses 100pc renewable electricity at all its UK factories.
T he retiring partners at Northampton chartered accountancy firm JR Watson & Co have completed the merger of the business with expanding regional accountancy practice Cottons. Established more than 100 years ago, J R Watson & Co has worked with clients across Northamptonshire and Warwickshire. All seven of its staff are being retained under the merger deal. The move is part of expansion plans at Cottons, which has offices in Northampton, Daventry, Rugby and Milton Keynes. Cottons director Charles Hill said: “The team at Cottons have worked hard to ensure the merger for the existing partners has been as seamless as possible, as they transition towards retirement.
To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk Business News Business Times | September 2022 3 Photo: Quintus, Burton, for Nurton Developments and Equation Properties goodrichllp.com | 01604 859859 | admin@goodrichllp.com PROJECT DELIVERINGCDMEMPLOYER’SMANAGEMENTAGENTQUANTITYSURVEYINGFUND/BANKMONITORINGBUILDINGSURVEYINGPRINCIPALDESIGNERPROFESSIONAL CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANCY ACROSS THE UK INDUSTRIAL | COMMERCIAL | EDUCATION | MULTI-ROOM RETIREMENT | OCCUPIER FIT-OUT | LEISURE | RETAIL
Polystyrene manufacturer expands into regional HQ with warehouse acquisition
Tech group acquires manufacturer in £38m deal
Group'susetechnologyState-of-the-artinatFablinkfactory in Brixworth
Accountancy firms celebrate merger
"We are very much looking forward to working with the J R Watson & Co team and clients on this next chapter.” The firm has taken on J R Watson & Co’s established client base, developed by the existing partners over many years. Their sector expertise is very diverse and a perfect fit for Cottons’ existing portfolio, the practice says. Retiring JR Watson & Co partner Alan Markham said: “We pride ourselves on our service and this new merger provides our clients with an opportunity to continue with a long-term partnership, with familiar faces and access to a wider, more modern service offering. "We feel our clients are in good hands.”
A specialist manufacturer with headquarters in Northamptonshire is to be acquired by an international group in a deal worth up to £38.8 million including £29.5 million to be paid in cash. Brixworth-based Fablink Group, supplying the automotive, transport and off-highway sectors, announced last month that it has signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by EV Technology Group, The business, in Quarry Road, was set up in 2005 and has grown into a globally recognised organisation with a 750-strong workforce, who will be retained under the deal. It specialises in the manufacture of metal pressings, operator cab assemblies, fuel and hydraulic tanks and complex structures as well as clean build of vehicle assemblies. The group’s facilities are also secure including two near Durham as well as sites in Wolverhampton and Luton. Fablink is already the manufacturing partner of MOKE International, a company that also recently agreed to join EV Technology Group's house ofStreamlinebrands. Automotive, a new division that provides specialist low and medium volume electric vehicle manufacturers with turnkey clean build vehicle assembly capabilities, is another part of Fablink. The deal is set to provide EV Technology Group with access to Fablink’s in-house manufacturing and engineering expertise. Richard Westley, Fablink Group’s chief executive and founder, will remain in his current and will join the EV Technology Group board as chief operating officer when the deal is completed. Fablink will also retain its current leadership team and facilities.“There is no doubt that EV Technology Group’s acquisition of Fablink is a fantastic fit,” said Mr Westley. “This acquisition not only presents a superb blend of resources and capabilities aligned to underpin EV Technology Group’s growth plans but also gives Fablink Group a platform for future investment in our people, facilities and technology. The acquisition will allow us to accelerate the delivery of our strategies in support of our existing global OEM customers as we continue our mission of achieving operational excellence across our manufacturing sites and also provide a platform to further develop the business as we look to support EV Technology Group’s own brands.“This is a tremendously exciting step for Fablink and we are looking forward to an even brighter future as part of a larger group.”
For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk Business News 4 Business Times | September 2022
HCR Hewitsons is a trading name of Harrison Clark Rickerbys Limited. Harrison Clark Rickerbys Limited is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority “ “ With a full legal service offering, we’re here to back the region, helping businesses grow and supporting individuals with the moments that matter to them. The region’s leading law firm Dominic Hopkins, Partner, Joint Head of Northampton Office Businesses have joined residents in having their say on plans to tackle the traffic issues inConstructionTowcester. of a new link road south of the town between the A5 and A43 is expected to alleviate the issue and the National Highways organisation is proposing a series of improvements that will encourage through traffic - particularly goods vehicles - to use the new link road and the A43 rather than the A5 through Towcester town centre. The consultation, which began last month, highlights two options. Both propose to improve signage, introduce speed and vehicle restrictions, improve walking and cycling facilities and provide public spaces. Park and Ride services to the town centre are also being explored as additional measures. The consultation runs until September 11. National Highways project manager Mark Roxburgh said: “Our primary objective with these proposals is to enhance the A5 through Towcester to improve the lives of those who live, work and visit there. We want to remove some of the more disruptive traffic from the town centre to improve safety and help preserve Towcester’s rich history.”
Towcester town centre n Public information events are due to take place in the Waitrose car park, 12 noon-7pm on September 5 and in the Aldi car park, 9am-2pm, on September 6. Have your say online by completing a consultation form at co.uk/our-roads/east-midlands/towcester-improvements/https://nationalhighways.
Link road scheme aims to ease pressure on historic market town Council seeks new office in efficiency drive
The options were drawn up after consultation with nearby councils and the police. Among the proposals are more pedestrian and cycling crossings, improved parking on the A5 between Vernon Road and The Lindens, a new cycle and footpath between Towcester police station and Old Tiffield Road as well as new public spaces with seating areas. Details of the options for improvements are at towcester-improvements/our-roads/east-midlands/nationalhighways.co.uk/ Plans to relocate from its current office in Daventry to elsewherepremisesinthe town are being pursued by West Northamptonshire Council.Themove is part of a planned review of all the council’s buildings which it inherited from the former county, district and borough authorities last year.The council currently operates from the former Daventry District Council offices in Lodge Road. Plans to close the 35-yearold office and relocate to smaller premises in the town by the end of the current financial year are the first steps of an office rationalisation programme that aims to achieve savings built into its budgets of £250,00 rising to £750,000 over the next three years. The review also looks toopportunitiesatbringtogether services from the old councils more effectively. Council leader Cllr Jonathan Nunn, pictured below, said: “As a new unitary council we have always been open about the need for us to rationalise our offices. It forms part of the aim of the unitary to make services better and more say on town centre traffic plan
dutyeffectivelyworkyearspressuresseecouncilsgoodcapacityRoadafterflexibleandNewefficient.”servicearrangementsstaffadaptingtomorewaysofworkingCovidmeantheLodgeofficesareathalfanddonotdelivervalueforresidents.CllrNunnsaid:“Allarestartingtosignificantfinancialsurfacingfortheaheadsoweneedtosmarterandmorewhilealsobeingboundtodeliverthesavingswehaveidentified.”Thecouncilwillremaininthetownandresidentswillhaveaccesstoallcurrentservices,headded. Have your
The plans will have environmental benefits and will provide better facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. “Removing the traffic will make the High Street a more attractive place to visit,” said Mr Roxburgh. “But we need to hear now from local people, communities and road users. Your views on the proposals will help us better understand the local area and any potential impact our schemes may have on you and the community.”
Everyone on our team has the professional experience required to give you the very best service and advice in all areas of commercial risk management. www.motum-services.com 0345 034 4542 contact@motum-services.com
Unit 3 Brooklands Court Kettering Venture Park Kettering NN15 6FD
To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk Business News Business Times | September 2022 5
“After ten years of specialist, high-performance engineering and a myriad of fantastic projects, we are now working on some of our most exciting programmes yet. This new move marks the beginning of a bold new chapter for the business.“With the Digital Manufacturing Centre also moving from strength to strength, now is the perfect time to enable greater cooperation and collaboration between KWSP’s highperformance engineering and the DMC’s world-leading additive manufacturing capabilities. This will be hugely beneficial for customer projects, as we will be able to better leverage the DMC’s expertise and production capacity with rapid production and instant delivery.”
T raders will have an councillorsChristmasundisturbedafteropted to delay the start work on the redevelopment of Northampton’s Market Square until the new year.
New facility delivers 'a step change' in capability Engineering firm moves into landmark HQ Market Square traders reap a festive reward
The third of a total five development phases at Silverstone Park is now complete North and West Northamptonshire Event Safety Partnership has launched a new event notification process. Businesses now notify their local council of an event via the local authority website. Services and partner organisations including Northants Police will be able to support event organisers to deliver a safe and secure event. Website overhaul for event notification
Cllr Daniel Lister, cabinet member for economic development, town centre regeneration and growth said: “This will give everyone some stability at one of their busiest times of year. The improvements we have planned will undoubtedly cause disruption but we will continue working with traders to minimise the impact on their businesses.” The council will continue to help promote the market in the lead-up to and after its move to Commercial Street next year.
Operator completes development phase
The new office will house our rapidly growing engineering team while the hybridassemblyworkshopareawillgiveus greater capacity than ever before to deliver highroad,performancetrackand motorsport projects, not to mention the substantial development and testing advantage of being located next to Silverstone Circuits.”
KWSP chief executive Kieron Salter inset said: “Relocating to new headquarters at Silverstone Park will deliver a step-change in capability for our customers.
MAKING THE COMPLEX SIMPLE n Board level risk management advice and solutions n Value based insurance... the right cover at the right price n Commercial insurance experts
KWSP’s new premises at Silverstone Park
The move coincides with KWSP’s ten years in business, delivering consultancy work with bluechip companies including F1 teams, Automotive OEMs, the aerospace and defence sector and professional sports.
The Digital Manufacturing Centre has experienced significant growth since opening in 2021. It is a stateof-the-art commercial additive manufacturing facility that will also continue to produce parts for use in KWSP projects. Co-locating the two businesses will enable greater collaboration, leveraging each other’s capabilities to deliver substantial benefits for both companies, Mr Salter said.
Silverstone Park operator MEPC has completed its latest Phase 3 development, adding a further 265,000 sq ft of industrial accommodation to the estate. The development comprises four sizeable properties, two of which have been let prior to completion to engineering solutions provider KW Special Projects and niche vehicle electrification business Lunaz . “Phase 3 has been a successful project in spite of some supply challenges related to the pandemic which affected multiple trades,” said MEPC’s development director Chris KimberNickelson. “Architecturally, each property is a progression of the designs we saw during Phases 1 and 2 and we are extremely pleased with the final product. They are strong on energy efficiency and look terrific for the businesses occupying them.”
For customers looking to outsource or ‘Skunk Works’ end-to-end design, development, production and testing of niche vehicle programmes and motorsport projects, the new facility will offer a step change in capability, the company says. The 28,000 sq ft facility combines expandable modern office space with workshop space and assembly area.
With more than two decades of experience, we work with an array of clients from private individuals to SMEs, large fleets and the public sector. We are dedicated to providing insurance that provides real value. We are part of a larger group of companies specialising specifically in commercial insurance. Every element of our group of companies has been built to provide service behind the premium you pay, ensuring your policy is there when you need it most.
Hengineeringigh-performance consultancy KWSP is to relocate from Bicester Heritage to Silverstone Park.
The spine road through Phase 3 has been fully asphalted and is now open, linking businesses direct to the earlier Phases 1 and 2 of“Whatdevelopment.isalso really exciting about the businesses being attracted to our new buildings is the activity behind their front doors,” said Mr Kimber-Nickelson. “The technology they are developing and projects they are working on are off the scale and, with all that, they are also creating many high-level jobs and skills.”
The move to a purposebuilt ‘skunk works for OEMs’ facility will enhance the consultancy’s ability to deliver niche vehicle programmes for road and track, alongside ‘horizontal innovation' projects and further enable technology transfer between sectors. It also brings the business closer to its sister company the Digital Manufacturing Centre.
MEPC has already been granted planning consent for its Phase 4 of development, a 100,000 sq ft scheme to include hybrid industrial units, with smart offices, a nursery, gym and café. An application for planning consent for Phase 5 - more than 201,000 sq ft of industrial premises on land opposite the main entrance to Silverstone Circuit - has also been submitted.
D
For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk6 Business Times | September 2022 Business News
igital and marketing support is on offer to social enterprises in North Northamptonshire under a new initiative launched by the North Northants Social Enterprise network.
The project also includes digital marketing support from Nothampton-based marketing and PR agency Pilkington Communications, whose new Turtle Academy for not-for-profit organisations opened earlier this year. Founder Jessica Pilkington said: “It is such a privilege to be able to support these social enterprises who have been telling us what they most want - support with everything from social media, press releases and their websites to e-newsletters and how to promote the products and services they offer.
"The training - and fun - now begins.”Socialenterprises are businesses that reinvest all profits into the business to meet social or environmental purposes. Alison Holland, founder of Geddingtonbased Brightwayz, which promotes safe, active, sustainable travel, heads the NNSE network.
“I am enormously proud to run a social enterprise,” she said. "We exist to fulfil a social or environmental purpose and all our profits are ploughed back into achieving that.” The NNSE network enables members to collaborate, share ideas and discuss challenges, she added. Wicksteed Park is among the county’s social enterprise businesses. “Others are less well-known and smaller but reach across many sectors such as education, transport, media and even beekeeping," said Ms Holland.“Many lack the budgets, expertise or marketing resources to sing their own praises so we want to help them do that for everyone’s benefit.”
Project backs social enterprise growth
“Keeping people connected to the places they live, work and visit is a fantastic way to ensure that local businesses and attractions grow and thrive.”
“We are dedicated to supporting local employers and growing our economy, and ExploreWN is going to be a strong tool to deliver this,” said Cllr Daniel Lister, cabinet member for economic development, town centre regeneration and growth.
App champions Northamptonshire's best
The new app that aims to encourage residentsNorthamptonshiretoexplorethe county and see what is on offer is nowWestlive.Northamptonshire Council has unveiled ExploreWN, which allows users to access deals, offers and discounts, a live events calendar and boost the county’s economy by supporting independent businesses and attractions.
n Download the app from northants-appand-tourism/explore-west-westnorthants.gov.uk/culture-www.
The Growth for Good project, backed by funding from Northamptonshire Community Foundation, was launched at Wicksteed Park, Kettering last month. Two social enterprise ambassadors, Dylan Officer and Julia Holland, are helping to run and promote the project, visiting local social enterprises to capture them on film and promote their good work.
Jennifer Thomas Government is urged to take steps to reduce the cost burden on small firms 'Pretty special': Commonwealth medallist celebrates Games success
“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.”
IT’S NOT JUST A JOB.
“With so many small business on the brink as inflation runs ahead of their ability to keep up, the time is now for the government to act to prevent the loss of even more businesses.”
Everyone wanted to see the medal when I came into the office. In a sport like ours, we do not get a lot of funding so we all have to work. Funnily enough, a lot of the England team are in construction and we worked out that between us all we could build a Inspiredhouse.”by his grandfather, Kieran took up bowls in 2011 and has played at international level since 2015. He and Craig were among a team of four players at the end of a 18-month selection process. “It is so nice to be selected for a home Games,” said Kieran. “It does not come round very often. It is an honour, a privilege, and a source of great pride. To compete for your country is unbelievable. There is enormous pressure to do well but you are representing your whole nation. We had the whole country behind us and I was so proud to be out Bhangalsthere.”
Business Times | September 2022 7 EUROPE DAILY CUSTOMS CLEARANCE GLOBALEXPORTFORWARDINGPACKINGCONTAINERS +44(0)1536 sales@knpgroup.com533544 www.knpgroup.com Business Times small add 2019.qxp_Layout 1 19/07/2022 15:08 Page 8 0800 088 wilsonbrowne.co.ukenquiries@wilsonbrowne.co.uk6004
“Reports from members of four- or fivefold - or even higher - increases in their energy bills are coming in thick and fast, with relief on this front also desperately needed,” said Ms Thomas.. “The new figures small firms are being quoted for energy costs would be laughable if their potential effect on the business were not so serious. These are huge, unmanageable sums for businesses whose margins have been battered and whose reserves have been depleted by the disruption to trading caused by the pandemic.
Construction Consultants managing director Parm Bhangal said: “Kieran winning a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games is an incredible achievement, especially at such a young age. Kieran is a highly valued, hard-working member of the Bhangals team who always strives to do well. “We are immensely proud of him and will continue to support all his athletic ambitions with great gusto.”
says
Jennie Jahina Head of Employment
I t is all smiles for Kieran Rollings left as he shows off his Commonwealth Games bronze medal won for England in lawn bowls at the Games in Birmingham last month. He is pictured with his teammate Craig Bowler at Royal Leamington Spa. It was Kieran’s second appearance in the Commonwealth Games. He became the youngest lawn bowls competitor in the Games’ history four years ago on Australia’s Gold Coast. “It is the second Commonwealth Games for me and to come away with a bronze on home soil is pretty good,” Kieran said. “I am super proud.” He works as a senior estimator at construction consultancy Bhangals Construction Consultants, based between Denton and Horton. “My colleagues have been so supportive and are really proud of what I have achieved.
“Hospitality businesses are also feeling the pinch, from the B&B owner who now has to pay 50p per slice of bacon to the bar which has seen prices for mixers and soft drinks spiral,” said Ms Thomas. “While small businesses do their absolute best to offer good value to customers, they will be squeezed to the margins as consumers’ disposable spending falls.”FSB research sets out the effect the current economic climate is having on small businesses, with more than 40pc of small firms reporting a decline in revenues in Q2. 35pc reported an increase. Expectations for an improvement in performance in Q3 are subdued, with almost 36pc predicting falling revenue. Just over 32pc anticipate revenues to rise.
If you need help with employment issues, call Jennie on 0800 088 6004.
Act now to save businesses 'on the brink', FSB T he cost of living crisis cannot be tackled until the cost of doing business comes down, says the Federation of Small Businesses.Itiscalling for a reversal of the increase in National Insurance introduced earlier this year and cuts to VAT and fuel duty. The FSB also wants help with energy bills for small firms in the same way as the government’s pledge to help households.Thelatest figures show the consumer price index at 10.1 per cent - its highest since records began in 1997. The prices paid by UK manufacturers for goods bought and sold - producer price inflation - rose by 22.6pc in the 12 months to July. “Action is needed right now,” said Jennifer Thomas, the FSB’s area manager for Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland. “We are seeing a toxic cocktail of rampant inflation, high taxes, soaring energy costs and shrinking economic growth “While the consumer prices rate of inflation bursting through 10pc is eye-watering, producer input prices are up by more than double that figure and this will filter through, pushing up the cost of living even more. The cost of living crisis cannot be solved without addressing the cost of doing business crisis.”
The NI increase of 1.25p for workers and employers which came into effect in April must be cancelled. Reductions in the rate of VAT and fuel duty will also help small firms to weather the storm, the FSB says. The rising cost of food and nonalcoholic drink is contributing to the growth in consumer inflation and hitting consumers in their pockets.
To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk Business News
Jennie Jahina is a specialist employment lawyer, helping all sizes and types of private sector business, and public sector organisations. Jennie deals with strategic projects (restructuring, compliance, business relocations and outsourcing/insourcing exercises), day-to-day operational and people management matters, and employment tribunal representation.
The FSB says that action on business energy bills is urgent.
The Department for Transport, which is responsible for future consultation on rail services, has sanctioned a move by the council to hold ongoing discussions directly with West Coast Partnership on proposals for the rail line once HS2 isCllrcompleted.William Barter, assistant cabinet member for environment, transport, highways, and waste, said: “It may seem a long way off but the decisions we make now will have far-reaching implications and it is important the people of West Northants have their needs heard. “Currently, rail services for our local area take second place to the long-distance trains, which means our local services are less frequent and have longer journey times than we would like. With HS2 on its way to divert city-to-city travel and the West Coast Partnership already beginning its work to advise the DfT on future local service patterns, it is crucial our council is also around the table and able to influence these future“Thisproposals.isareal opportunity to influence emerging proposals in favour of West Northamptonshire and our aspirations agreed by cabinet will underpin all our efforts in doing so.”
'A real nodGovernmentopportunity':givestorailtalks 105... and the 'grande dame' of property
For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk Business News 8 Business Times | September 2022 • Great Music • Local Bands • Entertainment • Local Events • What’s On • Great Guests • Local Voices with great music from today and the hits of yesterday Your customers are listening! What do you want us to say? Email: sales@nliveradio.comAdvertise on the local radio station for all Northamptonof Harness the power of local radio to boost your business. With over 14k regular listeners we can help spread your message. Radio advertising is cost effective, book a campaign with us for as low as £100 per month. Manual or Automated Blinds for Businesses and for Schools 01604 603111 www.saxonblinds.co.uk For all types of commercial window blind systems, call us: &Affordablemadetomeasure T alks between councillors and the operator of the West Coast Mainline through Northamptonshire which aim to secure faster and more frequent local trains have been given the green light by the government. West Northamptonshire Council’s cabinet has agreed a ‘shopping list’ for how it wants to see rail services improved at Northampton, Long Buckby, Rugby and Milton Keynes stations to guide ongoing talks with West Coast Mainline operator the West Coast Partnership. Phase one of HS2, now under construction and scheduled to open in stages between 2029 and 2034, will take long distance city-to-city traffic away from the southern end of the West Coast Mainline and free up capacity for services to stations serving West Northamptonshire.
“Despite probably being the oldest lady in Kettering, she is very much on the ball,” said Eve. “She still lives independently and is very much involved with running the properties. She is not daft, she goes down and checks on any work being done to make sure it’s done correctly.”Belvoir Kettering managing director Bobby Singh Braich, pictured with Marjorie, describes her as ‘an incredible woman’. He added: “We enjoy helping her with her property needs and giving guidance on the current legislation of the dos and don’ts.”
Meet Marjorie Wright, the oldest landlady in Northamptonshire.At105,thecentenarian still runs her own property portfolio. Marjorie still does her own accounts and has been a landlady for more than half a century.Today she works alongside lettings agency Belvoir, appointing tradespeople for maintenance work and liaising with tenants. She decided to seek some help just after her 100th birthday at the suggestion of her daughter Eve after an unpleasant experience with one particular set of tenants.
To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk Business Times | September 2022 9
As board members of SEMLEP, we work hard to ensure that this region has a powerful base of skills that can manage innovation, innovate, and exploit innovation effectively. We have a great team focused specifically on skills with a depth of experience across universities, industrial training, and broader life learning. They produce the excellent Skills Strategy for the region.
It requires that the region, and the nation, has the skills, management, built environment, data collection, systems of releasing value, and ways of assigning investment to valuable propositions, all functioning seamlessly and without friction.
In the long run, the evidence is overwhelmingly that innovation generates social and national good. In the short to medium term, compromises need to be made. Managing that is the thing that we like to call politics.
David Bailey is an expert in structuring and strategy. “I find the pathways and components of unexpected solutions to enable founders, investors, and property owners to fix the hardest of problems,” he says. “I help them to unblock and accelerate growth; unlock and realise value rapidly; and invest wisely for maximum gain.” He is a private sector board director of SEMLEP and a member of Northampton Enterprise Zone, Luton Airport Enterprise Zone, the Finance Risk and Advisory Committee and Inward Investment Group.
Innovation does not happen without help Innovation is a learned skill. It is not the same as invention. It is not the same as random creativity. It is a focused collaborative process over many years which seeks out and identifies opportunities, creates concepts that can be developed, validates those concepts against the real world, develops working solutions for those concepts, and then deploys those working solutions in profitable manners.
It is not all about money Many of the examples above have been given in financial terms, but the effects go much wider. Innovation can change our health, our journey to work, the way we spend our leisure time, how we process waste, how we get water, what pollution we generate, and how we are educated. What SEMLEP does with this
Inward Investment Armed with that, and powerfully so, SEMLEP can reach out across the Economic Development Officers in local authorities to coordinate and facilitate inward investment, whether from foreign or national sources. Precisely because the region has such deep and rich advantages, it has a long history of capturing significant amounts of inward investment and directing it towards the innovation challenges that will really matter; both for SEMLEP area, and for the United Kingdom as a whole. Is it all worth it? Investment can create additional innovation if it is put in the right place with the right skills and the right people and the right sector. That innovation can drive financial and social gain that compounds and grows dramatically if it is managed and nurtured correctly. Relatively small investments, and relatively small changes in can have substantial benefits in the future. So, while the short answer is “Yes”, the long answer is “Yes, but only if a lot of dedicated people put a lot of time and effort into managing the detail carefully”. And that, I think, is part of why volunteering for SEMLEP has been so amazingly rewarding for me, and each and every one on the SEMLEP board.
For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk Feature 10 Business Times | September 2022 by DAVID BAILEY non-executive Board Director, SEMLEP MUCH is made of the need for the UK to invest in innovation to drive prosperity. It’s a straightforward message and a beguilingly easy solution to sell at a time when the UK is facing severe pressures on currency, supply chains, workforce, skills, and access to markets. It’s been a plank of government policies since the 1970s and 1980s as a driver to reverse a long period of relative UK economic decline against our international neighbours. Can innovation continue as a catalyst to enable the UK to prosper? If it might, is investment in more innovation beneficial?Iwon’tattempt to review 100 years of econometrics and national policy in a short article. I will get straight to the point: investing in innovation DOES unlock national prosperity. Yes, it does… ‘Think tanks’ of various political colours and ideologies have produced lengthy papers on innovation for prosperity. Some that come quickly to mind are the OECD 2007 Innovation, Growth and Equity: The Equation for Prosperity, Brooking Institute 2011 Technology and the Innovation Economy, the National Institute for Economic Review 2013 Investing for Prosperity: Skills, Infrastructure and Innovation, CIFAR 2019 Innovation, Equity & The Future of Prosperity and NEISR 2021 From ideas to growth
Investing in innovationdoes it really unlock prosperity?
Investment yields higher returns in areas where there are positive pre-existing conditions.Youalways get more back in social and financial terms where you already have universities, connectivity, bandwidth, a reasonably dense built environment, and a concentration of industries that have already recognised the need to innovate. Fortunately, the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, and the Southeast Midlands region is blessed with those factors.
Benefits are not distributed evenly The truth of innovation is that before it generates prosperity, it generates disruption. It is true that jobs may be lost when a more efficient process is discovered, It is true that some regions benefit more than others from the introduction of new technologies. It is true that different demographics benefit at different times and in different ways from the spread of prosperity.
…but not always ...and not without help It’s a big, complex, and confusing area of study and it is what is under the headlines that really matters. Let’s look at a few of the most important areas: Investment alone does not automatically lead to innovation Common sense, backed up by multiple studies, suggest that merely throwing money at a problem will not solve it.
Importantly, all that information enables SEMLEP, together with our partners locally and nationally from the public and private sector, to focus effort on unlocking innovation in areas and sectors that have proven abilities to deliver returns locally: n High-performance technology n Future of mobility n Zero carbon future n Manufacturing and advanced technology n Logistics and supply chain n Creative and cultural industries n Aerospace and space technology
Published on behalf of the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership
A core team creates the evidence base from which the Regional Economic Plan emerges by way of broad and deep studies from existing reports and by the regular Business Survey across the region.When the team is faced with sudden changes in the economic environment, as we just had from Brexit and Covid, it is able to pivot and produce Recovery Strategies as well.
The majority-accepted view is that there is a strong correlation with some known causation that indicates that increased investment in innovation leads to higher national prosperity in the medium to long term. The UK government finds that each £1 of investment in innovation generates a 20% rate of return. This is within the bounds of OCED, World Bank and EU studies over decades.Theyall find that rates of return to private investment in innovation of 0% to 60%, with most firms seeing 20% to 30%, and national prosperity returns to public sector investment are in the range of 0% to 100% with most being in the band of 30% to 50% because of the amplification and spillover effects of the rest of economy. Innovation activity may be a relatively small proportion of the economic and social activity in the United Kingdom but it has a disproportionately fast-growing effect on everything around it. Which is why we pay it so much attention and try to nurture the fragile little sparks into useful flames. By the magic of compound growth, every year builds upon the year before. Over 20 years, a 20% rate of return turns £1 million into £32 million, and a 50% rate of return creates £2.2 billion. Clearly, we are highly motivated to ensure we target the top end of that range of returns.
Growth Curve Is your business ready to grow? With expanded criteria, more businesses are now eligible to join Visit semlepgrowthhub.com for more www.semlep.com/work-with-us/ for more information. Have you considered a role as a non-executive director? SAdvocacy trategy LChange eadership
Preparing your business for sale will put strain on you and your business during the sales process. Investing time before the process begins will help you during the process, maximise your exit price and give your staff and customers the thought they deserve when you’re negotiating and securing their future. Don’t underestimate the amount of time planning takes. It is time intensive.
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It is inevitable that one day you will need (and want) to step away from the business you’ve built, but many business owners do not put the same time and effort into planning for their exit as they do for day-to-day operations and growth strategy. Maybe this is because it’s easier to prioritise short-term projects, hard to imagine not being a part of the business’ future, or simply thinking that exiting a business is easy. What exit options do I have available?
Preparing your business for sale
Getting your finances in order
ou’ve worked hard for years, decades or maybe even generations, at building your business, caring for your employees and valuing your customers loyalty. The day-to-day operations are running smoothly, and you’ve put time and thought into your long-term strategy, but have you thought about your succession plans? In other words, do you have an exit strategy?
Cloud Accountancy Audit Our specialist
Considerations
It is important to have an accurate and up-to-date picture of your business’ financial information. Think about how you currently monitor your financial performance and if perspective buyers will be able to understand and interpret your current reporting methods. It is good practice to whittle your financial performance metrics down into a handful of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), which are recorded and analysed monthly. Getting away from spreadsheet management is also a wise move, so the data is populated digitally with a clear audit trail.
Passing on your business to family members Employee succession planning
Valuation methods: Cashflow Forecasting EBITDA multiple (with normalisations) Asset Turnoverbasismultiple
If you have read this and it has got you thinking about your exit plans, we at Ad Valorem would be pleased to discuss them with you to explore your options and start the planning process early. Contact us using the details below to arrange an informal discussion.
provide a range of services and advice including EIS/SEIS Embedded Capital Allowances Land Remediation Relief SDLT HMRC Enquiries Share Schemes and M&A Bring
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Final tips
Where to start? Before you enter into the sales process, work out what you need from the sale. Without this figure, it will make negotiations extremely tough for you. It will also give you a benchmark against the current value of your business, to identify whether any changes need to be made in advance of entering the sales process.
• Management Buy-Out • Employee Ownership Trust Business sale Turning the key, shutting the door and walking away Tax implications on these options can vary dramatically.
Start this now, so... You can see where you are today, compared to your exit goal number You have a record of your KPIs over a period of Youtimecan take action to maximise your value at the time of your sale How instrumental are you to your business?
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Build your team of experts When it comes to planning for what is likely to be the biggest deal of your career, it makes sense to pick your team of experts carefully. A good advisor will pay for themselves in the experience and advice they bring to the party. Particular attention should be paid to selecting your legal and accountancy team, as throughout the process there will be many legal documents which will need preparing, interpreting and reviewing, as well as advising on courses of action where applicable.
There are different methods for calculating the value of a business, which can be dependent on the type of business or sector you are in. For example, in the IFA and accountancy sectors, the valuation is based on a multiple of their fee income/turnover, but profitability will still play a part in determining the multiple.
Planning should start at least 3 years before entering the sales process.
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A good firm of accountants will provide experience in a number of areas throughout all stages of the sales process; from the valuation of your business, presenting key information in due diligence, tax planning and help to ensure you get the best deal possible. They may also be able to introduce you to good brokers and sometimes even perspective buyers.
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Business sale process? Pre-Sale planning Finding and Choosing a Buyer (under NDAs)
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It’s worth considering that certain buyers and types of sale will expect an earn-out period where you will continue to work within the business or as a consultant for an agreed period.
Tax Business Consultancy team your finances into real time with Cloud Accountancy Packages As have the experience to implement and train your team We provide a range of Audit and Assurance services with our experienced team guiding you through the process We are proud to be regulated by the ACCA and follow their high technical and ethical standards R&D Eligible for R&D Tax Credits? We can help identify your eligible projects and ensure all qualifying expenditure is captured within your claim to save you the tax you deserve
Do you have a strong/weak management Areteam?your processes documented? Are you in any long-term contracts or agreements?
12 Business Times
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What are your plans after your sale? Are you planning or thinking of staying within the business for a period of time, or do you want to be walking off into the sunset?
are
Paul Hunt (centre), of The Curious Vegan is pictured with Rev Kate Bottley and John Clarke, manager of Daily Bread
the
“While my boss only had loaves and fishes, there is much more on offer here,” Rev Bottley quipped. “The feeding of the 5,000 would have been a breeze in Northamptonshire.”
The winners in the three categories will join the other finalists for the awards dinner at the Royal & Derngate in Northampton on October 12, when the remaining award winners will be announced.
n For more details, www.northantsfoodfestival.co.uk.visit Festival delivers a veritable feast
“It is credence to what we do,” said founder Paul Hunt. “We will keep striving to make products better, moreGoldaccessible.”intheArtisan Local Product of the Year, sponsored by Heygates Flour and Animal Feed, went to Naked Dairy Gelato from Rocky’s gelato and three businesses raised a glass to gold in the Artisan Local Drink of the Year; Blue Aurora English Blueberry Ice Wine from Lutton Farm, Wharf Distillery’s Lactodorum Towcester Gin and Stonyfield English Quality Sparkling Wine 2018 Rose from Stonyfield Vineyard.Goldwinners, as well as receiving mentoring support, will be entered into the Guild of Fine Foods Great Taste Awards for 2023.
Awards director Rachel Mallows said: “To have Kate help us with this was the icing on the cake.” n To be at the NorthamptonshireWeetabixFoodand Drink Awards ceremony, call Sophie Smith on 01933 664437 or sophie@themallowscompany.com.email
A feast of fare suppliersfinestNorthamptonshire’sfromfoodanddrinkandproducers is being prepared for this year’s Good Food and Drink Festival. The event takes place on September 11 at Kettering Park Hotel, with award-winning products ranging from locally brewed beer to bespoke chutneys and will include vegan, dairy free and gluten free options. The concept for the first event came from Andrew Hollett, Kettering Park Hotel’s general manager, who has a passion for incorporating local produce into the hotel’s menus “I wanted to create an opportunity to celebrate our amazing local food and drink scene,” he said. This year’s Good Food and drink Festival has been organised by Kerry Bate, of Polka Dot Events.
'The feeding of the 5,000 would have been a breeze...'
Rev Bottley spoke of the dedication that motivates Northamptonshire’s food and drink producers. “Behind every product is a commitment and a passion,” she told guests at the awards ceremony. “It is much more than just a desire to pay your mortgage - it is a love for what you do.”Oinkin’ Patties from The Curious Vegan took the Gold award in the Artisan Local Vegetarian/Vegan Product of the Year, sponsored by health food co-operative Daily Bread which also hosted the awards ceremony. The business now aims to expand into wholesale and retail markets next year.
To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk Business News Business Times | September 2022 13 0800 088 6004 | enquiries@wilsonbrowne.co.uk | wilsonbrowne.co.uk
of our legal advice - we are all the help you need. ABOVE ALL YOUELSE...MATTERMOST.
THE AWARD WINNERS
ARTISAN LOCAL PRODUCT OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Heygates Flour and Animal Feed GOLD Naked Dairy Gelato from Rocky’s Gelato SILVER Blueberry & Lavender Jam from Mee Farmers; Northamptonshire Blue from Hamm Tun Fine Foods; White Sourdough from Whittlebury Bakery. BRONZE Elderflower Sorbet from Your Cool; Garlic and Fennel Salami from Northampton Charcuterie Company; Tomato & Chilli Chutney from Green Kitchen Preserves.
You at centre
ARTISAN LOCAL VEGETARIAN/VEGAN PRODUCT OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Daily Bread GOLD Oinkin’ Patties from The Curious Vegan. SILVER Spiced Rhubarb Chutney from The Food Library; Tongue Taster from Northampton Cheese Company BRONZE Almond & Coconut Granola By Salma Shah; Cucumber & Dill Sauerkraut from Millie Pickles; Vegan Fizzy Blue Raspberry Bottles from The Sweet Lounge.
ARTISAN LOCAL DRINK OF THE YEAR GOLD Blue Aurora English Blueberry Ice Wine from Lutton Farm; Lactodorum Towcester Gin from Wharf Distillery; Stonyfield English Quality Sparkling Wine 2018 Rose from Stonyfield Vineyard. SILVER Heidrun session NEIPA from Three Hills Brewing; Oat Drink from Wild & Furrow. BRONZE Solstice Single Malt Whisky from Wharf Distillery.
“The festival is a wonderful opportunity to showcase some of Northamptonshire’s finest local food and drink producers,” she said. “Visitors will be amazed by thePreviousvariety.”festivals have drawn more than 800 visitors. This year’s event is also raising money for North Northants First Responders, a lifesaving partnership with East Midlands Ambulance Service.
R adio and TV presenter Rev Kate Bottley is full of praise for the quality and quantity of entries in this year’s Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards. She was in the county to help hand over bronze, silver and gold awards to the first winners in three categories. The winners of the Artisan Local Product, Artisan Local Vegetarian/ Vegan and Artisan Local Drink categories have been announced early in order that the finalists can capitalise on the summer boom in food festivals and other events.
Perks, not pay rises, can keep staff on side Discontent among employees is leading to an increase in workforce disputes and big problems in small businesses, companies across Northamptonshire have been warned.Strike action has hit a number of the UK’s biggest employers but their grievances are a reflection of the mood in workforces of all sizes across the country, says a HR specialist. Small businesses should consider taking action now before they start to feel the“Theeffects.cost of living crisis and rising inflation are key factors in Racheldiscontent,”employeesaidCollar pictured, owner of human resources consultancy Haus of HR in Towcester. It is not always feasible to increase salaries, she added, but there are alternatives to consider in their bid to keep staff happy.
North Northamptonshire Council is teaming up with partners to support job seekers across the local area.
The sessions will provide customised support for residents until they find employment, training, volunteering or start a new business. In between the sessions, Job Club members will be encouraged to stay in touch with partners.
I am especially pleased that NN Job Club meetings will be held at locations throughout North Northamptonshire and this underlines our desire to provide this service throughout our area.
Cllr David Brackenbury
n To become a member of the NN Job Club, join one of the sessions this month. Or email the Job Club at nnjobclub@ northnorthants.gov.uk to register your interest. All information, advice and guidance that is given is free, strictly confidential and customised to your personal circumstances. NN Job Club sessions will be promoted via the NNC Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages.
Job Club aims to boost employment prospects
For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk Business News 14 Business Times | September 2022
North Northamptonshire Council is working with partners including Job Centre Plus, MIND, Prospects, Evolve Your Future, Tresham College, the University of Northampton, Catalyst, Serve, the Prison Service and the Salvation Army.
“Business owners and managers should be making the time to speak to employees to find out how they are feeling,” Ms Collar said. Listening and offering perks and benefits such as an employee assistance programme, subsidised gym memberships, even shopping vouchers as rewards for a job well done can be just as powerful.“There is a very real risk of people walking out of their jobs right now and this could cause chaos for many companies. Your people need to feel like they are listened to.” Making changes to certain aspects of their roles can make for a far more motivated team and shows an employer’s commitment to them, Ms Collar added.
"So, if you or someone you know is currently looking for work, training and volunteering opportunities or maybe considering starting a business, I would encourage you to come along to become a member. It is great that our teams and partners are visiting four of our larger towns across North Northamptonshire - Rushden, Kettering, Corby and Wellingborough - which means that support and advice will never be too far away for those wanting to access the service.”
“As well as the weekly sessions, the team will be working to deliver further support, including in more rural areas and harder to reach communities across North Northamptonshire to ensure that as many people as possible are helped to findCouncilwork.”leader Cllr Jason Smithers added: “These sessions are designed to support an individual’s needs and our team will work closely with you.
The new NN Jobs Club will run inperson every Tuesday from September 6 between 11am and 2pm, rotating around four locations: September 6: Kettering Council Chamber, Bowling Green Road September 13: Wellingborough Queensgate Shopping Centre, near Customer Services September 20: Corby Council Chamber, Corby Cube September 27: Rushden Salvation Army, 19 Church Street
n Haus of HR is offering a free HR Healthcheck to Northamptonshire businesses to help to make sure they are keeping their business protected from potential HR issues. Visit www.hausofhr.com.
Cllr David Brackenbury, the council’s executive member for growth and regeneration, said: “It is great that we are able to team up with partners to provide vital support and assistance to job seekers across North Northamptonshire.
does not regulate the activities of tax planning, estate planning or IHT planning. OCM Wealth
OCM Asset
Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (www.fsa.gov.uk/register/home.do). FCA Registration
is a trading name of OCM Wealth Management. ocmwealthmanagement.co.uk The Power of 3 runs through the core of OCM as we have three professional disciplines brought together allowing us to deliver such a powerful client focused proposition. As an Independent Chartered Financial Planning Firm, a Discretionary Asset Manager and Tax planning specialist, we utilise the power of 3, to ensure we deliver a seamless and first class, cost and time efficient service to clients. This is because at OCM we truly believe Our Clients Matter. CHARTERED Financial Planners TAXATION & Accounting DISCRETIONARY Asset Managers THE POWER of Three
To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk Business Times | September 2022 15
The Conduct Authority Management No: 418826. Management
Financial
Now let’s take a tour of Cooney Marine...
At Cooney Marine, the company aims to be consistently ahead of the game. Investing in the latest technology enables it to be more efficient, effective in its engineering and puts the business at the pinnacle of tubular fabrication. The newest addition is the ovalising roll forming machine pictured above. Oval rails are very popular among the superyacht community because of their strength and looks.This machine enables Cooney Marine to ovalise our normal round tube, producing 1-inch, 1.25-inch, 1.5-inch, 2-inch, 3-inch, and 4-inch oval in one pass and in under 90 seconds. The process keeps the tube square and intact, making it easier for the rails department to fabricate the oval rails.
Keeping at the forefront design, engineering, and manufacturing technology backed up by a highly skilled workforce, Cooney Marine makes the best stainless steel products in the world. The company has also manufactured stainless steel fabrications for projects including the Welsh Assembly building and high-rise buildings in the City of London. Such has been the speed of growth in the business that James has launched a sister company Cooney South, dedicated to looking after Cooney’s clients in the South East of England. Today Cooney employs more than 100 staff across its two sites, providing a valuable boost to its local communities.
James Cooney right, managing director of Cooney Marine, is pictured with senior manager Kieran McDonnell proudly standing in front of the company’s new purpose-built rail development. Cooney Marine has continued to grow in these uncertain times and has extended the company’s premises pictured above in order to keep pace with demand from Cooney’s prestigious clients.
B ased in Kettering, Cooney Marine have been established for more than 53 years, growing year on year and making bespoke components for the superyacht industry. Started by Kevin and Ann Cooney, the company has had continued success. Today their son James is at the helm of the business, which is now established as the forerunner in marine 316 stainless steel fabrication to the finest and biggest luxury yacht builders in the world.
Published on behalf of
As well as producing oval rails, Cooney Marine also uses the new ovalising machine to produce the oval tube for its range of oval davits. These are very strong and have sleek looking lines rather than the original looking davits to add to most yachts and sailing boats.
For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk16 Business Times | September 2022 Advertisement Feature
At the heart of Cooney Marine’s rail division is this three-dimensional tube bender. This machine can bend tube in three dimensions with a full six-metre length. Supervisor Luke Elmore is pictured bending a complex three-dimensional tube in one pass.
To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk Business Times | September 2022 17 Advertisement Feature MACHININGTRACER AND TRACKER TECHNOLOGY TUBE BENDING www.cooneymarine.co.uk | 01536 484481 sales@cooneymarine.co.uk Cooney Marine International Ltd | Telford Way | Kettering | NN16 8UN
A large 1.5-metre bed allows more machining to take place, therefore making Cooney Marine more efficient. Its engineers can cut up to 50mm stainless steel on the water jet, which can then be placed directly on to the machines and to machine thicker components faster than ever. Cleats and fairleads are just some of the parts Cooney Marine manufactures on its new machines and are made to the tightest of tolerances.
Cooney Marine’s tube bending machines can bend tubes between one inch and two inches in diameter.This alleviates the need for welded joints, leaving the tube looking immaculate for Cooney Marine’s fabricators to weave their magic.
Already having many cnc machines in the machining department ensures the best quality coupled with efficiency. The addition of vertical milling centres with automatic tool change and live tooling puts Cooney Marine at the top of the machining industry.
Cooney Marine is always looking at new ways of innovation. Recently procuring the latest in technology, this tracer and tracker pictured above redefines the way the company make rails and jigs. The tracer can project drawings direct from the beam to the floor so Cooney Marine ’s engineers can pinpoint reference points to within microns. Managing director James Cooney is pictured helping senior designer Carl Gadsden to digitise an oval aft rail. This piece of equipment can scan a boat to see if there are any deviations from model to actual boat size, which is great news for our clients who demand the very best service quality and lead times. Cooney Marine can use drawings sent directly from customers to scan their rails. This makes the whole fabrication process much quicker and much better for quality... the tolerances are beyond belief.
Making the complex simple
From the very first day of business, I have trusted Motum with all of my insurance needs. They are professional, reliable, experienced and take great care in ensuring my policy meets the business needs.
Insurance
For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk18 Business Times | September 2022 Feature: Logistics
To find out more call 0345 034 4542 or see the website at www.motum-services.com “ ” post-sale service delivery with our own in-house services. This means the client will not only get the best value premium for their fleet but know they can get their vehicles back on the road as quickly as possible without going through a thirdThisparty.”innovative approach has been proven time and time again by the broker who works with companies across the United Kingdom.“Webelieve in building relationships with our clients,” says Danny. “Many insurance brokers do not want to touch the fleet insurance side of the business because it can throw up a lot of issues but we believe our experience can bring real benefits forEachcompanies.”clientisgiven an account manager, backed up by Northamptonshire-baseda team of insurance experts who can respond quickly to inquiries. A detailed analysis of a client’s fleet can often unearth longrunning claims which have an impact on future premiums. As such, the brokerageNorthamptonshirealsooffersfreeof charge insurance audits, irrespective of whether a fleet is already one of their“Weclients.haveshown clients that by taking control of their fleet insurance it is possible to save thousands of pounds,” says Danny. He cites the example of one client who had saved about £30,000 simply by allowing Motum to review their insurance and correct where they had been oversold.
Advertising Feature
Motum Insurance Services has a wide range of clients who have found that simply ticking a box has been costing their business not only money but also time. The Kettering-based broker is one of the few in the United Kingdom that not only boasts genuine fleet insurance expertise but also backs the premium spend with an array of in-house services. These are delivered through the Horizon Group, which has been providing claims management services, repair management, vehicle recovery and engineering services for more than five years. Its services help to reduce the overall fleet exposure and costs.
Corporate Client
Client Director Danny Flowers says: “Our unique positioning means we can meet a client’s needs and expectations. The only way to make sure the client is getting the best deal is to understand the client’s needs and you can’t do that online.“Wetake a traditional approach to insurance broking and back our
“What has a company got to lose?,” he adds. “Why wouldn’t anyone not want to spend time looking at the options before renewal rather than ticking a box and spending what is allocated in the budget.”
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Ask any business operating a fleet for one of their biggest insurance costs for their business and the usual answer is the cost of insuring the vehicle fleet. Yet, many of these businesses should really be asking themselves a different question: When was the last time the company’s decision makers reviewed the cost of the annualIndependentpremiums?broker
Steve Rees, sales and marketing director at Qoob Group, assesses why marketing a business around shared beliefs and causes can build a deeper rapport with its clients.
People are invited to pop along – no need to register. Simply make your way to the main entrance of the historic home and follow the signage. The jobs fair will be held in the stunning Bouverie Suite rooms and offer.vocationalwritingjobadditionalavailable.refreshmentscomplementarywillbeTherewillalsobesupportforseekers,withCVadviceandotherskilltrainingon
Our business exists to provide a truly excellent marketing and communication service by offering help in almost every area of marketing that a business owner or company could need for the good of busy business owners so they can focus on running their business. Once you’ve defined your ‘Purpose’, the next step in your marketing strategy is to work out who you need to reach with your marketing communications to fulfil your purpose. We will cover that in our next article.
Per fect your CVs and application/ nterview skills Ask questions and get advice Venue: Delapré Abbey London Road No thampton, NN4 8AW Lots of ree parking available No need to book simply turn up sara.homer@brackmillsindustrialestate co.uk
Brackmills businesses prepare for awards Jobs Fair returns to Delapre Abbey
Simon Sinek, author and motivational speaker who founded The Optimism Company, makes it clear how we make a difference with our sense of purpose: “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it. The goal is not to do business with everybody who needs what you have. The goal is to do business with people who believe what you believe.” This is the essence of purpose-driven marketing. People choose to do business with us because they identify with ‘why’ we do what we do. If we were in business just to make a quick buck people would quickly see through us.
Brackmills BID is holding its second Jobs fair of the year on September 23. The venue will once again be Delapré Abbey, with the event running from 10am untilHundreds3pm. of vacancies are set to be promoted at this free event where Brackmills opportunitiesabusinessesbasedwillpromotehostofvacanciesand-everything from office work and management to driving jobs, packing and facilities.
B R AC K MILL S JO B S FAI R
Seek ing a job in Nor thampton?
The awards ceremony is set to take place on September 16 at The Park Inn, Northampton. Buy tickets at https:// nlawards.co.uk/ T O U R Have your pick – we have hundreds of vacancies
To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk Business Times | September 2022 19 Feature: Logistics Arecord number of businesses from across Brackmills Industrial Estate have been unveiled as finalists in this year’s Northants Logistics Awards. Congratulations to all the finalists and in particular our Brackmills staff and organisations: n Ocee Design Environmental & Sustainability Award n Brackmills BID and Goodwill Solutions Community Engagement Initiative of the Year n C Butt Ltd Big Logistics Business of the Year n Action Express Small Logistics Company of the Year n Sara Homer, chief executive of Brackmills BID; Sophie Yorke from Action Express Northamptonshire Logistics Person of the Year n Travis Perkins Diversity & Inclusion Award n Megan Payne of C Butt Ltd and Martin Randell of Action Express HGV Driver of the Year n James & James Health Safety & Wellbeing Award n ILG Chairman's Special Award In the weeks leading up to the awards submission closing date, the Brackmills Business Improvement District teamwhose role is to support businesses on the estate - encouraged companies on the estate to enter and provided support with the application writing and support process. Syed Ziaullah, managing director of Action Express, said: “We are delighted to have been nominated as finalists for three awards and as a business we feel very honoured to be part of these logistics awards and to be able to showcase the amazing team we have here at Action Express. “These awards allow businesses like ours to recognise the great work carried out by our team in what is a very fast paced industry, and we would like to extend our thanks to Brackmills BID for the fantastic support offered during the award application process.” n
“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” Mark Twain It is understood that we are in business to make a profit, otherwise there would be no business. But the most successful businesses are driven by a sense of purpose and their purpose is what tempers their profit motive. People feel a deeper personal connection to companies with whom they share values and who show a commitment to something they find meaningful. This is the foundation of what experts have begun to call ‘purpose-driven marketing’. Purpose-driven marketing is an organisation’s strategy to focus its marketing efforts around shared beliefs or social causes that align with its core values and those of its audience. The goal of purpose-driven marketing is to develop an even deeper rapport with consumers, appealing to their sense of what matters over the long haul. Brands that are driven by a purpose in their marketing gain traction by becoming a part of how consumers desire to see themselves. Marketing is ultimately a conversation about belief and identity, a way of helping people see themselves in the brands they patronise. But what do we mean by ‘purpose’? In our personal lives, we might define our purpose as the belief that our life matters and that we make a difference, a sense of being guided by meaningful values and goals. In a business context, we could expand this to say that purpose is the intersection of: n What we believe and love; n What the world needs; n What can be paid for; n What we’re good at; n How we can help. Here is a more academic definition of purpose in business: “A meaningful and enduring reason to exist that aligns with long-term financial performance, provides a clear context for daily decisionmaking and unifies and motivates relevantHoweverstakeholders.”wedefineit, we cannot avoid the fact that having a clear and compelling purpose in business is a powerful differentiator.Businessesthat stand the test of time do so because their customers are attracted to something they cannot easily find elsewhere.Inthese challenging times, that ‘something’ is the authenticity of the brands they choose to do business with. Authenticity leads to trust, which is the number one attribute upon which longlasting and profitable relationships are built.When you break it down, a profitable relationship built on trust involves: n An alignment of core values and beliefs; n Your expertise and how it adds value to your customer’s life; n The desire you create in them to exchange money for what you offer.
Our Purpose at the Qoob Group
See the estate in action: www.brackmillsindustrialestate co.uk/discover-brackmills
Friday 23rd September 2022 10am - 3pm Delapré Abbey, Nor thampton PhotocoutesyoJameandameFullment
A Purpose Statement Here is a simple way to define your purpose in business. Try filling in the blanks to come up with your Purpose Statement: “My business exists to… by… for the good of….” My business exists to…(insert your core values - why you do what you do) by…(this is what you do, how you help people, what you offer that’s different from others) for the good of… (this is who you’re in business to serve, your ideal customer, the type of person that aligns with your purpose)
VI S I
Homer, Brackmills BID chief executive, is an award finalist
Help customers to see themselves in your brand
If you need help creating a winning marketing strategy and plan, sign up for our Marketing Plan In A Day workshop on October 26. Find out more or book your place day-tickets-385603068157https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/your-marketing-plan-in-a-atwww.qoobgroup.com
Meet the Action Express team, Below:Brackmills.Sara
n For help or advice with any aspect of your marketing in these increasingly complex marketplaces, contact Qoob group’s sales and marketing director Steve Rees for a free consultation. email s.rees@qoobgroup.com or call 0330 380 1651.
“Dave was very clear he did not want to sell to a competitor, so we began looking for buyers within the wider construction sector,” said Watersheds partner Wendy Lam, who handled the deal. “It was important Watersheds find a buyer who understood Cara Glass’s real potential and would be able and willing to pay what the company is actually worth. Watersheds introduced entrepreneur Mark Richardson, owner of South West construction company Camer Holdings Ltd. Mr Lawson said: “The end result is the best I could have possibly hoped for.”
Glazing firm boss hails sale as 'best end result'
A good, balanced approach to financial planning can mitigate or minimise the effects of Inheritance Tax. Claire Emery, partner at Elsby & Co, believes it’s your accountant who may be best placed to act as the important link between your business affairs and wealth and estate planning.
Where accountancy meets wealth management and estate planning
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Using a range of pensions, investments, funds and financial planning techniques to maximise the value of your assets can help you to manage your finances to ensure you’re meeting your business and personal wealth needs both now and in the Manyfuture.companies provide pensions and investment advice but few companies are as uniquely placed as Elsby to deliver a consultant-led approach towards your planning, delivering accountancy and advisory support with the integration of wealth and asset management solutions. Accounting advice and wealth management are perfect partners and so much more so if the information and knowledge can be factored into the estate planning process. With the imminent launch of Elsby Estate Planning, there has never been a better time to review your accounting arrangements to ensure you can benefit from a holistic 360-degree approach to your accounting, wealth management and estate planning needs.
Claire Emery Manage your finances to ensure you're meeting personalbusinessyourandwealthneeds
orporate finance specialists at Watersheds in Northampton have completed the sale of a double glazing company to a construction specialist based in the South West. Cara Glass, based in Wiltshire, was established over 30 years ago by Peter and Angela Toogood before their son Dave Lawson took over the reins in 2004. When he planned to retire to explore other interests, it was of paramount importance to him that the new owner would also look after its employees.
20 Many SMEs using accountancy firms build their businesses diligently over many years. But rarely do they look at themselves and analyse the protection they have in place, where their pensions and investments are or the succession plan for their business. Just as (if not more) important is what happens in the event of death. Are your loved once catered for with clearly laid plans or is your estate likely to be something of a minefield? The link with tax planning, exit planning and estate planning is so strong that it can easily be argued that financial services and estate planning should be a natural domain of the accounting profession. As accountants, we’re blessed with a very holistic view: we have all the relevant information from company accounts, tax returns and client interviews. What we can input into the overall wealth management and asset protection process is so much more important than any other professional adviser. An IFA has to ask for all the documentation that we already hold - a strong argument as to why your accountant should be the first port of call to help make the arrangementsnecessaryforyour wealth management needs and wider succession and estate planning. As accountants, we can do so much more than complete your tax return or provide a set of year-end numbers. We can help to protect clients against future liabilities and financial pitfalls. It’s true that many accountants prefer to stick to compliance work such as accounts, audit and tax return, where there’s less scope for using professional judgement. At Elsby, we’ve taken steps to position the business as a true 'one stop shop' for clients. With the launch earlier in the year of Elsby Wealth Management we’re able to not only advise on accountingthe needs of clients but also, with a simple introduction to our wealth management arm, we can ensure our clients can make the most of such things as dividend payments and tax planning to maximise their investment options.
Money Matters
To find out more, email Claire Emery at claire.emery@elsbyandco. co.uk or Andy Kennedy, director of Elsby Wealth Management at andrew. kennedy@elsbywm.co.uk
Jason Stather-Lodge, managing director of OCM Wealth Management in Northampton, says that diversified investments offer risk mitigation in turbulent times.
A key principle in modern-day investment management is to ensure that an investor maintains a well-diversified portfolio of assets. With a desire to protect themselves against changes in risk sentiment and swings in market conditions, investors have utilised traditional diversification strategies across asset classes, sectors and geographic regions to remove unsystematic risk from their portfolios.
To discuss our actively managed portfolio options, don’t hesitate to contact the OCM Wealth Management team on 01604 621467.
OUR VIEW OPENTHISENDFORASSISTANCE HELP ADVISE GUIDE CARE INFORM SUPPORT ASSIST EASE Whatever your circumstances, tr ust BRI to help you get your business back on track. From business recover y to CVAs, administration, debt advice and more, our highly-qualified insolvency experts are dedicated to giving you the best advice Whatever your business financial concerns, talk to BRI – we can help you on your way to a healthier future SUFFERING? BUSINESS We are your financial remedy.Ourservices: • Restructuring • Corporate Insolvency • Personal Insolvency www.briuk.co.uk100 St James Road, Northampton, NN5 5LF For a FREE, CONFIDENTIAL and NO OBLIGATION consultation Call now on 01604 754352 LOOKING FOR HELP WITH ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE? Moore can help you choose the right cloud or desktop accounting software package for your business. We will guide you through the set up process and can provide training and ongoing support as and when you need it. We are Sage, Xero and QuickBooks accredited. www.moore.co.uk Get in touch today T +44 1733 east.midlands@moore.co.uk397300
Using this year as an example, while market sentiment has been heavily impacted by a rapid increase in geopolitical tensions, bonds and equities have also struggled as expectations for inflation and interest rate hikes have risen, causing investor portfolios to face heightened headwinds across asset classes. Considering this, with traditional diversification techniques not providing investors with the peace of mind that they had come to expect in previous crises and periods of uncertainty, investors are increasingly considering other strategies such as risk factor diversification. Risk factors can be understood as the underlying risk exposures that drive the return of an asset class. The adoption of a risk factor-based approach requires a forward-looking macroeconomic view on a range of variables such as monetary policy, geopolitical developments, inflation, interest rates, and economic growth trends. While risk factor diversification is similar to other diversification strategies, it places a greater focus on forward-looking macroeconomic expectations, encouraging investors to identify whether seemingly different exposure within a portfolio truly mitigates certain risk factors.
Most investors will consider at least some level of diversification within their portfolios. However, the level to which they diversify could vary greatly. The growing importance of considering other diversification strategies is encouraging investors to get ahead of the curve by making changes to their portfolio management processes and we have subsequently observed an increase in interest in more actively managed portfolio strategies like ours over the past 18 months. Although requiring greater resources, given shifts in investor behaviour and given the changing relationship between key asset classes in recent years, it is our view that an investment strategy that incorporates risk-factor diversification within its portfolio asset allocation is likely to be better positioned to mitigate market turbulence throughout 2022 and beyond.
To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk Money Matters Business Times | September 2022 21
Diversification puts a portfolio ahead of the curve
During times of rapidly changing market conditions, investors are consistently reminded of the importance of diversification and the first four weeks of 2022 provided an example of this. That being said, increasingly globalised markets have strengthened the correlation among these traditional diversification strategies in recent years and a growing number of institutional investors are looking to utilise additional diversification methods to protect portfolio performance in 2022 and Economistsbeyond.have been discussing the benefits of diversification for some time. In the traditional sense, diversification refers to the strategy of building an investment portfolio containing a variety of asset classes such as cash, fixed income, equities, and real assets. In addition, investors will often reduce risk by diversifying their asset allocation between the company sizes, geographic regions, as well as industry sectors.
From our perspective, risk factor diversification has always been ingrained within our flagship OBI strategy, with our experience in understanding risk factors differentiating our offering from more traditionally diversified asset managers.Inrecent years, risk factor diversification has been key to generating higher risk-adjusted returns throughout the economic cycle.Bydiversifying across risk factors, investors could be better protected from the selling contagions that have occurred at times over the past two years. This approach was examined in Ilmanen and Kizer’s 2012 Journal of Portfolio Management paper on diversification, which observed a stronger performance from riskfactor diversification relative to the traditional asset-class approach for the period of 1973 to 2010. Having said this, adopting riskfactor diversification can sometimes entail higher trading fees for investors, which could deter investors at times when macroeconomic conditions remain favourable. Nevertheless, the 2012 study found that adopting a risk-factor diversification strategy is still beneficial as the increase in the Sharpe ratio - a measure of risk-adjusted return - is significant enough to account for the trading cost differential.
Jason Stather-Lodge
Despite a plethora of studies reinforcing the need for diversification in modern markets, in recent years investors have seen the impact of traditional diversification strategies beginning to wane, with traditional asset classes beginning to move in the same direction.
There continues to be a real buoyancy in the commercial property market at the moment and the large commercial property team at Wilson Browne Solicitors - recognised by Legal 500, the leading independent guide to law firms - are seeing no signs of things slowingLawyersdown. at Wilson Browne Solicitors have been serving the businesses of Northamptonshire and beyond for many years with offices across the county and in Leicester. The firm has always been active in the Kettering area, having its head office on Kettering Venture Park. While our clients are far and wide, we look upon Kettering as one of our ‘homes’. Whether it is the sale of multiple industrial units, the lease of a new independent restaurant, a lease of substantial offices on a Kettering business park, the sale of land for infill continueseconomyKettering’sispropertybusinessnaturewhateverdevelopment,residentialtheoftheoritclearthattothrive
The Court of Appeal Covid does not count, Court of Appeal rules
The commercial property market is staying strong despite challenging economic times... and nowhere more so than in Kettering. Ika Castka, partner and head of commercial property at Wilson Browne Solicitors, explains Ika Castka In an enviable position to attract investment
The Court of Appeal has handed down judgment in two cases involving commercial rental arrears that had accrued in the Covid-19 pandemic, during the time when 'nonessential” businesses had to close. The two cases are Bank of New York Mellon (International) Ltd v Cine-UK Ltd and London Trocadero (2015) LLP v Picturehouse Cinemas Ltd Both were dealt with by the court at the same time. The defendants in both cases were tenants of two commercial premises run as cinemas. Both argued that the rent due under the leases should not be paid during the period where government's Covid-19 regulations forced non-essential businesses to close as it was unlawful to trade. The tenants had already lost in the High Court but appealed the decisions to the Court of Appeal. In the appeals, the tenants made the following arguments: n An implied term existed in their lease which suspended rent during periods in which cinemas could not lawfully be used for their permitted use due to Covid-19 restrictions; n The rent suspension provisions in the lease should be interpreted broadly and not limited to purely physical damage to the premises; n Because the leases had been entered into on the basis that the premises were to be used as a cinema and that the Covid-19 restrictions had prevented this, there had been a complete failure of consideration.
unanimously rejected the tenants’ arguments and agreed with the landlords that the government’s restrictions did not mean that the tenants were relieved from paying the rent. Further, the Court held that the rent suspension clause only applied where the premises were physically damaged or destroyed by an insured risk, which was not the case in these two cases. Finally, the Court held that for the failure of basis and consideration argument to have succeeded, there would have had to have been a gap in the lease which did not cater for the circumstances of the case. It was found that the leases did not have any gaps in this regard and if the tenant had been released from obligations to pay rent during the periods of closure this would have resulted in an unlawful reallocation of risk.
in what has been difficult times.There is of course much commercial development going on in and around Kettering, as well as substantial residential development, bringing new people and businesses into theWithtown.easy access via the A14 to all parts of the UK Kettering is in an enviable position to attract investment.Wehave national clients too in various sectors, including a chain of dentists, a trade union, a toy retailer, logistics companies and more. With a client base locally and across the country, Wilson nationalpracticeisSolicitorsBrownereallythelocalwithreach.
Rent arrears:
continuesKettering'seconomyto thrive in difficult times For the latest news from the property sector in Northamptonshire, visit www.business-times.co.uk Mohammed Rahman Two cases in the Court of Appeal regarding rent payments during the closure of 'non-essential' businesses have resulted in welcome decisions for landlords. Mohammed Rahman, property solicitor at Northamptonshire law firm Borneo Martell Turner Coulston, assesses the implications.
The Court of Appeal dismissed both appeals. The outcome will be welcome news for landlords. The Court has now ruled twice that the arguments raised by the tenants do not merit a relief from rent arrears. However, landlords and tenants must be mindful that there are other cases in the court pipeline waiting to be heard, which may lead to a judge or judges taking a different approach. We will be alive to any further developments in this regard.
For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk22 Business Times | September 2022 Property Portfolio Chartered Surveyors and commercial property consultants www.chowncommercial.co.uk 1 Saxon Court, Northampton. NN1 1SX For enquiries call 01604 604050 or email: info@chowncommercial.co.uk 18/20 THE NORTHAMPTONDRAPERY,£CONTACT US • Town Centre Retail 2,300 Sq.Ft. Plus Basement • Upper Sq.OfficesFloor4,800Ft. 24 Bridge Street, Northampton NN1 1NT PIONEERTOLET HOUSE, 7 RUSHMILLS, OLD BEDFORD ROAD • 9,475 Sq.Ft. • Prestigious Office Building • Air Conditioning • Ample ParkingOnsite SOUTHBRIDGE CAFE, NORTHAMPTON NN4 £15,0008BS PA • Fully CaféGroundFittedFloorUnit • Prime Location • Parking to the Rear TOLET PRIME LOCATION TOLET £ CONTACT US 11 CIRRUS PARK, MOULTON PARK£24,000 PA • 1837 Sq.Ft. • Parking for Seven Cars • Well DevelopmentMaintained TOLET
n For advice or assistance on this or any other commercial property matters, please contact Mohammed Rahman at 01604Martellcommercialbmtclaw.co.ukmohammed.rahman@orspeaktotheteamatBorneoTurnerCoulstonon622101.
didGovernmentrestrictionsnotmeanthatthetenantswererelievedfrompayingtherent
“We have high level of growth businesses and start-ups in Northamptonshire but unfortunately we also have a really high failure rate, higher than in some areas of the rest of England,” said Cllr Daniel Lister, cabinet member for economic development, town centre regeneration and growth. “This building and the practical support on offer under its roof with will help to address this problem. With proper support, start-ups, scale ups and small businesses will be enabled to maximise and accelerate their growth and fully contribute to Northampton’s business community.”
SEMLEP chief executive Hilary Chipping added: “This is about nurturing the vibrant entrepreneurial culture so prevalent in Northampton. It has created the space dedicated to helping businesses to share ideas, collaborate and grow.” The Vulcan Works project has already stirred interest among digital and creative arts businesses keen to take space. “I have no doubt the units will fill up very quickly,” said Cllr Lister.
Magnetism of old ironworks draws creative sector
Take a look inside Northampton's historic Vulcan Works as it unveils the results of its £14 million transformation into a hub for creative businesses
Originally a Grade II listed ironworks factory, it was built in 1875 for engineering company Mobbs & Co and was later turned into a leather warehouse. Vulcan Works is considered one of the best surviving engineering works for production of boot and shoe industry machinery but has undergone a £14 million regeneration in order to become home to up to more than 60 startup and growing businesses in the creative sector. The building has been transformed; the old iron stonework factories and museum store refurbished, a threestorey building constructed on the corner of St John’s Street and Fetter Street and a new block built on Angel Street. Inside are 68 lettable unitsoffice, studio and managed workshop space for young and expanding creativeDuringbusinesses.itsfirst ten years of operation, Vulcan Works is forecast to support up to 150 businesses across the county in its first ten years, creating around 500 jobs. Oxford Innovations, which supports businesses as they grow, has been appointed to manage the space, deliver business expertise and raise the finance that entrepreneurs need for their businesses to thrive.
Pictured during their tour of the Vulcan Works: (from left) Cllr Daniel Lister; Hilary Chipping; West Northamptonshire Council chairman Cllr André González De Savage; deputy leader and cabinet member for housing, culture and leisure Cllr Adam Brown; Jane Carr, the council's director of communities and opportunities; council leader Cllr Jonathan Nunn
To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk Business Times | September 2022 23 Property Portfolio For more information please visit berrys.uk.com or call: Kettering: Kevin O’Dell 01536 517777 | Towcester: Duncan Batty 01327 356140 Cliftonville Northampton NN1 5DR Asking rent of £13,500 per annum exclusive • Available on a new lease. • Single storey unit attached to a converted chapel. • Town centre location. 849 ft² (78 m²) Watling Street Towcester NN12 6BDTownCentreRetailUnit Brooklands Ct Kettering NN15 6FD Achieving £26,950 rent per annum, asking price based on approx. £ 165 ft² 2,158ft² - 2,234ft² (200m² - 216m²) • Modern warehouse with spacious mezzanine. • Direct access to A45 link near to A14, A6 and A509. • Offices, kitchen and sales trade counter. Brindley Close Rushden NN10 6EN St. Pauls Street Stamford PE9 2BE George Row Northampton NN1 1DF 1.36 Acre site (0.551 hectres) Asking rent of £18,500 per annum exclusive Offers invited Asking price of £35,000 • Refurbished retail unit. • Includes rear store and WC • Opposite the popular All Saints Plaza. • Outskirts of Northampton town centre. • Site accessed via a private road. • Residential developments on two sides. CarParkOppositeThreeShireHospital • Choice of two units available. • Popular business park close to Junction 9 A14. Approx. 1,299 ft² (121m²) InvestmentPurchase • Ground floor retail unit with basement storage room. • Prominent position in attractive market town. • Opposite M&S food hall. GIA 6,772ft² (629m²)Net internal area approx. 405ft² (37.64m²) PrimeLocationInNorthampton RetailUnitToLetInPopularTown Asking rent of £50,000 per annum exclusive 2 parking spaces ModernWarehouseToLetOppositeRushdenLakes 9-11 spacesparking
The South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership facilitated a Local Growth Fund contribution of £6.3 million and £3.06 million from the European Regional Development Fund towards the project. West Northamptonshire Council covered the remaining costs. Councillors and council officials joined funding partners and Northampton South MP Andrew Lewer on a tour of the completed premises within Northampton’s Cultural Quarter. As well as office space, tenants will receive business support in the form of workshops, seminars, one-to-one coaching, networking and facilitation.
Are
to measure
For anyone who has been looking for suiting it has become very difficult to find. The distinct lack of demand through COVID has caused many companies to stop manufacturing suiting all together and in other cases a far more limited selection of styles and size ranges. This is why so many potential customers are now making enquiries to get a few well-made stylish garments that fit them correctly ready for their return to work. As a result, we are getting many more calls to book an appointment to view the new fabrics and order suiting for September & October. From the point of ordering the process can take between 6-8 weeks, hence the urgency to plan ahead! Unfortunately, some leave it far too late, make sure you are not one of those.
made for you. All occasions catered for: Business | Weddings | Events 10 years at St Crispin Retail Village Tel: 01604 589907 instagram.com/saintcrispin_bespoke | enquiries@saintcrispin.co.uk | saintcrispin.co.uk 22 Kents Road | Northampton | NN5 4DR An extra set of trousers with every two piece suit ordered* Extend the lifetime of your bespoke suit *O er available until the end of September 2022 Advertisement Feature
For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk24 Business Times | September 2022
W ith lockdown now firmly behind us so many businesses are ‘returning to face-to-face meetings’, requiring full business attire or at the very least smart jacket and trousers. No hiding behind a zoom camera with just a shirt and a pair of shorts or jogger bottoms on anymore! Even if smart office dress is not on a daily basis the need to leave home for the office is becoming more and more pressing. Begging the question when did you last try on your suit, shirt and possibly a tie?
bespoke
There is no point ‘assuming’ they will still fit or look the business. So many customers we have found have changed shape through the past couple of years.
get down
Stand
At Saint Crispin we are always looking to provide you with a well thought out, capsule wardrobe of clothing that will take you to the office, the boardroom, networking with customers or any social occasions outside of work as well. Start with the all-important suit that provides you with that unique impact, so important still, in the world of business. We know that suit trousers get far more wear that the suit jacket so we always suggest an extra pair of trousers to make your suit jacket last much longer. As a very special introductory offer we would like to offer you an extra free pair of trousers with every suit purchased making sound economic sense. the part as you to business you ready to get back to business this autumn? out from the crowd a made suit,
with
Look
What’s the best thing/worst thing about where you work?
Who in business do you respect the most?
Tell us something you regret? Not pursuing music as a career when I was younger. Music is a big passion of mine and I have been in and out of bands as a guitarist for many years and I truly love doing that. Tell us a secret about yourself? I am a qualified plumber. Which two historical figures would you most like to talk to and why? Jesus Christ, as he’s had such a huge influence on humanity in terms of morality and ethics.
…and the worst? Struggling to think of something here. My life thankfully has been easier than it is for many so I am blessed. If you do need an answer, though, England losing on penalties in the Euro 2020 final was a low point.
How do you relax? I struggle to relax as a general rule but meeting up with friends for a beer is a great way to destress and talk through whatever is plaguing my head at the time! What’s your guilty pleasure? Chocolate definitely. Cadbury Creme Eggs are the single greatest invention by humankind and I could eat those incessantly. What’s your worst fault? I am very self-critical and set unobtainable standards for myself and then get quite down about not meeting them. I am quite passionate
MY FAVOURITE...
Tim Woodgates
Q&A
DESTINATION New York
aboutCaringthetask
…and your life ambition?
It can be difficult sometimes to convey ‘value’ over ‘price’ with clients. It can be frustrating when I fail to demonstrate how well Moore look after their clients, the value that offers and that seeking the cheapest price is not always the best route to take.
To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk Business Times | September 2022 25 Feature and opinionated too so I can sometimes be seen as too pushy. I need to listen more and learn from others. What’s your most treasured possession? I have a Marshall guitar amplifier that my mum bought me when I was in my late teens. My family have never been well off but it cost her a fortune at the time and I have always been so grateful for what she gave me. I will keep it forever. What annoys you most in life? Hmm, people not giving their all is one. Working hard should be a minimum standard you set for yourself. Natural talent is one thing but caring about the task in front of you and giving your all is a true demonstation of someone’s character.
The best thing In my opinion is the team camaraderie and training for new recruits. Having a team of friendly, energetic, talented individuals makes the firm such a great place to work and means relationships with our clients is so strong.
What’s the best moment of your life? The birth of my son for sure. Ted is the best son and without doubt, him being born is the best moment of my life. Anyone with children will know its not the easiest undertaking in the world but definitely the most meaningful and rewarding.
To have the financial wherewithal and time in the future to travel the world. There are so many places I want to visit and I didn’t manage this during my youth so hopefully there are times ahead when I can tick all the different places off my list.
What was your first job? My first job was working in the Pizza Hut kitchen when I was 16. I lasted just one day before quitting much to my shame. Thankfully I have learned to develop a bit more staying power since then. Why did you choose your particular career? I didn’t start working in accountancy until I was 21. Initially, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I have always been comfortable working with numbers and knew I wanted a job that required high levels of responsibility so accountancy seemed like a good fit.
What’s the best job you’ve had and why? Probably working in Choices (a video rental store) when I was in my late teens. I worked with a close friend of mine which meant we always had a great time. The money was dreadful but the work was easy! …and the worst? See question 1... What’s the best advice you’ve received in business? A number of years ago we had workshops on public speaking and confidence at work. The takeaway advice was that we should just be ourselves and I really valued that. Learning to be comfortable with who you are is a great lesson for business and life generally. What has been the highlight of your career so far? Being promoted to partner recently was a great moment. It has been something I have been working towards since the beginning so getting to this landmark is an achievement I am very proud of. …and the low point? Just before the Covid lockdown in 2020 I briefly left Moore to work for another firm. It was the wrong decision to take and it was a very stressful time. Thankfully Moore welcomed me back and I shall always be indebted to them for that.
A feature in which business people discuss their motivation, ambition, experience - and themselves. This month it’s Tim Woodgates, recently promoted to partner at regional chartered accountancy firm Moore.
FOOD Any Indian cuisine. MUSIC / SONG Rock and blues. BOOK Harry Potter. FILM Wolf of Wall Street. TV PROGRAMME Game of Thrones. RESTAURANT The Palmichael in Burton Latimer.
Cadbury Creme Egg: The single greatest invention by humankind in front of you and giving your all is a trueofdemonstrationsomeone’scharacter
Robert Johnson, a US blues guitarist from the 1930s. Arguably the father of all the rock and roll, blues and metal music, he would be an incredibly interesting person to talk to. What are the first three things on your bucket list? My son Ted is really into Super Mario so I would love to take him to Nintendo World in the USA at some point. Taking him to Lapland would be another. I am really bad with heights but would love to conquer that fear by doing a skydive. What song/music would you like to be played at your funeral? I don’t know really. I have so many songs I like that it is impossible to choose one. I guess nothing too morose really - something loud, proud and inappropriate to make it more a celebration, if you know what I mean.
What’s your career ambition? I want to help continue growing Moore to become one of the most trusted and respected firms around. The wealth of talent we have in the firm means that we are certainly equipped to do this and my ambition is to make sure that we fulfil this.
I would say Pete Simons who is another partner here at Moore. He has been a great mentor and provided me with ample opportunities to grow and develop. Without his support and guidance, I wouldn’t be a partner now.
What annoys you the most in business?
The Daikin Altherma Hybrid smart controller automatically monitors operating conditions, heat pump efficiency and heat load to determine the most economical running mode that achieves the lowest running cost. For offices, shops or other commercial areas, the Daikin range of energyefficient air-to-air heat pumps provide quick warm-up times and cost savings while also being able to cool in the summer months. A wide range of indoor units allow the fan coils to be floor-, wall- or ceiling-mounted or fully concealed behind panelling and suspended ceilings. Modern inverter controlled compressors and clever weather compensation controls minimise the electricity costs.
MOT EXPERT
The UK’s largest independent MOT training provider has reported a record year of growth as software solutions and consultancy are officially added to its full-service offer.
GSSArchitecture’s senior partner Tom Lyons said: “As a result of his invaluable hard work and dedication to the practice, we are thrilled to announce Phil’s well-deserved promotion. This will help strengthen our expanding 70-strong team and we look forward to seeing how GSS continues to grow not only at our head office in Kettering but also at our offices in Gloucester, Harrogate, Milton Keynes, and Newcastle.”
Training provider seals software partnership
GRIFFITHS AIR CONDITIONING Save 35% on your energycurrentbills
VTS Pro was started during lockdown by Mr Laurence’s business partners Haider Khan and Kyle Stansfield. The venture has a team of former DVSA inspectors and experienced MOT testers supporting garages with their legal obligations, processes and quality control. “There is no other provider we know of with this level of experience offering a one-stop shop for on-site training, consultancy and software solutions in this way,” said Mr Laurence. “Merging the two businesses will allow us to strengthen our reputation and full-service offer, and work towards even more ambitious growth plans.” More than 1,000 candidates will continue to gain their testing and management qualifications through the new MOT Compliance Group, with added benefits of the VTS Pro software and consultancy service. Mario Falcone, director of We Fix N E Car Ltd based on ComplianceMOTaIndustrialRothersthorpeNorthampton’sAvenueEstate,hasbeenlong-timecustomerofExpertandnowMOTGroup.“Itis great to have everything with one service provider and to see them expanding,” he said. “Their consultants are so knowledgeable with the latest DVSA developments and the training and systems are spot on. “I feel reassured to have a efficient.”sureallcompanyNorthampton-basedhelpinguswithourneedsandmakingwestaylegaland
GSSARCHITECTURE
MOT Expert’s chief operating officer Ross Laurence says: “We have had whirlwind growth since I took ownership of MOT Expert in 2021, doubling our workforce and client base and launching even more high-quality training programmes for dealerships and MOT centres.”
promotioncelebrateArchitects
Phil Hunt (left) is pictured with GSSArchitecture’s managing partner Ian Bray n For more information on MOT Compliance Group, visit www.motcg.co.uk/
MOT Expert, based in Moulton Park in Northampton, has expanded significantly since its buyout last year, and has now joined forces with MOT Compliance Group to become the industry’s only dedicated in-person training and compliance centre. The rebrand pulls together MOT Expert and VTS Pro, a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agencyintegrated management system and advisory service. The move brings bespoke courses and training programmes, tailored consultancy services and the UK’s first fully-integrated DVSA software solution under one roof.
For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk26 Business Times | September 2022 Your Business Times
Burton Latimer-based Griffiths has several energy-efficient solutions on offer to assist with the significant cost of heating fuel, including a modern hybrid system that combines a gas combi boiler and heat pump. For water-based central heating systems using either radiators or underfloor heating, the Daikin Altherma range of air source heat pumps provide more than 4kW of heat for every 1kW of electricity needed to run them. This, coupled with the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme, results in a very economical heating solution for new self-build or replacement situations. Fuel costs for anyone off the gas grid could be reduced significantly using the standard heat pumps, while the new hybrid system could provide a saving of around 35 per cent on current gas costs. Unfortunately, hybrid systems do not qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant.
With all the above products Griffiths can provide the ancillary electrical or plumbing installation services required and most importantly, arrange for the company’s service division to carry out the regular service visits to ensure equipment is operating as efficiently as possible.Griffiths will be exhibiting their heating products at the Kettering Vintage Rally & Steam Fair in Cranford over the weekend of September 24-25 n Contact Griffiths by telephone on 01536 420666, visit www.griffithsaircon. co.uk or call into the Energy Efficiency Centre showroom at 111 High Street in Burton Latimer, open 9am-5pm Monday-Friday.
With the summer drawing to a close, it is time to think about heat of a different kind... the heat that will keep our business premises and homes warm during the winter months.
K delightedGSSArchitecturearchitecturalettering-basedpracticearetoannounce the promotion of Phil Hunt to associate. Having joined the practice back in 2016, senior chartered architectural technologist Phil has gained extensive experience working on high-profile projects, including the expansion and refurbishment of Northampton Museum and Art Gallery. He is currently working on the new primary school, nursery, and community centre at Glenvale Park in Wellingborough, which received planning permission in 2020. Work is due to start on site this year.
To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk Business Times | September 2022 27 Business News Your Marketing plan in a day! Join our “One-Day Marketing Plan” workshop on October 26th at Kettering Park Hotel. At the end of the day you’ll: Have a highly effective marketing plan you can put into action immediately • Become proficient at updating your marketing plan as your business grows • Benefit from the intense focus on your marketing during the day (no distractions from the office) • Be clear on what will help your business grow, and what won’t We’ll focus on the 9 main elements of your marketing strategy, including: • Your purpose – the reason your business exists and the problems you solve • Your people – your ideal client(s) • Your plan – creating a plan for the year ahead Is 2023 is going to be a year of growth for your business? Book your seat at the “One-Day Marketing Plan” workshop and you’ll have the clearest path to achieving your goal. Because we’ll be working with each business individually, there are only 20 places available. The workshop costs just £250 plus VAT for the day, and includes: An intensive day of planning with individual attention from our coaches • A comprehensive Workbook that can be used as your business develops • The 1-Page Marketing Plan Template • A light Networkinglunchopportunities The workshop is hosted jointly by HR Solutions and The Qoob 26Group.thOctoberBOOKHERE!KetteringParkHotel Call us today 03303 801 651
POLICY HOUR: DAME ANDREA LEADSOM MP September 30 10.30am-11.30am: Online Presentation and Q&A with Dame Andrea Leadsom, MP for South Northamptonshire. Free event. Chamber members only Contact: Visit www.northants-chamber.co.uk/ events
The FSB has 2,000 members across Northamptonshire. These include a monthly FSB Northampton virtual networking at which everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an FSB member to join in.
Networking events provide a platform to meet and build relationships with peers and fellow members. The group also hosts personal development sessions, with talks from business leaders
BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS September 14 8.30am-10am: Park Inn, Northampton Informal networking over breakfast ahead of the Northamptonshire Business Exhibition. Price: £10 + VAT Chamber members; non-members £15 + VAT.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP September 22 9.30am-11am: Poppy Design Studio, Elgee Works, Victoria Street, Desborough Members only. Free event for NNBN members.
PANEL SeptemberDISCUSSION1411am-12 noon: Park Inn, Northampton Hosted by the Next Generation committee. Free 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 No fuss, no membership, pay as you go... The Business Buzz format is relaxed, informal, conversational B2B networking. Our town focused events meet face-to-face, allowing visitors to build better and more robust relationships. These are complemented by regional virtual events. All Business Buzz events run 10am-noon Brackley SeptemberBuzz1:Paisley Pear, Northampton Road. Price: £8. Northampton Buzz September 21: Fox & Hounds, Harborough Road. Price: £8. NEW Wellingborough Buzz September 13: Castello Lounge, Market Street Price: £8. With the right support at the right price it is possible for any small business to succeed. Members believe there is so much to gain with a positive attitude of mutual face-to-face.
All monthly breakfast meetings, 7.30am9.30am. 1stWellingboroughThursday:Great Doddington Club, Lower Street, Great Doddington Price: £16. 3rdNorthamptonWednesday: The Turnpike, Harpole. Price: £16.
ONLINE SeptemberNETWORKING89.30am-10.30am: Online via Zoom Free event for NNBN members; visitors £4.99.
VIRTUAL MEETINGS Price: £6 Brunch 2nd Tuesday 9.30am-11am: Online Breakfast 4th Wednesday 7.30am-9am: Online 3rd Thursday 7.30am-9am: Online 2nd Friday 7.30am-9am: Online Afternoon Fridays 3pm-4pm: Online Money back guarantee if you do not find a meeting of value. Visitors welcome.
NNBN is a business membership for North Northamptonshire which aims to help businesses in the North Northants area recover, build and grow for a brighter future
pay
SeptemberNorthamptonshire2210am-11am: Online Hosted by Sally Wood, director of Sally Wood Consultancy Limited and FSB area leader for Northants, Leics & Rutland. To book and for details of other networking, support and webinar events online, visit www. fsb.org.uk/events.
EVENING BUSINESS NETWORKING September 8 7pm-8.30pm: Chester House, Little Irchester nr Wellingborough An evening of open networking, member presentation, testimonials, 60-second business intro and more. Free event for NNBN members; visitors £10.
THE ACCOUNTABILITY CIRCLE Monday 10am-11am: Online A regular virtual meeting helping small businesses get tasks from ‘to do’ to ‘done’. Advice and tips on time management and Price:productivity.£6per session or £12 per month. Details of all events and to book at buscomm. co.uk/ourevents download the Buzz App or visit www.business-buzz.org/about/locations/. Book and for your favourite Buzz at https://app. business-buzz.org/app or at the event.
event for Next Generation Chamber members. To book, email info@nextgenerationchamber.co.uk
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE BUSINESS EXHIBITION September 14 10am-3.30pm: Park Inn, Northampton The second Chamber Business Exhibition of 2022, showcasing the wealth of opportunities, Practical support to help businesses grow their business. The Business Room is a one business area group for business owners, those in employed positions, MLMs and franchised businesses.
BUSINESS ROOM Attendees maximise their time out of the office and in the room by ensuring all the attendee information is shared in advance. This gives attendees time to plan their networking session so they can get more out of each meeting, therefore making it as profitable as possible. Each meeting involves structured networking, a session where a member will share their knowledge, business story or insight and a Business Exchange, where members respond to the requests for help and contacts. These are lock out groups so only one business area is represented. No meetings in August THE CONNECTIONS CLUB - NORTHANTS Only open to business owners, influencers and decision-makers, this is a structured and professional group, which gives people the opportunity to connect with other business owners who are serious about growth. It allows you to take away a valuable skill, learning or insight from every meeting and meet valuable contacts. It is not lock-out but each session is limited to a maximum of three business areas.
For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk28 Business Times | September 2022 Networking >> To have your networking group’s details included in future editions of Business Times, email details to news@business-times.co.uk
SPEED NETWORKING September 7 11am-1pm: Kingfisher Golf & Country Club, Deanshanger Hosted by Milton keynes Chamber of Commerce, Northamptonshire Chamber’s sister NetworkingChamber. event. Price: £15 + VAT Chamber members only
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 Email:gary.thorpe@debt-doctors.co.ukevents. Tel: 07963 766052 or 01536 333425 For more details,
For more information, visit nextgenerationchamber.co.ukwww.
Next Generation Chamber committee members Jamie Cochrane, Nina Gandy and Imran Ilias host a panel discussion on September 14 products and services available to firms in the area. more than 60 businesses will be exhibiting. Free to attend for visitors.
The business networking events this month across Northamptonshire
AugustNorthampton211.45am-2pm: Delapre Abbey, London Road, Northampton. Contact: Barbara Hodgson 07504 946 585 / 01933 652884, email barbara@ yourbusinessmatters.co or www.yourbusinessmatters.covisit
NNBN SeptemberSOCIAL23 7pm: Trapp’d, Regent Street, Kettering Price: £12 per NNBN member, family and friends. For more information and to book, visit https:// nnbn.co.uk/events/
MEET THE SeptemberNEIGHBOURS2212noon-2.30pm: Draycote Hotel & Golf Club, near Rugby Speed networking event hosted with Northamptonshire and Coventry & Warwickshire Chambers of Commerce.Price: £20 + VAT Chamber members only
To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk Business Times | September 2022 29 Business News EUROPE DAILY Working across all sectors, with local knowledge and local language, KNP Logistics Group deliver throughout Europe daily. n Fast transit times / Door to door / local knowledge n Road freight / rail freight / intermodal CUSTOMS CLEARANCE n Dedicated customs team n ETSF Facilities Dover and Northamptonshire GLOBAL FORWARDING n Air freight / Ocean freight / Intermodal CONTAINERS n Own asset fleet n Container destuffing EXPORT PACKING n Bespoke cases, crates and palletsContact the team to discuss your requirements +44(0)1536 sales@knpgroup.com533544 www.knpgroup.com Business Times large 17032020.qxp_Layout 1 19/07/2022 14:35 Page 2
Recognising that charity is serious business F resh plans to reverse the decline in natural habitats is the aim of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy led by West Northamptonshire Council.Thecouncil’s cabinet has agreed to progress proposals for the new strategy and says the longer-term restoration of earmarked natural habitats across the area will enable species to thrive as trees are planted and peatlands restored. Businesses in West Northamptonshire will work alongside agriculture and community representatives on the plan. The strategy is part of a national vision which informed the Environment Act 2021. The council has received £16,000 towards the preparation of its strategy, with more on its way to cover what is estimated to be two years’ work leading up to publication.“Wehave reached a critical juncture and no longer is it sufficient to protect the remnants that we have left but we must now step up to the huge task of securing recovery,” says Cllr Phil Larratt, cabinet member for environment, transport, highways and waste.
As part of the event, Northampton Museum & Art Gallery will stage a digital exhibition looking back at the 1960s while a display of local sporting memorabilia from the decade will be on show in Grosvenor Shopping Northampton.
“If we wish to have rich and abundant wildlife, more carbon captured in trees, soil and hedges, better protection from extreme weather and enough places for people to gain the wellbeing benefits of good-quality green spaces, we must invest in nature’s recovery and at scale.” The initiative is a “great opportunity”, he adds. Plants previously thought extinct or rare in the county are making a return to the town, ‘recorderNorthamptonshire’ssaysofbotany’.
memories of a bygone decade
For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk In the Community 30 Business Times | September 2022 0800 088 6004 enquiries@wilsonbrowne co uk wilsonbrowne co uk
The Sounds of the Sixties come swinging back into Northampton town centre this month as part of a magical mystery tour celebrating music, culture and memories from the iconic decade. Tribute act The Counterfeit Beatles headline the main stage in Market Square, while local bands perform classic tracks throughout the day and BBC Radio Northampton presenter Bernie Keith will treat crowds to an hour-long DJ set. Vintage street circus acts perform throughout the main shopping streets, hit movies based on the decade are shown at Northampton Filmhouse and a vinyl fair takes place at Element. The event on September 10 has been organised by Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District, one of the final major events in the Market Square before redevelopment work begins.
Brian Laney has unearthed significant floral finds during his visits to the University of Northampton’s Waterside campus for official bee and plant surveys. He found flora not seen in the county for decades, such as the Small-flowered Catchfly of which there have been no recorded sightings in plant records since 1955. Other rare species of interest fare popping up around campus including: n Annual Beardgrass; n Birdsfoot, listed on the Northamptonshire Rare Plant Register; n Bur Chervil, once a rare species in Northants; n Subterranean Clover, a recent species to the county and first found at Waterside by Mr Laney in 2013. “When I discovered the Small-flowered Catchfly, it was a little out of the blue and had me jumping up and down with happiness,” Mr LaneyConstructionsays. work on the campus has likely brought long-dormant seeds to the surface. Soil from elsewhere the country brought in to help make Waterside itself contained some of these seeds, he adds. “These can be reactivated by a move to somewhere where ecological conditions are more favourable. It is clear these plants are in the right place at the right time.” The university chose a grounds maintenance approach that would enable plants to thrive. “We do not blanket use herbicides,” says external services manager John Howes. “We treat the perimeter of our campus as an ecology zone itself and we only ‘cut’ plants back at end of the season to let the seed bank in the ground build up. “What we have achieved is a campus that not only looks attractive but is also a more biodiverse landscape.”
“The 1960s is arguably one of the most iconic decades in British history and this is a chance to celebrate everything about that era that people look back upon so fondly,” says BID operations manager Mark Mullen. “It was a particularly exciting period for Northampton, with The Beatles coming to town to play at The Old Savoy, the Cobblers [Northampton Town FC] enjoying their rapid rise to the top flight and the town bustling with families enjoying the new-found freedoms of those feel-good years.”
A six-feet high Tree of Hope has been officially unveiled in Kettering, designed as a legacy of hope post Covid. The tree, weaved from willow, is set in the grounds of Northamptonshire’sGroundwork community green space The Green Patch. The tree, designed by a local artist, is decorated with dozens of wooden and laminated leaves created by local people. Some are dedications to a loved one, others are reflections on the struggles of the past couple of years, while some are inspirational message of hope. The Green Patch’s manager Grey Lindley says: “Trees are incredibly symbolic and can give so many messages of hope for the future.”
Director Danny Boyle’s romantic comedy Yesterday is being shown at Northampton Filmhouse on the eve of the event and the venue is also showing iconic Beatles moments and footage on the Saturday. Activities will be held at Northampton Central Library and town centre retailers will be taking part in a photography collection showing how their buildings looked in the era. Shops are encouraged to create 1960s-themed window displays while cafes, bars and restaurants can create typical menus and drinks lists from the period. “We have curated a line-up with something for everyone, whether it is enjoying live music and entertainment, looking at classic cars or reminiscing over old photographs of our town centre capturing a bygone age,” says Mr Mullen. Parking in the town centre multistorey car parks will be free all day on the Saturday. “Just the mere mention of the 1960s puts a smile on people’s faces so this promises to be a day to really celebrate a golden period in our proud history,” says West Northamptonshire Council leader Cllr Jonathan Nunn. “Northampton will be swinging to the sound of the Sixties and we want as many people as possible to enjoy it.”
Pictured: Fern Gibson (centre) with KateKimberleyNorthamptonshireGroundworkdirectorsLawson(left)andWilliams
Business backs campaign to boost natural habitats
Back to the 60s as BID revives
Town's legacy of hope takes root
n Share your favourite photos of beloved buildings and shops from the town centre at that time, plus memories of life in Northampton. It could be treasured snaps of the Cobblers’ glorious rise to the top flight or maybe even snaps of a trip to see The Beatles at The Old Savoy in 1963. Send a digital copy of your photograph to info@northamptonbid.co.uk.Thefullline-upandadditional activities for the event, which has received funding from Northamptonshire Community Foundation and Northampton Town Council, will be confirmed at www. northamptonbid.co.uk
Fern Gibson, marketing, communications and event manager for Northamptonshire Community Foundation, attended the artwork’s official unveiling. “The piece really does instil hope for the future after what has been a tough few years for all.”
The project was funded through Northamptonshire Community Foundation by the Arts Council England Let’s Create Jubilee fund. Find out more at www.greenpatch.org. uk.
The Small-flowered Catchfly, not sighted in Northamptonshire since 1955 but now thriving at the University of Northampton’s Waterside campus Plant find ‘had me jumping up and down with happiness’
‘Giving back is important’incredibly C yclist Dave Howorth is putting the finishing touches to his preparation for a 600-kilometre cycle ride across beautiful but gruelling terrain in Africa. Dave, a non-executive director at logistics firm The NX Group in Daventry, is ready to begin his fourth Cycle Challenge across Malawi in aid of the transport charity Transaid. The five-day challenge begins next month and takes the cyclists on a route from Senga on Lake Malawi south to Mulanje, close to the Mozambique border. “This challenge has been postponed since 2020 so it is now starting to become more of a reality but I am really looking forward to it,” says Dave. “Being in Malawi and seeing the realities of rural Africa is a very humbling and inspiring experience.”
Staff at Piroto Labelling are regular supporters of the Cycle4Cynthia fundraiser
To support Transaid, donate to Dave’s ride at com/fundraising/dave2-howorthwww.justgiving.
n Chamber member Wilson Browne Solicitors is to sponsor the upcoming Curry & Quiz Night fundraiser for the Twinkling Stars Appeal at Kettering Hospital. Book tickets at the Northamptonshire Health Charity website. HEADLINES the latest news from your business to news@business-times.co.uk
Alison McCulloch, head of fundraising at Northamptonshire Health Charity adds: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to increase our contact with the private sector and engage with businesses across the county. By increasing our networking presence with the help of the Chamber, it gives us the opportunity to work with the business community and to highlight the big differences our donations make.”
Dave Howorth, pictured on a previous Transaid cycle challenge
“In particular, we want to do what we can to begin diverting young people from this kind of activity into something more positive and we will be using team sports as the catalyst.” There is also a plan to gate alleyways to prevent them from being used as areas for antisocial behaviour, drug dealing and violent crime.
Transaid, an international development charity supported by the logistics and transport industry, uses local transport solutions to improve and save lives in developing countries. The charity has supported projects including Ambulance bicycles, a hovercraft in Mozambique to transport children with malaria or pregnant mothers to hospital and driver training programmes. Road accidents are the third biggest killer in Africa after malaria and HIV. “Transaid is a great cause and it feels good to be giving to those in need through the industry in which I have worked all my life,” says Dave. “Logistics has been my career so being able to give something back is incredibly important to meand it is a great adventure.” He last took part in the challenge in Zambia in 2018. The NX Group managing director Nick Powell says: “We are extremely proud to be supporting him in his efforts. Transaid is a great charity that represents the best of our industry.”
Health charity wins votemembers'Chamber Northamptonshire Chamber of isCommerceofferinga wealth of opportunities to Northamptonshire Health Charity named Charity of the Year 2022/23. The NHS charity supports Northampton and Kettering General Hospitals and community hospitals and mental health services under TrustHealthcareNorthamptonshireFoundationbyfundingprojects and initiatives. As Charity of the Year, it will receive complimentary Silver Chamber Partner membership, enabling it to attend networking events and meet the county’s most influential companies. The Northamptonshire Health Charity logo will feature on the Chamber website, stationery, and in Chamber publications. The charity will also receive editorial in the Chamber's inBusiness magazine. “We feel it is important to support county charities and to highlight the contribution they make to our community,” says Chamber chief executive Louise Wall. “We look forward to working with Northamptonshire Health Charity and helping them to raise their profile and forge new connections with the business community.”
n
To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk In the Community Business Times | September 2022 31 0800 088 6004 enquiries@wilsonbrowne co uk wilsonbrowne co ukRecognising that charity is serious business
The crime levels in the two areas are due in part to the prevalence of alleyways, underpasses and deprivation. Both Blackthorn and Bellinge suffer from high levels of anti-social behaviour and violent crime, says Cllr David Smith, cabinet member for community safety and engagement and regulatory services. “This funding is vital and we will be teaming up with the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner which has also won funding to improve safety on our streets.
Council: Sport will be the catalyst to draw teens away from crime
Label firm rides in fundraisersponsorto PUT YOUR BUSINESS IN THE
Security boost as areas win £99k funding T wo areas in Northampton highdisproportionatelywithcrimelevelsare to see improvements in safety and security thanks to £99,000 from the government’s Safer Streets fund. West Northamptonshire Council applied for the funding to improve lighting in the Blackthorn and Bellinge areas, to introduce more CCTV and to create activities to engage young people and divert them from criminal activity.
A company that has entered teams in previous Cycle4Cynthia fundraising events for Cynthia Spencer Hospital in Northampton has stepped up to be headline sponsor of this year’sPirotoevent.Labelling, based at Moulton Park in Northampton, has answered the SOS from the organisers of the flagship fundraising cycle event, which takes place at the Althorp Estate on September 25. “I had not thought about it before until I saw that the headline sponsor was available,” says managing director Leigh Mann, who joined Piroto in 1989 and acquired the company in 2003. “This is an amazing opportunity for Piroto and we are really proud to be associated with Cynthia Spencer Hospice.” Places are still available to take part in the event, which offers a choice of five- and ten-mile routes for cyclists of all ages and abilities. To join the competitors, visit www. cycle4cynthia.co.ukMrMannsays: “We have participated in Cycle4Cynthia for many years and it is great to see many people from Piroto, along with their friends and family, taking part and raising money for such a wonderful cause.”
DO YOU WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR COMPETITIVENESS, SKILLS AND INNOVATION ABILITY? Delivered by the University of Northampton and its trusted partners, Knowledge Exchange for Better Business enables small businesses across Northamptonshire to develop and grow by offering free tailored support packages, including: KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE FOR BETTER BUSINESS access to expertise through consultancy, webinars & focused programmes peer networking & business support organisation memberships virtual assistants & fully funded internships access to project management courses, mentoring & coaching aEnvironmentalssessments& action plans TO FIND OUT MORE, CONTACT US ON ORBUSINESS.SUPPORT@NORTHAMPTON.AC.UKCALL01604892328 This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund
