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Chamber names new head of policy

Group’s P40 track day car

Trailblazers to mark 40 years

High performance automotive engineering company RML Group has unveiled four trailblazing new products to celebrate the Wellingborough company’s 40th anniversary.

The products comprise the P40 allnew track day car, the VarEVolt super high performance battery pack, a Le Mans hypercar-inspired road car based on the Porsche 911 and a heritage SuperClassic Aston Martin V8.

Each new product – designed to mark a decade of the company’s existence –is the first from RML Group’s dedicated new divisions: Motorsport, Engineering, Power and Bespoke.

“RML Group has achieved an enormous amount in the previous 40

years,” said chief executive Michael Mallock. “We are still focused squarely on the future as these product launches show. I am excited to bring all of these new high-performance products to market. They are just the beginning of a long product pipeline for us.”

RML Group was founded in 1984 by Michael father, Ray. Under his leadership the business specialised in championship-winning motorsport and precision automotive engineering.

Today, RML Group has expanded to meet the diverse needs of the automotive industry. The company recently welcomed former Lotus and Bentley senior executive Paul Dickinson to lead its operations and drive growth.

Businessman Simon Cox has been appointed as head of policy for Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce. He takes up his new role this month, succeeding Sean Rose.

Simon will combine his policy role at the Chamber with his work as co-founder of Northamptonshire membership group NNBN. “Together we can make a positive impact on our local economy and community,” he said.

Simon will lead the Chamber’s policy initiatives, working with businesses, government officials and stakeholders to ensure that the voice of the business community is heard and represented.

His expertise in business advocacy and policy development will be instrumental in shaping policies that promote economic growth, support local enterprises, and enhance the overall business environment in the region, said the Chamber’s chief executive Louise Wall.

“Simon’s extensive experience and understanding of the local business landscape will be invaluable as we continue to advocate for policies that benefit our members and the wider community,” she added.

Simon said: “I look forward to working with the Chamber’s members and partners to develop and implement policies that drive economic growth and support the success of businesses throughout the business community.”

Case manufacturer completes acquisition of competitor

Corporate finance specialists at Northampton-based Watersheds have overseen the acquisition by a flight case manufacturer of a competitor.

Absolute Casing has completed the purchase of Market Harborough-based Nomad Cases in a deal anticipated to create a market-leading flight case group. Managing director Ed Franklin wanted to increase market share and in-house capability and pursued the deal after recognising that an acquisition could help the strategy become reality.

Absolute Casing, based in Newbury, supplies bespoke protective flight cases

to market sectors including Formula 1, Premier League football, the Olympics, medical, television production and the oil and gas industry. Nomad Cases employs 29 people at its premises in Market Harborough. The deal came about after Nomad’s owner moved forward with retirement plans.

“There is a lot of synergy in terms of what we do and who we supply and so when Nomad’s owner was considering retirement, we were keen to explore the opportunity,” said Ed.

“We had worked together before on certain projects and I knew Absolute

Casing would be a good home for its customers and staff.

Watersheds partner Jessica Painter, who worked on the deal, said: “A strategic acquisition like this can be an excellent growth plan for a business.

“The current funding landscape for small businesses is challenging at the moment and it can be difficult for business owners to navigate as well as find the best deals. As advisors who work across both acquisitions and disposals, we can provide a balanced perspective and anticipate what either side is going to want in order to achieve a smooth deal.”

RML

Simon Cox and Louise Wall

Co-op renews distribution contract

At the wheel of expansion plans

20 years ago she was working as an accounts assistant. Now she is at the helm of the same fast-expanding logistics business.

Sophie Yorke has risen through the ranks at Action Expresss Northampton before its acquisition last year and now she is set to start her new role as managing director at Xtra Express Logistics. Her promotion from general manager is part of a leadership restructure at the company, based on Brackmills industrial estate in Northampton. Current managing director Edward Grant-Salmon is to become group managing director.

Having been promoted to operations manager in 2015 and general manager in 2022, Sophie moved with her Action Express colleagues when the business was acquired by Crisis Logistics last year. The combined business has since rebranded to Xtra Express Logistics.

Chairman Charles Grant-Salmon said: “We knew straightaway that we wanted Sophie to be a part of the company at a senior level. Now I am looking forward to seeing Sophie go from running the day-to-day operations to running a business.”

Fellow director Roman Stajila added: “Sophie knows the business inside and out and knows the Brackmills site better than anyone.”

The company has also increased its sales team from one person to four,

secured new contracts worth £2.5 million and grown its fleet of vehicles since the merger. It was ranked 79 in the list of Northamptonshire’s Top 100 Companies, compiled by professional services firm Grant Thornton.

Sophie said: “To receive this level of recognition means so much. This promotion is something I have always wanted and have aspired to.”

Group managing director Edward Grant-Salmon said: “When the Action Express Northampton acquisition was going through, we were told that Sophie ran the day-to-day operations and she proved a real support to the management team when we integrated the two businesses and customer bases.

“Now we are looking to the future and Sophie will be a big part of our future growth plans.”

Supply chain specialist Wincanton has won a five-year contract extension from retail giant Co-op.

Under the new agreement, Wincanton will continue to provide the Co-op with facilities management and distribution services from a 340,000 sq ft. Co-op regional distribution centre in Wellingborough.

The two organisations have worked together for more than three decades. Wincanton has managed the current operation for Co-op since 2019.

Wincanton will continue to replenish nearly 350 Co-op stores across the Midlands, South East and East of England, delivering more than 750,000 cases per week. Over 600 Wincanton staff will continue to support the contract.

James Hurrell, managing director of grocery and consumer at Wincanton, said: “We are delighted to extend our long-standing relationship with Co-op and look forward to continuing to provide outstanding service, which we are seeking to enhance even further.

“Our values around safety, social value and sustainability align with those of Co-op making this a truly collaborative partnership in every sense.”

The extension of the contract is testament to Wincanton’s proven site management skills, colleague expertise and consistent operational excellence at Co-op’s Wellingborough site, he added.

Wincanton was the winner of the Social Value Leaders Award at the Co-op Difference Awards in June. The award recognised the 10,000 hours of social value delivered by the Co-op Wellingborough team through their active colleague and community engagements since 2023.

The Co-op’s director of logistics Ian Gibb said: “We are pleased to extend our long-term relationship with Wincanton. Our depots play a vital role in ensuring that Co-op products are freshly delivered and conveniently available in towns, villages and cities across the UK.”

Group launches new logistics division

Freight distribution network the Pall-Ex Group has launched its new logistics division. Pall-Ex Logistics is the result of the integration of several previously independent operations, including in Northampton, to create a full-service logistics provider.

The combined body now offers bonded warehousing, long-term and short-term storage, general haulage and container decanting. Pall-Ex Logistics has also

joined forces with a group of Pall-Ex’s UK shareholder members to create a warehouse and fulfilment network.

Colin Hawkins, director of UK-owned operations for Pall-Ex, said: “Pall-Ex Group’s investment in its infrastructure signifies its commitment to scaling new heights in logistics excellence.”

Pall-Ex Logistics officially launched last month, with livery and branding rolled out across the locations throughout August.

Sophie Yorke and Edward Grant-Salmon

Government lifts improvement notice on college

Government officials have withdrawn the financial improvement notice issued to Moulton College seven years ago after seeing major improvements at the college in Northampton.

The notice was formally removed in July following significant efforts to expand and improve Moulton’s offering for students.

The college is now to enter a period of Post Intervention Management Support.

Its chief operating officer Alicia Bruce said: “Moulton College has made great strides over the past few years to address the issues identified by the FE Commissioner and Education and Skills Funding Agency.

“In spite of the challenges we were facing, our staff pulled together to address the issues and put in place recommendations made by FEC and EFSA while working hard to improve our offering for students. We are delighted that these efforts have been recognised with the withdrawal of the notice.”

Ofsted awarded Moulton College ‘Good’ status in 2021 and welcomed its reintroduction of apprenticeships last year.

Moulton has also launched a range of T Levels alongside its offering of qualifications in areas including agriculture, equine, sport, animal welfare, construction and food.

David McVean, chair of governors, said: “By focusing on the quality of our education and the student experience, as well as prudent sales of non-essential assets, we have created a turnaround that very few thought possible.”

On his bike to celebrate supermarket contract

Amanufacturer of sustainable and eco-friendly vodka is celebrating its first national supermarket contract by hand-delivering the stock… by bike.

Jelley’s Vodka is launching its elderflower and honey-flavoured spirit into 14 Morrisons stores across Devon and Cornwall. Brand founder Benjamin Jelley cycled a 250km route ahead of launch day last month to personally deliver a total of 250 bottles.

The mode of transport has been chosen with the environment in mind, with the trip minimising its carbon footprint and saving the equivalent of 0.25 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Each bottle contains a QR code link to receive a pack of elderflower seeds, with drinkers urged to sow them to encourage growth of the plants, which act as pollinators for the bee population.

“We started the business a decade ago, selling at food and drink fairs and farmers markets but it has always been my ambition to secure a supermarket contract,” said Benjamin.

“We have made it happen and I wanted to do something to mark the occasion.

As a B Corp brand, we are all about sustainability so removing the equivalent of 0.25 tonnes of carbon from the usual supply chain really fits in with our ethos.”

The vodka has been produced in partnership with master distillers at Colwith Farm in Cornwall.

“We cannot wait to see it on the shelves,” said Benjamin.

Jelley’s is a member of 1% For The Planet, a network of businesses around the world that pledge to donate a minimum of 1% of annual revenue to environmental causes to protect the environment.

Restaurant’s award proves why it is the pride of a nation

A restaurant in Northampton is the toast of the town having been named the best in the country at a national awards ceremony.

Saffron in Castilian Street was crowned the winner of the Restaurant of the Year category at the 2024 The Bengal’s Pride Awards celebrating the achievements of the Bengali ethnic community from India and Bangladesh.

Saffron owner Naz Islam said: “Winning

this award is a testament to our team’s dedication, passion and relentless pursuit of culinary excellence. We are deeply honoured and grateful to our patrons for their unwavering support.“

Saffron is a former winner of the British Curry Awards and Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards. During a 32-year career, Naz has raised almost £100,000 for local charities and established a school and orphanage in one of the poorest

areas of Bangladesh with the help of his family. He also supports Northampton’s growing Bangladeshi community while helping to establish strong links between his homeland and the University of Northampton, where he regularly arranges flag-raising ceremonies to mark the country’s Independence Day and Victory Day to remember the fallen heroes of the liberation war of 1971 with the Northampton community.

Benjamin Jelley

Scaling up the thriving start-ups

The economic strengths and weaknesses of Northamptonshire go under the microscope in a new report.

The Northamptonshire Innovation Ecosystem Report, carried out by the University of Northampton and strategy specialist Whitecap Consulting in Milton Keynes, aims to identify the innovation and growth potential of the county and close the GVA gap.

Data published at the end of last year by company secretarial software specialist Inform Direct showed that the number of companies registered in Northamptonshire had risen by 4.6% to an all-time high. Yet in 2022 its GVA – at around £61,000 – was just over 10% lower than the £68,000 UK national average.

Helen Miller, the university’s head of knowledge exchange and enterprise, said: “Thriving businesses are crucial to economic health. While Northamptonshire boasts a high rate of start-ups, nurturing and scaling up their capabilities is essential.

“This project will identify strengths and areas for improvement, allowing us to strategically support local businesses and bridge the county’s productivity gap.

“By fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem, we can unlock Northamptonshire’s full potential

and ensure a prosperous future for the region.”

UoN and Whitecap will also develop a plan to address key barriers to growth which will be adopted by local stakeholders, including the Silverstone Technology Cluster, the Federation of Small Businesses, and West Northamptonshire and North Northamptonshire Councils as part of their economic strategy.

The NIER is due to be completed this month, will provide an in-depth assessment of the county’s innovation landscape and will:

n Evaluate local innovation capabilities and resources.

n Identify growth opportunities and deliver actionable recommendations for future economic strategy.

n Influence policy and vision for West and North Northamptonshire.

n Outline the University of Northampton’s role in supporting these initiatives.

Whitecap Consulting director Lal Tawney said: “By examining collaboration within and between firms across key sectors, from logistics to food and drink manufacturing to Silverstone Tech Cluster, we will gain a clear picture of what is working well and where there is room for growth.

“Identifying talent gaps and pinpointing the right funding sources will be crucial in nurturing a culture of innovation.”

Anyone with insight on the business landscape in Northamptonshire is welcome to contribute to the study. To find out more, email business.support@ northampton.ac.uk or lal.tawney@ whitecapconsulting.co.uk.

Lal Tawney (right) of Whitecap Consulting joins the scale-up debate

Fledgling creatives set to fly the nest

Congratulations to the first group of entrepreneurs from Northamptonshire to graduate from a business incubation programme at business venue Vulcan Works in Northampton.

The inaugural Vulcan Creatives programme, run over six months and funded by West Northamptonshire Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, began in January with ten businesses working with Vulcan Works business growth manager Darren Smith to either turn an idea into a viable business or grow a fledgling enterprise.

Those who completed the programme are pictured at a Vulcan Creatives Showcase event to mark their graduation.

Finalists prepare for a celebration

Enterprising organisations, creative charities, design companies, photographers, hair salons and an array of businesses small and large from across Northamptonshire make up the shortlist for this year’s NNBN Awards.

Over the last few months award applications have been arriving for judging by the team at the NNBN Awards, which were launched by the county-wide membership group last year.

Now the wait is over, with a broad range of finalists announced across the 14 categories and the awards ceremony set to take place at the Mercure Hotel Northampton on October 4.

NNBN director Simon Cox said “More than 60 inspiring, innovative organisations

THE FINALISTS

The Green Award

Hilton Northampton; Orchard Garden Flowers; Pen Written Post; See Limited; Wicksteed Park.

Start Up Business of the Year

Animal Focussed; Innovate Business Consulting; Northants Fashion and Textiles School; The Right Track Consultancy; Waffle & More.

Special Recognition Award

Allen Tew (Holiday Inn Express Kettering); Elaine Nicholson (Action for Neurodiversity); Ethan Malvern(3RS IT Solutions); Lee Ferris (Bell of Northampton); Ryan Bishop (Silverstone Leasing).

Small Business of the Year

Acorn Safety Services; Freshbat; Lime Design Studio; Sweet Lounge; Thomas Honour Mortgage Services.

Northamptonshire Tourism Award

Kettering Park Hotel; New Lodge Farm; Northampton Art Gallery and Museum;

During the event, each participant gave a presentation about their journey to specially invited guests.

Darren said: “Vulcan Creatives was a brand new idea and has been helped by so many individuals and businesses who have put on clinics, workshops and masterclasses.

“We wanted to guide entrepreneurs with an idea through a process to create a business and make use of the great facilities at Vulcan Works and it has been

great to see the success stories of those who have taken part. I am also really proud of the fact that we have been able to help these businesses with grant applications too, resulting in all of them being awarded a £1,000 grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

“One thing that has been key and a great part of this programme has been the way that everyone has collaborated together. Some have even been each other’s first customer.”

The NNBN

Awards winners in 2023

are up for awards and this year five of these organisations are up for not just one, but two awards.”

This year’s NNBN awards are supported by event sponsor Wilson

Silverstone Museum; Wicksteed Park.

West Northants Enterprise Award

Acorn Analytical Services; Barclays Bank plc – Northampton Talent Attraction Pillar; Daniel Granger Hairdressing; Samantha Cameron Social Media Coaching Ltd; UK Digital Accountant.

North Northants Enterprise Award

Beccy Hurrell Voice & Arts; Bosworths Garden Centre; Lucie Downer Performing Arts; New Lodge Farm ;The Chester House Estate.

Micro Business of the Year

Corrine West Photography; Ena HR & Training; K Wright Consultancy; Melody Music Woman; PrincessInk.

Health & Wellness Business of the Year

Blossom’s Children Occupational Therapy; Ironstone Wellbeing Centre; Kaur Aura; Lucie Downer Performing Arts; Silver Strength.

Hair & Beauty Business of the Year

Beauty Bar Desborough; Daniel Granger

Browne Solicitors and by headline sponsors West Northamptonshire Council, Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, Poppy Design Studio and Pilkington Communications.

Hairdressing; Toni Ann-Marie Colour & Curls; Trilogy Hair Lounge; Yoke Hill Wellbeing. Food & Drink Business of the Year

Aramintas; Happy Mondays; Mewar Haveli; Nutrient Gap; Wine Chateau. Charity of the Year

Accommodation Concern; Baby Basics

Northampton; Community Law Service; Northamptonshire Health Charity; Northamptonshire Sport.

Business Person of the Year

Bartlomiej Nieznanski (Cleaning Expert 24/7 Ltd); Fiona Stacey (Hampton by Hilton Corby); Lucienne Shakir (Lucienne Coaching); Samantha Cameron (Samantha Cameron Social Media Coaching Ltd); Scott Norville (Silverstone Leasing).

Business of the Year

Acorn Analytical Services; Colam Ltd - Colonial Construction; HR Solutions; Parkwood Theatres; Silverstone Leasing.

Detailed plans are under consideration by councillors for a major industrial development in Northampton.

Trebor Developments has submitted an application for a single unit totalling around 330,000 sq ft on a site five miles east of the town centre on the A45. Subject to planning permission, the unit could be ready for occupation in 2026.

Trebor development director James Drew said: “We are delighted to have reached the next key stage of delivery for this major golden triangle development. The building is expected to deliver over 350 direct full-time jobs, an ecological net gain of over 10% and generate a total economic benefit of £890 million over the life of the scheme.”

n Trebor Developments and Hillwood have acquired a 20-acre site in Raunds from Aequitas Estates in an off-market transaction. The site has detailed planning consent for the Quattro Raunds scheme of four units ranging in size from 10,650 sq ft to 117,050 sq ft.

Site deal sits well in expansion strategy

Construction work is under way, with practical completion planned for the autumn of next year.

“We are absolutely delighted to have completed this deal on a site we have long held an interest in acquiring,” said Trebor development director Greg Dalton.

“It sits well within our strategy to expand along the A14/A45 and, with the benefit of detailed planning consent, allows us to deliver the scheme within 2025.”

Bidwells, which represented Trebor and Hillwood, and M1 Agency - which acted for the vendor - are joint agents.

United front targets skills and growth

Local authorities across the South East Midlands have united to champion economic growth by supporting businesses, improving skills, and enhancing career opportunities.

The newly established South Midlands Authorities group will also oversee the work formerly overseen by the Central Area Growth Board, the Growth Hub and the Careers Hub.

South Midlands Authorities has begun the recruitment process for a Business Board to support the economic work across the local authority areas and ensure a strong business voice for the area. It is seeking up to 15 representatives from growth key sectors including construction, logistics and healthcare, rural representatives and SME representatives.

SMA represents the entire region, covering North and West Northamptonshire, Bedford Borough,

Milton Keynes, Central Bedfordshire and Luton. The new partnership aims to ensure a more joined-up approach so the whole region benefits from economic growth, with stronger opportunities available to unlock funding and attract investment.

The group is working on new collaborative branding and a simplified new web platform, delivering access to business advice, skills knowledge and careers support.

Business support available includes the South Midlands Growth Hub, which provides advice, access to grant funding and an extensive resource library. It has awarded £1.9 million to businesses over the past year. The South Midlands Careers Hub works with employers, schools and colleges to provide career guidance to young people.

Growth Hub manager Ruth Roan, said: “This development showcases the important role the South Midlands Growth

Hub has in supporting businesses to overcome their challenges, realise their potential and generate growth.

“The launch of the South Midlands Authority enables us to continue acting on the strong relationships we already have with each local authority.”

SMA is a natural progression of the collaboration the South Midlands Careers and Growth Hubs have developed over the past 12 months, she added.

“We are excited to continue to act as the intelligence resource for businesses and represent the wonderful variety of businesses and industries we have across the South Midlands.”

The region is considered as a national leader in driving business growth and delivering job opportunities. The South Midlands home to more than 77,000 businesses which are already supported by local authority economic development teams and partners.

The plan for the 330,000 sq ft unit in Northampton

Work is under way on the site at Raunds

Back to school on internet safety

A free initiative for schools is under way to encourage education and awareness among students using the internet and social media apps.

IT consultancy 3RS IT Solutions, based in Wellingborough, has introduced 30-minute training sessions for pupils in Years 6 to 11, focusing on best practice when using the internet

“Educating children on internet safety is crucial in helping to protect them from online threats such as cyber bullying and privacy breaches,” said 3RS IT director Leila Souch.

“Understanding safe online practices empowers children to navigate the digital world responsibly, allowing them a secure and positive online experience.”

The sessions focus on internet awareness, particularly using social media apps such as Snapchat. Each session is tailored to the requirements of each individual school.

Separate teacher training sessions are also available to help teaching staff to stay safe in their day-to-day roles.

Back to the future as museum prepares for an upgrade

Architects at GSSArchitecture in Kettering are working with RAF officials and construction specialists on a major upgrade of the RAF Museum Midlands at Cosford.

Plans including for a state-of-the-art collections hub, the refurbishment and extension of an historic hangar and major landscaping enhancements have received the green light.

GSSArchitecture has been chosen to lead the design and planning work for the project.

The new Collections Hub will centralise the museum’s off-site collections, making them accessible to the public for the first time. The revamped Hangar 1 is to be transformed into an exhibition and learning centre while the landscaping improvements include new public spaces and pathways and increased biodiversity. Funding for the project has come from sources including the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England. The plans are the result of feedback from the public during extensive consultation

GSSArchitecture’s vision for RAF Museum Midlands at Cosford

with stakeholders, nearby residents and visitors. One notable workshop involved No. 1047 Wolverhampton Squadron of the RAF Air Cadets, who met with GSSArchitecture and the museum to discuss the future of Hangar 1.

“We are thrilled to have achieved this step with these transformative projects,” said GSS partner Tom Jagger. “The collaborative design and consultation process has been invaluable. We are committed to creating modern, sustainable museum facilities that will enrich the visitor experience for generations to come.”

“Significant

milestones in our commitment to sharing the RAF’s rich history.”

Karen Whitting, the RAF Museum’s director of content and programmes, said: “The creation of the Collections Hub and the refurbishment of Hangar 1 are significant milestones in our commitment to sharing the RAF’s rich history. By involving our visitors and local communities throughout the design process, we have ensured that these new facilities will meet the needs and expectations of our diverse audience now and for future generations.”

Networking creating a healthy buzz

Networking group Business Buzz has welcomed a new ambassador to its Towcester branch. Simon Evans – ‘the private health guy’ - joins branch host Ian Taylor, managing director of business consultancy Tinderbox, and ambassador Holly May, from the Partnership Mortgage Group.

Towcester Buzz meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at Towcester

Mill Brewery and has welcomed more than 200 businesses since it launched in September last year.

Ian said: “We are particularly pleased with the number of new businesses we attract each month. Buzz events are a no-fuss, mix and mingle format - no lengthy speeches or elevator pitches, so that people can build their networks to support their business.”

Ian Taylor (right) welcomes Simon Evans

Lionel Naidoo, MD of Dragon Information Systems, offers his expert advice on the cybersecurity risk posed by suppliers and how to best protect commercial relationships.

Managing the supply chain cybersecurity risk

Supply chain cybersecurity risk refers to the risk that a business could be negatively impacted by a cyber attack on one of its suppliers - for example, were a successful hack on a supplier’s network to lead to sensitive information being stolen or systems accessed.

With the 2024 Cyber Security Breaches Survey revealing that a whopping 50% of businesses (including 74% of large business and 70% of medium-sized firms) experienced a breach or cyber attack in the previous months, it is now more important than ever that businesses protect themselves and consider all areas of potential risk.

This is leading a growing number of organisations to not only think about their own internal IT systems and cybersecurity measures but also to review the cyber risk presented by their suppliers.

How many businesses are taking action?

Just over one in ten businesses (13%) say they review the risks posed by their immediate suppliers. For medium businesses this figure rises to 27%, and for large businesses 55% - the latter being an increase on the 44% of large businesses doing so in

Prepare your organisation’s IT environment for AI

2022. So, for SMEs working with larger businesses, it is not only going to be crucial to have robust cybersecurity measures in place for their own safety but to protect their commercial relationships and growth too.

While larger businesses may be taking the lead on this issue, it also poses a risk for small and growing businesses. Indeed, it’s thought that 59% of SMEs have experienced a cyberattack that originated from one of their third parties.

Here is a step-by-step guide to managing the risk.

1. Understand your supply chain and its risks

Map out your supply chain and identify your key suppliers, vendors and partners, their roles and responsibilities, the products, services, or data that they provide or access and the potential cyber threats that they face or pose. Also assess the impact and likelihood of these threats on your business objectives and priorities.

2. Establish minimum security standards and requirements

Define the acceptable levels of security performance and compliance that you expect your suppliers, vendors and partners and the consequences of failing to meet them.

Communicate these standards and requirements clearly and consistently to your supply chain partners and include them in any contracts and agreements.

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3. Monitor and audit your supply chain security

Carry out regular checks to verify that your suppliers, vendors, and partners are adhering to your security standards and requirements and are implementing effective security controls and practices. Consider methods to detect and respond to any security incidents or breaches that may occur in your supply chain and report and escalate them as appropriate.

4. Collaborate and share information with your supply chain

Foster a culture of trust and transparency among your supply chain partners and encourage them to share relevant and timely information about their security status, issues and best practices.

Take part in industry- or sector-specific forums or initiatives that aim to improve supply chain security and resilience, such as the Cybersecurity Supply Chain Risk Management project by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

5. Continuously review and improve your supply chain security

Regularly evaluate and update your supply chain security strategy, policies and procedures and incorporate feedback and lessons learned from your partners and stakeholders. Also, keep abreast of the latest trends and developments in supply chain security and adopt new technologies or solutions that will help enhance your supply chain security and resilience.

Here at Dragon IS, we work with small and medium sized businesses, helping them with a broad range of issues relating to their IT infrastructure and cybersecurity. For an informal chat about your IT needs, please email info@dragon-is.com or call us on 0330 363 005.

Lionel Naidoo

Out-of-date definitions of manliness are responsible for shocking rise in violence against women, says a male mental health campaigner.

Part of my therapy has been learning what masculinity really is

Businesses must step up and play their part in tackling the rising tide of violence against women, says a mental health campaigner.

Ashley Riley blames a “warped” definition of masculinity as a main reason for the number of attacks on women and girls. Analysis by the National Police Chiefs’ Council shows that an estimated two million women a year are victims of violence.

Crimes including stalking, harassment, sexual assault and domestic violence affect one in 12 women in England and Wales, with the number of recorded offences growing by 37% in the past five years and the perpetrators getting younger.

“You only have to go online right now and type in ‘Masculinity’ to see the warped, outdated and over-physical and over-sexualised definition.” said Ashley. “It is not enough for individuals, organisations and businesses to recognise there are growing problems with misogyny and aggressive behaviours towards women but do nothing about it.”

Educating and training men about real masculinity is not only essential for male mental health but it would also make a real difference to violence against women and attitudes of misogyny, he added.

Ashley is delivering a workshop to businesses across the UK called Modern

Masculinity in the Workplace that addresses what real masculinity is and how that has to play an essential role in men’s behaviours. It looks at male mental health, what is ‘poor’ mental health, what middle-aged male mental health is and what is masculinity.

It goes on to look at how men can know ‘themselves’, know when to help others and when other men need help.

Ashley has shared on his online platform Blue Soul Shoes his experience of suffering a mental health crisis last year.

At the start of 2023 he was an outgoing, comfortable, loud, business-owning, confident man. Then he started suffering from a low mood and had a brief panic attack. Within a month it turned into life-stopping anxiety and deep, dark depression.

“As part of my treatment I have

“Real masculinity is about accepting emotions are variable, knowing that it is OK to not to always be on your game...”

Ashley Riley

undertaken therapy and part of that has been learning what real masculinity is,” Ashley said.

“Too often the world defines ‘masculinity’ as being emotionless, physically strong, sexually strong, wealthy and unconquerable. If you are working in business, masculinity is working all the hours available, keeping on top of emails at the weekend, eating on the move, socialising with fatty food and alcohol while putting others, including your family, second.

“Real masculinity is about accepting emotions are variable, knowing that it is OK to not to always be on your game, recognising that happiness is not about money, that ‘turning up’ for yourself is really important and asking for help is OK.”

Figures show that 77% of men have suffered with common mental health symptoms like anxiety, stress or depression.

“We also know that 40% of men have never spoken to anyone about their mental health.

“What this means in reality is that too often men are self-medicating. This means they use alcohol, tobacco or drugs to ‘feel better’. That can too often lead to dysfunctional behaviour which includes violence against women.”

It is not enough for businesses to have the basics in place to support men’s mental health when things go wrong, he added. That is why addressing this issue through education and challenge can make a real, lasting difference.

“’Nobody Knows Everything’. Really can recommend this course. It came along at just the right time. I have a clear idea on how to build the business now. ‘Thank you’.”

Help to Grow is specifically designed to support SMEs and provides an opportunity to step back and create the space and perspective to work on developing the business. Participants gain valuable insights and practical skills to make informed decisions, streamline operations and boost productivity.

Every business is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution for success That's why Help to Grow provides personalised support from a mentor who will work closely with you to understand your specific challenges and goals. They will provide tailored guidance, helping you identify opportunities and develop an actionable growth plan.

You also gain access to a vibrant ecosystem of entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and potential collaborators who can -provide invaluable support and guidance. This network serves as a catalyst for innovation, fostering collaborations, and shared knowledge. These networking opportunities not only expand your professional circles but also open doors to new markets, potential customers, and strategic alliances, ultimately driving your business's growth and success.

Boost Your Workforce with the ESOL and Literacy Skills for Growth Programme

According to the National Literacy Trust, 1 in 6 adults in England have literacy levels at or below Level 1, which is classified as “very poor literacy skills.”

Workers with low literacy skills may struggle with understanding their payslips or following simple instructions. Such issues create significant barriers not only for these individuals but also for the businesses that employ them.

The Impact of Low Literacy Skills on Business

Poor literacy skills can harm a company’s efficiency. Employees may struggle to follow instructions, manage customer requests, or use technology effectively. This can lead to workplace errors, like cancelled orders and accidents, negatively impacting sales and turnover.

For managers, low literacy levels often shift focus from innovation to supervision and quality checks, stifling a business’s potential to grow.

Nationally, low literacy levels cost UK taxpayers £2.5

billion annually, according to a 2009 KPMG report. A third of businesses are dissatisfied with young employees’ literacy skills, leading many to organise in-house remedial training to improve basic skills.

The ESOL and Literacy Skills for Growth Programme

To address these challenges, businesses in Northamptonshire can take advantage of ESOL and literacy classes, fully funded by the UK Government in partnership with West Northants Council. The Skills for Growth Programme, delivered locally by Diversiti UK Learning and Development C.I.C., is specifically designed for employees with low literacy skills or those for whom English is a second language.

The programme aims to improve communication, enhance workplace interactions, and support career advancement within your organisation.

Benefits include:

• Enhancing communication skills

• Building confidence in client and workplace interactions

• Developing literacy for career progression

• Strengthening team dynamics and efficiency

Convenient and Accessible

The programme can be conveniently delivered at your workplace during regular working hours, requiring just a 2-hour commitment per week. This ensures that there is no need for travel or time off, making it easy for your team to participate without disrupting daily operations.

Unlock Your Team’s Potential

By investing in the literacy skills of your workforce, you not only improve individual employee performance but also drive your business towards greater efficiency and innovation. This is an opportunity to build a more confident, capable team that can meet the demands of the modern business environment.

For more information on how your business can benefit from this fully funded programme, contact Diversiti UK today on 0800 612 7479 or visit: diversiti.uk/skills-for-growth.

Hello, West Northamptonshire Business Owners and Managers!

Sign up your employees for our ESOL and Literacy Skills for Growth Programme. Designed by industry experts, this course is perfect for those with low literacy skills or for whom English is a second language.

Are you ready to boost your team’s skills and productivity?

Visit our website to register today! www.diversiti.uk/skills-for-growth

Wise Parking

Parking… A word from the Wise

Parking should be easy, flexible and affordable for motorists, car park operators and landowners. Managing director Stuart Cole (pictured above) explains why Wise Parking leads the way in making parking a positive experience.

Difficult technology… broken machines… unclear signage… some of the most common complaints that can make the simple act of finding and paying for a parking space such a stressful experience.

But, says one parking operator, it does not have to be this way.

“I believe that if you can give people every possible opportunity to do things correctly they will tend to do things as well as they can,” said Stuart Cole. “If the act of parking does not have an impact on you, that is because it is being done well.”

Stuart is managing director of Wise Parking, one of around 200 specialist parking companies in the UK but one committed to creating a positive parking experience. Wise Parking uses the latest

technology combined with a peoplecentric approach to deliver results for the landowner who employs the company and for the motorist who just wants somewhere to park quickly, simply and safely.

“When parking is well managed, people do it without thinking,” said Stuart. “But there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to make it happen. Technology helps to make it better and easier without customers realising.”

Stuart’s background is in IT. He was working for a major employer in the sector when he and his team were assigned a contract to build a software system for a client in the parking sector. Impressed with his work, the company offered him a job which he accepted before leaving to set up Wise Parking in 2021.

“We do everything, all the technology behind it and we install and monitor cameras,” he said. “We run the back office, we handle payments, we bring the solutions that create the best experience for people.

“It makes it easier for them to do the right thing and therefore avoid a parking ticket. Most people obey the parking rules and most people will do their best to park well. We need to understand that.”

Other companies in the sector work

on a revenue-generating model that focuses on parking charges and penalties for infringements. But, Stuart said, as this is designed to take advantage of the customer, rather than support them, it can create negative feelings about the location used for parking and the venues they support.

Wise Parking’s team of ten employees working at its head office in Daventry’s Icon innovation Centre sift through potential parking infringements at the 50-plus sites managed on behalf of its clients before issuing the dreaded parking charge notice. The reason: people make mistakes and they often do not mean to, said Stuart.

“It is to our benefit to catch the error before the parking ticket goes out to the person. It is more efficient for us and reduces the stress that people feel when an unnecessary parking ticket arrives through their door.”

The modern, technology-focused approach to parking management operated by Wise Parking delivers the company’s clients the best payment rates and compliance for their tariffs, helping to ensure that the landowner benefits from a seamless parking experience for clients and users, a better return on investment and happier visitors.

Now Wise Parking is looking to develop its services to the business community in Northamptonshire and the wider South Midlands region. Wise Parking has become a platinum partner of Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes Chambers of Commerce and is the sponsor of the Sustainability category at the Northamptonshire Chamber’s Northamptonshire Business Awards this year.

“It struck me that we are spending a lot of time running up and down the country putting parking solutions in place when there is a lot of business in this area that we do not even consider,” said Stuart. “Within an hour of here there is a huge amount of opportunity where we can do things far better than is being done currently.”

Wise Parking joined the Chamber because their members are the ones Stuart feels he needs to be talking to. Sponsoring the Sustainability Award is an added way to raise the company’s profile locally.

“We are trying to have a positive impact as a business in an industry that is generally seen in a less positive light and we want to change that perception.”

Wise Parking sits on the technology committee of the parking industry’s trade association the International Parking Community. It is testament to the progress and growth the company has made in the past three years since its foundation. It installs a range of

parking solutions including its bespoke permit systems, Automatic Number Plate Recognition - including systems operated via renewables - traditional and solar Pay & Display machines and CCTV parking enforcement. Wise Parking also installs parking signage and provides man-on-the-ground manned car park management.

Clients include Silverstone Circuits Limited, for whom Wise Parking used its IT bias to integrate with the Silverstone ticket purchasing system proving a huge increase in performance, and effectiveness for the parking operations. This also included temporary ANPR cameras to manage the tens of thousands of vehicles converging on the

Wise Parking

Northamptonshire circuit for this year’s F1 British Grand Prix and MotoGP. They are looking forward to supporting other major motorsport events. “That was quite a coup,” said Stuart.

“We want to push the event parking aspect of our business. It is a special skillset with a reliance on technology, so ideal for what we can offer.

“At the end of the day, we would like to talk to any landowners, serviced offices, anybody that has people who visit them. We want people to come back to the same car park and we are here to help landowners to help people to come back.

“We help landowners to get the revenues they want by running the car park properly and get a better return as a result.”

Wise Parking’s investment in ensuring it operates the latest technology is considerable. The company upgrades and updates its core software continually and ensures scalability by using the best features of AWS. It is essential in order to keep pace with progress and to stay ahead of competitors, said Stuart.

“Getting all this right will mean your visitors are in the right place mentally to really enjoy your facilities and the experience you have to offer.”

“If we do not, we could start to let people down and we cannot have our system falling behind. We would always rather pay more and get the systems right rather than try to save a few pounds and end up letting people down.”

The next steps in the growth plans of Wise Parking is to work with local businesses with parking management requirements as well as local authorities, sports stadia, retail parks and other sites where well-run parking is essential. “We want to be making a difference,” Stuart added.

The longer-term plan is to take the Wise Parking model overseas, particularly to North America. “It is not the same over there,” said Stuart. “We are a lot further forward than they are in the way we operate and there is a great opportunity for them to reap the benefit of what we do and how we have learned to do it.

“I am determined that we are going to make it happen.”

But Wise Parking’s commitment to its UK customers remains. “Our focus is on using information and constant feedback to deliver parking services and management to make parking management easy, flexible, and affordable for landowners.

“Getting all this right will mean your visitors are in the right place mentally to really enjoy your facilities and the experience you have to offer.”

Wise Parking’s project manager Jasmine Cole (left) and sales manager Jaydean Neal-Edlington

Northamptonshire’s high streets need all our support. The Federation of Small Businesses is leading the campaign with a set of recommendations to local and national government after a comprehensive survey of its members in the county and beyond.

by JENNIFER THOMAS FSB Northamptonshire

Amajor new report published by the Federation of Small Businesses recommends a package of new measures to help transform life for small businesses on Northamptonshire’s ever evolving high streets.

The Future of the High Street report calls for local authorities to create a specialised fund to support pop-ups, markets and temporary use initiatives for first-time businesses to encourage new ventures and help them set up on the high street.

Around 39% of high street small businesses say the availability of affordable commercial space is important for the future of an area. Ensuring temporary spaces are available will not only help fill vacant sites but also provide opportunities for small firms eager to launch on the high street.

The report, which features in-depth analysis following a large-scale survey of small businesses, also suggests a specialised fund to support a mobile phone-based loyalty programme for high street firms and launching communityspecific online market places to showcase local shops and services.

The research highlights the need for well-maintained, accessible and modern public facilities and family-friendly services on our high streets in order to attract more visitors, to encourage them to stay longer and to support the local economy.

It is important that small firms across the UK are provided with the right environment, infrastructure and flexibility to be successful and in turn help to grow their local economy.

“High streets will continue to evolve, flexing to incorporate our county’s rich heritage and the needs of today’s consumer.”

Putting our high streets high on the agenda

Jennifer Thomas

From the core high street issues of business rates, parking and transport to more innovative asks, this report sets out a raft of recommendations to help our town and city centres and ensure our small businesses are well supported.

In Northamptonshire it has been good to see local councils undertaking work to invest in high streets, such as North Northamptonshire’s Hi Street! public awareness campaign and the creation by West Northamptonshire Council of town centre Masterplans for Brackley and Daventry.

Northamptonshire’s high streets have been through many changes and will continue to evolve, flexing to incorporate our county’s rich heritage and the needs of today’s consumer. That is why it is so important that the small businesses at their heart are well supported and well equipped for the future.

Jennifer Thomas is the FSB’s development manager in Northamptonshire. fsb.org.uk

A challenge to government on key issues

There is work ahead for the new government to deliver on the promised small business plan and boost to economic growth.

The FSB’s Manifesto featured over 150 specific proposals to create the conditions for growth, a vision for town centres and a plan to remove barriers holding back entrepreneurship.

Many of these measures do not involve additional spending.

We called on the new government to commit to a Small Business Act, to clamp down on late payment, improve service from bodies like HM Revenue & Customs, protect against cybercrime, unfair energy tariffs and business owners losing

their home if their business fails.

However, the King’s Speech failed to focus on growth in the economy. The government’s 105-page briefing did not mention “small businesses” once nor delivery of the promised small business plan nor action on late and poor payment from big business. Small employers are also concerned about the increased costs and risks surrounding the proposed employment rights package. We look to the Chancellor for positive action.

MPs should already understand the key role which SMEs have in the UK’s economy - your voice counts as a constituent so let them hear it.

Build the right insurance package for your business

As commercial insurance brokers, we often are forced to challenge the thought processes of business owners and provide them with advice that develops their understanding of the overall risks facing their business.

Building the right insurance package to protect a business comes down to understanding the business activities today and in the future, the aspirations of the business and the owners and ensuring we build a package that compliments this. Let’s address some of the most common queries we receive.

What happens with my no claims bonus once I take a fleet policy?

Your no claims bonus is surrendered to the fleet policy so cannot be used elsewhere. We continue to use your no claims bonus for the first three years of being fleet-rated, after which point it no longer holds any relevance. If you were to move back to private car insurance, some insurers will accept your no claims bonus along with a confirmed claims experience to support your claims history.

I don’t need employers liability. Everyone is self-employed. It is common within the trades industry for everyone to effectively be self-employed. However, this does not mean you do not need employers liability cover.

It is important to understand whether someone is a labouronly subcontractor or a bona fide subcontractor. The key is in the name: labour-only. While we will keep it fairly simple for now, all labouronly subcontractors are viewed as employees and therefore you need to have employers liability insurance.

I don’t need cyber insurance. We are too small for anyone to notice us. Every business has a cyber risk. Criminals cast a wide net, using malware, ransomware and social engineering to attack and take

Danny Flowers, managing director of Motum Insurance Services,

answers

some of the questions more commonly asked about protecting a business.

advantage of weaknesses.

The reality of a cyber attack is that it could lead to reputational and financial damage, operational disruption, intellectial property theft and have legal and regulatory implications.

Cyber cover can start from as little as £50. With 63% of SMEs not covered adequately for cyber, it is something that we at Motum believe every business should be considering.

I own a limited company so no one can come after me as a director. I can just shut the business down. Do you ever get home, sit down for dinner and spend time contemplating every decision you made that day in your role as a director or officer?

With the law constantly changing and a director’s liability unlimited, it is a stressful position.

Legal challenges can come purely based on the decisions you

have made, even if the claims are completely unfounded. Defending your position is expensive irrespective of the business size or the gravity of the decision.

Professional indemnity will only cover the business and not the directors. What if someone claims against you directly? Cyber Insurance will cover the business but, as a director, did you put adequate systems and controls in place to prevent or reduce the impact of a cyber attack?

If you close the business and it is deemed that you have not acted in the interest of the creditors, again, you could be liable. Management liability cover will protect your personal assets while providing you with the backing to defend a legal case.

I’ve insured my house for the amount I paid. That’s right, isn’t it? 80% of properties in the UK are underinsured, according to information supplied by Aviva. How does this happen?

The building sum insured of your property – ie, the amount you insure it for – is not only about the cost of building your home but also of clearing debris and of getting the site build ready again. You also have to consider inflation, cost of labour, cost of materials and so on. As a solution, plenty of brokers can identify and inform you of underinsurance based on a large pool of data. A RICS valuation will also provide you with adequate information.

Failure to insure a property correctly often means that you will not be paid out at all until you prove you have the funds available to top up the underinsurance in order to complete the rebuild. Is it really worth the risk?

n If you have a question that you would like us to answer, please email me at d.flowers@motum-services. com quoting #askthebroker in the subject line.

Danny Flowers

At last, the address is finally correct

When Michael Jones moved his eponymous jewellery shop in Northampton to premises overlooking the aptly named Gold Street, it would herald the start of a new era for the business founded by his father in 1919. But there was a problem.

“When the shop first opened the door was on the corner and the official address was 2 Bridge Street but, being a jewellers, Michael wanted the address to be Gold Street so he asked the postmaster at the time if he could call it that,” said his widow Anne. “They were not so bothered about these things back then and he was told ‘We know who you are so you can call it what you like’.”

Michael did, changing the address to One Gold Street. That was in 1968 and the store has remained there ever since.

Now, after a £3 million refurbishment and extension of the premises, the new flagship Michael Jones Jeweller store has officially reopened.

The business is now run as a cooperative and has extended into a former hairdresser’s next door. The showroom has been transformed into a dedicated Rolex area over two floors with panoramic windows in the VIP Rolex lounge and views

Blinds built to meet education’s needs

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

Saxon Blinds spends school holidays working on projects throughout the education sector. Many of the heavy-duty blind systems we install transform the performance and look of classrooms, main and sports halls, making them more suited to modern technology. They can also increase the potential of the building as a venue for external events.

Saxon Blinds also helps education clients to fit systems that can be deployed should there be a security breach. Roller blinds can be instantly lowered where there are signs of intruders or in a situation that might upset the children.

“Our bespoke systems are manufactured in our Northampton factory and are built to suit any given situation,” said Saxon Blinds owner Mark Grainger. “They comply with safety regulations and blinds systems are closely fitted to each window, leaving exit doors and fire exits clearly accessible.”

Saxon Blinds products offer choice, flexibility, competitive pricing and a five-year guarantee. All Saxon Blinds staff are DBS checked and part of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme

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

of All Saints Church and some of the town centre’s most iconic buildings.

The store also features dedicated areas for major watch brands including Breitling and TAG Heuer,. Luxury watch manufacturer TUDOR is now available in the town for the first time, alongside premium jewellery from Fabergé, FOPE and Georg Jensen.

“Since 1919, Northampton has been our home,” said managing director Stuart O’Grady. “This town has been very good to us over the years and this is our way of giving something back. Investing in our flagship store has been a huge challenge but one we have thoroughly enjoyed and we are delighted with the results. We wanted to bring a little bit of Bond Street to Northampton.”

Michael Jones passed away in 2017 after a stroke but his widow joined Stuart and guests to officially reopen the store. “It is wonderful to see the place looking so good and the team has done an amazing job,” said Anne. “They have done Michael proud and now the door has even moved on to Gold Street itself so, after all these years, the address is finally correct.”

Anne Jones

Shades of grey determine the solution to house building demand

So, the election is out of the way and we can now dispense with the various election manifestos that were intended to influence our voting intentions. However, we now need to look solely at Labour and its manifesto as one hopes theirs was issued with good intent, after much thought and in the knowledge that the party was likely to become the next government.

The headline solution for housing was the delivery of 1.5 million new homes over the next Parliament.

Due to the low number of new builds over the last couple of years, the current housing stock is insufficient to meet demand. Therefore there is no need for the government to create any further demand because that demand is already there.

What it needs to do is facilitate supply.

Unlike education and health, it does not provide housing and relies on third parties to deliver, which is the number one flaw when it comes to promising delivery.

Labour has talked about rescoping green belt land into areas that are now deemed to be “grey”. Like all parties, Labour are insisting that brownfield sites will have preference but this has always been the case. Redefining what is “grey” is potentially a game changer and should open up more scope for development - hopefully, on land bordering on existing infrastructure, making planning and build times that much quicker.

There is an opportunity to look at major cities in the UK and find “grey” land that abuts the current city boundaries. To

Redefining the ‘grey belt’ can be a game-changer for the new government’s housing plans, argues MHA construction and real estate partner Brendan Sharkey.

achieve any meaningful success, you need to find sites for 1,000-plus units.

Labour will need to redefine what it means by “grey” as soon as possible and without any ambiguity. If there is ambiguity, potential areas for development will become bogged down in political and legal wrangling that will delay delivery and, more than likely, turn off potential housebuilders who have limited resources to tie up in planning and shareholder to satisfy.

Labour has advocated restoring housing targets and ensuring planning authorities have up-to-date Local Plans.

Absolutely all good intentions but how will they enforce and when?

Local authorities may be hindered by insufficient resources - Labour plans to hire 300 new planning officers but that will not be an instant remedy - as well as current infrastructure limitations. The preparation of a local plan could take 12 to 18 months based on past performance. So, enforcement is a real issue in the life of a government with a five-year term. Due to timelines being a constant bugbear to planning, there needs to be a radical change in how we go about delivering housing and infrastructure. There needs to be a plan for the country spanning five to ten years which is updated every two to three years, created by a statutory body very similar to the Bank of England.

This would be non-political but its membership would consist of all the relevant specialists to determine where, when and how our infrastructure would evolve.

They would consider housing needs and all support services, determine the best locations and effectively override local authorities, if need be, with compulsory purchase orders. However, one would hope there would be constructive dialogue considering local issues.

Milton Keynes took ten years to develop. All major infrastructure works take years to put together… HS2, Crossrail, even merely widening the M25. So we need a long-term sustainable solution.

Let’s call the statutory body the Commission for Infrastructure, working with Homes England, the National Grid, local Mayors and so on. It is a body that has a clear mandate.

Surely a focused and transparent plan would give confidence to housebuilders to build and consumers to buy. Would not employers look to support such initiatives with their investment in workplaces knowing they have a local workforce to recruit from?

In reality, the target of 1.5 million new homes is currently just wishful thinking, if not misleading. The infrastructure to deliver is not there as there are insufficient planners and construction workers.

However, if Labour were to create an all-powerful Commission for Infrastructure with authority and a clear framework , they could leave a major legacy to the British public. One thinks of Aneurin Bevan and the formation of the National Health Service.

Photo: David Wilson South Midlands

Brendan Sharkey

Published in association with Borneo Martell Turner Coulston Solicitors

Non-compete: An employer’s guide

An employee builds up valuable knowledge and contacts during the time that they work for you but your commercial interests may be vulnerable if they leave and go on to work for a competitor.

It is therefore prudent to take steps to protect confidential information, such as pricing strategies, bids or innovative research and to guard relationships with clients or suppliers that could be exploited to another business’s advantage.

“At the start of employment, employers often include restrictions, known as restrictive covenants, on what an employee can do with information and contacts gained during their employment,” said Sharon Hundal, a partner in the employment team with Borneo Martell Turner Coulston.

“However, even if a former employee could damage your business, there are limits on the restrictions that can be placed on them and how far you can prevent them from competing with you.”

Sharon looks at non-compete clauses, when they are binding, proposed changes to the law and how employers could deal with these changes.

What are non-compete clauses?

Non-compete clauses are one of a range of restrictive covenants that employers often include in a contract of employment. A non-compete clause

Solar panels: Feel the power

With the summer drawing to a close, heat of a different kind needs to be thought about now. The heat that will keep our business premises and homes warm during the winter months.

Burton Latimer-based Griffiths has energy-efficient solutions on offer to assist with the significant cost of heating fuel. For water-based central heating systems using either radiators or underfloor heating, the Daikin Altherma range of air source heat pumps provide over 4kW of heat for every 1kW of electricity needed to run them.

This, coupled with the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme grants of £7,500, results in a very economical heating solution for new self-build or

“Courts will only enforce a non-compete clause if it is appropriately worded and reasonable.”

is a wide prohibition on the departing employee from working for a competitor or setting up in competition with you.

When are non-compete clauses binding?

Courts will only enforce a non-compete clause if it is appropriately worded and reasonable. Otherwise, it is treated as a restraint of trade which unreasonably restricts your former employee from taking up new opportunities.

This would not be enforced by a court

as it is seen as anti-competitive.

Will the law change?

In May 2023, the government announced that it would change the law so that non-compete clauses could not last any longer than three months. There is currently no date for these changes to be implemented. To pre-empt this potential change, contracts being agreed now can also include other restrictive covenants, such as non-solicitation clauses along with garden leave and effective confidential information provisions.

How we can help

We can advise you and write enforceable provisions to protect your business when an employee leaves. We can also advise on whether existing contractual provisions are likely to be binding on the employee at the time they depart and on the risks of taking on an employee whose restrictive covenants from their last job are still potentially enforceable.

n For further information, please contact Sharon Hundal in the employment team on 01604 622101 or email sharon.hundal@ bmtclaw.co.uk

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.

replacement situations.

Since 2010, Griffiths has been installing solar PV on both domestic and commercial buildings. With current payback of just a few years, the panels are an ideal partner for any electrical heating product.

Griffiths will be exhibiting its heating

products at the Kettering Vintage Rally & Steam Fair in Cranford on the weekend of September 21-22.

n Contact Griffiths on 01536 420666, via griffithsaircon.co.uk or call into the Energy Efficiency Centre showroom at 111 High Street in Burton Latimer,open MondayFriday. 9am-5pm.

Sharon Hundal

18 events, one goal... #StrongerTogether

Northamptonshire is gearing up for a celebration of its thriving industrial sector... Northamptonshire Manufacturing Week 2024.

The week-long series of events will bring together industry leaders, experts, and local businesses to share insights, innovations, and best practices. Organised by Paradise Computing Ltd and supported by West Northamptonshire Council, Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, Business Times, NNBN and others, the event promises to be a cornerstone in the county’s commitment to advancing manufacturing excellence.

SEPTEMBER 23

11am: Understanding ERP: A Coffee Break Introduction to Sage 200.

12 noon: An Introduction to International Trade.

2pm: Empowering Women in Manufacturing: Insights and Inspiration

3pm: Creating Your Manufacturing Growth Roadmap

SEPTEMBER 24

9.30am: Level 2 Principles of Manual Handling

10am: Manufacturing Solutions for Sage 50 11am: Migrate to the Cloud: From Dynamics NAV

With 18 events scheduled throughout the week, participants can look forward to engaging seminars, insightful panel

to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

12.30pm: Maximising the Value of Your Business and Your Future Wealth

2pm: Manufacturing Solutions for Sage 200: WOP, MRP & SFDC

4pm: 4 Common Innovation & Productivity

Themes in UK Manufacturing

SEPTEMBER 25

9.30am: Northamptonshire Manufacturing Week: Essentials for Business

discussions, practical workshops and networking events, all designed to foster collaboration and innovation within the manufacturing community. Highlights include seminars on mental health and neurodiversity in the workplace, alongside discussions on cutting-edge topics like smart manufacturing and funding opportunities for growth.

n For more information and the full agenda of events for Northamptonshire Manufacturing Week, visit paradisecomputing.co.uk/nnmfg

11.30ampm: Building Inclusive Futures NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MANUFACTURING WEEK: CALENDAR

12 noon: Securing the Supply Chain: AI-Enabled Cyber Threats for Manufacturing and Logistics

2pm: Smart Manufacturing: Embracing Digital Transformation

SEPTEMBER 26

12 noon: Manufacturing Panel Discussion 1pm: Networking with Local Food & Drink Sampling from Made in Northamptonshire 3pm: Real-World Success: Live Case Studies and Insights on Manufacturing Funding

SEPTEMBER 27

10am: Building a Healthier Workplace: H&S, Men’s Mental Health and Wellbeing.

A sure-fire way to protect your business

Inclusion. It should be woven into every aspect of your business, driving all of your strategic decisions. But what, in reality, does it mean for business owners?

It is about creating a culture of belonging, where every person working in the business feels safe and is able to express themselves without fear, judgement or the need to conform. It is linked to but is not the same as diversity, equality and belonging, said HR specialist Rachel Collar. But inclusion, done properly, can be a game changer, attracting and retaining the best employees, inspiring creativity and innovation and strengthening the employer’s brand.

“Inclusion is essential for your culture and employment engagement,” Rachel

“When words do not translate into real actions, employees will see right through it.”

added. “Building an inclusive culture is a sure-fire way to protect your business. You will prevent bullying, harassment and discrimination and build stronger, more cohesive teams.

“There is one crucial point for business owners to remember, though. When inclusion becomes performative - and words do not translate into real actionsemployees will see right through it.”

The key to successful inclusion is to manage it. Surveys help employers to understand and remain in tune with their staff’s thinking.

“It holds us truly accountable, ensures we are walking the talk and allows us to amplify our efforts,” Rachel said. “In a truly inclusive workplace, every individual knows both they and their contribution matter.”

n Rachel Collar is founder and owner of HR consultancy Haus of HR, an independent HR consultancy based in Towcester and offering a full range of HR support and leadership coaching.

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Rachel Collar

Meet James Lancaster, chief executive at Northampton College and back on his old stamping ground, as he prepares to take up his role at the start of the academic year.

Changing life chances is an absolute privilege

CAREER

What was your first job?

A four-hour a week part-time job in Argos. I used to love running the collection counter on my own on a busy Saturday afternoon. Maybe I have never really liked taking the easy route.

Why did you choose your particular career?

I am a product of further education, really finding my confidence and direction through my time at college in Staffordshire.

Teaching is the very best profession (although it has its frustrating moments) because we get to shape and transform students’ lives. Getting to lead in FE is just a massive privilege.

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

I’d say it is to be yourself, to trust your judgement (and that of your colleagues) and to try to outsource doubt.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Without doubt, my new role at Northampton College. I loved working here a few years ago and am bowled over to have the opportunity to come back and lead the organisation. It means a lot to be able to help a

community such as this where skills and personal growth can make such a difference.

…and the low point?

Through a combination of good luck and a determination to take the experience from my career, I’ve not had too many negative times. I think it’s really important to learn from challenging experiences, although it’s sometimes tricky when you didn’t listen to your inner voice which later turned out to be correct.

Who in business do you most respect?

I’ve a lot of time for Timpson, the service retailer, who combine some genuinely good work with vulnerable people (including former offenders) with great service in their stores. I like the idea of doing good while doing business.

What annoys you the most in business? Unnecessary bureaucracy. Well thought through systems and processes can really make a difference to business effectiveness but they too easily balloon into something that takes your eye off the ball and leads to organisational drift.

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

Our college focuses strongly on its students, particularly those who need a bit of extra help. It means our focus is really clear and we can see our impact in

What’s your earliest memory?

I have a vague recollection of ‘teaching’ my grandparents with my toy chalkboard… Maybe I was always destined for a career in education.

Schooldays – the best of your life?

I really thrived during my time at college rather than school. The support of my brilliant teachers, some of whom I still know, really helped me to gain some confidence and find my passion for engineering.

As a child, where was your best family holiday?

We had a lot of holidays in Wales, both North and South. I have very fond memories of tramping around a whole

the progress and success of our students. The worst: I’m living in Northampton during the week but home is in Staffordshire so it’s just a little bit far away on a Monday morning.

What’s your career ambition?

Bizarre as it may sound, I’ve never really ‘done’ ambition. But working with such a great staff team to change the life chances of thousands of local people in my current role is an absolute privilege. I struggle to see how I’ll top this.

load of castles in the rain – something I am still very happy to do now when I get the chance.

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

I never really had a clear ambition as a child. So since then I have always had a strong commitment to doing my best and seeing where the wind blew me. So far, it has led me to some brilliant places so I have no complaints.

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

Mostly “Chill out, be a bit more confident and it’ll be OK”. Getting older and gaining experience really teaches you to worry less. Things tend to work out by and large.

MY LIFE

best appointments I’ve made.

What’s your worst fault?

I have been known to overthink a little so I try not to do that too much.

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

There have been a few times when I’ve taken a chance on new staff, choosing energy and potential over ‘steady’. They’ve pretty much always been the

How do you relax?

I read a lot, listen to a lot of music and try to get out and about for a walk whenever I can.

My partner and I also regularly spend time in Cornwall - seeing the beauty of that coast in all sorts of weather is a great tonic for the soul.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

There’s no such thing! Like what you like and have no shame about it.

What’s your perfect night out?

Seeing a great band/artist in a mid-sized venue with an audience that’s really up for the gig. Being part of an audience connecting over music they love is just the best feeling.

If you could start again, would you do anything different?

Absolutely not – see my point below about regrets.

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

I imagine it’ll be Cornwall, music, walking and books – hopefully just more of what I already get a chance to spend time doing.

What’s your most treasured possession?

Right now, I have a very pleasing pair of Bluetooth headphones that let me listen to great music really loudly without disturbing anyone around me.

Any regrets?

Absolutely not. I have always tried to do the best that I could in the circumstances and to learn when things did not go to plan. I suspect regrets are a path to wonky thinking.

What’s on your bucket list?

I am not all that exciting. So it is probably to be in Cornwall as often as possible, to read all the books on the ever-growing ‘to read’ pile and to experience life fully and honestly.

WHAT ARE YOU...

...Eating?

I’m going to play the Stokie card here - I love a Staffordshire oatcake with Cheshire cheese. The taste of home. It’s astonishing to me that these have somehow not become a national dish.

...Drinking?

I’m not a big drinker of alcohol but probably a cheeky gin and tonic. Far more important is a decent cup of tea which really helps get the day started (…continued and finished!).

There’s something very comforting about a mug of tea to keep things grounded and ticking along.

...Reading?

There are plenty to choose from. A couple of books that have recently stuck with me include We Have Always Lived In The Castle by Shirley Jackson and The Outsider by Albert Camus. Both look at the world from an oblique angle which helps give new perspective.

I also love reading Terry Pratchett and Jasper Fforde, both of whose books combine an interesting take on their themes with a healthy set of in-jokes.

...Watching?

The best film I’ve seen for many years was The Zone of Interest. It was a deeply unsettling watch and definitely not fun but the most powerful illustration of how humans can act inhumanly under extreme circumstances. It felt to me like a film that should be shown very widely indeed.

...Listening to? Again, plenty to choose from. I adore Kate Bush, creator of enigmatic and left-field music that somehow also managed to sell in the millions. The sheer strangeness of her ‘pop’ records blows me away every time I listen to them.

Others favourites include Ezra Furman, Stevie Wonder, Gazelle Twin, Radiohead and St Vincent. I love artists who are true to their vision (mainstream or otherwise) and commit to it.

...Dreaming of?

My dream for both life and work is the same: to try to be authentic, to try to actively experience every day, to make the best calls I can in each circumstance and to have a bit of fun on the journey. Every day is an opportunity to live your ambitions.

James Lancaster

Rushden & Higham Community Boxing Club is packing an extra punch to its anti-knife crime message.

It has pressed home its anti-knife crime message after one of its members was stabbed in a pub in January this year. “It was a real shock to everyone,” said club coach and co-founder Zeke Lyford.

“We sat our younger members down and talked to them about the dangers of carrying a knife and decided that we would do our bit to promote a message that addresses the issue of knife crime.”

Zeke and fellow coaches Vince Scott and club co-founder Gary Smith asked younger club members to pen a slogan and design a banner to spread the message. The winning slogan was teenager Louis Wooding’s:

Save a life.

Drop the knife.

Change your life.

“We are proud of our positive stance which calls out knife crime and is aiming to help to educate younger people to make sure they do not ever carry a weapon,” said Zeke. “This gym provides youngsters in the local community with a place where they can come to learn about dedication, commitment, respect and social interaction through the sport of boxing.”

Now the club’s message is being delivered with extra punch thanks to a

Go green week wins green light

Businesses are being urged to go green next month in support of Hospice Care Week and Cransley Hospice Trust in Kettering.

Take part in any way you choosewhether it is a green dress down day, a lunchtime bake sale or a team quiz or challenge, there are hundreds of ways that corporate supporters can get involved.

Cransley Hospice Trust is challenging businesses to pledge to raise £250 during GO GREEN week, with a total fundraising target of £10,000. This will support the end-of-life care for patients and provide crucial support for their families.

Go Green Week takes place on October 7-3. Find out more at cransleyhospicetrust.org.uk.

SUPPORTING LOCAL CHARITIES

A knockout blow to knife crime scourge

£500 donation by house builder Bellway, which is building hundreds of new homes at nearby Stanton Cross. Sales director Luke Southgate trains regularly at the club gym and is full of praise for the way in which the club engages young people.

“Knife crime is a scourge on our society

which continues to wreck lives and this is a place which offers hope and a very welcome alternative to hanging about on the streets,” he said. “When Zeke told me that they needed to find some money for a new canvas floor on the ring, I was sure that we, as a company, could help out.”

Scaling the heights of fundraising

A group of intrepid hikers from the Kettering office of accounting and advisory firm Azets have completed a mountainous challenge to raise funds for a Northamptonshire charity.

The colleagues scaled Snowdon in a six-hour hike to raise more than £1,600 for Breast Friends Northamptonshire, a local support group for people affected by breast cancer.

Assurance business advisory services associate Penny Chown took part in the challenge. “This journey not only tested our endurance but also strengthened our friendship, ” she said.

Annabelle Gallagher, audit and assurance associate director, added: “This charity is particularly close to my heart, having witnessed my mother’s own battle with breast cancer back in 2021.”

Boxing club coach Vince Scott (left) with Bellway Homes sales director Luke Southgate

Join the party as Market Square reopens

Join us next month for the official grand opening of the new revitalised Northampton Market Square.

Residents, communities and businesses across West Northamptonshire are invited to celebrate as West Northamptonshire Council and Northampton Forward unveil the Market Square transformation.

The party takes place on October 19-20. The council will host a community celebration with a whole host of family fun activities, including creative musical and cultural performances, historic and heritage exhibitions and food and drink served up by local businesses and vendors.

£35,000 of government funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund has been allocated towards activities for the family weekend.

The new-look Market Square draws on Northampton’s rich history and is a key part of the wider transformation of the town centre. Enjoy the high-quality market stalls, improved seating and lighting, enhanced paving and an interactive water feature – Market Square is a sustainable, accessible and inclusive space for everyone to enjoy.

The scheme has been

funded via the government-led Towns Fund, which is overseen by Northampton Forward - a public and private partnership made up of key organisations across the area.

Cllr Daniel Lister, cabinet member for local economy, culture and leisure, said: “Northampton is home to one of Europe’s longest-running outdoor markets and we are excited to invite residents and communities from across West Northamptonshire to join us for the grand opening of the reimagined Northampton Market Square and see first-hand the revitalised space.”

The Market Square reopening also has the backing of Northampton Town Council and Northampton Business Improvement District, which represents levy-paying town centre businesses.

Northampton Forward’s chair is Martin Mason, managing director of Tricker’s Shoes. He said: “We are really excited to commemorate this significant milestone in the transformation of our town.”

The rejuvenated space will invigorate the local economy, provide new opportunities for local businesses and attract visitors to the area, he added.

All aboard to celebrate county’s rich heritage

Hold very tight, please… Northampton Transport Heritage Buses are set to showcase in the national Heritage Open Days gallery to celebrate the festival’s 30th anniversary.

The online gallery will feature 30 stories from across the UK covering the breadth of Heritage Open Days over the years.

Votes from the public for their favourite entries are already coming in, with the winning ten being featured in the final gallery and receiving a small grant from the National Trust.

The vintage bus service is a popular fixture in West Northamptonshire’s Heritage Open Days festival. The buses have been taking part in Northamptonshire’s Heritage Open Days event since 1994, offering a free hopon-hop-off service between venues and attractions across the county.

The service was selected for a grant by the National Trust out of more than 100 entries. Over the years, Northampton Transport Heritage has also provided classic buses representing operators nationwide, including United Counties and London Transport’s Routemaster.

“Our vehicles have been a feature of the event since its inception 30 years ago when we started with one bus,” said Northampton Transport Heritage chair Graham Croucher.

“Now we have anything up to ten buses at any given time.

“This event is a popular one in the calendar. As well as the rich seam of history and historic buildings in Northamptonshire, people love the fact they can travel to them on a local heritage bus and they are, in this area, a key attraction in their own right..”

This year’s Heritage Open Days event takes place on September 6-15, on the theme of roads, networks and connections. The calendar will include a film of Northampton’s evolving Market Square, a student showcase of Northampton’s rich heritage and fun runners getting into the heritage spirit.

Heritage Open Days is England’s largest community-led festival of history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations.

SUPPORTING LOCAL CHARITIES

Buses of yesteryear are ready to transport Heritage Open Day visitors around Northamptonshire

Business support

Support for county’s common good

The university’s regional business engagement officer Sam McKay highlights its support for two important sectors in the Northamptonshire economy: logistics and manufacturing.

The UoN’s industry forums are designed to support businesses, providing peer-to-peer support for businesses from start-ups to large companies. All forums are open to those wanting to share knowledge and best practice, ask for advice and work together on challenges within their industry.

At the heart of the forums is UoN’s ambition to explore ways in which it can support business including:

n Supporting your recruitment and connecting with the future workforce; for example, student placements, internships and work experience, graduate recruitment, engaging with careers fairs and guest lectures.

n Knowledge exchange and supporting innovation - knowledge transfer partnerships, academic consultancy, industry projects and research.

n Commercialisation, including Continuing Professional Development, Intellectual Property advice, utilising our facilities and equipment.

The logistics industry in Northamptonshire is significant, with numerous companies operating in warehousing, distribution and transportation. Given the importance of this sector to the local economy, the Northamptonshire Logistics Forum was established to facilitate collaboration, knowledge sharing and networking among stakeholders.

The NLF brings together businesses, local authority representatives, educational institutions and other relevant organisations to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the industry and to work towards common goals such as improving infrastructure, promoting innovation and supporting workforce development.

Last year Ashley Burton became the

Ashley Burton

chair of the Northamptonshire Logistics Forum. Ashley is a regional general manager within GXO Logistics, the largest pure-play contract logistics business, operating in 27 countries with 94,000 colleagues.

He works with a number of blue-chip retail businesses currently managing their end-to-end supply chain and more than 1,000 colleagues across seven locations in the UK.

The NLF meets quarterly, typically face to face on a Thursday morning. Four themes were identified this past yearpeople and skills; safety; infrastructure; automation - and these have been the focus of the sessions which includes speakers and roundtable discussions.

The Northamptonshire Manufacturing Forum was relaunched in June this year

“The principal objective of the forum is to promote and support the interests of the sector in the county, enabling opportunities for innovation and the sharing of best practice.”

following a short hiatus. The principal objective of the forum is to promote and support the interests of manufacturing companies and the sector in the county, enabling and supporting opportunities for innovation and the sharing of best practice across the sector.

The NMF follow a tried and tested formula. Meeting quarterly - typically for a Friday breakfast slot - sessions include a roundtable discussion about current events and challenges and guest speakers working within or supporting the manufacturing industry.

Our meetings move around the county, hosted by members. This allows the NMF to gain insight into different locations and businesses with each meeting. Where possible, we also include a factory tour as a part of the agenda

The NMF is chaired by Jolene Spall, operations director at Whitworths. The University of Northampton provides a secretariat and support role. The forum’s relaunch was hosted by Whitworths and included a presentation from the site manager and a tour of the factory in Irthlingborough. We work closely with Make UK and provide an update at each meeting, where possible delivered by the Make UK team.

The forum is run for the benefit of the members and we are always keen to welcome new members and new hosts for our meetings

Our next meeting will align with Northamptonshire Manufacturing Week (September 23-27) and will be hosted by Weetabix.

n If you are interested in becoming a member of either of these forums, email us at business_support@northampton. ac.uk

Tipping point: New service rules pose a challenge to hospitality

It is vital that employers are aware of the scope of the new rules, how they will apply to various ways of tipping and the tax implications. Businesses in the hospitality industry should therefore consult with staff about how tips will be allocated and ensure they have clear policies in place.

It is common in the UK hospitality industry for customers to reward good service by leaving money on the table for the staff member that served them, adding a voluntary gratuity to their credit card payment or paying a mandatory or suggested percentage as part of the bill.

These days, the majority of tips are paid on cards with the expectation that they will be given to the person who served the customer. It was previously common practice for employers to retain part of the tip to cover administration costs but this will now be unlawful.

A statutory Code of Practice on Fair and Transparent Distribution of Tips has been published that will, helpfully, be effective from October 1 this year.

This Code of Practice applies to all workers, including agency worker and those on zero hours contracts and sets out the following principles:

n It applies irrespective of the method of paying the tip.

n It applies to all tips either received by the employer or over which the employer

A long-awaited rule change is now in force and protects the tips paid to hospitality workers and will mean that employers cannot retain any proportion of those tips. The Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act came into force on July 1, 2024. Stephen Poleykett, partner a chartered accountants and business advisers MHA, assesses the implications.

exercises control. Payments made directly to a worker by cash or via an app are outside the code’s scope.

n All tips and service charges must be passed on to the relevant worker(s). The employer cannot retain any part of them for administration.

n Where the tips are for a number of workers, the employer can use factors such as type of role, hours of work during the period in which the tip was paid, seniority, performance and the intention of the customer to determine how they are distributed. The employer should gain broad agreement from workers regarding their system of distributing tips.

n The Code states that the factors must not be discriminatory. However, length of service is included as a suggested factor and this clearly could be indirectly discriminatory on the grounds of age.

n The employer must have a written tipping policy in place which explains how tips are accepted and distributed. That policy must be accessible by workers but is not required to be displayed for customers.

n Tips must be distributed no later than the end of the month following that in which they were paid. Employers are permitted to use a “tronc” system either via a worker or a third party.

If the latter is used, this must be within a clear framework and the employer must take action if it becomes aware of any unfair or improper action.

n Employers must keep records of all tips received and the amounts allocated to each worker for a period of three years. Workers can make a written request to see the report provided that they worked for the employer during the relevant three-year period.

n Employers must have a process in place to resolve any issues arising from the allocation of tips and must treat queries or complaints from agency workers in the same way as those from directly engaged workers. Unresolved

> To page 36

Tipping: Put clear policies in place

> From page 35.

issues can be referred to the Employment Tribunal.

Businesses should consult with their workers regarding the allocation of tips and put a clear policy in place to ensure that all staff and management are aware of the ramifications of the new Code.

Employers cannot use tips, gratuities, service charges and cover charges to make their workers’ pay up to the National Living Wage / National Minimum Wage. All workers must receive at least these legal minimum hourly rates in their base pay and any tips they receive must be on top of this.

All tips received are still considered taxable income and therefore subject to income tax. Whether an employer is required to operate PAYE in respect of tips depends largely on the method by which they are distributed.

If a customer pays a tip to an employee directly or leaves it on the table and the employee collects it with no involvement of the employer, there will be no need to operate PAYE on the tip itself. It is, however, the employee’s responsibility to advise HM Revenue & Customs of the tips received each year and HMRC will adjust the employee’s tax code to collect the tax payable.

If tips are distributed by the employer, the employer will be responsible for the operation of PAYE on the value of the tips.

Tips are often pooled and distributed by a designated member of staff in a scheme known as a Tronc. The designated member of staff - the troncmaster - has sole responsibility for the allocation of tips among the staff. The troncmaster is responsible for deducting tax - but not National Insurance Contributions - and for paying it to HMRC. Any reporting of National Insurance will be the responsibility of the employer.

The employer is responsible for advising HMRC of the tronc’s existence. Failure to do so could result in the employer facing liability for any tax, NI, interest and penalties. Employers are also responsible for notifying the appointment or replacement of a troncmaster to HMRC. Sometimes employees arrange the distribution of tips among themselves –for example, colleagues decide to pool tips to ensure kitchen staff receive a share. If there is no formal arrangement and no employer involvement in the distribution of the tips, there will be no need for the employer to operate PAYE. However, the employees concerned will be required to declare the receipt of such tips to HMRC, who will alter their tax codes to collect the tax that is payable.

Laura Bateman, partner at chartered accountants Elsby & Co, explains why preparing for the future is important now.

Make succession planning a priority for any business

Established Northamptonshire accountancy firm Elsby & Co is helping its clients to be ahead of the game when it comes to planning for the future.

Research published earlier this year revealed only 9% of UK businesses have succession planning fully integrated into their strategies, leaving many companies exposed to the risk of sudden leadership changes when owners decide to leave or retire.

Rushden-based Elsby & Co aids companies with succession and exit planning by helping them in areas such as business valuations and sales, inheritance tax planning, identifying their future needs and managing and developing key employees.

Partner Leona Bateman said: “Selling a business or handing it over to the next generation tends to have complex

“The important factor is the wording on the menu, which creates the contract between the customer and the

restaurant.”

National Insurance will only be payable in respect of tips where an employer is involved in their collection or distribution. In particular, no NI will be payable if tips are given directly to an employee or left on a table by the customer and are collected by the employee or if tips are distributed by a troncmaster with no involvement from the employer. Where tips are handled by a

and unusual issues that can take time to implement.

“The ultimate goal of exit and succession planning is to ensure a smooth and profitable transition for the business owner, whether they are retiring or moving on to other ventures.

“Effective exit and succession planning is crucial to helping companies maintain the continuity of their operations, retain institutional knowledge and reduce the risks linked to leadership gaps.

“It is also an important aspect of talent management and can significantly contribute to organisations’ long-term success.”

Elsby’s team ensures business owners have considered all sale options, including employee ownership, where a company’s staff hold shares or a stake in the ownership

troncmaster and the employer is involved in allocating the tips among staff, the troncmaster will be responsible for the tax that is due while the employer will be responsible for NI.

Tips are not subject to VAT nor are certain service charges. The position depends on whether the customer has a genuine option whether to pay the service charge. This applies even where the service charge appears on the bill. The important factor is the wording on the menu, which creates the contract between the customer and the restaurant. If it is clear that a service charge will be added, VAT is due.

However, where the service charge is described as discretionary or optional, no VAT is due as the customer has a genuine option to pay or not pay the service charge. This is the case even if it is added to the bill without asking the customer.

The distribution of service charges to staff has no effect on the VAT position. Where VAT is due, it should be deducted before payments are made to staff. However, these rule changes represent a complicated and potentially high-risk challenge for employers in the hospitality industry.

n To find out more, contact a MHA tax specialist. mha.co.uk

Stephen Poleykett

“Effective exit and succession planning is crucial to helping companies maintain the continuity of their operations.”

Laura Bateman

of a business, and management buy-outs, where a firm’s existing management team buys a majority or all of the ownership stake from the current owners.

Elsby has experience of business sales in many different markets and discretely supports clients through the whole process. It helps business owners to maximise their company’s value in the event of a sale or implement a smooth handover that all family members and shareholders feel comfortable with.

Once an agreement is found, Elsby can manage the process through due diligence to completion and then into the transition.

Leona added: “Elsby & Co has been supporting clients for more than 30 years and over the decades it has grown into an organisation which offers so much more than traditional accountancy services alone.

“Elsby and its complementary businesses can support clients with everything they need – from the start of their journey to the end and beyond.”

Budgets v forecasts v targets: Understand the difference

... and use all three to steer a safe course through the tricky waters of financial management, writes financial consultant Adrian Goodman.

For UK-based SMEs, understanding the financial landscape of your business is critical to sustainable growth. Three key tools - budgets, forecasts and targets - are essential in guiding decisionmaking and ensuring financial stability. Though sometimes used interchangeably, these terms serve distinct purposes and contribute differently to your business’s financial health.

Budgets: The Financial Blueprint

A budget sets out planned revenues, expenses and, ultimately, profits based on past performance, known deviations and an understanding of the resources available. It is a comprehensive plan for a specific period - usually a year - that should account for both fixed and variable costs, ensuring that you have a realistic view of what your business will look like financially.

A budget establishes a framework for financial discipline. It allows you to allocate resources efficiently, identify potential shortfalls early and set clear financial boundaries. When adhered to, a budget ensures that funding and resources have been properly allocated, prevent overspending and ensure economic viability.

However, a budget is a static document. It does not account for unexpected changes or opportunities that may arise during the year and, once approved and issued, should only be amended in exceptional circumstances.

Forecasts: Adapting to Change

A profit forecast, unlike a budget, is a dynamic tool that evolves as your business grows and market conditions change. While a budget is set at the beginning of a financial period, a forecast is updated regularly - often monthly or quarterly - to reflect actual performance and new information.

Forecasts consider current sales trends, economic conditions and other

variables that could impact the eventual performance of your business.

The primary function of a forecast is to provide a realistic estimate of your future financial position. It enables you to adjust your expectations in response to realworld developments, making it a critical tool for proactive financial management. It is not the same as a budget but will often be viewed alongside an original budget to apply context to visible trends.

Targets: Driving Performance

Financial targets are the specific goals your business aims to achieve within a given timeframe.

Unlike budgets and forecasts, which are rooted in reality and best estimates, targets are aspirational. They set the bar for performance, challenging your team to reach new heights. Targets can be related to revenue, cost reduction, profit, market share or any other key performance indicator that aligns with your strategic objectives.

Setting realistic yet ambitious targets is crucial. They should be challenging enough to motivate your team but setting them out of reach can damage morale. Targets also play a crucial role in performance management, helping you to measure success and hold your team accountable. When targets are met, they validate your strategic approach; when they are not, they provide valuable lessons that can inform future planning.

Financial control is not just about having a solid budget or an accurate forecast. It is about integrating these tools effectively. A budget provides the financial foundation; forecasts offer the flexibility to adapt; targets drive your business towards its goals.

By understanding and leveraging the unique strengths of each, business owners can navigate the complexities of financial management with confidence, ensuring long-term success and sustainable, profitable growth.

n For further information, visit elsbyandco.co.uk or contact 01933 312950.

Adrian Goodman

Adrian

Goodman

is

managing director of PPX Consulting.

ppxconsulting.co.uk

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

Technology

The use of technology is central to Europe’s bid to tackle the lingering danger of asbestos in buildings. Compliance specialist Adam Fox assesses whether the UK should follow suit.

As the European Commission takes decisive steps to protect its citizens from the dangers of asbestos, the UK faces a pressing question: should it follow suit and adopt stricter asbestos exposure limits?

The argument for reducing permissible exposure levels is compelling, especially given the grave health risks associated with asbestos, which remains the UK’s biggest industrial killer.

Despite the inherent challenges, particularly in the realms of technology and financial cost, the potential to save lives should steer our course.

Recent initiatives by the European Commission underscore an urgent reality: asbestos is a lethal carcinogen responsible for a significant number of preventable deaths across Europe. The Commission’s bold steps aim to protect workers and the environment by proposing to lower the occupational exposure limit to asbestos tenfold, based on the latest scientific advancements and technological developments in safety monitoring.

In the UK, where similar industrial and building contexts exist, adopting these stringent limits could dramatically decrease health risks for thousands of workers each year.

Traditionally, the UK has utilised Phase Contrast Microscopy for asbestos monitoring. While effective within its limits, PCM fails to detect the finest, and often most harmful, asbestos fibres. These microscopic fibres can linger in the air long after initial disturbance and pose severe health risks upon inhalation.

Although not entirely new, advancements in technology present Electron Microscopy as a superior alternative. EM offers a more precise analysis, capable of identifying these smaller fibres that PCM misses. This technology could revolutionise safety standards by providing a clearer, more accurate picture of airborne asbestos levels in environments from old buildings to construction sites.

It would also bolster the current standards worked to by Licensed Asbestos Removal Contractors, potentially meaning they would have to spend longer and adopt new methods of fine cleaning an asbestos removal area prior to handing it back to the client, making it safer to be reoccupied.

Transitioning to Electron Microscopy highlights two significant challenges:

n Cost.

n Portability.

The potential to save lives should guide our thinking

“Embracing advanced technology, despite its higher initial costs and complexity, is a critical step towards safeguarding

public health.”

EM technology involves sophisticated, expensive equipment that represents a substantial investment for any business. Moreover, EM is not as portable as PCM, complicating its deployment in various field conditions.

Further complicating this transition is the upskilling of the existing workforce via training and qualification as well as the time required to conduct EM analysis. These factors will inevitably lead to longer project timelines and higher overall costs for the end client.

However, when considering the technology’s ability to prevent asbestosrelated diseases, its value becomes apparent. We must ask ourselves: can we afford to delay adopting a technology that would help save lives?

The financial implications of adopting advanced technological solutions must be weighed against the potential

healthcare savings over time. Asbestosrelated diseases are not only deadly but also cause significant long-term healthcare costs and personal suffering. Investing in better detection technology could reduce these burdens dramatically.

The government and industries must explore ways to balance these costs. Possible measures could include financial support for businesses transitioning to better technology, such as grants, subsidies, or tax incentives. Such initiatives could alleviate the immediate financial burden and encourage widespread adoption of safer practices.

It is essential for the UK government and industrial sectors to take proactive steps towards safer asbestos management. This includes setting realistic timelines for businesses to adapt to new regulations, offering training for technicians in the use of EM and fostering a regulatory environment that supports health and safety without stifling economic growth.

The government could play a pivotal role by providing clear guidelines and support for companies transitioning to new technologies. Industry leaders, for their part, should prioritise investing in technologies that ensure the safety and wellbeing of their employees - their most valuable asset.

As the UK considers its stance on asbestos regulation, the lessons from the European Union offer a valuable blueprint for action. Embracing advanced technology in asbestos detection and analysis, despite its higher initial costs and complexity, is a critical step towards safeguarding public health. The potential to significantly reduce the incidence of asbestos-related illnesses should guide our decisions, transcending the constraints of current methodologies.

In an era where technological advancements continuously reshape our industries, adopting stricter asbestos control measures is not only a regulatory or economic issue but also a moral imperative. The UK has the opportunity to lead by example, demonstrating that public health is the ultimate priority in its policy decisions.

It is time for change, a time to commit to an asbestos-free future where the safety of our workers and the general public is guaranteed.

Adam Fox is a director of Consulo Compliance consulocompliance.co.uk adam@consulocompliance.co.uk

Adam Fox

Upgrading your business CCTV: There are factors to consider...

Having a CCTV system in place is a nobrainer as a business owner - it helps you to maintain security and prevent crime. But is your CCTV fit for purpose?

Thanks to technological advances, CCTV systems for businesses have developed in leaps and bounds in comparison to traditional set-ups. Its cutting-edge camera technology and state-of-the-art software has replaced analogue as the system of choice.

Keeping up to date with the latest technology makes sure your business is as secure as possible. Here are five things to consider to make sure your investment is worthwhile.

Camera Type and Quality

When selecting the best camera for your upgrade, the first step is to work out the purpose of each camera and the best locations for them. Do you need to cover a large field of view or a smaller focused area? Do you require Covert or Overt CCTV? Will cameras be indoor, outdoors or both?

The four main types of camera are: Fisheye cameras Great for wide angle and blind spots.

Dome cameras Cover large areas thanks to a 360° rotation, often used for covert viewing and vandal-proof.

Bullet cameras For outside monitoring due to their long range.

Turret/eyeball cameras Extremely durable and capable of both long-range and close-up monitoring.

When it comes to camera quality, bigger is better. The higher your camera resolution, the clearer your images will be and the better chance you have of identifying perpetrators if a crime is committed.

Think about additional camera features, such as low light imagery or night vision, which help to ensure CCTV imagery

captured is clear and usable.

High resolution and specialist cameras can come at a cost. 4K is a great option when looking for CCTV cameras - images will be clear and detailed. If your existing system is analogue, consider a HD analogue upgrade - a cost-effective option to improve your old system, keeping existing cabling and therefore reducing installation costs.

Storage Options

Enhancing camera quality to produce higher-resolution images will mean that you will use more storage space. Storage requirements depend on the number of cameras you have within your system, the resolution of images and for how long you retain footage.

Storage can either be local or cloudbased, depending on your requirements. While cloud-based storage has benefits such as flexibility and ease of access, it is likely to have a monthly cost implication. Keep in mind that there are strict

CCTV Rules for Businesses including storage requirements. The Information Commissioner’s Office advises that businesses store CCTV footage securely to maintain its “confidentiality, integrity and availability”, using encryption when possible. When looking at storage options, make sure that they comply with your obligations.

Connectivity and Network

Wired or wireless? Hardwired systems are undoubtedly more reliable but can be restrictive when deciding camera location. Adding additional cameras will involve increased installation costs. Wireless is more flexible when placing your cameras but can be less reliable at times.

Higher resolution cameras will produce more data to process so you may need to review your network infrastructure.

Access

Ask yourself how quickly can you access your CCTV recordings? If the answer is more than one minute for real-time footage or 20 minutes for a specific piece of stored footage, you need to look at a new system.

Modern IP CCTV systems benefit from features such as mobile apps, alerts and smart search. You can access footage quickly and easily, finding exactly what you need when you need it. And you can check out any alerts from home, accessing everything you need to make sure there are no intruders on site.

Integration

Many modern CCTV softwares will integrate with existing systems such as like access and alarm systems, leading to a more comprehensive, effective monitoring operation.

Before purchasing CCTV, check its compatibility with your existing systems. Taking this holistic approach to your security system will pay off in the long run. Keeping up to date with new technology in the CCTV market is essential to ensure the security of your business. Upgrades such as highresolution cameras can be pricey but a strategic review of your existing setup and careful consideration of your business needs will ensure that your investment pays off.

Pilot show puts F1 in the spotlight

Take a trip behind the scenes of Formula 1 Grand Prix motor racing in a new documentary show.

Indian actress and motorsport fan Manisha Ram Kelkar and race engineer, author, film producer and educator Rex Keen are the presenters of a new pilot series Manisha’s F1 Trackside Adventures, taking the viewers behind the scenes at F1 tracks and introducing the people involved in the sport who are seldom seen on race days, the places to stay, activities and the best trackside and VIP experiences around the world.

The programme is the brainchild of Milton Keynes-based production company The Video News Factory. ”We are incredibly excited about this partnership

and the opportunity to bring Manisha’s and Rex’s insights into the F1 world,” said TVNF managing director John Allard.

“It is a must-watch for long-time F1 fans and a new generation of viewers eager to see what goes on behind the scenes.”

TVNF is filming the pilot episode backed by the Kickstarter website, where creators share their work plans with potential investors. The company hosted an event last month for investors, the media and crowdfunders to meet the creative brains behind the project.

“TVNF is committed to delivering highquality, engaging content,” said John “and this new series aligns perfectly with our vision of showcasing the best F1 experiences.”

A Kuwaiti-based consortium has taken over ownership of MK Dons FC and the Stadium MK Group.

The deal leaves the club and stadium debt-free and has been ratified by the EFL. The consortium is headed by Fahad Al Ghanim, an entrepreneurial businessman who has worked across sectors, including banking, investment, automotive and real estate. His family owns Kuwait SC, one of the most successful football clubs in the Middle East.

Mr Al Ghanim attended a match at Stadium MK a year ago and has been in discussions with former Dons and Stadium MK group chairman Pete Winkelman since.

The new owner plans to improve the

A Don deal: Consortium completes acquisition

club through investment in it and in Milton Keynes. A statement on the MK Dons website said: “The consortium has the opportunity to reignite a significant sporting dream for Milton Keynes, offering great hope and optimism for what the club can achieve in the future.”

Pete Winkelman steps down as

chairman after 20 years at the club. He began the move to bring the club to Milton Keynes in 2001, with the first match played at the National Hockey Stadium two years later.

The club won the League Two title and EFL Trophy in 2008 and was promoted to the Championship in 2015. Most of its football has been played at League One level.

In a statement, Mr Winkelman said: “What has become clear to me in recent years is that while I am so proud of Stadium MK and the sustainable business we have created, it can only support the development of the football club to a certain level without separate and significant investment.

> To page

John Allard

Business of Sport

Gavin Warren and Lord Naseby

President steps down after a marathon innings

Northamptonshire County Cricket Club’s chairman Gavin Warren will become the club’s president in October when Gary Hoffman takes over the chair.

Lord Naseby has filled the role for 15 years since succeeding the 9th Earl Spencer in 2009, making him Northamptonshire’s longest-serving president since Lord Lilford who oversaw the club’s affairs between 1903 and 1921. He is retiring at the age of 87 after helping to steer the county through a period of profound change both at Wantage Road and in the English game.

As Michael Morris, he represented Northampton South as Member of Parliament between February 1974 and May 1997, and filled the office of Deputy Speaker (with the official title of Chairman of Ways and Means) from 1992 until leaving the Commons, after which he became Baron Naseby of Sandy in the County of Bedfordshire with a seat in the House of Lords.

A keen supporter of both NCCC and the Northampton Saints rugby team, his stated ambition as president was to “keep the [cricket] club relevant”. When,

in September 2016, an EGM was called to consider a proposal for the cricket club to become a limited company, thus ending nearly 140 years of collective ownership through its members, Lord Naseby publicly backed the move, which was approved by a large majority.

His ever-optimistic and enthusiastic comments became a regular feature of stakeholders’ meetings but much of his most valuable work on the club’s behalf has been done behind the scenes, out of the public eye, the club said.

Speaking ahead of his retirement, Lord Naseby said: “What a privilege for a President to be asked to attend board meetings to help our beloved cricket club.

“I remember all too clearly the financial and morale challenges Gavin faced when he took over as chairman. Today thanks to Gavin’s hard work and relentless enthusiasm, our club is financially solvent as well as playing exciting cricket.”

Gavin said: “Lord Naseby’s support for NCCC and me as chairman has been phenomenal. We have become great friends and I am pleased that he accepted the role as patron.”

Sponsor hails a ‘club like no other’

Ryebridge Construction has extended its partnership with Championship club Luton Town FC for a seventh consecutive season.

The Luton-based civil engineering company’s logo will be displayed on the back of the Hatters’ away and third shirts for the new season.

Hatters commercial director Chris Bell said: “A long association with Ryebridge has resulted in many memorable moments. Ryebridge is a business with a deep connection to the local community sharing the same values as the us. It is important to us to partner with businesses that have a positive impact locally.”

Ryebridge director Daniel Coyle said: “This club is like no other and is so important to our community. To support it, in what will be our seventh year, fills us all with a sense of immense pride.”

The Hatters have also welcomed KDW Financial Planning as a new club partner for the 2024-25 season.

The St Albans-based company joined the club as a business partner last year and have now become an official partner in the personal wealth management sector.

Star Platforms has also renewed its sponsorship of the Hatters for a seventh season. Managing director Richard Miller said: “Star Platforms and Luton Town have both come a long way since we signed the original deal back when the Hatters were in League Two.

“After five years as front of shirt sponsor (away kit) from 2018/19, and remaining a sponsorship partner during the Premier League journey, we are delighted to be back on the shirts as the home kit sleeve sponsor.”

‘Time to step aside and put custodianship into new hands’

> From page 41

“Over the last year, I have been able to spend time with Fahad and he has convinced me that he brings the passion, determination and ambition to see the club participate at the highest level and has the resources to help it do so.

“It is, therefore, time for me to step aside and put the custodianship of the club and the wider business into new hands.”

Mr Al Ghanim said: “My ambition is to build on the fantastic foundations already here in Milton Keynes and to take MK Dons to the next level, both on the pitch and off it.”

His priority is to continue the work of the club in the short term while he and his

Pete Winkelman

team assess the business. “Our first focus will be on strengthening the first team squad to give the club the best chance of promotion this season.

“I fully believe the team are in a great place. I am not looking to disrupt the fantastic work done over the summer - if anything, I want to add to it.”

Mr Al Ghanim paid tribute to Mr Winkelman’s work over the past two decades. “Pete and his team have achieved much in Milton Keynes and I am extremely grateful for the trust they have placed in me to continue their work.

“I am excited to discuss further how we can shape our plans for the club, city and community.”

Farming, beef and Blues... ‘a perfect fit’

National insurance company NFU Mutual is to be a platinum sponsor of Bedford Blues for the upcoming Championship rugby season.

The organisation came on board as a gold partner at Goldington Road a year ago and has now expanded its relationship with the club. Included in the package will be sponsorship of the annual Farmers Day at Goldington Road, additional hospitality throughout the season and advertisements across all club marketing.

Blues commercial manager Louis Mann said: “It is always humbling when businesses such as NFU Mutual see the benefit of supporting Bedford Blues in their first season of partnership and decide to expand that portfolio immediately into a new year.

“They are not the only business to follow that journey with us ahead of 2024/25 and we are incredibly grateful for their support. I am excited to see how this relationship grows stronger in the coming season.”

n Meat supplier Dovecote Park has extended its partnership with the Blues to remain one of the club’s main sponsors this season.

The company, based in Yorkshire but whose chair David Gunner is also chair of the Blues, is a long-time supporter and has the main hospitality venue at Goldington Road carrying its name.

David is a former Blues player, sponsor and director.

The club’s chief operating officer Gareth Alred said: “This new agreement further shows their generosity and support for the club. We are very fortunate to have David as our chairman. Dovecote Park, the very finest British beef and Bedford Blues, the very finest British rugby (in our opinion), seems a perfect fit.”

I love the club: Saints new CEO relishes role

Julia

Chief operating officer Julia Chapman is to succeed Mark Darbon as chief executive of Northampton Saints when he departs for Scotland and a similar post at the R&A’s St Andrew’s headquarters in November.

Julia has worked at Franklins Gardens since 2016 when she joined as finance director. She became finance and operations director in 2018 and chief operating officer two years ago.

“This feels like a natural progression for me,” Julia said. “It is a huge honour to be part of this historic club’s story. I love the club.”

Julia oversaw the Saints’ work on the salary cap for its employees and has been central to the development of the new High Performance Centre and the hotel project at the stadium. She also has led the Saints’ sustainability work. The club signed up to the UN’s Sports for Climate Action Framework in 2022 and aims to be at net zero emissions by 2040.

She beat several other high-calibre candidates to the post, said Saints chairman John White. “For the board,

Julia was always the stand-out choice. She has more than two decades worth of experience working across multiple businesses and, given her background as chief operating officer, she also has an unparalleled knowledge of all the challenges we have faced in recent years.

“Having been at Saints since 2016, Julia also has a clear understanding of the club: our culture, our structure, our history and our role within the community here in Northampton.”

The new chief executive said: “We have seen a period of success, on and off the pitch, over the last few years but there are still so many opportunities for us to develop and a lot to play for as a business.

“There are still challenges ahead too, both for Saints specifically and within the wider landscape of rugby, but we have a really strong strategy in place and having an in-depth understanding of the club’s finances gives me a head start within my new role as we look to build a sustainable future by returning to profitability as soon as possible.”

Cobblers club aims to boost bond with business

More than 100 people representing some 65 businesses were at Sixfields for the launch of Northampton Town FC’s new Cobblers Business Club ahead of the new season kick-off.

They heard from senior Cobblers officials about their plans for the Business Club, which aims to host four events a year at venues around the county including Silverstone and the Hilton Hotel Northampton as well the club’s home ground at Sixfields.

The Cobblers Business Club, commercial director James Corrigan told guests at the launch, will create

opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs to network, connect and share insights.

“One of my priorities was to create a platform through the football club for our partners, sponsors and businesses in and around Northamptonshire.” James added. “The launch event was a great success and we hope many businesses will join us in the Business Club as we look to further develop networking opportunities.”

n Long-time Cobblers sponsor Jackson Grundy is to sponsor the West Stand at Sixfields. The estate agency company has partnered with the club for more than

15 years. The stand will be renamed The Jackson Grundy Stand.

“This sponsorship reflects our longstanding relationship with the club and our commitment to supporting our local community,” said Jackson Grundy managing director David Jackson. “We look forward to many more seasons of shared success and collaboration with the Cobblers.”

James Corrigan added: “It is great to see them further supporting the club and we are looking forward to seeing integration within the community and further developing our close relationship.”

Chapman

The speed... the intensity... the cool jerseys... Solicitor

Chris Buck reveals why he is a massive fan of ice hockey in general and Milton Keynes Lightning in particular.

Has ice hockey always been your sport of choice to follow?

I have always liked ice hockey since childhood. However, I like to watch most sports, including football and rugby.

What sports did you play at school and what sports do you play now?

I played football and rugby and was also a sprinter – 100 and 200 metres. In my 20s and early 30s I was a keen longer distance runner, running numerous halfmarathons and the London Marathon in 2012 (the Olympic course). A busy family life limits my current sporting endeavours to a weekly swim and the gym.

Did you (or do you still?) have sporting ambitions?

I realised my limitations early and focused on my legal career. I knew I wanted to be a solicitor at secondary school so that was the focus of my attention.

How and when did ice hockey become your sport?

I became interested first by watching the Disney Mighty Ducks movies. I was lucky enough to visit America a couple of times as a child and watching games on the television there further fuelled my interest. I grew up in the West Country and used to watch Swindon Wildcats. However, after moving to the area in 2005 to start my training contract with Franklins Solicitors and then settling here - I have remained with Franklins since qualifying in 2007 - I have adopted Milton Keynes Lightning as my team of choice.

What’s the attraction?

The speed. The intensity. The cool jerseys. The music played in between the game action. How approachable the players are (unlike football and, increasingly, rugby). You meet them after games and they are all very friendly and engaging. Everything.

Why MK Lightning?

Location. History. How well it is run. What the club does in the community. The family and inclusive atmosphere at the rink. Everything.

Tell us about the ice hockey experience. A game comprises three 20-minute periods with a 15-minute break in between each period. Taking account of the clock stopping for breaks in play, a game generally lasts for two hours.

Chris and his son James with MK Lightning forward Toms Rutkis. the player sponsored by Chris’s employer Franklins Solicitors

Toms Rutkis in action for MK Lightning at Planet Ice

First it was Ducks, then Wildcats... until the Lightning struck

There are six players on the ice for each team at a time. However, players can be penalised and sent to the penalty box –generally for two minutes.

When this happens and the other team is a player up, it is called a powerplay. If that team scores during the powerplay, the penalised player returns even if there is time left on the powerplay.

Oh, and beware of flying pucks...

“I went to Madison Square Garden once to watch the New York Rangers. Personally, I think the atmosphere in Milton Keynes is better.”

How serious a fan are you?

Pretty serious, I would say. I try to get to most home games, which are generally at Planet Ice on Saturday evenings.

I have a lightning bolt tattoo too. That said, I have 75 other tattoos and so getting an ice hockey-themed one was not too much of a stretch decision-wise.

Do you go to away games?

I have a young family so weekends are busy and this tends to curtail away games. I went to Madison Square Garden once to watch the New York Rangers. Personally, I think the atmosphere in Milton Keynes is better.

What does your family think of your love for the Lightning?

My wife has moved from indifference to acceptance and she is now fully on board. My two children love it too, especially my son James. We practise his maths by me giving him a sum and he has to work out the answer and then give me the name of the player who wears that number on the back of his jersey.

What’s the best game you’ve seen?

Last year was Franklins’ first foray into sponsorship when we chose to sponsor Toms Rutkis, an exciting attacking forward. Our name appeared on his jersey and was read out whenever he was introduced on the ice or did something notable, such as scoring or an assist.

The team won the Cup last season in March. The second leg of the Cup Final

was at home and Toms scored a hat trick. We had 25-plus of us there from Franklins. It was epic and my best game experience. Rod Stewart even showed up - his son Liam was playing for Milton Keynes Lightning at the time.

Over the years, who has been MK Lightning’s greatest player?

I am biased. I cannot see beyond Toms Rutkis. That said, I am also a big fan of Tim Wallace, the current player-coach. He played in the NHL - the top league in America - with stints at Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning and Carolina Hurricanes.

What’s your hope/prediction for MK Lightning this season?

The team had a brilliant season last year but faded come the play-offs in April and missed the big finals weekend in Coventry. I am hoping they remedy this in the 2024/2025 season which starts in mid-September.

I’m not into ice hockey but I love my sport. Convince me to come to Planet Ice to watch a game with you.

It is a really entertaining and fast-paced sport. It is a great atmosphere too – the rink can hold around 2,500 spectators for home games and attendance is very strong. Plus there are lots of food and drink outlets.

The club markets home games as the best Saturday night out in Milton Keynes and I fully agree.

How did you persuade Franklins to become a sponsor of MK Lightning?

This year Franklins has upgraded our sponsorship and are sponsoring the team as well as Toms.

The additional benefits include an advertisement board at the rink and our logo on the back of the jerseys of all players as well as all replica jerseys sold to fans. Another benefit to sponsoring the team is that we have two season tickets for home games. We are using these to allow our employees, business connections and clients to attend games.

Given the brand awareness, employee engagement and business development opportunities these benefits bring, when considered against the sponsorship cost it was a fairly easy pitch to the owners.

Chris Buck is an associate partner at Franklins Solicitors. franklins-sols.co.uk

...Chris and James are joined by wife Heidi and daughter D’arcy rinkside at Planet Ice with Toms

Chris has the MK Lightning bolt tattooed on his wrist

Business Soundbites

A snapshot of what business people have been telling us.

“Its arrival and integration into the workplace has been fast, leaving some employers ‘in the dark’ about how their staff are using it, and many struggling to put the correct measures in place to govern it.”

Andrew White, CEO of Sapio Research, on the findings of a study into employer and consumer attitudes across Europe to Artificial Intelligence.

“This partnership shows our collective motivation to boost the region’s economic prospects.”

Cllr Pete Marland, co-chair of the South Midlands Authorities. The partnership of six councils is collaborating to support businesses.

“We’ll be changing our business model to meet the needs of decarbonisation.”

Suzuki GB director Dale Wyatt at the firm’s head office in Milton Keynes on its plans for the future.

“A win for our community, a win for our customers and a win for our rural African women at our factories in JE Oils and the Kingdom of Essan.”

Naturally Tiwa Skincare’s head of operations and marketing on the organisatiuon’s retail partnership with Willen Hospice.

“Reaching the next generation of workers directly is so important.”

Jordan Burns, group sales director at recruitment and training agency

Simon Acres Group, reflects on meeting 50 students at the Duston School in Northampton to talk careers and apprenticeships.

“Northamptonshire enabled me to fulfil my childhood dream, to become a professional cricket player.”

Batsman Emilio Gay, who is leaving Northamptonshire at the end of the current county cricket season.

“We are not getting any younger and there is no one in the Frost family to take over the reins.”

Directors James and Jeremy Frost explain the sale of Frosts Garden Centre in Woburn Sands, founded 78 years ago by their grandfather, to The Blue Diamond Group.

Returnship hopefuls reaching for the sky

Airline’s recruitment campaign is targeting the ‘unretiring’ over-50s

The over-50s, those looking for a career change and people looking to ’unretire’ are the targets of a new recruitment campaign for cabin crew by low-cost airline easyJet.

The airline, whose UK HQ is at London Luton Airport, has unveiled its Returnships initiative after the results of research it commissioned show that almost three in four of those surveyed said that their time of life was perfect to start a new career.

easyJet has seen the number of its cabin crew aged 50 or older more than double since it first launched the campaign in 2022. The number of over60s has quadrupled in the same period, the airline said.

Now a new campaign has launched ahead of easyJet’s annual recruitment campaign which began this month. The airline is keen to encourage more of this “experienced and skilled demographic” to apply for the hundreds of cabin crew roles available for 2025 in easyJet’s bases across the UK, to bring their valuable experience to the profession, a spokesman said.

easyJet’s survey of around 2,000 UK residents aged over 50 found that twothirds of respondents were considering returning to work, with just under half interested in a new career.

They are eager to take on a new

challenge (82%) and to have new experiences (77%). Two-thirds agreed the change would be to pursue a dream job. More than a third said they enjoyed working and keeping busy, while a similar number wanted to find a role about which they were passionate.

Michael Brown, director of cabin services, said: “Since launching our campaign to encourage more over50s and career changers to become cabin crew, we have been delighted by the fantastic response, with many more joining us, and we want to see that continue. Being cabin crew can be a job for anyone with the skills, no matter their age, which is why it is important that through our initiatives like our Returnship campaign, we tackle misconceptions about the job and broaden horizons for even more talented people looking for a new opportunity who can bring their wealth of life experience to the industry.”

Three-quarters of the survey agreed that in their 50s was the perfect time for a career change. Their wealth of transferrable skills and experiences are an asset in for many careers. 40% said they had more freedom, for example because children have left home.

More mature cabin crew bring problem-solving experience, good interpersonal and communication skills and training know-how but believe they would be at a disadvantage against younger candidates, the survey found.

However, the airline is keen to hear from those who previously feared a cabin crew career was out of their reach.

Superheroes leading the fight for sight

Many of us find a visit to the dentist a daunting prospect. For children, the same feeling can apply when going for an eye test. Now one eye specialist is looking to ease those fears, with a new book designed to highlight the importance of looking after your vision.

Sunny’s Trip To The Optometrists, published by Tompkins Knight & Son Optometrists in Northampton, tells the story of a little boy who meets a real-life team of eye health superheroes during his appointment - The Eye Wizard, Dry Eye Doc and The BV (Binocular Vision) Girl.

Together they take on the world in their never-ending “Fight for Sight”.

The book is the brainchild of Tompkins Knight & Son director Brian Tompkins. “Getting your eyes examined regularly is vital for long-term eye health but for some children it can seem daunting,” he said. “We wanted to create something that gets them relaxed and actually looking forward to their visit.

“The book is a fun way of introducing children to the team they will meet when they come to see us while explaining all the tests we will be carrying out and how we can help them to keep seeing better for longer.”

Early diagnosis and intervention is key to slowing the progression of shortsightedness in children, with regular eye examinations by an eye care professional recommended. The condition, known as myopia, threatens to affect half of the

world’s population by 2050.

“Current research indicates that both genetics - if one of your parents has myopia, you are three times more likely to develop it - and environmental factors determine whether a child will be myopic,” said TK&S optometrist Dr Patel. “They also play a role in the progression of myopia.

“However, while we cannot change their genetics, it is useful to know that environment plays a significant role in myopia and therefore everyone can use some simple strategies to help protect their vision both now and into the future.”

An increase in time outdoors of about two hours per day, which helps children use their full range of vision, significantly reduces the risk of developing myopia. Near-vision work without a break can increase the likelihood of developing the condition and TK&S advises parents to encourage children to take regular breaks.

For every 20 minutes spent on near tasks, take a break for 20 seconds gazing into the distance (20 feet or six metres away), Dr Patel advises.

Sunny’s Trip To The Optometrists has been illustrated by Rebecca Ireland, herself an optometrist. “We are extremely grateful to Rebecca for bringing the story to life,” said Brian. “The book looks and feels amazing.”

The book is available to parents to read with their children ahead of booking in for an appointment.

The riders revving to save the rhinos

Property man Paul Campbell and his friend Gary Dipple are pictured before they set off for South Africa on a motorbike ride raising money to help the fight against rhino poaching.

They were among a group of 14 riders who travelled across the country last month visiting sanctuaries and parks to raise awareness of and money for urgently needed security measures to protect the rare species from poachers.

The Ride for Rhinos 2024 event aims to raise £10,000 to support two conservation projects: one in Eswatini and the other in Kruger National Park, South Africa, in partnership with the SANParks Honorary Rangers.

“All profits will contribute to the final fundraising total,” said Paul, who is a director at Campbells estate agency in Daventry. “All the riders in the tour are self-funded, so every penny donated here will go directly to these two vital conservation projects.”

These projects will play a crucial role in protecting endangered species and enhancing conservation efforts. The Eswatini Project will provide solar energy for electric security fencing to protect an area that is home to the rhino population in Eswatini. The Kruger National Park Project, in partnership with SANParks and the SANParks Honorary Rangers, is to maintain a key enclosure in the park.

The funds will also support efforts to reintroduce rare antelope species and to rehabilitate and care for both black and white rhinos. The initiative will significantly contribute to these species’ conservation and the park’s overall biodiversity, said Paul.

Gary, who lives in Crick and works in logistics for retailer TK Maxx, added: “Together, we can make a lasting impact on the future of these endangered species.”

Ride for Rhinos has raised more than £35,000 since 2017.

Brian Tompkins reads Sunny’s Trip To The Optometrists with a young patient

Paul Campbell (right) and Gary Dipple

Networking

A group for networkers looking for referrals, introductions, opportunities and sales. NORTHANTS AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Every Tuesday at noon. NATIONAL NETWORKING

Every Wednesday at noon. Contact Gary Thorpe for all events. Email: gary.thorpe@debt-doctors.co.uk. Tel: 07963 766052 or 01536 333425.

AYLESBURY

2nd Tuesday 12 noon-2pm: Online. MILTON KEYNES

2nd Thursday 12 noon-2pm: Online. BUCKINGHAM

3rd Tuesday 12 noon-2pm: Online. CAPPUCCINO CONNECTIONS

4th Thursday 10am-11.30am: Online. Contact: Anna Atkins-Carter, regional director North Bucks / West Chilterns. Email: anna.atkinscarter@theathenanetwork.com Tel: 07540 097776 or visit theathenanetwork. com.

BEDFORD

2nd Wednesday 12 noon-2pm: Online. SOUTH BEDFORDSHIRE

4th Tuesday 12 noon-2pm: Online. WOBURN

3rd Thursday 12 noon-2pm: Online. Contact: Kate Cherry, regional director Bedfordshire & St Albans. Email: kate.cherry@theathenanetwork.com Tel: 07909 675333 or visit theathenanetwork.com

THE SUNDOWN SOCIAL

September 4 5pm-7pm: Basepoint, Butterfield Business Park, Luton Hosted by Talk UK Telecom. Informal networking. Free event.

CONNECT OVER COFFEE

September 11 9.30am-11.15am: St John’s Hospice, Moggerhanger Informal networking, Free event for Chamber members; non-members £25 + VAT. LUNCH & LEARN with THSP

September 24 12 noon-2pm: THSP, Bedford Business Centre, Mile Road Workshop focusing on forthcoming changes to workplace laws protecting workers from sexual harassment. Free event, Chamber members only.

CHAMPIONING WOMEN THROUGH COLLABORATION

September 26 10.30am-2.30pm Shortmead House, Shortmead Lane, Biggleswade

Joint event with The Athena Network and Women in Business Network, Networking + lunch with speakers.

Chamber members £35; non-members £45. Book on to Chamber of Commerce events via events.chamber-business.com.

IGNITE

Tuesday 6.45am:

The Turnpike, Harpole, Northampton ACHIEVERS

Wednesday 9.30am: Brewpoint, Cut Throat Lane, Bedford. PIONEER

Wednesday 9.30am-11am: Online. APOLLO

Wednesday 10am:

Abbey Hill Golf Centre, Two Mile Ash, Milton Keynes. FUSION

Thursday 6.45am:

Abbey Hill Golf Centre, Two Mile Ash, Milton Keynes. BLAZE

Thursday 6.45am:

Mount Pleasant Golf Club, Lower Stondon nr Henlow. PAVILION

Thursday 6.45am-8.30am:

The Old Northamptonians RFC, Sir Humphrey Cripps Pavilion, Billing Road, Northampton. PROSPERITY

Thursday 6.45am-8.30am: The Kettering Golf Club, Headlands, Kettering. STERLING

Thursday 11.45am-1.30pm:

The Old Northamptonians RFC, Sir Humphrey Cripps Pavilion, Billing Road, Northampton. ENCORE

Friday 6.45am: Holiday Inn London Luton. LIGHTHOUSE

Friday 6.45am-8.30am: Old Northamptonians Association, Billing Road, Northampton. Contact: Duncan Webster. Email: duncan@bnibreakfast.co.uk or call 07977 422220. More information: bni.co.uk

September 3, 17 6.45am-8.45am:

The Beefeater, Buckingham Breakfast meeting + speaker. Visitors: £10.

More details: bucks-fizz.biz or contact David Babister 07796 136688.

Regional sponsor:

Business MK and Business Times

Relaxed, informal, conversational B2B networking.

All Business Buzz events run 10am-noon. Price: £10 + VAT.

BEDFORD

1st Wednesday: George & Dragon, Mill Street. BIGGLESWADE

4th Tuesday: Miss Vietnam, Market Square. BRACKLEY

1st Thursday: Paisley Pear, Northampton Road. DAVENTRY

3rd Friday: Arc Cinema, Mulberry Place. DUNSTABLE

4th Friday: Sugar Lounge at The Old Sugar Loaf, High Street North.

LUTON

2nd Tuesday: The Garden Cafe, Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road.

MILTON KEYNES

3rd Friday: Pop World MK, Lower 12th Street, Central Milton Keynes.

NORTHAMPTON

3rd Wednesday: Barratts Snooker Club & Bar, Kingsthorpe Road.

TOWCESTER

4th Thursday: Towcester Mill Brewery, Chantry Lane. WELLINGBOROUGH

2nd Tuesday: Castello Lounge, Market Street

All meetings payable in advance on the Business Buzz Booking App app.business-buzz.org/app or at the event.

Business networking and referral group. Price: £6.

MILTON KEYNES

4th Thursday, 7.30am-9.30am: Windmill Hill Golf Centre, Bletchley. Meeting fee: £16 (first meeting free).

NORTHAMPTON BREAKFAST

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

NORTHAMPTON EVENING

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

WELLINGBOROUGH

2nd Thursday, 7.30-9.30am: The Hind Hotel.

VIRTUAL MEETINGS

Meeting fee: £6 (first meeting free).

WEDNESDAY BREAKFAST

4th Wednesday, 7.30am-9am.

THURSDAY BREAKFAST

3rd Thursday, 7.30am-9am.

FRIDAY BREAKFAST

2nd Friday, 7.30am-9am. THE ACCOUNTABILITY CIRCLE

Monday 10am-11am: Online Time management and productivity. Price: £6 per session or £12 per month. More information: buscomm.co.uk.

September 13, 27 7am: Windmill Hill Golf Centre, Bletchley Networking breakfast with speaker. Price: £15 non-members. Email: businessgrowthclub.co.uk or Mark Orr 07903 655169.

BEDFORD

September 12 9.30am-11.30am Brewpoint, Cut Throat Lane, Bedford Host: Aruno Rao.

Brunchtime networking. Price: £26.

MILTON KEYNES

September 4 9.30am-11.30am

The Anchor, The Square, Aspley Guise Host: Heide Swift. Brunchtime networking. Price: £26. NORTHAMPTON

September 9 9.30am-11.30am

The Chester House Estate, Irchester Host: Kirsty Parris.

Brunchtime networking. Price: £26.

TOWCESTER

September 18 9.30am-11.30am

The Navigation Inn, Thrupp Wharf Marina, Cosgrove

Host: Kirsty Parris.

Brunchtime networking. Price: £26. Email: busynetworking.net/meetings.

Networking with lunch. Price: £28.

AMPTHILL

September 12 11.45am-2pm

The Knife & Cleaver, Houghton Conquest Host: Chandra Gardner.

BEDFORD

September 26 11.45am-2pm

The Woodland Manor Hotel, Green Lane, Clapham Host: Aruno Rao.

BUCKINGHAM

September 16 11.45am-2pm

The Grand Junction, High Street Host: Heide Swift.

KETTERING

September 24 11.45am-2pm

The Kettering Golf Club, Headlands Host: Aruno Rao.

MILTON KEYNES

September 5 11.45am-2pm

The George Inn, Watling Street, Little Brickhill Host: Aruno Rao.

MILTON KEYNES NORTH

September 9 11.45am-2pm

The Cherry Tree, Olney Host: Aruno Rao.

NORTHAMPTON

September 17 11.45am-2pm

The White Hart, Main Road, Hackleton Host: Aruno Rao.

TOWCESTER

September 25 11.45am-2pm

The Navigation Inn, Thrupp Wharf Marina, Cosgrove

Host: Aruno Rao.

Email: busywomen.net or call 07957 284851.

NETWORKING BREAKFAST

3rd Friday, 7am-9am Astral Park, Leighton Buzzard Breakfast networking with speaker. Price: £13. Email: info@buzzardnetworking.co.uk or visit buzzardnetworking.co.uk

September 4, 7.30am-9am: YMCA, North Sixth Street, Central Milton Keynes

The longest-established breakfast networking club in Milton Keynes. Speaker: Mark Ormerod, chief executive of LEAP; Fran Perry, vice chair of the Bus Shelter MK.

Book at citybreakfastclub.co.uk

VIRTUAL

September 3, 24 10.30am-12 noon

Online

BREAKFAST, NETWALK & BRUNCH

September 5 7.15am-8.45am; 9.05am9.50am; 10am-11.30am

Willen Hospice Café , Willen Lake GOLD MEMBERSHIP BUSINESS WORKSHOP

September 10 9am-12 noon

Slug & Lettuce, Central Milton Keynes IN PARTNERSHIP EVENT WITH LEIGHTON BUZZARD BUSINESSES

September 12 5pm-6.30pm

Leighton Town Football Club MK MEET-UP EVENT

September 17 4.30pm-7pm

Popworld, Central Milton Keynes IN PARTNERSHIP EVENT WITH OLNEY BUSINESSES

September 25 5pm-6.30pm

Olney Rugby Club IN PARTNERSHIP EVENT WITH BUCKINGHAM BUSINESSES

September 26 5pm-6.30pm

Buckingham Enterprise & Innovation Hub, University of Buckingham

All events free to attend as a non-member on one occasion. Book at the event booking diary web page at collaboratemk.co.uk. Contact: Tim Lee tim@collaboratemk.co.uk or 07786 527845.

Alternate Wednesdays 7.30am-9.30am: The Hind Hotel, Wellingborough Networking group run by its members for its members. Contact: cornerstone-northants.org or email network@cornerstone-northants.org.

September 19 12.30pm-2.30pm Maaya Restaurant, The Hub, Central Milton Keynes Sponsor: Pinders. Networking lunch. Price: £35.11. Book at thecurryclubs.co.uk/event/ milton-keynes-curry-club-24/.

Wednesdays 6.45am-8.30am: The Hopping Hare, Hopping Hill Gardens, Northampton Breakfast networking + members’ presentation opportunities. Price: £10 visitors. Contact: enigmanetworking.co.uk. email chair@ enigmanetworking.co.uk or call 07889 967779.

Networking

MILTON KEYNES VIRTUAL NETWORKING

September 13 10am-11am: Online Networking + an update on the benefits of FSB membership. Free event for FSB members and non-members. To book on to FSB events, visit fsb.org.uk

COFFEE & CONNECT

September 12 10am-12 noon: Frosts Garden Centre, Woburn Sands Informal networking. Price: £12.50. Book at askgoto.com/event/coffee-connect-mk-20/

LBBC

LEIGHTON BUZZARD BUSINESS CLUB

Wednesdays 7am-8.30am: The Dukes, Leighton Road, Heath and Reach Breakfast networking with speaker + member presentations. Visitors: £10. Contact: leightonbuzzardbiz.co.uk. Email: LBBC chairman Steve Baker at steve@sbfinancial.co.uk or call 01296 641868.

#LOVEBIZ NETWORKING DERNGATE COMMUNITY

September 4 9.30am-11am: Newmedica Northampton, Anglia Way, Moulton Park, Northampton Networking community for women in business in Northamptonshire and beyond. Price: £19.95. Contact: Julie Cameron at juliecameron@lovebiznetworking.co.uk or lovebiznetworking.co.uk.

LUTON COFFEE CLUB

1st Tuesday 8am-10am Mano Coffee, George Street Informal networking. Free event. To find out more, email organiser Stephen Wood at s.w@srwood.co.uk or call 01582 401221.

CHAMBER PORTAL WORKSHOP

September 6 11am-11.30am: Online

Learn how to upload news, blogs, events, tips and job vacancies to the Chamber website. Free event. Chamber non-members welcome.. SPEED NETWORKING & BUFFET LUNCH

September 10 11.30am-1.30pm: Holiday Inn Milton Keynes Central Informal networking. Price: £20 + VAT Chamber members; non-members £tbc. NEXT GENERATION SOCIAL

September 24 5.30pm-7pm Northampton Town FC, Sixfields Networking + a tour of the Cobblers’ Sixfields stadium. Price: £10 + VAT Chamber members; non-members £tbc.

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

Networking

MEET OF MK

September 26 5pm-7pm:

The Italian Sur Lago, Furzton Lake

Sponsored by Facilities Management Solutions. Networking with speakers. Contact: mkfm.com/events/mkfms-meet-of-mk/

NETWALK

September 25 9.15am-10.45am

Grounds Café, Salcey Forest

An informal walk, followed by coffee and a catch-up. Dogs are welcome. Organised by Franklins Solicitors. Free event. To book, visit: events.bookitbee.com/franklins-solicitors-llp/

Alternate Thursdays 7.15am-9am:

Beefeater, Priory Marina, Barkers Lane, Bedford

Breakfast networking with speaker. Contact: nibeds.co.uk

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

ETHICAL SELLING WORKSHOP

September 4 9.30am-11an: Holiday Inn Express, Kettering Workshop led by ActionCoach Oakham & Kettering on how to sell effectively and ethically. Free event.

MARKETING IDEAS FOR YOUR BUSINESS OR BRAND

September 9 4pm-6pm: Online Free event to NNBN members and nonmembers.

BUILDING BUSINESS VALUE WITH AI: ACHIEVE MORE WITHOUT HIRING

September 10 11.30am-1.30pm: Holiday Inn Northampton, Bedford Road

Speakers: Alastair McLeod, of Business Doctors; Eric Bye, managing director of Erictron AI Price: £15.

EVENING BUSINESS NETWORKING

September 12 7pm-8.30pm: Kettering Park Hotel, Kettering Parkway Informal networking. Free event for NNBN members; visitors £10.

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE BUSINESS EXHIBITION

September 19 10am-3.30pm: cinch at Franklins Gardens, Northampton See under Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce.

Includes 1pm-2pm Business Networking hosted by NNBN. Free event.

THE BUSINESS GROWTH & TEAM DEVELOPMENT ROADMAP

September 25 11.30am-1.30pm: Holiday Inn Northampton, Bedford Road

Hosted by Business Doctors and DFA Law Free event.

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

CHAMBER PORTAL WORKSHOP

September 6 11am-11.30am:

September 27 2pm-2.30pm: Online

Learn how to upload news, blogs, events, tips and job vacancies to the Chamber website. Free event. Chamber non-members welcome.

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE BUSINESS EXHIBITION

September 19 10am-3pm: Cinch by Franklins Gardens, Northampton Includes COFFEE & CONNECT 8.30am-10am Informal networking. Free event. BUSINESS EXHIBITION 10am-3.30pm Exhibition stands available.

Price: from £300 + VAT Chamber members; non-members £500 + VAT.

WEST NORTHANTS GROWTH PLANS

& BUSINESS SUPPORT 11am-12 noon

Presentation by Cllr Daniel Lister, cabinet member for local economy, culture and leisure on West Northamptonshire Council, on key investment in West Northamptonshire, funding and other business support available for business and the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

SPEED NETWORKING 1pm-2pm

Hosted by NNBN. Free event, all welcome. Free admission for visitors.

NEXT GENERATION SOCIAL

September 24 5.30pm-7pm

Northampton Town FC, Sixfields

Networking + a tour of the Cobblers’ Sixfields stadium. Price: £10 + VAT Chamber members; non-members £tbc.

To book on to Chamber events, visit: northants-chamber.co.uk.

Fridays 6.45am-8.45am: The Cock Hotel, Stony Stratford

Networking breakfast, with more than 40 members from a wide range of businesses. Businesses referrals, business support and training. Contact: tfinetworking.co.uk.

12 noon-2pm, networking lunch.

BEDFORD & AMPTHILL

1st Tuesday: The Swan Hotel, The Embankment, Bedford / Online.

LEIGHTON BUZZARD

3rd Wednesday: The Dukes, Heath & Reach / Online.

LUTON

2nd Monday: South Beds Golf Club/ Online.

SANDY & BIGGLESWADE

1st Wednesday: Stratton House Hotel, Biggleswade.

Contact: Louise Yexley on 07989 020647, email: louise.yexley@wibn.co.uk or visit www.wibn.co.uk.

MILTON KEYNES

1st Tuesday: The Brasserie at Milton Keynes College, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley. Contact: Edith Samambwa on 07802 581838, email: edith.samambwa@wibn.co.uk or visit www.wibn.co.uk.

NETWORKING LUNCH & AGM

September 27 12 noon: Aiimi, Central Milton Keynes

For more details and to book, visit womeninenterprise.co.uk.

BUSINESS ROOM

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

BEDFORD

3rd Thursday 9.30am-11.30am: The Kingfisher.

KETTERING

2nd Tuesday 12 noon-2pm: Kettering Park Hotel & Spa.

NORTHAMPTON

2nd Thursday 12 noon-2pm: Sun Inn, High Street, Hardingstone.

OLNEY

2nd Wednesday 9.30am-11.30am: The Cherry Tree Restaurant & Bar.

SOUTH NORTHANTS

3rd Tuesday 12 noon-2pm: The Fox & Hounds, Whittlebury.

WELLINGBOROUGH

3rd Wednesday 12 noon-2pm: The Stanwick Hotel, Stanwick. THE CONNECTIONS CLUB - NORTHANTS

For business owners, influencers and decisionmakers.

NORTHAMPTON

1st Tuesday 11.45am-2pm: Delapre Abbey, Northampton. Contact: Barbara Hodgson 07504 946585 / 01933 652884, email: barbara@yourbusinessmatters.co or visit yourbusinessmatters.co.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

September 12 4pm-6pm

Dipna Anand’s Kitchen & Bar, Unity Place, Grafton Gate, Central Milton Keynes

Hosted by Pulse Group Media in association with Santander.

Networking with drinks and nibbles and a presentation from Santander.

Price: £25. Book at yourbusinessexpo.co.uk/ networking/

www.business-times.co.uk

THE POWER of Three

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