Business Times Est. 1991
April 2022
NE W S
In print and online Business Times is published in Northamptonshire for the county’s business community www.Business-Times.co.uk
NE W S
Founders complete sale of insurance company. P5
FE AT UR E
On show, the best of Northamptonshire business. P8
FE AT UR E
Forterra CEO: Manufacturers must move with the times. P13
PR OP ER TY
Daventry: Occupiers pick up new park’s signals. P16-17
Campus tackles later living challenge. P20-21
Prime location: NewCold is building its new facility at Corby in response to growing demand
Deep freeze brings red hot investment and employment Europe’s largest cold store nears completion as demand outstrips supply
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urope’s largest ‘deep freeze’ on former steelworks land in Corby is months away from completion. Automated cold storage specialist NewCold started work on the development in late 2020 to meet growing demand from the food manufacturing sector. The company, which already has a demand for its services at its Wakefield site, sees Corby as a prime location in the logistics ‘Golden Triangle’, close to frozen distribution centres of large retail and food service customers. This will enable NewCold to help customers to reduce food miles and cut costs.
When fully operational the site will employ more than 250 staff but industry-leading automation will play a key part in the facility’s operation, says NewCold, which has headquarters in the Netherlands and operates 14 locations on three continents. The site at Wakefield, which opened seven years ago, handles four million pallets a year. Supply chain director Ross Hunter said: “We have seen an increase in demand for our warehouse and transport services and although the Wakefield facility is the largest of its kind in the country, demand has outstripped supply.” It meant that a decision to establish another facility further south came easily for the company which promises to bring additional benefits for customers including frozen food manufacturers and importers. Mr Hunter said: “A focus on sustainability at both the Wakefield and Corby sites, our unique cold store design - which uses around 50 per cent less energy than conventional stores - coupled with our ability to reduce food miles by using high-volume trailers,
The new plant will bring more than 250 jobs to East Northamptonshire will greatly reduce CO2 emissions and energy use.” The Corby operation will enable NewCold to offer their services to customers for whom Wakefield may not be geographically well-situated or who have run out of space. >> To page 3
Business News
Opportunity knocks for law firm after office move
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move to new offices on the outskirts of Kettering promises to bring fresh opportunities for law firm Borneo Martell Turner Coulston. The team, headed by senior partner Sue Owens, made the move in February to Brooklands Court, Kettering Venture Park. For many years, the firm’s Kettering offices were in Station Road but a growing team and pressures on space and parking prompted the office upgrade. The new base is easy to reach, has ample parking for clients and office space for the business to expand. Ms Owens said: “We are so pleased to have been able to make the move. Since moving to the new offices we have had really good feedback from clients who appreciate the easy to reach location and knowing that they no longer have to spend time finding somewhere to park.” The law firm, whose head office is in Billing Road, Northampton, has benefited from continued growth in recent years. This included the recruitment of a 20-strong team who had previously worked for Northampton-based law firm
Senior partner Sue Owens (front, second from right) and the team at Borneo Martell Turner Coulston’s new office (pictured left) in Kettering
Scott Fowler, which went into administration in May 2020. An agreement was made with the administrators to take on the workforce which includes specialist lawyers in a range of sectors including commercial work.
“The move means we now have the space to work with more clients,” said Ms Owens. “Alongside work with private clients, we work with a wide range of businesses in different sectors and look to build on these specialist services.”
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These include debt recovery, employment law, property, business disputes and IP and trade matters. “We look forward talking to businesses who want to work with a law firm which has the commitment and capacity to provide a bespoke service,” said Ms Owens.
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Chamber opens online forum for members
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n offers section has been launched as part of an online forum to make it easy for members of the county’s business community to engage and share benefits. The Wellingborough & East Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce has created the exclusive area, accessible via its website, as part of its commitment to help members of the local business community to stay connected. Chamber president Pritesh Ganatra said: “We thought about what we could do to help our members and so have created this space where they can share their benefits and offers and engage by asking questions and supporting each other. “We are privileged to be able to provide these opportunities to our members and it will be great to see them interacting online to help each other.” Along with exclusive use of the forum and offers pages, Chamber members also receive immediate access to advice and information on local, regional and national issues, and guidance on providers of personal development and skills training. n Find out more at https:// wencc.co.uk/members/
For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk
Business News
Investment call nets $200m for expansion Funding will pay for new facility geared to electrifying industrial vehicles
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ioneering technology that is upcycling and electrifying industrial vehicles has attracted a rush of investment from around the world into a company based at Silverstone. An investment round launched by Lunaz has valued the company at $200 million and confirms it as one of the UK’s fastest-growing businesses. The growth capital is to fund what will be the UK’s largest remanufacturing and electrification facility, to be sited next to Lunaz’s current headquarters on Silverstone Technology Park. The new headquarters for Lunaz Applied Technologies will be a state-of-the-art engineering, design and production hub for the manufacture of upcycled electric vehicles for industrial applications, starting with electrified and reengineered refuse trucks. The first Mercedes-Benz Econic vehicle has already been upcycled by Lunaz.The Econic is a common sight on industrial duty as an airport service vehicle, in construction site logistics, waste management and fire and rescue. Lunaz estimates the number of
Lunaz founder David Lorenz vehicles ready for upcycling and electrification is 80 million vehicles in the UK, USA and Europe alone. The company has already signed fleet electrification agreements with councils including Buckinghamshire Council and private organisations on both sides of the Atlantic and is planning full market entry in 2023. “We are proud to stand among some of the fastest-growing companies in the UK,” says Lunaz’s founder and chief executive David Lorenz. “By upcycling and electrifying industrial
vehicles at scale, millions of tonnes of embedded carbon is saved by dramatically extending the usable life of thousands of vehicles that would otherwise be scrapped. By applying this approach to public sector vehicles like refuse trucks we deliver a result that is better for the taxpayer and better for the planet.” The successful funding call and the expansion plans confirms Lunaz as a leader in the rapidly expanding cleantech sector. The company is at the forefront of the industry’s response to
the need for more ecologically viable and cost-effective solutions to convert more than two billion vehicles currently on the planet to clean-air powertrains. Governments around the world have passed what Lunaz describes as ‘aggressive’ legislation to ban the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles within the next decade. To deliver its vision, Lunaz has targeted specific ‘highly strategic’ investors who bring expertise and interests around the world in sectors including engineering, logistics, media, technology and investment banking. The investors include the Reuben, Barclay and Dallal families, former England and Manchester Utd footballer David Beckham and Brendan Iribe, founder and chief executive of virtual reality specialist Oculus VR until it was acquired by Facebook’s parent compay Meta. It is now a leader in the gaming sector. Frederic Wakeman, the former managing partner of global private equity firm Advent International, is also an investor and director. “In backing Lunaz I have invested in the proven potential of upcycling and electrification as an effective solution to the pressing question of how the world transitions sustainably to clean-air powertrains,” he says. “Governments and companies need to urgently find ways to decarbonise their fleets.”
‘Decision driven by demand for storage’ >> From page 1 NewCold have been in talks with high volume potential customers, to add to a list of Wakefield customers which include global brands. Each will benefit from NewCold’s sustainable transport, storage and warehouse management systems including automatic handling equipment to reduce loading times. “The decision to build a second facility has been driven by an increasing wide-scale demand for storage and handling, while the number of deepfrozen storage facilities has reduced,” Mr Hunter said. “This has seen cold stores at capacity during certain times over the last two years and the trend appears to be continuing so we feel this is the right time to invest.”
Simulation game makes training real
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ive graduates from the University of Northampton are helping to save lives… direct from their digital studio. William Marshall set up 925 Studios last year with fellow games course graduates Ben Maher, Artise Brown, Wednesday Garrett and Gabriel Cruceanu. 925 primarily works with the public sector, providing training simulations, virtual environments and prototypes. Its first major project is a commission from the National Fire Chiefs Council to build a virtual fire training simulation to promote UK fire safety law in the workplace. “It helps businesses to know
what measures they need to take into consideration with fire safety law, how things in the workplace should be arranged and what protocols need to be in place to protect employees and the company,” said Mr Marshall. “Simulations are a great way of training people in a safe environment and we can build these virtual environments to spec.” The decision to specialise in training simulations was made after the friends came to the rescue of students on the Early Childhood programme at the University of Northampton. When the pandemic hit in 2020, Early Childhood undergraduates saw their
placements in schools and nurseries cancelled so the five created a virtual reality version of a pre-school below, which allowed the students to safely explore and identify hazards in a simulated environment. “By the end of last summer, I had an idea that we could carry on making these helpful simulations for clients, which we are doing now for the NFCC,” said Mr Marshall inset. “It is exciting and exhilarating how quickly this is happening. We are using skills we gained during our games development degrees straight out of the gate.” Now the studio is planning to develop its work with public sector clients.
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Business News
Wheels to Work
Northampton College
Miswa Chemicals
Clipper Logistics
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Jobs Fair success as more roles are filled on Brackmills
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acancies and job hunters were successfully matched in March - with Brackmills Business Improvement District hosting its first Jobs Fair of 2022 at Northampton’s historic Delapré Abbey. The jobs fair, which had been widely promoted across Northampton in the
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weeks leading up to it, attracted more than 100 delegates, with businesses including Clipper Logistics, DHL, Northants Fire and Rescue, GXO, Manheim Auctions, Hometech UK, Wincanton and Wheels to Work all exhibiting and promoting vacancies. Brackmills Industrial Estate has Business Improvement District status,
which means businesses on the estate pool an annual levy and use the funding to enhance the estate, in particular to: n Support businesses and staff on the estate; n Provide a great infrastructure; n Invest in a safe and secure environment; n Provide a smart and tidy estate.
Brackmills BID intends to hold at least one more Jobs Fair this year and is already planning a host of other events for the estate’s businesses. “Here on Brackmills we are determined to both support people into work and to support those businesses needing staff,” says Brackmills BID chief executive Sara Homer. “Delapre
Abbey as our venue really elevated our event and we look forward to partnering again with this incredible venue.” n To find out more about Brackmills, future events, jobs opportunities and estate investment, email sara.homer@ brackmillsindustrialestate.co.uk
For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk
Business News Administrators seek buyer for stricken shoe brand
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nsurance giant JMG Group has completed the acquisition of Astute Insurance Solutions in Northampton. The deal is part of JMG’s plans to double in size through growth and acquisitions in the next 12 months, following a management buy-out in November 2020. Astute Insurance Solutions directors Ian Mahony and Andy Baggott, who founded the business in 2009, are retaining a stake in the business and staff will continue to provide insurance services under the Astute Insurance Solutions brand from the company’s office in Christchurch Road. The acquisition takes JMG
‘Deal propels company to next level’, says founder Group’s total acquisitions to six in just over a year and creates a hub in the East Midlands from which the group plans to expand further. Astute Insurance Solutions is a £6.5 million gross written premium business serving commercial and corporate clients across Northamptonshire and the rest of the UK. JMG Group chief executive Nick Houghton said: “This
Ian Mahony (left) and Andy Baggott have sold their company Astute Insurance Solutions
acquisition gives us a strong foothold in the Northampton area that we will use to develop other acquisitions. We are very selective about the businesses we invest in, with the people
and culture top of the list when it comes to diligence.” Mr Mahony said: “The acquisition and the support gained from being part of a wider group will help propel
us to the next level and give us greater security and strength in the market place which will ultimately benefit all our clients and our team.” Mr Houghton completed the MBO of brokerage JM Glendinning with private equity backing from growth investor Synova. He added: “Ian and Andy have a great business and are a perfect fit for our group. We are delighted to welcome them to the team.”
Healthcare specialist completes acquisition of staff benefits firm
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pecialist healthcare insurance provider Premier Choice Healthcare has continued to build its presence in the UK healthcare sector after agreeing to acquire the business and assets of Amba Care and Wellbeing for an undisclosed sum. Amba C&W is part of the Amba
People Group, a technology business that provides clients with an eco-friendly, ethical employee benefits platform. PCH is acquiring the assets of its broking division, which distributes employee benefits, including healthcare insurance, group life and group income protection to corporate clients. The deal is the third for
Towcester-based PCH since the business was acquired by GRP in 2020. “Since day one GRP has encouraged our twin growth strategy of organic and inorganic business growth,” said managing director Stephen Hough. “This is an excellent opportunity to buy the assets of a high-quality business.” Amba C&W staff will
continue to be based at the company’s headquarters in Bristol and will transfer to PCH. Team leader Paul Dunsford will continue to manage the business and will become a divisional head within PCH. Amba People Group chief executive Tobin Murphy-Coles said: “PCH is the right home for our people at Amba C&W and
FO R
AS SIS TA NC E
dministrators have been appointed to market the business and assets of the owner of the Steptronic footwear brand. Kroll managing directors Jimmy Saunders and Michael Lennon have begun work as joint administrators for the Rushden-based firm, which has more than 3,000 high street and onlione outlets as customers and sells a wide range of Steptronicbranded shoes via its own website. The administrators are now looking for prospective buyers for the business. Mr Saunders said: “The retail sector has faced a number of well publicised challenges and coupled with shipping and supplier delays and a legacy balance sheet debt, the company was unable to meet its liabilities “Any prospective buyers for the business are encouraged to come forward as soon as possible.”
Insurance business sold to growing group
HE L P INF ORM
IS E
ND
ADV ISE
TH EN OP
I am confident Stephen Hough and his team will be excellent custodians for the business. Amba C&W has a bright future” PCH has also agreed to become a distributor of Amba’s employee benefits programme Lumina. Mr Hough said: “We remain keen on making further acquisitions where broking businesses fit our deal criteria.”
GUI DE
SUP POR T
CAR E
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For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk
Business News
Partnership sealed as company prepares for upturn in business
PDS marketing manager Gemma Luck is pictured with Nick Powell and (left) Cawleys marketing assistant Conor Rosling
utsourced services company Print Data Solutions has appointed Cawleys as its recycling partner. The agreement comes as PDS prepares for an upturn in business as the pandemic restrictions ease and companies resume organising and attending conferences, exhibitions, awards and events. PDS is a rapidly growing business with two sites in Wellingborough
around 1,200 tonnes of waste a day. “Taking a sustainable approach is now vitally important for all companies and with businesses beginning to get back to normal, suppliers such as PDS will be in great demand,” said Cawleys sales executive Nick Powell. “End customers want to see that the organisations they buy from are doing the right thing for the environment and PDS certainly are.”
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specialising in print, merchandise, storage, fulfilment, and logistics. The partnership with Cawleys will allow PDS to recycle all of its card and plastic waste. Cawleys will also ensure PDS’ mixed waste will be separated and sorted to extract as much additional material for recycling as possible. “We are excited to be working together with Cawleys, who play a pivotal role as we evolve our
sustainability commitments,” said PDS’ operations director Kate Shelton. “Working with an independent local recycling company
such as Cawleys is the perfect solution.” Cawleys has been in business for more than 70 years and handles
Firms urged to trial e-bike scheme for staff
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new scheme to enable businesses to offer e-bikes for their staff is being launched by North and West Northamptonshire Councils under their Smart Move Northamptonshire brand. Businesses accepted on to the trial will be able to offer staff a free fourweek trial of an e-bike. The scheme, which will form part of the councils’ drive towards net zero, is open to businesses across Northamptonshire with a minimum of 18 employees who would want to take part. Cllr Graham Lawman, North Northamptonshire Council’s executive member for highways, travel and
As fuel costs soar, initiative aims to test employees’ appetite for green transport assets, said: “I believe that, as a council, we need to set an example and lead from the front. Building upon our successful e-scooter trial, an electric bike scheme is important as it provides another sustainable, affordable way for people to get around the area, especially to commute, as fuel costs rise dramatically.” The initiative provides a greener alternative for travel, reducing road traffic and improving air quality, he
added. “We hope that many businesses will sign up for the scheme, which will be a great benefit to their employees and it acts as a way of introducing people to the possibilities of alternative green transport.” The councils’ delivery partner, Outspoken Cycles, will arrange the handover of the bikes to the business and conduct a short introductory session including on how to use the bike and safety requirements. Induction
material will also be available online. A range of different-sized e-bikes will be available, each fitted with a GPS tracker to enable the project team to monitor how the bikes are being used throughout the trials. C l l r P h i l L a r r a t t , We s t Northamptonshire Council’s portfolio holder for environment, highways, transport and waste services, said: “Innovation is a key element of our council’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030. We have already seen the success of the e-scooter initiative with Voi and this is another good example of how we can work with businesses and other organisations to
change the travel habits of people who can do so and support more sustainable modes of transport.” The e-bikes use Bosch Active Line motors, with inbuilt lights and simple controls. The main bikes are Gazelle Paris C7 HMBs and Raleigh Motus Tours, The other is a pool of Tern Vektron S10 folding bikes which will be allocated to those needing multimodal travel, or that have storage constraints. n Employers looking to register their interest in the scheme should email SmartMove Northamptonshire e-bikescheme@northnorthants.gov.uk
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Business News
It’s the business: Exhibition showcases county’s best
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cores of businesses from Northamptonshire and beyond were at the Kettering Conference Centre to take part in the first Business Exhibition of 2022 run by Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce. The appetite for face to face conversation and business was keen, with visitors touring the exhibition stands eager to find out about the latest products and services from the county’s leading business names. Delegates also attended two seminars hosted by the Chamber: One on social media for small businesses, presented by Scott Jones of 123 Internet, the second discussing unconscious bias to reflect the #Breakthebias theme of International Women’s Day last month. Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce’s deputy chief executive Julie Maclennan said: “This exhibition allows the local business community to network, share best practice and make new connections, which is everything our Chamber aspires to provide for those we serve.” The exhibition’s headline sponsor was communications specialist dbfb. Managing director Simon Pickering said: “We are excited
to be the headline sponsors at this year’s exhibition. After a challenging few years for many, we were looking forward to physically networking with other local businesses to create new connections and supercharge our local business community in 2022.”
n Business Times and its sister publication NN Pulse were among the exhibitors. Our photographer Steve Brill was on hand to capture the occasion on camera.
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Business News
Factory will ‘transform economy’, says MP
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olitical leaders have welcomed the start of work on the largest can manufacturing plant in the UK. Ball Corporation’s new factory at the SEGRO Park Kettering Gateway, which will cover 56,000 sq metres, is being built in response to growing demand for recyclable aluminium drinks cans, manufacturing more than three billion fully recyclable cans a year and creating 200 jobs. North Northamptonshire Council says the factory will encourage significant further inward investment in Kettering and the wider region. Kettering MP Philip Hollobone said Ball’s decision to build its third UK manufacturing site in the town was a “huge vote of confidence in Kettering”. Mr Hollobone and North Northamptonshire Council’s executive member for growth and regeneration Cllr David Brackenbury joined guests from business and the community at a ceremony to mark the start of construction on the site. Building work is due to be completed by November, with machinery to operate the four production lines being commissioned by the end of 2022. Mr Hollobone said: “This is tremendous for Kettering and the UK as we emerge from the pandemic and face new challenges outside the European Union. This plant is going to be the most advanced of its type in the world.
Philip Hollobone With its rich heritage, the production skills in Kettering are outstanding and it is great to see a leading international company like Ball join the ranks of our existing manufacturers.” Ball, which has had its climate change plan approved by the
Cllr David Brackenbury Science Based Targets Initiative, is constructing the factory according to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ sustainability and environmental standards. Features include a rainwater harvesting system and technology to mitigate machinery exhaust emissions, technologies that
Guests join Ball Corporation executives at the ceremony to mark the start of construction at Kettering
will make the Kettering plant the most advanced facility of its type, using 20 per cent less energy and 70pc less water than traditional can-making processes. “This will not be lost on local people,” Mr Hollobone said. North Northamptonshire Council, which granted planning permission for the site last year, says the decision by Ball Corporation to base its new site at Kettering will bring significant investment into the area. Cllr Brackenbury said: “One of our key priorities is helping to create the conditions to boost the economy in North Northamptonshire. This development also brings with it significant employment opportunities to the local area in the sustainable manufacturing sector, which is a welcome addition to the North Northants economy.” He welcomed Ball’s commitment
to offer employment and training to ex-offenders, former Armed Services personnel and the longterm unemployed and said it was an approach the council was keen to repeat with other employers. “Our job is to help the wider economy, which in turn benefits everyone,” Cllr Brackenbury said. “Ball’s future success in Kettering will be as important in furthering North Northamptonshire’s plans to attract other businesses to the area which in turn will create additional prosperity.” The growth in demand for aluminium cans comes as consumers seek alternatives to single-use plastic, with a recent poll showing almost 80pc of people are taking steps to reduce singleuse plastic and two-thirds want to do more. Aluminium cans are currently the world’s most widely recycled beverage packaging, with a UK recycling rate of 82pc and a European average of 76pc. Carey Causey, president, Ball Beverage Packaging Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia, said: “This new facility, in one of the UK’s best-known manufacturing locations, will help us to support our customers’ growth, creating fully recyclable cans which can play a role in a truly circular economy and support the local community.” Ball Corporation has three other sites in the UK, two in Milton Keynes and third in Wakefield. They are among 26 across the EMEA region.
“PUPILS’ ACADEMIC AND OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS ARE EXCELLENT IN ALL AREAS OF SCHOOL LIFE” Rated ‘Excellent’ across all areas in latest ISI report.
To attend an upcoming open day or to arrange a discussion on admissions, visit www.winchester-house.org, email admissions@winchester-house.org or call 01280 702483. Brackley, Northamptonshire NN13 7AZ
To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk
Business Times
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April 2022
11
Sustainability
Time to get a GRIP on your carbon footprint
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he COP26 conference is now behind us and it might therefore be tempting to think that climate change has been dealt with. Or at least that something is now being done and we can relax and carry on as before. That would be a very dangerous assumption, however. The science is unambiguous: We need to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050 or risk severe consequences. Every organisation and every individual has their part to play to make this happen. As a business leader, this may sound onerous and you may think that making your business more environmentally sustainable will mean increased
expense and reduced profits. However, the reality is just the opposite - not only can you improve the sustainability of your business but also, by doing so, you can improve efficiency, reduce costs and maximise profits. Best of all, help is available to make your business as sustainable and successful as possible. Available to businesses in North and West Northamptonshire, the Green Recovery and Innovation Programme is an initiative funded by the government via the UK Community Renewal Fund and delivered by SEMLEP’s Growth Hub. It is designed to make it as easy as possible for businesses to become more sustainable, more efficient, more innovative and more successful.
The programme consists of one-toone support with experts including innovation and energy specialists to help you to identify and develop your innovation and sustainability plans. You attend workshops designed to help you boost your productivity and make your business more sustainable both now and in the future. You will also have the opportunity to apply for grants of up to £10,000 (50 per cent private sector match required) to spend on consultancy support and small capital items and to support the innovations that will help make your business more sustainable. This could be as simple as replacing your lights with LED lighting. By participating in the GRIP
programme, you will be making your business more innovative, more sustainable and more successful. You can save money by making your business more efficient and reducing costs and, by managing resources more efficiently, you will maximise profit while reducing your carbon footprint. Increasingly employers, consumers and other stakeholders expect the organisations with which they do business to adopt ambitious climate targets. By participating in GRIP, you demonstrate your business commitment to helping the environment, making your organisation a more promising prospect. Not only could this give you an additional competitive advantage, it may also improve your access to capital
since people want to be associated with companies that have the right impact on the world. Participating will help you to grow your brand and raise awareness of your business. You will be taking a stand and not only showing potential customers that you care but also that you are willing to put it into genuine, meaningful action. Although this is only available to businesses within Northamptonshire, other support is available to businesses elsewhere, so please get in touch to see how we can help. n To learn more about the programme and to register your interest, visit bit. ly/SEMLEPGRIP
Glazing federation board tours leading uPVC recycling facility
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xecutives and a director of industry body the Glass & Glazing Federation are pictured on a visit to VEKA Recycling’s plant at Wellingborough. They toured the site, the most advanced of its type in Europe, and saw frames cycled back to their core components for reuse. The visit was prompted by interest from customers in the process for uPVC materials. GGF and FENSA, the governmentauthorised scheme that monitors
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building regulation compliance for replacement windows and doors, have already set up recycling procedures with VEKA. GGF board director and vice president Natalie Little said: “An increasing number of our retail customers are expressing an interest in what happens to the frames that we remove from their homes and I was therefore intrigued to witness the process for myself. We will now promote this with confidence to our customers.”
April 2022
Recycling will continue to be at the top of the GGF agenda, she added. “It is incredibly important that we act together as an industry to promote the sustainability of PVC-U as a frame material.” GGF and FENSA operate a free recycling service for their members. Anda Gregory, GGF’s chief development officer, said: “As the representative organisation for the broader glass and glazing industries it is the responsibility of the GGF to
promote sustainability. And frame recycling, including PVC-U and aluminium, is high on our agenda.” German-owned VEKA opened its UK facility in Wellingborough in 2020. The plant has capacity to supply 35,000 tonnes of recycled PVC-U for remanufacture. Managing director Simon Scholes said: “We have lived and breathed the Wellingborough site for four years now so we are delighted to have visitors who share our passion for promoting PVC-U as a ‘good’ plastic.”
Simon Scholes shows Natalie Litte, Anda Gregory and Diana Blair of the GGF around the Wellingborough plant
For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk
Feature: Manufacturing Stephen Harrison, chief executive of concrete and clay building products manufacturer Forterra, gives his take on the unprecedented years behind us and shines a light on what is to come for the business, including investment in its own solar farm.
Stephen Harrison Q: How has the pandemic affected Forterra over the past two years? SH: Fortunately, after the initial lockdown mandates in 2020 we were able to return to normality fairly quickly in terms of our production operations. It is pleasing to report that 2021 saw the sustained recovery of our markets, with the UK’s longterm housing shortage putting us in a strong position for future growth. Q: What is the biggest challenge Forterra has faced in the last year? SH: Brexit has had a massive effect on the supply chain, as many industries have experienced recently. Some manufacturers prefer a leaner way of working but it means production is vulnerable to the slightest change and potentially
leaves us all with insufficient stock. Of course, having all the stock in the world is no use without drivers to deliver it. The driver shortage was predictable but nonetheless affected us. Between costs of labour, fuel, and energy, businesses are facing a huge inflationary pressure, which is showing no signs of stopping anytime soon. Q: Are there any positives to come from all of this? SH: A silver lining - if you can call it that - is the current focus on energy has led to a push in looking into the feasibility of increasing the use of renewable energy sources in the UK, which would do wonders for our nation’s carbon footprint. This is something we started working on last year by transitioning our fleet cars to electric and hybrid and
Sustainability: We all need to do our bit and commit to change installing charging stations at our factory and office locations. This year we are increasing that investment massively through the construction of a dedicated Forterra solar farm, which will provide us with approximately 70 per cent of our electricity from 2025. We also aim to generate 10pc of our electricity requirement from onsite renewables by 2025.
Q: Is sustainability something that is important to Forterra? SH: Absolutely. And it is clear that it is to our customers too so we all need to do our bit and commit to change. At Forterra we have implemented ambitious environmental social and governance targets through the Product, Planet, People framework. Between 2010-19
Forterra’s brick-making factory at Wilnecote in Staffordshire we reduced our carbon significant profit and cash returns from emissions by 22pc Investments and have pledged 2023. In addition, to reduce them by we have a £200 will strengthen a further 32pc by the business and million pipeline of projects to 2030. help to deliver leverage our Q: What else is future growth asset base over the Forterra investing decade. in this year? Forterra has a proven SH: Our investments in history of innovation and we Desford and Wilnecote are look forward to proving that continuing apace and the newly again and again. Despite the announced investment in our numerous challenges of 2021, it Accrington brick factory that has been a successful business will see it transformed into the year for Forterra thanks to our UK’s first volume brick slip broad, complementary product manufacturing facility capable range, trusted brands and loyal of producing 48 million slips per customer base. annum will further strengthen our business and help us to deliver future growth while at the same time improving our sustainability n Forterra employs around 1,800 people in the UK across and efficiency. We have two exciting projects 17 manufacturing facilities. Its being commissioned for 2022/23, headquarters are Grange Park which will progressively deliver Court, Roman Way, Northampton.
The whole world has changed.
WE HAVEN’T (We’re still all the help you need.)
No matter what stage of life your business is at, regardless of size, our team of specialist solicitors has a wealth of experience and a proven track record in advising on Commercial and Business Law.
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: Corporate & Commercial | Commercial Property Buying or Selling a Business | Debt Recovery Dispute Resolution & Litigation | Employment Law
0800 088 6004 | enquiries@wilsonbrowne.co.uk | wilsonbrowne.co.uk To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk
Business Times
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April 2022
13
Money Matters
Modern markets demand a more active investment approach Published on behalf of OCM Wealth Management www.ocmwealthmanagement.co.uk
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he last few years have proved challenging to say the least for financial markets, with investors grappling with the effects of Brexit, Donald Trump, a pandemic and now the emergence of war in Europe. Against this backdrop, long-term investors have attempted to navigate considerable uncertainty with their long-term plans remaining intact. However, for the majority, the age-old approach of ‘time in the market’ has proved to be a costly strategy. Keen investors and observers of financial markets will know that maintaining diversification between asset classes and geographies is key in any long-term strategy. However, what happens when asset classes stop performing the way they used to? More specifically, what happens when traditionally low risk assets start to behave differently? Movements over recent years have challenged long-held assumptions about the relationship between asset classes and risk, leading many investors questioning whether traditional asset management strategies still hold up in modern markets.
Although the traditional long-hold approach to investing - whereby an investor maintains a static portfolio allocation over the long term - has proved to be an effective strategy in the past, it is our view that shifts in financial markets over the last decade have reduced the efficiency of this approach. Particularly, the increase in correlation between equity and non-equity assets in recent years, the increased interconnectivity of global markets on the back of globalisation and the surge in volatility of assets which have traditionally been perceived as low risk (such as government bonds). As a result, it is our view that a static asset allocation approach is no longer effective as a long-term investment strategy. While the majority of asset managers still follow the traditional long-hold approach, at OCM we recognise the need to be dynamic when it comes to structuring a portfolio. Our investment strategy focuses on an active, risk-managed approach, which aims to deliver a pre-defined ‘Outcome’ at an agreed level of risk. Our proactive approach focuses on what clients are looking to achieve rather than trying to ‘beat’ the market or ‘ride the rollercoaster’, as we say. It is our fundamental view that all
assets, apart from cash and ultra-low-risk government bonds, are subject to varying degrees of market risk during different phases of the economic cycle. As such, OCM’s flagship Outcome Based Investment strategy is based on the principle that by cyclically rotating assets throughout the economic cycle, we can produce higher risk-adjusted returns over the long term. In doing so, we can reduce downward drags on portfolio performance by removing assets expected to erode returns in this phase of the cycle in favour of those with a more positive outlook. We do not try to ‘time’ the market but to hold the right assets at the right time, based on cycle positioning. The effectiveness of the OBI strategy versus a traditional long hold approach is clear to see over the long term, with the strategy providing of particular value to investors during significant market events, such as in 2008, 2011, 2020 and during the recent invasion of Ukraine. As long-term investors, we cannot remove all negative shocks from the market. However, by taking a dynamic approach we are able to add value for investors over the long-term and adapt to the ever-changing market environment. Modern markets demand a more active approach and we have exactly that.
Planning proves key in sale of timber firm
O PROTECT YOUR FAMILY’S WEALTH WITH EFFECTIVE INHERITANCE TAX PLANNING Proper planning can significantly impact the amount of inheritance tax payable on your estate. Our specialists can advise on effective tax planning including Trusts, lifetime gifts, charitable donations, efficient use of spousal exemption, transferable nil rate bands and much more. www.moore.co.uk
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April 2022
ne of the UK’s largest independent suppliers of timber and fencing products has been sold. The acquisition of Oxford Fencing Supplies by timber and building merchant Lawsons has been completed by Northampton-based corporate finance specialist Watersheds. Oxford Fencing Supplies owner Paul Whittington began working with Watersheds in 2017 when the corporate finance experts advised him to continue to build his business while Watersheds sought opportunities for him to achieve a sale. Four years later, the business was at a level to attract offers and within four weeks of going to market was the subject of bids from potential buyers ranging from investment companies to national and international traders. Watersheds partner Wendy Lam said: “Like many owners, Paul realised the best succession planning tends to start years before a sale takes place and took our advice to work hard in getting the business into great shape in order to achieve his expectations.”
Tax compliance is an important consideration when considering the use of director’s loans. Pitfalls abound, says Leona Bateman, partner at the Rushden office of chartered accountants Elsby & Co.
Leona Bateman
Stick to the rules or face the repercussions
D
irector’s loan accounts have had some negative press in recent weeks with concerns regarding the potential misuse of bounce back loans. DLAs should be relatively straightforward but they can quickly become more complex so it’s important they’re dealt with correctly. In its simplest form, the DLA records all transactions between the company and the director. The amount owed will be to or from the director and if there are multiple directors in the business, each should have a separate director’s loan account. Each DLA records the net position between the company and the director, should always be up to date and backed up by minutes of company meetings - a compulsory requirement if the loan is over £10,000. Many directors use their loan account as a short-term, lowcost finance source, often to cover such things as school fees or home repairs. There are no restrictions on how this money is spent, however they should only be used as a last resort. On the flip side, directors can lend money to their company. This might be to address cashflow or to help to finance expansion of the business where more traditional methods of finance have provided difficult to source. The legal requirements and potential penalties from a director’s perspective and the company are very different. Funds owed to the company by a director are classed as an asset and consequently if the company were to be liquidated or put into administration, those winding up the company would pursue directors for outstanding loans and require the monies to be repaid back to the company. Any DLA with a deficit
should be cleared within nine months and one day of the company’s year end, typically through salary, dividends, or even through an expense claim, although this way is a little more complex and could leave the company open to a tax enquiry. While there may be a temptation to repay a DLA deficit one day before the company’s year end and withdraw funds again one day into the new financial year, this is not allowed. Rules have been introduced to prevent loans from being reborrowed within 30 days of the initial repayment. If a DLA deficit is not addressed within nine months and one day after the company year end, there are potential tax repercussions for directors personally and for the company. HM Revenue & Customs can apply a tax charge known as a s455 of 33.75 per cent of the outstanding balance. The debt on a DLA might also be treated as a benefit in kind depending on various criteria, with the possibility of the director having to declare this on their self-assessment tax return. Wi t h t h e i m p e n d i n g introduction of the extra 1.25pc National Insurance Increase for Social Care, now is a good time to consider clearing your DLA as it becomes more expensive after April 5 this year. While the idea behind director’s loan accounts is straightforward, it’s an area many directors have little knowledge of. HMRC are keen to stop the potential tax abuse of DLAs, however there are many scenarios that are exempt from the s455 tax charge. Educating directors is a good thing but there’s no substitute for good advice.
n Elsby & Co can provide tax planning in respect of timing for a clearing of a DLA to minimise the overall tax liability and marginal rate of tax. If you need help with remuneration planning or advice before utilising a Director’s Loan Account, Elsby & Co can help.
For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk
TOP TIPS FOR ENTERING THE
?
“Does my business really get kudos for entering awards?” Award winners and those who are shortlisted win an enormous amount of trust and kudos through being independently assessed. This is not only impressive for potential customers but for existing customers too.
“Is there a ‘feel good’ factor too?” There is no doubt that existing and future customers feel good about buying from a ‘winner.’ Your staff will also feel motivated by being linked to the winners, especially when you’ve taken them along to the awards night!
“Does our entry need to cover the whole history of the business?” Concentrate on what you have achieved in the last 12 months or done differently. Perhaps you have changed direction or spotted a gap in the market. Judges love that kind of information. DON’T DELAY, ENTRIES ARE CLOSING SOON! FIND OUT MORE AT:
www.smenorthants.co.uk #SMENorthants
Platinum Partners
Gold Partners / Media Partners / Charity Partner
To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk
Business Times
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April 2022
15
Spotlight on Daventry
Counting down to canal gala
Housing plan wins go-ahead from planners
Sponsored
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ith Covid restrictions beginning to lift, and the canals reopening, we are determined to hold our annual event over the last weekend in June, when we have traditionally held it since 2003, bar the loss of the last two years. This year it will be on June 25-26. The waterways need to have something to celebrate, something to look forward to and initial soundings of the owners of historic narrowboats who are the making of the rally, the largest gathering of these surviving leviathans of the canal’s carrying past - is that they cannot wait to come. Songwriter and producer Pete Waterman pictured is still on board. He will formally open the rally, hopefully on the restored narrowboat steamer President and its butty Kildare. President is undergoing works, including a new boiler, at Alvecote Docks. The Friends of President are planning to make a non-stop 36-hour run from the Black
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Country Museum in Dudley, West Midlands, to the rally. On the Nutfield & Raymond, will be our ‘canal treasures’ Tim and Pru, who is now in her 90th year. When I rang Timothy West to invite them to join us again - they have opened several of the 17 previous rallies - his reply was spontaneous: “What a lovely idea... but don’t forget I
don’t dress up unless I’m being paid.” Our music impresario for some years, Janul, is already networking the amazing musicians she produces each year for the beer tent. Alarum Theatre are also rehearsing their latest production I Dig Canals, about female volunteers involved in the canal restoration
projects in the 1950s and 1960s. We are also seeing a positive response from trade exhibitors and the canal societies, whom we seek to support through free space and the publicity the event gives them. We are fortunate to hold the event in our marina, with use of the canal outside for the parades of historic narrowboats, thanks to the Canal & River Trust. The rally is very much an outdoor event, with the attendance of around 5,000 along the mile or so of towpath.
utline planning permission for a 50-hectare housingled development near Daventry has been secured. The land will be developed for a sustainable urban extension of up to 1,100 dwellings, a two form entry primary school, and a local centre. The development will provide a substantial contribution towards West Northamponshire’s housing supply. Stepnell Developments have subsequently agreed the disposal of the site with Spitfire Homes. Led by James Cook of Blacks Solicitors and working
alongside Hawksmoor, Knight Frank and Nexus Planning, the firm’s specialist planning team supported construction firm Stepnell Developments Ltd to secure planning permission and the completion of the associated Section 106 Agreement. Mr Cook said: “We were delighted to work closely with Hawksmoor, Knight Frank and Nexus Planning to secure the grant of planning permission for an important sustainable extension to Daventry. This allocated site will provide a significant contribution towards the district’s housing supply during the plan period.”
TIM COGHLAN Braunston Marina braunstonmarina.co.uk
DAVENTRY | NORTHAMPTONSHIRE | NN11 4SA
BRAND NEW UNITS FOR SALE / TO LET FROM SUMMER 2022 FIRST FEW UNITS ALREADY UNDER OFFER TO TRADE COUNTER OCCUPIERS TOM DRAKE / JOE SMITH
tdrake@drakeandpartners.co.uk jsmith@drakeandpartners.co.uk A development by:
Supported by:
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April 2022
For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk
Spotlight on Daventry Historic site is home to forward thinkers
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business park in Weedon Bec with more than 200 years of history is now becoming home to dozens of forward-looking local businesses, not just because of its strategic location close to the A5, A45 and M1 but also because of the inspirational working environment and the affordable, flexible terms available. The Depot has served as a strategic location of national as well as regional significance since the early 19th century. Now it has been converted into a collection of period offices, workshops and stores rather than the military stores and barracks it first housed. And there are few places more inspiring to run a business. How many work environments are Grade II listed, and boast idyllic views on to their very own canal, rich in wildlife including resident ducks and swans? Building 17 is the most recent to be refurbished, with some 18,000 sq ft over three floors being converted into quirky workspace including 6,000 sq ft of co-working space for small enterprises.
“A fantastic community of tenants have joined us” Michael Chittenden is the man behind the rebirth of one of the county’s most historic sites. His vision has been to create a thriving business community in the heart of England. “Over the last few years we have steadily been refurbishing more of our heritage buildings at The Depot and by offering excellent value space on flexible terms in a creative and inspiring setting, a fantastic community of tenants from across all business sectors have joined us,” he says. “Many are now taking advantage of the synergies of operating among such an eclectic mix of businesses by collaborating and trading with each other. “We recognise that the space needs of businesses change, and we help accommodate that by moving tenants to different units as their requirements evolve.” n To find out more, call 01327 341 303 or email space@thedepot.uk
Daventry calling for new park occupiers
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ts name embraces Daventry’s history with radio transmission. The phrase “Daventry Calling” was of course well known across the world with the BBC World Service. Now Signal Park, 15 units totalling more than 57,000 sq ft, is only months away from completion and is already proving popular with local and national occupiers. Four units at the scheme on London Road are under offer and discussions are ongoing on several other units. The steels are up and the cladding is nearly complete on all three terraces, with the scheme now just three months away from completion. Potential occupiers are getting a feel for the modern, energyefficient design of the development, with draft EPC Ratings of A for each property. Its prominence and visibility from the main London Road leading into Daventry is also now very evident and proving popular with several national trade counter operators.
been designed with flexibility in mind, meaning occupiers can take individual, or multiple units in combination to meet their specific needs. Properties are available to let or for sale. The new scheme has been supported and partly funded by the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership and the government’s Local growth Fund. SEMLEP supports economic growth across the South East Midlands, helping to build prosperous communities and promote job creation. Northampton-based Warwick Burt, with a track record of high-quality developments in the area, have been appointed as the main contractors.
Signal Park Signal Park is being developed by Claymore Investment Managers at a time when Daventry and the Northamptonshire and Warwickshire region is crying out for new development of small and medium industrial and warehouse stock. Claymore is based locally at Caswell Science & Technology
Park and takes particular interest in supporting opportunities in and around Northamptonshire and the South East Midlands region. A total of 57,103 sq ft is being built across 15 units at Signal Park, with space available of between 2,280 sq ft and 29,463 sq ft. The new scheme has
n Drake & Partners, who have a strong history and background in Daventry and the wider region are instructed to market Signal Park. To register your requirements, contact Tom Drake or Joe Smith at Drake & Partners on 01604 620616.
Circus performer relishes her new life on the water
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arrowboats have become increasingly popular as a cheap alternative housing but until now not as an alternative to the traditional showman’s caravan that goes with the circus fraternity. That was until Finley Guy had the idea of acquiring one after her aunt and uncle had moved on to a narrowboat on the Ashby Canal. She realised that canals for the most part were within easy cycling range of wherever her summer employer, Giffords Circus, was performing. Before the pandemic, 23-year-old Finley had worked for Giffords in the Cotswolds and the London area as a ‘Jill of all trades’ - front of house, singer, dancer, clown and more
- and lived in a shared caravan. Now she is the proud owner of CHIP, an elderly but wellmaintained 40ft narrowboat that was built in 1980 but had a major makeover to its hull five years ago. Finley paid £23,500 for the boat, which she purchased at Braunston Marina near Daventry. “Finley is now working her way northwards assisted by a friend who is teaching her the ropes so in due course she can work CHIP single-handed,” says the marina’s managing director Tim Coghlan. Looking ahead, Finley is hoping to be back in the Big Top when summers return to normal and will be taking her home with her. Her first port of call will be the marina where her aunt and uncle moor. Then it
is on to Stockport where Finley will be appearing in the Easter pantomime Mother Goose at the town’s Plaza Theatre. In the autumn she will be in Stoke-on-Trent for her fourth season of pantomime at the Regent Theatre. CHIP will be
moored in a secure city centre mooring for the duration. Finley has been walking the boards since she was 16, when she completed her education in music and theatre at Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts in Swindon.
“She also sings with various bands and we are looking at her coming with one of them to perform at the Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally in June, when a mooring in the marina could be provided for CHIP,” says Mr Coghlan.
O F F I C E S & YARDS - T O L E T CLOSE TO JNC 16 M1. WITHIN EASY REACH OF DAVENTRY, NORTHAMPTON, TOWCESTER
01327 341 303
the property A truly unique heritage location featuring a host of creative businesses across 260,000 Sq Ft of space
features Heritage location Excellent facilities Industrial design Open plan spaces Flexible terms
Ample free parking Natural daylight Business hub Unique buildings New: Accommodation available soon
THE DEPOT Harmans Way Weedon Bec Northampton NN7 4PS www.the-depot.uk
n Braunston Marina narrowboat sales manager Victoria Garfield presents circus performer Finley Guy with a bottle of Prosecco following her purchase of narrowboat CHIP - the marina’s first completed sale of 2022. Seven more boats have gone under offer this year, says marina managing director Tim Coghlan
To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk
CONTACT TO VIEW 01327 341 303 space@the-depot.uk
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April 2022
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Networking The business networking events this month across Northamptonshire
A group for networkers looking for referrals, introductions, opportunities and sales. A tried and tested model offering dynamic weekly online meetings and an experienced management team: Northants and surrounding areas Every Tuesday at noon. National networking Every Wednesday at noon. Contact Gary Thorpe for all events. Email:gary.thorpe@debt-doctors.co.uk Tel: 07963 766052 or 01536 333425
The belief is that, with the right support at the right price, any small business can succeed. Members believe there is so much to gain with a positive attitude of mutual face to face. Wellingborough April 7 7.30am-9.30am: Great Doddington Club, Lower Street, Great Doddington. Price: £16. Northampton April 20: The Turnpike, Harpole. Price: £16. Virtual meetings Price: £6 Brunch April 12 9.30am-11am: Online
If you are serious about growing your business, BNI works. Last year BNI members in the UK generated more than £482 million worth of business for each other. To find out how, visit a local chapter meeting and see for yourself. Each chapter has a personality of its own and finding where you fit best helps you get connected. Elite BNI (Kettering) Tuesday 6.45am-8.30am: Online
Breakfast April 8 7.30am-9am: Online April 21 7.30am-9am: Online April 27 7.30am-9am: Online Afternoon Friday 3pm-4pm: Online
Pavilion BNI (Northampton) Thursday 6.45am-8.30am: The Old Northamptonians RFC, Sir Humphrey Cripps Pavilion, Billing Road, Northampton Prosperity BNI (Kettering) Thursday 6.45am-8.30am: The Kettering Golf Club, Headlands, Kettering, Sterling BNI (Northampton) Thursday 11.45am-1.30pm: The Old Northamptonians RFC, Sir Humphrey Cripps Pavilion, Billing Road, Northampton Lighthouse BNI (Northampton) Friday 6.45am-8.30am Franklin’s Gardens, Weedon Road, Northampton Contact: Duncan Webster. e: duncan@ bnibreakfast.co.uk or call 07977 422220
No fuss, no membership, pay as you go... The Business Buzz format is relaxed, informal, conversational B2B networking. Our town focused events meet face-to-face, allowing visitors to build better and more robust relationships. These are complemented by regional virtual events. All Business Buzz events run 10am-noon Brackley Buzz April 7: Plough Pub & Kitchen, High Street. Price: £6. Northampton Buzz April 20: Fox & Hounds, Harborough Road. Price: £6. East Midlands Virtual Buzz April 22: Online. Hosted by James Brodie, of Buddha Connect. Price: £10. For more detials, download the Buzz App or visit twww.business-buzz.org/about/locations/. Book & pay for your favourite Buzz at https:// app.business-buzz.org/app or at the event.
Networking April 26 5.30pm-7pm: Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce. A platform to meet, connect, develop relationships and share best practice with peers and fellow members. Speakers: Kevin Rogers, chairman of Wilson Browne Solicitors and immediate past president of Northampsonshire Chamber of Commerce; Reemesh Patel, of SK Group. Free event. To book, email info@ nextgenerationchamber.co.uk
Money back guarantee if you do not find a meeting of value. Visitors welcome.
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he president of the Next Generation Chamber, an organisation which supports more than 100 young entrepreneurs from across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes, has stepped down after completing her tenure. Hannah Brady became the second president of the Next Generation Chamber when she was appointed in November 2020. Since then, she has been a champion of the organisation, hosting countless events including the social sandwich online networking events during the pandemic. “Being involved with Next Gen over the last three years has been brilliant,” she said. “I have broadened my network, learned from members and CPD speakers and built friendships. As somebody who likes to get stuck in, it has been great to help drive things behind the scenes.
Details of all events and to book at buscomm. co.uk/ourevents
Ignite BNI (Daventry) Tuesday 6.45am-8.30am: The Turnpike, Harpole Northampton Pioneer BNI (Northamptonshire) Wednesday 9.30am-11am: Online
Networking Lunch April 21 11.45am-2.30pm: Northampton Marriott. Price: £25 + VAT. Contact: Visit www.northants-chamber.co.uk
Search begins for new Next Generation president
The FSB has 2,000 members across Northamptonshire. These include a monthly FSB Northampton virtual networking at which everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an FSB member to join in. Northampton April 28 10am-11am: Online Hosted by Sally Wood, director of Sally Wood Consultancy Limited and FSB area leader for Northants, Leics & Rutland. To book and for details of other networking, support and webinar events online, visit www. fsb.org.uk.
Free to attend for start-up and established businesses. and run from 9.30am to 10.30am. To confirm if the meetings are online or face to face visit the website at www. northnorthantsbusinessnetwork.co.uk. Kettering April 13 9.30am-10.30am: Holiday Inn Express, Kettering. Price: £6. Corby Details to be confirmed. Check website for updates East Northants Details to be confirmed. Check website for updates Wellingborough April 11 9am-10am: Online. Free event. For details of all events, visit www. northnorthantsbusinessnetwork.co.uk.
April 6 9.30am-11am: Northampton County Lawn Tennis Club, Church Way. Price: £6. Book via www.northamptonbusinessnetwork. co.uk
Practical support to help businesses grow their business. The Business Room is a one business area group for business owners, those in employed positions, MLMs and franchised businesses. BUSINESS ROOM Attendees maximise their time out of the office and in the room by ensuring all the attendee information is shared in advance. This gives attendees time to plan their networking session so they can get more out of each meeting, therefore making it as profitable as possible. Each meeting involves structured networking, a session where a member will share their knowledge, business story or insight and a Business Exchange, where members respond to the requests for help and contacts. These are lock out groups so only one business area is represented. Kettering April 12 12 noon-2pm: Kettering Park Hotel Wellingborough April 20 12 noon-2pm: The Stanwick Hotel, West Street, Stanwick Northampton April 14 12 noon-2pm: Old White Hart, Cotton End, Far Cotton, Northampton South Northants April 19 12 noon-2pm: The White Horse, Stocks Hill, Silverstone THE CONNECTIONS CLUB - NORTHANTS Only open to business owners, influencers and decision-makers, this is a structured and professional group, which gives people the opportunity to connect with other business owners who are serious about growth. It allows you to take away a valuable skill, learning or insight from every meeting and meet valuable contacts. It is not lock-out but each session is limited to a maximum of three business areas. Northampton May 3 11.45am-2pm: Delapre Abbey, London Road, Northampton. Contact: Barbara Hodgson 07504 946 585 / 01933 652884, email barbara@ yourbusinessmatters.co or visit www.yourbusinessmatters.co
Hannah Brady “I love working in a team so being on a committee with such great people has been an absolute pleasure. I will always be a cheerleader of Next Gen and what it stands for and I am looking forward to attending some of the upcoming events as a member.” Next Generation Chamber was created in 2017 by Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes Chambers of Commerce to help businesses to support and nurture staff who are dedicated to advancing their careers. The Chambers’ deputy chief executive Julie Maclennan said: “Hannah has been a hugely influential leader of our Next Generation Chamber and we thank her for her commitment and dedication over the past three years. She has welcomed many new members to the fold, supporting and inspiring them all to strive and thrive. “Next Generation Chamber continues to grow and will now refocus its activities to do what it does best - champion, inspire and encourage young business professionals from across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes.” Next Generation Chamber’s next event is on April 26, 5.30pm-7pm, at the offices of Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce. The speakers are Chamber board members Reemesh Patel, managing consultant at energy broker SK Group, and Kevin Rogers, chairman of Wilson Browne Solicitors and the Chamber’s immediate past president. n To find out more about the benefits of joining Next Generation Chamber, visit www. nextgenerationchamber.co.uk.
>> To have your networking group’s details included in the May edition of Business Times email: news@business-times.co.uk 18
Business Times
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April 2022
For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk
Your Business Times
Counting down to marketing awards gala WILSON BROWNE SOLICITORS
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Promotion
Keeping your cool when the business heat is on GRIFFITHS AIR CONDITIONING Promotion
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ith warmer weather fast approaching, an established Burton Latimer business is ensuring Northamptonshire organisations are ready to keep employees and computer server rooms cool and working efficiently as temperatures rise. For more than 22 years Griffiths Air Conditioning have been providing regular service visits to clients throughout the county, ensuring air conditioning systems are clean and working as well as possible. “If air conditioning systems are not serviced, filters and coils become blocked, restricting air flow, which in turn uses more electricity than they need to,” says Griffiths Air Conditioning owner Ian Griffiths. “Mould will also begin to grow on the damp surfaces of the indoor unit which, if not treated, will start to produce unpleasant odours. It is also a legal requirement to check for refrigerant leaks
which, if not identified early and repaired, could result in a compressor failure as well as the leaking refrigerant gas, in most cases adding damage to the world’s ozone layer.” Griffiths clients range from international companies with premises in Northamptonshire to small businesses with a single air conditioning system. Most air conditioning manufacturers recommend that maintenance is carried out at least every six months but Griffiths organises each service contract to suit a client’s particular requirements. Service intervals for equipment in dusty atmospheres will, for example, need to be more regular. Griffiths also installs all types of air conditioning systems that provide cooling in the summer and heating when it is colder, for both commercial and domestic properties. Corporate customers can spread the cost of new energy-efficient systems over a period of up to five years through schemes run by several of the major suppliers of air conditioning equipment.
n For a competitive quotation on a new or replacement air conditioning system, or a quotation for a service contract, contact Griffiths Air Conditioning, telephone 01536 420666, email office@ griffithsaircon.co.uk or visit www.griffithsaircon.co.uk. You can also visit the Energy Efficiency Centre showroom at 111 High Street in Burton Latimer, open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.
a v i n g established an impressive track record of awards in marketing and communications with The Law Society, the team at Wilson Browne Solicitors has been shortlisted for another national award at the Modern Law Awards. The awards, in their eighth year, showcase and benchmark the best practice in the ever-changing diverse, challenging and exciting landscape of law. Not a bad result for a law firm competing against 11,000 registered legal practices in England & Wales. Shortlisted for the Marketing & Communication Strategy of the Year category, the submission included the Wilson Browne TV advert starring the well-loved Wilson
Bear and the integrated communications strategy on social media. As a client or potential client of the firm, why should you care? What does it matter if a marketing team at a law firm got an award? After all, they are not lawyers, so where’s the connection? The connection is the same attention to detail, the same expertise, the same high standards, the same drive to deliver the best possible service that runs through everything we do at the firm. “Fame at last,” says Wilson Bear. “It’s great to be with a firm that likes to do things differently. If I ever get tired of showing the professional but friendly and down-toearth side of law, I’ll be available for weddings, birthday parties and special occasions.” The award ceremony takes place on April 7 at The Brewery in London.
PUT YOUR BUSINESS IN THE HEADLINES email your business news to Your Business Times at news@business-times.co.uk
Head teacher delighted at ‘excellent’ rating WINCHESTER HOUSE SCHOOL Promotion
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inchester House, the day and boarding prep school in Brackley, is celebrating after being awarded an ‘Excellent’ rating by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. This is the highest award available as an outcome of the inspection following the inspectors’ visit in January. The report focuses on the achievement of the pupils, including both academic development and personal development. Head teacher Antonia Lee pictured below said: “I am incredibly proud of this wonderful assessment of life and learning at Winchester House. “The result is not only a testament to the hard work, dedication and passion of our magnificent team but also to the pupils throughout the school who continue to push themselves to thrive in all areas of school life. “I would also like to thank Winchester House families for their ongoing support and efforts in helping make our school community what it is.”
Inspectors visited the school over a week, joining lessons and meeting with staff and pupils. “I was particularly thrilled to see such positive observations on Winchester House children throughout the report” said Ms Lee. “We have high academic aspirations at the school of course, but to receive such positive feedback on wellrounded Winchester House pupils was very satisfying and a celebration of the rich curriculum and broad aspirations for learning we have here.” Dr Anthony Wallersteiner, head of The Stowe Group of which Winchester House is part, added: “Winchester House is the first school in The Stowe Group to have a full ISI inspection since last year’s merger. I am delighted that Winchester House has been awarded the ultimate accolade of being excellent in all respects. “This is a resounding endorsement of a Winchester House education and testimony to the professionalism, pride and hard work of pupils, teachers, and support staff.”
n Read the full report at www.winchester-house.org To arrange a visit to Winchester House to discuss admissions, email admissions@winchester-house.org or call 01280 702483.
Investment in the future puts Fastline in the injector technology fast lane Most makes of injector can be tested for both car and commercial vehicle engines. This will result in a shorter turnround time for the customer as well as providing a detailed analysis report from the test. The new machine complements the recent purchase of a Hartridge Sabre Expert, a Delphi Diesel authorised test stand that also uses the latest technology to quickly measure injector performance.
FASTLINE DIESEL
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Promotion
astline Northampton Diesel has been successfully testing and repairing diesel fuel pumps and injectors for more than 40 years. Located within the engine, an injector in each cylinder sprays fuel into the engine in a precise way to ensure that all the fuel is burned as efficiently as possible. The latest exhaust emission standards and future directives increase the significance of testing common rail injectors in modern diesel engines. Therefore the more precise the
measurement is, the more accurately the injector can be adapted to perform at its maximum efficiency.
To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk
To modernise workflow and reduce set-up and test times, the company has invested in the latest technology,
a Bosch DCI 700 injector test stand that uses a new high-speed precise measurement system.
n For further information on testing and repair of injectors and fuel pumps, or for a quote, contact Fastline Northampton Diesel on 01536 485584 or visit www.fastlinegroup.co.uk
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Property Portfolio
Campus answers the challenge of later living sector boom Architects create a vision of the future
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rchitecture practice GSSArchitecture is extending its later living portfolio throughout the UK with the development of the Campus for Ageing and Vitality at Newcastle University. The UK’s Later Living market is currently in a period of growth and substantial change. There is, therefore, urgent demand for sustainable and diverse solutions while addressing the significant challenges that the worldwide pandemic has brought about. With projections estimating that by 2032 there will be two million more people aged over 80 living in the UK, with a 40 per cent increase in the number of households headed by someone aged over 65, combined with above average levels of housing equity, there is more demand for housing with care provision and the potential to offer more choice for those who are ageing.
As a result GSSArchitecture, which is based in Northamptonshire, has designed a new ageing and living development in the centre of Newcastle which has been granted outline planning permission following an application submitted last year. The multi-million-pound CAV development will be situated on a 29acre brownfield former hospital site and will encompass a range of uses that will bring together world-leading academics, industry, public sector and local communities to develop solutions to complex challenges of an ageing population. GSSArchitecture has been working closely with Newcastle University and its partners to develop the plans that will establish this site as the world’s premier centre for healthy ageing and living. The development builds on GSS’ expertise in modern and innovative later living accommodation with
Artist impression of the new Campus in Newcastle city centre are focused on improving wellbeing and utilising and increasing outdoor spaces for the ageing population,” said Mr Hunter. “Alternative and progressive housing and care models for older generations will not only help alleviate the pressure on local authority care budgets but will also free up homes for sale or rent in the housing market previously occupied by older occupants.”
partner Jonathan Hunter undertaking studies in Demark and Holland to further improve his knowledge and
n For more information on GSSArchitecture and its extensive experience throughout the UK or to discuss upcoming projects you may be considering, visit www.gssarchitecture.
skills in the healthcare sector. “GSS are industry leaders in research behind later living accommodation and
For more information please visit berrys.uk.com or call:
s hr 24
Kettering NN15 6WJ
Wellingborough NN8 4PZ Rental: £38,760 per annum Freehold: £800,000 exclusive
Private car park with 9 spaces
• Residential investment of seven flats. • Fully let, producing £38,760 income per annum.
Sywell NN6 0BJ £1,000 per month exclusive
Approx. 2,000ft 2 (185.8m²)
Approx. 800ft 2 (73.34m²)
• Close to J9 of the A14.
• Allocated parking.
• Modern open plan space with meeting room.
• Set in a rural location between A43 & A509.
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Earlstree Court Corby NN17 4AX
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NN9 5AL
Cottage Farm
£26,500 per annum exclusive
Hardwick Village
£18,000 per annum exclusive
Approx. 1,288ft² (119.69m²) • Modern barn conversion office to let.
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Kettering: Kevin O’Dell 01536 517777 | Towcester: Duncan Batty 01327 356140
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April 2022
£24,500 per annum exclusive
Approx. 2,625ft² (244m²) • Allocated parking.
• Three separate office areas.
• Popular location.
• Ample parking.
• Open planned office space over two floors.
For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk
Property Portfolio GOODRICH CONSULTING LLP Photo: Hawkers Yard, Ruislip Wrenbridge Land
Tungsten Trade Park: The site is bordered in yellow on the aerial photo above EXPERTS
Trade park units fly off the shelf in pre-let deals
To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk
RELIABLE
goodrichllp.com | 01604 859859 | admin@goodrichllp.com
24 Bridge Street, Northampton NN1 1NT
Chartered Surveyors and commercial property consultants
• 936 Sq.Ft. • First and Second Floor Office Suite • Prominent Position
£8,500 PA
16 SHEAF STREET, DAVENTRY
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13 MARKET SQUARE, NORTHAMPTON
£165,000
51-53 ABINGTON STREET, NORTHAMPTON
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SUITE B, FRANCIS CRICK HOUSE
• 2,879 Sq.Ft • Hi-Spec • All air/con
• 754 Sq.Ft. • Double Front Ground Floor • Parking at the Rear for Two Vehicles
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low energy lighting and EV charging points. International distribution and services group Bunzi has already agreed a pre-let on a separate 150,000 sq ft warehouse on site, its second facility at SEGRO Park D e v e l o p e r S E G R O ’s managing director, national logistics Andrew Pilsworth said: “We look to delivering these three buildings at pace in the coming months, bringing further employment opportunities into the region.” SEGRO is working with lead contractor Winvic to highlight training and employment opportunities to local schools and businesses, in particular encouraging women into careers in construction. Planning consent was secured at SEGRO Park Kettering to deliver a total of 1.2 million sq ft of industrial and warehouse space. The site, located at Junction 10 of the A14, is next to Latimer Business Park. The new buildings are being developed in addition to a separate 622,000 sq ft freehold facility for beverage packaging manufacturer Ball Corporation.
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development and is due to be available to occupy from September. It will combine warehousing, offices and a secure yard, as well as sustainability features including rainwater harvesting, solar thermal heating, intelligent
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onstruction is under way on the final phase of development at SEGRO Park Kettering. A 102,500 sq ft speculatively built facility will become the last available unit on the
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Developer hails site’s jobs opportunities
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represented by property consultants Carter Jonas and White Commercial in negotiations with the three new tenants. Carter Jonas associate partner Ed Lifely said: “The level of interest has been strong from businesses needing purpose-built trade units in this area and these early pre-lets are great news for both the local area and project.” Contractor Warwick Burt, based in Northampton, is due to complete the project this month. The new units will target BREEAM Very Good with turn-key fit-out options so that businesses can move straight in, said Ms Hayes.
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Brackley’s location between the M1 and M40 and being near to Silverstone Circuit has led to considerable commercial and residential development for the town in recent years. “There is a high demand from businesses needing trade and warehouse space which makes it an excellent location for our investment which in turn helps to create local jobs,” said Ashleigh Hayes, associate development director at Tungsten Properties. “This has been proven by the first three of our seven units being pre-let to such wellknown names, with one more currently under offer.” Tungsten Properties was
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eveloper Tungsten Properties has agreed pre-lets with Costa Coffee Drive Thru, Screwfix and Toolstation at its two-acre development site at Northampton Road in Brackley. Construction has been going on since September to build seven high-specification trade and warehouse units ranging in size from 4,000 sq ft to 28,275 sq ft. Another unit is under offer to a national trade occupier. The site is next to the town’s Sainsbury’s superstore which was built in 2020. Tungsten Properties acquired the land from Sainsbury’s last year for £2.1 million.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
£37,500 PA
• 2423 Sq.Ft. • One Floor of Offices • Central • 2 Car Spaces at Rear
£20,000 PA
For enquiries call 01604 604050 or email: info@chowncommercial.co.uk
www.chowncommercial.co.uk 1 Saxon Court, Northampton. NN1 1SX
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In the Community
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he therapy takes her back to the trauma that is affecting her mental health. Her body shakes. Sometimes she vomits. She often cries. But the treatment, she says, “has saved my life”. Nicola Crookes has suffered for most of her adult life with complex posttraumatic stress disorder. The condition develops from exposure to a series of traumatic events but her mental health spiralled out of control after she left the Royal Navy. She knows she will never be cured but has sought help from a community mental health service that provides outpatient clinics, specialist mental health assessments and treatment for war veterans “The Veterans Complex Treatment Service saved my life,” says Nicola, 51. She had served in the Navy for five years but after she left her mental health deteriorated and she was referred to the Community Partnership Service run by Northampton-based St Andrew’s Healthcare in 2020. “It was the most intense assessment I have ever undergone and I had this innate fear that no one was going to help me. I started my therapy during the lockdown every other week and, let me tell you, I would not be here now if it was not for the support and treatment I was given.” Her treatment began during the first lockdown after Nicola had been referred to St Andrew’s Healthcare following an initial assessment by the Veteran’s Mental Health Transition, Intervention and Liaison Service. Nicola, who lives in Lincoln, has undergone sensorimotor psychotherapy which she says can be physically exhausting at times but extremely helpful. “I am taken back to my place of trauma and I am made to physically release the trauma from my body. My whole body shakes and I have vomited before. We have identified where the trauma starts in my body and it works its way up. I violently shake sometimes and it can look like I am having some sort of a strange fit but once the shaking calms down, then come the tears. This has been a huge breakthrough as I have not been able to cry since I was a teenager. “This therapy has saved my life and
Active lifestyle campaign wins £2.6m funding boost
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ealth and wellbeing charity Northamptonshire Sport is among the first group of more than 40 organisations working in partnership with Sport England to receive funding from its new funding model. It will receive £2.6 million over five years towards its work encouraging more people to enjoy the benefits of playing sport and being active. Sport England chose the recipients on the basis of their ability to influence positive change and improvement. Its research shows that some groups are typically less active, such as women, people with long-term health conditions, disabled people, those from ethnically diverse communities and lower socio-economic groups. Northamptonshire Sport will use the money to focus
on building capacity in communities to be active themselves, creating a workforce that matches people’s need and an environment that enables active lifestyles. Top of the list will be creating accessible green spaces, safe cycling routes and clubs and activities at a time to suit those wishing to use them, says Northamptonshire Sport chief executive Chris Holmes. “We are delighted to have received this investment from Sport England and will be working incredibly hard to make a real difference here in Northamptonshire in terms of physical activity and sport,” he adds. “The fiveyear commitment speaks to the size of the challenge that maintaining a healthy active lifestyle is not straightforward and needs long-term changes in the world around us to make it easier.”
Foundation aims to help county’s rising young stars
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anted… Young sportspeople, musicians, actors and dancers who are looking to fulfil their dreams. The Travers Foundation, which provides financial support to people aged 1330 looking to develop their talent, has announced a new raft of funding to help those who might not otherwise be able to pursue their dreams in sport, creative and performing arts. The foundation is run by a team of volunteers and every penny they raise goes directly towards helping young people in Northamptonshire, Rutland and Leicestershire. It is looking to support sport’s rising young local stars by funding their coaching and competition
costs. The foundation is also willing to fund live video performances and studio time for musicians and to help with the coaching and production outlay of actors, dancers and producers. “As we emerge from the pandemic, young people are now playing catch up across sport, creative and performing arts,” said the foundation’s chairman Terry Forsey. “Our work is essential to help them get back on track.” The foundation has spent almost £250,000 funding more than 600 young people since it was founded in 2012.
Recognising that charity is serious business 22
Business Times
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April 2022
‘I feel safe and like my life has a purpose’ A Navy veteran reflects on the therapy she has received from a mental health charity as she battles her PTSD I am so grateful for it - I am literally rewiring my brain and for the first time in a long time I feel safe, well supported and like my life has a purpose. You can never be entirely cured of CPTS but I am learning how to navigate round certain triggers that, before getting the help I needed, could have made me become out of control.” The Community Partnership Service is contracted to St Andrew’s Healthcare by NHS England. It has been assessed for the first time by the Care Quality Commission and has achieved a ‘Good’ rating. The CQC identified areas for improvement around the ‘Safe’ domain but even before the report had been published, improvements were under way to help to meet the CQC’s requirements.
The Community Partnership Service also works with criminal offenders after they have been sentenced, helping them to address mental health issues and behaviour in a bid to prevent them from reoffending. The CQC highlighted that working in partnership as “outstanding practice”. “I am hugely proud of our team and the work we carry out,” says CPS clinical director Catherine Vichare. “We have helped thousands of people to better manage their mental health and I am thrilled that our hard work and commitment has been officially recognised.” The CQC inspection took place in December, during which the regulator spoke to staff and service users as well as reviewing care records, policies >>
Legend Bruno reflects on mental health struggle
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n Find out more at www. travers-foundation.org.uk.
Nicola Crookes: Improving thanks to the work of St Andrew’s Healthcare
oxing legend Frank Bruno has praised the support of staff and students at Northampton College who have helped renovate a community centre offering wraparound mental health programmes. The former world heavyweight champion visited the Booth Lane campus to personally thank all those involved in the redevelopment of the Round by Round Centre. College students helped his charity the Frank Bruno Foundation to give its Northampton centre a facelift with hopes it could also lead to more young people seeking help for mental health issues. Level 3 carpentry students and Level 2 decorating students helped to hang new doors and painted murals to decorate
the walls at the centre as part of their assessment. Catering students baked a cake for the Foundation’s gala dinner. “I have been in some bad places myself mentally,” said Mr Bruno, who spent time talking to staff and students, signing photos and posing for selfies. “ I have been locked up and I promised myself that when I got out I would do something to help others avoid what I went through. This is the start of that. “The foundation is all about giving young people a chance in life. It gives them a sense of focus and something to believe in. It is good to have the support of the community and I am so grateful for the hard work from all the college students and staff who have helped us along the
way. Hopefully this can be the start of a long-term relationship which will flourish for years to come.” The project is aimed at encouraging young people - particularly young men to open up about mental health and seek support if they need it. “Boxing, and sport in general, can help to break down barriers around mental health and this project will help to make it easier for young people who perhaps would not normally visit mental health support centres to access help when they need it,” said Northampton College principal Pat Brennan-Barrett. She pledged the college’s ongoing support for the Frank Bruno Foundation. “It has been a fantastic experience for our students.”
0800 088 6004 enquiries@wilsonbrowne.co.uk wilsonbrowne.co.uk For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk
In the Community
>> and procedures. The report highlighted the service’s staff, saying they were “discreet, respectful, and responsive when caring for service users”. “For me, it does not get much better than that,” said Ms Vichare. St Andrew’s Healthcare is a charity providing specialist mental health care. It works with NHS, voluntary, educational and research organisations to deliver in-patient and community mental healthcare services, education and research to improve the lives of people with complex mental health needs. “I am thrilled at the rating and very proud of what Catherine and her team have achieved,” said chief executive Jess Lievesley. “As a charity, we are focusing on the quality of care we deliver and the Community Partnerships team is a shining example of exactly how a service should be run to support people with both common and complex mental health problems.” St Andrew’s works to provide people with the right care as close to their home as possible, educating and training healthcare staff and students, providing early intervention assessment and support to reduce reoffending and the need for hospital care. It also provides outpatient services. “We know all too well the impact the pandemic has had on many people and to have such a valuable service within our community that has now been officially recognised by the CQC should be reassuring to those who may feel they might need some extra help,” Mr Lievesley said.
Jess Lievesley
Angel aims to put an end to knife crime Statue’s visit will highlight calls to end ‘devastation’
Town’s medieval history in print
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t is made of more than 100,000 knives and blades confiscated by the UK’s 43 police forces. Now the Knife Angel is coming to Northampton as part of a nationwide tour to highlight the issue of knife crime. The statue, designed by Alfie Bradley at the British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry, will be on display at the All Saints’ Church plaza in the town centre from April 29 to May 13. The campaign is aiming to persuade 10,000 people across the country to sign up to become Anti-Violence Ambassadors. A service and vigil will take place at All Saints’ Church on April 30, 7.30pm, after which candles will be lit around the 27-feet tall sculpture as a symbol of light against darkness. The Knife Angel has been brought to the town by West Northamptonshire Council, the Christian charity C2C Social Action, which offers practical and pastoral support to offenders looking to turn away from crime, and the Office of Northamptonshire Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner. “I cannot believe that, after nearly three years of planning, the Knife Angel will be visiting Northampton,” said C2C Social Action’s chief executive Angie Kennedy. “I hope that its presence will bring unity across the county, highlight all the amazing work that is already being done by so many voluntary sector organisations, including churches, to make this county a safer place to live.” Events supporting the Knife Angel throughout its stay include school workshops aimed at giving pupils across West Northamptonshire an
understanding of the statue’s message. A march against knife crime is planned through Northampton town centre on May 7, followed by a series of performances organised by local charity Off the Streets. The Northamptonshire Emergency Cadets and the WNC Community Safety Team will be in the town centre giving emergency first aid training and safety demonstrations on April 30, May 1, 7 and 8. “Having the knife angel in Northampton gives us the opportunity to highlight the blight that is knife crime,” said Cllr David Smith, cabinet member for community engagement and safet. “All violent crime is abhorrent, the devastation left by knife crime is simply not acceptable and this initiative will raise awareness across the whole of West Northamptonshire.” Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold said knife crime is a serious issue and one that is high on his agenda. “I am pleased to have
provided funding towards hosting this remarkable sculpture that is a striking visual reminder of the devastating effects knife crime can have on individuals and families,” Mr Mold said. “While the sculpture is in the county, we will be working with key partners to help raise awareness of and educate young people about the dangers of carrying knives and the lasting impact it can have on their lives.” A knife amnesty will take place during the Knife Angel’s stay, with anyone able to dispose of blades with no questions asked and no fear of reprisals. First unveiled in 2017, the Knife Angel travels around the country in a bid to help reduce violent crime. The Explore Northampton app downloadable for free from the App Store - will offer an interactive experience with the option to view the Knife Angel in augmented reality along with other activities.
rchaeological research over 50 years in Northampton is brought together in a special edition journal focusing on the town in medieval times. Northamptonshire Archaeological Society has published the special edition of its Northamptonshire Archaeology journal. In the book, John Williams, head of the Northampton Development Corporation archaeological unit in the 1970s and 1980s, provides an overview of the origins of the town of Hamtun from the eighth century. In later chapters Andy Chapman, who has been working in the county since the mid-1970s, presents the history of the royal castle that dominated the town from the 1100s, including a report on the excavations of 2013. The book also includes a study of the medieval Jewish quarter and its synagogue, of the county gaol and the museum buildings before the development of the new Museum & Art Gallery “We are very pleased to be launching this journal celebrating the important milestone of 50 years of archaeological excavation in Northampton,” says West Northamptonshire Council deputy leader Cllr Adam Brown. n The book is on sale for £20 from the museum bookshop or from the Northamptonshire Archaeological Society’s website www.northantsarchaeology.org.uk
Community backs new centre dedicated to neurodiversity support
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pecialist support for conditions such as ADHD, autism and dyslexia is on hand following the official opening of Northamptonshire’s only dedicated centre for help. Dignitaries including Wellingborough Mayor Cllr Lora Lawman and events committee member Cllr Mark Jones, attended the official opening of Neurodiversity Networks CIC’s base in the town’s Silver Street. The hub provides face to face support and expert services for children, adults, parents and
teachers. It also offers coaching and counselling via workshops, one-to-one sessions and online events. Neurodiversity Networks CIC chief executive Jannine Perryman is a former special needs teacher. “It is so important to see these developments within and for the neurodiverse community. We feel privileged to be a part of that.” Before the opening, the CIC held a virtual launch of its online services. “Our virtual services are open to everyone no matter where they are located,” says Ms Perryman.
The launch event enabled the CIC to share details of services to parents, professionals, neurodiverse young people and supporters of Neurodiversity Networks. “Together the hub and online services we provide will help children and adults with neurodiverse conditions to take positive steps to a brighter future.” Neurodiversity Networks CIC welcomed associated organisations including community-led arts programme Made with Many, parent support group Define Fine, not-for-profit social enterprise Confident
Recognising that charity is serious business To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk
Communities and the ADHD Foundation. Wellingborough & East Northants Chamber of Commerce, Wellingborough Council, local employment specialist IPS employment support, and NHS community and mental healthcare provider Northamptonshire Foundation Trust also attended. Also at the CIC’s opening was Tony Lloyd, from the ADHD Foundation in Liverpool which has a long-standing link with the CIC. “With so many individuals and families in need of support, it is really important that third sector organisations are there
Wellingborough Mayor Cllr Lora Lawman views the art exhibition to bridge the gap between what public services currently provide and what is available in the private sector,” he said. Artwork created by people who identify as neurodiverse
and their families was unveiled as part of the company’s Splash of Colour exhibition and is now available for viewing and purchase until the end of August.
0800 088 6004 enquiries@wilsonbrowne.co.uk wilsonbrowne.co.uk
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