Business Times Northamptonshire January 2022 by PulseGroupMedia

Business Times Est. 1991

January 2022

In print and online Business Times is published in Northamptonshire for the county’s business community www.Business-Times.co.uk NE W S

n Award-winning personal insurance expert Robyn Allen is already relishing the year ahead after being elected as the first female president of Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce. She has been a director of the Chamber for two years and, as an avid networker, has become a key and prominent figure on the county’s business scene. Now, as face to face networking continues its comeback following the pandemic, Robyn has big ambitions for the Chamber during her time as president.. “The support it offers to organisations is vital,” says Robyn, who was named Personality of the Year for 2021 by the insurance sector’s awards organiser Protection Review. Read more about Robyn and her appointment as Northamptonshire Chamber’s president on page 5.

NE W S

Scooter power: The vehicle set to change the face of policing. P3

AN AL YS IS

Companies mark a new year with acquisition deals. P7

PR OP ER TY

Sales are up as shoppers rediscover their high street. P8

CO MM UN ITY

How design is keeping pace with modern construction. P19

Revealed: Saints stars’ recipes for success. P23

Farmers hail potential of ‘flagship’ processing facility

ork is under way to construct a stateof-the-art oat processing plant in Northamptonshire. The plant, being built on farmland between Corby and Kettering, will be the largest and most modern oats processing facility in Europe. On completion in 2023, it will meet

and accelerate the already growing demand for oat ingredients in the food and drink industry. Navara Oat Milling is a joint venture between crop production and grain marketing company Frontier Agriculture, the farmers co-operative Camgrain and food and drink ingredient manufacturer Anglia Maltings Holdings. Frontier Agriculture will supply all oats processed at the plant via growers in the surrounding region, Camgrain farmer members and its network of farm traders. The new facility is expected to create 60 new jobs once completed and a further 60 during its construction. The mill, sited next to Camgrain’s Advanced Processing Centre in a key arable region, ensures

the minimising of food miles. Its transport links provide good access not only to oat growers but also to key food and drink manufacturers that use cereal-based ingredients. Navara Oat Milling’s chairman Mark Aitchison said the new venture would deliver supply chain efficiency and the investment will help to meet the increasing demand for oat ingredients in healthy food products and non-dairy drinks. “Our collective vision is to build and grow a dedicated oat supply chain, bringing farmer and food manufacturer closer together and delivering improvements that benefit each sector and the environment. To page 2 >>

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>> From page 1 “We will work together on realising the huge potential of oats, embracing all that they can deliver in provenance, traceability and sustainability. Collaboration with farmers supplying the new mill will see value added in areas such as agronomy advice, seed variety choice and development, quality and sustainability.” Camgrain believes the ‘flagship’ facility will bring greater opportunities for its members. Chief executive Simon Willis said: “It expands opportunities for them with an increasingly sought-after

‘We have long desired to do more with this exceptional cereal’ cereal grain and will involve them in projects such as the development of new varieties. It is good to be bringing advanced technology to the UK food supply chain, adding value not just to farmers but also to the local community.” Anglia Maltings Holdings creates natural, nutritious flours, flakes, mixes, sprouted grains and malt extracts for the bakery and wider food industries. Group finance director George Thompson

said: “We have long desired to do more with this exceptional cereal. Navara Oat Milling provides the perfect opportunity. By combining our experience, expertise and ambition, we can explore the true potential of oats in terms of innovation for existing oat ingredients processors and exploring new market opportunities.“ Navara Oat Milling is launching at a time when the importance of nutritious,

plant-based ingredients has become more widely recognised. Provenance and sustainability are part of that agenda and domestically grown and processed oats are part of the answer, say the partners. Navara Oat Milling will be well positioned to support food and drinks manufacturers by providing consumers with healthy and nutritious choices, they add. The project has full planning permission from North Northamptonshire Council. Construction and project manager expert T H White is the main construction contractor for the project.

Membership group aims to back business

ome of the biggest names in Northamptonshire have pledged their support for an allnew business membership organisation set to launch officially in the new year. NNBN, the brainchild of Desborough-based business leaders Simon Cox and Marie Baker, has been inspired by the success of the North Northants Business Network and is designed exclusively for businesses based in or that provide services within Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough and the East Northamptonshire area. Already signed up as official ‘Supporters’ of the new organisation are North Northamptonshire Council, Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce and the Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire. Mr Cox said: “This NNBN

membership organisation will quickly play a pivotal role in helping the local economy recover, build and grow. Our online platform will enable us to promote, support and shine the spotlight on businesses in North Northants. Members will be signposted to all the support that is available from our key partners and Supporters - everything from business grants, business support, business events and collaboration opportunities.” NNBN has been inspired by the success of the North Northants Business Network, a free business network set up early last year and coordinated and run by Mr Cox. Unique to NNBN membership will be a package of exclusive benefits usually only available to employees at large companies, from savings on fuel to local offers and discounts at big national brands.

Marie Baker and Simon Cox, co-founders of the NNBN Co-founder Marie Baker said: “Not everyone knows about the help and support available to them when they are in business and we want to bridge that gap. This membership has a level for everyone, including sole traders, companies with employees, charities and even students. This is all about bringing people together.” As well as running the North Northants Business Network, Mr Cox and Ms Baker helped to launch the Kettering Business Network, which went on to become a finalist in the 2019 SME National Business Awards, and the Kettering Business Awards.

Cllr David Brackenbury, North Northamptonshire C o u n c i l ’s e x e c u t i v e member for growth and regeneration, said: “Our area hosts numerous enterprises bursting with potential and organisations like this are invaluable in providing the support to help them on their way.” Sunny Singh, Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce’s director of business development, said: “The Chamber are always keen to engage with businesses from across our county and look forward to meeting businesses at upcoming forums.” To find out more about NNBN, visit nnbn.co.uk

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January 2022

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Business News

Training firm delivers first aid boost to street patrollers

P The WMC300FR hybrid scooter will be welcomed by police forces, says Northamptonshire’ chief constable Nick Adderley (inset)

Trailblazer scooter powers police fleets into a new electric era

n electric hybrid scooter designed specifically for use as a fully operational first response vehicle by the emergency services is being developed in Northamptonshire. The WMC300FR is based on the same patented technology behind the all-electric WMC250EV demonstrator with which its creator White Motorcycle Concepts aims to break the world electric land speed record this year. The three-wheel scooter is being developed with Northamptonshire Police, whose chief constable Nick Adderley is the motorcycle lead for UK Police. In the case of the WMC300 First Responder, however, its priority is to significantly increase range and viability while reducing CO2 footprint and running costs for emergency service fleets. It is the result of three years of research into drag reduction aerodynamics. The scooter is based on the Yamaha Tricity 300 scooter and uses the same 292cc motor but also features hybrid power assist via two lithium ion batteries fast-charged from a standard three-pin plug. It is a feature that ensures

the First Responder is ready to go into service years ahead of infrastructure being in place to meet targeted legislation that will phase out all petrol and diesel-powered sales by 2030, the company says. Mr Adderley said: “As the national police chief lead for motorcycling, it is incredible to have been involved in this project from the off, incorporating what we needed in a first responder vehicle. One of the things that I was really clear on in our initial discussions was that the motorcycle should have presence and stand out in our community policing, provide accessibility to officers and be reflective of the professionalism of the police service. The WMC300FR ticks all those boxes. “I think that introducing the WMC300FR will make a real difference and I know that this will be welcomed by the police service.” The project is funded in part by government grants from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, the Advanced Propulsion Centre and Niche Vehicle Network. Because of the minimum width between the two front wheels, the scooter can also be ridden with anyone holding

a regular car driver’s licence in most countries. WMC says this significantly widens the accessibility to first responders, many of whom do not hold a motorcycle licence. White Motorcycle Concepts, whose registered office is at Brixworth, was founded by chief executive Rob White. “As the recent COP26 summit highlighted, we are still at the beginning of a revolution in aggressive carbon reduction and this global shift in thinking presents a unique opportunity to think radically about motorcycle design, finding the most efficient and cleanest way to power the future of transport,” he said. Mr Adderley said: “We need to turn this will into action and lead by example. By adopting vehicles like the WMC300FR we are able to show the world what is possible and how innovation can be part of the solution for CO2 reduction without compromising our functional role in society. “As well as meet the green agenda, we need vehicles that are fit for purpose and what we see in the WMC300FR is one of the first vehicles that can achieve both these aims.” T h e W M C 3 0 0 F R ’s technology will reduce its CO 2 emissions by up to

50pc. Mr White said: “We were encouraged by the great reception the launch of our WMC250EV high-speed demonstrator and the high level of interest that the project has subsequently gained. Its real-world application is all about improving range and reducing downtime - major considerations in the electric vehicle industry at present.”

artygoers at clubs and pubs in Kettering can look forward to a safer night out following a new partnership between a training company based in the town and the charity behind the volunteers who patrol the town centre. MBCO Academy has donated more than £3,000 worth of training to Kettering Street Pastors, enabling all 50 of its volunteers to study for an Emergency First Aid qualification. Street Pastors patrol Kettering town centre between 11pm and 3am every Saturday, on payday Fridays and other major party nights. Their aim is to ensure that everyone enjoys a night out and gets safely home. The new training will mean that the pastors - volunteers from local churches - are better equipped to provide first aid support to those who need it. “Some of the response times we have been quoted for an ambulance recently mean that

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Jennie Jahina is a specialist employment lawyer, helping all sizes and types of private sector business, and public sector organisations. Jennie deals with strategic projects (restructuring, compliance, business relocations and outsourcing/insourcing exercises), day-to-day operational and people management matters, and employment tribunal representation. If you need help with employment issues, call Jennie on 0800 088 6004.

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

Theatre bosses celebrate awards shortlist

oyal & Derngate has been nominated in The Stage’s prestigious Theatre of the Year Award. The nomination acknowledges the theatre’s outstanding work throughout 2021 and for its new three-year partnership with the National Youth Theatre.

Artistic director James Dacre said: “It is a heartening end to a really challenging year.” Royal & Derngate chief executive Jo Gordon said: “This nomination cites some of the many projects that we have been lucky enough to have led on but what it cannot capture is the tsunami of support

To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk

from our Northamptonshire audiences, our funders, the artists we have worked with, our industry and the local partners and friends who have made it all possible and to whom we are truly grateful.” The winner will be announced on January 31 at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London.

there is a genuine danger of someone losing their life because we cannot get the right care to them quickly enough,” said co-ordinator Rob Webb. “The tremendous support of the team at MBCO Academy will mean that our volunteers are better equipped to provide immediate support while we wait for the ambulance or first responders to arrive.” MBCO Academy made the donation after an appeal at the Kettering Awards in October, of which the Street Pastors was the official charity. MBCO Academy’s chief executive Michael Beddall said: “When we heard the Street Pastors’ appeal for donations towards first aid training, we knew straight away that we wanted to help We are delighted that the training provided will make such a difference right here in the town where we are based.” MBCO Academy delivers first aid, security and more than 100 e-learning courses from its training academy in Regent Street.

Jennie Jahina Head of Employment

0800 088 6004 enquiries@wilsonbrowne.co.uk wilsonbrowne.co.uk

Business Times

January 2022

Feature

One monthly fee takes the admin’ headaches away

New crime busting scheme launches on Brackmills

new Business Watch scheme has been launched on Brackmills – all part of the estate’s commitment to cracking down on crime and anti-social behaviour. The scheme, set up by Brackmills Business Improvement District in partnership with Northamptonshire Police, Action Fraud and Neighbourhood Watch, will play a key role in the BID’s continued efforts to nurture a safe and crime-free environment. Joining is free, with members set to receive messages, alerts, appeals and crime prevention advice from the BID and other partners. The scheme has been designed to: l Promote a safe and crime-free environment for businesses; l Equip businesses with the information and tools they need to combat fraud and cyber crime; l Create links with the local policing team and the estate’s dedicated Police Community Support Office; l Bring local businesses together to prevent

Paul Hurst, Brackmills’ dedicated police comunity support officer and solve crime; l Raise awareness of local crime, its impact on businesses and how to tackle it; l Encourage the sharing of information. The Brackmills Business Watch scheme will be run via the Northamptonshire Neighbourhood Alert system, a messaging service run by Northamptonshire Police. The platform allows frontline police officers to send alert messages direct from their mobile devices to local people and businesses.

To join, Brackmills’ staff and employers should contact the BID’s designated PCSO Paul Hurst at Paul.Hurst@northants.pnn.police.uk. Include your name, email address, business name and business postcode.

Life-saving defibrillators set to be installed on Brackmills

ife-saving defibrillators are being installed on Brackmills Industrial Estate, with training sessions set to be run by First Responders from this month. Brackmills Business Improvement District has invested in five

defibrillators, two of which will be installed outside Proaction Martial Arts & Fitness in Osyth Court and Startech.com on Gowerton Road. An additional three will be installed in the coming weeks but before the locations are decided

Brackmills businesses that already have defibrillators have been asked to register the details. This is to ensure a good spread across the whole estate. Brackmills businesses are asked to register any defibs they currently have at www.thecircuit.uk

Substance misuse: Having the conversation with employees

Instead of paying different professionals a small fortune in fees, you can now pay one low, fixed monthly fee to a single organisation and have them take on your administration overhead for, typically, less than the cost of a single employee. “We set up Carlton DeVere specifically to help start-ups and small businesses to grow and flourish, unencumbered by the red tape, bureaucracy and administration overhead that has the potential to sink a business,” says Carlton Devere managing partner Catherine Eyers. “The services provided by Carlton DeVere allow our clients to get on with the business of running their business. The upshot is that business owners have more time to do other things, spend more time with their families, are less stressed and have a higher Catherine Eyers quality of life.” here is no hiding the fact that it has How is an organisation like Carlton DeVere been a terrible couple of years for able to provide accounting, legal, marketing, business, thanks to the pandemic. PR and web design services for a fraction of Many have gone out of business, the cost of other third-party providers? but many people, prompted by working from “Over the years, we have built state-ofhome, furlough and redundancy, have been the-art software systems, which allow us spurred on to start their own businesses. to automate much of the administration of Perhaps you did that, or perhaps you are start-ups and small businesses, where the thinking of doing that. You may already have complexity of administration is not too started a small business and are struggling to demanding,” says Catherine. “We even developed a software front-end cope with all of the administration needed. You may have come to the realisation that that clients can use which automatically builds a large part of your business is involved sales and purchase figures so that we can carry in dealing with government red tape out credit control for them at a fraction - accounts, tax returns, VAT, of the frankly ludicrous charges Companies House filings and levied by factoring companies. We set up so on. “Unlike them and recruitment specifically to help firms, who charge large The UK has one of the most complex tax systems start-ups and small commissions, we see the work in the world. Then there is businesses to grow involved in collecting money marketing, PR, recruitment, and recruiting staff on behalf and flourish web design and other things of clients as a task which takes that do not represent income, pretty much the same amount rather overhead, expenditure and of time irrespective of the amounts time-consuming additional work. involved, which is why we can charge low, There is a need for decent, low-cost support monthly, fixed fees with no hidden extras for start-up and small businesses run by at all. We can even do basic legal work like professionals. We would all love to farm out employment contracts, terms of sale and even our accounts, legal, marketing, PR, website litigation, again, for a low, fixed monthly fee design, IT support, recruitment and other with no additional charges. administrative headaches to professional “There is also a real-time portal that clients third parties who charge upwards of £250 can log into to see how much money is being per hour. collected from their customers, the progress of The reality is that we simply cannot afford statutory documents with Companies House, that, which is where a support organisation HMRC, the progress of recruitment, legal like Carlton DeVere comes in. work, marketing and so on.”

FREE webinar for Brackmills based businesses. January 13, 12.30pm-2pm

quarter of all work-related accidents are linked to alcohol. Employees are coming into work with issues that can be a risk for workplace. This webinar explores the importance of destigmatising these issues. Many people are too afraid to say have a problem because they believe they will be at risk of losing their job. In this skills webinar Aquarius Life will: • Help employers to develop a practical understanding of what constitutes an effective substance misuse risk assessment in work; • Share ways in which employers can start an

intervention conversation with an employee • Help employers to become aware of a person’s readiness to change; • Introduce motivational interviewing skills proven to support someone that uses substances; • Teach you how to make an effective referral. Register at: www.brackmillstimetotalk. eventbrite.co.uk. As part of our commitment to supporting businesses on the estate, Brackmills BID works with Aquarius Life which means all estate businesses can now access free training and policy support.

www.brackmillsindustrialestate.co.uk 4

Business Times

January 2022

n Carlton DeVere wants to change the way small businesses are supported in the UK. Why pay third party specialists a large chunk of your hard-earned income to do relatively simple but time-consuming things when one third party can do all of this for you at a much, much lower cost. Carlton DeVere, in effect, becomes your business partner. FindTimes out small moreaddat2019.qxp_Layout www.carltondevere.co.uk. Business 1 17/08/2021 13:16 Page 7

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Business News

‘A fantastic ambassador’: Chamber welcomes its new president

orthamptonshire Chamber of Commerce has welcomed its first woman president at a pivotal time in its history. Like many other organisations, Northamptonshire Chamber has gone through major changes since 2020, including transforming the way it delivers its networking events to businesses across the county in response to the pressures of the pandemic. Now the Chamber, which celebrated its centenary in 2017, has welcomed its first woman board president – award-winning personal insurance expert Robyn Allen, of Rothwell-based Robyn Allen Solutions. She succeeds Kevin Rogers, chairman of county law firm Wilson Browne Solicitors, who has stepped down at the end of his tennure in the post. At 33, Robyn is also the organisation’s youngest ever president but thanks in part to being an active member of the Chamber’s board for the past two years and an avid networker, she already has a high profile in Northamptonshire’s business community. “I originally joined the Chamber board because I felt it was important that we have a diverse collection of voices to

New incumbent brings personality and big ambitions for the organisation’s future represent our wide range of members,” Robyn says. “There is a bit of a weight on my shoulders because I am the first female president but I am very excited about my new role.” She has big ambitions for the Chamber’s future. “The world has changed so quickly during the past two years and as it keeps evolving, I want the Chamber to continue to grow and lead the way because the support it offers to organisations is so vital. “I love the Chamber and what it stands for. It was great that in 2020 the Chamber began offering virtual events and then started reintroducing face-toface events as soon as it was safe to do so. Its networking opportunities are so important because Chamber events give you access to businesses of all sizes and from all industries.

“After the successful return of last year’s Northamptonshire Business Awards - which benefited so many businesses - it is exciting to know that preparations are already under way for this year’s event. “I also cannot wait for the Chamber’s first business exhibition of the year in March and to see the organisation’s Women With Vision platform and Next Generation Chamber for young entrepreneurs develop and grow further in 2022. Both platforms are key examples of exciting initiatives which set the Chamber apart.” Robyn began her career at the Halifax when she was 17. She undertook several roles before becoming a financial consultant where she discovered her passion for helping customers to protect their futures. After being made redundant she opened her own firm specialising in protection and has gone on to win a string of top awards. Robyn devotes much of her spare time to supporting the community. She is a trustee at HomeStart Kettering, a Montsaye Academy governor, mentors new start-up businesses and is a trained

mentor to teenagers. Northamptonshire Chamber deputy chief executive Julie Maclennan said: “Robyn is a fantastic ambassador for the Chamber and the wide variety of services it provides to support businesses across the county. We are looking forward to working closely with her on lots of exciting projects that will benefit our members.”

Robyn Allen: ‘I want the Chamber to continue to grow and lead the way because the support it offers to organisations is so vital’

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Business Times

January 2022

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January 2022

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Business News

HR company completes purchase of safety specialist

xpertise built up over 25 years has led to a health and safety consultancy in Northamptonshire being acquired by a rapidly expanding HR business. Essential Safety works with clients in sectors including construction, education, manufacturing, warehousing and distribution. Now the Corby-based company has become part of HR services consultancy HR Solutions. The deal is HR Solutions’ largest to date and its fifth in the past six years. It launched a dedicated health and safety division in October 2020. Chief executive Greg Guilford said: “Essential Safety has an excellent reputation in the health and safety sector due to the expert knowledge of its consultants and its dedication to clients. As a result of this, the company has secured larger corporate clients, as well as working with SMEs. The company’s 25 years’ experience and its expertise compliments HR Solutions’ offering.” HR Solutions has been providing advice and support to Essential Safety for the past ten years. The deal means that HR Solutions has significantly expanded its reach in the field by bringing the successful health and safety and fire safety consultancy and its team of 12 experienced and Institution of Occupational Safety and Health-qualified consultants on board. The company offers services including

Food firms savour acquisition deal

M Greg Guilford (left), chief executive of HR Solutions, with Essential Safety’s managing director Dean Howells policy writing, risk assessments, auditing, accident investigation and a ‘Competent Person’ to support businesses ranging from SMEs to larger corporations. Essential Safety also provides CDM and Principal Designer services to clients, designers and contractors. “Our clients will now have access to a broader range of services and support from a wider team of consultants and advisors,” said Essential Safety managing director Dean Howells. “Helping our clients succeed safely has always been at the heart of everything we do and that will not change. This new alliance

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will add further investment and impetus into our business and our consultants and advisors will benefit from increased support.” The acquisition is HR Solutions’ fifth since 2015 when it merged with Business Human Resources Solutions. The business acquired HR Services (UK) in 2017, Crispin Rhodes in 2020 and Cherington HR earlier this year. Mr Guilford said: “While HR Solutions continues to grow organically, we are excited by the opportunity of acquiring similar business to be able to offer a wider range of services to businesses.”

eat processor Randall Parker Foods has completed its sale to meat supplier Pilgrim’s UK. All 350 staff at the company, whose head office is at Towcester, are transferring to the new combined business ahead of significant new investment at Pilgrim’s UK’s sites in Andover and Powys. RPF, which specialises in lamb, will become part of Pilgrim’s UK’s Dalehead Foods division, which has worked with RPF for the past 30 years. RPF chairman Ron Randall said: "The shareholders of RPF are delighted to be able to confirm the acquisition and are so happy that the future of RPF will be secured and brighter, with the business in the safe hands of a company with the scope and resources of Pilgrim's UK.” Lawyers at regional firm Howes Percival’s Northampton office acted for RPF on the sale. Corporate partner Matthew Thompson said: “It was great to have the opportunity to act for Randall Parker Foods again, especially during such a significant time for the company. They emerge from the acquisition in a strong and sustainable position with both jobs and investment secured moving forward.”

Business Times

January 2022

Legal Briefing

Caution or protect your business: It is Innovation, inclusion and independence a fine balance

Sales are up as shoppers rediscover their high streets, says Alexandra Kirkwood, commercial property solicitor at Howes Percival in Northampton.

How should you limit or exclude your liability in your terms and conditions? Law firm Borneo Martell Turner Coulston, which has offices in Northampton and Kettering, brings you some tips on what you can include and what you should avoid.

etting out the terms upon which you provide your goods or services to another business will reduce the risk of a dispute by making clear the expectations on either side. But what if a dispute arises and a client claims that they have suffered a loss because of your product or service? It is important to consider the types of losses that might arise in your supply chain and restrict your liability as much as possible. “The liability clauses in your terms and conditions must be negotiated and drafted correctly, as not all limited liability provisions are the same,” says Tom Bodkin, commercial solicitor at Borneo Martell Turner Coulston. “It is also worth noting that where the clauses are negotiated, or parties have been made aware of the risks by lawyers, it is more likely such clauses will be upheld in court.” Notwithstanding the need to draft a bespoke limited liability clause, there are statutory stipulations on what cannot be excluded or limited. These include death or personal injury caused by a party’s negligence, fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation. Your client may try to negotiate other exclusions to maximise their protection. You would need to take a commercial view about what else you are willing to agree to within your liability. Where terms and conditions for goods or services rely on intellectual property rights protection, your client may seek to negotiate that your liability does not exclude or limit their right to an indemnity for any intellectual property rights breach or claim. For example, if the client needs to use material or logos provided by you which turn out to infringe a third party’s intellectual property rights, the client will not want to face a claim for such a breach. Similarly, your client may wish to ensure that liability of the service or goods provider is not limited in the wake of GDPR for any data protection breaches. For example, if you are a data processor of your client’s employee data and that data is somehow compromised or shared without consent, your liability will end up being unlimited by agreeing to not exclude or limit liability for this type of breach.

Business Times

Your position will depend on whether your in-house risk management protocols and insurance adequately cover these risks and if you are commercially comfortable with unlimited liability for these breaches. Foreseeable or consequential losses - whether direct or indirect - are another way to minimise your liability. Examples include: ■ Loss of actual or anticipated income; ■ Loss of business opportunities; ■ Foreseeable losses associated with income loss, profits, business, revenue; ■ Foreseeable loss or damage to capital assets or expenditure; ■ Unforeseen loss or damage related to the aforementioned. Due consideration should be given to the value of the contract, each party’s bargaining powers and what ought to be considered as being a reasonable exclusion. For example, if your business provides software services to your client remotely, excluding foreseeable loss or damage to capital assets would be perfectly reasonable since the risk of the client sustaining loss of its physical assets or furnishings is extremely low. Similarly, if you are providing an employee wellbeing service it would be reasonable to exclude all the above losses as any breach by you or interruption to your services is unlikely to have a detrimental impact on your client’s turnover or business opportunities. Once you have dealt with what can and cannot be excluded, it is advisable to seek to limit any residual liability that can be capped. Limits can be linked to insurance coverage or multipliers or fractions of contract fees. Any such limit must also pass a test of reasonableness and the limit would typically need to be agreed commercially, considering the value of the contract, order, business relationship and any other sensitive factors. For example, with an order value of £100,000, it would not be appropriate to limit your liability to £1,000. Or if a service contract is for two years, it would not be proportionate to limit your liability to fees earned in one month. Erring on the side of caution while protecting your business is a fine balance. The intention is always

January 2022

ncreasingly busy lives, unlimited access to products online, and the closure of popular retail giants is a sum that seemed to equate to the inevitable. For years we have heard about the death of our beloved British high street, with 11,000 outlets permanently disappearing from our high streets last year alone. While most believed the recent pandemic would be the final straw that broke the camel’s back, in reality the situation appears less catastrophic.

Alexandra Kirkwood Not only have large retailers such as Amazon and Harrods opened brick and mortar stores in the past year, high street sales in June of this year were 13.1 per cent higher than in June 2019. Additionally, 72 per cent of retail sales in 2020 took place in store and, with more people returning to their offices, there is no doubt these statistics will increase. Even Prime Minister Boris Johnson has argued, in his policy paper Build back better high streets that ‘this past year and a half or so

has seen towns, cities, and villages right across the country rediscover their high streets’. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is the importance of social interaction which has led to an increase in experience-based shopping. While many of us relish the next-day delivery that retailers such as ASOS and Amazon offer, being locked down in our houses for months has made many of us rethink our pre-Covid lifestyles and brick and mortar shops are reaping the benefits. Very few of us can deny the support we witnessed throughout the various lockdowns for our local businesses. Therefore, despite the administration of Debenhams and closure of 30 M&S stores, the high street is not dead - it is merely evolving. We have seen a boom in independent businesses starting on the high street. So, while our high streets are no longer what we knew them to be, they now represent innovation, independence and inclusion. The high street is not full of all the doom and gloom we often read about but instead is beginning to flourish with the local businesses we have supported throughout 2020 and 2021. All that is left for us to do now, is remember the lessons Covid has taught us and keep up the support for our local high streets. n For information or guidance relating to commercial property law, contact Alexandra Kirkwood at Howes Percival at alexandra. kirkwood@howespercival.com or on 01604 258071.

St Giles Street, Northampton: High street shopping is beginning a resurgence.

Borneo Martell Turner Coulston’s commercial team has extensive experience with limitation of liability clauses across an array of sectors and can assist with negotiating and drafting contract terms with principles of reasonableness, commercial acumen and legal accuracy at all times. For an informal discussion, contact Tom Bodkin or Anna Horrell (pictured) in the corporate and commercial team at Borneo Martell Turner Coulston on 01604 622101 or email Tom.Bodkin@bmtclaw.co.uk that these clauses are not triggered but, in the unlikely event they are, you do not want the liability clause to be contested or deemed unreasonable and ultimately invalid or unenforceable. The case of Phoenix Interior Design Ltd v Henley Homes plc

[2021] has highlighted that limited liability clauses need to be tailored for each situation, while observing the rules of reasonableness if they are to be relied upon in the event of a dispute. A dispute arose between the interior design company and Henley

Homes over a hotel project and the designers sought to rely on a liability clause which stated that it would be excluded from any liability for breaches by Henley Homes under the terms and conditions if the total price of the goods - in this case hotel furnishings - were not paid in full. In determining whether the designer could rely on the limitation clause in its terms and conditions, the judge decided that the reasonableness test was not met and fell foul of the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977. The clause was potentially disproportionate, the judge ruled, given that the slightest delay in payment would absolve the designer from any liability including regarding the quality of goods supplied. This case also highlights the importance of limitation of liability clauses being visible and explicitly communicated. They should also be drafted with proportionality and equality of bargaining powers in mind.

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To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk

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January 2022

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January 2022

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Business News

Jobs initiative looks to help STEM experts back to work Electronics firm targets programme to source new talent

n electronics distribution company in Corby has launched a jobs scheme for people looking to get back into work after a career break. RS Components has partnered with STEM Returners, a scheme that helps employers to recruit staff experienced in the science, technology, engineering and maths sectors who are looking to restart their careers. The new STEM Returners programme will run over 12 weeks. The roles include associate and senior software engineer, engineering manager and technical lead positions. The programme is aimed primarily at recruiting for RS Components’ digital engineering department, which builds and runs the company’s ecommerce website and is developing its Global Scalable CX, API and Cloud platforms.

STEM Returners runs programmes on site with an element of home working. However, its partnership with RS Components is the first fully virtual online programme, which increases the opportunity to candidates across Europe. STEM Returners, based in Hampshire, sources the candidates for the programme on fully paid placements. Tim Morgan, vice president of digital engineering at RS Components, said: “We are always looking for dynamic and engaged people to join our team and we are proud to be launching the STEM Returners programme to support us in finding exceptional talent.” The UK cloud and software engineering industry is facing a skills shortage, he added, but despite a clear need for people there is a group of talented and educated professionals ready to take on these roles who are

To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk

being overlooked. In STEM Returners’ annual survey 61 per cent of STEM professionals on a career break say they find the process of attempting to return to work either difficult or very difficult. 36 per cent say they have felt bias in the recruitment process has been a barrier to them returning to their career. STEM Returners director Natalie Desty said: “While there are lots of engineering firms who need people to carry out their roles on site, there are STEM roles that can be done remotely. Embracing this way of working will help remove the barriers that prevent people from getting back into a job after a career break.” Since it launched in 2017, 96 per cent of candidates who have taken part in STEM Returners’ programmes have been offered full-time roles once they had finished their programme.

Trusted legal advisers to the business community in Northampton. To find out more, please contact Gerald Couldrake on 01604 230 400 or at gerald.couldrake@howespercival.com.

Business Times

January 2022

Money Matters

SMEs fear job losses after end of furlough

Our employees have been - and always will be - our strength

ne in every three owner- businesses are considering reducing managed businesses in staffing numbers so substantially. the UK is planning to Policymakers should be careful not make redundancies now to assume that the economy is back the safety net of furlough has been in rude health.” No smaller business wants to lay removed, according to a new survey by top 15 accountancy firm Moore off staff if it can be avoided, Mr UK. Bairstow added. Its quarterly survey of owner“It seems like many are still managed businesses shows that waiting to see if they need to press those businesses planning that button. Their cash flow to make redundancies might allow them to keep Policy are on average their full workforces makers should considering shedding employed for now be careful not to 45 per cent of their but they have plans workforce over the in place to quickly assume the next six months. make redundancies economy is back Nick Bairstow, if they need to.” in rude health managing partner at Almost half of SMEs Moore East Midlands, plan to raise prices, with says that while a wave of supply chain disruption the key redundancies did not materialise at driver. Moore’s survey also shows the end of furlough on September that 49pc expect to have to increase 30, many smaller businesses are their prices over the next six months, now waiting to see whether lay-offs with six in ten citing disruption to become necessary over the coming their supply chain as the main reason months. for doing so. “The UK is far from out of Mr Bairstow said: “The effects the woods when it comes to of supply chain disruption because redundancies,” Mr Bairstow said. of Brexit and Covid have been “It is surprising to see so many felt keenly by a lot of smaller

Nick Bairstow businesses. These issues are now endemic - a lack of logistics capacity and bottlenecks in ports around the world are driving up the cost of the goods they buy. “Price increases are the only response they have.” Unfortunately, price increases are likely only to add to pressure on inflation, Mr Bairstow said. Price increases are the result of higher staffing costs for 38pc of those surveyed, while 33pc ascribe it to changes in the VAT treatment of overseas goods since Brexit. The biggest challenges facing owner-managed businesses in the next six months are securing new business (37pc) and supply chain pressures (34pc). Then comes recruiting and retaining staff (27pc), taxation and reducing carbon emissions (both 21pc). n Find out more at www.moore. co.uk

he last two years have presented many challenges and if we could turn back the clock, I doubt any of us could have predicted how our social and business lives could have changed so dramatically. We have learned new words and terminology, with new working practices coming to the fore. Like all businesses, Elsby & Co have had to adapt quickly. Our employees have been, and always will be, our strength and one of my goals at the start of this year was to ensure our people remain at the heart of everything we do, providing the best working practices, environment and employee benefits to allow them to focus on servicing our clients. Our employee focus has reaped dividends for them personally and the wider business. We like to promote from within - I remain adamant that there should be no glass ceiling - and I am delighted that our commitment to training and development has resulted in Elsby & Co being confirmed as a Gold Approved Learning Partner with the ACCA. As the business has grown, so have the range of roles that we offer. We have recruited Iain Farr into the new

role of marketing and commercial manager. Iain has previously headed up the sales and marketing division of a multi-jurisdictional financial services company. In 2021, recruitment has become one of my biggest priorities with the challenge being to recruit for roles before they become a pressing need. This ensures our teams are primed to service existing and new clients to the same high standards we have always delivered. Elsby & Co is also looking to strengthen the team with the addition of a number of new accounting and bookkeeping roles in our Sywell and Rushden offices. I look forward to the next 12 months with huge optimism as our continued growth and investment in people enables us to add value to our client relationships. At heart, we remain a family-run firm of commercial accountants and business advisors, dedicated to providing a tailored and personal service helping our clients to protect and grow their business. n Find out more at www.elsbyandco. co.uk

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January 2022

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January 2022

Feature Gail Parker, operations manager at the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership, looks at the value of the Community Grants programme. It funds community projects helping people into employment and opens for its final round of grants this month.

New skills will benefit future career decisions

think it is fair to say that everyone developed a new skill during the lockdowns. Whether that was painting by numbers, home work-out videos with Joe Wicks or multitasking, the extra time gave us the opportunity to branch out and try something new. From managing workloads more effectively to embedding a little more creative flair into a project, that dedicated time allowed us to focus on ourselves. And it shows. The South East Midlands has seen growing employment, with higher employment levels than the national average. 80.2 pe cent of the working age population are in employment, above the 76pc rate for England. At the South East Midlands

Local Enterprise Partnership, we aim to ensure that employment continues to grow, making the South East Midlands a place where people really want to live, work, visit and invest. To do this, we approach the skills agenda from every angle… We work with schools to embed careers further into the curriculum. We work with partners to create clear skills strategies that identify gaps. We invest in capital projects that will facilitate greater skills development in the area. We offer grant funding to community projects that help local people move closer to the jobs market. And so much more.

Gail Parker One such funding programme is Community Grants. Launched in 2019, the programme offers voluntary, community and social enterprises grant funding from £10,000 to £20,000 to support people to get back into work or training.

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January 2022

The three Ps that headline your new marketing plan

Opening for its final round of applications on January 10, projects should focus on supporting people to develop confidence and self-esteem and enhance employability and transferrable life skills; skills that have never been more important. To date, the project has benefited more than 600 local people. Examples of previous projects include: n Impact in Kempston, which has helped people that have English as a second language to build confidence, develop friendships and undertake training; n Community Needs in Luton has supported participants through a mixture of basic skills development classes, adapting their operations to be virtual during the pandemic; n Impactful Governance Community Interest Company helped participants Zoom into new opportunities, teaching key digital skills throughout the pandemic. The projects provide the perfect opportunity for people to develop new skills that will really benefit their future career decisions. Sometimes, you just need the dedicated time to push yourself to try something new. Organisations can register their interest on the SEMLEP website to be notified when the application window opens. Without realising it, our skills define who we are. With community more important than ever, it is important that we continue to support each other. The Community Grants programme provides the perfect opportunity to do so. Unlike other grant schemes, the funding can cover 100pc of project costs, meaning there is no cost to your organisation. Start 2022 with your best foot forward and make a real difference for members of your community.

riting a marketing plan can be an onerous task, especially when most of your time is taken up running your business. Most marketing planning templates provided by banks or business consultants are highly structured and hard to understand unless you have a formal marketing or business management qualification. Square Media will be running a free webinar titled New Year, New Marketing Plan on January 11 to expand on the content of this article. Book your place by scanning the QR code in our advertisement see back page or by using the following shortened URL https://bit.ly/31Go1WW The aim of this article is to set out the ‘Three Ps’ that matter. We will cover the nine further steps in our webinar. To get started we need to get back to basics: Purpose Why does your business exist? If you are in business and reading this article, I am assuming you are selling products or services to meet the needs of someone. But what is it you actually do and why do people buy from you? You must be selling a product and providing a service that someone values enough to pay for it, but what is it that they are buying? Are you helping to save them time, solve a problem and deal with a painful area of their life that they need help with? How do you compare to

your competition and what is the Unique Selling Point your customer sees in you over your competition? Being clear on your purpose is crucial to helping with your next ‘P’. People Who are the people who give your company a purpose? In other words, who is your target market or audience you need to reach through your marketing to fulfil your purpose? Every business will build a database of prospects and clients through day-to-day business activity. However, not many businesses segment their database into definable groups or sectors that they can better understand. Can you identify any trends or patterns in your customer database that indicate your ideal customer?If you look at your accounts you should be able to find your most profitable customers. Within your database, if you look hard enough you will find your top three ideal clients types and I suspect they will account for the majority of your sales and profits. They could be who you need to target through your marketing. All you need now is your next ‘P’. Plan Once you have an understanding of who you need to reach to fulfil your business purpose, you have the basis for a plan. The following nine steps are all set out in our One Page Marketing Plan and break the process down into three logical steps: before, during and after.

n For more information, visit www.semlep.com/communitygrants/

Steve Rees, commercial manager at Square Media, will be hosting the New Year, New Marketing Plan webinar

The Community Grants programme is funded by the European Social Fund and managed by the Education Skills Funding Agency.

n Join us on our New Year, New Marketing Plan webinar on January 11 when we will be expanding on the content of this article. Book by scanning the QR code in our advertisement on page 21 of this edition or by using the following shortened URL: https://bit.ly/31Go1WW

For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk

Business News

‘Pawternity’: At the centre of the debate

Wanted: Business leaders to inspire new pioneers

eet Deefa, a bundle of fun and joy owned by Kayleigh Brown from Wilson Browne Solicitors’ Leicester office. Why are we leading with a picture of a pet you may ask? There is renewed debate regarding whether companies should offer leave for new pet owners, referred to as ‘Pawternity’: it is just like maternity or paternity leave but for a new pet. Pet adoption rose during the pandemic and a reported 3.2 million pets were bought during lockdown. In the UK, it is estimated that 12 million (44 per cent) of households have pets, equalling about 51 million pets. The benefits of having a pet have been long touted. The traditional ‘nuclear family’ of mum, dad and children is no longer applicable in many instances and such a set-up is not for everyone. For many people, their pets are their family. As a response to the pandemic, most organisations have introduced homeworking and hybrid working policies and/or revisited their flexible working policies. With many organisations having retention or recruitment difficulties, other offerings are being considered - ‘pawternity’ being one. Proposals include allowing an employee one or two weeks’ paid leave when adopting a new pet so they have time to bond with and acclimatise them to their new home. Some schemes may also allow the employee to bring

Cluster seeks mentors to guide growing companies

their pet into the office. One obvious question is the definition of ‘pet’ in this context, which is likely to apply to canines only. However, the options are limitless and can be designed to suit the business. Christmas is seen as a time when pets are often bought as presents so it may be that more organisations look to offer Pawternity in 2022. To find out more about Pawternity schemes or simply reviewing your current ‘family friendly’ policies, contact the employment team at Wilson Browne Solicitors. Oh, and in case you were wondering about the name Deefa…it is derived from “D for dog”.

To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk

n This article is written by Hazel Taylor, a paralegal in the employment t e a m a t Wi l s o n Browne Solicitors in Northampton.

programme of advisory boards set up to work with fast-growing companies that are members of the Silverstone Technology Cluster is looking for senior business leaders to join them. Businesses have been registering for their own free Be the Business advisory board ahead of the latest deadline last month. Places are filling up fast with companies keen to tap into the experience of senior businesspeople. STC chief executive Pim van Baarsen said: “The first round of Advisory Boards have already proven highly beneficial for those businesses taking part, helping them to tackle challenges as they look to pursue their growth ambitions.” He urged business leaders willing to offer their experience

in an advisory role to make contact. “Those who have done this to date have reported just how rewarding it has been and how they have learned some things themselves from fellow board members and the SMEs they are supporting.” Tobias Knichel, managing director of cluster member PUNCH Flybrid which specialises in hybrid flywheel technology, joined the likes of BAE Systems and Lloyds Banking as a volunteer board member. “It is so interesting to think about the challenges these young businesses are facing and how you might adapt your own collective experience to help them,” he said. “I think it is a brilliant initiative.” Advisory boards are part of a wider business growth programme hosted by the STC in partnership

with government-backed organisation Be the Business. Vehicle engineering agency Collins Ltd sought the help of an advisory board. Cofounder Jenner Collins said: “We can now deal with problems in different ways. Without their input, we might not have seen new ways of approaching business problems.” Carbon composites manufacturer Silverstone Composites has also turned to an advisory board for help. Managing director Marcus Trofimov said: “I felt empowered by the fact that these highly experienced, knowledgeable people had not just taken time out of their busy lives to give me advice and support but they actually validated what I was doing.” To find out more visit: www.silverstone-park.com

Business Times

January 2022

Feature

COP26: Businesses and home owners New year, new opportunities... Turning put energy efficiency in the spotlight a vision into eye-catching reality

t the start of another new year, what does 2022 promise for Griffiths Air Conditioning & Electrical Contractors? The Burton Latimer-based business, established in 1999, continues with steady growth in all aspects of the building and engineering services sector. That encompasses air conditioning, domestic gas, electrics, evaporative coolers, heat pumps, plumbing, solar panels, underfloor heating, and ventilation. Their customer base is varied with domestic, commercial and industrial clients not only from Northamptonshire but also the surrounding counties of Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire, Oxfordshire, Rutland, Warwickshire and, occasionally, beyond. The emphasis over recent years has been on energy efficiency, with the government, businesses and households all looking at ways of reducing use of the world’s precious energy resources and, at the same time, saving money. Griffiths realised the business potential of this situation years ago and became accredited installers of heat pumps and solar panels under the government’s Microgeneration Certification Scheme. In fact, they were the first Northamptonshire installers to gain MCS status for heat pumps back in 2008. Since then, several hundred have been installed, with most also being regularly maintained by Griffiths. In 2013 Griffiths opened their Energy Efficiency Centre showroom on Burton

Brian Griffiths Latimer’s High Street and welcomes visitors to view working examples of heat pumps. Following COP26 in Glasgow and the government publishing its Heat and Buildings Strategy, there has been much publicity regarding heat pumps and the objective of reducing the use of fossil fuel boilers over the coming years. A new financial incentive scheme from the government will be available from April when replacing an existing gas or oil boiler with a heat pump. n Contact Griffiths by telephone on 01536 420666, via www.griffithsaircon.co.uk or by visiting Griffiths’ Energy Efficiency Centre showroom at 111 High Street, Burton Latimer 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday.

fter many months of challenges, it feels right for businesses to see 2022 as a fresh start and ensure first impressions send the right message to customers. The creative teams at Kanda Print Midlands and Brunel Signs are ready to make a difference from turning ideas into effective branding or creating eye-catching artwork that does the job. The Corby-based businesses offer an expansive range of print and print finishing services to meet the needs of commercial clients and private customers from an eye-catching logo to a poster, packaging, exhibition stand or weather-sturdy sign. The in-house graphics team, based at Wood Street just minutes from The Cube, have the creativity and the technical know-how to create products that not only look good but will meet all expectations. Products include a wealth of corporate material, general stationery, signage, large format items, promotional merchandise, exhibition items, direct mail, food and general packaging, self-adhesive labels, bespoke school printing, NCR Pads and bespoke white boards, which are currently in big demand. Both digital and litho print options are available. Lee Rockingham, who heads up the businesses, said: “We like to talk to each customer to see what the most cost-effective

way is of meeting their print requirements from concept to delivery. For some it could be a batch of leaflets while other clients will want an extensive print run and need other services including lamination, creasing, folding, perforation, folders, booklets, signs and yearly planners. “We take pride in our fast turn around and, depending on the job, can even offer a same-day service. We are one of the leading business-to-business print solution providers in the East Midlands and have a proven wealth of experience built up over 30 years. “Our comprehensive services cover all aspects of design and print, from a creative idea right through to the final printed product. Once we know the requirements, we put together a plan that meets the customer’s priorities, schedule and their budget. “It has been a tough time for businesses, but we believe that 2022 will bring new opportunities and we can help to turn visions into eye-catching reality.” n To find out more call 01536 266164, email: heretohelp@kandaprint.co.uk or see the website at www.kandaprint.co.uk or to contact Brunel Signs call 01536 266164, email: info@ brunelsigns.com or see the website at www. brunelsigns.com or just drop in – Leisure House, Wood Street, Corby, NN17 1PT.

Book to speak with a Growth Curve Business Adviser today! bit.ly/Growth-Curve-Support Fully funded support and training for local business owners to stabilise their businesses and plan for future growth.

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January 2022

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Always here to help!

The Signage Specialist

01536 266164

To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk

Business Times

January 2022

Le t

1 Craven Court Willie Snaith Road

Fo r

Newmarket CB8 7FA Rental: £135,000 per annum Freehold: £1,650,000 exclusive Total 8,362ft² (Approx.) 46 parking spaces • Modern detached office building. • Building can be sub-divided. • Good car parking. • Immediately available.

Le t To

Fo r

Le t

Contact: Simon Parsons 01536 517777

78 High Street

44 Market Place

Bedford MK40 1NN

Brackley NN13 7DP

£335,000 exc or £18,000 per annum (for ground floor only) 3,026ft² total with ground floor of 1,105ft²

Kettering NN15 6XY

£15,000 per annum exclusive

Rent on application On site parking

838ft² (Approx.)

• Surplus, ground floor office space in iconic building. • Prominent location at J9 off the A14. • Choice of two suites and a meeting room. • All inclusive rent available.

• New lease. • Newly refurbished retail unit. • Prime position adjacent to Boots.

Le t

1st Floor, Unit 6, Kings Court

Telford Way Industrial Estate

Kettering Venture Park NN15 6WJ

£32,500 per annum exclusive 2,630ft² (Approx.)

10 parking spaces

• Detached, modern office building on a popular business park. • Open plan office space.

Le t

• For sale or ground floor to let. • Bedford town centre.

Goldline, Kettering Venture Park

Kettering NN16 8UN

£14,995 per annum exclusive 1,035ft² (Approx.) • Light industrial unit to let on a new lease. • Situated nearby J7 off the A14. • Primary industrial estate in Kettering.

The Old Pump House, Finedon Wellingborough NN9 5NZ

Rent on application 1,817ft² of net internal space (Approx.) • Flexible accommodation over two floors. • Secure yard and allocated parking. • Located between Kettering and Wellingborough.

For more information please visit berrys.uk.com or call: Kettering: Kevin O’Dell 01536 517777 Towcester: Duncan Batty 01327 356140 18

Business Times

January 2022

For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk

Property Portfolio

£4m improvements aim to revitalise town centre materials will ensure these works complement the unique character of Kettering’s town centre. Updates on the project ware available at www. thisiskettering.com and son ocial media.

24 Bridge Street, Northampton NN1 1NT

Chartered Surveyors and commercial property consultants 6&7 WESTLEIGH, MOULTON PARK

• Well Located Office in NN4 • 1,910 Sq.Ft • Air Con • 10 Allocated Parking

ALEXANDRA HOUSE, NORTHAMPTON

• 1,500 - 3,000 Sq.Ft. Offices • Ample Parking • Good Spec

£20,000 PA PER UNIT

£26,500 PA

F particularly in the education, residential and student accommodation sectors. The benefits of these methods are particularly prevalent in these sectors, where prefabricated elements can ensure that time on site is reduced, ultimately ensuring that construction costs are kept down, quality is improved, and projects remain affordable for clients.

Their previous awardwinning work has utilised a variety of innovative off-site and modular construction methods, including the use of structurally insulated panels, cross-laminated timber, prefabricated elements, and entire offsite manufacturing. The latter is an extremely wellimplemented technique during GSSArchitecture’s recent affordable housing scheme, delivered alongside Bromford Housing, which consisted of all of the news homes being constructed off-site, allowing the team to minimise disruption in the local area. As a practice, GSS also places great importance on incorporating sustainability, alongside health and wellbeing considerations into their designs. The specialist teams carry out site visits, utilise 3D software and conduct continuous research to ensure the delivery of innovative, well-considered and costeffective solutions to meet their client’s needs.

• 754 Sq.Ft. • Ground Floor and Basement • Parking at the Rear for 2 Cars

L SA

SUITE B, FRANCIS CRICK HOUSE

16 SHEAF STREET, DAVENTRY

• • • •

n line with the government’s drive to improve sustainability, accessibility and carbon reduction in construction, GSSArchitecture continues to develop its Design for Manufacture and Assembly strategy as part of their ongoing commitment to utilising Modern Methods of Construction within their designs. The specialist MMC team at GSS have developed their strategy through continued research into the latest practices and technologies surrounding MMC, allowing the practice to remain at the forefront of the industry. GSS has been actively involved in promoting these methods, where appropriate, for several years, delivering award-winning work

director, said: “Kettering has a great High Street with many fine buildings and huge potential. Historic England is excited to be funding these major improvements to the street scene. Good design, traditional and high quality

Design meets demand for modern methods of construction

and unlock its potential. It is hoped that this work will encourage people to visit and stay a while and use the businesses and services available in Kettering. Louise Brennan, Historic England’s Midlands regional

to improve functionality for users and compliment the town’s rich heritage, encouraging visitors to look up at Kettering’s fine historic buildings. The works are due to be completed by summer 2022. Building owners will also benefit from the HSHAZ scheme with grants available for building repairs, shopfront improvements and building conversions. Cllr David Brackenbury, NNC’s executive member for growth and regeneration, said: “This exciting programme of works will breathe new life into Kettering’s town centre

of high streets, fuelling economic, social and cultural recovery. The aim is to transform and restore disused and dilapidated buildings into new homes, shops, workplaces and community spaces, restoring local historic character and improving public realm. Improvement work will begin in January along High Street, Meadow Road and parts of Lower Street and Gold Street. New trees will be planted to enhance the existing planting. Replacement pavement and road surfaces, new seating and bins will be designed

ajor improvements to breathe fresh life into Kettering town centre are due to start this month. The Kettering High Street Heritage Action Zone project, a £4 million partnership between North Northamptonshire Council and Historic England, is working to revitalise parts of Kettering town centre. Across England, the £95 million government-funded High Streets Heritage Action Zone programme, which is being delivered by Historic England with local partners, will unlock the potential

£165,000

2,879 Sq.Ft. Hi Spec All Air/Con Modern Office Building

£37,500 PA

For enquiries call 01604 604050 or email: info@chowncommercial.co.uk

www.chowncommercial.co.uk 24 Bridge Street, Northampton NN1 1NT

n To find out more about how this research could benefit you, visit www. gssarchitecture.com.

To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk

Business Times

January 2022

ANGLIA WAY, MOULTON PARK NEW INDUSTRIAL / WAREHOUSE / TRADE UNITS 5,320 SQ FT - 48,240 SQ FT FOR SALE / TO LET ANGLIA WAY, MOULTON PARK, NORTHAMPTON, NN3 6JA FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Oliver Thompson oliver@tdbre.co.uk 07837 191 054

Richard Baker richardbaker@prop-search.com 07725 834 136

NEW DEVELOPMENT SITE ACQUISITION

DEER PARK ROAD, MOULTON PARK NEW INDUSTRIAL / WAREHOUSE / TRADE UNITS 3,823 SQ FT - 17,730 SQ FT FOR SALE / TO LET DEER PARK ROAD, MOULTON PARK NORTHAMPTON, NN3 6WD FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

020 7198 2000 Emma Kibble ekibble@lsh.co.uk 07395 885 801

Richard Baker richardbaker@prop-search.com 07725 834 136

PRACTICAL COMPLETION JAN 2022 - ONLY 4 UNITS REMAINING

Business Times

January 2022

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New Year, New Marketing Plan Webinar 11th January 2022 - 11:30am What we will cover: • How to grow your profitability by 62% using our 5 ways model

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Business Times

January 2022

Business News

Station car park plan wins green light

Recruitment agency settles into new office

hriving agency W a r n e r Recruitment, specialists in the accountancy and finance sector, has a fresh outlook from its new offices in Northampton. Oxford House in Cliftonville Road is the ideal central location for the agency headed up by husband and wife team Julie and Haydon Warner. Warner Recruitment have an enviable network across Northamptonshire which makes a real difference to clients looking for their next role or needing to recruit. Julie, who has been working in the recruitment industry since 2006, said: “A move to new offices means we can continue to grow our business and have a more integral involvement in the local

Business Times

P Haydon and Julie Warner

Northamptonshire community.” The agency works with a wide range of clients including those in the distribution, manufacturing, service sectors and many more. They help Northamptonshire businesses fill temporary, permanent or contract roles in finance teams. “We take pride in offering our clients and candidates a thorough recruitment process, thus matching the right

January 2022

individual to the right job,” said Julie. “All of our clients and candidates have different needs, which is why we take the time to get to know them. By understanding the current recruitment market, the client’s job vacancy and our candidates’ career aspirations, we can successfully match all together. We take great pleasure in placing our candidates in a job that is right for them.” The agency is rightly proud

of its long-standing relationships with business and individuals across Northamptonshire and always welcomes the opportunity to work with new clients. “Nothing gives us more satisfaction than when our candidates and clients are happy.” said Haydon. n Find out more. Visit www. warnerrecruitment.co.uk or call 01604 312332.

lans for a new multistorey car park at Northampton train station have been given the green light by councillors. The new 1,198 space car park is due to open in April 2023 and will replace the decked car park currently in use at the station. West Northamptonshire Council has been working with Network Rail and its development partner blocwork on the plan. The car park will enable the wider site - part of the Northampton Waterside Enterprise Zone - to be developed for residential, hotel, office and retail use. Cllr Lizzy Bowen, cabinet member for economic development, town centre regeneration and growth, said: “Northampton Railway

Station desperately needs a new multi-storey car park to replace the temporary arrangements which currently exist there.” The new car park will be more suited to rail users and will enable the council to improve other facilities at the station, including creating a cycling hub, an improved taxi rank and drop-off point, she added. Network Rail will also build a ramp to make access easier for cyclists and people with limited mobility. The council is to take a 40-year lease on the car park and in return will retain the income from the new car park. That way, people using the new car park will be supporting services in West Northamptonshire, instead of that money being taken by a private company as profit, said a council spokesman.

For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk

In the Community

Saints stars reveal their recipes for success T he culinary favourites of Northampton Saints players past and present, coaches and management are revealed in a new book aimed at raising money for the club’s community arm the Northampton Saints Foundation. The book Scrummy Feasts features recipes ranging from club captain Lewis Ludlam’s baklawa and Guyanese pepperpot to fly half Dan Biggar’s mushroom risotto. The Saints have come together to share their favourite recipes, which they eat at the club, make at home or the club serve on matchdays during the rugby season. The book is supporting the Saints Foundation, which uses sport to educate, inspire, and support young people and communities through a number of innovative programmes. Nick Taylor, performance head chef for Northampton Saints, is the man behind the book. He approached the Foundation during the summer 2020 lockdown when he was working on menus for the

team after hearing how charities all over the country were struggling with their fundraising capacities. He wanted to help Northampton Saints Foundation. “We were thrilled when Nick came to us with the idea and it has been fantastic to be part of the project,” said the Foundation’s fundraising officer Sue Wright. “Nick has freely given his time and expertise to develop the book which is full of amazing recipes. “It has been a testing year for Northampton Saints Foundation, as it has for everyone. We went into the new academic year knowing that funding and fundraising would be significantly reduced due to the pandemic yet the number of young people that needed our support would increase.” The foundation has worked with creative design specialist WHP to design the book, which has been printed by Belmont Press. Both gave their services in support of the initiative, meaning every penny raised goes to the Foundation.

Karters go flat out to boost air ambulance service

go-karting event has driven in donations to raise vital funds for the lifesaving services of the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance. Brackley-based Xclusive Recruitment organised a charity go-karting evening alongside their business partners in a bid to raise funds for the 24/7 frontline charity. The event saw 11 teams racing around the Formula Fast indoor karting track at high speeds and

the Mercedes F1 Flat, no lift team were crowned the winners of the evening, ahead of the Yodel Full Throttle team and the Pallex Red Arrows. “We had a great time and are thrilled to have been able to put on this evening in support of the local air ambulance which does such an amazing job, saving lives across Northamptonshire and further afield,” said David Doolan, founder and managing director of Xclusive Recruitment. Each Air Ambulance mission costs the charity £1,700, with Xclusive Recruitment’s efforts in raising £3,700 to fund two potentially lifesaving flights. Darcy Hodges, community fundraising executive for WNAA, said: “The support of our local community and businesses is so important to our charity as we receive no government or national lottery for our daily missions. Events like these mean so much to us as they help to keep our service operational, and we are so grateful for Xclusive Recruitment’s support in doing this.” Find out more about WNAA at theairambulanceservice.org.uk

Northamptonshire Community Foundation to distribute Arts Council England fund

Saints captain Lewis Ludlam with club chef and book author Nick Taylor. Scrummy Feasts is not just for rugby fans. The book also includes back row forward Teimana Harrison's beef hash and poached eggs, former Saints forward and Masterchef semi-finalist Christian Day's Northamptonshire Pie followed by prop forward Paul Hill's apple strudel and centre Piers Francis homemade doughnuts in the dessert section. To order a copy, visit www.saintsstore.co.uk/products/scrummyfeasts-cookbook-pre-order. Scrummy Feasts is also on sale in the Northampton Saints store at cinch at Franklin’s Gardens.

Funding to plant over 1000 trees in North Northamptonshire

ore than 1,000 new trees will be planted across North Northamptonshire after the council secured £237,500 of capital funding for the project. North Northamptonshire Council is to receive funding via the Local Authority Treescape Fund. The fund is aimed at establishing trees in nonwoodland settings such as in riverbanks, hedgerows, parklands, urban areas, beside roads and footpaths. Sites in Corby, Kettering, Broughton, Rothwell and Raunds have already been identified and further sites are being sought for the following years. The fund is administered by the Forestry Commission, with

grants worth between £50,000 and £300,000 available. The council has won funding from the 2021/22 application round. Council leader Cllr Jason Smithers said: “Since NNC declared a climate and environment emergency in July, we have been working tirelessly to ensure we are doing all we can while also looking to the future. This funding, and the extra trees that we can now plant in North Northants, will go some way to helping us all in the long term.” The council is also supporting the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s 70 years on the throne in 2022 and will be planting trees to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee throughout the 2021/22 planting season.

orthamptonshire Community Foundation is among the artists, creatives and cultural organisations around the county to network of community foundations that will distribute develop their activities. Arts Council England’s chief executive Darren Henley said: money towards a creative and cultural celebration of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee “We are giving people across the country the chance to come celebrations. together to experience the joy of culture and creativity Applicants It will receive a share of the Arts Council England in celebration of this historic milestone.” will be able Let’s Create Jubilee Fund, a £5million programme that The opening for applications from arts organisations will support community and voluntary organisations is January 4. Applications should be made via to apply for to develop creative and cultural activities as part of Northamptonshire community Foundation. grants of up to celebrations in June. Rosemary Macdonald, chief executive at UK The programme is made possible with funding from Community Foundations, said: “Our members look £10,000 the National Lottery and distribution will be managed forward to working with local groups and artists who by UK Community Foundations. will create imaginative and innovative celebrations to mark Northamptonshire Community Foundation is able to apply for this historic occasion and strengthen cultural involvement and grants of up to £10,000 and will look to work with established opportunities in their communities.”

Recognising that charity is serious business To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk

Volunteers of all ages helped a community orchard to start taking root at the Hunsbury Hill Centre in West Hunsbury as part of Queen’s Green Canopy initiative to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in June.

0800 088 6004 enquiries@wilsonbrowne.co.uk wilsonbrowne.co.uk Business Times

January 2022

THE POWER

of Three

The Power of 3 runs through the core of OCM as we have three professional disciplines brought together allowing

us to deliver such a powerful client focused proposition. As an Independent Chartered Financial Planning Firm, a Discretionary Asset Manager and Tax planning

specialist, we utilise the power of 3, to ensure we deliver a seamless and first class, cost and time efficient service to clients. This is because at OCM we truly believe Our Clients Matter.

CHARTERED

Financial Planners TAXATION

& Accounting DISCRETIONARY

Asset Managers

ocmwealthmanagement.co.uk

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate the activities of tax planning, estate planning or IHT planning.

OCM Wealth Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (www.fsa.gov. uk/register/home.do). FCA Registration No: 418826. OCM Asset Management is a trading name of OCM Wealth Management.