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New jobs are in the offing at pump system specialist Dura Pump after the company announced its move to a new site.
The company is planning to move to new premises on the Brackmills industrial estate in Northampton, more than three times the size of its previous facility at Moulton.
Dura Pump is to expand its operations with the move to 16,000 sq ft premises and is looking to triple its current 25-strong workforce having increased its staff numbers by 44% in the past year.
Sales and marketing director Ross Calder said: “Moving to a larger premises that both reflects and enables Dura Pump’s vision for expansion was the natural next step for our business.”
The family-run business, founded in 1976, supplies, installs, maintains and repairs pump systems for clients including the NHS Hospital Trust, University of Coventry, Butchers Pet Care and commercial real estate investor CBRE.
“In a highly competitive industry, we have gained a reputation for reliability and efficiency, currently working with businesses across sectors including critical services, education, food and drink, and manufacturing,” said Ross.
“We have built our roots in Northampton, starting out nearly 50 years ago with a hope to provide a high-quality engineering service that was reliable and professional. We have stayed true to that vision. It is exciting to continue our journey here as we look forward to increased business growth.”
It is a traditional ceremony in Japan, designed to bestow wishes for success and prosperity by breaking open a barrel of sake. And the tradition took centre stage at the ground-breaking ceremony for Yusen Logistics’ new 1.2 million sq ft warehouse on the new SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton.
Contractor Winvic, SEGRO and Yusen Logistics executives and guests took part in the Kagami Biraki ceremony, in which SEGRO and Yusen representatives each hit the lid of the sake barrel with a mallet before ladling the drink into sake cups for their guests.
Construction of the unit – the first on the new park and Yusen’s largest facility worldwide – is due to complete in March next year. The unit comprises almost 1.5 million sq ft of warehouse space. Winvic will also build and fit out a 35,810 sq ft
three storey office including roof terrace and a single-story hub office. There will be parking for more than 900 cars, 163 HGVs, and 260 cycles and motorcycles.
Yusen Logistics managing director David Goldsborough said: “This new facility sets a new logistics industry.”
Dan Holford, head of national markets at SEGRO, said: “What makes this development truly special is how it will support customers to achieve their sustainability goals and net-zero ambitions. Yusen Logistics’ decision to locate here is testament to this.”
West Northamptonshire Council’s leader Cllr Adam Brown said: “It will be an incredible asset to the area creating highly skilled and well-paid jobs. The robotics, engineering and automotive skills needed are the epitome of the logistics strengths we boast in this area.”
Sports giant Nike is to base its UK Logistics Campus and national supply chain hub in Corby.
It has signed a 20-year lease for 1.3 million sq ft of logistics warehousing, offices, sports and recreation facilities in a single building at Magna Park Corby.
The new facility will include running tracks, open-air gyms, multi-use game areas and recreation areas.
Legal & General will be the strategic partner in the project. It has previously acted as strategic partner for Waitrose’s first national distribution centre at Magna Park in Milton Keynes in 2014.
Magna Park developer GLP’s UK managing director Bruce Topley said: “This new site will help boost skills and generate high-quality jobs. This
investment is a great vote of confidence in the East Midlands and will help propel much-needed long-term growth across the region.”
The campus will target a BREEAM Outstanding rating and achieve Net Zero Carbon in Construction.
Neil Dovey, head of annuity transactions at Legal & General, said: “Nike’s UK Logistics Campus is ideally aligned with Legal & General’s commitment to investing long-term capital into assets that are economically and socially beneficial. We are delighted to be working with GLP, a developer aligned with our principles, to deliver a first-class building and are looking forward to partnering with Nike as a long-term property owner following completion.”
Fulfilment giant forecasts
2,000 new jobs at state-of-the-art warehouse
Plans by retail giant Amazon to build a state-of-the-art fulfilment centre at the SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton are set to create more than 2,000 new jobs.
The Amazon Robotics fulfilment centre, which will start managing customer orders in 2026, will create 1,400 new jobs at launch with at least 600 more within three years.
This new building will be the latest generation fulfilment centre with three floors of Amazon robotics where products will be stored and customer orders picked using advanced technology.
Jobs expected to be created include those for engineers, HR and IT professionals, health & safety and finance specialists and team members who pick, pack and ship customer orders.
Amazon’s announcement has been welcomed by Northamptonshire business leaders. Louise Wall (inset),
chief executive of Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Amazon’s investment in Northamptonshire will create thousands of new jobs in one of the most advanced buildings of its type in the world.
“This is a significant endorsement of the strategic location of the SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton and the importance of our region’s role in the UK logistics industry.”
Amazon’s new fulfilment centre is the result of a £500 million investment.
“The East Midlands is an important region for Amazon, with more than 6,000 small and medium-sized enterprise selling partners and I am delighted to confirm our ongoing commitment,” said Amazon’s regional director Neil Travis.
The new site will take Amazon’s total workforce in the East Midlands past 10,000 and its investment to £4 billionplus since 2010.
Luxury lifestyle retailer The White Company has completed its purchase of new offices in Northampton.
The company is to base its contact centre and other back-office departments in 8.600 sq ft the Northampton 900 building on Northampton Business Park.
The White Company has also relocated its logistics activity from Swan Valley in Northampton to a new facility at Rockingham near Corby following a deal with supply chain fulfilment specialist Wincanton.
The designer homeware retailer was represented by Northampton commercial property agent Prop-Search. Agents Ben Coleman Associates and Bray Fox Smith acted for Northampton 900 landlord Reed Property .
Prop-Search director Richard Baker said: “We were approached by The White Company to help them to find a new property, which would serve as their new Northampton office base. This would replace space within their current distribution site in Swan Valley.”
The centre will feature specialist building management systems to ensure a comfortable working environment for employees and reduce unnecessary energy consumption.
Amazon is the world’s largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy and is on a path to powering its operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025 – five years ahead of its original target, Neil said. “Amazon continues to invest in our buildings and innovative technology to provide our people with some of the most advanced workplaces of their kind in the world.”
CityFibre, the UK’s largest independent full fibre platform, has completed the primary build of its full fibre network in Kettering.
The new network is now ‘ready for service’ to most businesses and more than 25,000 homes. Kettering is the latest completed location in CityFibre’s nationwide roll-out.
Construction began on the £17 million project in 2022 and CityFibre has since laid 162km of full fibre infrastructure across the town.
CityFibre will continue to explore opportunities to reach more sites, including business parks.
Charlie Kitchin, CityFibre’s partnership manager for Kettering, said: “The rollout is an exciting step for Kettering’s connectivity, which will now benefit from faster and more reliable broadband.
“With the UK’s best available digital infrastructure under its streets, residents can now enjoy seamless streaming with ample productivity and innovation benefits for the local economy.”
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Students from further education colleges across the South East Midlands gathered at Moulton College to battle it out in an environmental competition.
The Green Future Challenge event is part of an initiative run by Moulton College, Milton Keynes College, Northampton College and Tresham College to educate students about the importance of sustainability. The competition was the culmination of a challenge that saw students present ideas on how the FE sector can become more sustainable.
Individuals and teams of up to four
students were tasked with developing ideas and pitching them to a panel of sustainability experts including Paul Thompson, employment and skills manager at West Northamptonshire Council and Milton Keynes College’s sustainability lead Lauren Gallyot. They were joined by Steve Frampton, sustainability consultant for the Association of Colleges and Michelle Hemmingfield, from the charity Students organising for Sustainability.
Competitors from Northampton and Milton Keynes Colleges were crowned joint winners.
Two recruitment technology companies have joined forces to create a new platform designed to help employers find the right candidates faster to fill their job vacancies.
Recruitment tech provider hireful has struck an agreement with Hiring Hub to integrate their respective platforms. The move allows users of Northamptonshirebased hireful’s Applicant Tracking System to post roles directly on to Hiring Hub’s platform and access its rated and reviewed network of specialist recruiters.
Headquartered in Strixton near Wellingborough and with offices in Spain and South Africa, hireful supports more than 400 organisations including Haribo, Heron Foods, Kidney Research UK and Fulham FC with its software, recruitment workshops, training and recruitment process audits.
Co-founder Adrian McDonagh said: “By combining hireful’s technology with Hiring
Hub’s expansive recruiter network, we aim to set a new standard for efficiency and effectiveness in connecting employers with top-tier talent. Recruitment has always been about hiring first-rate talent and our customers will benefit from the support of Hiring Hub’s network.”
In December, hireful secured a sevenfigure funding package from SME Capital, facilitated by Leyton Capital Advisors, to support its growth strategy and expansion plans.
Hiring Hub is based in Manchester and operates across the UK and Europe. Companies post their vacancies on the platform, set the fee they are willing to pay a recruiter and recruitment agencies pitch to work on them.
“This partnership is a great fit for us as an organisation and, more importantly, it will deliver real value for the users of both our systems,” said Hiring Hub founder Simon Swan.
The Northamptonshire Business Awards 2024, sponsored by Wilson Browne Solicitors, are open for entries.
Organised by Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, the awards aim to recognise the fantastic work being done by organisations across the county. There are 15 awards up for grabs including: Business Person of the Year; Young Business Person of the Year; Best New Business of the Year; Workplace Wellbeing; Global Business of the Year; Small Business of the Year and High Growth Business of the Year.
Awards will also be presented for Customer Commitment; Employer of the Year; Charity of the Year; North Northamptonshire Sustainability; West
Northamptonshire Sustainability; Diversity in the Workplace.
The deadline for entries is 5pm on Friday June 28. Submit your entry at northamptonshire.awardsplatform.com.
Organisations do not need to be a Chamber member to enter and entries are open to all businesses across the county. The finalists will be announced at the Northamptonshire Business Exhibition at Franklins Gardens on September 19. The winners will be announced at a glittering awards evening on Thursday November 22 at Sywell Aerodrome.
For all the details about the Northamptonshire Business Awards visit www.northants-chamber.co.uk/events/ northamptonshire-business-awards.
A carpentry contractor has been fined after a man died after he was struck by construction equipment on a building site.
Niall McCormack was installing roof trusses at a new build site in Cambridgeshire when the incident happened.
Both the truss packs and party wall spandrel panel had been lifted by crane on to a pair of semi-detached properties the day before, temporarily supported by timber restraints.
The 22-year-old from Kettering, and a colleague were spreading the trusses across the building when the wind caught a spandrel panel, pushing it against the remaining trusses in the pack. Both the truss pack and spandrel panel fell into the work area, striking the worker.
He suffered a fatal head injury.
An investigation by The Health and Safety Executive found that KM Carpentry Contractors Ltd had failed to identify the risk of wind loading and the effect this could have on the stability of the spandrel panel before it had been secured in place.
Procedure for the installation of the spandrel panels included lifting and placing them on the roof only after the roof trusses had been installed and permanently secured. This could not be followed as they had both been placed on the roof at the same time as the roof trusses the day before, Health & Safety Executive inspectors concluded.
KM Carpentry Contractors, of Higham Ferrers, pleaded guilty at Cambridge Magistrates Court to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act. The company was fined £8,000 and ordered to pay £6,974 in costs.
After the hearing, HSE Inspector Jenny Morris said: “Our thoughts are with Niall’s family, a 22-yearold who was just setting out on his career in the construction industry.
“This case highlights the importance of identifying the risks associated with a work activity and ensuring a safe system of work is devised and then followed.”
Consultation on council plans for the regeneration of Daventry and Towcester draws to a close this month.
Economic growth and an improved quality of life are top of the agenda in new plans for Daventry town centre. Businesses and residents in the town are having their say on the Daventry Masterplan, which is based on the principles established in the Daventry Vision 2035
It aims to reinvent the market town experience in Daventry, increasing footfall and inward investment, prioritising wellbeing and enjoyment, improving connections and creating a more welcoming location.
The draft Masterplan includes:
n Turning Market Square into a flexible events and market space.
n Exploring opportunities to modernise retail units.
n Opening up the High Street entrance to the Arc Cinema, creating a new Mulberry Square.
n Making High Street a shared surface street, with more seating and planting.
n Enhancing Sheaf Street with better lighting, seating and public art.
“Improving Daventry town centre and reinventing our market town is a priority for us,” said Cllr Dan Lister, West Northamptonshire Council’s cabinet member for local economy, culture and leisure. “We want to bring residents, businesses and stakeholders along on this journey and it is really important they tell us what they think about the proposals.”
Consultation runs until June 13. See the proposals and have your say at westnorthants.citizenspace.com/place/ daventry-town-centre-masterplan-2024/
West Northamptonshire Council has begun work on its plans for Towcester. And it is keen to hear the thoughts of businesses, employees and residents. on its plans to enhance the town and sustainably grow its economy.
Town centre manager Samantha Hosking has been working with businesses, organisations and Towcester Town Council to champion the local community, to harness the pride in the town and to establish opportunities to improve the high street. The initiative
follows a similar plan to enhance Brackley. The move is in response to changing usage patterns in the UK’s high streets.
Some of the ideas already suggested include:
n An improved marketing strategy;
n Working with landlords and commercial agents to encourage leasing of empty premises and provide more choice to prospective businesses and investors;
n Attracting more independent businesses to relocate to or open additional branches in Towcester;
n Tailored support and guidance to nurture new business start-ups;
n A Town Gift Card or loyalty scheme.
Cllr Lister said: “Towcester has a rich historical past and is an important part of our county’s heritage. I encourage everyone who has a view to take part in this survey and help us gather ideas to shape and develop Towcester town centre and provide an enhanced experience for all residents, visitors, businesses and investors.”
The survey closes on June 9. To take part, visit westnorthants.citizenspace. com/cet/towcester-town-centre/
Work to support the UK’s HGV drivers with their mental health and wellbeing has been highlighted at a national conference.
The nation’s drivers commonly suffer anxiety, depression and stress in the course of their job. Physical health can also be affected by the sedentary nature of their work.
HGV driving involves challenges such as high-pressure delivery demands due to the shortage of drivers and, for those crossing to mainland Europe, the long queues at ports as a result of Brexit.
Add to that the long periods of isolation on the road away from their family and being on the receiving end of the public’s hostility and impatience and the need for support is only increasing.
North Northamptonshire Council has been working with road service operator Welcome Break and the Road Haulage Association to support the wellbeing of drivers, trialling initiatives at its Rothwell Truck Stop.
The council’s community and wellbeing, environmental health and public health health teams have organised a series of health and wellbeing events where drivers are given the opportunity to speak to the team, use body composition scales, have their blood pressure checked and talk to each other. The initiative was named a finalist at last year’s MJ Awards and the council has hosted an online HGV Drivers health and wellbeing conference to highlight the issues.
Cllr Gill Mercer, the council’s Executive Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said: “With drivers being in such short supply, maintaining a strong and healthy workforce to drive the haulage industry is essential to success. We hope showcasing the impact of our initiative and others to stakeholders from across the UK may provide inspiration and motivation to make facilities a better place for HGV drivers. “
Speaking at the conference were professors from the Universities of
n Cycle and walking routes from the site.
n Exercise session plans for the gym are being implemented
n Suicide awareness training for Welcome Break staff has taken place, this gives people the skills and tools needed to have open conversations about mental health
n Nutritional recommendations and influencing behaviour changes. The menu at the Truckstop has added the option of healthier sides including fresh vegetables and new potatoes
n Welcome Break have provided a room at the site to use to promote health and wellbeing of HGV drivers
n Reaching out to logistics forums. Logistics companies face a shortage of qualified drivers with too many drivers losing their HGV licences long before retirement age because of ill health.
Northampton and Manchester, Cllr Matthew Binley, executive member for highways, travel and assets at North Nothaptonshire Council, officers from its public health, community wellbeing and environmental health teams, representatives from the Road Haulage Association, Kettering MIND and Welcome Break.
Council leader Jason Smithers said: “HGV drivers are exposed to a number of health-related risk factors such as shift work, long periods of sitting, which contribute towards chronic conditions and I am delighted that NNC have been so prominent in leading this work.
“The welfare of drivers’ health and wellbeing is a key issue for not only existing drivers and employers but also for supporting to increase recruitment and retention to the profession.”
People experts HR Solutions have published a strategic white paper to help business owners understand the importance of aligning business objectives to HR principles in the modern workplace.
The report states that by merging people strategy with business strategy, companies can futureproof their organisation and attain a competitive edge.
Strategic HR Thinking for 2024: Aligning People and Business Strategy is targeted at business leaders and HR managers committed to business growth through innovative HR practices. The document provides a comprehensive insight, offering actionable strategies to enhance efficiency and drive revenue growth.
HR Solutions chief executive Greg Guilford said: “If the disruptions of the past few years have taught us anything,
traditional models of HR are not just inefficient but potentially perilous for sustained business growth. In an era where adaptability, employee engagement and strategic thinking are not just buzzwords but essential competencies, understanding how to align HR principles with your business objectives becomes a strategic imperative.”
Read the paper online at hrsolutions-uk. com/strategic-hr-thinking-whitepaper/
The University of Northampton s embarking on a research project to find out the strength of its links with the county’s business community. Adrian Pryce, associate professor in the Faculty of Business & Law, explained more.
Can you help? The University of Northampton invite you to participate in a research project about business-academia links.
You will have seen a series of articles here showcasing the work of the university, in what we call Knowledge Exchange, supporting local organisations through our corporate and community outreach initiatives.
Synergy between business and academia is increasingly vital in today’s knowledge-driven economy. This interaction can create an exchange of ideas, fostering innovation, economic growth and societal advancement through research collaboration, employee development, technological advancements and entrepreneurship.
Despite the benefits, collaboration between business and academia often comes with challenges. Intellectual property rights, differing priorities and cultural and timing differences can lead to misunderstandings and tension. Academia often prioritises knowledge dissemination and long-term research while businesses focus on immediate commercial gains.
The interplay between business and
“There is growing pressure on universities from government to work more collaboratively with other actors in the economy.”
academia should be a cornerstone of innovation, prosperity and shared progress. There is growing pressure on universities from government to work more collaboratively with other actors in the economy – the civic authorities, charities, business - to address social issues and support economic development.
Some people call it the ‘Third Mission’ - universities not solely focusing on research and education as their primary missions but also participating in the development of their regions. Others refer to the ‘Triple Helix’ - interactions between academia, industry and government to drive the knowledge economy and, therefore, knowledge exchange.
So, as the only university in Northamptonshire, we have an important role to play. The 2018 move to the new Waterside Campus was a strategic decision to reduce the gap between ‘town and gown’. We are working ever more closely with the local councils and business support organisations
such as Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses, the Institute of Directors, Brackmills and Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement Districts as well as with groups such as NNBN, to learn from them and support their members.
New research project
We are keen to understand the nature, scope and strength, the opportunities and challenges of the links between businesses and academia, and we need YOUR help.
Through a series of one-to-one interviews and focus groups, we would like to find out how the University of Northampton can help you, hear examples of any previous engagements, what went well, what not so well.
Do you find it easy or not to contact us? What else should we be doing to support you and your business, in terms of research, teaching and preparing our students for your employment?
Meanwhile, we are Open4Business!.
You can hear interviews with local business, charity and civic leaders on our local radio show, Tuesdays from 7-9pm on NLive Radio 106.9FM, available live and to Listen Again digitally via nliveradio.com. With extended interviews, hear how we showcase and learn from local organisations across the town and county.
If you would like to join this research, and promote your business on Open4Business, please get in touch. Contact Adrian at adrian.pryce@northampton.ac.uk or call 07720 297 402.
Managing director Lee Brown (right) is pictured with Nick Hughes, chief executive of parent company The Grosvenor Group at the Fleet World Great British Fleet Awards 2024, where the Kettering-based company collected the Leasing Innovation of the Year trophy for its new Evaluate leasing scheme for electric vehicles.
The success follows the company being named Leasing Company of the Year in the up to 20,000 vehicles category at the Fleet News Awards 2024. The awards are now on show at company HQ.
Members of the county-wide networking group NNBN are pictured at the Houses of Parliament on a visit to meet Northamptonshire MPs and take a tour of the Palace of Westminster. They watched a Parliamentary session on defence and talked business at a round table discussion with Kettering MP Philip Hollobone, MP for Wellingborough and Rushden Gen Kitchen and Northampton South MP Andrew Lewer.
Financial planner Conor O’Sullivan has good reason to smile after being named as top-rated adviser in The Times for the third time.
He, his colleague Laurence Murphy and the firm O’Sullivan Financial Planning each achieved a place in the VouchedFor’s 2024 Top Rated Financial Adviser Guide. Only one other firm in Northamptonshire was included in this year’s roll call.
“We do things differently by focusing on the client’s life rather than their wealth and finding solutions to help them achieve their goals,” said Conor.
Live music from local artist Jake Brown added to the celebrations as staff, customers, suppliers and stakeholders gathered to raise a glass to a year in business for the office space and business support at Vulcan Works in Northampton.
The former ironworks opened 12 months ago after a £14 million transformation that has created office space, hot desking facilities, meeting rooms and workspace for creative start-ups. Vulcan Works has attracted 75 new jobs and 33 businesses.
Centre manager Garrick Hurter said: “This event is a celebration of Vulcan Works and what it means to the wider community.
“Together we have managed to create something special.”
West Northamptonshire Council cofunded part of the project. Cllr Daniel Lister said: “What we have seen over the last year is businesses large and small choosing Vulcan Works as a place to work, which means they are also choosing Northampton as a place to do business.”
A successful year of investment has led to a raft of promotions at development firm Barwood Capital.
Shyam Nottra and Tom Darby have become residential investment managers. Their roles will focus on
managing Towcester-headquartered Barwood’s existing pipeline of residential opportunities and new relationships with developers, agents, and brokers.
Adam Smith is promoted to senior asset management director to drive fund
Anne Burnett (inset) has been appointed as the new Vice LordLieutenant (for Northamptonshire. She is patron of the Teamwork Trust charity, a governor of St Andrew’s Hospital in Northampton and a trustee of Creative Oundle. Her CV also includes time as vice chair of Northamptonshire Community Foundation, High Sheriff of Northamptonshire in 2014-15 and she remains a Deputy Lord-Lieutenant.
In her professional life, she became one of the first female members of the Stock Exchange.
“My aim is to support the Lord-Lieutenant in representing His Majesty in our county while also shining a spotlight on the incredible work of our community groups and charities,” she said. “I am committed to advocating for their recognition and support, as well as striving to secure national honours for those who have made a significant impact.”
left) Hugo Trower,
and asset performance in the Growth Fund series while leading on Barwood’s self-storage aggregation strategy.
Investment director Hugo Trower becomes chief operating officer of Barwood’s Residential Investment Platform and senior investment manager Jonathon Ellerington moves to investment director.
Managing director Hugh Elrington said: ““These individuals have all been an asset to Barwood and have shown continued commitment and dedication, fully deserving their respective promotions. I am confident that they will continue to contribute to the company’s growth.”
Regional law firm Howes Percival has appointed two new directors and a partner at its office in Northampton. Insolvency and corporate recovery partner Neena Jakhu and private client partner Rebecca Littlewood become directors, while commercial lawyer Miles Barnes, who began his career as a trainee at Howes Percival, is one of three solicitors across the firm who have been promoted to partner.
Chairman Geraint Davies said: “As a
firm we are known for promoting from within and to have new partners who started out as trainees with us less than ten years ago is a ringing endorsement of that.
“We have been on a growth trajectory for a number of years now and that is largely down to exceptional people working really well together.
“We will continue to invest in the firm and in our people who are key to our success and long-term strategy.”
The Lexus RZ is a battery electric SUV, the first Lexus electric vehicle to be developed from the ground up. It is not a vehicle that simply adopts battery electric power in place of a conventional engine; it goes much further to realise the exciting potential of new technologies that enhance performance and driving pleasure, true to the Lexus Electrified philosophy.
Functional beauty with advanced technology
First and foremost, the RZ is a Lexus, retaining the fine qualities of performance and craftsmanship associated with the brand. With sleek and elegant body styling, a striking bi-tone bodywork option and sculpted lines that hint at its sporty temperament, the Lexus RZ instantly stands out.
The e-TNGA platform and battery electric drivetrain open up new freedoms in design. The interior is light, spacious and luxurious.
Comfort in the RZ is inspired by ‘Omotenashi’, an ancient form of Japanese hospitality, centred around
anticipating a guest’s needs. The unique ‘IN-EI’ illumination lets you enjoy the shimmering effects of changing light, while the layout of instruments are positioned in the driver’s line of sight.
The Lexus RZ features a 71.4kWh battery which provides a range of up to 271 miles and supports rapid charging up to 150kW.
The fundamentals of handling and responsiveness are secured with a dedicated new electric vehicle platform, which brings excellent body rigidity, a low centre of gravity and a long wheelbase.
Advanced drivetrain featuring optional by-wire steering with a One Motion Grip yoke and front and rear e-Axles work in conjunction with DIRECT4 all-wheel drive torque control to deliver acceleration, precision handling and ultra-responsive braking for a drive that’s remarkably smooth and effortless.
Whether you’re a Fleet Manager or company car driver, the New Lexus RZ makes perfect business sense.
With a range of business finance solutions tailored to meet your needs and BIK rates from 2%, the Lexus RZ really does have huge appeal. Plus, there’s the peace of mind provided by the Lexus warranty.
Every new Lexus comes with a 3-year manufacturer warranty followed by a 12 months / 10,000 miles additional warranty, with every Lexus service*.
A range of offers are available from Lexus Milton Keynes exclusive to business customers.
The New All-Electric RZ Takumi is currently available for £567 + VAT monthly rental with a £3,402 + VAT initial rental*.
Contact Lexus Milton Keynes on 01908 448145 to arrange a test drive. Or visit lexus.co.uk/milton-keynes
Some of the most respected names in UK stand-up comedy are coming to Northampton for a dedicated comedy festival this summer.
More than 40 comedians have been booked to appear at venues across the town centre as part of a two-monthlong series of gigs, including top names such as Gary Delaney, Zoe Lyons, Angela Barnes and Jack Skipper.
Many of the acts are using Northampton as a warm-up en route to the Edinburgh Fringe.
The festival organised by local promoters The Comedy Crate, supported by Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District. Venues hosting performances include Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, Saints Coffee, Cheyne Walk Club and V&B.
“We are always looking for ways to give people more reasons to visit our town centre and the Northampton Comedy Festival does just that,” said the BID’s operations manager Mark Mullen. “We launched the event last year and its
Comedian Paul Sinha entertains at last year’s inaugural festival
success meant that we wanted to bring it back once again this summer.”
The focal point of the festival will be a ‘weekender’ on July 20-21, when 25 acts will appear across three stages. There will also be a family-friendly WiFi Wars event held at Charles Bradlaugh and aimed at young gamers.
The Comedy Crate’s director Mike Chase said: “All of the shows are at bargain prices, giving you the chance to watch TV acts, circuit headliners and stars of the future without travelling hundreds of miles and paying fortunes for accommodation. Please get behind your local independent comedy club and make this a festival to remember.”
The stand-up dates begin a period of entertainment being dubbed The Festival of Festivals, also including Northampton Music Festival, a food and drink week, Northampton Carnival and the annual celebrations for Diwali – the Hindu festival of light.
The shows began last month and run until July 27. For tickets and more details, visit www.thecomedycrate.com
Winners at this year’s SME Northamptonshire Business Awards have been speaking about the importance of their success.
The ceremony at the Mercure Daventry Court hotel presented awards in a total 17 categories, the winners chosen by a judging panel comprising some of the county’s leading businesspeople.
The overall Business of the Year accolade went to accountancy practice KRW Accountants, based near Towcester, which also collected the Employer of the Year and Towcester Business of the Year awards.
Sister companies Acorn Analytical Services and Acorn Safety Services won gold and silver respectively in the Business of the Year (50+ employees) and Best Enterprising Business. The asbestos and health and safety consultancies, both based in Northampton, were finalists in three other categories.
The awards reflect their growth in the past 12 months, including a move to larger premises on Moulton Park, recruiting new staff and growing order books. Managing director Sam Savage said: “Acorn Analytical Services continues to go from strength to strength commercially, attracting some big names as clients
Awards matter... and the winners at the SME Northamptonshire Business Awards 2024 have been telling Business Times why.
and talented individuals who want to come and work with us and be a part of this journey.”
Zeynep Guzelkasap, operations manager at Acorn Safety Services, said: “The past year has been one of tremendous growth for the company and the work we are doing is really shaking up the health and safety industry. We are constantly listening to the needs of our clients and designing innovative new products and services which make it even easier for them to comply with the latest health and safety rules and regulations.”
Luxury lifestyle store Bell of Northampton received the Website of the Year award for its new website abell. co.uk. Managing director Lee Ferris, said: “We invested a lot of time and money into producing an online tool which gives customers all the inspiration they need to create their dream home and we are very proud of what we have created.”
The store celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2023. “One of the reasons for our longevity is because we have innovated and evolved to become a successful multi-channel retailer that showcases its products through in-store events, sales and promotions as well as through ecommerce, social media, digital PR and advertising, blogs and email marketing. This new website is another example of this.”
This year’s Positive Impact award went to Vulcan Works, a serviced
workspace hub for start-up businesses in Northampton. It opened in February last year and won the judges’ praise for “innovating and adapting their business to not only thrive but benefit the wider community”.
Vulcan Works – the result of a £9.3 million project that has transformed the former ironworks - supports young digital and creative businesses and start-ups in the digital and creative industries with business space, hosting events and offering business support. It works with national partners such as Barclays and NatWest and local business support organisations.
It unveiled its Vulcan Creatives incubation programme for entrepreneurs in January and has provided workshop space to the Royal & Derngate Theatre and NN Arts.
Centre manager Garrick Hurter said: “It is a great team effort to make
Vulcan Works what it is and enable it to provide the support that it does to local businesses. We have worked hard to build, not only an inspiring and collaborative place to work that people enjoy coming to but also building a growing community of businesses who can flourish in Northamptonshire.”
Relocation to new purpose-built offices and the arrival of eight new staff earned online estimating service My Build Estimate the High Growth award. Sister company Bhangals Construction Consultants took home the silver award in the Business of the Year (less than 50 employees) category.
My Build Estimate has seen turnover increase by more than 20% and its client base grow by 18% in the past three years.
Managing director Parm Bhangal said: “It is wonderful to be recognised for all the hard work that goes
on behind the scenes and the last year has been an incredible journey. We are not perfect but we continue to strive forward and we just keep getting better.”
Most of the gold winners, including KRW Accountants, will go forward to the SME National business awards final at Wembley Stadium in December.
Awards director Damian Cummins said: “SMEs are the driving force of innovation and competitiveness across the counties’ economic domains. The strength of Northamptonshire’s SMEs is demonstrated by the volume and general calibre of the entries we have received.
“The entrants this year exhibit an unparalleled level of resilience and commitment to the expansion of the SME market.”
Chester House Estate Event Day
ROLL OF HONOUR 2024
Best Enterprising Business
Gold: Thrive Occupational Therapy Services
Silver: Acorn Safety Services
Apprentice Employer of the Year
Gold: CBTax
Silver: Service MOT Repairs
Best New Business
Gold: qoob
Silver: Four Talent
Business Innovation
Gold: Mainstream Careers
Silver: Silverstone Leasing
Business of the Year (less than 50 employees)
Gold: Trapp’d
Silver: Bhangals Construction Consultants
Business of the Year (more than 50 employees)
Gold: Acorn Analytical Services
Silver: Cottons Group
Person of the Year
Gold: Sarah Watt - Alt Street
Property
Silver: Jevgenij Lyzko - Mannol UK
Bronze: Sam Sayer - DeType
Business Woman of the Year
Gold: Kirsty Unsworth - Cha Char Chimps - Towcester
Silver: Sarah Watt - Alt Street
Property
Bronze: Dr Jenni Henderson - The Dr Jenni Clinic
Employer of the Year
Gold: KRW Accountants
Silver: Web Alliance
Daventry Business of the Year
Gold: Pervade Software
Silver: The NX Group
Family Business of the Year
Gold: The NX Group
Silver: Silverstone Leasing
High Growth Business of the Year
Gold: My Build Estimate
Silver: Mannol UK
Positive Impact Award
Gold: Vulcan Works
Silver: Thrive Occupational Therapy Services
Service Excellence
Gold: Four Talent
Silver: The Home Insurer
Sustainability Award
Gold: Marlec Engineering Co
Towcester Business of the Year
Gold: KRW Accountants
Silver: Cha Char Chimps - Towcester Website of the Year
Gold: A Bell & Co
Silver: Banakedi
Photos: Dean Rossiter Photography
Griffiths Air Conditioning
With warmer summers seeming to be a future trend, more and more homeowners are making their environment more comfortable by installing air conditioning in their bedrooms or conservatories.
Working with Daikin, one of the world’s largest suppliers of air conditioning systems, Griffiths have been installing air conditioning throughout Northamptonshire and the seven surrounding counties for over 24 years. Generally, air conditioning systems have an outdoor unit and a wide choice of indoor units that can be wall-, floor- or ceiling-mounted. Another option that is often overlooked, however, is to place a ducted unit in a loft space and feed the conditioned air into flexible ducts that terminate in neat white ceiling grilles. This arrangement can provide air conditioning to several upstairs bedrooms or multiple rooms in a bungalow without the expense of a separate system for each room. Currently heat pump air
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conditioning systems for the home are zero-rated for VAT as they are classed as an energy-efficient product.
Contact Griffiths on 01536 420666, at www.griffithsaircon.co.uk or call into the Energy Efficiency Centre showroom at 111 High Street in Burton Latimer, open 9am-5pm Monday-Friday.
Saxon Blinds
For schools, academies, colleges and universities looking to invest in commercial child-safe blind systems, now is the perfect time to start planning for installations during all the main school holidays.
Saxon Blinds spends school holidays working on projects throughout the education sector. Many of the heavy-duty blind systems we install transform the performance and look of classrooms, main and sports halls, making them more suited to modern technology. They also increase the potential of the building to host external events.
Saxon Blinds also helps education clients to fit systems that can be deployed should there be a security breach. Roller blinds can be instantly lowered where there are signs of intruders or in a situation that might upset the children.
“Our bespoke systems are manufactured in our Northampton factory and are built to suit any given situation,” said Saxon Blinds owner Mark Grainger. “They comply with safety regulations and blinds systems are closely fitted to each window, leaving exit doors and fire exits clearly accessible.”
Saxon Blinds products offer choice, flexibility, competitive pricing and a five-year guarantee. All Saxon Blinds staff are DBS checked and part of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme
Contact Saxon Blinds on 01604 601888, email sales@saxonblinds.co.uk or visit saxonblinds.co.uk
A park celebrating the heritage of Northampton is to greet visitors as they arrive via the town’s railway station.
West Northamptonshire Council has given planning permission to transform Chalk Lane car park in Marefair into a site celebrating historic buildings including Northampton Castle, the Old Black Lion pub, Hazelrigg House – grade II listed and one of only a few buildings to survive the Great Fire of Northampton in 1675 - and St Peter’s Church.
The council has secured £1.6 million from the government’s Towns Fund to provide green space, trees, play areas, heritage timeline poles, community gardens, pathways and lighting.
“Marefair provides the entrance into our town from the train station,” said Cllr Dan Lister, cabinet member for economic development, town centre regeneration and growth. “This is an important milestone in bringing forward a welcoming space for visitors and residents alike.”
Construction is due to begin this summer.
BBC’s hit series The Traitors is the inspiration for the first event hosted by a new networking group aimed at young professionals.
The Rising Stars Network has been set up for future leaders, managers, partners and directors. It has been created by Northamptonshire law firm Wilson Browne Solicitors to enable junior employees with career advancement aspirations with an opportunity to learn to network, build connections, meet new people and form business relationships.
“As they grow, develop and get promoted alongside those they meet through the Rising Stars Network, the businesses network grows too,” said a Wilson Browne spokesman. “It is always better to be able to recommend or introduce to someone you know personally rather than just a company name.
The Rising Starts network is aimed at:
n The future leaders or managers of the business.
n Those currently in training to qualify or to take the next step in their career.
n Those currently gaining experience and working towards that next promotion.
n Those who aspire to be a leader, a manager, a director, or a partner.
n Those starting their career who want to build confidence, start networking, and grow their connections.
For more information about Rising Stars, contact Gemma White (inset) at gwhite@ wilsonbrowne.co.uk or call 01604 876697.
‘This is a legacy project, something that will never come round again’. Brand and design specialist Leigh Evans talked to Andrew Gibbs about his part in the Egyptian government’s brand refresh of the Pyramids of Giza.
It is the last surviving Old Wonder of the World, recognised instantly worldwide as a spectacular monument to a bygone civilisation. The Pyramids of Giza have stood majestically atop the plateau that overlooks the suburb of the Egyptian capital Cairo for 4,000 years, a major source of income as the tourist attraction to visitors from all over the world.
Yet the visitor experience is waning. The Pyramids brand is losing touch with the expectations of 21st-century tourism.
It is time, the Egyptian government’s Ministry for Tourism & Antiquities has decided, for a brand refresh.
It is the year 2000 and graphic designer Leigh Evans is settling into life in the Middle East. He has been in Dubai for four years, at the start of the city’s transformation into a thriving tourist and business hotspot and is now establishing a portfolio of work for the hospitality and tourism sector. After being made redundant in the 2008 crash, three
years on he is in Qatar, refreshing that country’s tourism branding.
“They had just landed the World Cup and the tourism authority wanted to start evolving their brand from a backwater and elevate themselves to the world.” The brand identity and visual language guidelines for the Qatar branding that he created still run today.
At the end of the contract, Leigh returned to the UK determined to use his portfolio success in the Middle East to establish a career at home, working on projects in London. Then his phone rang.
Leigh had become friends while in the Middle East with Ahmed Mustafa, an Egyptian who had returned to his homeland to work for leading construction company Orascom. His employers were exploring a restructure and rebrand.
Leigh, who runs his own brand, marketing and graphic design company Brave Brands in Towcester, flew to Cairo. It turned out to be a new brand strategy and identity for Orascom as Orascom Investment Holdings. There was another project alongside it. The Sound & Light Show, run by Orascom’s Pyramid Entertainment division, at the Pyramids of Giza.
“I pitched for and landed the job,” Leigh said. “It required some brand strategy, naming and then the visual look and feel and what the experience should look like for a customer. Then they said they had another project they wanted to look at, which was a bit more prestigious.”
The visitor experience at the Giza Plateau had been in decline. The complex’s custodians Orascom Pyramids Entertainment and Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities wanted to refresh and enhance the site’s facilities and services.
“I knew how prestigious it was... I thought that if I do not do this right, I might as well give up.”
“The idea was to reinvigorate the site as a whole and they wanted me on the project deliverables: brand strategy, brand expression, an audit of them as a customer and definition of the positioning.”
Leigh was tasked with creating the visual element of the project. He began with an audit, assessing and comparing the Giza Plateau to other historic sites
around the world; Machu Pichu in Peru, the Colosseum in Rome, Stonehenge. He looked at how the world’s leading museums treated history, taking note of how it was done at the British Museum in London and the Louvre Museum in Paris.
“They are historic places that all had elements of what we were looking at,” said Leigh. “The brand strategy and development would flow from that.”
He then assessed the product position. Their story is simple: The Pyramids were built for eternity because they were built as the place where, the ancient Egyptians believed, the Pharoahs would prepare to enter the afterlife.
Leigh’s task was to refresh the story and brand strategy to encourage and meet the expectations of 21st-century tourists. “I just treated it as a normal project but I knew how prestigious it was.
“Everybody knows what it is and it is a massive thing for the Egyptians and for Ovascom because it was the first such project ever to be given to a private entity to do. I thought that if I do not do this right, I might as well give up.
“It was quite a coup because I thought they would go for an Egyptian company to do the work. But they wanted international companies rather
than Egyptian because they wanted to tap into a wider market. My bit was the clarification of the concept, if you like. I wrote the story.
“Then it was what it is going to look like and the naming. All the roadsigns said Pyramids of Giza or Giza Plateau. We plumped for Pyramids of Giza, then we needed a logo. I created concepts based around the triangles of the pyramids and then added in symbols, hieroglyphs, cartouches. I wanted to create a feel specifically for the pyramids. This is a cultural icon that everybody knows and understands.”
The Pyramids of Giza identity draws inspiration from the four icons of the plateau - the Pyramid of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure and the Great Sphinx. By following the mathematical accuracies used by the Pyramid builders, the new identity is a contemporary stylised solution, making it an instantly recognisable marque.
The clean use of typography, contemporary and historical design elements and a colour palette inspired from ancient times all provide an appropriate level of design sophistication, Leigh explained, while allowing the complex and visitor experiences to remain the focus.
There are a total of nine structures around the site. The three pyramids form the centrepiece, with three smaller Queen pyramids around the larger two. The site houses other tombs and The Great Sphinx.
“These things are huge,” said Leigh. “The locals and the Egyptians are just in awe of these massive structures.”
There is no better place to look out across the plateau than from the 9 Pyramids Lounge, a Bedouin-style tented hospitality area that overlooks the site. It hosts dining and other special events.
The lounge was the first new part of the site to open following the hiatus of the pandemic. This is the first such venue to be allowed to operate within the plateau’s boundaries and has
proved a spectacular success. Now environmentally friendly electric buses transport visitors around the site, stopping at stations en route where tourists can alight to look at and learn about the historic structures.
The lounge includes five indoor and outdoor spaces, providing entertainment and hospitality throughout the day and by special arrangement at night, within a grand tented lounge, a relaxing outdoor majlis and three outside courtyard terraces, each with views over all nine Pyramids of Giza. 9 Pyramids Lounge is also the only place to offer exclusive event spaces at the plateau.
The 9 Pyramids Lounge identity takes its inspiration from the number 9 and the Ankh. Fusion of ancient and modern creates a versatile and striking solution, Leigh said.
Again, clean use of typography, contemporary and natural design elements and a bold colour palette all provide an appropriate level of design sophistication while allowing the venue’s location and guest experiences to remain the focus.
Following the 9 Pyramids Lounge, the King Khufu Centre - the main visitor centre - was built and is due to open this summer. Leigh is the talent behind its and the 9 Pyramids Lounge’s signage and wayfaring.
His work on the project is now complete. “This project is in no way a financial one for me. It is one of those projects that never comes round again. This is a legacy project - for me, sat in an office in Towcester, working on a project for a place 2,000 miles away and 4,000 years old is quite something.
“All I have done is write some nice words, made some pretty pictures and articulated what they wanted to do. It is then down to them to make it happenhopefully I will get an invite to see it.”
Welcome to Forefront Outdoor Media. We are not merely an AdVan provider… we are your strategic partner, creating impactful and memorable Digital Out Of Home advertising experiences.
Our eye-catching mobile advertising screens aboard our AdVans take your business marketing message direct to high-footfall locations anywhere in the UK. Our mission is simple: helping you to maximise your audience engagement at a price that is right for you.
Our AdVans are perfect for large-scale local events, such as carnivals, food and music festivals or charity fundraisers.
If you are a retailer or a restaurateur wanting to promote your offer to your target audience or you are recruiting and looking to attract the best quality and quantity of applications, Forefront Outdoor Media is here to help.
We work with you to define a specific vehicle route to target high-footfall areas and put your brand message in front of hundreds (or thousands) of people. And our expertise is among the most costeffective ways to raise your business profile and the power of your brand.
Take your pick. You can choose from:
Triple Sided AdVans which are fitted with our industry-first Audience Measurement System, providing accurate and complete post-campaign data to
help you to analyse the effectiveness of the marketing.
Single Sided AdVans which have an hydraulic elevating mast and a ten square metre LED screen.
AdWalkers We deploy our people in pedestrianised zones or high streets where vehicles are not allowed. Our AdWalkers display your marketing message close up and, as we know in business, the human interaction gives that extra personal touch – sometimes the wow factor – that makes all the difference when it comes to a client’s decision-making.
AdProjector The perfect high-impact tool for any guerrilla marketing campaign. Our AdProjector beams a large image on
to the facade of any building. It delivers real impact for your message and is always a talking point on social media. DOOH/OOH Out-Of-Home advertising campaigns We provide a range of services through our partners around the UK, putting your advertising on billboards, bus shelters, public transport, digital billboards and on radio stations such as Heart, Capital, Classic FM and Smooth. Worried about the price? Don’t be. Our AdVan Shared Service allows you to share the cost with other businesses to make our marketing affordable for everyone (minimum numbers apply). Contact us to find out more.
Tell me more about Forefront Audio Visual.
Forefront AV is located in Market Harborough and we are your local specialist in providing digital signage solutions.
We provide and install the latest LED digital screens for retail spaces and corporates. These enable you to display your key business messages, promotions and videos in the most dynamic and eyecatching way.
We can even create the digital content for you and our content management platform is easy to use.
The beauty of digital is that, unlike a printed poster, your digital content can easily be updated, replaced or redeployed at any time and from anywhere.
We have screens that fit inside company reception areas, shop windows or which can be freestanding. Choose the most suitable for your business and Forefront’s screens will enhance the experience of visitors to your premises. We even have battery-powered digital A-Boards.
Let’s talk more about how we can elevate your brand.
That all sounds great, just what I’m looking for. I’d be really interested in what some of your clients have to say – a wordof-mouth referral means a lot.
No problem. Let me introduce you to some happy customers.
“Forefront AV were instrumental in setting us up with a modern Directory Screen for our tenants at Corby Business Centre in the main reception area. The software is so user-friendly, making it easy for us to be in control of what content we want to add and how often we want to update it.
“We would highly recommend Forefront AV to anyone looking for a digital solution for their business needs and we would use them again.”
Sam Austin Senior property manager, EasternroseCorby Business Centre
“We have 3 digital screens with this company, digital marketing is a fantastic opportunity to reach your existing and new clients. Forefront AV is a very proactive company and will always go above and beyond to exceed your expectations. They have certainly exceeded ours.”
Sandra Pallatt
Owner,Aura Hair Beauty & Aesthetics Clinic, Market Harborough
“Forefront AV have provided excellent service and friendly communication. The after-sales service received has been fantastic and really helped us get the best value from the digital screens we have had installed.
“Having the flexibility to manage our content both remotely and in the practice suits our marketing schedule and aids us in our sustainability efforts to minimise paper wastage.
“Forefront AV has exceeded our expectations and we will certainly continue to seek their support as we grow our digital media.”
Ellen van Aken
Marketing co-ordinator, Ash Tree Vets forefrontoutdoormedia.co.uk
Lionel Naidoo, managing director of Dragon Information Systems, reveals how businesses can capitalise on AI to get more done.
It feels like everyone is talking about Artificial intelligence right now and it is no surprise, with the last 12 months seeing an explosion in AI-driven tools hitting the market, including releases from big names such as Google and Microsoft. For businesses of all sizes this is great news and there are some major benefits to be had for those who make the most of the innovative tech, especially when it comes to boosting productivity.
AI goes mainstream
When people think of AI they often think of something big and complex, but what we are seeing now is that AI is going mainstream.
While historically AI has been used for applications designed for specific tasks such as marketing automation, accountancy software and time management tools, new tools are starting to emerge that can support businesses with their day-to-day activities too. By fully integrating and engaging with these tools, businesses can free up precious time and focus their energy where it is needed most, with significant benefits for productivity.
The more you engage, the more time you save. The first step is to look at all the different ways the business works and to consider how AI could be best integrated to support each of those areas, overall bringing about an increase in what is achieved every day.
Tasks that AI can help with
Officially launched in January, Microsoft Copilot is an AI assistant that is designed to help with tasks across the full Microsoft 365 suite. It is one of the most advanced AI tools available to businesses today. From writing customer letters, to turning a report into a Powerpoint presentation, or summarising the main points and action from a Teams call, the possibilities for increasing efficiency are endless.
Here are just some of the ways the AI assistant can help with day-to-day business tasks:
Work with Dragon Information Systems to bring generative AI to your Microsoft 365 productivity suite.
Accelerate productivity across the company while keeping data safe and sound.
Enable your AI transformation by embedding Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 into the productivity apps your employees use daily. By combining the power of Large Language Models (LLMs) with your data stored in Microsoft Graph and Microsoft 365 apps, employees can use natural language to turn their words into the most powerful productivity tool on the planet.
Dragon Information Systems works with organisations to ready their environments for AI adoption. Assess your company’s AI readiness and configure data privacy and governance policies in your Microsoft 365 tenant to optimise your security posture as you undergo this journey.
Get your organisation AI-ready today with Copilot for Microsoft 365 services from Dragon Information Systems.
Scan the code to find out more.
Outlook Copilot can summarise what is in your inbox and help pinpoint your priorities for the day.
Word Whether it’s drafting letters, emails, blogs, social media posts or any other type of communications, Copilot can help provide a draft ready for you to personalise and finesse.
Bing Rather than conducting a Google search and trawling through webpages, Copilot can do the research for you in a matter of seconds, finding sources and providing links.
Powerpoint Copilot can turn a report into a presentation.
Excel You can ask Copilot to create new columns and formulas or look for interesting patterns and trend.
Teams It can provide a transcription of a Teams calls, help pinpoint key actions and even analyse sentiment to summarise the participant’s views on a topic discussed.
Get started on your AI journey
AI’s ability to automate tasks, analyse data and provide intelligent recommendations are just some of the ways that the tool can help significantly boost productivity and increase efficiency.
To find out more, including for advice on safely integrating AI within your business operations, reach out to our expert team here at Dragon IS - email mike@dragon-is.com or call 0330 363 0055.
Dragon IS, based in Milton Keynes, is an IT support company and cyber essentials certified supplier. Established in 2009, the company specialises in working with small and medium sized businesses. For more information visit www.dragon-is.com Call us on 0330 363 0055 or email info@dragon-is.com.
The Ridgeway Centre, Wolverton 10am-3pm June 5
Headline Sponsor: Qoob
At Qoob, we have always believed in the power of innovation and adaptability to drive success in digital marketing.
After five incredible years in Corby, we are thrilled to announce our move to a new premises in Kettering. This strategic relocation is not just about changing our address; it is about enhancing every aspect of our operations to better serve our staff and clients.
Our new location in Kettering offers numerous advantages. It is more centrally located, making it easier for both our team and clients to access. Plus, the upgraded facilities and spacious meeting rooms provide the perfect environment for collaboration and creativity to thrive. We are confident that
Charity Partner: Willen Hospice
these improvements will enable us to deliver even better results for our clients.
We are also incredibly proud to share that Qoob has been awarded the prestigious Google Premier Partnership statusno small feat. This means that Google has recognised us as experts in Google Ads. To earn this accolade, we have had to demonstrate our proficiency in managing Google Ads campaigns, delivering exceptional customer service and consistently driving strong performance for our clients. It is a seal of approval that reassures you of our expertise and commitment to your success
As a Google Premier Partner, we have access to exclusive resources, advanced training and strategic insights directly from Google. This means we can use the latest innovations to benefit our clients’ businesses.
Google Premier Partnership status also
“The beginning of an exciting new chapter for Qoob and our clients.”
gives us access to beta features and early releases, allowing us to implement cutting-edge strategies and technologies before they become mainstream. This ensures that our clients remain ahead of the competition and achieve maximum impact with their digital marketing efforts.
As trusted partners, we have direct access to dedicated support from Google’s team of experts, which means we can resolve issues quickly, optimise campaigns effectively and deliver exceptional results for our clients.
Our move to Kettering and our attainment of Google Premier Partnership status mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Qoob and our clients. With our unmatched expertise, dedication, and passion, we are committed to empowering businesses to thrive online and achieve their goals.
Giving back to the local community is something that should be on every company’s radar. Well-loved charity Willen Hospice runs a partnership programme for all companies, big and small and here are three reasons why your business should get involved.
Achieve Corporate Social Responsibility goals
CSR is a management concept which encourages businesses to give back to their local community.
Willen Hospice’s Partnership Programme offers a company a dedicated account manager. They will work with you to create a mutually beneficially programme, both supporting Willen Hospice and helping your company to outline and achieve CSR objectives.
Increase staff engagement
Boosting morale is a great way to improve your Great Place to Work
score. This can be through teambuilding activities such as volunteer days and fundraising activities or signing employees up for a Willen Hospice event.
Raise your profile in the community Willen Hospice’s heartfelt work creates a long-lasting and emotional connection
with the community. By demonstrating a positive affinity with a beloved charity, show your customers and suppliers that you are invested in the same local causes they also value.
Find out more about Willen Hospice’s Partnership Programme email corporate@willen-hospice.org.uk
HR Solutions is delighted to unveil groundbreaking insights at the Your Business Expo in Milton Keynes on June 5. We will host a one-hour seminar entitled Aligning People and Business Strategy, based on our latest strategic HR white paper.
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, aligning human resources with business strategy is more crucial than ever. Our white paper serves as a vital resource, offering innovative strategies and frameworks that help businesses leverage their most valuable asset - their people.
Attendees at the Your Business Expo seminar will gain exclusive access to cutting-edge approaches that seamlessly integrate HR with overarching business goals, ensuring a unified path to success.
Our seminar will not only highlight key takeaways from the white paper but also engage attendees in a discussion on practical implementation of these strategies in diverse business environments.
Led by HR Solutions’ expert team, this session promises to be an invaluable opportunity for business leaders to rethink how they manage and optimise their workforce for maximum impact.
We invite you to join us at the Your Business Expo for this insightful seminar. Learn how strategic HR practices can transform your business operations and align your team with your core business objectives.
For more details and to access the white paper, visit hrsolutions-uk.com/strategic-hr-thinking-whitepaper
iNREACH is based in Milton Keynes and supports businesses across the UK. We partner with industry leaders in IT, comms and print to ensure that we provide top-class service. We offer data-driven solutions. This means we use real-time data to ensure we are providing exactly what you need.
For our commitment to the environment, we have partnered with Treeapp to support our clients and our own sustainability goals. We are committed to planting trees for every business solution we provide.
This year, we will be exhibiting at Your
We are an independent IT partner providing cyber security, cloud migration, disaster recovery, project management and recovery, IT application procurement support, IT helpdesk and support services, multiple tier four data centres, out-ofhours support, monitoring and alerting. Our knowledge and experience in the IT industry allows us to support your organisation. We will ensure that daily
activities run efficiently and that new processes are implemented effectively.
Whether you require business mobile packages, internet services, hosted communications or anything in between, we are here to support you and your business.
As part of our business comms services, we offer our own cloud-based communication system, iNTALK. We have created iNTALK specifically for businesses so you can manage your entire communication infrastructure in a flexible package.
Unlock the benefits of our cloud-based telephony solution - contact us for more information.
We can redefine your document management with our simple and effective workflow solution packages. Our fully managed print service includes fast call-out response times, comprehensive service across the UK, toner and parts replenishment and Hot Swap - if your machine cannot be fixed on site, we replace it like for like.
For all your business IT, comms and print requirements, contact iNREACH. Or visit us at Your Business Expo Milton Keynes.
Switching IT providers does not have to be complicated or timeconsuming. At 3RS IT Solutions, the experienced team has simplified the process so businesses can transition with ease.
Leila and Stephen Souch, when they set up the business, wanted to offer clients so much more than simply providing IT.
“When businesses work with us, they are gaining a strategic partner committed to advancing their business goals,“ said Leila. “Partnering with us means you are getting more than just a tech solution. You are gaining a dedicated IT team focused on pushing your business forward.
“We are here to collaborate with you not just as your tech experts but also as partners invested in your growth. Our mission has always been to simplify technology and solve complex problems with straightforward solutions.”
The Irthlingborough-based business provides a wide range of IT services to make daily operations not just smoother but smarter. At the heart of the business is
a set of core values that guide the team: Honest Integrity Teamwork Transparency Accountability
“Our values are the essence of our identity and they play a vital role in our day-to-day operations and long-term vision,” Leila said. “By adhering to these core values, we do not just aim to be a leader in the IT solutions industry; we aim
Stephen and Leila Souch with newly appointed director Ethan Malvern (right), who joined the company aged 16 as an infrastructure technician apprentice and has risen through the ranks as service team leader and services operations manager. “When I had to take time away from the business at the start of this year, Ethan stepped up without hesitation and I could see the team was in very safe hands,” said Stephen.
to set a standard for how business should be done.
“This commitment makes a difference to clients who need to feel confident that their IT systems will meet the needs of their business.
“We can unlock their business’s full potential. Each business will have specific needs so we can help them navigate through the world of business IT.
“Our aim is to be the dependable partner you can count on.”
The PGS Group is a well-established part of the Milton Keynes business community, having served the city since 2010 when Plumbing & Gas Solutions Ltd was founded by managing director Carl Yeomanson. Its sister company Facilities Management Solutions was launched in January 2021, and along with it came the PGS Group.
Plumbing & Gas Solutions has a dedicated team of highly skilled plumbers and gas engineers who provide a wide array of services to clients across Milton Keynes and the surrounding area.
Working across all pipework materials and with the ability to service and repair gas, oil and LPG-fired appliances, PGS is equipped to deal with all of your requirements. Whether you require a long-term partner for your annual servicing or reactive repairs, individual appliance replacements or full plant room installations, PGS is here to support you.
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, SCH Tech stands out as a leader in custom software development and strategic consultancy. As a partner in business transformation, SCH Tech is dedicated to converting innovative ideas into practical, winning solutions.
Chief executive Simon Bridgens emphasised the company’s mission: “We do not just develop software; we engineer success. Our approach is to thoroughly understand each client’s specific challenges and goals, crafting solutions that are effective and integral to their business success.”
SCH Tech is renowned for its commitment to innovation and strategic growth. Each project is tailored to ensure a technical fit and a strategic enhancement to the client’s operations. “Our custom solutions are designed from the ground up to meet unique business needs, setting us apart as true partners in technology,” said Simon.
The company’s core values of integrity, innovation and commitment to client success shape all aspects of its operations. “These values are essential as they guide our work and help us set new standards in the tech industry,” Simon added.
With expertise across various sectors, SCH Tech tackles diverse technological challenges, enhances operational efficiencies and integrates cutting-edge technologies for its clients. Partnering with SCH Tech means engaging with a business that is invested in your success as you are.
Simon said: “At SCH Tech, we build more than software. We build relationships that foster long-term growth and innovation.”
“Reliable... reactive... all-encompassing... A no-brainer for any commercial site in the area.”
Facilities Management Solutions provides the complete, stress-free solution to all your commercial building management requirements. By offering a single point of contact, Facilities Management Solutions saves you valuable time and resources. This allows you to focus on the day-to-day operations on your site while Facilities Management Solutions handles everything for you.
Instead of searching around for a different specialist for every project, clients call Facilities Management Solutions, outline what they need and FMS organises and manages the whole project for them.
From commercial drainage to roofing projects, FMS provides whatever service you require. This reliable, reactive, allencompassing service comes with no contracts or retainer fees, making it a no-brainer for any commercial site in Milton Keynes or the surrounding areas.
Between the two companies within the PGS Group, there is no headache that cannot be cured. Whether you have a large warehouse, a school or an office building, the PGS Group is the perfect local partner, ensuring you always have the support you need.
For businesses looking to navigate the complexities of modern technology and emerge as industry leaders, partnering with SCH Tech is a strategic step toward achieving those goals. SCH Tech remains at the forefront as the digital world advances, ready to transform challenges into opportunities and ideas into realities. With specialised experience in workflow automation delivery, ranging from inventory systems to video workflow systems in broadcast, OSS and BSS automation for ISPs and many smaller projects in between, SCH Tech is confident it can engineer your ideas into winning solutions.
See for yourself at Your Business Expo Milton Keynes how high-quality digital out of home advertising can take your brand’s audience engagement to the next level.
Forefront Outdoor Media is not merely an AdVan provider. We are your strategic partner in driving your message direct to your target audience via AdVansour mobile LED advertising vans - or through state-of-the-art digital screens
in reception areas, shop windows or free standing.
And we cannot wait to show visitors and exhibitors at Your Business Expo Milton Keynes what we can do… Our AdVan will be outside the Ridgeway Centre all day on June 5, displaying just how powerful DOOH (that’s Digital Out of Home) advertising can be for a business.
Wow your target audience with eye-
‘Incredible to facilitate so many partnerships’
A dedicated team at MKFM, the local radio station for Milton Keynes, work hard to literally stay tuned in to the community’s achievements and stories.
Alongside local content on air, the not-for-profit organisation has the largest social media presence in Milton Keynes and runs the thriving Meet of MK monthly networking event, sponsored by Facilities Management Solutions. Meet of MK gives local businesses and charitable organisations an opportunity to connect in a relaxed environment where regular attendees can mingle with new faces. Members of the station’s growing MKFM Business Club can attend for free.
Joanne Ronan, head of commercial partnerships at MKFM said: “The Meet of MK feels more like after-work drinks and allows our attendees to relax at the end of each month. The event sees a great mix of businesses, including many of our partners, and is always a great evening with attendees making new contacts and friends.”
May’s event was hosted by The Slug & Lettuce and future venues in the coming months include South Central Institute of technology, Hotel Latour, Unity Place, Sul Lago restaurant and Popworld.
MKFM director Lia Christodoulou said: “It has been incredible to see the networking event grow year on year and to be able to facilitate so many fantastic partnerships. We are thrilled to have Facilities Management Solutions sign up as sponsors with us for another year.”
Find out more at mkfm.com/events/mkfms-meet-of-mk/
catching, dynamic, memorable content and increase engagement with your brand many times over.
Forefront Outdoor Media, based in Market Harborough, provides AdProjectors and AdWalkers as well as a fleet of AdVans to take your message to the streets. Our vans are perfect for locating at large events such as music and food festivals, carnivals or charity fundraisers.
Restaurants, retailers and recruiters use us to promote new venue openings and offers or job opportunities with local employers. We work with our clients to define a specific route that will target the high-footfall areas they specify, bringing their brand message spectacularly to the attention of an audience of hundreds, even thousands.
We can create the digital content for you and, of course, unlike printed posters, our digital content can be changed, updated and redeployed any time, anywhere.
We cannot wait to show you more at Your Business Expo Milton Keynes. You will not miss our AdVan outside the Ridgeway Centre entrance or come and find out more at our stand inside at Your Business Expo Milton Keynes.
Wavenet is a respected, multi-award-winning provider of telecoms, cybersecurity, IT and technology solutions to thousands of businesses and organisations across the UK.
Since its launch in 2000, its vision has been to be the most respected provider of cyber security, cloud and technology solutions to UK customers. One notable client in the public sector is NHS 111 where the team offers support with the service’s communication channels. This ongoing success has been achieved by investing in the right technologies, partners and people and maintaining strong and dependable growth.
Wavenet is a managed service provider and has longstanding partnerships with top global technology providers including Microsoft, BT, Gamma, Extreme Networks, 8x8, Five9, Darktrace, Cato and Gigamon. The 900-strong workforce includes more than 450 trained support staff and engineers across its offices in Solihull, London, Manchester, Cambridge, Norwich, Cardiff, Nottingham, Doncaster and Dorking.
The company boasts a 24/7 Security Operations Centre and has comprehensive accreditations including ISO 9001, ISO 20000-1 and ISO 27001. Featuring a CREST and CHECK accredited pen testing division.
Paul Colwell, chief technical officer, said: “We are thrilled to be exhibiting at the Your Business Expo in Milton Keynes. It is a fantastic opportunity to collaborate and network with leading organisations around the UK.”
For more information, visit wavenet.co.uk.
A mental health charity’s campaign is targeting 60 employers to join its anniversary initiative
Campaigning to prioritise workplace wellbeing and mental health is gathering pace under a new campaign in Northamptonshire.
To mark its 60th anniversary, mental health charity Northamptonshire Mind has launched an initiative to support 60 organisations across the county to develop healthy and happy workplace cultures that prioritise wellbeing. By doing so, organisations can also boost productivity and engagement within the workplace, it says.
The Northants Working Minds initiative is being run in conjunction with workplace culture specialist Minderful.
“Our vision is to improve mental health and wellbeing in Northamptonshire,” said Sarah Hillier (inset), chief executive at Northamptonshire Mind. “As an organisation built on lived experience, we understand the complex challenges that organisations face in supporting colleagues with their mental health.” Statistics from leading mental health
organisations emphasise the urgency of addressing mental health issues in the workplace. According to the Centre for Mental Health, 15.8 million days of sickness are lost in the UK every year due to mental ill health.
Recent figures reveal that one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem in their lifetime and the accessibility of mental health services remains a critical issue, according to Northamptonshire Mind. Two million people are currently on waiting lists for NHS mental health services.
The charity has also developed a wideranging training offer to help businesses to prioritise mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.
Northamptonshire Mind urged caution against framing mental ill health as a matter of welfare policy alone. It stresses the need for accessible healthcare services and employment support to
address the challenges individuals are currently facing.
“While the political landscape evolves, our commitment to fostering positive workplace cultures remains resolute,” said Sarah “Through innovative partnerships and initiatives such as Northants Working Minds, we strive to empower our colleagues and local communities to prioritise mental health in the workplace.”
The charity has been piloting the use of the new cranial electrotherapy AlphaStim device that aims to provide holistic support for those experiencing anxiety and depression.
Northamptonshire Mind helps individuals via a telephone service, delivered in partnership with Northampton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Last year, the service received more than 92,000 calls.
Find out more at northamptonshiremind.org.uk
An invisible red thread connects all those destined to meet, regardless of time, place or circumstance. The words of an ancient Chinese proverb, which adds that while that red thread may stretch or tangle, it will never break.
For The Red Thread Partnership (known today as RTP), people are at the centre of success. “We start our connections with you with a conversation and we support and stretch you, help you to unpick your tangles,” said The Red Thread Partnership’s chief executive Freddie Guilmard (inset)
RTP works with its clients to create and build “human organisations”, those that put their people first. It guides employers to become more courageous, inclusive, caring. “We have a passion for improvement, change, engagement, culture and performance but most of all we have a passion for enabling people to be the person they want to be,” said Freddie.
He and his team espouse five core values: courage, passion, curiosity, agility and care.
RTP coaches clients to deliver commitment to their employees and clients by understanding and cocreating the culture they need for success – after all people will always protect what they build and employees are no different.
It also believes that work should be fun. “A place where you can have fun, overcome challenges, strive and flourish and find satisfaction and fulfilment,” said Freddie. “We all spend a lot of time at work. Happy and engaged people are more motivated to find solutions and make a difference. “
Organisations should also be committed to their community. “It is imperative that leaders are actively involved in their local communities and focus on their impact on the planet.” It is why RTP runs The Red Thread Fellowship programme,
an award-winning not-for-profit community initiative bringing together leaders of local businesses and the voluntary organisations that deliver services and work in their community.
Launched in 2016 in Milton Keynes, the award-winning Fellowship is now a recognised feature of the business and voluntary sector landscape, growing great leaders and delivering real organisational change.
Today RTP works with some of the biggest national and international names as well as clients based locally.
“We know from over 50 years of personal experience between us that leadership is a choice and that good leaders make a huge difference,” said Freddie.
“We are passionate and committed to developing and enriching leaders, growing highly successful teams and creating inclusive cultures.
“That is why we help leaders deal with their big issues by building human organisations - because it matters.”
the Victoria & Albert Museum in London last year training the museum’s senior management. “It has taken me 23 years to convince them to train up their heads of functions and we now have 12 inclusivity ambassadors who have raised their confidence and competence. They are developing their own action plan.”
Businesses of all sizes can make small changes in order to achieve big things. “It is about adapting how you do things. Every business only needs to make a small tweak to change the way they are seen.”
Businesses of all sizes that embrace inclusion are reaping the benefits in terms of productivity, productivity and people. More businesses are investing time and resource in developing the strategy that suits their needs. Each has a different motivation but all want the same thing: a better business.
Gamiel Yafai is an internationally renowned expert in workplace diversity. He has dedicated his business life to the topic since he founded his Milton Keynes-based company Diversity Marketplace in 2005.
“We do not really know most of the people we work with and my question to someone I meet in a business is ‘Tell me about you’,” he said. “You will be amazed at how much they tell you. Sometimes it takes managers ten years to find out all about their staff but the solution is simple:
it is about how we respect and include our people in the development of our business, our products or our services.”
A compelling speaker, Gamiel has grown his business from scratch to today working with more than 80 clients all over the world. He is a co-founder of the Milton Keynes Ethnic Business Community group with now more than 350 members. At the 2023 Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards, Gamiel and Diversity Marketplace walked away with three, including Business of the Year.
“Since then our business has literally skyrocketed. Entire new sectors have been approaching us for help.”
Diversity Marketplace is working on a 12-month contract helping 12 horticultural organisations to develop an industry-wide inclusion charter. Gamiel began work with
Part of Gamiel’s inclusion argument is an understanding and appreciation of neurodiversity. Research shows that up to 50% of the UK workforce are neurdivergent in some way. He experiences diversity on a personal level, having been diagnosed as dyslexic last year.
It has been, he said, a positive. “I have realised that there is so much more I can do. I am saving probably five hours a week, for example, just because I have a tablet that I write on. It transcribes everything I write and I do not have to type up my notes.”
Progress on inclusion is accelerating but common barriers for employees remain: non-access to meetings, company communication, discrimination, location and an organsation’s culture
“We should be able to bring at least 80% of ourselves to work,” said Gamiel. “We should be able to talk about anything we want to. But, for example, Muslim men and women will not talk about a wedding they have been to on a Saturday when they go into work on the Monday. That is because of fear. And that leads to lower productivity and profitability.
“Our research shows that businesses can get at least 20% more out of people just by supporting them in the right way.”
’It is about pushing the boundaries of what is possible’
Business is all about embracing new challenges. Now a firm of chartered accountants has taken it one step by unveiling a new employee, client and community development campaign.
Beyond Boundaries encourages all employees at the firm’s offices in Milton Keynes, Hertfordshire and London to challenge themselves physically and mentally in order to encourage continuous learning and exploration. Mercer & Hole will also be providing resources, workshops and motivational speaking events for its clients.
The campaign emphasises the parallels between sports, creativity and business, highlighting the importance of teamwork, strategy, discipline and goal setting in achieving success.
“It is about embracing opportunities for growth and pushing the boundaries of what is possible,” said managing partner Paul Maberly. “We believe in the power of mindset and pushing ourselves beyond what we thought we could achieve.”
Resources on offer to staff include:
n Chess masterclass by director Dan Bisby, an international chess champion.
Helping leaders deal with their big issues by building human organisations.
www.the-redthread.co.uk admin@the-redthread.co.uk
n Dance class by partner’s assistant Lizzie Bell, an ex-professional dancer.
n Mosaic art class by trusts and probate administrator Frankie Martin.
n Corporate tax partner Jacqui Gudgion hosts a gardening tutorial.
n Audit and business advisory partner Jolene Upshall leads a seminar on becoming a confident runner.
Speakers at client events include Olympic badminton player Gail Emms, author and former SAS soldier Colin MacClachlan and ex-Olympic athlete Derek Redmond.
Stats from the World Economic Forum highlight that business leaders view survival as their top challenge. However, warns business consultant Ian Taylor, you cannot save your way to prosperity.
“Many leaders focus on the bottom line,” said Ian, regional director at business consultancy Tinderbox. “They zero in on costs when profits fall. In the short-term, costs go down and profits rise but trouble is on the horizon.”
After ‘right sizing’ the team and reducing budgets, the survivors realise that fewer people must achieve much more with much less. The pressure is then on with the business often careering from one crisis to the next. “Leaders need to look at their business to see what is truly delivering the cash flow that sustains every business – top line revenue. Revenue growth is the true measure of business vitality. It reflects a company’s competency to acquire, satisfy and grow its client base.”
As Pride Month begins, employers are urged to back up their participation in the campaign with long-lasting actions.
June is Pride Month, dedicated to LGBTQ+ communities around the world. But as businesses prepare to take part, an HR expert has warned of the perils of “corporate rainbow washing”.
The term describes an organisation’s behaviour when it uses LGBTQ+ symbols and themes for its own commercial gain without showing any commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and equality in practice. For employers, it is crucial to think through how the organisation plans to celebrate.
“A common example of rainbow washing is when an organisation ‘washes’ their logo or brand in the colours of the rainbow or displays rainbow flags around the office for Pride Month but not much else,” said Rachel Collar, owner of Haus of HR in Towcester. “Understandably, your employees are likely to view this as an empty gesture if it is not backed up with any real support for the LGBTQ+
As a business coach who also runs a successful health, safety and compliance business, I have seen at first hand how the integration of safety and compliance into corporate culture can transform an organisation.
Before launching my coaching career, I spent 20 years in health and safety and compliance. My journey has shown me that these elements are not just regulatory obligations; they are fundamental to sustainable business success across all industries.
I have witnessed a significant evolution in how businesses approach these critical areas. Initially seen as mere necessities for legal and physical protection, safety and compliance have grown to become central pillars of a robust corporate strategy for successful businesses.
They bolster a company’s reputation and enhance employee morale by demonstrating a genuine commitment
to well-being. Properly implemented, safety and compliance practices protect against risks, reduce accidents and save costs from fines and lost productivity.
But their impact goes deeper by building trust and security. They lay the groundwork for a thriving workplace culture. The integration of safety into the very fabric of company culture should be a strategic goal for every business. This goes beyond putting up safety posters or holding occasional or mandatory training sessions. It involves embedding health and safety as core values, reflected in every business decision and practice.
community and your own employees.”
Rainbow washing can also be seen as ‘piggybacking’ an awareness month, which risks leaving employees angry and disengaged. It can also undermine the meaning of Pride, a protest against discrimination, Rachel added.
“One of the mistakes that businesses make is to focus all of their efforts during Pride Month rather than embracing diversity and inclusivity all year round. It is easy to fall into the trap of secondguessing what people want but even with good intentions this can go badly.
“I recommend getting out into the business. Speak to your employeesLGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ - and ask them what inclusion really looks like and feels like to them.”
An employer’s efforts during the month can make a positive impact for LGBTQ+ colleagues, Rachel added
Recognising the importance of safety and compliance to today’s corporate culture has never been more relevant, argues compliance expert Adam Fox.
Take, for example, a client in the construction industry whose sites were plagued with safety incidents. By involving employees in safety planning and decision-making, we transformed their compliance from a ‘check the box’ activity into a central business function. This not only improved their compliance record but also enhanced employee productivity, engagement and loyalty.
The leaders of successful organisations are crucial in this cultural shift. Leaders must model and promote safety and compliance not as a priority but as a norm. This can be challenging but it is
n Show a consistent approach by conducting a thorough review of company policies, initiatives and benefits to ensure they are fully inclusive, use neutral language and make everyone feel welcome.
n Ramp up education and awareness training. Host workshops with LGBTQ+ advocates and experts from outside of the business, including events that cover the history of the LGBTQ+ movement, to engage and inform people. Inviting colleagues to share stories and experiences could galvanise allies to spread the word that inclusivity is celebrated by your business.
n Help people feel involved by creating or elevating Employee Resource Groups to offer peer-to-peer support and gather valuable insights, promoting accountability within the business.
“When employees are directly involved, they are more lifely to commit to and advocate for safety culture.”
essential for cultivating a culture where every team member feels personally responsible for safety.
Effective leadership in safety creates an environment where employees feel valued and protected, increasing job satisfaction and productivity. Leaders must communicate openly about policies, encourage feedback, and show genuine care for employee well-being.
Engaging employees in safety is about making them active participants in the safety culture., engagement fostered through regular interactive training, safety committees involving employees from various levels and recognition programmes that reward safe behaviour.
When employees are directly involved, they are more likely to commit to and advocate for the safety culture. I have seen time and again where the employees on the frontline have the
Rachel Collar
best ideas when it comes to improving safety - not only can they see where the improvements can and should be made but they also spot the opportunities to streamline operations, resulting in increased productivity and profitability.
To truly understand the effectiveness of integrating safety and compliance into corporate culture, businesses need to track specific key performance indicators such as the number of safety incidents reported, employee satisfaction scores, and compliance audit results. Regularly reviewing these KPIs helps in recognising achievements and identifying areas for improvement.
Reporting of incidents and near misses is something that should be actively encouraged. It is only through this reporting that your business can improve and ultimately succeed. Suppressing these numbers not only sends out the message that you do not genuinely care but it also prevents you from identifying the areas in which your business can improve and increase your bottom line.
Continuous improvement in safety and compliance is a dynamic process
Yoga and conversations about mental health have been on the agenda at one Northampton employer as part of a campaign prioritising its staff’s mental health and wellbeing. Colleagues at Bhangals Construction Consultants are pictured during a yoga session exploring the benefits of meditative practices. And the team have sat round a table to talk about mental health. The initiatives began as part of the Mental Health Awareness Week campaign last month. Chief executive Parm Bhangal said: “Our team is our greatest asset and their health and wellbeing are paramount. It is vitally important to provide opportunities for everyone to talk and share their feelings.”
of adaptation and learning. Regular updates to training programmes and safety protocols, based on the latest industry standards and technological advancements, are essential. Also, leaders must be equipped with the necessary knowledge and with the skills to inspire and lead by example.
The integration of safety and compliance into corporate culture is both beneficial and essential for modern businesses aiming for long-term success.
This approach not only safeguards the physical and legal aspects of a business but also enhances its overall health, creating a more engaged and productive workforce.
For those looking to enhance their approach, consider reaching out for expert guidance to navigate this vital integration effectively.
Adam Fox is director of Consulo Compliance consulocompliance.co.uk
Tom Bodkin, partner at Borneo
Martell Turner Coulston Solicitors, looks at some key issues that organisations must take into account in order to ensure that IT contracts are robust and secure.
Owning and managing a business in the 21st century usually involves a significant degree of reliance on information technology, regardless of sector or industry. Many businesses now seeing their IT infrastructure as a fundamental and indispensable cornerstone of their operations.
It is vital that you have a good handle on your IT contracts. You must make sure that your contracts protect you against liabilities and allow smooth delivery of information technology throughout your business.
“It is so important to know exactly what you are signing when you enter into a software contract for your business,” said Tom. “There are so many areas where you can get caught out if you are not careful so it is wise to appoint an expert solicitor to review your IT contracts before you commit”.
Tom’s key areas to look out for when an IT service provider sends a new software agreement over to you for signing:
IT security questionnaire
You would not buy a business without asking a long series of questions and being comfortable with the answers. The same approach should apply to your IT service providers – you should undertake sufficient due diligence to feel confident that you are not placing your organisation at risk by installing their software.
Many commentators say the most crucial parts of any contract are the limitation of liability clauses and this is particularly the case with an IT contract.
You will need to know what is reasonable to ask for in terms of your service provider’s overall financial liability. It is common practice for this to be either represented as a fixed financial sum or as a multiple of annual fees payable, so that the liability cap is linked to the annual contract value.
The role of this agreement is to set out a framework of expectations with regards to maintenance and technical support windows and it will deal with the award of service credits to compensate for any service level failures.
we can help
Contact us if you are looking for legal support in relation to an IT contract for your business. Whether you require advice on contract terms or help with drafting amendments, our lawyers will be happy to help.
For an informal conversation, contact Tom Bodkin on 01604 622101 or email tom.bodkin@bmtclaw.co.uk
We are excited to introduce a fresh new look having undergone a brand update. While our previous branding has served us well for many years, we felt it no longer reflected the modern, forwardthinking and innovative law firm that we have become.
This brand refresh is not about changing who we are. It is about defining who we are now and where we are heading. With more than 150 years experience, we have built our business to stand the test of time and we wanted our new branding to reflect this rich heritage. So, rather than a complete brand overhaul we have developed our existing branding to celebrate our roots while embracing our growth.
The new logo retains the familiar Neves ‘tick’ which symbolises our commitment to delivering excellent client services and provides continuity for our established clients. The modern typography and fresh colour palette we have chosen more accurately represents our
identity as a dynamic law firm. Our new branding keeps the firm’s proudly held values at its heart - At your side. A line that epitomises our firm’s belief that “We’re more than just legal experts. We’re trusted advisers who take the time to really understand your issues.”
Managing partner and head of company commercial Stewart Matthews (inset) said: “Our updated brand identity has a clean and contemporary aesthetic, better reflecting the innovative law firm we have become. We take great pride in our long history, our people and the legal services we offer and we are delighted that the new branding encapsulates both our past and our future.”
Action now can save pain later as organisations turn to a new form of specialist law advice. Lisa Garley-Evans, associate partner at Franklins Solicitors, explained more.
All companies need legal advice at some point in time. Unfortunately many SMEs only do so when things have already gone wrong.
At Franklins, we believe that prevention is better - and cheaper - than the cure. But what if you do not know you have a problem until it is too late?
Having recently joined Franklins, from my background as an in-house lawyer, we saw this gap in the market and therefore are pleased to introduce our new concept in legal service provision – in-house legal outsourcing. It is a very long-winded name for a service… so what exactly does this mean for the SME and what benefits can this bring to the stability of their business?
In-house legal outsourcing is where we provide support and legal advice as an in-house legal function without your business having the overheads of an employee’s salary. As your in-house lawyer, we work with you and your teams to understand your business and business model, your legal risks and opportunities and look to cost minimise in relation to legal matters.
I am really excited to head up this new function. As an experienced inhouse lawyer with more than 25 years’ experience working with multi-national corporations, I can offer - along with the support of the specialist lawyers at Franklins - a friendly, flexible, affordable and commercial legal support function for your business to ensure it grows in a compliant legal manner.
We will work together with you and your teams to identify legal risks, gaps and opportunities and provide commercially driven legal solutions. You decide how much or how little you need our support.
Since the pandemic and the ensuing cost of living crisis, UK companiesespecially SMEs - have been reassessing their requirements of lawyers and law firms. UK companies are now placing more emphasis on a law firm’s ability to grasp their strategic business challenges and providing them with commercial solutions at an affordable rate.
Many SMEs do not have the luxury of an in-house lawyer or to have their law firm on speed dial therefore, unfortunately, many ignore their legal issues hoping
Lisa Garley-Evans
they will go away or delegate to another function such as finance or HR.
I definitely would not trust a lawyer to file my end of year accounts so why should an accountant feel comfortable drafting a contract or dealing with a settlement agreement?
Subject to business needs, areas typically suited to in-house legal outsourcing are contract management, employee/supplier disputes, compliance and governance and general commercial matters.
The advantage of having your own inhouse outsourced lawyer is that they are there for your business five days a week, no holidays or illness as we cover these so your business receives a seamless, uninterrupted service.
If you think your business would benefit from a health check from myself and the team, contact us on info@franklins-sols.co.uk or call 01908 660966 / 01604 828282 . We have a wide range of legal specialisms to support growing businesses.
Lisa Garley-Evans has joined Franklins as an associate partner to head the regional law firm’s new legal process outsourcing department.
She has more than 20 years of experience as general counsel for multinational fast moving consumer goods businesses working across Europe and the Americas.
She will work with clients to understand their business and identify challenges and opportunities and develop commercial strategic solutions. This includes support and guidance on matters relating to:
Compliance policies
Legal risk profiling and mitigation
Strategic support
“We have known for a long time that there was a gap in the market.”
Employee matters
Supplier contracts
Data compliant
Company secretary duties
Commercial overview
Regulatory support
Intellectual property matters
Reduction of external legal fees
Lisa also has experience with mergers, acquisitions and disposals and will work on the growth of the Franklins
corporate team. “I am looking forward to bringing an alternative legal solution to our current and future clients,” she said. “I am really excited to head up this new function and bring my in-house experience working with multi-national corporations to Franklins’ clients.”
Franklins equity partner Andrea Smith (inset) added: “We have known for a long time that there was a gap in the market for outsourced legal advice. We felt that with Lisa’s knowledge and expertise in this field this is the perfect time for the firm to establish our legal process outsourcing department. We wish Lisa all the best in this new and important role.”
The ‘accountability gap’ - in simple terms, the gap between operational and technical financial knowledge in a business - is a fundamental part of the framework that financial consultant Adrian Goodman works through with a new client. He explains the process and the benefits to both sides.
When I work with clients, I frequently refer to ‘The Accountability Gap’. A business owner knows the operational finance elements of their business and industry, key items such as purchase prices, selling prices, delivery costs and achievable profit margins. They also know industryspecific threats and opportunities.
However, they typically have a limited understanding of accounting concepts and technical finance, which can impact the correct calculation of profit and therefore hamper decision-making.
An accountant is the opposite. They are technically skilled and usually qualified, with a wealth of experience in calculating and classifying transactions and a firm understanding of relevant laws and regulations.
However, they are generally far less knowledgeable than the business owner when it comes to their specific organisation or industry.
Between the two, a reasonable degree of overall financial literacy exists in the business. Over a long and cooperative relationship, both parties learn more about each other’s specialist areas and this financial collaboration improves.
It is no surprise that the business becomes more successful when this happens.
However, the accountant will never spend enough time in the business to truly understand the operational finance elements and the business owner is unlikely to study accounting, so the Accountability Gap will always exist to some extent until the business grows to the point where it can justify the expense of a full-time finance director.
In the meantime, even if the gap cannot be closed completely, there are ways it can be bridged.
Additional services from your your accountant Many businesses engage
“There is a proven statistical correlation between the success of a business and the financial literacy of the owner.”
their accountant to produce their yearend accounts and tax return, which is the bare minimum service an accountant can provide.
Improve the financial literacy of the business owner If the business owner has a fundamental understanding of accounting principles and technical finance, they not only can analyse the data in-house but also have a better understanding of the data provided by their accountant.
Of the two options outlined, the second point is far more likely to lead to greater finance knowledge in the business and therefore enhanced success. There are several reasons for this.
Firstly, you cannot become an accountant overnight but you can learn rudimentary financial concepts quite quickly. Your accountant will not have
the time or resources to replicate your industry-specific knowledge anywhere near as quickly.
Secondly, you may decide to change accountants at some point and then any understanding they had of your business is lost whereas your financial knowledge, once learned, is there to stay.
Ultimately, however, it comes down to accountability. You are accountable for all aspects of your business, including finance. It is your responsibility to not only understand your accounts but also potentially challenge the data presented by your accountant.
It is impossible to do this if you do not understand it.
There is a proven statistical correlation between the success of a business and the financial literacy of the owner. If you want your business to succeed, this is something you need to work on.
Adrian Goodman is the author of Achieving Profitable Growth, a guide to establishing profitable growth in business.
ppxconsulting.co.uk
Adrian.goodman@ppxconsulting.co.uk 01536 856740
A decision to convert one ground-floor office has led to a whole new business opportunity for Wealth & Tax Management. managing director Tony Byrne explained more.
How I turned my empty offices into fully occupied
Our ground floor office at Furzton Lake in Milton Keynes was vacated by our last tenants in June last year. We appointed a commercial agent who only managed a few enquiries and one viewing over a two-month period. We then changed agents and the new agent only managed one viewing over three months so we cancelled their service too. I decided to convert the office from three to five rooms and let the whole ground floor out as serviced offices. I received seven enquiries within two days followed by four viewings over the next two weeks which was more than the two commercial
If you are interested in a serviced office to rent, co-working, a virtual office or advice on how to turn your business into serviced offices, take advantage of a one-hour Discovery Meeting either at our offices or via a video conference call at our expense worth £270 to each of the first three readers who contact us before June 30 2024. You know it makes sense. We offer a great cup of coffee too. Ring us on 01908 523740 or for free on 0800 980 4516 or email wealth@ wealthandtax.co.uk and quote JUNE 2024 OFFER to book your free discovery meeting.
agents managed over five months. I quickly gained one tenant and another prospective tenant has paid a reservation fee for two of the offices. That leaves me with two more offices to let out, which I am confident will happen by the end of June.
“Suddenly I have created a new business out of nothing.”
I then decided to offer co-working (renting a desk in a shared office) and a virtual office address service. Suddenly I have created an entirely new serviced office business out of nothing.
Interestingly, I visited all of the offices in our business estate and I discovered that most of them were either empty or half empty. It strikes me that there is much less demand for larger offices these days and not much appetite for five-year fully repairing, upward-only rent review leases. Since the pandemic, many more people work from home.
However, there is still demand for smaller offices and/or business addresses on flexible, lower-cost terms.
The tax-advantageous regime for Furnished Holiday Lets is being abolished from April 2025 writes Tim Woodgates (inset), partner at chartered accountants Moore The Chancellor is hoping that this change will encourage landlords to favour longer-term lettings over short-term vacation rentals. This means property owners offering Airbnb-style short lets have limited time remaining to take advantage of valuable FHL relief before the rules change.
What qualifies as a Furnished Holiday Let?
n The property is available for commercial letting as holiday accommodation for at least 210 days and actually let for at least 105 days in the tax year..
n Lets longer than 31 days do not count as holiday lets.
n For lettings that do not quite meet the conditions, it is possible to elect to average lettings between more than one property or to apply a period of grace to treat the conditions as met in a slow year.
What are the tax advantages of the Furnished Holiday Let regime? Where a let qualifies, the tax advantages can be significant:
n Full deduction against income for interest on borrowings.
n Reliefs from capital gains tax including business asset disposal relief (10% tax rate on sale), rollover relief and gift hold-over relief to defer gains.
n Profits treated as earnings for pension contribution purposes.
n Beneficial capital allowances rules for tax relief on fixtures.
Property owners have a short window of opportunity in which to take advantage of the tax benefits available for qualifying rentals. For example, reviewing possible claims for capital allowances to find missed reliefs can reduce FHL taxable profits. Allowances are available for furniture, white goods and property fixtures - unlike standard buy-to-let properties, a deduction is available for initial expenditure and not only replacements and repairs.
There is no time limit for claiming capital allowances where the asset is still used in the FHL business but the opportunity to claim ends from April.
n This advice insight is indicative only. Full tax advice should be sought on your specific circumstances.
A group for networkers looking for referrals, introductions, opportunities and sales. Northants and surrounding areas
Every Tuesday at noon.
National networking
Every Wednesday at noon. Contact Gary Thorpe for all events. Email gary.thorpe@debt-doctors.co.uk. Tel: 07963 766052 or 01536 333425.
AYLESBURY
2nd Tuesday 12 noon-2pm: Online. MILTON KEYNES
2nd Thursday 12 noon-2pm: Online.
BUCKINGHAM
3rd Tuesday 12 noon-2pm: Online. CAPPUCCINO CONNECTIONS
4th Thursday 10am-11.30am: Online.
Contact: Anna Atkins-Carter, regional director North Bucks / West Chilterns. 07540 097776, email anna.atkinscarter@theathenanetwork.com or visit theathenanetwork.com.
BEDFORD
2nd Wednesday 12 noon-2pm: Online. SOUTH BEDFORDSHIRE
4th Tuesday 12 noon-2pm: Online. WOBURN
3rd Thursday 12 noon-2pm: Online.
Contact: Kate Cherry, regional director Bedfordshire & St Albans. 07909 675333, email kate.cherry@theathenanetwork.com or visit theathenanetwork.com
June 19 7.45am-9.15am:
The Bedfordshire Golf Club, Stagsden Sponsors: Ginger Cow Marketing; Mazars; Metro Bank; Woodfines Solicitors
Speaker tbc. Price: £20. Contact: Kerry Ransby email kransby@woodfines.co.uk or visit bedfordbreakfastclub.co.uk
MEMBERS SUMMER RECEPTION
June 19 5pm-7pm:
The Forest Centre, Marston Moretaine Informal networking with barbecue. Sponsor: Fliweel.tech
Free event, Chamber members only. Exhibition stands: £65 + VAT..
Book on to Chamber of Commerce events via events.chamber-business.com.
IGNITE
Tuesday 6.45am:
The Turnpike, Harpole, Northampton ACHIEVERS
Wednesday 9.30am: Brewpoint, Cut Throat Lane, Bedford.
PIONEER
Wednesday 9.30am-11am: Online. APOLLO
Wednesday 10am:
Abbey Hill Golf Centre, Two Mile Ash, Milton Keynes. FUSION
Thursday 6.45am:
Abbey Hill Golf Centre, Two Mile Ash, Milton Keynes. BLAZE
Thursday 6.45am:
Mount Pleasant Golf Club, Lower Stondon nr Henlow.
PAVILION
Thursday 6.45am-8.30am:
The Old Northamptonians RFC, Sir Humphrey Cripps Pavilion, Billing Road, Northampton. PROSPERITY
Thursday 6.45am-8.30am: The Kettering Golf Club, Headlands, Kettering. STERLING
Thursday 11.45am-1.30pm: The Old Northamptonians RFC, Sir Humphrey Cripps Pavilion, Billing Road, Northampton. ENCORE
Friday 6.45am: Holiday Inn London Luton. LIGHTHOUSE
Friday 6.45am-8.30am: Old Northamptonians Association, Billing Road, Northampton. Contact: Duncan Webster, email duncan@bnibreakfast.co.uk or call 07977 422220. More information: bni.co.uk
June 11, 25 6.45am-8.45am: Villiers Hotel, Buckingham Breakfast meeting and speaker. Visitors: £10.
More details: bucks-fizz.biz or contact David Babister 07796 136688.
Regional sponsor: Business MK and Business Times
Relaxed, informal, conversational B2B networking. All Business Buzz events run 10am-noon. Price: £10 + VAT.
BEDFORD
1st Wednesday: George & Dragon, Mill Street. BIGGLESWADE
4th Tuesday: Miss Vietnam, Market Square. BRACKLEY
1st Thursday: Paisley Pear, Northampton Road. DAVENTRY
3rd Friday: Arc Cinema, Mulberry Place. DUNSTABLE
4th Friday: Sugar Lounge at The Old Sugar Loaf, High Street North.
LUTON
2nd Tuesday: The Garden Cafe, Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road.
MILTON KEYNES
3rd Friday: Pop World MK, Lower 12th Street, Central Milton Keynes. NORTHAMPTON
3rd Wednesday: Barratts Snooker Club & Bar, Kingsthorpe Road.
TOWCESTER
4th Thursday: Towcester Mill Brewery, Chantry Lane. WELLINGBOROUGH
2nd Tuesday: Castello Lounge, Market Street
All meetings payable in advance on the Business Buzz Booking App app.business-buzz.org/app or at the event.
Business networking and referral group. Price: £6.
MILTON KEYNES
4th Thursday, 7.30am-9.30am:
Windmill Hill Golf Centre, Bletchley. Meeting fee: £16 (first meeting free).
NORTHAMPTON BREAKFAST
3rd Wednesday, 7.30-9.30am: The Turnpike, Harpole.
NORTHAMPTON EVENING
4th Tuesday, 6.30-8.30pm: Cheyne Walk Club, Northampton.
WELLINGBOROUGH
2nd Thursday, 7.30-9.30am: The Hind Hotel.
VIRTUAL MEETINGS
Meeting fee: £6 (first meeting free).
Wednesday Breakfast
4th Wednesday, 7.30am-9am.
Thursday Breakfast
3rd Thursday, 7.30am-9am.
Friday Breakfast
2nd Friday, 7.30am-9am.
THE ACCOUNTABILITY CIRCLE
Monday 10am-11am: Online Time management and productivity. Price: £6 per session or £12 per month. More information: buscomm.co.uk.
June 7, 21 7am:
Windmill Hill Golf Centre, Bletchley Networking breakfast with speaker. Price: £15 non-members. Contact: businessgrowthclub.co.uk or Mark Orr 07903 655169.
BEDFORD
June 13 9.30am-11.30am
Brewpoint, Cut Throat Lane, Bedford Host: Aruno Rao. Brunchtime networking. Price: £26.
MILTON KEYNES
June 5 9.30am-11.30am
The Anchor, The Square, Aspley Guise Host: Heide Swift. Brunchtime networking. Price: £26.
NORTHAMPTON
June 11 9.30am-11.30am
The Chester House Estate, Irchester Host: Kirsty Parris. Brunchtime networking. Price: £26.
TOWCESTER
June 19 9.30am-11.30am
The Navigation Inn, Thrupp Wharf Marina, Cosgrove Host: Kirsty Parris. Brunchtime networking. Price: £26. Contact: busynetworking.net/meetings.
Networking with lunch. Price: £28.
AMPTHILL
June 13 11.45am-2pm
The Knife & Cleaver, Houghton Conquest Host: Chandra Gardner.
BEDFORD
June 27 11.45am-2pm
The Woodland Manor Hotel, Green Lane, Clapham
Host: Aruno Rao.
BUCKINGHAM
June 17 11.45am-2pm
The Grand Junction, High Street, Buckingham Host: Heide Swift.
KETTERING
June 25 11.45am-2pm
The Kettering Golf Club, Headlands Host: Aruno Rao.
MILTON KEYNES
June 6 11.45am-2pm
The George Inn, Watling Street, Little Brickhill Host: Aruno Rao.
MILTON KEYNES NORTH
June 10 11.45am-2pm
The Cherry Tree, Olney Host: Aruno Rao.
NORTHAMPTON
June 18 11.45am-2pm
The White Hart, Main Road, Hackleton Host: Aruno Rao.
TOWCESTER
June 26 11.45am-2pm
The Navigation Inn, Thrupp Wharf Marina, Cosgrove
Host: Aruno Rao.
Contact: busywomen.net or call 07957 284851.
NETWORKING BREAKFAST
3rd Friday, 7am-9am
Astral Park, Leighton Buzzard
Breakfast networking with speaker. Price: £13. Contact: info@buzzardnetworking.co.uk or visit buzzardnetworking.co.uk
June 5, 7.30am-9am:
YMCA, North Sixth Street, Central Milton Keynes
The longest-established breakfast networking club in Milton Keynes. Speaker: Bryan Wright, of Yellowyoyo; Sarah Sweet-Rowley, of Autism Early Support. Book at citybreakfastclub.co.uk
VIRTUAL
June 4, 25 10.30am-12 noon
Online BREAKFAST, NETWALK & BRUNCH
June 6 7.15am-8.45am; 9.05am-9.50am; 1 0am-11.30am
Willen Hospice Café Willen Lake
GOLD MEMBERSHIP BUSINESS WORKSHOP
June 11 9am-12 noon
Whittlebury Park IN PARTNERSHIP EVENT
with Leighton Buzzard businesses
June 13 5pm-6.30pm
Leighton Town Football Club
MK MEET-UP EVENT
June 18 5.30pm-8pm
Aiimi, Avebury Boulevard, Central Milton Keynes IN PARTNERSHIP EVENT with Olney businesses
June 26 5pm-6.30pm
Olney Rugby Club IN PARTNERSHIP EVENT with Buckingham businesses
June 27 5pm-6.30pm
BEIU , University of Buckingham
All events free to attend as a non-member on one occasion. Book at the event booking diary web page at collaboratemk.co.uk. Contact: Tim Lee, email tim@collaboratemk.co.uk or 07786 527845.
Alternate Wednesdays 7.30am-9.30am: The Hind Hotel, Wellingborough Networking group run by its members for its members. Contact: cornerstone-northants.org or email network@cornerstone-northants.org.
June 20 12.30pm-2.30pm
Maaya Restaurant, The Hub, Central Milton Keynes Sponsor: Pinders. Networking lunch. Price: £35.11. Book at thecurryclubs.co.uk/event/ milton-keynes-curry-club-24/
Wednesdays 6.45am-8.30am: The Hopping Hare, Hopping Hill Gardens, Northampton Breakfast networking + members’ presentation opportunities. Price: £10 visitors. Contact: enigmanetworking.co.uk. email chair@enigmanetworking.co.uk or call 07889 967779.
MILTON KEYNES VIRTUAL NETWORKING
June 14 10am-11am: Online. Networking + an update on the benefits of FSB membership. Free event for FSB members and non-members. To book on to FSB events, visit fsb.org.uk
Published in association with
COFFEE & CONNECT
June 13 10am-12 noon: Frosts Garden Centre, Woburn Sands
Informal networking. Price: £12.50. Book at askgoto.com/event/coffee-connect-mk-20/
LEIGHTON BUZZARD BUSINESS CLUB
Wednesdays 7am-8.30am: The Dukes, Leighton Road, Heath and Reach
Breakfast networking with speaker + member presentations. Visitors: £10. Contact: leightonbuzzardbiz.co.uk. email LBBC chairman Steve Baker at steve@sbfinancial.co.uk or call 01296 641868.
AFTERNOON TEA
June 5 12 noon-2pm: The Hopping Hare, Hopping Hill Gardens, Northampton Networking community for women in business in Northamptonshire and beyond. Relaxed networking over afternoon tea. Price: £34.50. Contact: Julie Cameron at juliecameron@lovebiznetworking.co.uk or lovebiznetworking.co.uk.
1st Tuesday 8am-10am Mano Coffee, George Street Informal networking. Free event. To find out more, email organiser Stephen Wood at s.w@srwood.co.uk or call 01582 401221.
WOMEN WITH VISION
June 7 11.30am-1.30pm:
Kettering Park Hotel & Spa Networking over lunch. Price: £30 + VAT Chamber members; non-members £50 + VAT.
BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS
June 12 8.30am-10.30am:
Holiday Inn Milton Keynes Central Informal networking. Price: £10 + VAT Chamber membera; non-members £20 + VAT.
MAXIMISE YOUR MEMBERSHIP June 27 8.30am-10.30am: Silverstone Museum
Networking plus an opportunity to find out more about the benefits of Chamber membership. Free event, Chamber members only To book on to Chamber events, visit chambermk.co.uk/events.
MEET OF MK
June 25 5pm-7pm: Marco’s New York Italian, Holiday Inn Central Milton Keynes Sponsored by Facilities Management Solutions. Networking with speakers. Contact: mkfm.com/events/mkfms-meet-of-mk/
June 12
8am-10am: Planet Ice, Central Milton Keynes
Networking with speaker from MK Lightning ice hockey. Organised in association with 123 Internet. Free event. Contact: mkbusinessnetworking.co.uk
June 26 9.15am-10.45am Grounds Café, Salcey Forest
An informal walk, followed by coffee and a catch-up. Dogs are welcome.
Organised by Franklins Solicitors. Free event. To book, visit events.bookitbee.com/ franklins-solicitors-llp/
Alternate Thursdays 7.15am-9am: Beefeater, Priory Marina, Barkers Lane, Bedford Breakfast networking with speaker. Contact: nibeds.co.uk
SPEED NETWORKING
June 20 11.30am-1.30pm: Northampton Town Centre Hotel
Networking + buffet lunch. Price: £20 + VAT, Chamber members only.
MAXIMISE YOUR MEMBERSHIP
June 27 8.30am-10.30am: Silverstone Museum
Networking plus an opportunity to find out more about the benefits of Chamber membership. Free event, Chamber members only To book on to Chamber events, visit northants-chamber.co.uk.
NNBN is a business membership organisation for all of Northamptonshire which aims to help businesses in the county to recover, build and grow for a brighter future.
MARKETING IDEAS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
June 3 4pm-6pm: Online Workshop. ONLINE NETWORKING
June 7 4pm-5pm
Free event to NNBN members and non-members. THE SECRETS TO BEING A GREAT EMPLOYER
June 12 9.30am-11am: Vulcan Works, Northampton Workshop presented by Gateway HR. Free event for NNBN members and non-members.
EVENING BUSINESS NETWORKING
June 13 7pm-8.30pm:
Chester House Estate, Irchester
June 27 7pm-8.30pm: Northampton Town Centre Hotel
Informal networking. Free event for NNBN members; visitors £10.
NNBN WORKSHOP
June 14 4pm-5pm: Online
Find out more about the benefits of joining NNBN. CARBON REDUCTION AND SUSTAINABILITY
June 26 3pm-5pm: Lutyens House Meeting Room, Northampton Led by ActNow Consulting. Free event for NNBN members.
HOTDESKING
June 28 9am-5pm: Vulcan Works, Northampton
A day of co-working. Free event for NNBN members. For more information and to book, visit nnbn.co.uk/events/.
June 25 9.30am-12 noon: Fairspace, Midsummer Boulevard, Central Milton Keynes
An introduction to the five keys to exceptional profitable growth. Hosted by Hawsons Chartered Accountants and business development consultancy Tinderbox.
Speakers: Will Amos, partner, Hawsons; David Turner, founder and managing director Tinderbox Business Development. Price: £15. Book at eventbrite.co.uk
Contact: Ian Taylor, Tinderbox’s regional director South Central. Email ian.taylor@tinderboxbd.com.
Fridays 6.45am-8.45am:
The Cock Hotel, Stony Stratford
Networking breakfast, with more than 40 members from a wide range of businesses. Businesses referrals, business support and training.
Contact: tfinetworking.co.uk.
12 noon-2pm, networking lunch. Bedford & Ampthill
1st Tuesday: The Swan Hotel, The Embankment, Bedford / Online. Leighton Buzzard
3rd Wednesday: The Dukes, Heath & Reach / Online. Luton
2nd Monday: South Beds Golf Club/ Online. Sandy & Biggleswade
1st Wednesday: Stratton House Hotel, Biggleswade. Contact: Louise Yexley on 07989 020647, email louise.yexley@wibn.co.uk or visit www.wibn.co.uk.
Milton Keynes
1st Tuesday: The Brasserie at Milton Keynes College, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley. Contact: Edith Samambwa on 07802 581838, email edith.samambwa@wibn.co.uk or visit www.wibn.co.uk.
NETWORKING LUNCH
June 19 12 noon-2pm:
The Shoulder of Mutton, Calverton Informal networking. Price: £26 WiE members; non-members £30. Book at womeninenterprise.co.uk.
The Business Room is a one business per area group for business owners, those in employed positions, MLMs and franchised businesses. BEDFORD
3rd Thursday 12 noon-2pm: The Barns Hotel. KETTERING
2nd Tuesday 12 noon-2pm: Kettering Park Hotel & Spa.
NORTHAMPTON
2nd Thursday 12 noon-2pm: Sun Inn, High Street, Hardingstone. OLNEY
2nd Wednesday 12 noon-2pm: The Cherry Tree Restaurant & Bar. SOUTH NORTHANTS
3rd Tuesday 12 noon-2pm: The Fox & Hounds, Whittlebury. WELLINGBOROUGH
3rd Wednesday 12 noon-2pm: The Stanwick Hotel, Stanwick. THE CONNECTIONS CLUB - NORTHANTS For business owners, influencers and decision-makers. NORTHAMPTON
1st Tuesday 11.45am-2pm: Delapre Abbey, Northampton. Contact: Barbara Hodgson 07504 946 585 / 01933 652884, email barbara@yourbusinessmatters.co or visit yourbusinessmatters.co.
NETWORKING + CHARITY QUIZ
June 13 4pm-6pm:
Dipna Anand’s Kitchen & Bar, Unity Place, Central Milton Keynes
An evening of informal networking, drinks and nibbles and featuring a fundraising quiz in aid of Harry’s Rainbow. Book your place online at yourbusinessexpo.co.uk/ networking/ Or scan the QR code >>
Join us at a networking event with a difference. The stunning Stanwick Lakes near Wellingborough is the venue for an exclusive corporate networking event on July 5, hosted by Your Business Networking in partnership with Stanwick Lakes.
Your morning begins with informal networking over tea, coffee and pastries ahead of the first of two activity sessions in which delegates can try their hand at a range of engaging activities on offer at this beautiful nature reserve and countryside attraction. Our guests will choose from activities including:
Axe throwing Blacksmithing
Cycling/walking scavenger hunt
Ceramic painting Forest bathing
Your Business Networking is always looking to break the mould with the theme of its events, designed to meet the requirements of today’s corporate world. That is why we have linked up with the team at Stanwick Lakes, a social enterprise run by the Rockingham Forest Trust environmental charity. Every pound it receives in revenue and donations directly supports the cost of running the site, including its conservation work and educational events.
Stanwick Lakes is a truly unique setting, with its Visitor Centre at the heart of its indoor and outdoor facilities. The Visitor Centre is an ideal venue to host corporate events and functions. With a large range of team building activities developed in-house, it is the perfect opportunity to escape the office in a beautiful setting and to support a local charity.
Our agenda on July 5 is as follows:
8.30am-9.30am Arrival, tea/coffee, pastries, and networking.
9.30am Introductions and instructions.
9.45am First activity session.
10.45am Changeover, comfort break, tea, and coffee.
11am Second activity session.
12 noon Conclusion of activities, lunch, and networking.
1 pm Departure.
We cannot wait to welcome our guests to some networking with a difference.
Scan the code to find out more and book your place.
Revving up for a productive summer is National Kart Cup racing driver Charlie Ephgrave. He is pictured with Chris Matthews, director of LMR Building Supplies which has just agreed a seasonlong sponsorship deal with the budding track star.
Charlie is taking part in his first national championship and will compete in five National Kart Cup races and eight competitions at his local Kimbolton track.
Builders merchant LMR Building Supplies , which is based at Finedon
near Wellingborough, has its branding emblazoned on Charlie’s kart. Chris, a motorsport fan, said: “When Charlie approached us looking for sponsorship I was immediately impressed with the amount of effort that had clearly gone into producing a very professional sponsorship pack and as a firm we thought it was a great opportunity to support a young person to help them progress in their sport.
“I have been down to Kimbolton to watch him race which was hugely exciting and I was really impressed with his speed and race craft.”
Charlie races for Team AIRkart. “It really means a lot that a company such as LMR believes in me enough to sponsor me,” he said.
“While I am considered a latecomer in the world of karting, I have already proven that I can race competitively and I am setting times that put me comfortably mid-pack in my races.”
He competed in his first National Kart Cup race in Dorset in April and is preparing for his next appearance at Mansell Raceway at the end of this month.
“I just have the small matter of my GCSEs to get through before then,” Charlie said.
Logistics property developer and investor Prologis has agreed a three-year sponsorship deal with Barby Cricket Club near Daventry.
The company, which owns the nearby DIRFT rail freight terminal, is to sponsor the club’s shirts. It is an extension of the previous sponsorship of the under-13 girls team to cover every team and is a boost to Barby CC’s fundraising campaign to update its clubhouse changing facilities as the number of female players grows.
“Our continued support for Barby Cricket Club is testament to the wonderful
The fit+ gym model is set to launch in the UK later this year
Food manufacturer Brioche Pasquier is to become principal partner of Northamptonshire County Cricket‘s Steelbacks in the Community scheme for the next two years.
The firm’s involvement is expected to help the club’s work to engage county residents in cricket and related activities.
Brioche Pasquier has been manufacturing its brioche and patisserie at its factory in Milton Keynes since 2014. “We are really excited to see how our new partnership can grow,” said UK managing director Ryan Peters.
Brioche Pasquier will feature on the Player Pathway and Northamptonshire Women’s team kit, as well as having its branding around The County Ground.
strides the team is making in expanding its grass roots sport to young people as well as its commitment to diversity,” said Prologis UK’s marketing lead Francesca Hawken.
Barby CC has three Saturday teams playing in Division 2, Division 6 and Division 13 of the Northamptonshire Cricket League as well as an expanding junior section that caters for girls and boys aged five and over.
Club chair Rob Field said: “Partnerships with local businesses are critical to the continued survival of the club. ”
“It is fantastic to welcome Brioche Pasquier to the club and we are excited to see the growth with this partnership over the next couple of years,” said NCCC’s head of commercial Daniel Vernon.
“We are excited to see how they can contribute to our Women’s and Community programmes. I believe their experience and commitment will help elevate these aspects of the club to another level.”
Fitness franchise investor Empowered Brands, which is behind the gym franchise énergie Fitness and UBX Boxing & Strength, has signed a landmark deal with a German company that specialises in staffless gyms.
fit+ runs gyms in more than 250 locations across Europe. Now the franchise is to roll out across the UK and Ireland.
Empowered Brands, whose headquarters are in Milton Keynes, has already identified more than 20 potential locations. It sees the fit+ model as one that improves gym provision across a wider area.
Chief executive Matt Pinner said:
“Convenience is a driving force in the industry now more than ever before, with gym goers looking for a well-equipped fitness club in the immediate vicinity of where they live, and fit+ will provide exactly that and more.”
fit+ gyms provide a range of strength, resistance, and free weights equipment. QR codes feature on each piece of equipment guide users on how they work.
“We are really excited to roll the concept out,” said Matt. “It is gamechanging for the industry as it is a concept that is able to reach underserved communities easily where perhaps they do not currently have a convenient fitness facility or where they do but it has restricted hours.”
The fit+ concept was founded by German fitness club operators and entrepreneurs Torsten Boorberg and Björn Krämer to tackle staffing challenges they faced in the industry. The staffless gym model has seen exponential growth of 200% in three years and is forecast to rise to 300% with 320 gyms open worldwide by the end of this year.
The model targets smaller territories than traditional gyms - smaller towns, suburban and rural areas with a target population of 6,000 - 15,000.
“Empowered Brands were an obvious choice to partner with to rollout fit+
across the UK given their extensive experience in the sector,” said Torsten. “Our gyms are operated entirely digitally, managed with just a few hours work per week. It keeps the gym’s operating costs to a minimum and provides an amazing level of freedom and flexibility for the business owner.”
Everything is fully automated, from how members sign up and enter the gym to membership management and admin which is all processed internally.
Empowered Brands is backed by alternative investment management firm RM Funds. “The addition of the fit+ franchise enhances our expanding
portfolio of fitness and wellness franchise brands, further solidifying our franchise royalty platform,” said Empowered Brands chairman and RM Funds portfolio manager Pietro Nicholls.
Empowered Brands has already opened two new franchised énergie Fitness gyms in Lichfield and Tooting this year and three new UBX Boxing & Strength franchise clubs in Alderley, Windsor and Wembley. “We have an exciting pipeline of new openings to come across both énergie Fitness and UBX Boxing & Strength, and we anticipate appeal for fit+ franchisees being just as strong,” said Matt.
Relaxed, welcoming and events are a place where face to face interaction sparks collaboration.
13th June 4-6pm, Charity Quiz & Networking Dipna Anand Kitchen & Bar, Unity Place
A charity quiz in aid of Harry’s Rainbow. £30 per ticket with all profits going to the charity. Nibbles and a drink included and there are some amazing prizes!
18th July 4-6pm, Networking & Cocktail Making Sky Lounge, Unity Place
Experience a delightful blend of business networking and cocktail making fun, while indulging in a refreshing welcome drink and our delicious mini BBQ. £25 per ticket. Scan the code to register your interest.
Plans are being drawn up to form a voluntary management board at Corby Foodbank.
The move is being led by the charity’s chair Sue Kennedy, a former child protection social worker. She and Corby Foodbank manager Martin Langford have been working to put processes in place for the service.
“There is a lot of my experience including safeguarding, working with volunteers and helping with community
projects that is really useful in this setting,” said Sue, a former child protection social worker who is also church warden at St Peter and St Andrew’s Church in Corby, where the foodbank is based.
Going forward, the foodbank would be governed by an independent committee voted into their posts.
“The foodbank provides a safe place in our community,” Sue said. “Working with Martin has helped me to think about the next steps. I would like to see it develop its
Mumpreneur Joanna Konefal is preparing to host a free public event to highlight yoga, mindfulness and their benefits for mental health.
The event takes place on June 21 – International Yoga Day – at the Labyrinth near Willen Lake in Milton Keynes and Joanna is looking for local businesses to support the event through participation and sponsorship.
The event runs from 10am until 7pm, with a total 16 free classes on themes
including yoga, meditation, sound bath, art therapy and energy healing.
“We recognise increasing need for support for all who struggle with long-term issues such as depression, anxiety and stress but also those who are interested in self-development,” said Joanna.
Find out more about the classes and teachers and book your place at eventbrite.co.uk
Four families are to begin counselling sessions and enjoy family experience days thanks to a new year-long partnership between the Child Brain Injury Trust charity and Milton Keynes-based consumer law firm Lime Solicitors.
The practice has sponsored the charity’s CBIT Games for the past three years as well as supporting its Licensed
to Spin fundraising casino night and Bollywood dance evening.
“As specialists in brain injury claims, we are always looking to partner with like-minded organisations and charities that provide invaluable support to those affected by this type of traumatic injury,” said Lime Solicitors’ serious injury partner Vicky Blodwell.
own voluntary management board so the chairperson can be chosen.
“I want everyone, including the Parochial Church Council and trustees, to know what their roles are and make sure that there are processes are in place so we have a clear understanding of where the foodbank is going. In future, we would like Corby Foodbank to become even more of a community hub for our town.”
For more information about Corby Foodbank visit www.corby.foodbank.org.uk
The search is on for new heritage heroes
The hunt is on for Corby’s next set of heritage heroes.
The Heritage Accelerator for Northamptonshire initiative is being run by the University of Northampton and backed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The programme provides the means for local practitioners in arts, culture, heritage, and history and ensure growing awareness of Corby’s heritage.
The first of Northamptonshire’s Heritage Accelerators are already being supported by the programme. Applications for the second cohort of Heritage Accelerators are now open.
The programme offers practitioners: n Ten months of needs-led continuous professional development.
n £4,000 towards training, expenses and project development.
n The chance to pilot and develop ideas through to funding applications.
n Opportunities to develop and submit competitive project grants.
n Knowledge exchange.
One of the first cohort of Corby Heritage Accelerator practitioners is former arts teacher Lisa Lovett, a graduate in primary education at the University of Northampton. Her Earthly Arts Studio launched last month at The Chester House. Estate. “Heritage Accelerator has enabled me to fulfil an idea that I have had for a long time,” she said.
Suzanne Oliver the university’s heritage partnerships and projects officer, said: “We have been able to build new partnerships with many key heritage organisations in the north of the county and are seeing new approaches and ambitious ideas develop to engage the wider community in our rich heritage.”
Praise for a charity’s work to support major building projects to improve living conditions and reduce disease in a village in The Gambia has come from the African country’s UK High Commissioner.
Dr Fatou Bensouda joined more than 40 guests including HM Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire The Countess Howe at a fundraising dinner in aid of The Oasis Project – The Gambia.
The charity works with villagers in Bakau
to improve their education, health and environment. The Oasis Project has been instrumental in building a new school in the village and storm drains to reduce stagnant rainwater and therefore cases of malaria.
The dinner also saw the launch of a £350,000 capital fund for future projects. A silent auction on the night raised more than £5,200, money that will fund a canteen and equipment at the new school.
(from left) Angela Rhodes; The Countess Howe, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire; High Commissioner for the Gambia Dr Bensouda; The Oasis Project founder Chris Hayter; Liz Newell, partner at event sponsor MHA; Sally Alexander, chief executive of Milton Keynes College
Dr Bensouda said: “Charities such as the Oasis Project -The Gambia are vital to the education needs of the region and to hear of the capital fund appeal and a new school to fill the need for more pupils is exceptional for The Gambia.”
The High Commissioner also praised the support of The Rotary Club of Milton Keynes Grand Union in its fundraising for the project’s work.
Land for the new Starlight school had been secured thanks to donations including $5,000 on the night from the Million Dollar Round Table group of philanthropists and the charity long-time supporter Alistair Wallace.
“All money raised for the charity in the UK is project managed financially in the UK which provides a secure base, encouraging more people to become involved,” said The Oasis Project’s chair of trustees Angela Rhodes. “I am completely humbled by the generosity in the room for this first Capital Fund appeal dinner.”
Now the charity is looking to recruit more trustees and volunteers.
A charity supporting the homeless has received a boost of at least £3,000 after a Big Sleepout fundraising initiative.
Food manufacturer Cranswick Convenience Foods hosted the event at its factory in Milton Keynes, joining forces with homeless charity UnityMK.
“While it is just one night, it gives participants a tiny insight into some of the many challenges our guests have to face when sleeping rough,” said Unity MK’s fundraising manager Ria House. “All funds raised help us continue to support those who are at crisis point or
Cranswick’s HR manager Matt Cowley added: “We all woke up thankful for what we have and hopeful that this important event has raised vital awareness and much-needed funds.”
Staff at Cranswick Convenience Foods support Unity MK through volunteering and providing employment and upskilling opportunities. Site director Sam Pearl said: “We hope that our involvement in this event acts as a catalyst for other local businesses to get involved.”
A snapshot of what business people have been telling us.
“Small businesses are making a huge difference to society.”
Diversity champion Gamiel Yafai reflects on how SMEs are embracing inclusion in their day-to-day operations.
“We all woke up thankful for what we have.”
Matt Crowley, HR manager at Cranswick Convenience Foods in Milton Keynes on the morning after the food manufacturer hosted a fundraising sleep-out in aid of the homeless charity UnityMK.
“Building a range of homes to suit many different needs is not only a priority but a necessity.“
Dan Usher of planning consultancy Marrons, issues some advice to planners.
“I am solely here to make people’s lives better.”
79-year-old volunteer Roger Brewer, whose work with charity, the NHS and with prisoners was recognised with an invitation to a Royal Garden Party.
“Our success is not just measured by sales but also by the positive impact we have on communities and the environment.”
John Keely, managing director of Niftylift, after the Milton Keynes-based manufacturer received a King’s Award for Enterprise.
“All I have done is write some nice words, made some pretty pictures and articulated what they wanted to do.”
A modest branding specialist Leigh Evans reflects on his contribution to the Egyptian government’s project to rebrand the Pyramids of Giza.
“A place where you can have fun, overcome challenges, strive and flourish.”
Leadership expert Freddie Guilmard’s definition of what a workplace should be.
“I just have the small matter of my GCSEs to get through before then.”
Teenage kart driver Charlie Ephgrave puts his priorities in order as his racing season gets into full swing.
Artificial Intelligence, regeneration, wellbeing and potholes... West Northamptonshire Council’s new leader outlines his plans.
‘I hope I will bring a different perspective’
Rugby fan Adam Brown is aiming to put West Northamptonshire at the top of the league for better public services and outcomes for residents in his new role as leader of West Northamptonshire Council.
The 39-year-old Saints fan and qualified rugby referee, who was born in Northampton and grew up in Weedon, took the reins as leader at the council’s annual meeting last month.
He has been a councillor for eight years and championed the successful bid to bring the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup to West Northants. Now Cllr Brown is looking forward to tackling the challenges facing the council and, he says, converting them into opportunities to improve services and support local communities.
coming weeks. Cllr Brown has also put tackling poverty and improving health and wellbeing as council priorities, along with regeneration plans for Northampton, Daventry, Brackley and Towcester.
Having worked as a campaign volunteer, Cllr Brown became a Daventry District Councillor for Weedon ward the following year, then later DDC’s deputy leader. In 2017 he was elected as a Northamptonshire County Councillor for Bugbrooke and in 2021 became a WNC councillor for the same division, a role he has held for the past three years alongside the remits of deputy leader and cabinet member for housing, culture and leisure.
“I am passionate about focusing on issues that matter most to the people here.”
The next step is to focus on improving productivity through best use of IT and Artificial Intelligence and redesigning services to make them more costeffective and easier for residents to use.
“A top priority for us moving forward this year is the need to do much more to improve and invest in our roads and tackle the blight of potholes, which we know are a huge concern for our residents.”
He promised “positive news” in the
He is married, lives in Northampton and has a professional background in financial services.
“As a relatively young council leader, I am hoping I will bring a different perspective to the role along with fresh energy and enthusiasm. I also think bringing two strong sets of experience to the role, through my financial services background and as a councillor of eight years, will prove really beneficial.
“West Northamptonshire is a wonderful area and I am passionate about focusing on issues that matter most to the people here.”
It is the end of an era at regional law firm Woodfines Solicitors with the retirement of consultant Tim Sills. He has advised clients including many in Bedfordshire’s farming community on commercial property and land matters for almost six decades, after qualifying as a solicitor in 1966.
He had been a partner at law firm Leeds Smith in Sandy since 1970, becoming senior partner in 1987 until the firm merged with Woodfines over 20 years ago.
“We have all benefited from Tim’s commitment and were honoured to have
a solicitor of his calibre work with us,” said Woodfines partner and head of property Suzanna Stephenson. “I can say with confidence on behalf of the firm that he will be greatly missed.”
Tim (inset) was Under Sheriff of Bedfordshire between 1988 and 2007 and remains a Deputy Lieutenant in the county. He was also a non-executive director at grain and agricultural merchant Sidney C Banks in Sandy for 20 years.
Congratulations to IF: Milton Keynes International Festival, which has been officially recognised as one of Europe’s most remarkable arts festivals for a second time.
It has received the EFFE Label 2024/2025 from the European Festivals Association after passing a series of quality standards that assess the festival’s programme, new commissions and artist residencies, community engagement, innovation, education, opportunities for emerging artists and diversity and inclusion.
IF: Milton Keynes International festival first received the EFFE Label in 2016.
Sir Jonathan Mills, former director of the Edinburgh Festival who chaired the International Jury assessing the award, said: “The Festival has grown its artistic programme to embrace its local infrastructure, landscape and communities to extend its ambition and relevance to international issues and embrace innovative artistic engagement.”
One of the 2023 festival’s commissions – The Place Between, a spectacular sense and sound commission created by artists Rebecca Law and Jason Singh –was shortlisted for an award celebrating placemaking and place-led initiatives.
IF director Monica Ferguson said: “It is fantastic to be recognised for the amazing work which the Festival team and artists deliver.”
Cllr Shanika Mahendran, cabinet member for economy, sustainability and innovation on Milton Keynes City Council, added: “We are really proud to be part of the International Festival which brings together so many different communities across our city. It is no surprise that the Festival has received this accolade given last year’s exemplary programme.”
The festival takes place in alternate years - next year’s IF is planned for July 18-27. “We are busy developing plans for the next Festival and there is still an opportunity for local businesses and other organisations to co-commission projects and sponsor the Festival,” Monica said.
centre:mk has been headline partner of IF since its inception in 2010. Centre director Kevin Duffy said: “Our collaboration on The Place Between commission perfectly illustrates how a highly successful retail destination like centre:mk can have a role to play in delivering unique experiences which challenge what we expect of our immediate environment.”
Feel good on your financial five-a-day
Open University academics
Professor George Callaghan and Dr Martin Higginson are on a mission, advising people to indulge in some daily “financial nutrition”.
They have begun the Financial Five-a-Day podcast, a series of interviews with financial experts. In it, they share their expertise in the hope that you and I will rethink the way in which we approach our spending, saving and investment habits. The aim, they say, is to help people navigate not only their immediate financial future but further ahead, towards a comfortable retirement.
“These are the most challenging times for 40 years for households. Now we live in a world where a pint of milk costs in excess of 65p – in 2020 it was about 35p - and this kind of price increase has not been experienced for a generation,” said George. “Adjusting your thinking to how you spend money on a daily basis can be transformational.”
The podcasts are hosted on the OU’s free education platform OpenLearn, Spotify and Apple podcast platforms.
The Financial Five-a-Day research forms part of the OU’s Open Societal Challenges Programme. “These podcasts are designed to make people take a long hard look at how they are using their money and many of our interviewees say that knowing what you want your life to look like as a mature adult is the key,” said Martin.
Here is a glimpse into the future of retail… welcome to the Corner Store.
It is the first venue to provide “frictionless” shopping – visitors tap their credit card or mobile wallet at the entry gate and technology detects the items that they take off the shelves, creating a virtual shopping session as they go.
Once finished, they depart with their goods and their chosen payment method is charged accordingly for their purchases.
The Corner Store is at Unity Place in Central Milton Keynes, offering a range of food, beverages and other convenience items. Its Just Walk Out technology,
determine
who took what in any retail environment. Amazon built synthetic datasets to mimic millions of realistic shopping scenarios, including variations in store format, lighting conditions, even crowds of shoppers, to ensure accuracy.
The Corner Store is operated by Restaurant Associates, which runs all of Unity Place’s food and beverage offers. “We are constantly looking at ways to further enhance our customer journey. Through the launch of The Corner Store, we can now provide a faster and more seamless experience using proven, secure technology,” said head of digital and technology Kenneth Leamy.
Whether it's a meeting over coffee or a team night out, where are your 'go to' food and drink hot spots?
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