Business Times Northamptonshire August 2022

Business Times Est. 1991

August 2022

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

CELEBRATION TIME...

Meet the winners of this year’s SME Northamptonshire Business Awards.

Report & Pictures: Pages 11-14

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£15m test facility boosts decarbonisation drive. P3

Homes manufacturer creates 1,000 jobs at new factory

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Book your place at the Chamber Business Exhibition. P6

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Cynthia Spencer Hospice seeks headline sponsor. P7

Distillery calls on businesses to be more nature-friendly. P10 Q& A

TopHat’s factory to be built in Corby will manufacture more than 4,500 modular homes a year

‘A glimpse into a different world’: Parm Bhangal tells all. P21

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urope’s largest modular homes facility is to be built at Corby with the creation of 1,000 new jobs.

TopHat will be the anchor tenant at Magna Park, one of the town’s newest industrial estates. The state-of-the art facility, which will be the size of 11 football pitches, will be capable of delivering one house every hour - more than 4,500 homes per year.

The new premises, expected to be operational from 2023, will create 1,000 new, skilled green economy

Magna Park facility is ‘an exciting addition to portfolio of business’, says council jobs across a wide range of roles including a training academy in partnership with local colleges. It is is the first lease to be signed at Magna Park Corby following the site’s acquisition at the end of 2021 by global logistics development manager GLP. North Northamptonshire Council has hailed TopHat’s arrival as a major boost to the area’s economy. Cllr David Brackenbury, executive member for growth and regeneration, said: “This

is an exciting addition to the portfolio of business we have here in North Northants. One of our key priorities is helping to create the conditions to boost the economy in North Northamptonshire. This development brings with it significant employment opportunities, which is a welcome addition to the North Northants economy.”

The new 650,000 sq ft facility will be in addition to TopHat’s existing site in Derby which already produces up to 800 homes per year. Earlier this year, American aluminium can manufacturer Ball Corporation, started construction of a new production plant in Burton Latimer, creating 200 jobs. It too is expected to become operational next year.

TopHat says the Corby facility will increase the company’s production capacity to more than 4,500 homes a year.

To page 5 >>

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Business News Saints march in to celebrate Foundation supporters

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foundation chief executive Catherine Deans.

A special contribution award was presented to Marcel Binley of The Roastery coffee company in Wellingborough, which has supported The Foundation by offering work experience placements to its students, barista qualifications and has raised money for the Foundation through the development of a bespoke coffee blend called Marching In. “Just having the opportunity to work with these students gives us

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August 2022

Marcel Binley receives the Contribution Award from Northampton Saints Foundation ambassador Tom Wood so much joy,” he said.

“Watching them grow and learn about coffee has been a huge privilege. We will keep on doing everything we can.”

A total of 14 awards were given out during the evening, which was hosted by BBC Radio Northampton’s sports editor and Saints’ historian Graham McKechnie.

President champions diversity on visit to law firm

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he importance of increasing diversity across the law profession is the main focus of the president of the Law Society of England & Wales.

I Stephanie Boyce is committed to ensuring that young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are able to take up opportunities within the legal profession. “Every door is open if you PUSH - Persevere Until Something Happens,” she said.

Ms Boyce was speaking on a visit to Northamptonshire law firm Wilson Browne Solicitors. She discussed her career with staff and management at the firm and met with lawyers at different stages of their careers, from

Law Society president I Stephanie Boyce is pictured (front, centre) with Wilson Browne Solicitors chair Kevin Rogers and colleagues trainee through to partners.

“Meeting the team and hearing about some of their journeys struck a chord with me,” she said. “To see solicitors and lawyers from all walks of life and backgrounds fulfilling their ambition with the support of the firm was uplifting.”

Ms Boyce became Law

Society president in March last year and is the first black office holder, the sixth female, the first person of colour and the second in-house solicitor in almost 50 years to become president. She has spoken at length about the challenges and setbacks she faced trying to break into the legal industry.

“It is not about how many

times I have got knocked down. The lesson was in how I got up,” she said. “I am determined to use my experiences to help others through driving diversity in all its forms within the legal profession.”

Wilson Browne’s chair Kevin Rogers said: “It has been inspiring to hear Stephanie speak on the subject of increasing diversity. We have people from a multitude of backgrounds, many of whom would not have been able to train or qualify unless they had been given the opportunity and the funding to do so. I genuinely hope that we can be held up as a large firm that has really delivered on Stephanie’s agenda and that others can have a similar aspiration.”

Sign of the times: Historic plaque has new lease of life

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xtraordinary achievements of children and young people working with the Northampton Saints Foundation have been recognised at a special awards evening.

Held at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, the event was attended by 120 guests. “The awards ceremony was all about our remarkable young people, recognising their achievements and just how far they have come. We are so proud of each and every one of them,” said

US engineering firm moves into new UK headquarters

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xpansion plans in the UK have meant a move to a new office in Northampton for engineering firm Roeslein.

Staff at the US-owned business, which specialises in engineering, manufacturing, and installation of modular process systems, are settling into the new UK HQ pictured above in Waterside Way. The move means the company is looking to recruit more than 20 new staff.

Operations director Carl Rutherford said: “Moving to a larger location was the next step in expanding Roeslein UK. This new space allows us

more room to host meetings, guests and remote employees to further Roeslein’s efforts and better serve our customers in Europe.”

The Northampton office is looking to recruit mechanical and electrical engineers and designers to support Roeslein’s manufacturing facility in Poland.

Roeslein & Associates, founded in 1990, originally specialised in the can-making sector but has expanded into the oil and gas and renewable energy markets. It has more than 1,300 employees based in North America, Europe and Asia.

escued from an abandoned fisherman’s hut, it lay in a garden shed for four decades.

Now a piece of Northampton history has been given a new lease of life.

The beautiful hand-painted sign once adorned the nowdemolished Knight & Son building in Mercer’s Row at the turn of the 20th century. It now hangs in pride of place at the company - now Tompkins Knight & Son Optometrists premises in Kingsley Road.

Avid vintage collector Andrew Cosens discovered the sign half-buried at Duston Mill in 1979. He took it back to Andrew’s parents’ home in

Duston where it remained in a garden shed for many years.

“A while back I started doing some research around it,” he said. His findings led him to Tompkins Knight & Son. “I am delighted to reunite the owners with an iconic piece of the town’s history.”

The sign is believed to date from between 1890 and 1910.

“We have always taken a keen interest in the origins of the company so to have this original sign from the Victorian era is incredible,” said TK&S Optometrist director Brian Tompkins. “Given its age, where it was found and where it has been kept, it is in remarkable condition.”

Andrew Cosens (right) and Brian Tompkins with the restored sign

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£15m centres boost drive to carbon-free mobility Andrew Lewer (left), MP for Northampton South, pictured with MAHLE Powertrain managing director Simon Reader on his tour of the new Northampton testing facilities (below)

EV maker quadruples its manufacturing capacity

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ioneering electric vehicle manufacturer Lunaz has opened its vast new upcycling campus at its headquarters on Silverstone Park.

The state-of-the-art upcycling and electrification plant, the first of its kind in the world, adds 140,000 sq ft to the company’s existing facilities. This quadruples Lunaz’ industrial vehicles remanufacturing and electrification footprint and has created additional production space for Lunaz Applied Technologies , which upcycles diesel-powered industrial vehicles such as recycling trucks by restoring them to warrantied-as-new condition and converting them to full electric power.

It is the first facility of this kind in the world to focus purely on the upcycling, reengineering and electrification of industrial vehicles at scale. The new campus is forecast to create more than 300 new jobs and is already actively recruiting.

Its trucks will enter regular service imminently.

Lunaz’s founder David Lorenz said: “We are backing our own technology, processes and people, and making a powerful statement of intent for our vision of Lunaz Applied Technologies. It is also a renewed vote of confidence from us and our investors in the UK as our chosen longterm location for LAT’s manufacturing and R&D activities.

“This development will enable us to unlock the vast potential of UEV technology to break the replace-withnew cycle and bring us ever

closer to carbon neutrality.”

The Upcycled Electric Vehicles also incorporate safety, connectivity and ergonomic improvements that enable fleet operators and local authorities to progress towards net-zero emissions and improve the wellbeing of the drivers and crew.

The expansion confirms Lunaz as a global leader in the rapidly expanding clean-tech sector. The new upcycling and electrification industry is a response to the pressing need to find more ecologically viable and costeffective solutions to move the more than two billion vehicles that currently exist to clean-air powertrains.

This is in the wake of worldwide legislation to ban the sale of new Internal Combustion Engine vehicles within the next decade.

LAT has invested in technology to reduce its own environmental footprint.

The new upcycling campus will be highly thermally efficient and use heating powered by sustainablygenerated electricity.

All tools will be batteryoperated and vehicle ramps will be fitted with a kinetic energy recovery system to minimise power usage.

Mr Lorenz said: “This landmark project represents a huge step forward for Lunaz Applied Technologies and the wider drive towards clean-air mobility. We have dramatically expanded our upcycling campus in Silverstone in response to market sentiment and the clear and growing demand for upcycled electric vehicles.”

David Lorenz Business Times small add 2019.qxp_Layout 1

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urpose-built testing facilities, the result of a £15 million investment by MAHLE Powertrain in Northampton, are to play a key role in the automotive sector’s move towards decarbonised mobility.

Northampton South MP Andrew Lewer was on hand to officially open the two new facilities that will support customers with every aspect of development for the future of mobility, through the safe testing of vehicles, batteries and hydrogen technologies.

The new Vehicle Development Centre allows manufacturers to test both twoand four-wheel-drive vehicles in a variety of conditions and circumstances without the need for a programme of international travel. The centre also supports the testing and verification of next-generation electric and hydrogen-fuelled vehicles.

“We are extremely proud of our new test facilities which complement our end-to-end development process,” said Simon Reader, MAHLE Powertrain’s managing director. “As the industry accelerates the development of a new generation of vehicles that will offer carbon-neutral solutions for the transport sector, it creates a huge demand for testing facilities.

“Our new centre has been designed with both battery and future-fuelled vehicles in mind and provides a spread of capabilities that is almost unique anywhere in the world.”

MP hails test facilities investment The company already employs 160 skilled technicians and engineers on the site. Mr Lewer said: “MAHLE Powertrain’s investment recognises the huge wealth of engineering talent in this country, and this region in particular - a stone’s throw from the heart of British motorsport.”

The £15 million investment programme, which has taken place over the past five years, includes £3.6 million from the UK Local Growth Fund and the SouthEast Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership.

The new centre includes a battery testing facility which, thanks to a collaboration with the National Grid, allows

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battery packs to be developed and tested without wasting energy, returning it to the grid wherever possible.

MAHLE Powertrain is already experiencing high levels of interest from automotive manufacturers across the globe, keen to capitalise on the new facility’s capabilities and the company’s expertise in developing innovative solutions.

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Property firm is sold in £1.8m deal

N GSS Architecture colleagues gather to mark the retirement of partner William Assheton (centre)

End of an era as partner takes retirement

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artner William Assheton has retired at the end of 26 years at Northamptonshire architects GSSArchitecture.

He will continue to support the practice as a consultant and staff from GSS offices around the country joined in a celebration of his work at a special event last month.

“It is with great pleasure and pride that I look back on 26 years of being involved in designing, building and repairing buildings in Northamptonshire and further afield and I look forward to still doing so into the future, albeit to a lesser degree,” said Mr Assheton.

He has worked on historic buildings since 1980. Mr Assheton joined GSS in Kettering in 1996 as a chartered architect, became an associate in 1998 and three years later became

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only the 17th person in 142 years to become partner. Other than his architectural work, he became an Integrated Management System and Investors in People partner, helping GSSArchitecture to achieve IIP Gold standard last year.

As an Architect Accredited in Building Conservation, Mr Assheton has worked on more than 800 projects, including over 100 church schemes. Other notable projects include Bradwell Abbey in Milton Keynes, where a medieval stone carving from the 12th century was discovered, and the construction of an extension into the former Gaol at Northampton Gallery and Museum.

Mr Assheton’s work at Laxton Junior School, Oundle, won a regional RIBA award. One of his biggest achievements is the Kings Ely

August 2022

Grade I listed building conversion and extension in Cambridgeshire.

“The opportunities presented by GSSArchitecture have enabled me to work on fascinating projects with diverse and interesting people,” he says. “I feel fortunate to have had exposure to the many organisations who contribute to making this part of the country so special.”

GSSArchitecture’s senior Tom Lyons voiced his gratitude for Mr Assheton’s contribution to tbe business and the wider community over three decades. “During his time here as a partner, the practice has developed and grown significantly.

We are looking forward to continuing to benefit from his unique knowledge and skills on a select number of projects as a consultant going forward.”

ational property consultancy Eddisons has acquired Northamptonshire-based commercial property firm Budworth Hardcastle in a £1.8 million deal.

Budworth Hardcastle, whose offices are in Northampton, Kettering and Peterborough, will integrate its team with Leeds-headquartered Eddisons, which has a network of 25 UK offices including three in neighbouring Cambridgeshire.

The combined team will be led by Eddisons director Steve Hawkins.

Budworth Hardcastle director Mark Budworth said: “We have built up an unrivalled presence in the region through the passion of our talented team of people. We are excited to be joining Eddisons, and realising the opportunities that this deal presents.”

The addition of Budworth Hardcastle to Eddisons’ operation follows the firm’s acquisition of South Coast-based firm Daniells Harrisons earlier this year and East of England commercial property agency Barker Storey Mathews in 2019. Eddisons now employs over 360 people and is one of the UK’s fastest growing property consultancies.

Managing director of Eddisons Anthony Spencer said: “I am very pleased to welcome the Budworth Hardcastle team to Eddisons, which extends our footprint in Eastern England. They are a highly experienced team with a proven track record in delivering high-quality professional advice. We continue to seek further opportunities for expansion across the UK.”

Budworth Hardcastle directors (from left) Philip Arnold, Mark Budworth, Gavin Hynes, Nick Galloway, Steve Banks, Gilbert Harvey

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Manufacturer renews waste management contract Rob McWhirter (left), business development director of Yusen Logistics, and Howden’s director of logistics Steve Liddiard

Measures set an example to the industry, says director after extension confirmed

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itchen appliance manufacturer Whirlpool has extended its waste management contract with Kettering-based Axil Integrated Services by three years.

The deal, worth millions of pounds, is the result of work by Axil that has enabled Whirlpool to reduce its general waste levels by 50 per cent and achieve its zero waste to landfill by 2022 pledge at Whirlpool sites in Peterborough and Yate.

Axil has also worked with the company to cut its plastic usage by 80pc and has saved 1,800 manual hours by introducing machinery for waste movements and processing.

The new multi-million-pound contract includes the total waste management of all waste streams, including scrap metal processing and

Axil Integrates Services site manager Raymond Brennan (left) with David Sherrington of Whirlpool

recycling, cardboard, plastic, wood, general and hazardous waste.

Jason Lang, Axil Integrated Services’ commercial director, said: “Recycling has significantly increased because of the Axil total waste management solution.

Whirlpool is now able to manage, control and understand their waste, not only by cost but also by volume, type and quantity. We are very proud that Whirlpool has extended its contract with us, which is a testament to the great work of the Axil team, Whirlpool’s commitment to achieving its zero waste targets, and our strong working relationship.”

Now, with Axil’s support, Whirlpool has implemented a series of innovations to achieve its waste recycling and reduction targets.

These include improved on-site processing, a switch to local suppliers and a local recycling centre for recyclable materials and the removal of single-use cutlery and cups in onsite canteens.

New systems and processes ensure materials previously classified as waste are recycled. Separating these, along with the increase in the value of commodities such as metal, has led

nvestment in facilities and technology has been a key factor in the success of the expanding partnership between kitchen supplier Howdens and Yusen Logistics.

Yusen supports Howdens in several areas of its transport and logistics around the UK with warehousing and UK distribution

services, including several throughthe-night operations and daily distribution services to Howdens depots in the East Midlands, London and the Home Counties.

The partnership now is to extend to cover North Yorkshire and the North-East. Howdens has its national distribution campus at Raunds and Yusen has

introduced 21 vehicles to support the distribution operation.

“The strength of the relationship has been based on an open approach from both organisations to jointly recognise and meet challenges and the ability to react to the changing needs of the business with a key focus on delivering the highest possible service to depots and ultimately end customers,” said Yusen’s business development director Rob McWhirter.

The Howden kitchen collection comprises more than 80 designs and is available in nearly 800 depots nationwide. Its director of logistics Steve Liddiard said: “Yusen Logistics has shown great flexibility to meet our requirements.

Their commitment to continued investment in additional facilities and technology has been key to our national roll out of the regional cross-docking centres.”

to a £400,000 increase in rebates to Whirlpool from waste for 2020-2021.

Its UK & Ireland energy, environmental, health and safety manager David Sherrington said: “We have made great strides in waste

management thanks to the help and direction of Axil Integrated Services.

We have achieved our zero waste to landfill target but we will continue to work with Axil as we pursue our sustainability goals.”

Mr Lang added: “We hope that Whirlpool set an example for others in the manufacturing industry, a sector which has a key role to play if the UK is to meet its climate ambitions.”

Kitchen supplier extends logistics partnership with new fleet order

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Council leader: Wonderful to see pioneering business locating to Northamptonshire >>From page 1

Cllr David Brackenbury: The economy is a key priority for North Northamptonshire Council

Founder and chief executive Jordan Rosenhaus said: “Our homes are designed to be beautiful and green, being ultra-low carbon to build and much cheaper to run. TopHat is playing a leading role in transforming home building in the UK, improving quality, reducing costs and protecting the environment. We are also delighted to be creating 1,000

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new jobs in Corby supported by a major investment in training through the TopHat Academy.”

Magna Park Corby will be GLP’s third Magna Park site in the UK and will become one of the UK’s largest dedicated logistics and distribution parks, with superb connectivity across the UK transportation network, says GLP. James Atkinson, development director at GLP, said: “This first lease at Magna Park Corby marks a new milestone in the ongoing development of the GLP proposition in the UK. As our third Magna Park branded site it will become a major new logistics hub for the UK and is expected to attract significant interest from both existing and potential customers. We look forward to welcoming TopHat to Corby very soon.”

North Northamptonshire Council leader Cllr Jason Smithers said: “It is wonderful seeing such a pioneering manufacturer locating to North Northamptonshire, creating hundreds of skilled jobs. The innovation used

by TopHat in creating lowcarbon homes will assist in significantly reducing living costs at this time of very high energy prices and into the future.”

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Advertisement Feature

Join us at the Chamber Business Exhibition

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orthamptonshire Chamber of Commerce are excited to announce their second business exhibition for 2022.

The event takes place on September 14, 10am-3.30pm, at Park Inn Northampton.

The exhibition, sponsored by Chamber Business Platinum Partner Wilson Browne Solicitors, is open to both members and non-members and is free to attend for all visitors on the day.

“In the same way that many of us have embraced hybrid working, most of us have embraced a hybrid approach to networking and exhibitions but nothing - and I mean nothing - beats the real thing,” says Wilson Browne Solicitors’ business development and marketing director Wayne Jenkins.

“The opportunity to meet face to face, deepen existing relationships and form new ones cannot be overestimated.

“Business relies on relationships and good relationships are give and take.

For this reason we always try and put something back into the business community and the wider community in general and as such we are delighted to once more sponsor this event. “ The exhibition - a major event in the Northamptonshire business calendar - will welcome more than 50 stands showcasing the best of Northamptonshire’s businesses as

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August 2022

well as plenty of opportunities for organisations across the county to connect, promote and network. The exhibition itself is expected to attract hundreds of local businesspeople visiting throughout the day.

And the Chamber is preparing to reveal the finalists in this year’s prestigious Northamptonshire Business Awards 2022 during the exhibition.

A Business Before Hours networking event, from 8:30am until 10am, begins the exhibition day with the opportunity for attendees to network with 60

businesses over a bite to eat.

“Historically the Chamber Business Exhibitions welcome hundreds of local enterprises from across our county coming together from all sectors with a view of developing strong local business relationships and championing our buoyant Northamptonshire industries,” says Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce’s director of business development Sunny Singh.

“I am delighted that this year we once again have our partners at Wilson Browne Solicitors sponsoring

the exhibition. They always guarantee something special on the day and I am sure this year will be no different.

This, coupled with the support of our media partners Business Times and the announcement of the finalists of the prestigious Northamptonshire Business Awards 2022, promises to be a very special day in the diary of businesses up and down the county.

“I look forward to seeing everyone on September 14 and urge businesses to attend, network, connect, grow and promote your services and products to the wider business community.”

Park Inn Northampton has a strong relationship with the Chamber of Commerce. “We are delighted to be hosting the Northamptonshire Chamber Exhibition,” says general manager Simon Smith. “Our relationship with the Northamptonshire Chamber has gone from strength to strength over the last six months and we were thrilled when asked to host the exhibition.

“Here’s is to a successful day and we are looking forward to meeting you all and showcasing our property working alongside our good colleagues at the Northamptonshire Chamber.”

To register to attend or to book for the Business Before Hours networking event, call 01604 490490 or email events@northants-chamber.co.uk

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Business News

Funding deal boosts fight Traditional values, against security threats modern strategies, Advertisement Ferature

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emand is growing for crisis, emergency and incident management software as businesses seek improved safety and security to counter both natural and man-made threats.

Now one of the UK’s most active investors has agreed an undisclosed sum in a Northamptonshire company as it develops and markets a new product designed to become a global incident and threat intelligence platform for use by major organisations worldwide.

Zinc Digital Business Solutions is a Software-asa-Service solutions provider, specialising in safety, security and critical event management.

Its products help organisations to optimise decision-making, mitigate risk and streamline business processes.

The business, based at Little Houghton, works with public sector agencies including the Environment Agency as well as blue chip clients.

The funding announcement

by Maven Capital Partners will enable Zinc to expand its sales and marketing teams as well as invest in further product development, including the launch of its new SaaS product SYNAPSE Analyst, a global incident and

Manufacturers complete acquisition negotiations

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rackley-based Custom Design Technologies has been acquired by discoverIE Group plc, an international designer and manufacturer of customised electronics.

The deal is worth a total cash consideration of £5 million.

CDT, which designs and manufactures customised plastic enclosures for circuit boards, membrane keypads and associated electronics components, marked its 36th anniversary in March.

Nick Jefferies, group chief

executive of discoverIE, said: “The acquisition of the CDT group continues our strategy of building a high-quality, higher-margin international group.”

threat intelligence platform.

The incident and emergency management market globally is growing at a compound annual rate of 6.7 per cent and is expected to be worth $171.8 billion by 2026.

“We believe that Zinc offers an excellent opportunity for investment into a scaling business that is operating in a market supported by positive sector dynamics,” said Maven partner Melanie Goward.

“The company is led by a

very capable team and they have made good commercial progress to date. Revenues are backed up by strong recurring revenues and a positive deal pipeline of prospective new clients.”

Zinc’s chief executive Joe Zielinski said the company’s ambition is to be a global provider of security and safety incident and risk management software. “The Maven team have demonstrated great commitment to our business.”

n Industrial thread manufacturer Coats has acquired footwear producer Texon, which has a facility at Rushden’s Sanders Lodge industrial estate.

The company has a long heritage as a supplier to the world’s leading brands including the premium athleisure footwear market.

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Property company Chelton Brown are among the sponsors of this year’s Cycle4Cynthia event

Charity’s cycle fundraiser seeks headline sponsor

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ynthia Spencer Hospice is seeking a prominent local business to come to the rescue as its headline sponsor for Cycle4Cynthia, the flagship fundraising cycle event returning to Althorp Estate next month.

Goodrich Consulting is joining the sponsorship line-up for the first time this year and property and letting sales company Chelton Brown are staying in the sponsorship saddle for the eighth year running. Flour miller Heygates and Milton Keynes

law firm EMW have also renewed their sponsorship for this year.

Now the charity is looking for one local company to take up the mantle of being the event’s headline sponsor.

Cynthia Spencer’s corporate partnerships fundraiser Nina Gandy said: “We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support from local businesses for Cycle4Cynthia which helps us continue providing amazing care to the people of Northamptonshire.”

A new ten-mile route has been introduced this year alongside the five-mile route which this year is on completely closed roads, making it even safer for younger cyclists. Last year’s event - the first since the pandemic- raised more than £40,000 for the hospice.

Olivia Smith, of Goodrich Consulting, said: “Cynthia Spencer Hospice is a charity that has touched the hearts of so many over the years, which is why Goodrich Consulting is immensely proud to be supporting them for another year. We are thrilled to be putting on the Cycle4Cynthia jersey again and riding alongside our clients and colleagues across the Northamptonshire countryside for such an incredible cause.”

Chelton Brown director Edward Chelton Brown said: “Cynthia Spencer does so much fantastic work locally giving care to those who need it.

Cycle4Cynthia is always such a fantastic day that the team look forward to taking part in.”

n To register for Cycle4Cynthia, visit www.cycle4cynthia.co.uk/registration/C4C2022 or call the fundraising team on 01604 973340. To discuss sponsorship opportunities, contact Nina Gandy on 01604 973348 or email nina@cynthiaspencer.co.uk.

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Money Matters With recent updates to the regulations and more coming in 2023, Leona Bateman, partner at chartered accountancy practice Elsby & Co, examines whether tax-motivated incorporation still has a place.

Rule changes will impact on decision to incorporate

H

istorically, business owners and directors could make savings on tax and National Insurance by transferring a sole trader business to a limited company. In 2016 a sole trader with profits of £100,000 would keep just over £66,200 after tax and NI, however a director shareholder of a single person company would keep just over £71,000.

As accountants, our advice was simple and straightforward.

In 2022-23 a sole trader would keep £66,800 and the director shareholder would keep £68,600 but the saving has been reduced.

In 2023, corporation tax increases to 25 per cent, though companies with profits of £50,000 or less will continue with the 19pc rate. Where profits don’t exceed £250,000, marginal relief can be deducted to reduce the effective rate of tax.

This change has a significant impact on the decision to incorporate.

Assuming the accounting period falls wholly after April 1 2023, the sole trader is in a similar position as 2022-23, keeping just under £67,000 after tax and NI. This

A sole trader changing to a two-person company could mean a significant uplift in profits Leona Bateman makes sense as sole trade profits are not subject to corporation tax.

However, the director shareholder’s position is affected as profits after deducting the director salary of £12,570 - the optimum position due to increases in the primary threshold - fall into the marginal relief band.

The corporation tax bill increases, leaving less distributable profits to take as a dividend. The result is that our director shareholder retains £67,000, putting them on a par with a sole trader.

When considering whether to incorporate following the 2023 rate

increase, it’s unlikely to be worth doing from a tax angle alone, unless there’s certainty that profits will remain around £50,000 to £75,000.

The tax efficiency could increase depending on circumstances. If the director shareholder doesn’t require all the profit to be extracted every year, profits can be left undrawn as dividends but won’t be subject to income tax until withdrawn. If this takes place in a later year when profits are lower, they could be subject to a lower rate of dividend tax.

The company could also use any undrawn profits to make

investments in its own name. This doesn’t solve the tax efficiency issue but could increase the distributable profits going forward.

Another option is using undrawn profits to make pension contributions as the employer.

These would be deductible for corporation tax but has the downside of money being locked away.

If these options aren’t suitable, a good strategy is to bring a spouse or civil partner as a second director shareholder. This would eliminate secondary class 1 NI contributions and would have a big effect on

the corporation and income tax charged Assuming no other income, both directors would withdraw a salary, saving corporation tax of up to 25pc, with income paid enjoying the benefits of two personal allowances, basic rate bands and dividend allowances.

In a company with profits of £100,000 and assuming director salaries of £12,570, corporation tax falls by over £3,000. Assuming an equal dividend split, neither director shareholder breaches the higher rate threshold and the income tax bill is less than £5,000.

Overall, the change to a twoperson company saves over £12,000, leaving our happy couple with £79,200.

The days of the old ‘one-man (or woman) band’ companies may be numbered but there’s still a place for incorporation with tax savings in mind.

n For a free consultation or to hear how Elsby can help mitigate your tax, e-mail leona.bateman@ elsbyandco.co.uk.

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YOU MATTER MOST.

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

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9

Sustainability

Why green credentials matter to clients, staff and shareholders

W

orking towards being a greener business is nothing new but the pressures are mounting to take environmental issues more seriously.

“Using sustainable packaging or planting a tree is no longer enough.

Increased public awareness means businesses must dig further into their supply chain,” says Tom Bodkin, a commercial solicitor with Northamptonshire law firm Borneo Martell Turner Coulston.

Consumers are spending more time learning about the brands they support. Going plastic-free, sourcing sustainable materials and other green initiatives are becoming critical to

certain consumers.

Employees look at company values and, in order to attract the best team to champion your corporate ethos, you will need to demonstrate that you take climate change seriously.

Shareholders will be concerned to reduce risk and some may advocate for a greener supply chain to be part of a longer-term growth strategy.

When you begin to audit your supply chain, there will be many questions to ask your existing suppliers. For example, do they: n Minimise plastic usage? n Source ingredients from countries which cut down rainforests?

n Use the most sustainable form of transportation?

As a result of the evaluation, you may develop new or improved policies, swap suppliers or even become accredited through schemes such as B Corp Certification.

Once you have reviewed your supply chain, you may also look at initiatives such as carbon offsetting.

Tree planting is one example.

However, any such initiative also warrants further due diligence. Are the trees planted in a way they can be tracked geographically or for growth?

Any statements, representations or contractual commitments related to

such initiatives should be reviewed by a legal professional.

Establishing your green supply chain could lead to consequential changes in contracts with suppliers or terms you have with customers. If you require certain representations from your suppliers, such as the maintenance of standards or accreditations, these should be incorporated into your contracts.

If you are including promises or statements about the greenness of your supply chain in any marketing materials, it is advisable to seek a legal opinion on the wording.

False statements can lead to misrepresentation.

n Borneo Martell Turner Coulston has an experienced team dedicated to providing your business with advice on your supply chain, contracts, and sustainability strategies.

For an informal discussion, contact Tom Bodkin (pictured above) on 01604 622101 or tom.bodkin@bmtclaw.co.uk

Nature’s beauty... in the most unexpected places

E

mmy and BAFTA award-winning British documentary filmmaker and wildlife photographer Doug Allan has filmed some of the most memorable wildlife scenes ever broadcast. Now he has swapped the great oceans and polar expanses for an altogether more humble habitat in which to film: a British pub garden.

Mr Allan has teamed up with Northamptonshire distillery Warner’s Gin to

Film launches gin distillery’s initiative encouraging pubs to be nature-friendly create the world’s first wildlife documentary filmed entirely in the grounds of a pub. It is part of a mini-series being created by the gin company to highlight that nature can thrive in the most unexpected places.

The film charts a day in the life of a pub garden, capturing ‘pubgoers’ of all shapes, sizes

and species - from newts and bees, to birds, butterflies and humans.

Warner’s commissioned the documentary to officially announce its new Nature Marque initiative, which kicks off with an accreditation scheme for pubs. It highlights the importance of such outdoor spaces for nature and encourages

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Doug Allan at work in the Castle pub garden. Also pictured, a selection of his photographs from the shoot. Watch the documentary at www.youtube.com/watch?v=JY0lhahh97k pubs to get involved with the accreditation.

The film was shot at the Castle Hotel and Pub in Shropshire, which has become the first of two pubs in the country to be awarded a Warner’s Nature Marque accreditation. The second is Tollemache Arms in Harrington, the home village of Warner’s Gin. “My career as a nature film maker has taken me to the Antarctic and the Pacific Ocean but never a pub garden in England,” said Mr Allan. “A garden like the one we filmed in was just as teeming with nature and wildlife as any habitat I have shot in.

“The whole time we were here at this pub filming we were never short of nature to capture on camera, even when the garden was busy with people. It is brilliant to be part of Warner’s Gin documentary that is set to transform the way people see pub gardens across the country and hopefully make a difference to nature and, in turn, the planet.”

The Nature Marque, created with the support and guidance of The Wildlife Trust in

Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire, is a first-of-its-kind award to pubs that make their outdoor spaces welcoming for nature as well as people - such as by planting wildflowers and pollen-rich flowers, installing bird boxes and bug hotels and a hedgehog highway.

Interested venues will be guided by The Wildlife Trust BCN and Warner’s through a review of their outdoor space and shown different ways they can help nature have the best chance of thriving in their pub garden. It is a straightforward points-based system to enable pubs of all sizes and locations to participate.

Warner’s Gin has launched Nature Marque as part of its

mission to educate and enable people to do their bit for nature through the transformation of spaces. Its broader business ambition is to become the most nature-positive drinks business in the world.

“We have big ambitions with Warner’s Nature Marque and the accreditation scheme for pubs is the first step on that journey,” said Warner’s cofounder and co-chief executive Tom Warner. “We want to encourage real, sustained support for nature. Tens of thousands of pub gardens are an untapped resource for biodiversity. What’s more, people today are conscious of the environment and the need to protect it so we expect pubgoers to respond positively to seeing pubs doing their bit for nature.”

Warner’s is a member of 1% For The Planet, an international organisation whose members contribute at least one per cent of their annual sales to environmental causes. “We want to lend some of our expertise to help pubs across the country help their local wildlife,” Mr Warner said. “It is good for pubs, it is good for people and it is good for the planet.”

The Wildlife Trust BCN is supporting Warner’s on the Nature Marque initiative.

• Great Music • Local Bands • Entertainment • Local Events • What’s On • Great Guests • Local Voices with great music from today and the hits of yesterday 10

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Feature: SME Northamptonshire Business Awards

Let the celebrations begin: The winners of the SME Northamptonshire Business Awards 2022 cheer their success

Watch out, Wembley... Here we come County business champions are ready to step up against the UK’s best in national awards showdown

I

t is all smiles for the directors and staff at racking safety specialist Econform after the company won the overall best in business award at the SME Northamptonshire Business Awards.

The company, part of The Nene Group, will now join the finalists at the SME National Business Awards final at Wembley in December.

Joining hundreds of other local businesses and entrepreneurs at the Daventry Court Hotel, Econform also won the Business Innovation category.

A spokesman said: “The ceremony

turned out to be an amazing night for the team. To receive recognition for, firstly, Business Innovation was a great reward for the efforts the whole team have put in. Then to be awarded the Overall Winner on the night really did cap things off for the team.While we took the night to celebrate and reflect on the achievements over the past 12 months, the team continue the innovation in our development to provide first-in-class solutions.”

Awards director Damian

Our director Nishi Patel was delighted to receive another award for Business Person of the Year to add to his Gold from 20-21.

The best achievement for N-Accounting though, was our Gold for the Service Excellence category because it truly reflects our obsession with improving our knowledge, responsiveness, enhancing our industry and helping small business owners to build a better future for their families and team.

We are absolutely certain that we could not win without the very best team in place. Our culture is strong and our ranks are filled with some of the brightest and most driven professionals in our industry.

Cummins inset said: “Warehousing is becoming a huge part of the business environment and with every new structure, efficiencies are key. I am delighted that such a bright-thinking business have been acknowledged for the part they play.”

The charity to benefit on the night was the Northamptonshire Hope Centre, which works to improve the lives of people affected by poverty and exclusion.

The charity was also named

Community Business of the Year at the awards.

Employer of the Year Acorn Analytical Services is a specialist asbestos consultancy working with businesses, local authorities and schools to provide surveys, analysis and training.

“To win just feels amazing,” said company director Neil Munro.

“We look after our team and invest heavily in training and development.

We are also incredibly passionate about what we do as it literally can save lives.

“Thanks to the culture we have

Econform is proud to announce that we won two awards at this year’s SME Northamptonshire Business Awards. The first award was for Business Innovation with the second being, amazingly, the Overall Winner.

Econform’s racking inspections software mitigates warehouse operational risks and standardises the approach to rack safety management, also offering interactive online training. The easy-to-use cloud-based system manages pallet racking systems with real-time access to rich and accurate inspection data. The platform comes with desktop features along with an inspection app for Android and Apple iOS users.

built, the whole team gets behind that ethos and feels a real drive to educate others about the dangers of asbestos, which is still all around us despite the substance being banned for use in construction more than 20 years ago. We are proud of the business, team and culture we have built here.” n Meet the winners, with the winner of each category apart from Towcester Business of the Year also going to the SME National Business Awards at Wembley. Full picture coverage of the awards ceremony: Pages 12-14

Financial planning is about you – your needs, your ambitions, your peace of mind.

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Talk to us today to see how we can help you enjoy the present, safeguard your future and protect your legacy.

To find out more, please visit www.econform.com

n-accounting.co.uk

ACCOUNTANTS FOR BUSINESSES THAT WANT TO PLAN, GROW & SCALE

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

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Feature: SME Northamptonshire Business Awards Ashley Riley Communications Best Customer Service

Grosvenor Business of the Year 50+ employees

Celebrate with the winners of this year’s SME Northamptonshire Business Awards at a glittering gala ceremony at the Mercure Daventry Court Hotel.

GOLD Nasty Vegan SILVER Hunters Solutions not pictured

HR Solutions Best Enterprising Business

GOLD Amplitude

GOLD Northamptonshire County Cricket Club SILVER Hunters Solutions not pictured

123 Internet Group Employer of the Year

SILVER Your Community Card, by Reward-It

Borneo Martell Turner Coulston Best New Business GOLD Acorn Analytical Services

Hair Salon/Barber of the Year

GOLD Parker Puppetry Ltd

SILVER Haus of HR Ltd

Business Chameleon

GOLD Haircuts for the Homeless

Events & PR High Growth Business of the Year

GOLD Kafe Bloc & Deli

SILVER Ensafe Consultants

Portman Asset Finance Business Innovation

GOLD Nene Group plc

Website of the Year SILVER 20/30 Labs

GOLD Econform

Borneo Martell Turner Coulston Business of the Year less than 50 employees

GOLD Fortitude Financial Planning Ltd

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SILVER HR Solutions

GOLD Nene Warehouse Solutions

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

Feature: SME Northamptonshire Business Awards Business Person of the Year

GOLD Jo Burns-Russell Amplitude

SILVER Martin Steers NLive Radio

BRONZE Nishi Patel N-Accounting

SILVER Kadie Forge OLC Cleaning

BRONZE Greta McDonald Sweet Lounge

SILVER Lisa Pilcher Amphenol Procom

BRONZE Greg Kirton Ensafe Consultants

Business Woman of the Year

GOLD Jessica Parker Parker Puppetry

Lockdown Leader

GOLD Andrew Kier Spraylat International

Young Business Person of the Year

After the stiff competition and making it through to the final for multiple awards, Nene Warehouse Solutions is proud to announce that we won two awards, Website of the Year gold winner and silver for Family Business of the Year at this year’s SME Northamptonshire Business Awards.

Nene Warehouse Solutions has been a family-run business since 1974, providing market-leading warehouse and racking solutions to businesses. We have the knowledge and expertise required to take your business to the next level, maximising warehouse potential.

GOLD Thomas Pearson Nene Group plc

SILVER Greta McDonald Sweet Lounge

BRONZE Daniel Vernon Northamptonshire County Cricket Club

To find out more, please visit www.nene.co.uk or call us on 01327 300456.

A wonderful night for the Nene Group at the SME Northamptonshire Business Awards, winning Gold for High Growth Business of the Year, while our Managing Director for the group Tom Pearson won the Young Business Person of the Year.

Nene Group Specialising in helping businesses grow their potential through expertise in warehousing solutions, logistics, property development, and asset management services, Nene Group is the UK market leader in a range of warehouse and manufacturing solutions.

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

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Feature: SME Northamptonshire Business Awards Ashish Kumar, founder of Northampton-based bespoke software development specialist Web Alliance, was surprised and delighted to hear about the shortlisting for the SME business awards.

Community Business of the Year

“SME awards mean so much to all of us at Web Alliance. We are, in every sense of the word, a ‘family’ business. The philosophy of looking after our clients and our team is at the core of everything we do. We started our journey as a sole trader with a handful of customers and have grown to a multi-employee business with offices on two continents.

“We may have grown but we’ve never outgrown the core principles we still abide by. This is still our family business and everyone who works with us is treated as part of that.”

GOLD Northampton Hope Centre

SILVER NLive Radio

Portman Asset Finance Family Business of the Year

www.web-alliance.co.uk SILVER Nene Warehouse Solutions

GOLD Web Alliance Limited We are delighted to see how Your Community Card has helped independent businesses throughout the UK to rebuild and grow even further following the effects of the pandemic. We’re incredibly proud of being able to provide local authorities with a way of creating a close-knit community for residents.

With over £30,000 worth of loyalty transactions passing through our systems since Your Community Card first opened its doors a few short months ago, it is clear to see our vision unfolding successfully and the awards we have won prove that our positive impact is being felt across the country.

Positive Impact

GOLD 20/30 Labs

SILVER Your Community Card, by Reward-It

Business Times Service Excellence

GOLD N-Accounting

SILVER Nasty Vegan

Grosvenor Sustainability Award At Ganders Goat we are extemely pleased to have won the Gold award at the SME Northamptonshire Business Awards for the sustainability work on which we have been so focused.

It is a perfect validation for our continued development into balancing farming with nature, carbon sequestration and green energies.

The very personal proof of taking home the Gold Award is that the hard work does not go unnoticed.

We are not stopping our strive for Green as we work continually to improve with our focus on reaching our Net Zero targets. This effort will hopefully see us smash our target ahead of the SME National Business Awards finals in December.

GOLD Ganders Goat

SILVER Marlec Engineering Co Ltd

Events & PR Towcester Business of the Year

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GANDERS GOAT GandersGoat.com info@gandersgoat.com

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GOLD Fortitude Financial Planning

SILVER Haus of HR Ltd

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

Legal Briefing

Clarity is crucial in contract agreements

H

ave you ever signed a contract which seemed to be perfectly clear, straightforward and reasonable at the time it was agreed but which later turned out to be ambiguous in important respects or gave rise to unintended and unfair results? If so, you are not alone.

In our experience writes Anna Horrell (pictured), a consultant at law firm Borneo Martell Turner Coulston, many business contracts are not as clear as they could be. Provisions around dates and time limits can be especially troublesome.

“This is a particular problem when it comes to DIY contracts, which have been downloaded from the internet or cribbed from past agreements,” says Anna.

The biggest issue she sees with time and date clauses is the use of phrases which can be construed in multiple ways. For example, if you have a contract which says that a customer has 21 days from

How we can help

the supply of goods in which to pay, does that mean that they have 21 days including the date of supply or 21 days from the date following supply?

Likewise, if you have a contract which provides for goods to be delivered by close of business on a certain date, what is the cut-off time? You might assume that it will automatically be 5pm but this might not always be the case. In a recent dispute which came before the courts, close of business was held to be at 7pm, because that is when the international banks involved in the case closed for the day.

By using Borneo Martell Turner Coulston’s commercial team to prepare your contracts or to look over existing agreements in order to flag up potential areas of concern, we can ensure that: n Date and time clauses are expressed clearly, using precise language; n The consequences of a party failing to meet a deadline or to comply with a time provision are made explicitly clear; n Time-critical provisions are expressed to be ‘of the essence’, thereby entitling you to terminate the contract if a particular deadline is not met; n There is consistency in the approach taken to limit the chances of the requirements and effects of a date or time-specific clause being called into question.

ARE YOU READY FOR BUSINESS?

See our new videos

n To find out more, contact Anna Horrell on 01604 622101 or email anna.horrell@bmtclaw. co.uk

Have your say on employment site planning guidelines

R

esidents in south Northamptonshire are to have their say on extra guidance for land allocated for commercial development. West

Northamptonshire Council has begun a six-week consultation on a new draft Supplementary Planning Document for employment land allocations in the area. It aims to set out design

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

principles for development of employment sites identified in the Local Plan. The consultation closes on August 18. To take part, visit the consultation hub at www.westnorthants.gov.uk.

01604 589907 instagram.com/saintcrispin_bespoke | enquiries@saintcrispin.co.uk | saintcrispin.co.uk 22 Kents Road | Northampton | NN5 4DR

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Business Times large 17032020.qxp_Layout 1 19/07/2022 14:35 Page 2

EUROPE DAILY Working across all sectors, with local knowledge and local language, KNP Logistics Group deliver throughout Europe daily. n Fast transit times / Door to door / local knowledge n Road freight / rail freight / intermodal

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EXPORT PACKING n Bespoke cases, crates and pallets

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August 2022

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

Feature Advertising Feature

Clients feel the ‘love’ from family firm Founders of OCM Wealth Management Jason and Maggie Stather-Lodge value the opportunity to ‘love’ their clients.

This client-centric culture was on show when the company hosted an open house at the stylish headquarters at St Clair House on Northampton’s Bedford Road.

There was plenty to celebrate for the business which was set up 18 years ago. Since then, the firm has been able to evolve exponentially which means they now look after 430 families with total wealth under influence of some £800 million.

In recent years OCM has been named by the Financial Times as one of the 20 Best Financial Advisers’ in the UK and they are described as ‘expert’ by Defaqto for their award-winning investment strategy Outcome Based Investing.

Jason and Maggie are immensely proud of what they have achieved and have always maintained their values-orientated culture, whilst employing more than 40 staff in their head office

The firm offers far more than merely wealth management, with the ‘Power of 3’ running through the core of the company. These professional disciplines allow them to deliver a powerful clientfocused proposition: n Independent Chartered Financial Planning; n Discretionary Asset Management; n Tax planning specialist.

gia Stone chats to guests Deputy chief investment officer Geor

in Northampton. The younger generation is an integral part of the OCM structure, with an average staff age of 30. The next generation of advisers, who have all come through the graduate training programme, are all under 27 years old.

This new generation includes Jason and Maggie’s daughter, Charlie Lodge, playing a key role in the senior management team.

“The open house was an opportunity to welcome our local business community and help entrench us a key member of the Northampton business family,” says Jason. “OCM have built a reputation around delivering the ‘love’ within a family-office proposition, allowing them to meet their clients’ needs.

“The company has a diversified client proposition with different offerings for all clients but with exceptional customer service, and OCM Love always being at the core of every client encounter.”

Wealth manager India Riley in conv

ersation

www.ocmwealthmanagement.co.uk 01604 621 467

Jason and Maggie Stather-Lodge with their daughter Charlie

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

St Clair House, Old Bedford Road, Northampton NN4 7AA

OCM Wealth Management’s offices in Northampton

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Your Business Times WILSON BROWNE SOLICITORS

Netwalkies... Dilly adds a new dimension to networking in the great outdoors

N

etwalking… It is an informal way of breaking away from the desk and getting outdoors, doing some very light touch networking in a relaxed atmosphere. It is gentle exercise too, so great for the mind, body and soul.

The idea of Jenny Woodruff and Naomi Edwards at Wilson Browne Solicitors was originally aimed at Wilson Browne employees’ mental health and wellbeing but, partnering with CFW Accountants, the event was opened up externally to anyone in Northamptonshire.

The first event at Higham Ferrers

welcomed 25 local businesspeople for a 4.5-mile walk from Higham to Rushden Lakes and back. The second event centred on Weekley Hall Wood starting from CFW Accountants offices in Kettering and finishing at the Ironstone Wellbeing Centre.

Now the netwalks are attracting some of Northamptonshire’s leading businesspeople who recognise the value of talking business in the great outdoors.

Good networking starts with events where you can talk with fellow business contacts in a relaxed and enjoyable environment,” says Gary

GRIFFITHS AIR CONDITIONING

Pettit, managing director of PBC Business Insolvency and Recovery.

“This netwalking event meets both criteria while you get the added bonus of some light exercise. I love the event.”

Samantha Jones, associate director of commercial property specialist Prop-Search, takes her dog Dilly pictured on the walks. “An opportunity to walk and talk while enjoying the beautiful Northamptonshire scenery… well, I

was in,” she says. “Such as simple, innovative concept but a fantastic opportunity to combine health and work benefits into one fun afternoon.”

She particularly enjoys swapping her suit and heels for a pair of leggings and walking boots.

“As more and more businesses now believe that having a dog at work is good for office morale and destressing, I thought it was also a perfect opportunity to introduce my

peers to Dilly Dog. We both loved the afternoon connecting with busineses and enjoying the fresh air.”

The next Northamptonshire Netwalk sets off on August 10. For more details and to book, email Naomi Edwards at nedwards@ wilsonbrowne.co.uk.

“What a fantastic way to network and meet new people as well as catch up with existing contacts and friends,” says Rhiannon Mistry, corporate services manager at Hawsons Chartered Accountants in Northampton. “It is certainly a way I will network again.”

BENNIE PLANT

The renewable move away from fossil fuel heating

I

t may seem strange to be thinking about heating in the middle of summer but Burton Latimer based Griffiths are doing just that. As one of Northamptonshire’s leading installers of renewable heating, they are planning to deal with the constantly growing demand for heat pump heating in both new build projects and property owners wishing to move away from fossil fuels while gaining the financial reward of the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

Griffiths install both air source and ground source heat pumps supplied by two of the leading names in heat pump technology.

Daikin is a worldwide brand and their Altherma air source heat pumps have been installed

by Griffiths since 2008, the year in which Griffiths became the first Microgeneration Certification Scheme-approved installer of heat pumps in Northamptonshire.

The Altherma range includes low temperature and high temperature options as well as a hybrid model that combines a heat pump and combi gas boiler in the same unit.

Working examples of the heat pumps are in Griffiths’ Burton Latimer showroom.

Kensa Heat Pumps, which are based in Cornwall, have been

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manufacturing ground source heat pumps for many years, with Griffiths carrying out their first installation in 2006. Ground source systems are generally suited to new build projects due to the volume of groundworks required for the heat collectors.

All domestic and small commercial heat pump installations will qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme if the property was previously heated by a gas boiler, oil boiler or night storage heaters. The scheme has certain criteria that must be complied with but that’s where an experienced installer such as Griffiths can provide useful advice. And all heat pump installation are currently zero rated for VAT. Regular servicing and assistance in the event of a problem are essential where space and water heating are concerned. The Griffiths service team have many hundreds of clients who rely on them to make sure systems are running efficiently and receive their preventative maintenance when due. n Contact Griffiths on 01536 420666, via www.griffithsaircon. co.uk or by visiting the Energy Efficiency Centre showroom at 111 High Street in Burton Latimer, open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.

August 2022

Joining the distribution network of Finning UK & Ireland as an Authorised Sales & Service Centre is an endorsement of the high standards of service at Bennie Plant, the company says

Cat sales status means family business has got the cream

B

ennie Plant has become the latest Authorised Sales and Service Centre in Finning UK & Ireland’s expanding distribution network.

A well-established industry specialist, Bennie Plant will now sell Cat® equipment across Northamptonshire and East Anglia.

With over eight decades of experience in heavy machinery, Bennie Plant is well positioned to meet growing demand for Cat compact machines, as well as genuine Cat parts, Cat-certified maintenance and service support.

Ben Hammond, head of sales at Bennie Plant, says: “Becoming a local Cat compact dealer working with Finning is an exciting step in the development of our business, and a fantastic endorsement of the very high standards of service that we pride ourselves on.

“Customers can now visit our state of the art 10,000 sq ft facility in Northamptonshire to view the

‘I am delighted that our decadesold relationship with Cat and Finning is being elevated to the next level’

range of Cat models on offer and discuss how we can be of benefit to their business.”

Bennie Plant is a fourth-generation family business and now has brand new Cat machines including compact excavators ranging from 1.5 to ten tonnes available for sale immediately.

The full range of models available will include mini excavators, skid steers, compact wheel loaders and backhoe loaders.

Matthew Ayres, group managing director of Bennie, says: “I could not be prouder of the team here at Bennie that have helped put this together. As we continue to develop and grow our equipment and plant offering, I am delighted that our decades-old relationship with Cat and Finning is being elevated to the next level so that we can support customers both existing and new in their requirements.’’

With huge investment already in Bennie’s infrastructure they are unparalleled in their ability to support sales, hire and maintenance of a wide range of construction equipment.

Their purpose-built Cranford Road facility in Burton Latimer houses two separate workshops with more than 15,000 sq ft of space. n To find out more about Bennie Plant and the Cat compact range, visit www.bennieplant.com

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

Feature

New training centre unveiled on Brackmills estate

Mayor of Northampton Cllr Denis Meredith joins businesses to celebrate the training centre’s official opening.

A

new training centre has been unveiled on Brackmills Industrial Estate which is set to provide businesses across Northamptonshire much needed warehouse and logistics training.

With a shortage of logistics skills in the UK continuing to soar, this centre - run by logistics specialist Goodwill Solutions and supported by Brackmills Business Improvement District - will offer everything from resilience and employability training through to first aid, fire marshal and forklift training.

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

Howard Wilson, chair of Brackmills BID and UK warehouse operations manager of Brackmills-based Startech.com, said: “Training is essential for our sector, for existing staff as well as new recruits. All too often we have to send our staff out of the county for logistics specific training. Now we won’t, which will save on time and on travel costs - great for business and for the sector and a move that will further boost the profile and reputation of our estate.”

Courses at the new training centre, which is based on

Caswell Road, Brackmills, will commence in August.

Sara Homer, chief executive of Brackmills BID, added: “As a BID we are committed to supporting our businesses to grow and develop and this centre will help equip the local workforce with the skills they need to work and progress in the logistics and transport sector.”

Goodwill Solutions are specialists in supply chain and logistics. n To find out more email sca@goodwillsolutions.co.uk

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Kettering Park Hotel

26th October

Your Marketing plan in a day!

Join our “One-Day Marketing Plan” workshop on October 26th at Kettering Park Hotel.

At the end of the day you’ll: •

Have a highly effective marketing plan you can put into action immediately

•

Become proficient at updating your marketing plan as your business grows

•

Benefit from the intense focus on your marketing during the day (no distractions from the office)

•

Be clear on what will help your business grow, and what won’t

Is 2023 is going to be a year of growth for your business?

Book your seat at the “One-Day Marketing Plan” workshop and you’ll have the clearest path to achieving your goal.

Because we’ll be working with each business individually, there are only 20 places available.

The workshop costs just £250 plus VAT for the day, and includes: •

An intensive day of planning with individual attention from our coaches

We’ll focus on the 9 main elements of your marketing strategy, including:

•

A comprehensive Workbook that can be used as your business develops

•

The 1-Page Marketing Plan Template

•

Your purpose – the reason your business exists and the problems you solve

•

A light lunch

•

Your people – your ideal client(s)

•

Networking opportunities

•

Your plan – creating a plan for the year ahead

BOOK HERE!

The workshop is hosted jointly by HR Solutions and The Qoob Group.

Call us today 03303 801 651 20

Business Times

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August 2022

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

In the Community

‘Proud to support our community champions’

Academy answers sector’s training call

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T

he grant-making charity Northamptonshire Community Foundation has awarded £347,470 to 90 community projects since April 2022.

The foundation introduced a programme of measures to support local need including a rolling programme of awards for which community groups, organisations and charities can apply at any time, with a maximum grant of £3,000.

The Foundation also manages a number of grants and programmes with regular closing dates for funding applications.

“We are committed to ensuring we best meet the needs of local voluntary and charitable groups who serve our communities,” said chief executive Rachel McGrath. “That is why we have signed up alongside 100 other grant-making charities and foundations across the UK to the Open and Trusting Grantmakers network to ensure we are fair and flexible funders.”

Recent awards across the county include: The Never Alone Project: £3,000 Peer support groups for the parents and carers of bereaved children in East Northamptonshire.

Home-start Kettering: £3,000 To contribute towards employment costs of a family support worker.

United African Association: £3,220 An African dance and drumming group offering free performances at community events across the county.

Cherwell Theatre Company: £4,996 Delivering the ‘Song of Summer’ drama and music youth project.

“We are proud to play our part in supporting the amazing work of local charities and community champions here on our doorstep from before and during the pandemic, through the cost of living crisis and into the future,” said Ms McGrath. “We will keep listening and learning to be the best local grant maker for the long term.”

Jessica Pilkington (left) with Turtle Academy marketing assistant Emma Tyler at the Delapré Abbey training centre

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he owners of the Bosworth’s Garden Centre and Nurseries at Burton Latimer have been fundraising and offering their support to Cransley Hospice Trust in different ways over the years.

Seeds of the relationship between the hospice in Kettering and the family-run business were sown in the early 1990s when current garden centre owner Tania Bosworth, then a registered nurse, was working on a medical ward at Kettering General Hospital and developed an interest in palliative care. Cransley Hospice Trust’s founder and patron Dr John Smith recognised her passion and asked her to work on the palliative care ward which later became Cransley Hospice.

As business at the garden centre and nurseries blossomed, Tania left her nursing career to work in the family business but never lost her connection with the hospice.

She received regular updates and attended fundraising events with Jo Rogers, the hospice matron for many years who, coincidentally, lived next door to her parents.

Tania’s father John was an avid supporter of the hospice after the

t aims to help social enterprises, charities and voluntary groups to fundraise, thrive and recruit as their post-pandemic recovery continues. Welcome to a new training academy solely for Northamptonshire’s not-for-profit organisations.

The Academy is the brainchild of Northampton-based public relations and marketing business Pilkington Communications and the result of extensive research into the notfor-profit sector’s needs. National research, published earlier this year, concluded while most UK not-forprofit organisations are desperate to master digital marketing, most lack the confidence and the expertise to know what to do next.

“Inspired by these national findings we did our own research, this time in Northamptonshire, where the findings mirrored the national picture,” said Pilkington Communications director Jessica Pilkington. “Our local charities, social enterprises, trusts and voluntary groups also want to step up their digital marketing, telling us this is essential for their future but also something they are the most nervous about.”

Now the Turtle Academy is up and running, supported by West Northamptonshire Council and the Universities of Northampton and Bedfordshire.

“Charity leaders, social enterprise staff, trustees and voluntary groups told us they were fed up with online,

Garden centre nurtures strong roots of community spirit

Tania Bosworth is pctured with Cransley Hospice Trust founder and patron Dr John Smith loss of his wife Jill and later he experienced the specialist care of the team when he was cared for in the hospice and at home by the Hospice at Home team who ensured he had the support and care he needed in his final days.

“We have experienced the care of the hospice first hand but it is not just about Tania and me,”

said Sam Bosworth, joint owner and the garden centre’s managing director. “It is important to us that the staff also want to get involved in supporting the charity. As a local family business, it is good to be able to support a local charity that is at the very heart of the local community.”

The Bosworths’ fundraising for

generic training,” said Jessica. “They told us they wanted to leave their desks and screens and get some faceto-face support, bespoke to their sector. Also, could we come and visit them sometimes?”

As well as a physical training academy at Pilkington Communications’ offices at Delapré Abbey in Northampton, Turtle Academy offers two-hour, half-day and full-day sessions wherever they are needed. Training will include in topics such as podcasting, blogging, content planning, online fundraising campaigns, TikTok for charities, social media strategy and GDPRcompliant newsletters. n Find out more at https:// turtleacademy.co.uk/ Cransley Hospice began with a donation of £198. Today it has bloomed to a total of more than £12,000, raised from golf days, raffle prizes, sponsorship and a famous singing reindeer.

Support from businesses such as Bosworth’s is essential for Cransley Hospice Trust. It aims to raise £2 million every year year to enhance the level of care and future services of end of life care in North Northamptonshire.

“The support, resources and time given by the team at Bosworth’s Garden Centre shows how community orientated and socially responsible the organisation is,” said the trust’s fundraising manager Louise Gurney. “We are very grateful for all that they do and we appreciate and value our relationship with them and their loyalty to support the patients and families in North Northamptonshire who need specialist end of life care.” n Cransley Hospice Trust is keen to work with other local businesses.

To find more about the trust and how businesses can become involved, contact Louise Gurney at fundraising@cransleyhospice.org.uk.

Football club kicks off partnership extension with law firm

L n Colleagues at Bailey’s Skip Hire & Recycling in Corby have taken to the skies to raise almost £8,000 for Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance and their recycling scheme. Seven brave staff leapt from an aircraft above Langar Airfield in Nottinghamshire.

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

aw firm Rollasons is new community partner for Daventry Town Football Club.

The firm, based in the town, has signed a two-year deal starting in the 2022-23 season.

The partnership continues a successful season as the principal partner and chief sponsor of the first team. Rollasons worked with the club on community initiatives, including volunteering for the annual Christmas lunch, supporting the club’s food bank and launch of the

#Law10 scheme. This support will continue under the new partnership.

Derren Midson, junior chairman and head of commercial activity, says: “This is a natural progression for our partnership. Rollasons are able and willing to support the club so much off the pitch, which is vital to help us achieve our objectives of being a community club.”

Jo Caddoo, Rollason’s joint managing partner, adds: “We very much enjoyed being the DTFC’s principal partner and chief sponsor

of the first team for the 2021/2022 season. We learnt a lot and made firm foundations and relationships with the club.

“We share the same ethos of fostering a warm, supportive culture where talent can grow and thrive in our local community. Being the club’s principal community partner is a natural fit for us. We are looking forward to continuing to work with DTFC on many community initiatives over the next two years and beyond.”

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

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August 2022

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Networking The business networking events this month across Northamptonshire Members believe there is so much to gain with a positive attitude of mutual face-to-face.

All monthly breakfast meetings, 7.30am-9.30am.

A group for networkers looking for referrals, introductions, opportunities and sales. A tried and tested model offering dynamic weekly online meetings and an experienced management team: Northants and surrounding areas Every Tuesday at noon.

National networking Every Wednesday at noon.

Contact Gary Thorpe for all events.

Email:gary.thorpe@debt-doctors.co.uk Tel: 07963 766052 or 01536 333425

If you are serious about growing your business, BNI works. Last year BNI members in the UK generated more than £482 million worth of business for each other. To find out how, visit a local chapter meeting and see for yourself.

Each chapter has a personality of its own and finding where you fit best helps you get connected.

Elite BNI (Kettering) Tuesday 6.45am-8.30am: Online Ignite BNI (Daventry) Tuesday 6.45am-8.30am: The Turnpike, Harpole Northampton

Wellingborough 1st Thursday: Great Doddington Club, Lower Street, Great Doddington.

Price: £16.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP August 25 9.30am-11am: Poppy Design Studio, Elgee Works, Victoria Street, Desborough members only. Free event for NNBN members.

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

Northampton 3rd Wednesday: The Turnpike, Harpole.

Price: £16.

VIRTUAL MEETINGS Price: £6 Brunch 2nd Tuesday 9.30am-11am: Online Breakfast 4th Wednesday 7.30am-9am: Online 3rd Thursday 7.30am-9am: Online 2nd Friday 7.30am-9am: Online Afternoon Fridays 3pm-4pm: Online

Free to attend for start-up and established businesses and run from 9.30am to 10.30am.

To confirm if the meetings are online or face to face visit the website at www. northnorthantsbusinessnetwork.co.uk.

Prosperity BNI (Kettering) Thursday 6.45am-8.30am: The Kettering Golf Club, Headlands, Kettering, Sterling BNI (Northampton) Thursday 11.45am-1.30pm: The Old Northamptonians RFC, Sir Humphrey Cripps Pavilion, Billing Road, Northampton Lighthouse BNI (Northampton) Friday 6.45am-8.30am Franklin’s Gardens, Weedon Road, Northampton

All Business Buzz events run 10am-noon Brackley Buzz August 4: Paisley Pear, Northampton Road.

Price: £6.

THE ACCOUNTABILITY CIRCLE Monday 10am-11am: Online A regular virtual meeting helping small businesses get tasks from ‘to do’ to ‘done’.

Advice and tips on time management and productivity.

Price: £6 per session or £12 per month.

Details of all events and to book at buscomm. co.uk/ourevents

The FSB has 2,000 members across Northamptonshire. These include a monthly FSB Northampton virtual networking at which everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an FSB member to join in.

Northamptonshire August 25 10am-11am: Online Hosted by Sally Wood, director of Sally Wood Consultancy Limited and FSB area leader for Northants, Leics & Rutland.

To book and for details of other networking, support and webinar events online, visit www. fsb.org.uk/events.

Networking events provide a platform to meet and build relationships with peers and fellow members. The group also hosts personal development sessions, with talks from business leaders TIME OUT TUESDAY! August 16 12 noon-12.45pm: Online via Zoom Informal networking. Free event for Next Generation Chamber members. To book, email info@nextgenerationchamber.co.uk For more information, visit www. nextgenerationchamber.co.uk

Northampton Buzz August 17: Fox & Hounds, Harborough Road.

Price: £6.

For more details, download the Buzz App or visit www.business-buzz.org/about/locations/. Book and pay for your favourite Buzz at https://app. business-buzz.org/app or at the event.

NNBN is a business membership for North Northamptonshire which aims to help businesses in the North Northants area recover, build and grow for a brighter future

With the right support at the right price it is possible for any small business to succeed.

NETWORKING August 4 7pm-8.30pm: Kettering Park Hotel & Spa Free event for NNBN members; visitors £10.

ONLINE NETWORKING August 11 9.30am-10.30am Free event for NNBN members; visitors £4.99.

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overnment funding has enabled Tresham College in Corby to deliver a range of high-quality information technology training courses for businesses.

New suites of IT equipment are expected to arrive in time for the start of the new academic year next month and will be managed by science and computing expert Dr Pam Watt who joins the college, part of The Bedford College Group, this month.

For details of all events, visit www. northnorthantsbusinessnetwork.co.uk.

Money back guarantee if you do not find a meeting of value. Visitors welcome.

Contact: Duncan Webster. e: duncan@ bnibreakfast.co.uk or call 07977 422220

No fuss, no membership, pay as you go... The Business Buzz format is relaxed, informal, conversational B2B networking. Our town focused events meet face-to-face, allowing visitors to build better and more robust relationships. These are complemented by regional virtual events.

College targets businesses with new IT training offer

Wellingborough Business Network August 8 9am: Online Free event.

MAXIMISE YOUR MEMBERSHIP August 17 8.30am-10am: Cynthia Spencer Hospice Charity, Kettering Road, Northampton Find out more about the benefits of Chamber membership. Free event, Chamber members only.

Contact: Visit www.northants-chamber.co.uk/ events

Pioneer BNI (Northamptonshire) Wednesday 9.30am-11am: Online Pavilion BNI (Northampton) Thursday 6.45am-8.30am: The Old Northamptonians RFC, Sir Humphrey Cripps Pavilion, Billing Road, Northampton

NEWSinBRIEF

Practical support to help businesses grow their business. The Business Room is a one business area group for business owners, those in employed positions, MLMs and franchised businesses.

BUSINESS ROOM Attendees maximise their time out of the office and in the room by ensuring all the attendee information is shared in advance.

This gives attendees time to plan their networking session so they can get more out of each meeting, therefore making it as profitable as possible.

Each meeting involves structured networking, a session where a member will share their knowledge, business story or insight and a Business Exchange, where members respond to the requests for help and contacts.

These are lock out groups so only one business area is represented.

No meetings in August THE CONNECTIONS CLUB - NORTHANTS Only open to business owners, influencers and decision-makers, this is a structured and professional group, which gives people the opportunity to connect with other business owners who are serious about growth.

It allows you to take away a valuable skill, learning or insight from every meeting and meet valuable contacts. It is not lock-out but each session is limited to a maximum of three business areas.

Northampton August 2 11.45am-2pm: Delapre Abbey, London Road, Northampton.

Contact: Barbara Hodgson 07504 946 585 / 01933 652884, email barbara@ yourbusinessmatters.co or visit www.yourbusinessmatters.co

>> To have your networking group’s details included in future editions of Business Times, email details to news@business-times.co.uk

Business members of the online portal Love Corby, a not-for-profit initiative promoting the town, are pictured on a visit to Tresham’s Corby campus, when they discussed the college’s contribution to the local economy.

As part of The Bedford College Group, Tresham is officially a University Centre offering a range of higher education degrees.

The college works closely with employers delivering apprenticeships and work sector learning and teaches the latest T Levels promoted by the government across a range of industry-related subjects.

Logistics contract brings jobs

T

hirty new jobs are on their way to Corby after logistics provider Europa Warehouse won a new food and drink sector contract The company is also offering permanent contracts to temporary staff as it reacts to labour shortages challenging the logistics sector.

The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply predicts that the logistics sector will face 40,0000 workforce shortfall of 40,000 by 2026 if action is not taken to address pay and working conditions. Europa and other logistics companies are backing the new Generation Logistics campaign led by the government, Logistics UK and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.

Dionne Redpath, Europa Worldwide Group’s chief operating officer and warehouse division director, said: “Growing our team is a major priority, especially at a time when overall workforce numbers within the sector are stretched.”

Advisers seal new site deal

B

usiness advisers at professional services firm Fortus in Northampton have signed, sealed, and delivered a 15-year lease on a 90,000 sq. ft. design and build facility for healthcare company EM Pharma.

The 15-acre site at Leicester is due to be ready for occupation in the first half of next year.

Paul Walsh, managing director of EM Pharma - part of the Day Lewis Group - said: “This new site represents a transformational opportunity for our business as we continue to experience a significant period of growth.”

Tom Dymond, director - head of property at Fortus Business Advisors & Accountants added: “The business has an exciting future ahead and we are delighted to have been able to source a prime site that perfectly suits their needs.”

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

Q&A

Feature: Q&A Where business people discuss their motivation, ambition, experience - and themselves.

Meet entrepreneur and construction, property and contractor coach Parm Bhangal.

My biggest ambition? Simply to help people Parm Bhangal is the founder of Bhangals Construction Consultants, a key construction industry player in Northamptonshire and further afield. The business offers construction consultancy services specialising in quantity surveying, project management and estimating services. He also founded My Build Estimate Ltd, an online estimating company for builders, builders merchants, architects, self-builders and homeowners.

Parm is a regular on business and construction podcasts, and an author of articles about the construction industry. In 2019, he won Entrepreneur of the Year and Employer of the Year at the SME National and Northamptonshire Business Awards respectively.

MY FAVOURITE...

What was your first job?

I was a paperboy where I lived. I absolutely hated it! It was bad weather and long hours and early starts - it probably is exactly what encouraged me to work hard and be motivated to find a better job.

Why did you choose your particular career?

I loved property and I loved finance-related stuff like banking. Being a quantity surveyor was a good mixture of both.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I’ve worked with some really high-profile people. I can’t mention any names but we built a house for one particular extremely high-profile person who had really expensive taste and that was a lot of fun.

Working with a billionaire was like catching a glimpse into a different world. I couldn’t believe some of the stuff I was seeing.

…and the low point?

I had a member of staff that I trained up from a junior who moved to another job and used our data client information when they moved to another job. I took that really personally because I really tried to help that person with their career and they’ve tried to stab me in the back.

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

Work hard. It is the best piece of advice I’ve ever had and it’s the best piece of advice I will ever have in my entire life. I think too many people go into business thinking it will be easy but it has to be a graft if you’re going to do well.

Who in business do you respect the most?

Richard Branson. If he ever releases a book or a television programme I always read or watch it. If there’s one businessperson I could sit in a room with it would be him. I find him incredibly entrepreneurial.

What annoys you the most in business?

People’s narrowmindedness, when they are selfish and only think about their own opinion or wishes without looking at the bigger picture.

What’s your career ambition?

To give people opportunities, especially young people. I want to mentor and coach people into being successful, hard-working individuals who really understand business.

I want to help people; that’s my biggest ambition.

…and your life ambition?

If I was ever in the position where I didn’t have to work, I would still work but for

‘I feel like you can’t show people what your weaknesses are in case it affects your credibility’

FOOD Tacos MUSIC Jazz BOOK MONEY Master The Game

by Tony Robbins FILM Die Hard TV PROGRAMME Grand Designs RESTAURANT Indigo by Vineet, Dubai DESTINATION Dubai Parm Bhangal

free in a charitable way. I would give up my time to help people improve their skills and help them build a better life.

My life goal is to be able to give less fortunate people my time and expertise. I could help each one for a year and guarantee they’d be as successful as they wish to be.

IT’S NOT JUST A JOB.

How do you relax?

I love washing the cars and mowing the lawn.

Everything disappears out of my mind when I’m doing those things.

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

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Most people wouldn’t believe this of me but I absolutely love jazz music. I’m not sure it’s a guilty pleasure but if you ask anyone who knows me, that’s not something they’d necessarily know.

What’s your most treasured possession?

It used to be my cars until my girls came along. Now it is definitely my daughters.

Tell us something you regret.

If you need help with employment issues, call Jennie on 0800 088 6004.

Sometimes I regret setting up my business because of the amount of time I have to spend away from my girls. It regularly takes me away from the people I want to spend my time with.

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

Tell us a secret about yourself.

I am dyslexic. I found this out at school. Even now I’m not the best and reading and writing so I take myself out of the situation and delegate those things for someone else to do on my behalf.

I don’t really tell people that, though, because as a business owner I feel like you can’t show people what your weaknesses are in case it affects your credibility.

What are the first three things on your bucket list?

Take all my family and friends to Necker Island.

Go on a Formula 1 world tour.

Become a helicopter pilot.

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

Jennie Jahina Head of Employment

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

Business Times

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23

THE POWER

of Three

The Power of 3 runs through the core of OCM as we have three professional disciplines brought together allowing us to deliver such a powerful client focused proposition.

As an Independent Chartered Financial Planning Firm, a Discretionary Asset Manager and

Tax planning specialist, we utilise the power of 3, to ensure we deliver a seamless and first class,

cost and time efficient service to clients. This is because at OCM we truly believe Our Clients Matter.

CHARTERED

Financial Planners

TAXATION

& Accounting

DISCRETIONARY

Asset Managers

ocmwealthmanagement.co.uk

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate the activities of tax planning, estate planning or IHT planning. OCM Wealth Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (www.fsa.gov.uk/register/home.do). FCA Registration No: 418826. OCM Asset Management is a trading name of OCM Wealth Management.