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Business Times Celebrating 30 years est. 1991

April 2021

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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

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Northampton awarded full £25 million from Towns Fund P3

M ON EY

Inspirational project to breathe new life into historic building P3

FE AT UR E

Innovative approach shows why it can pay to talk P12

Unlike other sites, Chelveston harnesses power generated through harvesting a combination of wind and sun light at the same time.

PR OP ER TY

Vision to enable Daventry to meet its potential P22

Architects chalk up another project to transform site P39

UK’s leading renewable energy park powers up for expansion

Plans have been given the go-ahead for the expansion of a marketleading renewable energy park using pioneering innovative technologies to generate and store power.

helveston Renewable Energy & Innovation Park which sits on the Northamptonshire/Bedfordshire border near Higham Ferrers, will be the largest of its kind in the United Kingdom. The Park, a former World War 2 MoD base, takes full advantage of the very latest cutting-edge technologies. This includes the installation of just under a 250,000 solar panels on the site using innovative technologies developed by the energy park owners to maximise the generation and storage of power in DC from the sun’s rays. A second phase of another 300,000 solar panels are now being installed, dedicated to the production of hydrogen on site. Unlike other sites, Chelveston harnesses power

generated through harvesting a combination of wind and sun light at the same time and will store this energy through revolutionary technologies developed using ‘second life’ batteries from the automotive world. By law, all manufacturers of electric or hybrid electric cars must accept the batteries back once their useful life in the host car or vehicle is at an end. Wykes Engineering, the owners of Chelveston Renewable Energy & Innovation Park, has developed a way of combining batteries with contrasting recharging and discharging profiles to charge and discharge in unison, allowing for viable large-scale power storage on site. Continued on page 5 >>

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Andrew Gibbs and Sharon Maplethorpe are relishing their new roles with Business Times publisher Lunar Publishing after it completed the acquisition of fellow specialist business media company Woburn Media. Both previously worked on Woburn Media’s business titles Business MK and Business2Business, which are now part of the Lunar Publishing portfolio alongside Andrew Gibbs Business Times and the lifestyle magazines NN Pulse and MK Cynthia Spencer Hospice Anita Frith has joined Pulse. Andrew has been appointed Cynthia Spencer Hospice as as editor, working alongside the charity’s new director of publisher Kerry Lewis- income generation. Having Stevenson, while Sharon brings worked in the Third Sector for her extensive sales and customer over 20 years, most recently service experience to the role of with Home-Start UK, Anita business development manager. brings a wealth of experience “It’s great to be on board to the role. Cynthia Spencer Hospice and working with such a great range of quality titles that put celebrates its 45th anniversary editorial quality at the heart this year and Anita said: “I’m of everything they do,” said thrilled to be joining the Cynthia Andrew. “There’s so much Spencer team at such a pivotal opportunity for this portfolio moment in the organisation’s of titles and therefore for our history and am looking forward advertisers and readers. I’m to leading our fundraising really looking forward to strategies to support the hospice playing my part in delivering so it can carry on caring for patients long into the future.” that success.”

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Business Times

April 2021

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Business News

he announcement came as part of the Treasury Budget announcement and has been welcomed by members of the Northampton Forward board. It had submitted its Town Investment Plan to government in December as the basis for its bid for Towns Fund support. The original bid requested £37 million which included a duplicate bid for funding to cover planned work on the Market Square and Waterloo House. As Northampton has been awarded £8.4 million from the government’s Future High Streets Fund for the Market Square work and Waterloo House has been bought by a private developer, these two projects worth £12 million were removed. Cllr Jonathan Nunn, leader of Northampton Borough Council and chairman of Northampton Forward, said: “In essence, the government has awarded us the full amount we asked for so to say I am ecstatic is probably an understatement.” Northampton Forward was set up around two years ago as a public-private partnership to drive forward progress in the town. It includes individuals from a range of businesses, community interests and public sector bodies. Board member Jo Gordon, Chief Executive of the Royal & Derngate, said: “What more could we have hoped for than an award for the full amount sought?

Northampton awarded full £25 million from Towns Fund

to be embarking on such an exciting programme of change, which came about as a result of us becoming anchor tenants at 24 Guildhall Road. “Through a unique and successful partnership with the borough council, we have been able to envision and drive the development of this previously unoccupied historic Northampton site into something that will be truly inspirational for the town. “Through this and other regeneration projects, the Cultural Quarter will flourish and Northampton’s cultural offer will be given further opportunity to shine. After a difficult year for culture, it’s essential we build new spaces and unlock resources so that communities can thrive and sustain creatively.” The South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership board has also agreed the project’s scope, after it confirmed a £1.15 million contribution from the government’s Get Building Fund last year. Peter Horrocks, SEMLEP Chair, added: “We’re proud to support the relocation and refurbishment of NN Contemporary Art. Supporting our area’s cultural and creative assets reinforces our ambition to make the

South East Midlands an innovative place to live, work and visit. “Not only will the investment complement our Vulcan Works Local Growth Fund project in Northampton town centre, the new facility will also offer creative workspace complex for our SME community, bringing people together following over a year of separation.” Northampton Borough Council owns the building, some of which has already been transformed for use as part of the enhanced and expanded Northampton Museum and Art Gallery. The council has also committed £385,000 to the project, which alongside a £25,000 contribution from NN Contemporary Art, takes the project budget to £1.56 million. A further £1.75 million will be put towards the project budget, following the council’s successful bid to the government’s Towns Fund with further funding proposals in development. The project was highlighted as one of the public’s preferred priorities through a consultation carried out by Northampton Forward last autumn and contributes to the town centre masterplan.

The Government has awarded £25 million to kickstart a series of development projects in Northampton.

Cllr Jonathan Nunn: “This money will allow us to progress a number of schemes across our town which will help us not only transform our high streets but significantly boost our already compelling cultural offer.” Image credit: Art Conaghan.

This money will breathe life into a range of very exciting projects, including some heavy investment into our blossoming Cultural Quarter

and will be the catalyst for a huge amount of private sector investment in the town.” The full list of projects being supported is:

• Town Centre Public Realm; • 41-45 Abington Street; • 35-39 Abington Street; • Marefair Heritage Gateway;

Inspirational project to breathe new life into historic building Work is set to start on building the new home for NN Contemporary Art - an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation Contemporary Art.

he facility at the former county council building at Northampton’s 24 Guildhall Road will include a new contemporary art gallery in the basement, artist studios, a reading room / arts library and a small serving bar on the ground floor, and further studios, offices, a multimedia recording room, project space and education space on the first floor, along with an enhanced entrance off Guildhall Road and accessibility improvements throughout the building. Architects PHP and International Artists Studio Morrison have formed a unique Architect - Artist team to lead on the design work of these spaces, which will comprise the new facilities of NN Contemporary Art. Emer Grant, chief executive and artistic director of NN Contemporary Art, said: “NN Contemporary Art is delighted

• Four Waterside; • 24 Guildhall Road Arts Centre; • Extension of 78 Derngate - The Charles Rennie

Mackintosh Museum; • Emporium Way; • St Peter’s and the Old Black Lion. B r e n d a n B r u d e r, o f Abbeyross Property Consultants, represents the Town Centre Business Improvement District on the Northampton Forward board. “This is the help from central government the town needs,” he said. “Local government and the private sector need the firepower to make good on the aspirations of their communities and Northampton is a business, resident and visitor community ready, willing and now able to make progress.” The government grant will be supported by matchfunding of £13.5 million from the council, Enterprise Zone, Getting Building Fund and the National Heritage Lottery Fund and will unlock private sector investment worth £156 million. Cllr Nunn said: “This money will allow us to progress a number of schemes across our town which will help us not only transform our high streets but significantly boost our already compelling cultural offer. “I am extremely grateful to all of the staff who worked tirelessly to create our submission, and to colleagues from Northampton Forward without whose support this would most certainly not have been possible.”

Emer Grant: “After a difficult year for culture, it’s essential we build new spaces and unlock resources so that communities can thrive and sustain creatively.” Image: NN Contemporary Art.

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

Business Times

April 2021

Legal Briefing

No money equals no goods... or does it? We are all aware of the Government’s attempts to support pandemic-affected businesses: the furlough scheme, coronavirus business loans and business rates relief (to name a few). But the attempts to protect customers by changing the rules on supplying goods and services in the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 might have flown under the radar.

By Matt Mayes Howes Percival

ntil June 2020, it wouldn’t be unusual to expect a supplier’s standard terms and conditions to entitle the supplier to terminate if the customer becomes insolvent. However, the Act now prohibits a supplier doing just that. It now means those insolvency termination provisions in your supply agreement might now not provide you with the remedy you expect. The Act included a temporary exemption to this ban for ‘small

entities’, which is a business with two of the following: • Turnover of no more than £10.2 million; • A balance sheet of no more than £5.1 million; and/or • No more than 50 employees. At the time of writing, this exception is due to end on 31 March 2021. Therefore, for all suppliers, from 1 April 2021, this means you must continue to supply your insolvent customer even if you’re not getting paid.

Business as usual for BRI

ver the past year the team at BRI have been providing confidential advice, support and guidance to business owners and professional contacts in order to assist those that have been, and continue to be, affected by Covid-19. At the start of the pandemic, a number of measures were introduced by the government to help ease the burden for those businesses affected and subsequently the work in the insolvency profession heavily slanted towards recovery and rescue. However, recovery, rescue and offering support are not new practices at BRI. We have been helping businesses, where possible, to avoid insolvency long before the pandemic. Our ethos has always been to provide the right advice for the client, irrespective of the fee outcome for ourselves, and by doing that, we have built up a good reputation within the local business community. It is anticipated that, when the government support ends at some point in the near future, the insolvency profession will be extremely busy. Whilst it has been a very difficult year for a number of business owners, unfortunately, it is being reported that potentially the worst is yet to come. With that in mind, BRI have continued to build a strong team in order to ensure that we can help as many business

Business Times

The government extended the small entity exemption in September 2020 and it may do so again. Nevertheless, it is important to review your terms and procedures to ensure you have other rights to terminate the arrangement. This then begs the question: what can suppliers do to protect themselves? 1. Review your terms of supply now: • How robust is your retention of title clause? Can this be exercised prior to the customer entering insolvency? • Consider how you do business. Do you hold customer goods whilst providing a repair or maintenance service? If so, ensure your terms give you the right to withhold and resell goods

if payment is not forthcoming. • Consider including provisions that compel your customer to inform you of its financial situation. An early warning clause will give you a head start when dealing with insolvent customers. • In what other circumstances are you entitled to terminate your contract with your customer? For example, can you still give notice to terminate for convenience? • Do your terms allow you to suspend supplies prior to insolvency, in a ‘non-payment’ situation? 2. Review the robustness of your credit checks. It is vital that you are satisfied with your customer’s creditworthiness. With insolvency protections unenforceable, you

must scrutinise and assess your buyer’s solvency before you enter into the supply agreement and regularly throughout. 3. Is there the ability to request full payment in advance of supply? Alternatively, consider establishing a reserve fund, topped up regularly by the customer, to be used if it faces financial difficulty. 4. Speak with your insurers. Is trade credit insurance available? Now is the time to take professional advice on your terms and conditions. It is inevitable that, as the Government’s pandemic support eases, some businesses will enter insolvency as the economy attempts to reopen. The threat of another wave and an inevitable lockdown will not disappear entirely. Make sure your business is protected before you find yourself tied into supplying an insolvent customer without any chance of being paid.

For guidance on reviewing your terms of supply, please contact Matt Mayes at Howes Percival at matt.mayes@howespercival.com

Employers should consult with staff to look at ways to avoid redundancies Workplace expert, Acas, has issued advice to employers who are considering staff redundancies following a record increase in calls to its helpline.

Lauren Auburn - It is anticipated that, when the government support ends at some point in the near future, the insolvency profession will be extremely busy

owners as we can when the government support ends. We have recruited in all of our offices and have continued to provide professional training to all of our staff. We have offices in Northampton, Banbury, Coventry, Hitchin, Milton Keynes and Spalding so wherever you or your clients are based in the UK, we will be able to help. No matter how busy the insolvency profession becomes, we will continue to work with business owners to explore informal options where possible and we will always provide the right advice first time, every time for the client and not for BRI. All initial meetings with clients are completely confidential and without any cost.

April 2021

Employers have legal responsibilities and redundancies should always be a last resort after all options have been exhausted. If an employer has no choice, then there are strict rules around consulting affected employees that they need to adhere to.

cas’ key advice is for employers to properly consult with their staff to seek their views on ideas that can help mitigate the financial difficulties that the business may be facing due to coronavirus. Solutions could include a recruitment freeze or limits on overtime. Other options that employers can consider include: • look at more flexible ways of working – you can agree to update employment contracts to allow more flexible working such as remote working to reduce office costs,

compressed hours or job shares. • temporarily stop working or reduce working hours – you can agree with staff to stop working for a while or to work fewer hours. • move employees into other suitable jobs – you should try and move employees who would otherwise be made redundant into other jobs within the organisation. If a role is suitable and you do not offer it to them then it could be judged as an unfair dismissal. Employers have legal responsibilities and redundancies should always be a

last resort after all options have been exhausted. If an employer has no choice, then there are strict rules around consulting affected employees that they need to adhere to. The minimum consultation period will vary depending on the number of employees that an employer wishes to make redundant. Employers who wish to make 20 or more staff redundant need to also consult a recognised trade union or elected employee representatives about the proposed changes. For more information see ACAS website at www. acas.org.uk

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

Business News Continued from page 1 >> The production of hydrogen from solar energy keeps the whole process sustainable without the need to use power from the national grid, thereby maintaining a 100 per cent green process. Some of the hydrogen produced on site will be used to generate energy whatever the time and whatever the weather. The remainder of the hydrogen production will be used in additional new technology

developed by the park to fuel HGVs. It is the combination of all these renewable technologies in one location that makes Chelveston Renewable Energy & Innovation park unique. The developer of the park is working with leading commercial property consultants Prop-Search.com on the project which includes the development of up to 33,000 sq m of commercial buildings on site, aimed at

Just under a quarter of a million solar panels will be installed on the site.

large energy consumption businesses. Power will be supplied to these occupiers through a direct wire feed from the renewable Energy Park at a tariff that is likely to be up to 30% cheaper than available through the National Grid. In a ‘first’ for the UK the project will include the construction of 120 new homes at Higham Ferrers

that will be powered using the renewable technologies pioneered at Chelveston Simon Toseland, director of PropSearch, said: ‘The generation and supply of renewable energy to the residential dwellings will be the first of its kind in the UK and act as a demonstration to volume house builders that integrating renewable energy

in new homes can be viable and deliverable. This project is a major step forward in the generation, storage and implementation of renewable energy on both residential and commercial platforms – within our lives both at home and at work.” Simon added: “We feel it important to recognise the open and positive approach to this development from both the East Northants Planning Services team and the Economic Development team who worked closely

Plans will drive investment locally

Further information or advice can be obtained from Prop-Search - Tel: 01933 22 33 00 or st@prop-search. com

The Park was originally a WW2 air base and was then a base for the US Airforce.

with us from the preapplication stages. We would also like to thank SEMLEP, the ARC Universities Group, Greater South East Energy Hub, NPower and ULEMCo for their support to date and look forward to working with them as we begin delivering this project.”

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

ASS IST EA S E

BUSINESS

SUFFERING? We are your financial remedy. Whatever your circumstances, trust BRI to help you get your business back on track.

Our services:

From business recovery to CVAs, administration, debt advice and more, our highly-qualified insolvency experts are dedicated to giving you the best advice.

• Corporate Insolvency

• Restructuring • Personal Insolvency

Whatever your business financial concerns, talk to BRI – we can help you on your way to a healthier future.

For a FREE, CONFIDENTIAL and NO OBLIGATION consultation

Call now on 01604 754352 100 St James Road, Northampton, NN5 5LF

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

www.briuk.co.uk

Business Times

April 2021

Legal Briefing

Attention non-UK purchasers of domestic properties: New Stamp Duty surcharge from 1st April From 1st April 2021, all non-UK residents purchasing a residential property in England and Northern Ireland, will be subject to a 2% Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) surcharge. This will not apply to property Scotland and Wales. The term “non-UK resident” is still being questioned by many.

By Katharine Frisby, Partner and Head of Conveyancing Borneo Martell Turner Coulston

n very basic terms, a person not a resident in the UK for purposes defined by Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs or a person not treated as being a resident of the UK will be calculated to pay an additional 2% in tax on certain residential property purchases/acquisitions. This rule will only apply to residential property transactions and at this stage not to commercial property. As such, this may leave scope for people to argue whether a property is a “dwelling” or “suitable for residential purposes” when purchasing a non-standard property. Similarly, questions

may be raised on “mixed use” properties. The rules around “non-UK resident” are complex and will depend on the actual purchaser. The 2% additional SDLT payment will apply to: 1. An individual who has spent less than 183 days in the UK in the 12-month period prior to the date of completion of purchase/ acquisition. 2. If an individual acquiring the property, is moving to the UK at the time, they will have to pay the 2% surcharge initially. Upon proving they have lived in the UK for 183 days in any

365-day period within the timeframe of 12 months before the completion date and 12 months after the completion date, they can claim back the 2% surcharge paid from HMRC. 3. A company purchaser, will need to be both incorporated in the UK and have its central management and control exercised in the UK at the time of any property purchase/ acquisition to enable them to not have to pay the 2% surcharge. If the company is under the control of “non-UK residents” or the operations are based outside of the UK, then the company purchaser will have to pay the 2% surcharge on top of any additional SDLT they already have to pay.There are certain exceptions to this rule, such as for Open-Ended Investment Companies and Real Estate Investment Trusts. 4. A partnership will pay the 2%

surcharge if any one of the partners are “non-UK residents” regardless of how small their holding/interest in the property is to be. 5. For joint purchasers, if one of those joint purchasers were “non-UK residents” then the 2% surcharge will be payable. However, if the joint purchasers were a married couple or in a civil partnership and jointly purchase/acquire the property and both purchasers lived together, then the 2% surcharge will not apply as long as one of those purchasers is a UK resident and not acting as a trustee. 6. If there is a trust set up for the benefit of a “non-UK resident”, the 2% surcharge will apply. There are also exceptions to the rules where the individual is an employee of the Crown and is based outside of the UK as part their employment.

Determination delivers dream verdict University of Northampton Law graduate Prince Sadiq Chaudhury, has realised his dream by qualifying as a solicitor.

orn in Bangladesh, Prince moved to the UK aged 12 and embraced the UK education system, developing a love of learning and a strong ethos to always strive to achieve his dreams. After a successful career within the family business, and a stint as a local councillor in Northampton, Prince decided it was time to follow his and his father’s dream, to study the law at the University of Northampton. In his 40s, Prince was not fazed to be returning to education as a mature student. Speaking about his return to education Prince said: “I think it’s really important to liberate yourself through education. I knew I was going to be much older than many of the other students joining the university when I was Although I was a bit unsure at first, I soon understood that age was just a number when studying the law.” Prince threw himself into university life, playing for the men’s Students’ Union Football team, running as a student council member alongside his studies and life with a young family. Prince said: “I thoroughly e njoye d my t i m e a t Northampton. My tutors were extremely supportive throughout my studies with

Business Times

guidance and advice about the law, academic styles, and getting back into education after many years working.” English is not Prince’s first language but this has inspired his career moves, Prince said: “Although I have lived in the UK since I was 12, we spoke Bangladeshi at home and most of the time within the family business. It took a lot of focus to get to grips with the legal language. It was this that inspired me to focus my legal work on supporting the Bangladeshi community in Northamptonshire.

April 2021

“I want to support my community to have the best possible support when ne e d i ng legal a dv ice, frequently I have supported members of the community with property and business s a le s a n d p u r c h a s e s . Bridging that language gap has been an asset and support to my clients.” Prince now works for Shepherd & Co Solicitors in Towcester, but, looking to the future, he is not ruling out coming back to education again: “Covid has encouraged lots of people

to change their path and consider a career change. I hope I can inspire the Bangladeshi community and anyone who wishes to have further education and a professional career in the later stages of life to take the brave step and go for it. “Now I am qualified a solicitor, I am keen to keep learning as I practise the law, I will not stop learning and developing. I’ve got an idea that I might progress into a PhD, and Northampton would be the natural choice when I am ready for that.”

If you would like advice on these points, please contact Katharine Frisby at Borneo Martell Turner Coulston Solicitors. Email: katharine.frisby@bmtclaw.co.uk or telephone: 01604 622101.

Better too soon than a minute too late

S Prince Sadiq Chaudhury: “I think it’s really important to liberate yourself through education. I knew I was going to be much older than many of the other students joining the University when I was, although I was a bit unsure at first, I soon understood that age was just a number when studying the Law.”

In circumstances where the purchaser becomes entitled to a refund of the 2% surcharge SDLT paid, they can apply to a refund within 2 years of the completion date of the transaction. No doubt the above mentioned rules will raise more questions and another layer of complexity to an already complex tax system with residential property transactions. ‘As such, those who think they may be affected should take separate tax advice at the time of considering purchasing/acquiring a residential property as well as instructing a solicitor to deal with the transaction.

omething we hear all too often is “I wish I had come to see you sooner” and, in some of the cases we have dealt with, things may have turned out differently for their business if they had. An example of this was a client who had been ignoring demands for payment of a debt owing to HMRC, which subsequently presented a winding up petition against the company. It was at this point, after presentation of the petition, that we were contacted for advice. Due to the presentation of the petition and the company not having sufficient funds to pay the petition debt in full, only formal insolvency options were available. However, if we had been contacted sooner, when the company was unable to pay the debt, there would have been time to consider alternative ways to deal with the tax debt and it may have been possible to negotiate an informal affordable repayment plan with HMRC. So, when should you seek advice from an insolvency practitioner? We would recommend seeking advice when there are any changes to a business that cause concern. This could be loss of a major customer,

suffering a bad debt or not being able to pay a creditor. It is very important to seek advice at an early stage in order to understand the possible consequences of dealing with an insolvent business and, more importantly, to ensure there is sufficient time to plan and implement a turnaround if required. At BRI our first thought when advising a client is always – how can we help this business avoid a formal insolvency process? If we think that is possible, we will offer advice, support and guidance in order to help the business get back on the road to recovery. Some think that IPs should only be contacted for advice when a business is really struggling. However, this is not true. The earlier you seek advice from an IP the better. The timing of receiving professional insolvency advice is key and could change the outcome for your business. All initial meetings with BRI are in complete confidence and without cost. To arrange a meeting with BRI, please contact any member of the management team on 01604 754352.

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

Business News

n principle it sounds like a good idea but without specialist support it can prove to be protracted and costly. This is why RS Response, with its extensive knowledge in commercial electrical installation, can make a real difference by advising and supporting businesses looking to make the transition into electric vehicle charging. The team has a wealth of experience working with businesses and organisations across the United Kingdom. This includes clients looking to set up vehicle charging points in their company car park to multi-national enterprises like Amazon with a network of sites. Paul Marchetti, technical compliance manager at the Milton Keynes-based firm, has daily hands-on experience of advising clients on the complex requirements, derisking the decision for them. “We start with a feasibility survey and concept layouts of the site which informs the client what can be achieved with the existing available local network operator supply,” said Paul who is in regular contact with the regulators and network operators. “With our Office for Low Emission Vehicles accreditation, we follow the

Specialists driving electric vehicle revolution A quiet revolution is under way with a growing number of businesses taking the decision to invest in electric vehicles.

Paul Marchetti: “Our experience in electric charging design and installation projects mean we know exactly what questions need to be asked, procedures that need to be followed and make sure we can deliver.”

electric vehicle standards and procedures including all Codes of Practice to ensure

our clients have a fully compliant site.” Often, one of the biggest

Our solicitors are experts in a full range of legal services from corporate, employment, litigation and property to estate planning and family law. To find out more, please contact Gerald Couldrake on 01604 230 400 or at gerald.couldrake@howespercival.com.

challenges is ensuring the site’s electrical supply can meet the increased demand.

An overloading of the system means not only will vehicle charging be ineffective but the rest of the power supply to the site could be compromised. Paul said: “It is important to know what is required and needs to be done. Our exper ience i n elect r ic c h a r g i n g d e s ig n a n d installation projects mean we know exactly what questions need to be asked, procedures that need to be followed and make sure we can deliver.” RS Response’s experience in the sector runs alongside its other turnkey project ser vices which deliver innovative design, build and maintenance solutions for all types of office, commercial and industrial buildings. “We aim to meet all refurbishment and expansion needs of our clients as they evolve and change,” said Paul. T h e G o v e r n m e n t ’s an nou ncement that by 2030 there would be a ban on manufacturing diesel powered vehicles increased demand for RS Response’s electric vehicle charging expertise. As climate change becomes an increasing

priority for its clients, return on investment of installing this technology is becoming more acceptable and to offset the installation costs there are significant Governmentfunded grants available. Paul said: “There is an initial investment, as there is for any upgrade but we can help clients through the grant application process to access the government grant funding through our OLEV accreditation.” Ever-improving technology means a reduction in the time it takes to recharge the vehicle battery and an ever-growing network of charging points across the United Kingdom has encouraged more drivers to switch to electric vehicles. “People are taking a fresh look at the technology and understanding why it makes sense for their business.” RS Response Ltd is based at Lumen House, Rockingham Drive, Linford Wood, Milton Keynes. To talk through your requirements, call 01908 218830, visit the website at www.rsr.co.uk or email info@RSR.co.uk

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April 2021

Legal Briefing

urrently vaccination against Covid-19 is not compulsory, with the Government leaving it up to businesses to decide the ethics and feasibility of mandatory vaccination policies in their workplace. After months of lockdown restrictions, companies will be eager to reassure customers and clients that they operate a ‘Covid-19 safe’ environment. However, Howes Percival is warning employers to tread carefully and obtain specific legal advice regarding the implementation of any workplace vaccine policies. Issues regarding vaccination will be specific to each employer’s circumstances, their business sector, and the individual circumstances of their employees. While employers are entitled to suggest that staff get vaccinated, if an employee refuses, great care needs to be taken to avoid potential discrimination claims. Simon deMaid, partner and employment law expert at Howes Percival said: “While the need for vaccination policies in the workplace may seem premature, the expected trajectory of the vaccination rollout will lead to more instances of employers asking for or even requiring employees to receive the vaccine. “There are still many unknowns about Covid-19 and the vaccinations. Depending on the science, widescale vaccination may not be an allencompassing solution for a return to “normality” or a pre Covid-19 workplace environment. The vaccines have been shown to be effective at

Risks of a ‘no jab no job’ approach

Leading law firm Howes Percival is urging companies to consider the risks of adopting a blanket ‘no jab, no job’ employment policy. reducing or eliminating symptoms may take steps to implement a and effects of Covid-19. What is less vaccination policy or contractual known is the extent to which they clause. It may also be possible to prevent transmission – although the have a ‘no jab, no job’ policy for job early data is encouraging – or applicants to any new role. the period of immunity. Although, this does not “This raises concerns come without employment Employers about the feasibility of law risks, specifically employers requiring should take discrimination. vaccination and specific legal Can an employer highlights questions advice about the effectiveness of compel an employee to these polices in reducing take the vaccine? risk to employers, employees, In short, no. Employers and customers.” cannot physically force or compel employees to take a Covid-19 vaccine. Should employers introduce a ‘no At this stage, rather than relying on jab, no job’ vaccination policy? compulsory vaccination, employers Ultimately, it is a commercial decision may wish to focus on how best to for each employer to take based on the educate employees and publicise the level of risk they are prepared to take. benefits of taking the vaccination. However, employers should bear in mind that a ‘no jab, no job’policy is Can employers require employees to too simplistic an approach for most have a vaccine on health and safety companies because it does not take into grounds? account many of the current vaccine Employers are required to reduce ‘unknowns’. workplace risks under the Health and Existing employees may have Safety at Work Act 1974 and should medical clauses in their contracts, continue to follow Covid-secure which could include a requirement to guidance regardless of vaccination have a vaccination. If not, employers status. Requiring employees to take

the vaccine on grounds of health and safety law would require employers to prove that vaccination protects other employees and the third parties they encounter. Although early data is showing a reduction in transmission this issue is yet to be resolved. At this stage, relying on health and safety law is likely to be risky. Can an employer dismiss an employee for refusing a vaccine? In theory, yes. However, whether the dismissal is fair or not will depend on the individual circumstances. If the request to be vaccinated is reasonable, an employee’s unreasonable refusal to comply could result in disciplinary action. Whether a request is reasonable will depend on the circumstances of the individual employee, the employer’s business and the sector they operate in. For example, it will be more reasonable to require frontline health care workers to have the vaccine, compared to fully remote office workers. How can employers avoid unfair dismissal claims? For a dismissal to be “fair”, it must fall under one of the five potentially fair reasons for dismissal. The most likely justification for dismissing an employee will be “conduct” for failure to comply with a reasonable request. Alternatively, dismissal might be for “some other substantial reason”. Due to the complex issues involved, employers should take specific legal advice on any disciplinary or dismissal relating to employees who refuse the vaccine.

What is the risk of discriminating against employees who refuse the vaccine? There is a risk that employers could be accused of discrimination if they insist on employees, or job applicants, being vaccinated. There are several potential ‘protected characteristics’ that an employee may seek to rely on to justify a refusal to take the vaccination and consideration will need to be given to the rights of individual employees and whether there are health reasons, religious or philosophical beliefs that mean vaccination is not appropriate. Can employers ask an employee if they have had the vaccine? Yes. However, the vaccination status of an employee is private health information, which is a ‘special category of data’ (that requires extra protection under GDPR). Use of this data must also be fair, necessary, and relevant for a specific purpose. Any reason for recording employees’ vaccination status must be clear and compelling. To process the data fairly and lawfully, employers will need to rely on one of the permitted grounds for doing so. The sector, type of work and specific workplace health and safety risks will help employers decide if they have compelling reasons to collect employees Covid-19 vaccine records.

For more information on Covid-19 and employment law visit: www. howespercival.com/services/ employment-and-hr

Take your business to the next level. Whilst your business is working hard, you are right to expect that your professional advisors are supporting you and thinking ahead. Whether it's using our expertise on accounting, tax and business advice or a claim for R&D tax credits, we are your perfect partner.

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April 2021

see how we can help you move forward.

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Business Times

April 2021

Money Matters

UK Budget 2021: The Key Highlights Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has delivered his budget. Here’s everything you need to know about it and the tax changes that will affect you and your business.

A sweetener for business investment is undoubtedly the announcement of the superdeduction. This can be claimed by limited companies because it is linked to corporation tax and will mean that a business can claim 130% against the cost of capital expenditure. We have crunched the numbers and can see that the superdeduction will be of benefit to larger companies but not so much of a game changer for companies wishing to invest say £10,000. They would normally save tax of £19,000k so £1,900, now they will save 19% on £13k = £2470, saving = £570 or 5.7% of the expenditure.

By Clare Elsby Elsby & Co

t’s usually the day after the budget when pundits, tax advisors and think tanks have had their say. That’s when the dust settles and we can really judge how the budget will impact us as businesses and in the wider community. In the lead-up to the budget itself there was a flurry of speculation, spurred on by the Chancellor wanting to be honest with the country about the cost of Covid and how we were all to pay back levels of debt which have not been seen since 1945 and the end of World War Two. The surprise therefore was that this budget was loaded with sugar, with the less palatable measures pushed back by at least two years. The Furlough (CJRS) scheme was due to end in April this year, where the government pays 80% of salary / wages of hours not worked, but

September whilst being capped at £7,500 (80% of average profit). The Chancellor has listened to the FSB campaign to include new starters and 2019/20 self-assessment tax returns will now be taken into account with an estimated 600,000 new claimants for both the fourth and fifth grants. There is a caveat with the fifth grant relating to turnover, if turnover has fallen by more than 30% then the full 80% is available. However if turnover falls by less than 30% then the grant is for 30%.

this has been extended to September. Employers will be expected to contribute 10% in July and 20% in August and September. Whilst this is much needed, smaller employers still struggle A green bonus might be that electric cars (if with national insurance contributions and the new) qualify for the superdeduction, which removal of the job retention bonus. Costs of means: employment therefore remain high and If you buy for £20k you will get tax there was no mention of stimulating relief on £26,000 = £4940 so you’re The 2021 getting nearly 25% of your outlay employment through reductions in onerous employers’ national budget has back straight away in tax savings. insurance contributions. been loaded It’s interesting that the Self-Employed small businesses with sugar superdeduction is set to end as soon will welcome the confirmation of as the new hike to a 25% corporation a fourth Self-Employment Support tax rate starts. Cynics might suggest that Scheme grant (SEISS) covering the period if the Bank of England projected consumer February to April payable in April, along with the boom, supplemented by the superdeduction, announcement of a fifth grant. But it appears this does promote investment, perhaps the uplift in one has to stretch over five months from May to corporation tax to 25% may not be needed in

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two years’ time and a rate of, say, 24% would be seen as a cut and politically acceptable. The good news for smaller businesses is that the 19% rate of corporation tax remans where profits are less than £50k pa. The real impact will be seen in stealth taxes, in that personal tax thresholds are being frozen from next year and then are set to remain the same until 2026. Essentially this means that with anticipated inflationary pay rises, more and more people will be pushed up into the higher tax threshold tier and thus pay more income tax. Planning can be done to avoid this, but it will take forethought. The budget should really be measured, in my opinion, by what is missing: • No support for directors, despite a Directors Income Support Scheme being put on the table by the FSB, ACCA, Institute of Directors and Rebecca Sealey Harris of the (gloriously named) Office of Tax Simplification. The Chancellor appears determined to ignore the plight of directors of small companies • Funding for supply chains which have been directly impacted by Covid but not actually requested to close. • 100% business rates relief for next year. The small business extension to June is welcomed but then reduced by two-thirds until September. An extension of the full relief could have been a lifeline for many. • The NHS. No new investment was announced to help the NHS manage to get back on its feet in the next year. For a FREE budget e-book summary visit: bit.ly/ELSBYBUDGET Elsby & Co - Accountants, Business & Tax Advisors www.elsbyandco.co.uk

Supporting you and your business As a business owner, life is undoubtedly busy – with accounts to file, staff to manage and targets to meet. So it’s not surprising that keeping on top of your own personal finances can sometimes fall down your list of priorities. We offer a local, friendly service backed by the strength and security of FTSE 100 company, St. James’s Place Wealth Management. We understand that business and personal finance management need to be considered hand-in-hand; our experience and support can help you successfully secure and enhance both.

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BRACE WEALTH MANAGEMENT Senior Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management

Tel: 01327 844433 Email: bracewealth@sjpp.co.uk www.bracewealth.co.uk The Partner Practice is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group's wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group's website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The 'St. James's Place Partnership' and the titles 'Partner' and 'Partner Practice' are marketing terms used to describe St. James's Place representatives.

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30/11/2019 10:38 For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk

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car crash in 2005 had left Mike with three breaks in his spine and a broken neck. It would take two years of gruelling operations and rehabilitation for Mike to get back to business. His high-pressured role which had taken him around the world was behind him and in its place was his newly fledged business MPA which specialises in helping businesses to maximise their potential benefits from available HMRC tax concessions. Fourteen years later it has grown into a thriving enterprise with a £7 million turnover and has earned a place in the UK’s top 100 accountancy firms. There is no secret formula behind MPA’s success which started with Mike working from the family home. “I had plenty of time to think and revaluate what was important,” said Mike, who believes the holistic approach is what makes the difference to the way MPA do business. Engineers now make up nearly half of the 70-strong team which offers a wide range of services to SMEs. “There is no secret as to why we employ engineers. It is because they talk the client’s language and understand how things work,” said Mike.

“Many times, clients ask the wrong questions. It’s only by having a deep understanding of their business and the market they operate in that we can guide them to firstly the right question and ultimately the right answer. We’ve built our services around the challenges that SME business owners face during the life cycle of their business. We understand that whatever business they are in, whichever sector it all comes down to the same thing for everyone: People, systems and processes, with people being at the centre of everything.” MPA leads by example with Mike believing there are tangible benefits for businesses who prioritise the needs of their staff. “More than anything, it’s about being flexible. Look at your people as individuals and listen to them, see what you can do as a business to help them do their best work. It’s them that keep the clients happy which in turn makes your business successful,” said Mike. “The pandemic has seen many having to find new ways of working and taking on other responsibilities like home schooling. MPA’s approach is to listen to employees and offer packages that meet their specific needs – maybe flexible furlough, a sabbatical

Innovative approach shows why it can pay to talk

A life-changing road accident was the catalyst for Mike Price to think about the ways he wanted to lead his life. He had plenty of time to think.

Mike Price: We’ve built our services around the challenges that SME business owners face.

or working hours that slot into an individual’s life. We trust our team to get the work done to the right quality and working with the client on timing. People

How to exit the rat race and enjoy your dream retirement By Tony Byrne Wealth & Tax Management

es, this is a very bold heading and many readers will not believe it is possible but believe me it is. How do I know? It is because I have advised literally hundreds of people over the years, many of whom have retired early and enjoyed wonderful retirements. Many of them didn’t believe it was possible, but I was able to persuade most of them that they could do it and lots of them did. Why do most people not think it is possible? Well in my experience it is because they do not have a plan. We work with clients annually. From the very start of our relationship, we put together a financial plan for each and every one of them known as a lifetime cash flow forecast using our Money Forecast software. It’s much like putting together a cash flow forecast for a business. The difference is that it is for an individual or a couple and it is designed for the rest of their lives. In fact, we put together forecasts to age 100. We gather clients’ financial information in respect of what they own, what they owe, how much they earn and how much they spend. We produce a net worth statement, which is like

Business Times

April 2021

a business balance sheet and an income and expenditure summary, similar to a business profit and loss account or a cash flow projection. We make certain assumptions about interest rates, inflation, growth rates etc. All of our assumptions are conservative. We agree certain “what if” scenarios with clients. We then produce the plan. We update the plan in a face-to-face meeting with each client annually. Such clients know exactly when they will retire, and they know they can afford it. This is why they achieve their retirement targets time and time again. It is also why many of them live dream retirements. In my 30-plus years of advising clients, I have yet to find one who doesn’t enjoy retirement and that includes a number of clients who were dreading retirement beforehand. To find out how to exit the rat race and enjoy your dream retirement why not benefit from a one-hour Discovery Meeting at our offices at our expense worth £470 to the first 5 readers who contact us before 30th April 2021? You know it makes sense. We offer a great cup of coffee too! Call us on 0800 980 4516, email wealth@ wealthandtax.co.uk or visit www.wealthandtax. co.uk. Tony Byrne is managing director of Wealth & Tax Management, a chartered and certified financial planner and chartered wealth manager. He is also the author of Wealth Magic. The contents of this article are for information purposes only and do not constitute individual advice. All information contained in this article is based on our current understanding of taxation, legislation and regulations in the current tax year. Any levels and bases of and reliefs from taxation are subject to change. Tax treatment is based on individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future.

must have the chance to step back, decompress and relax. “It is not about the work life balance; it is about the life work balance.”

Mike’s insight into what makes a business work started at an early age through his mother’s engineering firm. Here he saw a blend of client

care, compassion for the staff and innovative techniques bring great success. “She had a lot on her plate being a single parent with three boisterous sons and a business to run. She didn’t just manage... she excelled,” said Mike. Mike watched and learned and has now put his mother’s way of doing business at the heart of MPA. “What is driving us at MPA is a bigger ambition. The Government’s Industrial Strategy sets out a vision for growth in the innovation and technology sector. MPA are committed to supporting these sectors because it presents the opportunity to drive growth across the entire economy. By helping create a thriving technology sector MPA are helping drive UK plc. To talk to the team, call 0808 296 5538 or visit the website at www.mpa.co.uk

PRACTICAL ADVICE, PROFESSIONAL APPROACH Elsby & Co support new start-ups and owner managed businesses in all ﬁnancial, accountancy and business development needs. Call us on

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Business News

Arc promises ‘premier growth corridor’ Stabilise. while protecting the environment Recover. Grow.

t is fair to say that the last 12 months have not been the easiest for anyone. A combination of Covid and the uncertainty around leaving the EU have made the business environment extremely challenging. As a result, perhaps the last thing on most business owners’ minds is growth. It is going to take time for the economy to recover, but you should already be thinking about how you will grow your business in the months and years ahead. While it is vital that you stabilise your business now and plan for your recovery it is important not to neglect your long-term goals. Get Ahead of the Curve Fortunately, you do not have to do this alone. Support and training are available to help you consolidate and stabilise your business, recover as quickly and fully as possible, and return to steady, sustainable growth. The Growth Curve Programme is run by SEMLEP’s Growth Hub, in partnership with the

University of Bedfordshire, Cranfield University and the University of Northampton. Growth Curve provides you with the opportunity to meet with one of SEMLEP’s High Growth business advisers to discuss your business before going on to attend a university masterclass. This masterclass consists of three intensive, interactive sessions that will focus on developing your leadership skills. You will develop an action plan to address the most urgent and important issues facing your business and gain the opportunity to network with like-minded people with similar goals and experiences. Once you have completed the programme, you will continue to get on-going support, as well as access to a network of your fellow Growth Curve alumni. You will also be notified of future grant funding which you may be eligible for. For more information and to see if your company is eligible, visit the SEMLEP Growth Hub website: www. semlepgrowthhub.com

The leaders of plans to develop the Oxford-Cambridge Arc into an economic powerhouse for the UK have set out an agenda to put the environment at the heart of every decision they make.

he Arc Leadership Group has endorsed new environment principles that seek to secure practical ways to increase nature and find innovative solutions to managing natural resources. The UK government has already set out its intention for the Arc to be the UK’s fastestgrowing economic region and a world leader in sustainability. Principles to stimulate the green economy and to work towards net-zero carbon goals provide a clear statement of regional intent that embodies local commitment to adopting an approach that results in environmentally sustainable economic growth, says the ALG. Published ahead of work on the government’s Arc Spatial Framework, which will create a long- term plan to deliver the Arc’s strategic growth and infrastructure needs, the aim for the Environment Principles is to inform emerging Arc plans and statements, including local plans, local council activities as well as delivery programmes for bodies operating in the Arc. These principles will form the basis for creating an Ox-Cam-wide Environmental Strategy that embraces everything from green spaces to housing standards, sustainable transport, energy generation and transmission, water management and conservation. Cllr Bridget Smith, chair of the Arc’s Environment Group and leader of South

The ALG’s environment working group has started work to develop an Environment Strategy which will help to set the roadmap and trajectory for delivering the ambitious Arc Environment Principles and the Green Arc.

Cambridgeshire District Council said: “If we are to double the economic growth in the Arc then we must, as a minimum, be doubling nature and ensuring that we lead the way in zero carbon living and working. “I want to say a huge thank you to all of the different groups and individuals who have contributed to these principles and we now look forward to working closely with government and colleagues locally on taking the next steps. It will include embedding these principles into our planning so we can empower our businesses and residents by giving them better choices. “If we do this well, we hope that other regions and countries will be looking to the Oxford-Cambridge Arc as the leading place for environmentally sustainable development just as we look to the

Netherlands for best practice in cycling and cycling infrastructure.” The ALG’s environment working group has started work to develop an Environment Strategy which will help to set the roadmap and trajectory for delivering the ambitious Arc Environment Principles and the Green Arc. The scope of the strategy is being developed in collaboration with a Cranfield University MSc programme, which will map out what the strategy should include, referring to best practice in fast growing regions globally. It is likely that the strategy will take 12-18 months to complete. The Environment Principles and the Environment Strategy work will be used to inform the group’s input to the government’s Arc Spatial Framework, expected to be published in 2022.

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April 2021

Money Matters A DV E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E

You’ve focused on your business, now let your business focus on you It’s never too early to consider your business exit strategy and future wealth plans

f you own a successful business, you know what you need to make your business succeed. You, your employees and business advisers focus on ensuring your business continues to create value for your customers, maintains your competitive advantage and exploits market and competitor opportunities. However, successful business owners tend to focus their time and energies on their business, sometimes at the expense of their personal needs. One key challenge for any business owner is how you can extract the rewards for the hard work and personal sacrifices you made in building your business, to create financial independence for yourself and your family. A close examination of your business to understand its strengths and improvements, can considerably increase the value you can achieve. If your business can demonstrate a track record of strong, growing profits it will attract potential purchasers. Knowing where your expenses are being incurred, where savings can be made and demonstrating a good track record of expense control all help.

To maximise your exit value, the business must stand alone without your involvement. This means recruiting a strong management team to whom you can delegate the running of the business. Your products and services should also be scalable and your business should have unique selling points, whilst you keep an eye on competitors.

When exiting your business, it is always best to plan as far ahead as possible A strong client base is needed with measures established to protect it. Set up long-term contracts with key customers but also reduce dependence on key clients. Similarly, you should have appropriate commercial contracts with key suppliers, employees or any individual or entity that could impact your business. Ultimately, you should consider that a potential purchaser will conduct his or her own due diligence prior to a sale. When considering your options, you will need to take advice and consider the taxation consequences of the variety of options open to you; and where to

invest your wealth. Whilst it may be practical to delay investment decisions until you have become accustomed to the funds you have, it will increase the tax-efficiency and flexibility of your options if you decide, before you sell, what to do with the profits. As part of this process we will work closely with your existing professional advisers, helping you make the most of your business assets. Similarly, we will work with you to maximise your personal assets. To achieve your goals, you need an adviser who understands you and your business and will work with you to help you obtain the maximum benefit from all your hard work. The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested. The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances. Exit planning may include referral to a service that is separate and distinct to those offered by St. James’s Place.

BRACE WEALTH MANAGEMENT Senior Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management Tel: 01327 844433 Email: bracewealth@sjpp.co.uk www.bracewealth.co.uk

The Partner Practice is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group's wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group's website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The 'St. James's Place Partnership' and the titles 'Partner' and 'Partner Practice' are marketing terms used to describe St. James's Place representatives. SJP12203 V1 (07/20)

Business Times

April 2021

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

Business News

The future’s bright for Thrapston business

s the Prime Minister unveiled his roadmap to ease Covid restrictions, the managing director of market-leading timber business Scotts of Thrapston is looking forward to the year ahead. “I can’t think of a reason not to be optimistic,” says James Scott. “The UK has been through a torrid time this last five years, what with the Scottish Referendum, Brexit and now Covid. But if history has taught us anything, it’s that good times follow bad. The Spanish flu was followed by the economic prosperity of the Roaring Twenties; I believe that the next few years will be our generation’s boom time.” A prediction that is perhaps already proving true at the Scotts of Thrapston head office in Thrapston and at the group’s specialist Scotts Timber Engineering business in Redditch. “2020 was a huge year for us,” says James. “While with one hand the pandemic took away the very many events we had lined up to celebrate our centenary, with the other it gave us an unexpected surge in work across the Group, as people ‘stayed home to

James Scott - While with one hand the pandemic took away the very many events we had lined up to celebrate our Centenary, with the other it gave us an unexpected surge in work.

protect the NHS’. “Homes and gardens became their focus: orders were up, turnover was up. It was an excellent year in many respects.”

James is a fourth-generation family member to take his seat on the board, having joined the company in 2000 as a director. He was heavily involved in the timber stables and timber

“Stopping advertising to save money is like stopping a clock to save time”

buildings side of the business for the next 17 years until receiving the nod that it was time to step up and fulfil his destiny. Not! As such, 2017 proved something of an eventful year for James, both personally and professionally: not only did he celebrate his 40th birthday and learn that he had a second son on the way but he also took over as managing director from Peter Waddup, who left the business to become national director at The Leprosy Mission. James is a passionate and enthusiastic advocate for Scotts of Thrapston, and not simply in the expected ‘values, heritage and tradition’ tick-box kind of way that underpins the Scott name. That’s a given; it goes without saying. No, James’ USP is the palpable, absolute joy he exudes when talking about the timber products produced by Scotts of Thrapston and the skilled workforce who produce them. “We are specialists in timber engineering; the products we make are simply the best you can buy,” says James. “We we are experts in design, manufacture and supply; our attention to detail is second to none. I struggle

to communicate how good our products are, knowing how they have been crafted and put together. The level of craftsmanship in our work is phenomenal, whether that be a bespoke summer house, equestrian stable, made to measure car barn or an exposed roof truss. “I believe we are the best in the business, better than our competitors, but it’s hard to convey that when selling to a layman.” Head office is based in Thrapston and walking around the site with James, he chats easily with the workforce and everyone is on first name terms. Here you can see joiners and carpenters hand craft timber alongside a cutting-edge CNC router, the ‘shop floor’ reflecting the dovetailing of tradition and technology, quality and innovation. A large order of porch canopies for one of the country’s top volume housebuilders stands alongside a customised outdoor food and drink space commissioned by a fashionable London eatery. “This is an exciting time for us,” says James. “We must capitalise on the energy and endeavour that is set to permeate industry as the

UK comes out of lockdown. People will be desperate to get on with living and we need to be in a position to help them do that. “Brexit obviously has had an effect on us as timber prices have gone up (all the Scotts wood is imported from Scandinavia) and so we’re not looking to export in the short term. But the market here in the UK is buoyant. Our Redditch site is one of the largest in the country specialising in timber engineering and big enough to cope with our growing national order book.” There are big ambitions ahead for Scotts of Thapston, and James doesn’t rule out diversifying further or shifting the emphasis of the business. “Realistically, over the course of a year, how many equestrian buildings are we going to be called on to create? Whereas the increasing call from volume and select housebuilders for our roof trusses offers us an opportunity to really grow an already productive area of the business. “We’ve been here for 100 years and I’m confident that we are robust and innovative enough to be here in another 100.”

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April 2021

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Tucking in to a third course of culinary excellence!

Northamptonshire’s restaurants, pubs, bars and hospitality venues are preparing to welcome back guests once more as lockdown restrictions ease and the county’s finest have been raising a glass – virtually - to the winners and finalists in this year’s Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards.

“I

can’t wait to get my knees under the table somewhere local and enjoy a lovely noshup,” says the Reverend Richard Coles, Finedon priest, a former No.1 music artist with 1980s band The Communards and award-winning broadcaster and author. And his thoughts go a long way towards summing up how thousands of local foodies are feeling as the county’s hospitality sector prepares to fully reopen. The stars of the culinary sector have been celebrating after picking up top accolades in this year’s Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards. And Reverend Coles, like other diners of distinction, have the perfect inspiration to ensure those longed-for visits to the county’s pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues are packed with fabulous food, superlative service and the promise of an experience to remember. Among those celebrating with a Gold in the Booker Dining Venue of the Year category – to add to the one he picked up as Chef of the Year at last month’s second course of awards – is Samuel Squires, head chef of Restaurant Hibiscus at Northampton’s Delapré Abbey. The restaurant had opened only weeks before the first national lockdown in March last year. “Receiving the Chef title last month was a massive boost to me personally,” says Samuel. “But we have all worked so

hard over the last year to create the best possible fine dining experience for our guests, so this is a fantastic achievement and a real reward for all that effort.” During lockdown Hibiscus has been redecorated, the café refurbished and a new bar completed, with a new cocktail menu ready for guests to toast the reopening on May 17. “We just cannot wait until we can welcome back our amazing diners and have chance to really show off why we are so deserving of this prestigious award,” says Samuel. Award sponsor British Pepper & Spice’s commercial director commercial director Ian Kelland told guests of the company’s pride in lending their support for the awards. “British Pepper & Spice is delighted to yet again shine the spotlight on some of the county’s finest spice restaurants and, this year more than ever, to celebrate the excellence of those who continued to offer wonderful cuisines, despite enduring the toughest times the hospitality sector has ever known,” he said. “While I have been tucking into their dishes over recent months, thanks to their resilient takeaway offerings, I, like Reverend Coles and so many others, cannot wait to get back into the venues themselves and immerse myself in the full dining experience that these amazing restaurants offer.” The online celebration began with a welcome from restaurateur Thomasina Miers,

the winner of the inaugural series of BBC MasterChef. She recalled how impressed she had been by the talents shown across the sector in Northamptonshire on her visit to the county in 2018, when she presented the trophies at

Thomasina Miers crossed her fingers for all the finalists as the ceremony got under way.

the end-of-year awards dinner. Headline sponsor Weetabix has agreed to do so again for the 2021-22 awards, the 13th competition. Marketing director Francesca Theokli highlighted the value of the competition beyond its obvious benefits to the winners and why Weetabix was keen to splay such an active role “This competition has seen resilience, dedication and creativity in abundance shown by so many and through maintaining and reinforcing a

The results WINNERS

The Food & Drink Awards, now in its 12th year, is run by the sector for the sector and aims to celebrate all that is great about Northamptonshire’s home produce and drink, recognising excellence within the county’s dining venues and rewarding those who work so hard within the culinary sector. The 2020/21 competition came to a heady conclusion with the third course of awards announced during a live, online broadcast, hosted by Northampton’s Royal & Derngate. Before revealing the results in the two eateries categories, the celebration also shone the spotlight on the future of the sector, highlighting the talent of the county’s learners in the form of a new category, Food and Drink College Student of the Year (sponsored by Moulton College). The final results, announced by representatives of the respective category sponsor, are:

Business Times

April 2021

Former Northampton Saints and England Saxons rugby player Christian Day entertained viewers throughout the evening.

sense of community across the Northamptonshire food and drink sector,” she said. “We are thrilled to support its ultimate aim of sowing the seeds for future growth.” Throughout the evening, viewers were entertained by former Northampton Saints and England Saxons rugby player Christian Day, a passionate foodie, awards supporter and a semi-finalist on MasterChef

Food and Drink College Student of the Year (sponsored by Moulton College): GOLD with distinction: Austin Howsam – Northampton College GOLD: Mia Patterson – Moulton College BRONZE: Bryan Dimalaluan – Tresham College BRONZE: Joseph Kent – Tresham College BRONZE: Patryk Kosmala – Tresham College World Cuisine Restaurant of the Year (sponsored by British Pepper & Spice): GOLD: Oren Pho, Northampton GOLD: Truva Charcoal Bar & Grill, Towcester SILVER: Hashtag Justin Chef, Northampton

last year, with live links to his Northampton kitchen for a masterclass of his culinary talents. Christian whipped up an Awards Pie based on an Irish favourite beef, stout and blue cheese recipe using a wealth of local ingredients, including beef from Noborough Lodge Farm Shop at Norton, Ratliffe’s Stout from Northampton’s Phipps NBC, Northamptonshire

BRONZE: Nazreen, Burton Latimer BRONZE: Saffron, Northampton BRONZE: The Exotic Dining, Kettering Booker Dining Venue of the Year (sponsored by Booker): GOLD: Restaurant Hibiscus, Northampton GOLD: The Willow and Brook, Apethorpen SILVER: The Griffin’s Head, Mears Ashby SILVER: The Hopping Hare, Northampton SILVER: The Tollemache Arms, Harrington BRONZE: Italian Market Kitchen, Rothwell BRONZE: Nuovo, Northampton BRONZE: The Red Lion Hotel, East Haddon

Blue cheese from Hamm Tun Fine Foods at Long Buckby, eggs from The Egg Shed at Wollaston, herbs from British Pepper & Spice, flour from Bugbrooke’s Heygates Flour and Animal Feed, Mellow Yellow rapeseed oil from Farrington Oils at Hargrave and a dash of Northamptonshire Sauce, created by Jeyes of Earls Barton and Northampton’s Friar’s Farm.

BRONZE: The Saracen’s Head, Little Brington Because of the high standard of entries from companies specialising in spiced products, sponsor British Pepper & Spice also awarded ‘Highly Commended’ commendations to three county businesses: Bite Me Spices, Northampton Etinde House Company, Northampton Vicky’s Kitchen, Northampton

To watch the broadcasts of all three course of the awards, visit www.youtube.com and search for #WNFAD20. The 2021-22 awards are due to launch later this year.

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unar Publishing Ltd, which produces the monthly NN Pulse lifestyle magazine in the Northampton area, relaunched the well respected and long-established Northamptonshire business publication Business Times earlier this year. Now it is to amalgamate Woburn Media Ltd, publisher of the leading monthly business publications Business MK in Milton Keynes and Business2Business in Bedfordshire, to create an unrivalled and powerful portfolio of titles. As the government begins to ease the lockdown restrictions, now is the perfect time for the publications to join forces to deliver matchless high-quality news, picture and feature coverage, as well as a peerless offer to advertisers of both the B2B and B2C markets across the three counties, printing over 70,000 copies each month, reaching a total of more than 210,000 readers. Lunar Publishing also produces the lifestyle magazine MK Pulse in Milton Keynes. “When the opportunity arose to partner with Business MK and

Publishing companies make their own headlines by joining forces Two of the leading publishing businesses in Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes and Bedfordshire have joined forces to create a new ‘print powerhouse’.

Kerry Lewis-Stevenson - “Bringing our titles together delivers an unmatched offer to advertisers across the region and creates a combination of editorial quality, value and reach that is second to none.”

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Business2Business, it was one too good to miss,” says Lunar Publishing director Kerry LewisStevenson. “They are both titles that are well respected, trusted and have been at the heart of the business community in Milton Keynes, North Bucks and Bedfordshire for more than 20 years. “To amalgamate them into our publishing portfolio was a no-brainer and will only be to the benefit of all five titles, as well as the business and wider communities they serve. “Alongside the value they will add to our current publications, we have some really exciting plans for Business MK and Business2Business, which will include restoring the publications

to their former glory in print now that the easing of the lockdown restrictions enables us to do so.” Woburn Media’s founder Andrew Gibbs, editor of Business MK and Business2Business, is joining the new combined business to bring his vast editorial experience to the publications. “As Kerry says, the timing of the opportunity is perfect,” he says. “Bringing our titles together with Business Times and the MK and NN Pulse magazines delivers an unmatched offer to advertisers across the region and creates a combination of editorial quality, value and reach that is second to none.” Lunar Publishing acquired Business Times from its previous owner Julie Barnes-Ward in October last year. The title has been a mainstay of the Northamptonshire business community for over 30 years. To find out more about the superb-value deals available across Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes, North Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire, contact Martin Lewis-Stevenson on 01908 465488 or martin@ business-times.co.uk

End of road for OxfordCambridge expressway The government has cancelled the planned Oxford-Cambridge Expressway after analysis confirmed the proposed project was not cost-effective.

ighways England had been developing potential options for a road link between Oxford and Milton Keynes. However, the latest analysis shows that the benefits the road would deliver are outweighed by the costs associated with the project. The Department for Transport will now investigate the need for more targeted road interventions in the area. It recognises that transport investment is vital to support sustainable growth in the region and the DfT will now work with Highways England and the regional transport body England’s Economic Heartland to develop a study on proposals which will also support the spatial framework. Ministers remain committed to the East West Rail scheme, which they see as central to providing critical infrastructure within the Oxford-Cambridge Arc. Reopening the line between Oxford and Bletchley to join the current Bedford-Bletchley route will improve connectivity and bring new jobs and opportunities to people in the area. In January, the government announced a £760 million funding commitment to deliver the next phase of East West Rail, which will create 1,500 skilled jobs and reinstate direct rail services between Bicester and Bletchley for the first time since 1968. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “The Oxford-Cambridge Arc is home to cuttingedge research, globally renowned science and technology clusters and some of the most productive places in the country.” “Our analysis shows the expressway cannot deliver such links in a way that provides value for money for the taxpayer so I have taken the decision to cancel the project. But we remain committed to boosting transport links in the area, helping us to create jobs and build back better from coronavirus.” The government will now focus on more

The Department for Transport will now investigate the need for more targeted road interventions in the area.

targeted, localised road improvements alongside East West Rail, he added. EEH’s Strategic Transport Forum has welcomed the announcement, saying it delivers clarity on the region’s future. Delivery of strategic schemes, harnessing smart technology and targeted investment in the road network are essential for economic growth and net zero emissions. EEH began its Oxford to Milton Keynes connectivity study earlier this month. Dave Hodgson, Mayor of Bedford Borough and chair of EEH’s Strategic Transport Forum, said: “We will work with partners and government to explore the connectivity needs of this important corridor and identify the solutions required to support sustainable growth for the long term.” In February, the government launched the process for developing a long-term OxfordCambridge Arc: spatial framework, including transport policy, for local and national planning, and to inform investment decisions. Its aim is for government, local authorities and communities to unlock the long-term potential of the area in a sustainable way, improving the arc as a place to live and work.

Business Times

April 2021

Business News

Company involved in saving reservoir dam from collapse is sold to a Nordic Group Corporate finance specialists in Northampton have been reflecting on their part in the sale of a company that helped to prevent an entire town from being devastated by flooding.

Make a splash with a new pool this summer Enjoy a stunning new swimming pool in time for the hot weather. Talk to us today for more information.

Pump Supplies Ltd owns the UK’s largest fleet of electric submersible pumps in the UK.

Jessica Painter: “There had to be an alignment of culture ensuring staff would be looked after as he had done and customers continuing to receive the high service levels that the company prided itself on.”

ump Supplies Ltd owns the UK’s largest fleet of electric submersible pumps in the UK, with almost half of its work coming from the UK’s municipal water companies. Its highest profile work has been in providing emergency relief in response to extreme flooding. The company worked on the South Yorkshire floods of 2019 and the Somerset Levels on several occasions in recent years. The company also provided a vast number of pumps and pipework from stock to save Toddbrook Reservoir Dam from collapse and flooding the Derbyshire town of Whaley Bridge in August 2019. The dam look set to burst after 48 hours of heavy rain. Engineers, supported by equipment and expertise supplied by Pump

Supplies, pumped water from the 300 million-gallon Toddbrook Reservoir and eventually the risk of collapse dissipated. Now the company, founded in South Wales in 1982, has been acquired by pump aftermarket specialist Lakers Group. Headquartered in Norway, Lakers has over 350 employees across northern Europe and by adding Pump Supplies to the group will reach an annual turnover of close to £100 million. The acquisition of Pump Supplies is among 25 made in the past five years and is seen as a strategic deal to secure a stronghold in the UK through the purchase of one of the most highly specialist, reputable players in the market. Pump Supplies was founded in 1982 by Andrew John, when he acquired a fleet of submersible

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Business Times

April 2021

pumps from a former employer that was refocusing its business. He and fellow director Barry Jones expanded the company, opening depots in Gloucester, Bodmin in Cornwall, Wexford in southern Ireland and Winsford in Cheshire. Corporate finance specialists Watersheds, based in Northampton, handled the sale for Pump Supplies. Partner Jessica Painter said: “Having confidentially marketed the business last year, we helped Andrew find the right buyer for his business of nearly 40 years. There had to be an alignment of culture ensuring staff would be looked after as he had done and customers continuing to receive the high service levels that the company prided itself on.” Mr John accepted the offer from Lakers at the turn of the year. The deal was completed within ten weeks. Mr John said: “I cannot thank Watersheds and Jessica enough for their help and guidance, particularly at a time when many deals are collapsing because of the uncertainty around the pandemic. They made the entire process so easy for me. “It has been a great journey for the past 39 years, one that I have thoroughly enjoyed with the support of some great people and customers over the years, and I am very much looking forward to the next stage.” Legal advice on the sale was provided by John Davies and Simon Hore of Thrings.

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Act now to stay cool when temperatures rise

ith warmer weather fast approaching, an established Burton Latimer business is ensuring Northamptonshire organisations are ready to keep employees and computer server rooms cool and working efficiently as temperatures rise. For over 21 years Griffiths Air Conditioning have been providing regular service visits to clients throughout the county, ensuring air conditioning systems are clean and working as well as possible. Business owner Ian Griffiths said “If air conditioning systems are not serviced, filters and coils become blocked, restricting air flow, which in turn uses more electricity than they need. Mould will also begin to grow on the damp surfaces of the indoor unit which, if not treated, will start to produce unpleasant odours. “It’s also a legal requirement to check for refrigerant leaks which, if not identified early and repaired, could result in a compressor failure as well as the leaking refrigerant gas, in most cases, adding damage to the world’s ozone layer”. Current clients of Griffiths range from large international concerns with county-based premises through to small businesses with maybe just one single air conditioning system. Most air conditioning manufacturers recommend that maintenance is carried out at least every six months but Griffiths can organise each individual service contract to suit a client’s particular requirements.

Ian Griffiths - Griffiths Air Conditioning also install all types of air conditioning systems that provide cooling in the summer and heating when it’s colder, for both commercial and domestic properties.

Service intervals for equipment in dusty atmospheres will, for example, need to be more regular. Griffiths also install all types of air conditioning systems that provide cooling in the summer and heating when it’s colder for both commercial and domestic properties. Corporate customers can spread the cost of new energy efficient systems up to a five-year maximum, through schemes run by several of the major suppliers of air conditioning equipment.

For a competitive quotation on a new or replacement air conditioning system, or a quotation for a service contract contact Griffiths Air Conditioning, telephone 01536 420666, email office@ griffithsaircon.co.uk or visit their website www.griffithsaircon.co.uk You can also visit their Energy Efficiency Centre showroom at 111 High Street in Burton Latimer between 9 and 5, Monday to Friday.

Free mentoring for region’s tech’ business The Silverstone Technology Cluster is offering tech business leaders across the region free expert mentoring as part of its new Mentoring for Growth programme with the government-backed Be the Business network.

ith a 94 per cent satisfaction rating, the BtB-devised programme helps small and medium-sized businesses benefit from the expertise and experience found in larger firms. A mentor provides an independent and experienced sounding board to support a business as it works through questions and challenges. Previous mentees have sought support on strategic planning, digital and operational change, product development and new market entry, as well as workforce and skills improvements. Furthermore, a business can

have multiple mentors (one assigned to each leader within that organisation). Be the Business’s mentors are experienced business leaders – many working in senior roles at leading firms such as BAE Systems, GSK, Rolls-Royce and Siemens. They offer: • Support and practical insight • Fresh perspective (challenges faced, decisions to be made) • Challenge thinking and help continue to build a strong and healthy business • Dedicated ‘one-to-one’ mentoring focused on individual needs To find out more see www. bethebusiness.com

Northants firm launches pioneering mobile phone charger fitted with revolutionary radiation shield Developed to help prevent a wife’s night-time migraines the world’s first inductive loop wireless phone charger fitted with revolutionary radiation shield has been launched by a Northamptonshire firm.

ngland and Tottenham Hotspur captain Harry Kane has backed a pioneering mobile phone charger fitted with a revolutionary radiation shield that has been developed by a company in Northamptonshire. Angel SleepHalo incorporates electromagnetic field shielding and deflects the associated radiation emitted from mobile devices while charging away from the bed. The product has been created by Angel Electronics, based at the Innovation Centre on Silverstone Technology Park. The innovative product works with any phone as either a wireless charger with radiation protection or, where a phone does not have wireless charging capability, a radiation shield with the phone plugged in to its own charging cable. The device was developed by David Clark, who already has a track record in inventing ground-breaking products. He also developed the award-winning Road Angel brand, a suite of all-in-one driver aids that warned of dangerous roads, accident blackspots and speed camera locations to improve road safety. The Sleephalo has been available for only a few weeks but has already impressed Spurs hotshot Kane, who tweeted about the product last week.

“So this got me thinking and I decided to find a working solution that allowed us to continue to charge our phones, which we needed for alarms and emergencies, but without the pain of frequent nightly migraines.” He began work on the development of a radiation shield that incorporated a wireless charger. From this, SleepHalo was eventually born. “With more and more devices, such as car navigation and digital broadcasting, relying on radiowaves, I think radiation shields are going to become more commonplace,” Mr Clark said. “People are not going to stop using the technology as our lives have become so dependent on it so we need to find a safer way to accommodate it. Certainly from the feedback we have had about SleepHalo, people appear to share our concerns and want this reassurance.”

The Sleephalo has been available for only a few weeks but has already impressed Spurs hotshot Harry Kane.

A recent YouGov survey found that 63 per cent of people admit to feeling concerned about radiation emitted from phones. Mr Clark said: “I started looking for answers when my wife began

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Angel SleepHalo incorporates electromagnetic field shielding and deflects the associated radiation emitted from mobile devices while charging.

suffering from chronic night-time migraines. After further exploration, we found that moving both our mobile phones well away from the bedside helped relieve her symptoms.

Business Times

April 2021

Business News

ne of the latest projects was to convert an old, dilapidated barn into a state-of-the-art swimming pool. The brief was not for the faint-hearted and needed the expertise of Steve and his team to turn a dream into a reality. Managing director Steve said: “The family behind this pool were looking for a ‘sanctuary’ to relax in after a hard day’s work. At times I thought we were never going to finish it but I am delighted to say that it surpassed their expectations and, on completion, they described the pool as ‘perfection’. “It is great to know that it is much loved and in daily use.” A year-long lockdown has seen increase demand for the services of Mosaic Pools which has taken him and his team across the world. Steve took the decision to set up his own company in the late 1980s and after an amicable split with his business partner in 1999 he has gone it alone. “It is not a job, it is a vocation. There is so much more to building a pool than just digging a hole,” said Steve, who takes real pride in the job. Clients are often surprised to see Steve on site and regularly behind the wheel of a digger. His passion for giving 100 per cent is shared by his son Tom, who joined the business more than 18

Dream pools can become a reality

Four decades of creating swimming pools means Steve French of Mosaic Pools is more than up to the task of taking on challenging conversions.

Steve French - “At times I thought we were never going to finish, but I am delighted to say that it surpassed their expectations.”

Before the barn was converted - you need vision!

years ago. The latest appointment is Henry Gore who at 23, has put a Masters degree on hold after spending the summer working with Steve.

Steve’s partner Rose VerlanderSmith keeps the wheels turning at the company’s head office in Olney. The two of them understand the value of meeting

Another unbelievable transformation by Steve and his team.

potential clients face to face at a time to suit them to talk through the options and services. The barn conversion in Lutterworth was a big project but the team’s know-how ensured it met the highest standards. “Many people dream about a pool but think it is going to be high maintenance. This is no longer the case and once we have spoken to people, they realise how pools are so much easier to maintain with low running costs.” Key considerations include: a safety cover which is tough enough to run across but also acts as a thermal blanket and helps to keep the pool clean and maintains steady pH levels, and an air source heated pump which has low running cost, but can maintain the pool temperature at around 30 degrees Centigrade.

Sanitation is now achieved by using digital salt chlorination and UV systems which are a far cry from the old harsh chlorine chemicals. The look of the pool is another priority and Steve’s extensive experience in the use of Marbelite, which is a shimmering marble coating, is now enabling the company to meet growing demand from clients. “There is now a returning interest in its use but there are only a few of us who have the experience to use such a bespoke material. A properly installed pool using the right materials will bring many years of pleasure for the users,” said Steve, who has satisfied clients who had pools installed more than 25 years ago. To find out more and for a free estimate call 01280 843101 or see the website at www. mosaicswimmingpools.co.uk

Cloudy2Clear, A Local Family Service With A Smile I think we can all agree that seeing the back of 2020 was a welcome event for each and every one of us, and we can now hopefully march into 2021 with renewed positivity and optimism. One thing is for sure though, there have also been some heart warming positives that we can take out of last year. It has often been said that we can only really get to know one another and realise what is truly important in times of crisis. I think few would argue that in this case what has proven to be important is local community spirit and family. When talking to Trevor & Wendy Skidmore the owners of Cloudy2Clear

Northampton & Oxford it became clear that these values have been held for over 13 years. Since buying the local franchise in 2006 they have remained true to their core values of supporting the local community whilst introducing their 2 sons Lloyd & Ross into the family business along with Dan, Mark & Jo as demand for their service has grown.

using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help once again”. For a free quotation please call 0800 61 21 118 or visit www. cloudy2clear.com

All C2C employees operate a strict social distancing policy.

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The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. Trevor commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can be made in

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April 2021

FOCUS ON T DAVENTRY Exciting regeneration plans mean the district of Daventry promises to make the most of Northamptonshire’s wealth of opportunities.

There is a lot to celebrate in the district: enviable transport links, beautiful countryside on the doorstep and picture postcard villages. Generations have had the foresight to make the most of opportunities and ensure the assets bring benefits across the district. The growing business base means there are opportunities for start-ups, family-run enterprises looking to thrive and global brands wanting room to grow. There is a broad mix of employment and growing industries range from logistics, high performance technology and motorsport to a wealth of food and drink and creative and cultural industries.

he Daventry Town Centre Vision 2035 sets out a range of proposals for maximising the town centre’s potential, including the development of new leisure facilities and infrastructure as well as improvements to public spaces. Its overall aim is to create a green, healthy, vibrant, community-focused town centre that is digitally connected, entrepreneurial, and respectful of the town’s rich history and heritage. Developed by Daventry District and Daventry Town Councils in consultation with town residents, local businesses and other stakeholder organisations, the aim of the Vision is to set out a framework to guide investment and aid the town centre’s future development. Councillors voted to adopt the Vision the final meeting of DDC in March and further recommended the Vision be adopted by the new West Northamptonshire Council,

Vision to enable Daventry to meet its potential A fresh vision to enhance and improve Daventry town centre over the next 14 years has been adopted by Daventry District Council.

Its overall aim is to create a green, healthy, vibrant, community-focused town centre that is digitallyconnected and entrepreneurial, and respectful of the town’s rich history and heritage.

which has taken over the running of council services from 1 April. The Daventry Town Centre Vision 2035 follows on

Business Park on track to success Woodford Halse is at the junction of the counties of Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and Northamptonshire. Banbury is just eight miles due south and Daventry is eight miles north.

Manor Business Park is now 60 per cent developed with 93,000 sq. ft. fully occupied by a wide range of business users.

andlord and developer Hereford Storage Ltd purchased the 16acre site now known as Manor Business Park in 2007 when it was merely a brownfield site. It had been returned to pasture following its use as the major marshalling yards on the Great Central Railway Line running from Aylesbury to Sheffield. Under the Beeching programme in the 1960s the rail use had been terminated and the railway infrastructure removed. The site vendor had obtained outline planning for the development of industrial units and Hereford

Business Times

Storage commenced by seeking detailed planning permission. Development started in 2008 on a piecemeal basis with an initial construction of two terraces of small units with some office accommodation to test’ the market. Twelve years later and Manor Business Park is now 60 per cent developed with 93,000 sq. ft. fully occupied by a wide range of business users. The site has a secure perimeter fence and all mains services are connected to each unit. Unit 1A/B comprising 10,000 sq. ft. is currently

April 2021

under construction as a prelet property under a bespoke design for an existing tenant of our existing tenants which has expanded from the small unit it took originally. The next construction is planned to follow in late summer 2021 when another building of 15,000 sq. ft. is scheduled with a new tenant in mind even before work starts. Hereford Storage Ltd is an independently owned company and managed by the Whittall family which takes a pride and interest in seeing new and existing businesses flourish as tenants of its properties. Woodford Halse

is a very substantial-sized village with significant amount of new residential properties encouraging an ever-increasing potential requirement for employment facilities. The properties at Manor Business Park are built to a good standard to satisfy demand in return for very competitive rents and set in a most pleasant working environment with first class facilities. Units range from 450sq. ft. office rooms and 1,000sqft Units to 20,000sq. ft. Units. Further information is available by calling 01544 318788 or hfp@wwlgroup. co.uk

from the 2021 Vision, which Council will be able to work attracted around £50 million of with Daventry Town Council investment into Daventry to deliver its aims.” and delivered a Councillor Lynne Taylor, Mayor of number of schemes including the £50 million Daventry Town Council, said: Abbey Retail of investment “ D a v e n t r y Park, the iCon Centre, new into Daventry Town Council welcomes education f a c i l i t i e s o ff Daventry District Ashby Road, and the Council’s decision Mulberry Place cinema to adopt the Vision and and restaurants development. looks forward to working in Work on this new Vision partnership with the new West got under way last year and Northamptonshire Council and included two rounds of public the people of Daventry to meet consultation, giving people the the aspirations and aims of the opportunity to make suggestions vision.” and share their opinions. With the pandemic preventing Some of the proposals the public events originally contained within the Vision planned to give people an include: opportunity to have their say, ➤ Building a replacement leisure centre with the Council’s consultant Troy Planning created an interactive swimming pools, a sports website at daventry2035. hall and tennis courts in the com where people could Chaucer Way/Brook Street/ view the plans and complete Waterloo area, known as the questionnaires. North West Arc. Daventry Town Council ➤ Working with the owners adopted the Vision at its March of Bowen Square to meeting and will work with the remodel the area, creating new West Northamptonshire more outdoor seating and Council to deliver it. event space, with a small Councillor David James, reduction in the number of Daventry District Council’s parking spaces. economic, regeneration ➤ Improving landscaping and employment portfolio and introduce new play equipment at New Street holder said: “It is vital for the wellbeing and sustainability Recreation Ground while of Daventry, its growing exploring leisure options community, and for the wider including a café, public art, a splash play facility and a West Northamptonshire area multi-use games area. that our town centre thrives. “We have worked closely ➤ Redeveloping the Police Station and former with our partners at Daventry Town Council, as well as with Magistrates’ Court and the local residents, businesses and current leisure centre site, in stakeholder organisations, to order to create two mixeduse developments. develop a Vision that is both achievable, ambitious and that ➤ Redesigning Market Place carries public support. We to create an attractive space started with a blank page and that can be used for markets it has been fascinating to see and events as well as for people’s ideas developed as we parking. ➤ Rejuvenating High Street have moved forward. “The final Vision contains and Sheaf Street by a lot of exciting proposals removing unnecessary to serve the needs of our street clutter, repairing and community and attract further improving paving, and investment to our town centre, introducing architectural lighting and high-quality and I’m confident that the new West Northamptonshire planting where appropriate.

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

Focus on Daventry

ovid put 40th anniversary celebrations on hold at Spectrum Powder Coaters but the Daventrybased company still made good use of the time. Managing director Chris Shannon, who had been at the helm for 25 years, soon realised that the business could get through 2020 by working with its diverse range of clients. So, rather than celebrations, the specialist powder coaters continued the ongoing investment plan and looked at alternatives to ensure sales continued throughout the pandemic. Chris said: “As Covid slowly took hold, we soon realised that no celebrations would be taking place in 2020. “Despite a couple of months, where sales were down the rest of the year was pretty much on course. We were lucky because of the diverse industries we service the downturn didn’t have the same effect on us as some others. We see ourselves as very fortunate although we are still hoping for a more stable 2021.” It was important to spend any down time wisely, he added. “We spent 2020 updating and refurbishing the plant and equipment so

Lockdown gives powder coaters time to plan for the future we would be ready for when the world started getting back to some normality. “We have always recognised why it is very important to stay adaptable and to invest and refurbish during any down time. Having said that, we have seen off a few recessions over the years but never something so sudden as this one last year. It also coincided with myself catching Covid and again I count it fortunate that it wasn’t as bad as some people had to handle. “We were very lucky that our customers quickly turned to manufacturing components for the medical research industries. We were already

Experienced metal finisher Lee Upton, who was born with a hearing impairment, has worked for the business for 16 years.

Flexible Terms, Co Working Space, Serviced Offices, Workshops, Storage. Ideally Located Near M1

users of special anti-microbial finishes that restricts the growth of microbes on the paint finish so we quickly became the ‘go to’ metal finisher.” One of the biggest challenges was lack of PPE. “At the start of the pandemic we were pleased to be able to donate a large amount of masks and coveralls to a hospice and then found ourselves in a position that we had to eke out our own supplies until these were replenished,” said Chris. On top of the company’s core service of powder coating, constant investment in machinery and training

enables the business to offer a wide range of services including masking, detailed drawings and casting impregnation and sealing facilities including box ovens for coating large and heavy items as well as a fully automated line for coating volume production components. The company has its own fleet of vehicles so can arrange collection and delivery. To find out more about the company based at 5 High March see the website at www. spectrumpowdercoaters. com or call 01327 704433.

Brand new industrial development coming to Signal Park Daventry Drake Commercial are delighted to confirm details of a brand new industrial / warehouse development that is now under way in Daventry.

New Upcoming Offices

Workshops Daventry, and Northamptonshire as a wider area, has been desperate for new development of smaller to medium sized industrial/warehouse premises.

Offices Studio

Situated in Northamptonshire, The Depot is the perfect creative environment

T: 01327 341303 E: space@the-depot.uk www.the-depot.uk To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk

round was broken by Drake’s clients across the South East Midlands, helping to Claymore Investment Managers at the build prosperous communities and promote job back end of 2020 and the ground works creation. As the freeholder, Daventry District are continuing, with steels anticipated to Council has great interest in the new scheme, start coming out of the ground in Q2 of this year. remaining as freeholders and have worked Daventry, and Northamptonshire as a proactively with Claymore and SEMLEP to wider area, has been desperate for new help unlock this opportunity. development of smaller to medium Claymore are based locally at Caswell Science & Technology sized industrial/warehouse premises 56,561 and Claymore’s development Park and, whilst they have assets sq. ft. will be will meet this demand. A across the UK, have always had developed total of 56,561 sq. ft. will be a particular interest in supporting developed across 15 units, with opportunities in and around the across space available from 2,200 sq. Northamptonshire and South East 15 units ft. upwards. The new scheme has Midlands region. Northamptonbased Warwick Burt have been been designed with flexibility in mind, meaning occupiers can take individual appointed as the main contractors, who or multiple units in combination to meet their have a track record of high quality developments specific needs. Properties are available to let in the area. or for sale. Drake Commercial, who have a strong history The new scheme will be branded as Signal and background in Daventry and the wider Park which embraces Daventry’s history with region, are instructed on the new scheme. The radio transmission. The phrase ‘Daventry development is already proving popular with Calling’ was of course well known across the good early interest and Drake Commercial world with the BBC World Service. anticipates many of the units will be committed The new scheme has been supported and partly to prior to completion. funded by SEMLEP and the government’s Local To register your businesses requirements, Growth Fund. SEMLEP is the Local Enterprise please contact Tom Drake at Drake Partnership that supports economic growth Commercial on 01604 620616.

Business Times

April 2021

Focus on Daventry

Forward-looking businesses making their home at The Depot

business park in Weedon Bec with over 200 years of history is now becoming home to dozens of forward-looking local businesses – not just because of its strategic location close to the A5, A45 and M1 but also because of the inspirational working environment and the affordable, flexible terms available. The Depot has served as a strategic location of national as well as regional significance since the early 19th century. Only now it’s been converted into an exceptional collection of period offices, workshops The Depot has served as a strategic location of national as well as and stores rather than the regional significance since the early 19th century.

New warehouse for leading label firm Multi-Color Labels are moving to new premises, having taken a new lease on Unit Seven Badby Park on Heartlands, Daventry. The building is owned by Custodian REIT, who were represented by Gerald Eve, with Multi-Color Labels advised by Drake Commercial.

military stores and barracks it first housed. And there are few places more inspiring to run a business. How many work environments are Grade II listed, and boast idyllic views onto their very own canal, rich in wildlife including resident ducks and swans? Building 17 is the most recent to be refurbished, with some 18,000 sq. ft. over three

floors being converted into quirky workspace including 6,000 sq. ft. of co-working space for small enterprises. Michael Chittenden is the man behind the rebirth of one of the county’s most historic sites and his vision has been to create a thriving business community in the heart of England. “Over the last few years we’ve steadily been refurbishing more of our heritage buildings at The Depot, and by offering excellent value space on flexible terms in a creative and inspiring setting, a fantastic

community of tenants from across all business sectors have joined us. “Many are now taking advantage of the synergies of operating amongst such an eclectic mix of businesses by collaborating and trading with each other. “We recognise that the space needs of businesses change and we help accommodate that by moving tenants to different units as their requirements evolve.” You can find out more by contacting: 01327 341 303 or email: space@the-depot.uk

Building 17 is the most recent to be refurbished, with some 18,000 sq. ft. over three floors being converted into quirky workspace.

Multi-Color Labels’ new acquisition will be used for the firm’s wine and spirits label business as they relocate from two smaller units in the town.

he property, located on the popular Heartlands employment estate, comprises just under 50,000 sq. ft., with circa 44,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space and 6,000 sq. ft. of office. Custodian agreed a full refurbishment of the property to offer some of the best mid box space in the town, offering both dock and ground level loading. You might not think you have heard of MultiColor Labels but you will almost certainly have something of theirs in your home. They are a market-leading, global supplier of premium label solutions, with clients that include Fever Tree, Nescafé, Heineken and Evian, to name just a few. Their new acquisition will be used for the firm’s wine and spirits label business, as they relocate from two smaller units in the town. James Slack, Multi-Color Labels general manager for Daventry said: “We are delighted to be growing our operation and moving to these premises that will help support our plans for the long-term future of the business. The company remain committed to Daventry, where we have proudly produced labels for the food and drink markets since 1987. We look forward to starting the next chapter in our company’s history.” Tom Drake, partner at Drake Commercial,

Business Times

April 2021

said: “We are extremely pleased to have secured this unit on behalf of Multi-Color Labels. They are a long-standing client of Drake Commercial and this building will enable them to grow their business and employment offering in Daventry. The market is extremely tight at the moment and there are a number of occupiers looking for similar space so to secure this off market for them was particularly pleasing.” Alex Nix, fund manager at Custodian Capital said: “We are delighted to have secured MultiColor Labels in such short order following the expiry of the previous lease. Refurbishment works are currently under way on site, which once complete will provide a modern, high specification warehouse to accommodate their ambitious growth plans for many years to come.” John Sambrooks, partner at Gerald Eve, said: “Despite wider uncertainty, deals such as this underline the ongoing occupier demand for well-located industrial space in the region and the ongoing popularity of the wider Daventry market in particular. This letting has been finalised before the expiry of the existing lease, giving Custodian REIT continuity of income on the asset.”

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

01604 620 616 enquiries@drakecommercial.co.uk www.drakecommercial.co.uk

SOPWITH WAY DRAYTON FIELDS

HIGH MARCH LONG MARCH

WION NSTERUCT

MANOR BUSINESS PARK WOODFORD HALSE

WEN NELOPM

TO LET 2,000 – 15,000 SQ FT

TO LET 18,000 SQ FT

FOR SALE 17,800 SQ FT

Modern, detached warehouse unit Prominent position on Drayton Fields employment estate

Rare freehold Modern finishes throughout Secure yard area

Brand new development Bespoke units available to suit High specification finishes

ROYAL OAK WAY NORTH ROYAL OAK

BAIRD CLOSE DRAYTON FIELDS

STEPHENSON CLOSE DRAYTON FIELDS

TO LET 7,700 SQ FT

TO LET 3,200 SQ FT

TO LET 3,800 SQ FT

Under comprehensive refurbishment to provide new internal/external finishes Large site area

Mid terrace warehouse/industrial unit 2 ground level loading doors Forecourt car parking

End of terrace industrial/warehouse unit Popular location Forecourt car parking/loading

COTTESBROOK PARK HEARTLANDS

NENE HOUSE DRAYTON FIELDS

JAMES WATT CLOSE DRAYTON FIELDS

TO LET / FOR SALE 1,500 - 3,700 SQ FT

TO LET 1,000 – 11,500

TO LET 2,500 SQ FT

Modern offices A range of suites available Joint agents TDB Real Estate

Prominent office building Established location Dedicated onsite car parking

WION NSTERUCT

Opportunities to rent or purchase High quality office development Suitable for occupiers and investors

W EN E PM O NL

DAVENTRY FOR SALE / TO LET 2,261 - 29,209 SQ FT Brand new high quality development Units available individually or in combination Prominent position just off the London Road Easy access to J16/M1 via the new link road Available from Q3/Q4 2021 Units available off plan so register your early interest

• Sales, Lettings & Acquisitions • Rent Reviews • Lease Renewals • Valuations • Development • Investment To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk

Business Times

April 2021

Networking

>> The local networking round-up

etworking groups across Northamptonshire have played an invaluable role in supporting people who have had to look at new ways of working. Each group has taken its own steps to adapt to the effects of lockdown with new ways of working. There are a wealth of networking groups across Northamptonshire which bring businesspeople together. Each has had to adapt to the effects of the pandemic which has meant going online rather than the traditional face-to-face.

This provides practical support to help businesses grow their business. There are two types of regular face to face connection events. The Business Room is a one business area group for business owners, those in employed positions, MLMs and franchised businesses. Networking requires an investment of time and money, but it does not always deliver a return on investment. The Business Room is proudly different, providing a timeefficient and cost-effective way to build your contacts and collaborators and access new opportunities.

1st April - Customs Data, Procedures, Check & Financial Audits 9:30 – 13:00 8th April - Customs Special Procedures to Delay/Reduce Duties 9:30 – 13:00 15th April - Free Trade Agreements What/How do they work? 9:30 – 13:00 Meet the Neighbours with Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber 10:00 – 11:15 20th April - ChamberLIVE: PR & Comms - Adapt, Recover, Rebuild 10:00 – 11:00 21st April - Northants Chamber Speed Networking 10:00 – 11:15 30th April - Friday Wind-down Networking15:00 – 16:00 Chamber members can book online for all events. www.northants-chamber.co.uk

No fuss networking. It offers relaxed, informal, B2B, virtual networking. Our café inspired solution powered by Remo provides a variety of pay-as-you-go events: Northampton Buzz – 17th April Bedford Buzz – Wednesday 7th April

The Connections Club - Northants

Rugby Buzz – Thursday 8th April Bicester Buzz – Thursday 8th April Leicester Buzz – Tuesday 13th April Banbury Buzz – Thursday 22nd April The FSB has 2,000 members across Northamptonshire and as well as local campaigning, the team of staff local members hold regular networking and support events, currently all online and free to attend. These include a monthly FSB Northampton Virtual Networking where all are welcome. You do not to be an FSB member to join in.

MK Buzz – Friday 16th April

FSH also hold regular Northampton Business forum on key business issues, and MP meetings with local members. To find these and hundreds of other networking, support and webinar events online at www.fsb.org.uk.

www.business-buzz.org

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 in advance so they can get more out of each meeting, therefore making it as profitable as possible. Each session involves a training session. Groups meet between 12 noon and 2pm when face to face but currently online from 11.30am to 1.30pm. Kettering: 13th April Wellingborough: 21st April Northampton: 1st April South Northants: 20th April

Hinckley Buzz – 28th April 2021 LAUNCH EVENT All Business Buzz events operate from 10am to noon and are bookable via a new app: www.app.business-buzz.org/app For full details of all Business Buzz events visit webpage:

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 at every single meeting and meet valuable contacts. It is not lockout, but each session is limited to a maximum of three business areas. Tuesday, 6th April: Meet 11.45am - 2pm when face to face but currently online 11.45am – 1.45pm Contact details: Barbara 07504 946 585/ 01933 652884 Email barbara@yourbusinessmatters.co www.yourbusinessmatters.co

Upcoming events: FSB Northampton Virtual Networking: 22nd April at 10am.

Tuesday’s BNI (Temporary Online) Meeting

The belief is that, with the right support at the right price - any small business can succeed. Members believe there is so much to gain with a positive attitude of mutual collaboration and a desire to share collective wisdom and experience. The Business Community run the following meetings:

6:45-8:30, Ignite BNI, Holiday Inn Northampton West M1, Jct 6 (NN7 4LP).

Northampton & Daventry (7.30am-9.30am) alternate Wednesdays

Thursday’s BNI (Temporary Online) Meetings

Wellingborough & MK (7.30am-9.30am) - alternate Thursdays

6:45-8:30, Pavilion BNI, Collingtree Park Golf Club (NN4 0XN);

Market Harborough (7.30am-9.30am) - alternate Fridays

6:45-8:30, Prosperity BNI, Kettering Rugby Club (NN15 6NT);

Free networking (3.00am-4.00pm) - every Friday

11:30-13:30, Sterling BNI, Delapre Golf Club (NN4 7DU).

Women-only (9.30am-11.00am) - 3rd Wednesday of the month

Friday’s BNI (Temporary Online) Meeting

Evening (6.30am-8.30pm) - 4th Tuesday of the month

6:45-8:30, Lighthouse BNI, Franklin’s Gardens (NN5 5BG); 6:45-8:30, Unity BNI, Gt Doddington Club (NN29 7TL). Contact Duncan Webster for all events, email: Duncan@BNIBreakfast.co.uk, tel: 07977 422220.

Business Times

April 2021

All meetings are £6, except the free meeting, with a money back guarantee if you do not find a meeting of value. Visitors welcome. Details of all events and to book:

Free to attend for start-up and established businesses and run from 9.30am to 10.30am, Visit the website at www.northnorthantsbusinessnetwork.co.uk Northampton – Wednesday 1st April Wellingborough – Monday 6th April Kettering – Thursday 8th April Corby – Tuesday 20th April East Northants – Thursday 23rd April All take place on Zoom, free to attend and book via www.northnorthantsbusinessnetwork.co.uk

>> To get your networking group’s details included in our May edition of Business Times email: news@business-times.co.uk

www.buscomm.co.uk/ourevents

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

Business News

or thampton-based Barclaycard challenged 25 computing students at the University of Northampton to bring a fictional chain of hairdressing salons up to date by developing a bespoke e-commerce system for the business. Students were tasked with designing a fully costed system that included a suite of integrated websites and allowed online booking, pu rcha si ng a nd st ock tracking. The system also had to incorporate Barclaycard payment technologies. The students were split into five working groups and had only two days to devise their strategy before presenting their prototype software to a judging panel of three senior Barclaycard managers. This was the first time, in the annual challenge’s six-year history that presentations were made online due to the pandemic. Mark Johnson, deputy head of computing, said: “The challenge dramatically increases the confidence of our students, especially those without previous IT work experience, as it gives them a taste of an industry-level problem. “They also enhance their interpersonal skills, teamwork

Computing students get to test their industry ability with Barclaycard challenge Tech-savvy students have savoured a taste of the real world after implementing an e-commerce set up for a traditional high street business. The students also gain valuable feedback on their performance in all aspects of their skill set from senior experience professionals. The annual challenge has taken place for the past six years, with the presentations made online this year for the first time due to the pandemic. James Rowell, head of partner solution delivery at Barclaycard, said: “It was truly inspiring to work alongside the students. The end result of their hard work far exceeded expectations. The teamwork and collaboration, coupled with the drive to succeed, is on par with what I observe in the workplace on a daily basis.”

Mr Johnson said: “It really is an amazing opportunity for students to gain several significant benefits prior to embarking on their formal careers post-university.” Student Adriana Ionel s a id : “ T h e ch a l le nge really simulates a real job experience which we all need.” Cou r se m at e D m it r ijs Galajs added: “It was a real challenge. However, as soon as I got over the stress, it was actually very enjoyable. There was a lot of pressure but it was a great experience that has given me confidence moving forward in my career.”

Mark Johnson: “The challenge dramatically increases the confidence of our students, especially those without previous IT work experience, as it gives them a taste of an industry-level problem.”

and formal presentation skills, which are particularly valuable for forthcoming employment applications,

e s p e cia l ly whe r e t he application process includes assessment centre work and candidate presentations.”

P U E FIR R YOU ER E R A C

Well-loved park to swing back in to life Kettering’s Wicksteed Park which was saved from closure through a crowd-funding campaign is preparing to welcome back visitors.

inue in t n o c e l peop 88% of ent after their employm iceship gov.uk . s p i apprent h s e c

ides and attractions will reopen gradually, culminating in a celebration weekend to coincide with start of May half-term on Friday May 28. Rachel James, Wicksteed Park’s head of sales and marketing, said: “This is the news everyone at the park, and all our loyal visitors have been waiting for. We are delighted and ca not wait to welcome everyone back to enjoy themselves and have fun after what has been such a difficult year.” The park will continue to open the free playground and Carousel Café to people visiting the country park up to and during the Easter holidays, followed by the opening of a selection of rides and attractions at weekends from Saturday April 17. The long-term effects of the Covid-19 pandemic means the park is implementing a number of changes to increase efficiency and reduce its operating costs, creating exciting opportunities to introduce new attractions in the future. They include the removal of attractions which had become too costly or inefficient to run - Clip ‘n’ Climb and the zipwire, which both required visitors to pay an additional fee – the racing cars and the monorail. Work to enhance the park’s attractions has already begun with the building of a new meerkat enclosure, which is fully accessible for all visitors. Rachel said: “This is an incredibly important year for us for lots of reasons and first and foremost we are so thankful that we are still here and grateful to the people who have helped ensure that this is the case. “We are still finding our feet in terms of recovering from the effects of the pandemic and have had to make some hard financial decisions

renti p p a t i s i V

Rachel James: “This is an incredibly important year for us for lots of reasons and first and foremost we are so thankful that we are still here, and grateful to the people who have helped ensure that this is the case.”

affecting a few of our attractions, some of which were popular with visitors, some not so popular. “But we are working hard to make the park a better place to visit in every way and hope people are looking forward to coming back to see us as much as we are looking forward to welcoming them.” As in previous years, the park is planning to fully open seven days a week during May half term and the summer holidays. Public donations will be needed to continue to support the Wicksteed Charitable Trust, which owns the park, in the months and years ahead.

FIREUP IT

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April 2021

Marketing & PR

Spring into action with your PR After months of waiting, now is the time to start putting those well-thought plans into action so your business is ready to go once lockdown is over

3. Photography. Professional photos not only make your company look more professional. They also significantly increase your chances of securing coverage in larger spreads. They will also ensure better engagement on social media and can be used in blogs, on your website, in email marketing campaigns and lots more. Use this time now to employ a photographer so you have a bank of press-ready images to use when things get busy again.

e are now officially into spring and have a clear(ish) timetable of when and how we can return to a world before phrases like ‘social distancing’, ‘furloughed’ and ‘Covid restrictions’ were used on an everyday basis. Since March last year many business owners and teams have been excited and enthusiastic about the future and made plans, only to have to scrap them and start again weeks later. Now it feels like we can actually start making plans again. So, with everyone setting off out of the starting blocks in June, how can you ensure that your business, products and services are seen and heard above all the noise? You can start now by gaining trust and building your audience through great content and a simple PR strategy. Here are my top tips:

Refer to your PR calendar and think about what you might need photos for. If you can get photos for the next three months’ worth of PR and marketing activity in one shoot, it will work out much more cost-effective. Emma Speirs of Ballyhoo PR - “How can you ensure that your business, products and services are seen and heard above all the noise?”

1. Create a PR calendar or timeline. This does not have to be anything too complicated. Simply think about what you have coming up in your business now and over the next few months that could be newsworthy or could generate some positive PR coverage.

2. Awareness days. Not only are these great tools for social media posts but can be used strategically as part of your PR planning. For example, if you are a mental health charity, consider launching a new service during Mental Health Awareness Week when radio and TV stations will be looking for guests to talk about this subject.

For example, entry deadlines for awards, new product launches, when any new recruits might be starting etc. These could all be great opportunities for press releases or media pitches.

4. Targets. Think now about what you would be looking to achieve this year in terms of sales and how this can link in with your PR and marketing activity. It will also help you to identify target publications and measure how successful your campaigns are going forward.

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Business Times

April 2021

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

Marketing & PR

Finding your difference and cutting through the noise With many businesses now feeling there’s light at the end of a long and dark tunnel, companies are (or certainly should be) thinking about what they are going to do to generate new business. Whatever action you plan to take, things are going to get very noisy out there. So what can you do to stand out from it all? Rethink your usual communication and dare to Look at what’s going on around you and ask do things differently yourself who you notice Given the introduction to this article, how I’m constantly following the way in which brands and companies market themselves, can you apply this to what you do? the trends in style and tone and what drives The very first thing I’d recommend you do these variables. Something I’ve noticed is is to look at your own market. How are your that the brands really standing out right now competitors communicating? What does their are the ones being frank, honest and, as I was imagery look like? What are they actually saying and what style and tone of language discussing last month, human. A quick scroll through social media, which is are they using? one of the least invested ways people absorb Your goal is to differentiate from what advertising, will give you a good feel for everyone else is doing, to find a new angle in what companies are doing to stand out. There how you talk about your offering and to do it have been a wealth of new consumer brands in a way that has some real individuality and appearing, for everything from life insurance personality to it. Remember, you want real people (either consumers or in B2B to laundry pod subscriptions, and those that stand out share similar qualities. services, not companies they may With advertising the old adage work for) to respond to it on an still applies to some degree: If level and, in order Take the time emotional you keep seeing it, it must be for that to happen, it has to feel to come up with like something a real person working. would say and not be ‘company One example that has really some creative speak’. stuck with me is Dead Happy Life Insurance. That industry is Take the time to come up with ideas traditionally understated, fronted some creative ideas. Think about by elderly celebrities, clinical and things that people commonly have an somewhat cautious and apologetic. What issue with in your industry, for example. Dead Happy are doing is brave, provocative Can you focus on this as Dead Happy have and and will probably make you smile after some say something relatable in a warm and frank, initial internal challenges with it. It features maybe even humorous way? What you want to imagery of a mascot wearing a white suit avoid is talking about something negative in a and sporting a giant skull on the head. The negative way; it has to be positive. Rather than background colours are all electric yellow, saying, “Are you fed up with your offices not pink, blue and the tone of their copy isn’t just being cleaned properly?” you can say, “Hey, frank, it’s brash; in fact, it’s the way someone wouldn’t it be nice if your cleaner actually would sell you life insurance after a couple cleaned the toilet for once?”. Can you see the of beers down the pub. difference in how each feels while essentially The crucial point is that they have taken saying the same thing? some big risks and it has clearly paid off. I’ve Work on a set of really strong messages like noticed other challenger brands taking similar the one above, say five or six, that all represent approaches, albeit not quite as brash but they common, relatable things and that have the are doing what they can to cut through the same feel. Once you have your ‘killer lines’ sluice of noisy, everyday advertising and are you can think about the imagery to accompany doing it in a way that strikes an emotional them. chord: Provocative, a little outrageous, funny, daring, bright and brave. Your imagery is only temporary for your After reading the comments underneath, the campaign… but it may live on! overwhelming majority of people say they You only have to watch TV to see how much think it’s great, refreshing and brings some advertising campaigns and slogans change from fun degree of personality to a difficult topic. one brand campaign to the next. What brands People are responding to companies being try to do is retain the spirit of what they stand direct and appealing to them on a personal for, unless they are evolving, and have different level. and striking campaigns; they don’t churn out the

same stuff all the time because it ends up not being noticed. Whether it’s Coca Cola, Barclays or Audi, you’ll see how much they vary. I would strongly recommend working with a creative agency like TFA to help you create some well-executed and individual imagery to accompany your messages. If you struggle with the above, they can help you do that too. Please, please, please do not try and create imagery yourself from stock photos or clip art that destroys the personality of what you may have achieved above. If the imagery is weak it will shut down your attempts of being conversational and real; it won’t feel emotive or real to people and they will turn their nose up at it. The imagery you create should tick a few boxes: 1) Be original and unusual for your industry. 2) Be bold and visually eye-catching. 3) Have a similar feel to the messages they are accompanying and supporting. 4) Cut through all the normal noise of the platform or place where they appear. 5) Strike a memorable chord with people in a way that forms a positive emotional response. If you can put a tick in all five boxes and if you have a strong set of messages that will make

Darren Isaac, Director, TFA

www.t-f-a.co.uk

people smile, even just a little in these times, then you are potentially on to a real winner. Your goal is for your competitors to see it, spit their tea out at what you’ve done, then reel with envy at how successful and talked about your campaign was… and hopefully still is! Remember, a campaign is only temporary so it doesn’t define your business forever. It’s important to be brave, to take risks and run these things for as long as they are a success. A bad campaign can be damaging if executed badly though so, if in doubt, please do get a professional creative agency to help you. You can email me at darren.isaac@t-f-a. co.uk if you would like some advice. It’s important to get it right but the worst thing you can do is hold yourself back and do the same thing you’ve always done and that everyone else does.

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

Business Times

April 2021

In the community

Steely determination to take on world record challenge A

Mike Price aims to break the world record for the most Iron Man triathalons in one year

life-changing road accident which has left Mike Price in constant pain has not stopped him from taking on challenges. A ten-day adventure race through the rainforest of Borneo for instance. The latest challenge is not for the faint-hearted – a world record bid for the most half Iron Man triathlons in a year. Each event compromises a 1.9km swim followed by a 90km cycle ride and a 21km run. The current record is 24 but Mike, who set up professional services firm MPA, is aiming for 50. He had already completed five before the pandemic struck and he found himself stuck in California. Now he is looking to start the challenge next year to raise funds for Northampton Saints Foundation where MPA is one of the first Founder15 members, pledging their support to help the charity for the next three years.

Mike, who broke his neck and back in the road accident in 2005, said: “I am in constant pain which means I have to keep moving. It hurts when walking but, bizarrely, less so when I am running. “I like to set myself challenges and so once travel restrictions are relaxed I plan to get going.” Mike’s business gives regular support to the Northampton Saints Foundation which works with young people and their communities across the region through a range of innovative programmes. Mike said: “The Foundation supports, educates and inspires young people across Northamptonshire so that they can live their best lives. By helping the young achieve their ambitions we secure their future and the future of our community.” You can follow Mike’s exploits on Instagram at HalfIronManMike. To find out more about the Foundation see the website at www.northamptonsaintsfoundation.org

Charity’s support for older and vulnerable people

orthamptonshire Community Foundation have raised just over £7,000 thanks to its generous network of donors and supporters for its annual Winter Well-being appeal. The appeal aims to support older and vulnerable people in Northamptonshire over the winter months. One in ten households in the county live in fuel poverty, spending more than ten per cent of their income on fuel and often have to choose between eating or heating their homes. Funds have been awarded to several local community groups and charities to support their older and vulnerable clients in staying warm, well and fed this winter. These groups have been working tirelessly throughout the ongoing public health crisis providing vital, often life changing support. Power of the Mind Networks received funding to run a series of online Ubuntu Afro Dance exercise for the older BAME community who are currently shielding, helping to reduce social isolation whilst boosting their physical and mental well-being. Daventry New Street Day Centre received a grant to provide a socially distanced winter lunch club in their café. They adapted their project due to the most recent lockdown and have been delivering wellness packs and lunches twice a week to older and vulnerable people’s homes. Serve Rushden received funding to run their Covid-19 Emergency Community Support

initiative, providing essential groceries, prescriptions and befriending telephone calls. Jess Slater, of Serve Rushden, said: “We are delighted that the Foundation has chosen Serve to support people at home to keep healthy and well during the winter. The pandemic has highlighted the need to keep people connected and supported at home as much as we possibly can by providing access to hot meals, heating and healthy food.” Since the launch of the winter appeal in 2010, Northamptonshire Community Foundation has funded 62 projects on behalf of its donors, awarding a total of £219,832 across the county. Many people choose to donate their winter fuel allowance to the appeal, including Robert and Joanna Tomkinson: “My wife and I donate our winter fuel allowance each year to the winter appeal o that those in difficulties from the winter cold and wet may benefit and thus hopefully prevent related problems,” said Robert. Victoria Miles DL of Northamptonshire Community Foundation said: “We are grateful for the generosity shown year on year to help support our Winter Well-being appeal, so many people give by donating their own annual fuel allowance to make a difference to those who need more help during the winter months.” To learn more about the work of Northamptonshire Community Foundation, please visit: www.ncf.uk.com Daventry New Street Day Centre was one of the projects to benefit from the Foundation’s programme

Business Times

April 2021

Phone boxes can be used on a wide range of projects.

Project dials changes for red phone boxes

conic red phone boxes are being given a new lease of life through inspirational community projects. Since 2008, a total of 784 phone boxes across the region have been taken on by communities for just £1 each through BT’s Adopt a Kiosk programme. Redundant phone boxes, once a lifeline of communication before the arrival of mobile phone networks, have been transformed into everything from defibrillator units and mini history museums to art galleries and book exchanges. More are still available including many across Northamptonshire. BT will also consider adoption requests to house defibrillators in modern glass phone boxes, a potentially life-saving conversion. Sarah Walker, BT Enterprise unit director for the Midlands, said: “With most people now using mobile phones, it has led to a huge drop in the number of calls made from payphones. At the same time, mobile coverage has improved significantly in recent years due to investment in masts, particularly in rural areas.

“We are currently rationalising our payphone estate to make it fit for the future and the ‘Adopt a Kiosk’ scheme makes it possible for local communities to retain their local phone box with a refreshed purpose for the community. “Thousands of communities have already come up with a fantastic array of ideas to reuse their beloved local phone box. Applying is quick and easy and we are always happy to speak to communities about adopting our phone boxes.” Martin Fagan, national secretary for the Community Heartbeat Trust charity, said: “BT’s phone box kiosks are iconic British structures, and repurposing for this life saving use has given them a new lease of life. To date, we have converted about 800 ourselves, with another 200 in the pipeline. “Placing the equipment in the heart of a community is important to save on time. Kiosks are historically at the centre of the community and thus great locations for defibrillators.” As part of plans to modernise its payphone estate, over 400

payphones across towns and cities have also been upgraded by BT to digital units, called Street Hubs, offering free ultrafast public wi-fi, free UK phone calls, USB device charging, environmental monitoring and more. BT’s Street Hubs also play a vital role in sharing public information, for example during the Covid-19 pandemic Street Hub units across the country displayed key advice from Public Health England and local councils. Street Hubs from part of BT’s plan to transform high streets with a digital communications service designed for the 21st century. Communities can adopt a kiosk if they are a recognised public body, such as a parish council, comunity council or town council. Boxes can also be adopted by registered charities or by individuals who have a payphone on their own land. BT will continue to provide electricity (if already in place) to power the light for adopted phone boxes, free of charge. For further details on how to apply to Adopt a Kiosk, go to www.bt.com/adopt

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

In the community

How support makes a difference for hospice reaching milestone

ynthia Spencer Hospice is celebrating 45 years of providing care and support to patients and their families throughout Northamptonshire. The hospice’s actual birthday falls in May but the organisation is planning on celebrating throughout 2021. Sarah Knaggs, matron of the hospice’s inpatient unit, said: “It makes me immensely proud to lead our current inpatient unit nursing team and reflect back on 45 years of Cynthia Spencer care. The teams that came before us have paved the way for how we deliver our care now. Each patient is treated with a holistic, individualised approach and our care envelopes their families too, so they feel supported. “We are hugely grateful to all of the local businesses who have supported the hospice with donations, volunteering and fundraising, particularly during these difficult times. You all make such a huge difference and we could not provide the care we do without your help. But we need your ongoing support in order to ensure that our hospice can still be here in another 45 years.” The hospice is encouraging as many businesses as possible to raise money this year, not only to help the hospice to make up for fundraising lost through cancelled events and closed shops, but also to celebrate the hospice and its role in the community. New fundraising events have been created especially for corporate teams including a golf

Above right: Lord Spencer, Hospice patron Above: Staff take time out to help start celebrations Inset: Metro Bank staff are regular volunteers at donation bank marathon and accumulator challenge. As always businesses are also encouraged to team up to take on one of the hospice’s challenges such as the virtual Northampton to Paris cycle ride or an abseil or skydive. More information on all of the hospice’s 45th birthday fundraising activities can be found at www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk/celebrating45years. Lord Spencer, the hospice’s patron, shared his thoughts on this momentous milestone for the organisation named after his grandmother. “45 years is certainly an anniversary to be

Consultant’s cool mission to raise cash

usiness consultant Guy Banham has not let lockdown or freezing temperatures curtail his fundraising challenge. He has just cycled 700 miles in seven days and raised more than £7,500 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Guy, who is a partner with property, business and planning firm Berrys at Kettering, wanted to be part of MND’s 7 in 7 challenge, having been inspired by Leeds rugby ace Kevin Sinfield who completed seven marathons in seven days to show his support for his friend and former teammate Rob Burrow who is in the grip of the disease. “It was quite a mission,” Guy said. “Cycling 700 miles in seven days tripped off the tongue quite easily when I came up with the idea but in reality it had its ups and downs.” The lows included the 100 miles cycled in his garage and when his fingers nearly dropped off from the cold but there were many more highlights despite the cold weather. “Riding with a friend on a couple of the days was a great

Guy Banham beat the freeze to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association boost and another particular highlight was finding toe warmers in Tesco. The cold weather did not help matters but at least it was dry, I think seven days of rain would have been far worse.” Guy says a huge thank you for all the support and messages he received during the week and for the generous sponsorship which really helped him to focus his mind when needed to complete the challenge. “The fundraising total stands at an incredible £7,515 and is still rising which is completely

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

overwhelming and will make a huge difference to the Motor Neurone Disease Association.” Over the week Guy cycled 705.55 miles doing laps to stay local spending more than 45 hours in the saddle at temperatures as low as -5C. All Guy’s rides are logged on the fundraising page w w w. j u s t g i v i n g . c o m / guy-banham where you can donate. For more information contact Guy Banham at Berrys on 01536 532379 email: guy.banham@berrys.uk.com

celebrated and I congratulate everyone who has worked, and still works, at Cynthia Spencer. I think it must be a wonderful team to be part of as they must feel every day the value of their work,” he said. “I have heard many times from people that they as family have had so much understanding and support from the hospice at the most difficult of times. I think it is important for people to realise how vital their work is. It really does mean an enormous amount to people when they are at their most vulnerable.”

The hospice’s services include an inpatient unit delivering end of life care, symptom management and respite care. Through its Hospice at Home and Clinical Nurse Specialist teams, Cynthia Spencer also care for patients who wish to remain in their own homes. In addition, Cynthia Spencer gives support to patients at the beginning of a terminal diagnosis through its Wellbeing at Cynthia Spencer service. This service helps patients, their families and carers manage their symptoms and provides specific guidance for therapies like fatigue management and gentle exercise so patients can remain as active as possible.

Developer’s donation helps foodbank’s community work

housing developer has donated £5,000 to The Weston Favell Foodbank in a bid to help support their vital community work in Northampton. The donation from Barratt Homes comes as part of the developer’s monthly Community Fund initiative and will give the charity a boost in recovering from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The Weston Favell Centre Foodbank is a collaborative project between the Emmanuel Group of Churches, St Peter’s Weston Favell and Storehouse Church. The three churches set up the foodbank in 2012 which is now part of the Trussell Trust network. Julie Parsons, fundraiser for the Weston Favell Foodbank, said: “We have been overwhelmed with the generosity shown during this extremely challenging time, though the majority of donations have been of food or for the purchase of food. “Whilst that has been much appreciated and enabled us to deliver much needed supplies to people in need, we still have bills to pay and this unrestricted funding is a lifeline for us. We have been able to allocate it

Barratt Homes have helped to keep the shelves stocked at Weston Favell Foodbank towards a funding shortfall in staff costs. “Whilst we rely heavily on a wonderful team of volunteers, it is obviously vital that our organisation has paid staff for it to function consistently, safely and effectively. The grant from Barratt Homes’ Community Fund meant that we are starting 2021 in the safe knowledge that these posts are well on the way to being funded for the year.” Before the pandemic, more than 45 volunteers ran the foodbank and worked to help people address poverty in the long term and see improvements in their lives. People using the service could benefit from a hot

drink and food in Café Emm with a professional to assess their needs and how to help them. They were able to see an adviser from Community Law, helping with benefits, tariff switching, home insulation and eco deals. Emmanuel Church recently added a debt advice service to further help make longterm changes in people’s lives. Parent company to the Northamptonshire developer, Barratt Developments, has collectively launched initiatives up and down the country to help support vital services such as foodbanks during the pandemic. Alison Raine, sales director at Barratt Homes Northampton, said: “As a leading housebuilder we strive to support the communities in and around the areas in which we build and were delighted to be able to offer Weston Favell Foodbank a donation to support the fantastic work they do. “We have witnessed how the foodbank, despite the effects of the pandemic, has continued to provide vital services which vulnerable members of the community rely on.” For more information on Barratt Homes visit www.barratthomes.co.uk

Business Times

April 2021

MANUFACTURING

& EXPORT

Expectations are surprisingly high for businesses considering the challenges that have been thrown at them in the last year.

Revolutionary approach will overcome challenges facing customers The Digital Manufacturing Centre will implement a ‘revolutionary’ manufacturing technique when it opens soon at Silverstone Park, after announcing a new partnership with Enable Manufacturing.

While there are still challenges for the importers and exporters it appears that manufacturers are looking at options. Lockdown has given many an opportunity to review and refresh operations. Investment in the latest technology brings additional benefits and new ways of working to meet demands of customers and explore fresh markets.

survey of 321 manufacturers found that output increased in eight out of 17 sub-sectors. Growth in the electronic engineering and plastic products subsectors was largely offset by declines in paper, printing and media and aerospace in the headline balance. Looking ahead, manufacturers expect output to pick up rapidly over the next three months, with expectations at their strongest since August 2017. Total orders books improved to their highest balance since April 2019, surpassing their long-run average. Export order books strengthened to broadly in line with their long-run average. Manufacturers anticipate output price growth will accelerate quickly in the next quarter, the strongest expectations since February 2019. Additionally, firms reported inventories as being broadly adequate, which, nonetheless, was their weakest balance since December 2017. Anna Leach, CBI deputy chief economist, said: “It is great to see the mood lift among manufacturers, buoyed by a jump in order books. But firms continue to grapple with higher freight costs as well as raw material shortages. Consequently, manufacturers anticipate KEY FINDINGS: Output » Output volumes in the three months to March were broadly flat (+3% from -8% in February); nonetheless, this marked their highest balance since May 2019. » Output increased in eight out of 17 sub-sectors, with growth in the electronic engineering and plastic products sub-sectors partially offset by declines

Business Times

Positive mood for manufacturers in coming months Manufacturing output volumes in the three months to March improved to broadly flat, which marked their highest balance since May 2019. That’s according to the CBI’s latest monthly Industrial Trends Survey.

Growth in the electronic engineering and plastic products subsectors was largely offset by declines in paper, printing & media and aerospace.

prices to grow at a quick pace next quarter. Meanwhile, risks to growth in European

markets are elevated given the slow pace of vaccine roll-out and the likelihood

in paper, printing & media and aerospace. » Manufacturers anticipate output to pick up rapidly in the next three months (+30%), marking the strongest expectations since August 2017.

February (-24%), moving to their strongest position since April 2019 (long-run average of -14%). » Export order books (-20%) strengthened on February (-39%), moving broadly in line to their long-run average (-18%).

Order books

» Total order books (-5%)

improved considerably on

April 2021

Prices » Manufacturers expect output

of further lockdowns. “The Budget gave grounds for optimism in the manufacturing sector. In particular, the superdeduction could be a real catalyst to investment plans. “Looking ahead, the government should remain focused on measures to reinforce a recovery, with an eye to boosting the U K ’s c o m p e t i t i v e n e s s over the long term. Rapid progress in the roll-out of the vaccine will be crucial in driving a recovery business confidence.” Tom Crotty, group director at INEOS and chair of the CBI Manufacturing Council, said: “The improvement in order books, and the more positive outlook for output, is a welcome boost for the sector following a difficult start to 2021. “Nevertheless, there can be no doubt that this progress is fragile and the sector continues to operate in a challenging landscape. Container shortages and higher freight costs are causing issues with supply chains and many firms are also encountering unanticipated difficulties with the new post-Brexit trading arrangements. It is therefore important for the government continues to support the sector through the coming critical weeks and months ahead.”

prices to accelerate in the next three months (+20% from +3% in February), marking the strongest expectations for price growth since February 2019. Stocks

» Stock adequacy (-3%)

worsened from February (+8%) to its weakest balance since December 2017.

Kieron Salter: “Our mission is to provide engineering-led manufacturing solutions for the most demanding applications from aerospace to industrial. This means that we seek out the best manufacturing processes and technologies and apply them to solve the challenges that our customers face.”

he novel approach namely Enable Manufacturing’s Additive Casting will see the DMC overhaul traditional casting processes and deliver a modern, viable manufacturing solution that embraces Industry 4.0 principles. Suitable for a variety of part complexities and sizes, the Additive Casting process is offered in more than 130 different metals. It provides a scaleable, cost-conscious manufacturing option without compromising on part quality or end-use performance. Additive Casting is yet another state-of-the-art process that the DMC’s engineers will use to solve complex customer challenges across the aerospace, space, defence, automotive, motorsport and industrial sectors. DMC chief executive Kieran Salter, commented: “Our mission is to provide engineering-led manufacturing solutions for the most demanding applications from aerospace to industrial. This means that we seek out the best manufacturing processes and technologies and apply them to solve the challenges that our customers face. “Enable Manufacturing’s Additive Casting process offers perfect synergies to the DMC’s additive, net shape and subtractive capabilities, giving us a diverse array of production options to suit exacting customer requirements. “Over the coming months, we will be working closely with the Enable team to seamlessly integrate Additive

Casting into our existing digitalised processes. “This collaboration is another exciting demonstration that the DMC and its partners are leading UK manufacturing into and beyond the fourth industrial revolution.” Phil Kilburn of Enable Manufacturing added: “Casting is often seen as a traditional manufacturing method that cannot meet the high-specification requirements of leading-edge industries. “In developing Additive Casting, our team has completely revolutionised the process, allowing for far more complex parts, much shorter lead times and eliminated the need for expensive tooling. “We are excited to work alongside the DMC to bring this technology to the global manufacturing marketplace.” Headquartered in new 20,000 sq ft premises at Silverstone Park, the Digital Manufacturing Centre will realise the disruptive potential of additive and connected manufacturing. Providing serial production parts and technology solutions, the DMC was created by leading engineering company KW Special Projects and made possible through significant investment from the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership . The DMC is one of a growing number of business operating in advanced engineering, manufacturing, electronics and software development locating to new industrial premises in the Enterprise Zone at Silverstone Park.

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

AHLE Powertrain opened its existing climactic test facility three years ago but ‘unprecedented’ demand has led to the decision to invest in a second building. The new test chamber, costing more than £5 million, will add to MAHLE Powertrain’s development work for the electric vehicle sector. It will develop and validate electric vehicle performance under wideranging climatic conditions and will be equipped with a four-wheel drive dyno and a battery emulator, as well as safety measures to enable testing of vehicles powered by hydrogen. The existing test chamber has run at full capacity since it opened in July 2018. MAHLE’s research estimates that in 2035, 73 per cent of passenger cars around the world will use an internal combustion engine as part of their propulsion system, with more than 50pc still ICEpowered in 2040. The company expects demand for the existing test chamber is forecast to continue as ICE development refocuses

Manufacturing & Export

Second test chamber to meet growing demand from clients Engineering specialist MAHLE Powertrain has unveiled its plans to build a second test chamber at its facility in Northampton.

The new test chamber, costing more than £5 million, will add to MAHLE Powertrain’s development work for the electric vehicle sector.

on hybridised units. Head of engineering David Pates said: “This next phase of our on-going investment programme at the RDE Centre will provide vital extra facilities

for our vehicle manufacturer and tier 1 customers. Since the original opening in July 2018, our hypobaric and climatic test chamber has been in virtually constant use. This was even

the case during lock-down conditions last year, when we helped manufacturers to sign off whole vehicle test programmes despite Covid-19 travel restrictions.

“While avoiding costly delays at the time, it also points the way to a reliable, faster and more cost-effective way to undertake such programmes post-pandemic.” The second chamber makes perfect sense, he added. It will operate at temperatures between -20C and +40C. For hydrogen-fuelled vehicle development, MAHLE Powertrain is building in safety measures such as blast walls and a domed chamber roof for stray H2 gas collection. The new chamber is expected to welcome its first customers early next year. A significant battery pack testing facility is due to open at Northampton later this year. The £5.1 million investment is being part-funded by a £1.5 million grant from the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership. Its director of programmes and governance Judith Barker said: “Enhancing technologies and decarbonising our transport choices is very much aligned to our Local Industrial Strategy priorities and the ambitions of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc. We look forward to this further success and see this new

facility as an important part in supporting the economic recovery of the South East Midlands post Covid-19.” Mr Pates said: “Our heritage is founded on ICE development, dating back to the first Cosworth road car engines, and since those times we have some notable landmark engines to our credit. However, back in 2008 we could see the way the future of the automotive industry was developing and have been keenly focused on our dual propulsion strategy of ICE and electrification for over a decade now. “There has never been a more technically challenging time in auto powertrain development and our aim is, as always, to help our customers develop the most effective powertrain possible within their budget and timescale.” The new investment is the latest in a series in MAHLE Powertrain’s facilities around the world, including a new powertrain dyno at its facility in Michigan, USA and a new e-axle test facility in Germany. which will open later in 2021.

Firm’s investment brings across the board benefits The installation of the latest high-spec machinery at the start of 2021 will ensure Henderson Fabrications continues to stay at the top of its game.

MD Steve O’Looney - “We’ve been able to continue our policy of ongoing investment”

he sheet metal firm’s services have been in demand throughout the pandemic which is positive news for managing director Steve O’Looney and the skilled workforce. The arrival of the new Trumpf CNC brings the total to five at the recently extended Moulton Park site. These machines are capable only, not just of punching but also forming and shearing, giving Henderson Fabrications the ability to offer new solutions. The firm’s ongoing investment has also seen installation of a CNC multi-axis folding machine – the fastest on the market. This comes complete with quick release tooling that makes set-up times shorter and speeds up production by around 25 per cent. Steve said: “The last year has been a challenging time for us all but our services have been in

constant demand which is positive news for all of us at Henderson Fabrications. “We have been able to continue our policy of ongoing investment and with technology moving at such a fast pace we are now updating equipment on a regular basis. “Production times have been cut, while the more efficient machinery keeps energy costs down, leading to benefits across the board.” The equipment can handle sheet metal up to 3000mm by 1500mm and up to 6mm thick on mild steel, aluminium and copper with accuracy within 0.02mm so are most effective on parts with many holes, including countersunk holes, threaded and embossed holes. The laser cutter can cut up to 12mm mild steel, 4mm thick aluminium and 8mm thick stainless steel.

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Overall, the technology has increased the firm’s capacity to provide design, punching, folding, welding and laser cutting services for a range of sheet metals. Henderson Fabrications offer a concept to completion service, designing and creating prototypes where required and seeing them through to production, with volumes ranging from a one-off product to a large batch runs. Steve added: “Despite all the uncertainty, we have had a busy year and the order book has remained healthy. This, in turn, leads us to feel confident about continuing to invest both in the machinery and the people working with it.” For further details, contact Henderson Fabrications, Kings Park Road, Moulton Park Industrial Estate, on 01604 499200, email info@hendfab. com or visit www.hendfab.com

Business Times

April 2021

TOP THINGS TO DO NOW The UK has agreed a deal with the EU. Rules for doing business with Europe have changed, and we all need to make changes to keep business moving. While the deal with the EU means zero tariffs and zero quotas, businesses still need to adapt to changes to trade and customs procedures, and changes to travel. Businesses should use the Brexit checker tool at gov.uk/transition for a personalised list of actions.

TAKE ACTION NOW TO KEEP YOUR BUSINESS MOVING GOV.UK/TRANSITION

Business Security

Rise in cyber crime puts small businesses at risk Small businesses must be able to operate online if they are to prosper and grow – but they must be able to do so safely.

n 2019, FSB’s business crime survey showed that one in five small businesses in England and Wales had been affected by cybercrime during the previous two years. Of those businesses, 51 per cent were hit after employees clicked on links in phishing emails, while 36 per cent were infected by malware and 25 per cent had seen systems and/or data locked by ransomware. Some 29 per cent had suffered online payment fraud and 22 per cent had been hit by online invoice fraud. On average, cybercrime had cost the affected businesses £7,093 in the previous two years, and the aggregate costs to all the small businesses affected was almost £3.75 billion per year.

yber risks increased during 2020, in part because millions of people switched suddenly to working remotely rather than in their usual workplaces. Some were doing so for the first time, often using their own PCs, laptops, tablets or phones. Few employers had time to consider whether employees were accessing systems or data securely. “We saw huge numbers of people hitting our support desks for help setting up virtual private networks and remote connections,” said Mark Lomas, IT solutions architect at technology and services provider Probrand. “Configuration changes were being made to allow people to have remote access and sometimes there was some loosening of security rules to allow that, because this was being done in a rush.” Research published by Malwarebytes in August 2020 suggested that factors linked to remote working had caused security breaches in 20 per cent of 200 organisations surveyed. However, 45 per cent said no additional security checks or audits had been conducted following the shift to home working, while 44 per cent had not provided any extra cybersecurity training for staff linked to home working risks. Any business could be affected by phishing or ransomware but you might be forgiven for thinking a small business would be less likely to be targeted deliberately. In fact, any poorly defended IT infrastructure or data can attract opportunistic attackers and small businesses may also be attacked because they can be used as stepping stones towards other targets, such as organisations to which they supply goods or services. Greater connectivity with customers can also create risk. Many large organisations’ supply chains now rely on digital processes, with companies sometimes enabling other firms in the supply chain to access their systems to track and control the movement of goods through the supply chain. “Criminals may see that as an interesting way to get into networks,” warns Guy Lloyd, director of security solutions provider and consultancy Cysure.

Weakest link Using cloud technologies and services usually helps to improve IT and data security – cloud providers use state-ofthe-art security – but badly configured cloud services and poor employee security habits can create additional security risks. “People assume that if you put your data into Google, Microsoft or Amazon cloud services it will be secure, but of course the weak link is people,” says Mr Lomas. “The vast majority of data breaches reported to the Information Commissioner’s Office are down to human error.” One major source of security and data breaches of cloud or on-premise systems, is weak passwords, or use of the same password for multiple purposes. In May 2020, research from software marketplace Capterra suggested that during the first few weeks of lockdown 30 per cent of staff working for small and medium-sized businesses fell victim to phishing emails designed to harvest log-in credentials. “Password theft is one of the easiest routes for hackers,” says Mr Lomas. “They just set up a website that looks like a log-in portal, then send out lots of emails. They do not need many people to fall for it.” Stolen log-in credentials can then be used to access business or customer data or to construct fake emails that appear to have come from the smaller business and can be used to conduct payment or invoice fraud. Budgetary flexibility to improve security is limited at present but there are many effective, yet inexpensive steps small businesses can take to start to reduce cyber risks. One of the most important is use of multi-factor authentication to access business and cloud services, instead of relying on passwords, using authentication factors such as biometrics or mobile device management software to validate employees’ devices. Some small businesses may need (and be able to afford) specialist information security support, but there are also many useful sources of free guidance and information, including the National Cyber Security Centre and the regional Cyber Resilience Centres being established across the UK, which

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can act as a source of advice, guidance and a way to access networks of trusted cybersecurity providers. Government Support Small businesses will also benefit from certification for the government’s Cyber Essentials scheme. “Cyber Essentials is the first level of cyber security certification, but it’s extremely effective,” says Chris Pinder, Chief Operations Officer at security solutions provider the IASME Consortium, the NCSC’s official partner for delivery of the scheme. Certification is also now a requirement for small businesses seeking to work with a growing number of public sector organisations and businesses and is cited in ICO guidance as a means of demonstrating compliance with data protection regulation and legislation. Security solutions and services designed for use by small businesses include CySure’s Virtual Online

Security Officer, which can be used to secure business processes and help to deliver employee training, as well as Security Foundry’s cyber threat scanning service Infinisight, which conducts weekly vulnerability assessments identifying risks such as devices within a distributed IT environment that have not yet downloaded recent software and security updates. Above all, businesses must address the human element. FSB’s 2019 research showed that only 26 per cent of small businesses had trained most staff to follow good security practices. Employees must be trained to access and use data securely only, not just avoid the operational, financial and reputational damage associated with a data breach but also because in the event of a breach the ICO will require proof that the business has done everything possible to comply with data protection legislation and regulation.

Effective security strategies and policies should also be complemented with regularly tested incident management and business continuity plans. FSB’s 2019 research revealed that 41 per cent of businesses surveyed did not regularly back up data and IT systems, and only nine per cent had a written plan for managing a large-scale IT failure or cyber security incident. FSB has published a guide to creating a business continuity plan. Cyber risks are real and dangerous, but with the right technology, processes, training and support in place they can be managed effectively.

For further information visit www.fsb.org.uk

Ten steps to help your business stay safe 1. Take ownership of the issue: do not ignore it or assume that outsourcing IT functions means security is not your problem any more. It is still your responsibility. 2. Review your current security position. In particular, controls on remote access to business/client systems or data. 3. Do the basics: Install firewalls, anti-virus and antimalware software and keep them updated. Ensure that other software used by the business is also kept up to date with security patches installed. When people leave the company, remove their remote access privileges. 4. Encrypt data and implement controls over which employees can access it and what they can do with it (no moving it on to removeable devices, other cloud platforms, moving it via private emails, etc.) 5. It may be appropriate to ban employees from storing business data on their own devices so they can only access it remotely from business systems. If they store it on their own devices, install remote wipe software to be used if the device is lost or stolen. 6. Remote access to business systems and data (on-premise or in the cloud) should only be possible

via a virtual private network, ideally protected by multi-factor authentication and/or mobile device management software. Passwords should be strong, changed regularly and not used for multiple log-ins. 7. Work towards certification for the government’s Cyber Essentials scheme. 8. Provide cyber/data security awareness training, then test employees’ knowledge with phishing simulation exercises provided via solutions like Piranha. 9. Effective security policies should be complemented by regular back-ups stored separately, as well as regularly tested and revised incident/crisis management and business continuity plans. The NCSC’s Exercise in a Box tool lets organisations test resilience to cyber risks and attacks. 10. Review insurance requirements: FSB members have some data and cyber liability insurance as standard, with the option to upgrade to a higher level of cover if necessary. Further information: National Cyber Security Centre advice for small and mediumsized businesses: ncsc.gov.uk/section/information-for/smallmedium-sized-organisations FSB guidance on cyber security: fsb.org.uk/resources-page/cyber-security-tips-how-smallbusinesses-can-protect-themselves.html

Business Times

April 2021

Property Portfolio

Land sale completes to put Formula 1 team in pole position The owners of the Aston Martin Formula 1 racing team have completed the multi-million pound purchase of a parcel of land alongside its Silverstone Race Circuit base, giving their growth plans the green light.

Alastair Frew Lodders

he 29-acres of farmland were sold to the team by farmer and landowner Steve Tustian with advice from Alastair Frew, head of the Business Property team of Midlands law firm Lodders. “The deal centred on the granting of an option for the F1 team to purchase the site,” explained Alastair, a partner in Lodders’ real estate practice. “Our client’s Litchlake Farm is located directly opposite the Silverstone Race Circuit and the parcel of land now owned by the Aston Martin team is ideal for its plans to develop its base at the iconic circuit with a new state of the art factory. “This is the second parcel of land Mr Tustian has sold to a motor racing company at Silverstone – he sold the first piece of land in 1990 to Eddie Jordan and this site is now the hub of the new Aston Martin site.”

Steve Tustian added: “Alastair has given relevant, timely land and property legal advice to enable the completion of the sale of this parcel of land.” Lodders was assisted by Simon Harris of Howkins & Harrison Chartered Surveyors. Lodders’ award-winning and top ranking real estate practice is one of the largest in the West Midlands with over 30 specialist real estate, commercial property, planning, construction, and highways legal experts. Lodders is a premier law firm in Cheltenham, Stratford upon Avon, Birmingham and Henley in Arden. The firm has 26 partners and over 160 fee earners and support staff across its office network. With its portfolio of sector and market specific topranking legal teams, the firm has recorded year-on-year growth in recent years. For more information: www.lodders.co.uk.

Development of industrial park moves to next phase

anattoni Park Northampton is already the home to three former Panattoni buildings and will see further units delivered at 250,000 sq. ft., 380,000 sq. ft. and 430,000 sq. ft., totalling One of the largest industrial developers in Europe, is set to start work on the over another 1 million sq. ft. second phase of its 1.6 million sq. ft. industrial park in Northampton. at the park. The second phase of development at the Park comes after Panattoni successfully speculatively developed and let 625,000 sq. ft. of space to Eddie Stobart Logistics. Winvic Construction Ltd have begun construction on the three new spec units which will be developed over two phases, the first being units 250,000 sq. ft. and 430,000 sq. ft. with steels emerging in the coming weeks. Work on the 380,000 sq. ft. unit is due to start later this year. Each will benefit from the same prominent location based on junction 16 of the M1 Panattoni Park Northampton - Once fully occupied, the development could support over 1,000 jobs. motorway, which will see tens of thousands of cars as well as an HGV “This park gives businesses Danny Nelson, director of filling station an ideal base to serve key Winvic Construction Ltd pass the occupiers’ being added to markets across the UK, with said: “Panattoni Park in logos each day. All three units An ideal base the existing set direct access to the country’s Northampton is a scheme that will be built to of pumps. The major motorways. Market is dear to us. Not only is it to serve key 15 metres clear section 278 interest remains high in this close to our head office, we’ve internal height markets across road that leads area and we are committed also been on site since 2018, and benefit to the truck to providing the right spaces shaping the space with civils the UK from 50-metre stop and main for businesses to expand their and infrastructure works development has operations. The new units at and we then successfully service yards. also been improved Panattoni Park Northampton constructed three units Northampton sits to give better access to will do just that.” in the so-called ‘logistics simultaneously for Phase 1. Matthew Byrom, Managing golden triangle’, considered to the motorway. Once fully “We’re pleased that be the UK’s most strategically occupied, the development Director at Panattoni, Panattoni has selected us important location for could support over 1,000 jobs. added: “This next phase of to deliver more industrial distribution. Panattoni Park Oliver Bertram, development development in Northampton warehouses and that they Northampton is only 20 miles director at Panattoni, said: demonstrates the success of our know Phase 2 is in a safe from the M6 and A14. “We’re delighted to be high-level business strategy in pair of hands. The challenge The completed buildings will continuing the development the UK and the speed and scale is now ours to surpass their be built to a BREEAM rating of 1 million sq. ft. in at which we work. There are expectations once again.” of ‘Excellent’ and have an ‘A+’ Northampton, after only limited opportunities in the UK EPC rating. Local services recently completing the that will deliver a 1 million have been improved on site three units for Eddie Stobart. sq. ft. spec’ option and it’s an For more details as part of the development, This shows that Panattoni important build for industry o n P a n a t t o n i P a r k with the Red Lion Truck Stop has the confidence to deliver as a whole and one that we Northampton follow the parking area being expanded to speculatively, knowing that anticipate will soon be let link: www. panattoni.co.uk/ accommodate more vehicles, the market needs more space. quickly.” northampton/

Developer invests in vacant site to build new units A developer has acquired a vacant site on an industrial estate in Brackley with a view to delivering 55,000 sq. ft. of new build light industrial and warehousing space.

C Units will be available on a freehold or leasehold basis.

Business Times

April 2021

hancerygate intends to speculatively build 14 units on the plot on Boundary Road Industrial Estate, ranging from 2,500 sq. ft. to 15,000 sq. ft. All the units will be available on a freehold or leasehold basis. Development director George Dickens said: “We are looking forward to submitting our planning application and speculatively developing this opportunity. Our development will address the pent-up demand that exists from a wide variety of businesses operating in Brackley and surrounding towns looking for Grade A new build accommodation.” Chancerygate acquired the site from a private vendor, who was advised on the sale by property agents Brown & Co. Its

plans aim to provide Grade A industrial and warehouse accommodation which is in short supply across the region. The deal follows Chancerygate’s purchase towards the end of last year of a 5.4-acre site in Wigston, near Leicester, where it plans to speculatively develop a £16.8 million scheme of 16 light industrial and warehousing units.. Founded in 1995, Chancerygate is the UK’s largest multi-unit industrial developer and asset manager and the only one operating nationwide. The company, which has an office in Milton Keynes, has up to three million sq ft of industrial space under construction or ready for development across 23 sites ranging from Bournemouth to Edinburgh.

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Property Portfolio

Budget ‘21: Chancellor unveils business support package Extending the furlough scheme until the end of September and loan schemes delivering up to £10 million for businesses are among measures announced by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak in his budget statement last month. Commercial property agent Prop-Search assesses what he had to say.

By Samantha Jones Prop-Search

n what is Rishi’s second budget since he took office last year, the Chancellor said that, despite a record £280 billion of financial support to date, the damage coronavirus has caused has been “acute”. The raft of support measures he announced includes the extension of the furlough scheme, which will now be extended until the end of September. Mr Sunak said that “protecting, creating and supporting” jobs remains his highest priority. The scheme

will remain unchanged until July when the Government will then ask firms to contribute 10% in August and 20% in September. Pubs, restaurants and other non-essential retail businesses will also see the year-long business rates holiday extended for another three months. They will now be exempt until June, followed by a further six-month period where rates will be discounted to two-thirds of the normal charge, up to a maximum of £2 million for closed businesses. The business rates holiday - aimed at lifting the burden on retailers and other high street businesses that have been adversely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, especially the lockdowns – had originally been due to expire at the one year-mark in April. Also confirmed in the budget was a new ‘restart’ grant that would be provided in April to

help businesses reopen as the phased lockdown exit plan ramps up in mid-April. The Chancellor said that because non-essential retailers were due to reopen first, they would receive grants of up to £6,000 per premises. Other high street businesses, such as hospitality and leisure and close-contact services, would be given grants of up to £18,000 per premises. Noting that hospitality and tourism businesses need continued support, the Chancellor also confirmed that the 5% VAT cut will now be extended until 30 September, moving to an interim rate of 12.5% until April of next year. And finally, a new recovery loan scheme will also allow businesses of any size to apply for loans of £25,000 to £10 million until the end of the year, with the Government covering lenders of up to 80%.

New campaign will reveal secrets of thriving estate The Brackmills Business Improvement District has launched a new ‘Discover Brackmills’ campaign to promote the many attributes of the Northampton industrial estate.

hree years ago, the businesses on Brackmills Industrial Estate voted for it to become a business improvement district. Since then, a great deal of work has been done to make improvements across the estate. Sara Homer, chief executive of the Brackmills BID, explained: “The funds from the BID have been used across all areas of the site, including improving the estate’s environment and security, and investing in staff. It’s such a wonderful place to work but I fear it might be Northamptonshire’s best kept secret.” Last year’s launch of the Virtual Jobs Fair on the Brackmills website highlighted just how much employment there is on the estate. Around 1,500 vacancies were posted in the first couple of months alone. “The Jobs Fair sparked off this campaign,” Sara added. “So many people are now looking for work, but they perhaps don’t realise what’s on offer in Brackmills.” A new video has been produced that showcases some of Brackmills’ key elements, such as how it is set around a country park. The estate has many walking and cycling routes and is an easy commute from Northampton town centre. Sara continued, “One of the important things that the video highlights is how much we’ve

thought about productivity. We don’t always work best being chained to our desks. At Brackmills, not only can you walk around the estate quite safely to get some fresh air and exercise but there are a range of shops to buy refreshments. If you need to get away from the office for a bit, there’s so much all on your doorstep.” To find out more about Brackmills Industrial Estate, the work that the BID has done and the jobs that are available, visit www. brackmillsindustrialestate.co.uk

Brackmills has many walking and cycling routes and is an easy commute from Northampton town centre.

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Business Times

April 2021

Property Portfolio

Global logistics giant signs warehouse deal A major international company, operating in 130 countries, is moving to Kettering to keep pace with growing demand.

anish logistics company Maersk, part of the AP Moller Group, has acquired the biggest warehouse at Crossfire 14 – the site formerly known as Cransley Park just off Junction 8 of the A14. The firm is taking on the unit to meet the increased demand for warehousing from its clients and it is expected to create many jobs, although this is still be confirmed. The unit has 182 parking spaces. The deal means two of the site’s five warehouses have now been taken on, after last year’s move by commercial refrigeration specialist Capital Cooling to lease a 24,534 sq. ft. unit. They are relocating their warehouse and logistical operations to Northamptonshire and retaining their Scotland HQ. Two other units at Crossfire

14 are currently under offer, meaning 80 per cent of the site on the old Cransley iron works is now committed. Richard Baker, director of property consultants PropSearch who are acting as letting agents, said: “This letting delivers another major boost of inward investment and will undoubtedly provide significant economic growth in the region leading to further job creation. “Indeed, the region continues to cement its position as a key strategic logistics location in the country and Crossfire 14 delivers with a gateway position where the A43 crosses the A14.” Further information can be obtained from PropSearch - Tel: 01604 492000 or DTRE - Tel: 020 3328 9080 or by visiting the new development website www. canmoor-crossfire14.com

Government extends rent Reforms help build affordable moratorium by three months The Government has announced an extension to the moratorium on commercial property evictions, says commercial property agent Prop-Search, this time until at least the end of June and has launched a call for evidence on potential interventions to the rent debt situation.

he moratorium, which was introduced in March last year and has been extended three times already, prevents property owners from pursuing tenants for unpaid rent by legal means or from evicting them. The latest extension had been due to expire at the end March this year. The Government said the majority of commercial landlords have shown “flexibility, understanding and commitment to protect businesses during an exceptionally challenging time”. But it has launched a call for evidence as it looks to solve the issue of rent liabilities, which has seen the sector build up a debt pile of about £8 billion over the past 14 months, with businesses forced to close or trade with heavy restrictions. Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said: “It is right that, as we move through the roadmap, we ensure that businesses and renters continue to be supported. We have taken unprecedented action to support both commercial and residential tenants throughout the pandemic – with a £280 billion economic package to keep businesses running and people in jobs and able to meet their outgoings, such as rent.”

Business Times

April 2021

These measures build on the Government’s action to provide financial support as restrictions are lifted over the coming months – extending the furlough scheme, business rates holiday and the Universal Credit uplift. Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng added: “The Government’s current position is to support commercial landlords and tenants to agree their own arrangements for paying or writing off rent debts by 30 June. This is supported by the code of conduct published by the Government last year, setting out best practice for these negotiations. But, if these discussions do not happen and there remains a significant risk to jobs, the Government is also prepared to take further steps.” “We are therefore launching a call for evidence on commercial rents to help monitor the overall progress of negotiations between tenants and landlords. The call for evidence will also set out potential steps that Government could take after 30 June, ranging from a phased withdrawal of current protections to legislative options targeted at those businesses most impacted by Covid-19. We would welcome a broad range of feedback to this call for evidence.”

Samantha Jones, an associate director of Prop-Search, said: “While businesses should continue to pay rent wherever possible, the latest measure will ensure no business is forced out of its premises if it misses a payment up until the end of June. “This move will help ease the burden on a range of sectors, including retail and hospitality, at what continues to be an incredibly challenging period of time. However, the Government’s intervention in the traditional landlord and tenant relationship has left many landlord’s feeling unjustly punished by enabling sometimes well-capitalised businesses to not pay rent and argue it is merely a sticking plaster as the rent will eventually need to be paid.” The British Property Federation recently estimated total rent unpaid for UK commercial property between late March 2020 and the end of June 2021 will be up to £7 billion if the moratorium is extended and the present rate of rent non-payment continues. It says rental arrears stood at £4.2 billion by the end of 2020 and the moratoriums are creating an increasingly serious problem for both property owners and their customers.

social housing

All councils across England have been given more freedom on how they spend the money from homes sold through Right to Buy to help build the homes needed in their communities.

ith the demand on the private rented sector (PRS) continuously growing, the announcement will help to alleviate the pressure on the PRS by providing more social housing. The package aims to: • Make it easier for councils to fund homes using Right to Buy receipts, including homes for social rent. • Give them greater flexibility over the types of homes they provide to reflect the needs of their communities. • Give councils more time to use receipts and to develop ambitious building programmes. The UK Government wants homes supplied using Right to Buy receipts to be the best value for money and to add to overall housing supply. This

aims to help the Government towards achieving the delivery of 300,000 new homes a year across England by the mid-2020s. These changes took effect from 1 April, except for a new acquisition cap, which will be introduced from 1 April 2022, on a phased basis. Rt Robert Jenrick MP, Housing Secretary, said: “Councils have a crucial role to play in increasing housing supply, including building more affordable and social housing. “I have listened to local authorities who responded to our consultation on the use of Right to Buy receipts and I am delighted to announce a package of reforms providing authorities with the flexibilities they need to develop ambitious build programmes and help get people on the housing ladder.”

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Property Portfolio

he plans involve a new building stepping up to three storeys on the site of a disused industrial unit to the rear of Orient House, a building on Kettering Road near Abington Square. The proposed new building will provide five student flats each with five to six beds, creating a total of 28 beds in this sustainable town centre location. Additionally, the ground floor area of the retained Orient House building will be refurbished to provide two retail units on Kettering Road. GSS are working alongside Dishley 101 Ltd, who are the developers responsible for the new scheme. Dishley 101 director Danny Innes said: “It is fantastic news that the project has secured planning permission and we are excited to see GSS’ plans come to fruition. It’s always great to have the opportunity to redevelop a disused site in an important town centre location, creating something that is going to bring significant benefit for the town.” Whilst Orient House is not a listed building, it sits within the Boot & Shoe Conservation Area, between the Unitarian Chapel and War Memorial, which are both listed. The designs developed by GSSArchitecture have been carefully developed, considering suitability of materials and overall appearance within this

Architects chalk up another project to transform site

conservation area. GSSArchitecture have vast experience designing student accommodation, in addition to having a specialist heritage team with experience of working on conservation projects and listed buildings. This makes them well positioned to design the extension and redevelopment of Orient House, on this important and sensitive town centre location. Tom Jagger, associate and architect leading the project at GSSArchitecture, said: “We are delighted to be working on another exciting project, which continues GSS’ long history of Northampton town centre regeneration schemes. Bringing students closer to the town centre will position them closer to amenities, with the added benefit of helping to increase footfall on the high street. It has been great working with Danny Innes at Dishley 101 Ltd, and Adrian Clubbe at Whites Estate Agents and with planning approval now granted, we can look forward to the project progressing further.”

Leading architects GSSArchitecture have achieved planning permission for a new student accommodation building in Northampton town centre.

The proposed new building will provide five student flats each with five to six beds, creating a total of 28 beds in this sustainable town centre location.

To keep up to date with the progress of this project and others that GSSArchitecture are currently working on, or for details on how to get in touch to discuss your upcoming project, please visit www.gssarchitecture.com

Independent firms join forces to Awards triumph deliver high standards for homes for leading property agent A house builder has joined forces with an electrical, plumbing and heating company to deliver firstclass mechanical installation services on all of its new build developments.

K Electrical Mechanical Services, based in Desborough, will be the sole provider of mechanical services at hundreds of new properties under the partnership with Snowdon Homes. Its work will include the installation of all plumbing and heating components including pipework for supplies, sanitaryware and heating. RK Mechanical supervisor Simon Chambers will take on a new role as mechanical contracts to oversee the new contracts and support the head of mechanical new build developments, Graham Beale. Snowdon Homes construction director Glyn Pepper said: “This strategic new partnership has been formed because our unique housebuilding solution fits perfectly with RK’s offering. One of our core values, which we believe makes us stand out from the rest, is our attention to detail and it is of upmost importance to us to work with like-minded companies who share our vision for success.” RK’s business development manager Kye Bishop said: “We are thrilled about the opportunity to work with Snowdon Homes on their new-build properties which in hand opens up some exciting possibilities internally for our staff, as well

CoStar Group, the leading provider of commercial real estate information, analytics and online marketplaces, has announced the recipients of this year’s CoStar Awards, recognising the UK’s most active commercial real estate agencies for their cumulative deals across calendar year 2020.

P Kye Bishop: “We are thrilled about the opportunity to work with Snowdon Homes on their new-build properties which in hand opens up some exciting possibilities internally for our staff, as well as the possibility of creating job opportunities.”

as the possibility of creating job opportunities. We are convinced that the partnership will also bring to us the added value of collaborative working where two companies complement each other extremely well.” Snowdon Homes is a privately-owned housebuilding and development company based in Higham Ferrers that specialises in planning,

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designing and building residential development sites and affordable housing projects across the heart of England in conjunction with Housing Association partners. RK Electrical Mechanical services is an award-winning employer based in Desborough which specialises in providing high-quality electrical, plumbing and heating services

over a number of industry sectors, including housing developments, social housing sites and industrial, commercial and domestic properties. RK are currently recruiting for a number of roles. To find our more contact Kye Bishop 01536 601900 or email: kye@ rkelec.co.uk.

rop-Search, which has Northamptonshire offices in Wellingborough and Northampton, has picked up the award for the Most Active Disposal Agent of offices in county, based on the number of deals completed during 2020. This included the letting of 6,000 sq. ft. of prestigious offices at The Lakes in Northampton, as well as 5,615 sq. ft. on behalf of East Northamptonshire Council in Thrapston and the sale of a 4,858 sq. ft. office building on Park Farm in Wellingborough. Prop-Search has also secured impressive results in the Estates Gazette 2020 East Midlands Awards. Having previously won EGi awards as Deal Maker and Most Active Agent 12 times previously, the company was ranked in third place in the office sector, and fourth place in the retail and industrial sectors. Simon Toseland, a director

of Prop-Search, said: “In a year when we have been forced to adapt to entirely new ways of working and occupier demand radically changing, we are delighted with these achievements.” He added: “It is really fantastic to see the hard work of the Prop-Search team being acknowledged. This is a testament to the team’s dedication and hard work towards securing disposals of all sizes across the region.” T h e C o S t a r Aw a r d s recognise and celebrate the performance of the UK’s top commercial property professionals and Estate Gazette is acknowledged as the trusted source of real estate intelligence.

Business Times

April 2021

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