Business Times Celebrating 30 years est. 1991
December 2021
LE GA L
In print and online Business Times is published in Northamptonshire for the county’s business community www.Business-Times.co.uk
NE WS
Northamptonshire Law Society’s president on inspiring others. P4
NE W S
Partnership develops into a merger deal. P7
From a disused Victorian railway tunnel to one of the most advanced vehicle testing facilities in the world. Read all about the transformation of the tunnel on the Catesby estate near Daventry into the Catesby Aerodynamic Research Facility. Full story: Page 3
PE OP LE
Museum wins building excellence award. P14
CO MM UN ITY
The latest appointments and promotions. P18-19
Giving back: Business at work to help the community. P22-23
Logistics firm eyes expansion after purchase of prime site
T
hriving logistics business Sanderson Transport has bought neighbouring land to its warehousing in Corby. The management team have recognised that the booming e-commerce market place is transforming the supply chain and saw an opportunity to invest in the former Roquette site in Sallow Road. In recent years the business has adapted to keep pace with new trends, with investment in warehousing facilities and infrastructure, securing double AA food standard accreditation, developing people and expanding the fleet. The latest deal was made possible with finance supported by Lloyds Bank. The acquisition is
‘A blank canvas to develop the business’ seen as providing a ‘fantastic blank canvas for the development of the business’ which was set up by Stephen Sanderson in 1973. His sons Chris, who is operations director and Ed, commercial director, have worked to keep the family-owned firm moving forward. Ed said: “In the immediate future, it offers the opportunity to expand our warehousing by a significant 55,000 square feet, more than doubling our Corby capacity and increasing our overall warehousing space to more than 150,000 square feet. This is supported by 10,000 square feet of new office space. “In addition to e-commerce fulfilment and distribution, our work within the food industry is now a key growth area. Part of the site will be redeveloped over the next year to meet food standard criteria, also supporting the massive
development in the food manufacturing industry within Corby.” The new site also creates possibilities beyond warehousing, creating capacity for overflow of the company’s current transport and distribution operation in Market Harborough. 5.5 acres of land provides parking for up to 45 trucks and has space for a weighbridge and HGV vehicle wash. The site also houses what was formerly Roquette’s Corby Innovation Centre, a conference and meeting space which the company intends to use for training and for community or industry collaboration. Sanderson expects the investment to create new jobs, improve efficiency and relieve pressures across the company’s other sites. Ed said: “This is fantastic news for the business and for the community. Acquisition of the site at Sallow Road will help us deliver on our vision for the business and ensure we are fit for the future. But we are also delighted to be investing in Corby and to be part of an exciting regeneration initiative in the area.”
Business News
Developer plans new units after site acquisition
Business A Times Distributed by Royal Mail to more than 9,500 key executives and decision makers every month.
Editor Andrew Gibbs
regenerator of land and property for sustainable development and investment, Harworth Group plc, has bought the freehold of a 107-acre strategic land site in Rothwell. Harworth will work with stakeholders including the
North Northamptonshire Council to bring forward an outline planning application for up to 1.5 million sq ft of Grade A industrial and logistics space on the site at junction 3 of the A14. Local plans for the area have already identified strong demand for employment
space and industrial units and Harworth intends to promote the site as a means of meeting this demand as the North Northamptonshire Strategic Plan is prepared. This acquisition will enhance Harworth’s existing 26.2 million sq ft industrial and logistics pipeline and is
Publisher Kerry Lewis-Stevenson
news@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk
kerry@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk
Sales Director Martin Lewis-Stevenson
Advertising Sales Glenda Clark
martin@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk
glenda@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk
Advertising Sales Jan Lewis
Advertising Sales Sharon Maplethorpe
jan@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk
sharon@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk
Feature Editors: Annie Roberts Sammy Jones
Graphic Design: Simon Goodger Photography: Steve Brill
The deadline for advertising in the next edition of Business Times is TUESDAY 14 DECEMBER To book space in a future edition or talk to us about your advertising plans call 01604 259900 or email news@pulsegroupmedia.co.uk Read previous editions online at www.business-times.co.uk
TARGET KEY DECISION MAKERS
MORE THAN
9,500
part of its recently announced strategy to increase direct development of industrial and logistics stock. The plan forms part of Harworth’s ambition to double the size of its business over the next five to seven years. Harworth expects to submit an outline planning application for the site in 2023. Regional director - Midlands David Cockroft said: “This freehold acquisition offers the potential to deliver up to 1.5 million sq ft of Grade A industrial and logistics space at this strategically located site within the Golden Triangle. It provides a timely opportunity to engage with local stakeholders as the North Northamptonshire Strategic Plan emerges.” n Property developer Lodge Park Homes has secured a £14.3 million finance package from Paragon Development Finance to support its Priors Hall Park housing scheme in Corby. The funding has assisted the purchase of the land on London Road and development of 87 houses. The scheme is due to be completed in September 2023. This is Paragon’s ninth deal with the Northampton-based company. The deal was led on behalf of the bank by relationship director Adrian Reeves with support from portfolio manager Bonnie McClosky. Mr Reeves said: “We are very pleased to have completed another deal with this established regional developer.” Lodge Park technical director James Browning said: “Priors Hall Park is one of our largest developments to date.”
DELIVERED EVERY MONTH Connect with us on social media and join the conversation /BusinessTimesNorthamptonshire @BusinessTimes91 Business-Times 17 Stilebrook Road, Olney, Bucks MK46 5EA
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 at gerald.couldrake@howespercival.com or on 01604 230 400.
Disclaimer Lunar Publishing Limited cannot take responsibility for the content of the advertisements, editorial or the services provided by the advertisers. Advertisements are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are accurate. All artwork is accepted on condition that permission has been given for use in Business Times. Reproduction, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. ©Lunar Publishing Limited
2
Business Times
|
December 2021
For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk
Business News
Tunnel conceals a test facility the envy of the world Government minister praises ‘fantastic construction and ingenuity’
I
t has stood idle for more than half a century, a Victorian railway tunnel having reached the end of the line. Now the finishing touches are being applied to the tunnel transformed into the Catesby Aerodynamic Research Facility, CARF, set to become a unique indoor world-class vehicle testing centre. Modern-day engineering has converted the tunnel on the Catesby estate at Charwelton near Daventry into a super-flat road surface almost 3km long, perfectly straight and capable of testing vehicles in ways to improve their performance. The project has been developed by Brackley-based Aero Research Partners, which began the £6 million project in 2013. £4.2 million of the cost came from the government’s Local Growth Fund, delivered through the South East
Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership, and Business and Construction Minister Lee Rowley has added his praise to the project. Speaking on a tour of the site, he said: “This new testing facility represents another example of fantastic British construction and ingenuity, turning a long-disused Victorian railway tunnel into a 21st-century, state-of-theart car testing facility here in Northamptonshire. It has been terrific to see first-hand the impressive engineering and workmanship that has gone into getting the new testing facility ready.” During his visit, the minister heard how the facility is more accurate and efficient than a wind tunnel and will give the UK a unique proposition in automotive and race car development. It expects to attract interest from the automotive sector all over the world.
Catesby Tunnel Now in its final stages, once ARP has undertaken its own commissioning and trials, construction firm Stepnell which has built the CARF - will then return to lay the final asphalt layer, the last part of the project before vehicle testing happens. To create the facility, Stepnell has refurbished the
Victorian drainage, carried out bat mitigation measures, tunnel preparation work and ‘hugely challenging’ concrete slab, concrete planning and asphalt operations to achieve the desired finish, said Stepnell’s joint managing director Mark Wakeford. “Coupled with this, we have delivered the vehicle reception
building at the mouth of the tunnel, offices at the site of the old station, access track to the facility, strengthening works to an old railway bridge and connected the project to the road network.” The project was made p o s s i b l e a f t e r We s t Northamptonshire Council purchased the tunnel from the
Department for Transport and has leased it to ARP. There are also plans to build a science and technology park next to the tunnel. ARP director Rob Lewis said: “The Stepnell team have converted the tunnel from a wet hole in the ground to a pristine running surface that allows sophisticated vehicle testing.” ARP will now fit out the building, install telematics in the tunnel and complete testing of procedures before opening once the wearing course has been laid, he added. “We are very pleased to take possession of the tunnel from Stepnell who have worked closely with us and led a professional team of great subcontractors to successfully complete the civil engineering and building works.” Mr Wakeford added: “We are extremely proud to be part of such a fantastic and significant project not only for the East Midlands but also for the worldwide automotive testing industry.”
IT’S NOT JUST A JOB.
Jennie Jahina is a specialist employment lawyer, helping all sizes and types of private sector business, and public sector organisations. Jennie deals with strategic projects (restructuring, compliance, business relocations and outsourcing/insourcing exercises), day-to-day operational and people management matters, and employment tribunal representation.
(from left) Scott Kilby , operations manager, Tarmac; Richard Wakeford, project director, Stepnell; Ian Chattington, managing director, Power Plane; Lee Rowley MP; John Baker, managing director, Hawkins Group; Alan Lyons, project manager, Stepnell; Mark Wakeford; Chris Henderson, managing director, Trent Construction Services Catesby Tunnel was built because Catesby Estate owner Henry Attenborough objected to unsightly trains passing through the landscape. Construction took two years with the tunnel completed in 1897.
If you need help with employment issues, call Jennie on 0800 088 6004.
“I pride myself on providing practical and clear advice, striving for outcomes that save businesses time, money, stress and reputation… It’s what I do.”
The railway line was part of the Great Central’s ‘London Extension’, with the first train running through in July 1898. Some 30 million bricks were required to construct the perfectly straight 2.7-km long tunnel. The railway tunnel was in service for 68 years until its operational retirement in September 1966.
To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk
Jennie Jahina Head of Employment
0800 088 6004 enquiries@wilsonbrowne.co.uk wilsonbrowne.co.uk
Business Times
|
December 2021
3
Legal briefing Jabeer Miah:’I want to see a more representative legal profession’
If you work hard, anything can be achieved Northamptonshire Law Society’s president reflects on the inspirations behind his career
T
he new president of Northamptonshire Law Society aims to use his story to inspire others into the legal profession. From his initial days as a paralegal, Jabeer Miah (pictured) is now managing partner at the law firm Shepherd & Co Solicitors in Towcester. “I was the first person from my family to go to university. This responsibility focused my mind on the importance of grasping every opportunity,” he says. A reason behind why he, at the age of 27, became the youngest person to serve as a magistrate on the Northamptonshire Bench. Jabeer graduated from the University of Northampton in 2006 with a first class honours degree in law. He cites his time studying for
his degree as key to his professional and personal mindset… along with his mother who he says still encourages him to pursue his dreams, to continuously break barriers and act as a role model for others. She and his father instilled in him the work ethic that drives him today. “My parents were small business owners. As a family we have always contributed to make the business a success,” he says. Jabeer has mentored many students and provided work experience to encourage the lawyers of tomorrow. “I hope young people can see the career firsts I have achieved and believe they too can achieve it,” he says. “If you work hard, anything can be achieved. “Another vital skill you need for a legal career is tenacity. Training contracts and graduate positions are highly competitive and my tutors
always impressed upon me the importance of keeping going and proving yourself.” He grasped opportunities while at university to volunteer and work pro bono with Northamptonshire organisations. ”It gave me good experiences and talking points for the competitive recruitment processes for my early career.” He still relishes charity and voluntary work, acting as trustee and committee member for several organisations. Jabeer had begun work as a paralegal before he earned a training contract as a solicitor. “Legal careers can be very varied but
CARS, VANS & NOW MOTORHOMES Available at our 6 acre site in Rushden
START YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE Visit us today and
every opportunity has its value,” he says, urging students to seize every opportunity available to them. He hopes too that more will follow him into service as a Justice of the Peace. “At 27 years old, I was perhaps the youngest person to serve on the Bench at Northampton Magistrates Court, an important step I believe. I see a clear need to introduce younger people within the magistracy. “I also believe it is important for the magistracy to be reflective of society. As a young man of colour and being a devout Muslim in faith, I think that it is important that the judicial process has good representation.”
Jabeer believes his time at the University of Northampton set him on the path to a successful career. It was, he says, inspirational. “Highflying solicitors have to take off from somewhere. For me, that was the University of Northampton. That was down to the quality of the lecturers. They were excellent at teaching and inspiring me through my studies. The Northampton law degree is very versatile, the way the programme develops your critical and academic thinking is excellent.” Today Jabeer heads the team at Shepherd & Co, where he specialises in property, dispute resolution and personal injury cases. As Northamptonshire Law Society’s first president of colour in its near 150-year history, he takes his responsibility seriously and remains as determined as ever to help others into a career in the law. “I want to see a more representative legal profession. As president of the NLS, I hope to use my role to inspire more young legal professionals. I have spent my career opening the doors to the legal profession - now I want to use my influence to bring others to the table.”
Be the king of the road on your next staycation
L
ong-established, independently owned Croyland Car Megastore is an awardwinning Rushden business specialising in selling a extensive range of vehicles. Croyland continues to expand its offering to customers and has evolved during its 30 year history. In recent years the business has expanded its commercial vehicle selection and sells a variety of vans to suit all requirements and budgets. In a further business development, Croyland has recently become an accredited Swift Motorhomes dealer and was specially selected for the prestigious partnership with the industry leading Swift group. With specially trained, experienced staff on site, Croyland can offer an expanding selection of high-quality used motorhomes. Croyland General Manager Mark Swindells said: “Our partnership with Swift Motor homes has proved so successful that we have taken orders for 30 brand new motorhomes, which
have started to be delivered to our several acre site dealership in Rushden. “This is an exciting area of growth for Croyland and is well timed given the significant rise in demand in the motorhomes sector, which has been partly driven by the pandemic with customers opting for staycations and holidays in the luxury of their own motorhome.” With well publicised manufacturing issues leading to even greater demand for motorhomes, Croyland is encouraging customers to register their interest in advance of the additional motorhomes due to arrive at the dealership. An additional development at the business is the launch of Croyland’s on-site service department where their specialist team of experts can carry out servicing and repairs for the local area and also offer tailored service plans for any vehicle, not just those purchased at Croyland, to help spread the cost of maintaining your car and keeping your vehicle safe and road worthy.
croylandcarmegastore.co.uk
4
Business Times
|
December 2021
For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk
Business News
Chemical firm expands to meet boom in demand
G
lobal chemical company Scott Bader is continuing to invest in Northamptonshire with a new facility in Earls Barton. The additional unit, close to its Wollaston headquarters, has been introduced to improve the existing adhesive production provision and is part of the company’s ongoing succession plan. By bolstering its infrastructure locally in Northamptonshire, Scott Bader aims to meet growing international demand for its structural adhesives – products which are of particular interest to markets including the automotive industry. The company has had headquarters in Northamptonshire since the early 1940s. It employs around 300 people in the UK and celebrated its centenary this April. Scott Bader’s adhesive product manager Deklyn Barnes said: “We are delighted to be enhancing our production capabilities locally. Improving production was key to meeting our market demands but sustainability was also at the heart of the decision and this investment will help us to make improvements
in this area too.” Scott Bader was the first organisation in the UK to be employee-owned and is a founding partner of the UK’s Employee Ownership Association. Mr Barnes believes this heritage plays a major part in the Wollaston company’s long-term success and future strength of position. “We became a top ten global adhesive manufacturer in 2021 not only because of our leading adhesives but because of the company’s ethos,” he said. “From its forward-thinking structure early on, to the fact that the broader sustainability agenda has always been part of our make-up, Scott Bader’s success has been built on its investment in humanity, business and ecology.” Scott Bader’s structure also includes an established charity, the Scott Bader Commonwealth, which supports many initiatives in the Northamptonshire area. This year the grant scheme has already invested £37,500 into ten local groups including Action for Children, Autism East Midlands, Busy Bee Pre-School and Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service.
Rachel Mallows and David Sheridan: The new chair and deputy chair respectively of SEMLEP’s Growth Hub
Growth Hub board appoints new chair and deputy
B
oard members Rachel Mallows and David Sheridan have taken over as chair and deputy chair of the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership’s Growth Hub. Ms Mallows, who sits on the SEMLEP board and is a champion of local business through her organisation of the Weetabix Northamptonshire
GOODRICH CONSULTING LLP Photo: Hawkers Yard, Ruislip Wrenbridge Land
Food and Drink Awards, has also been appointed SME Champion on the SEMLEP board. Mr Sheridan moves from his existing place on the Growth Hub board to become deputy chair. Ms Mallows, who had worked in personal development and business support for 30 years, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to take on this strategic role at a
time when the value of SMEs in our economy is certainly under the spotlight. “The Growth Hub has built an impressive track record of support, particularly during the pandemic, and I very much look forward to the months ahead.” Mr Sheridan first joined the Growth Hub Board in 2018. He has worked with SMEs and scale-up businesses and owns his own business. “Despite challenges in several fields, companies in SEMLEP area have great opportunities to successfully expand,” he said. “With our universities, good infrastructure and lower costs than London, it is our role in the Growth Hub to help these firms develop even further. “A very exciting period lies ahead.”
COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL FLOOR & WALL TILE PROJECTS
EXPERTS
PROJECT MANAGEMENT KNOWLEDGEABLE
EMPLOYER’S AGENT
PROACTIVE
QUANTITY SURVEYING SUPPORTIVE
FUND/BANK MONITORING CREATIVE
QUALITY MONITORING
Extensive range of the highestquality sustainable tiles Unparalleled industry know-how World-class customer service 01604 33 00 03
RELIABLE
goodrichllp.com | 01604 859859 | admin@goodrichllp.com To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk
We are the premier destination for homes, hotels, restaurants, conferences centres and offices throughout the UK.
office@bedrock-tiles.com
www.bedrock-tiles.com Bedrock Tiles Ltd, Unit B, 4 Pond Wood Close, Moulton Park, Northampton, NN3 6RT
Business Times
|
December 2021
5
Legal Briefing Under new legislation, the government has the power to block potential acquisitions or investment by overseas companies in UK firms
Security matters... and new Act puts deals at risk
Y
ou may think your business is innocent enough. But the National Security & Investment Act 2021 might have a different view. The Act comes into force on January 4 2022 and applies to acquisitions of businesses in 17 key sectors which potentially give rise to national security concerns. The Act places an obligation on parties to transactions in these sectors to notify the government of the transaction. The government also benefits from a wide-ranging power to call in and potentially block a transaction which is a deemed a threat to national security. There is a strong possibility that your business will be caught by the Act. The sectors subject to the Act are: n Computing hardware n Communications n Suppliers to the emergency services n Data infrastructure n Transport
Critical suppliers to the government n Advanced materials n Defence n Cryptographic authentication n Synthetic biology n Civil nuclear n Satellite and space technologies n Advanced robotics n Quantum Tech n Artificial Intelligence n Military and dual-use n Energy The Act was brought into force on the backdrop of a tightening to foreign investment into UK businesses. Despite this, the Act catches both foreign and domestic stakeholders to a transaction in the 17 key sectors. The criteria that a transaction has to meet to be deemed a national security threat is purposely light on detail. The government wants sufficiently flexible powers to call in a transaction or require parties to make a notification. n
Matt Mayes is an associate solicitor in the corporate department at Howes Percival in Northampton. If you are buying a business in one of the 17 key sectors, you must notify the government before doing anything else. For the average Northamptonshire business, the list of 17 key sectors may look to be fairly limited and perhaps obscure. However, it is far-reaching and includes sub-contractors supplying components into these sectors. For example, you could be looking to buy one of your key suppliers, whose owner wants to retire. You do not supply into the 17 sectors. But your target may also supply to another customer, who in turn sells his products into a deference equipment
manufacturer. In that case, you would need to do a careful analysis of whether a notification was needed. There is no ‘small impact’ exemption. If you buy or sell a business where you are required to make a notification to the government, sanctions will be severe. The government has five years from the ‘trigger event’ (the acquisition of the business) to call in the transaction. If it is deemed to be a threat to national security, the government can go as far as making the transaction void. This would have massive consequences for all parties involved and could require
returning the purchase price to the buyer and giving the business back to the seller. This would be legally complicated and expensive to execute. In addition, non-compliance may result in fines of up to five per cent of worldwide turnover or £10 million. The government has the authority to bring criminal proceedings against the relevant stakeholders and seek imprisonment for up to five years. Directors of the purchaser are liable to disqualification for up to 15 years. To clarify your organisation’s position in relation to the Act, take legal advice as early as possible. Your advisors can tell you whether your transaction requires a notification. Once you have made a notification, the government will have an initial 30 working days to decide whether to approve the transaction or trigger a more in-depth
Hannah Bayliss, a paralegal in the commercial litigation team at Wilson Browne Solicitors, warns that the road is not always a smooth one when it comes to the detail contained in a purchase agreement for a new vehicle.
E
6
Business Times
|
short, the dealership and the finance company have a legal obligation to ensure that the car sold is of satisfactory quality, is fit for purpose and as described. But that is not always the case. Regarding general faults, the dealer will be allowed to try and fix the vehicle for you, giving them a chance to rectify the fault. In the event that the problem cannot be fixed, you have the right to reject the vehicle entirely and receive a refund, minus reasonable deductions for use/wear and tear. If a fault appears after six months of ownership, it is down to you as the buyer to prove it was there at the time you took the vehicle. In certain circumstances, you have a legal right to voluntarily terminate your PCP or HP under the Consumer Credit Act 1974, meaning you can
December 2021
n For further guidance on the Act, contact Matt Mayes on 07929 876618 or email matt.mayes@howespercival. com
As with any industry, sometimes things go wrong
Keeping up with the Joneses can turn into a bumpy ride veryone loves that ‘new car’ smell and the thrill of ‘a new set of wheels’ but cars are complex machines and sometimes they give us headaches. Which begs the question of how well you actually know the ins and outs of the Hire Purchase or Personal Contract Purchase that you signed. You may be the registered keeper, but the chances are you are not actually the legal owner (which could in fact be the finance company)… which could work to your advantage. If you experience problems with the vehicle then you may have recourse against the dealership and/ or the finance company if it comes to demanding a refund or repair costs - notwithstanding the fact that new cars come with warranties. Your rights are clearly defined in the Consumer Rights Act 2015. In
review. The government then has up to 45 days to carry out its in-depth review. The earlier you make the notification, the less impact it will have to your transaction’s timetable. Discuss the issue with the other parties involved. Devise a strategy for dealing with the issue. Do you put the deal on hold while you wait for government clearance? Or do you continue with your timetable and make completion conditional on receiving government approval? It is important to decide who bears the risk. Which party incurs the costs of making the application. The potential consequences of not following the Act are significant and currently without precedent.
cancel your finance agreement early and simply walk away. For obvious reasons, many car companies take a dislike to these terms and it is usually poorly explained (if at all) by dealers. What if your circumstances change? You may be eligible for voluntary termination of your car finance agreement with nothing more to pay and no penalties incurred. The law - fairly and sensibly - provides protection to finance companies to
ensure borrowers cannot simply walk away at the drop of a hat by setting the minimum repayment amount at 50 per cent of the total amount payable. That means to be able to terminate the agreement, you have to repay, or have repaid, 50pc of the total amount payable: not 50pc of the contract duration nor 50pc of what you borrowed. The company will also ensure that there is no damage to the vehicle over and above normal wear and tear.
Assuming you have complied with the criteria, you will have nothing further to pay. What is more, voluntary termination will not affect your credit score or credit rating but some finance companies may decline further finance applications from you. Let’s be clear. We can think of a number of vendors and local leasing businesses whom we would not hesitate to use or hesitate to recommend. They will look after you, explain everything clearly and make sure you get a great deal - some have even, rightly, won awards for their excellent service but there will always be some who are not quite so transparent and as with any industry, sometimes things go wrong.
n Wilson Browne Solicitors have helped to resolve disputes involving vehicles for both consumers and dealerships. To start your journey for practical, down-to-earth advice give us a call. We’re all the help you need. www.wilsonbrowne.co.uk
For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk
Business News
Technology partners complete merger deal
Health insurance provider continues expansion plans
E
G
eological instrument and services company Geotek has completed the acquisition of one of the most experienced instrument and service providers in the application of hyperspectral imaging for mineral identification of geological core and cuttings. The acquisition of Spectra-Map has enabled the launch of the new Spectra-Map business within the Geotek group of companies. Both firms are based in Daventry and Geotek has worked with Spectra-Map since 2019 to integrate their SpecCam VNIR and SWIR camera and mineralogical interpretation software on to Geotek’s Multi-Sensor Core Logger platforms. Geotek managing director Tony Bosley said: “Spectra-Map are a perfect fit for the Geotek group, bringing 20 years experience in infrared spectroscopy on core and cuttings scanning, which will
Spectra-Map technical director Gavin Hunt (left) and Tony Bosley, managing director of Geotek support Geotek’s rapid growth in hyperspectral core scanning instrumentation and services. “Through our historical collaboration with Spectra-Map, it has allowed both companies to understand the potential of a more formal relationship, resulting in the acquisition of the company. This now allows for continued investment in the technologies and applications for the future and we already have the next generation of camera, software and MSCL instruments ready to ship to the market to fully exploit the potential of this powerful analysis technique.” Spectra-Map will continue to operate as a specialist hyperspectral
core and cuttings scanning company within the Geotek group. Its founders Gavin Hunt and Richard Williams will continue with the combined business. Mr Williams, commercial director of Spectra-Map, said: “The acquisition allows the expansion of Spectra-Map’s growing core scanning business into Geotek’s well established global distribution network.” Geotek’s sales director James Shreeve added: “The integration of Spectra-Map’s market-leading technology means that Geotek now offer the most comprehensive range of products and mobile core scanning services, which is unmatched in the market.”
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.
xpansion remains on the agenda for a healthcare insurance provider after its acquisition of a private medical insurance intermediary. Premier Choice Healthcare’s purchase of PMI intermediary Equity Health Solutions is its second since the Towcester-based firm became part of insurance intermediary GRP last year. PCH took over the portfolio of SJA International in January. PCH managing director Stephen Hough said the deal demonstrated t h e c o m p a n y ’s c o n t i n u e d commitment to expanding GRP’s healthcare operation. “We joined GRP with a clear brief to accelerate growth and this acquisition is the next step forward in delivering on that,” he said. “Equity Health Solutions is a great business with an excellent reputation and we are delighted to have them on board. “There are still significant opportunities within the healthcare sector and we will continue to make
the most of those opportunities when we find businesses that are the right fit.” Equity Health Solutions works with PMI providers to offer personal, business and international health insurance and personal travel cover. Directors James Neeves and Jasmine Albano will continue to run the business from its base in Bournemouth. All Equity Health Solutions staff have been retained as part of the deal. Mr Neeves said: “It is great that PCH recognises what we have set out to achieve. We are looking forward to working with them and building on the new opportunities that joining them will bring.” Private investment firm Searchlight Capital Partners acquired a majority stake in GRP in June last year. Stephen Ross, head of M&A, said: “This deal supports our aim to mirror the acquisition success we have had in UK retail commercial broking by boosting our presence in the healthcare market.”
Winner 2021 /2022
Northampton Food & Drink Awards
Taking Christmas bookings Christmas Day Open 5-11pm • Celebrating 20 year anniversary • Recent refurbishment • New seasonal menu coming in January
21 Castilian Street, Northampton NN1 1JS Bookings: 01604 630800 www.saffronnorthampton.co.uk To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk
Business Times
|
December 2021
7
Money Matters
When the phoenix rises from the ashes
A
s anticipated, as a firm, we are now seeing an increase in insolvency enquiries and a number of those enquiries relate to scenarios where there is an underlying viable business but the option of a restructure or rescue is just not possible. In some cases, it is not possible due to the level of debt. However, when the debt is removed it is clear that the business is viable and could continue. In this scenario, there is an option for the business and/or assets of an insolvent company to be sold to a new company which is sometimes known as a phoenix. There is a negative perception of phoenix companies, especially where people have heard stories of existing directors buying a
business and/or its assets for £1 resulting in the creditors of the old business being left ‘high and dry’. However, before any sale - if it is being dealt with correctly the directors should obtain an independent valuation and any sale should be at market value. Any sales conducted for less than market value should be investigated by the appointed liquidator and, if appropriate, recovery action should be taken. What many people are not aware of is that where the purchaser is connected - i.e. a director - realisations are, in most cases, considerably more compared to a sale to a third party or an auction. The other matter to deal with when considering a phoenix is the company name. Understandably, some directors prefer to use the
A bite-size Budget guide for business
Lauren Auburn same name as the insolvent company, or one that is very similar, to retain goodwill. However, when a company enters into an insolvent liquidation, the directors including shadow directors - are prohibited from reusing the same or a similar name for a period of five years from the date of liquidation and they may not take part in the formation, promotion or management of a company or business with a prohibited name, either directly or indirectly. But, there are exceptions to this rule and, if it is essential, there is usually a way for directors to retain the name.
n The legislation that deals with the reuse of a company name is very detailed. It is important to seek advice from the management team at BRI. For more advice and guidance on how best to deal with an insolvent company, contact Lauren Auburn at BRI to arrange a free, confidential consultation on 01604 754352.
S
o, what are the biggest headline changes that came out of the latest Budget- and, more importantly, how do they impact your business? n From April 2022 the rate of National Insurance contributions will effectively increase by 1.25 per cent for employees and employers. With the corporation tax rate set to rise to 25pc from April 2023, owner-managed businesses should be thinking about how they reward employee performance and how best to return profits to shareholders. Back in 2015, for example, a dividend was always the most efficient route to extract company profits, with £1 profit translating to £0.56 in
the hands of a shareholder. But from April 2023, that same £1 of profit would translate to £0.45. What alternatives are there? n Shareholders with property used by their companies or with significant loans into their companies should consider charging rent/interest as appropriate. The company will receive the 25pc corporation tax relief while the shareholder will only suffer income tax on the receipt (at 45pc for a higher rate taxpayer). However, shareholders will need to be aware of how their structure and rent charge is affecting eligibility for other reliefs such as Business Asset Disposal Relief. We have been hearing a lot
Nathan Sutcliffe about electric vehicles but is this yet a viable option for businesses? n The government continues to incentivise the move away from petrol and diesel to electric through generous tax incentives for companies and individuals. 100pc first-year tax relief remains in place for new, fully electric cars and the benefit in kind rate will only be 2pc from April 2022. That means an Audi e-tron, for example, will cost a higher rate taxpayer only £480 per year.
n For more information and timely advice on how we can help your business, call MHA Macintyre Hudson on 01604 624011.
PRACTICAL ADVICE, PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
LOOKING FOR HELP WITH ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE? Moore can help you choose the right cloud or desktop accounting software package for your business. We will guide you through the set up process and can provide training and ongoing support as and when you need it. We are Sage, Xero and QuickBooks accredited.
Elsby & Co are a family-run practice, working closely with you to provide an exceptional service that’ is based on continuity and an in-depth understanding of your circumstances. While we skilfully and efficiently manage the essentials with our in-depth knowledge and experience, we also guide and support you with a little extra consultative care.
Call us on
www.moore.co.uk
01933 312950
for a FREE consultation Get in touch today T +44 1733 397300 east.midlands@moore.co.uk
8
Business Times
|
December 2021
For more details visit www.elsbyandco.co.uk
For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk
To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk
Business Times
|
December 2021
9
Accountancy Practice Pioneers Ad Valorem’s joint Managing Directors Nikki and Nigel Adams win Practice Pioneer Award at the prestigious Accounting Excellence Awards 2021.
Nikki and Nigel are huge advocates of The Accounting Excellence Practice Pioneer Award is arguably the most sought after, prestigious technology, whether it’s using Xero with our clients or Salesforce to streamline internal accolade in the accounting industry, having been judged by past winners, industry leaders and processes. The use of technology has enabled Ad Valorem to become a truly digital practice, regulatory body figure heads. The judges look for individuals who have led ground-breaking utilising the best tech available to provide insight and advice to clients through initiatives in their practice, contributing enhanced collaboration. Although to strategy, innovation, process advocates of technology, Nikki and changes and service excellence. “People traditionally The initiatives are reviewed by the think of accountancy as a Nigel put enormous emphasis on the importance of humanising customer judges in line with evidence of numbers business, but in the impact they have had on both the SME market, it’s really interactions. They have championed the development of our team, even in clients and the profession as a a people’s business” difficult times over the COVID whole. The judges look for a Practice - Joint MD Nikki Adams. period, to enable them to grow, Pioneer who not only has expertise build and support each other, whilst in their field but who also shows a encouraging a collaborative approach genuinely innovative approach to the wider across departments. This has led to a rounded challenges facing the accounting profession. customer experience where clients benefit from dealing with one point of contact, who It is therefore a great achievement and huge liaises with specialist internally. honour that Nikki and Nigel have won this award Cloudservice areas Tax Accountancy Services jointly, being recognised for their contribution at Alongside their technology and Ad Valorem and how this has impacted Our specialist expertise Bring your finances into ensures you pay the real time with our Cloud the wider accounting profession. internal process contributions correct amount of tax at Accountancy packages. withwork our tax planning Ad Valorem, Nikki and Nigel also closely and advice. with young people on their career development, working with students where they may not have been recognised for their academic performance, drawing on Nigel’s own background and experience. Nigel didn’t come into accountancy an easy way and it was only after being personality profiled that his abilities were revealed, and accountancy was suggested as a career path. Nigel spent 11 years juggling full-time employment and achieving his ACCA qualification. This start gave Nigel experience in many different areas: running his own gardening business, working in small and large practices, and gaining international experience while working in industry. Always challenging the
Cloud Accountancy
accepted, Nigel has become a leading innovator in the small business sector, which has been recognised by the ACCA. Nigel enjoys sharing his background across the ACCA forums where he works with new members as a mentor.
Being a small family business ourselves, our culture and having a family feel is extremely important. Nikki’s focus on culture, passion for people and ability to build teams has created a dynamic workplace, inspiring collaboration and development. Nikki and Nigel have championed a new enables careerFinance progression, R&D structure that Wealth & Tax Credits Management Banking that unlike the traditional “partner” based format, utilises a 6-member systemWe with a all clear can help with Eligible for R&D tax We can helppod maximise aspects of corporate credits? Our dedicated and protect your pathway for individual and finance. growth. and personal R&D team have provided hard-earned development wealth so specialist tax reliefsystemthat you canenables have TheR&Dpod also us to keep the services to a wide range financial freedom in of businesses. retirement. small family teamyourfeel, which we believe is key to our team and clients in the micro/SME sector. All at Ad Valorem Group would like to take the opportunity to congratulate Nikki and Nigel for receiving such prestigious recognition. Check out our Autum Budget Summary 2021 by scanning the QR code below.
enquiries@advaloremgroup.uk advaloremgroup.uk 01908 219100 @AdValoremGroup
Tax Services
R&D Tax Credits
Wealth Management
Finance & Banking
Please feel free to either callto uscall on:us on: Please feel free
+44 (0) 1908 219100 +44 (0) 1908 219100 or email us orat: email us at:
enquiries@advaloremgroup.uk enquiries@advaloremgroup.uk
10
Business Times
|
December 2021
For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk
Business News
MP backs new scheme as successor to Job Club
Y
oung people at risk of long-term unemployment in West Northamptonshire are the focus of a partnership between local and central government employment support schemes. Employers with vacancies to fill met with people aged between 16 and 24 who are on Universal Credit and unemployed at the launch of the Kickstart Scheme run by West Northamptonshire Council and JobCentre Plus Northampton. The scheme follows in the footsteps of the successful Job Club run by the former South Northamptonshire District Council, which has found jobs for hundreds of residents since its launch 12 years ago by local MP Andrea Leadsom. Dame Andrea, MP for South Northamptonshire, said: “This event is just another example of the fantastic work West Northamptonshire Council is doing to support the community and grow the economy. “I am passionate about ensuring residents can access local jobs and
Dealership celebrates awards hat trick
(from left) Dame Andrea Leadsom; Stuart Perry and Sigourney Moore from the Department for Work and Pensions and Jobcentre Plus; Alison Field from the West Northamptonshire Council Job Club; WNC senior economic growth officer Julia Raven and economic growth officer Louis Devayya want every employer within my constituency to benefit from this free support.” The Kickstart Scheme provides employers with 100 per cent of the National Minimum Wage or the National Living Wage for 25 hours per week for six months. The scheme ends in March and West Northamptonshire Council is keen for residents and employers to benefit. It aims to ensure residents can secure jobs in West Northamptonshire and
enable employers to find skilled staff to grow their workforce. Cllr Lizzy Bowen, cabinet member for economic development, town centre regeneration and growth, said: “Our economy team is available to support every member of the community and businesses of all size..” Employers Kartsim, Moorgate Finance, Silverstone Heritage and Kazpers/McDonald’s were at the launch to talk to potential employees.
S
taff at a car dealership in Rushden are celebrating after the business brought home a hat trick of accolades at the Motor Trader Independent Dealer Awards 2021. Croyland Car Megastore was named Car Supermarket of the Year, Independent Community Dealer of the Year for the second time and won the UK Independent Dealer Customer Care Award. The company was also highly commended in the UK Independent Dealer of the Year category. “It is an amazing achievement,” said general manager Mark
Swindells. “It is fantastic to have received recognition for our excellent customer care and community support, which is so important to us as a business. This is the second time we have won the coveted Community Dealer of the Year Award and demonstrates the vital support Croyland continues to provide so many local good causes, clubs, and charities.” Mr Swindells is pictured (centre) at the ceremony, held at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry. Also pictured are AutoProtect southern zone director Adam Head (left) and awards host Mark Durden-Smith.
The whole world has changed.
WE HAVEN’T (We’re still all the help you need.)
No matter what stage of life your business is at, regardless of size, our team of specialist solicitors has a wealth of experience and a proven track record in advising on Commercial and Business Law.
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: Corporate & Commercial | Commercial Property Buying or Selling a Business | Debt Recovery Dispute Resolution & Litigation | Employment Law
0800 088 6004 | enquiries@wilsonbrowne.co.uk | wilsonbrowne.co.uk To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk
Business Times
|
December 2021
11
Commercial cleaning Window Cleaning
Janitorial Supplies
Decontamination Cleaning
Waste Removal Services Biohazard Cleaning
Washroom Services
End of Tenancy Cleaning
Bringing peace of mind in troubled times
T
he pandemic has certainly thrown fresh challenges at Inter County, one of Northamptonshire’s leading specialist cleaning firms. The team at the Rushden-based enterprise has worked hard to respond to the requests of current and new clients who have had to meet even higher standards throughout the pandemic. The business has a flexible approach, with three key services at its heart - cleaning, waste and janitorials. This means the business has been able to respond to the requests of different clients including businesses and housing associations. Martine Harlow heads up the waste management and specialised cleaning department. “We have
always recognised that each client will have different demands but the pandemic put additional pressure on what we had to deliver,” she says. “The team have worked with clients to make sure our operatives have been there throughout the pandemic to ensure they can continue to operate with additional peace of mind.” Inter County, a member of the National Association of Wheeled Bin Washers, offers commercial and residential customers an ecofriendly bin cleaning service, cleaning 99 per cent of those germs found in your bins leaving them smelling clean and fresh. The recruitment of more cleaning operatives means the business can offer the service
across North-amptonshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire, visiting residents’ properties on the day their bins are emptied. All work is fully licensed and insured for additional peace of mind. Inter County Ltd has a NEBOSH qualified operative, as well as holding corporate membership of the British Institute of Cleaning Science and becoming a member of Check a Trade this year. Inter County also hold accreditations such as ISO 9001:2008, CHAS, Worksafe Contractor and Con-structionline. “We care about the environment, so work hard to take as many measures as possible to ensure we meet our own high standards,” says Martine.
For special offers and to find out more call 01933 315872 or visit www.intercountyltd.co.uk 12
Business Times
|
December 2021
For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk
Business News Silverstone Park owners unveil new units plan
P
lans have been unveiled for a fourth phase of development at Silverstone Park. Site owner MEPC has brought forward a scheme to build hybrid units of between 7,500 sq ft and 24,600 sq ft on six acres. An application for reserved matters consent has already been submitted to West Northamptonshire Council. The proposal for the site, at one of the entrances to the park, also includes a café, gym and nursery. Construction of phases one and two of the development completed last year. Construction of phase three, delivering 265,000 sq ft of headquarters-style industrial premises, is on schedule to welcome its first occupiers in Q2 next year.
Funding win fuels international ambitions Pallet firm looks to create new jobs after £750k funding award
A
manufacturer of boxes, pallets and shipping crates using 100 per cent recyclable material is to create 15 new jobs and begin a worldwide expansion programme after receiving a £0.75 million funding boost. The Alternative Pallet Company aims to use the money to develop a new furniture range, following on from its pop-up desk success. The business is also looking at entering new markets in the high-value fashion and fragile goods sectors, as well as expanding into Europe and North America. The company, which trades as Pallite from its headquarters in Wellingborough, received funding from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund provided by The FSE Group Debt Finance Fund and backed by the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan
Scheme. It is an awardwinning international designer and manufacturer of paper honeycomb board products made from more than 80pc recycled materials. Chief executive Iain Hulmes said: “The FSE Group guided us through the funding process and we appreciate their help to achieve our growth ambitions.” Ann Marie McFadyen, investment manager at The FSE Group, which manages the MEIF Debt Finance Fund, said: “The UK transport sector produces over 25 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions so it is great that Iain and his team are creating environmentally friendly products that will help reduce these emissions. It is encouraging to see the business enter new markets and we look forward to this next exciting stage of their journey.” The Midlands Engine
Iain Hulmes (centre) with Ann Marie McFadyen and Lewis Stringer of the British Business Bank Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 20142020 and the European Investment Bank.
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.
To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk
Business Times
|
December 2021
13
Business News
Heat pumps: Technology is proven and it is not rocket science
A
s we head towards the end of 2021 and the start of a new year, we reflect on what the past 12 months has brought us and look towards the future. In the world of construction and especially the building services sector, the recent COP26 conference has made lots of promises. But will action follow? Our government has realised that we cannot go on burning fossil fuels so, from 2025, no new homes will be allowed to have gas connected to them. There is much discussion about what will provide the heating and hot water in our houses but one technology that is already proven - and Griffiths have been installing for more than a decade - is heat pumps. It is not rocket science and the principle behind the operation of a heat pump has been around for a long time. Heat pumps work in the same way as the fridge in your kitchen, collecting heat from one place - the air or ground - and moving it somewhere else - into your home heating and domestic water systems. Griffiths were the first Northamptonshire installers to gain Microgeneration
Certification Scheme status for heat pumps in 2008. Since then several hundred have been installed, with most also being regularly maintained by Griffiths. Another recent change affecting both heat pumps and air conditioning is the use of R32 refrigerant gas, which is much less harmful to the environment if it should leak than its predecessors. It also has superior energy efficiency. At this time of year, the engineers at Griffiths are very busy keeping people warm with a wide range of heating products including air and ground source heat pumps, and air to air heat pumps (conventional air conditioning). In addition, the Griffiths service team are making sure regular maintenance is carried out to heating, cooling and ventilation equipment throughout Northamptonshire, an essential part of keeping it at peak condition and spotting possible problems at an early stage. Service plans or one-off servicing is also available for equipment that has not been installed by Griffiths.
n Contact Griffiths by telephone on 01536 420666, via www. griffithsaircon.co.uk or by visiting Griffiths’ Energy Efficiency Centre showroom at 111 High Street in Burton Latimer 9am5pm, Monday to Friday.
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery: Its design has won a regional building excellence award for architects GSSArchitecture
History revived: Architects aim to inspire the next generation
T
he expansion and redevelopment project at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery has won lavish praise since it opened in July. Now the scheme, designed by Northamptonshire architects GSSArchitecture, has been announced as the regional winner of the Local Authority Building Control Building Excellence Award for the ‘best non-residential extension’ category. The project has also been shortlisted for the National Building Excellence Awards which will take place in January. The museum has undergone a £7 million refurbishment, which has doubled the space available, creating a dedicated shoe gallery, new exhibition spaces, a central hall, a new shop, café and outside terrace. The museum is the latest in the extensive GSS portfolio of awardwinning galleries and museums, with the practice’s links to arts and culture in the county dating back to the founder of the practice, John Alfred Gotch, who designed the Alfred East Art Gallery
in Kettering in 1913. This Grade II Listed gallery is currently undergoing work as part of GSSArchitecture’s major redevelopment of the Kettering Gallery, Library and Museum. The Kettering GLaM project is set to unify all three sites, creating more flexible space and increasing accessibility to open the historic buildings up to be used by as many people as possible. The success of GSSArchitecture’s recent projects has presented a number of opportunities for the practice to take part in some exciting initiatives, as part of its commitment to the training and mentoring of the next generation of construction professionals. These initiatives have included several presentations to University of Northampton design students, led by partners and associates at GSS, which focused on key considerations when working with historic buildings, including museums and galleries. Partners at GSSArchitecture also took part in the Shoebox Town event, hosted by the Northamptonshire Society of Architects, which looked at encouraging younger children to think
about their town and how it could look in the future, by developing physical models using shoe boxes. Tom Jagger, partner and lead architect at GSSArchitecture, said: “The new and improved spaces at the Northampton Museum & Art Gallery are proving to be a huge success following the museum’s reopening to the public earlier this year and we are thrilled to receive this award which further recognises the great work carried out by the project team. “As a practice, we place great emphasis on encouraging the next generation of architects and industry professionals so we are delighted to have been involved in recent local events, sharing knowledge and experience gained from our recent projects with the younger generations.” n For further information on GSSArchitecture’s range of experience, or to speak to their team about any upcoming projects that could benefit from their expertise, visit www. gssarchitecture.com
CAREgivers go above and beyond to put emphasis on care to our clients
2
021 has been another memorable year with so much hope after 2020, Home Instead East Northants were happy to hear the news of Prime Minister Boris Johnson announcing that vaccinations would start so our CAREGivers could be vaccinated to protect our clients. Our CAREGivers continued to make sure clients were safe and having their needs met especially when families could not visit. After 11 years of owning Home Instead East Northants we understand how important caring for your loved ones is.
14
Business Times
|
Home Instead Senior Care was rebranded in February and our logo was simplified to Home Instead. It was an exciting change to showcase that Home Instead is not just about senior care but for anyone over the age of 18 who needs care to be able to remain in their own home. Our services include young adults, mental health, live in care, personal care, home help, companionship, and convalescence care. Home Instead UK also recognised the importance of working with other organisations and is partnering with Parkinson’s UK to create a
December 2021
Home Instead East Northants franchise owners Mark and Rosina
bespoke training programme about the condition for our CAREGivers. It has also linked up with Boots and is the first care company to feature on the Boots Health Hub giving people guidance on where to find our services. With the pandemic changing the way we rely on technology and more people buying a smart phone, laptop or tablet to keep in touch with loved ones, we recognise the importance of giving people training to understand what going digital is all about - particularly to the older generation that did not
grow up with it. We have also faced the biggest recruitment crisis in care in more than a decade and finding the right people is so important. With most of the population vaccinated we are actively looking for new people with the right qualities to join our team and welcome new clients who need our support.
n For more information visit www. homeinstead.co.uk/eastnorthants or call 01933 678775
For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk
Business News
Back our bid for city status, council leader urges business
D
iscussions are under way on the submission of a bid by Northampton for city status. West Northamptonshire Council is considering the move as part of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Civic Honours competition. Businesses and residents are being urged to support a proposed bid to gain city status for Northampton in a move that would reap major benefits for the whole of West Northamptonshire. A successful bid would enhance Northampton’s profile, helping to attract investment into the entire West Northants area. A draft bid which celebrates Northampton’s heritage, culture and ambition is being prepared ahead of the full council meeting, which will decide whether to proceed. The national deadline for submitting bids is December 8. West Northamptonshire Council leader Cllr Jonathan Nunn said: “Bidding for city status would be
a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase everything we know is special about Northampton. A successful bid would bring economic and cultural benefits to towns and villages right across West Northants. It would tell a national and international audience this is a place in which to do business, raising our profile, attracting investment and creating new, skilled jobs.” Businesses and residents are invited to show their support by sharing their favourite photographs of places in Northampton. Up to 50 photographs can be included in the bid. The best photographs will also be used in the social media campaign to showcase the town as an ideal candidate for city status. The winning cities are due to be announced on the extended Bank Holiday weekend of June 2-5 next year to mark the Platinum Jubilee. In 2012, her Diamond Jubilee year, Chelmsford, Perth and St Asaph in Wales were awarded city status.
S
hoppers are being urged to ‘Win Your Christmas’ by taking part in a Northampton town centre Golden Ticket giveaway. Four lucky winners will each win £500 of vouchers as part of the £2,000 prize fund. The Golden Ticket campaign, organised by Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District, will encourage people to ‘shop local’ this Christmas and support Northampton businesses, with the added incentive of
“We have so much to be proud of, from our rich history and heritage to the diversity of our cultures and communities,” said Cllr Nunn. “This bid provides a platform to promote
a prize to spend in town centre shops and businesses of their choice. BID operations manager Mark Mullen said: “The competition is a key component of our Christmas campaign” West Northamptonshire Council and Northampton Town Council’s Christmas lights are already lighting up Market Square and the BID has funded additional Christmas lighting in the town centre.
our many hidden treasures and achieve our vision for making West Northamptonshire a great place to live, work, visit and thrive.” His message to Northampton
businesses: “Your support is vital for any bid to be successful so let’s come together and celebrate Northampton, a special town with the heart to flourish as a city.”
Having tomorrow’s conversations, today In today’s ever changing market conditions, it’s important you get the very best advice. At MHA MacIntyre Hudson, we build strong, supportive partnerships with our clients to help them achieve sustainable business growth.
Contact us
Peterbridge House The Lakes Northampton NN4 7HB
@MHUpdates
macintyrehudson.co.uk
MHA MacIntyre Hudson
T: +44 (0)1604 624011
To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk
Business Times
|
December 2021
15
Networking
>> The local Networking round-up
N
etworking across Northamptonshire is helping to grow businesses. Whatever your business needs there will be a networking session to suit your style. Some have welcomed the return of faceto-face networking meetings offering fresh opportunities to connect with like-minded people. Networking online, which has been a lifeline for many businesses, continues to offer people a chance to keep in touch.
A group for networkers looking for a constant stream of referrals, introductions, opportunities and sales. The tried and tested RIO™ model offers dynamic weekly online meetings and an experienced management team: Peterborough every Tuesday at 8am. Cambridgeshire and South Lincolnshire every Wednesday at 8am. Northants and surrounding areas every Tuesday at midday. National networking every Wednesday at midday. Contact Gary Thorpe for all events. Email: gary.thorpe@debt-doctors.co.uk Tel: 07963 766052 or 01536 333425 All meetings are over 90-minutes, and we are continuing online, which means you’ll benefit from no increase in your time commitment, no additional fuel costs and no high monthly/ weekly meeting fees as we move out of lockdown.
Tuesday’s BNI (Temporary Online) Meeting 6.45am-8.30am, Ignite BNI, Holiday Inn Northampton West M1, Jct 6 (NN7 4LP). Thursday’s BNI (Temporary Online) Meetings 6.45am-8.30am, Pavilion BNI, Collingtree Park Golf Club (NN4 0XN); 6.45am-8.30am, Prosperity BNI, Kettering Rugby Club (NN15 6NT); 11.30am-1.30pm, Sterling BNI, Delapre Golf Club (NN4 7DU). Friday’s BNI (Temporary Online) Meeting 6.45am-8.30am, Lighthouse BNI, Franklin’s Gardens (NN5 5BG); 6.45am-8.30am, Unity BNI, Gt Doddington Club (NN29 7TL). Contact Duncan Webster for all events, email: Duncan@BNIBreakfast.co.uk, Tel: 07977 422220. BNI Pioneer – Online Northampton. Every Wednesday. 9.30am to 11am. For details email: suzy@alchemyva.co.uk
The belief is that, with the right support at the right price - any small business can succeed. Members believe there is so much to gain with a positive attitude of mutual Face-to-face (all monthly breakfast meetings from 7.30-9.30am). Wellingborough - 1st Thursday, Daventry - 2nd Wednesday, Northampton - 3rd Wednesday, MK - 4th Thursday. Virtual Brunch (9.30-11am)- 2nd Tuesday Wednesday breakfast (7.30-9am) - 4th Wednesday Thursday breakfast (7.30-9am) - 3rd Thursday Friday breakfast (7.30-9am) - 2nd Friday Friday freebie (3-4pm) - every week Collaboration and a desire to share collective wisdom and experience. Brunch (9.30-11am) - alternate Tuesdays - virtual only. Evening (6.30-8.30pm) - 4th Tuesday of the month - virtual only. Northampton (7.30-9.30am) at The Turnpike, Harpolealternate Wednesdays. Daventry (7.30-9.30am) at Mercure Daventry Court Hotel - in person 2nd Wednesday of each month. 4th Wednesday will remain virtual. Wellingborough (7.30-9.30am) at Great Doddington Club - in person 1st Thursday of each month. 3rd Thursday will remain virtual. MK (7.30-9.30am) at Abbey Hill Golf Club - in person 2nd Thursday of each month. 4th Thursday will remain virtual. Market Harborough (7.30-9.30am) - alternate Fridays - virtual only. Friday Freebie (3-4pm) - every week - virtual only. All meetings are £6 (face-to-face £16), except the free meeting, with a money back guarantee if you don’t find a meeting of value. Visitors welcome. Details of all events and to book: www.buscomm.co.uk/ourevents
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 don’t have to be an FSB member to join in. 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. Upcoming events: A combined virtual networking event on Friday, December 10th, brings together members across Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland.10am – 11am. There will be around the room introductions and breakout rooms with attendees encouraged to wear a Christmas jumper or something festive if they would like. Event details here: www.fsb.org.uk/event-calendar/leicestershire-northamptonshire-andrutland-christmas-virtual-networking
Networking group set up by Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire Chambers of Commerce to help young business people in the region to grow and develop via a series of monthly networking events and personal development sessions. For updates on forthcoming events visit the website at www.northants-chamber.co.uk/who-we-are/nextgeneration-chamber/our-events No fuss, pay-as-you-go networking. Bedford Buzz Wednesday, December 1 Rugby Buzz Thursday, December 9 Bicester Buzz Face-to-Face Thursday, December 9 Leicester Buzz Tuesday, December 14 Northampton Buzz Wednesday, December 15 MK Buzz Face-to-Face Friday, December 17 Banbury Buzz Wednesday, December 22 Hinckley Face-to-Face Buzz Wednesday, December 22 East Midlands Virtual Friday, December 3. Open to businesses based in Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Rutland and throughout the East Midlands. All Business Buzz events operate from 10 am to noon. All Buzz events are bookable via the web-based app: app.business-buzz.org/app or simply drop-in on the day. For full details of all Business Buzz events visit the webpage: www. business-buzz.org
16
Business Times
|
December 2021
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 NORTH NORTHANTS Kettering Wednesday, December 8. 9.30am, Ironstone Wellbeing Centre, Kettering Corby Check for updates online Wellingborough Monday, December 13, online East Northants check for updates on line WEST NORTHANTS Northampton Business Network is meeting on Wednesday, December 1 The Charles Bradlaugh, Northampton. Book via www.northamptonbusinessnetwork.co.uk
Festive Charity Lunch December 9. Northampton Marriott. £25 plus VAT. Noon to 2pm. For updates and to book events visit the website at www.northants-chamber.co.uk
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 doesn’t always deliver an ROI. The Business Room is proudly different, providing a time-efficient and cost-effective way to build your contacts and collaborators and access new opportunities. Business Room: Attendees maximise their time out of the office and in the room, by ensuring all the attendee information is shared in advance. This gives attendees time to plan their networking session in advance so they can get more out of each meeting, therefore making it as profitable as possible. Each meeting involves structured networking and in addition a session where a member will share their knowledge, business story or a business insight and a Business Exchange, where members respond to the requests for help and contacts and give testimonials Groups are back meeting face to face from 12 to 2pm with one permanent online group. These are lock out groups so only one business area is represented. Kettering: Monday, December 6 - Kettering Park Hotel, Kettering, NN15 6XT Wellingborough: Wednesday, December 8 – The Stanwick Hotel, West Street, Stanwick, NN9 6QY Northampton: Thursday, December 9 – Old White Hart, Cotton End, Far Cotton, Northampton, NN4 8BS Market Harborough: December 2 – The Three Swans Hotel, 21 High Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7NJ South Northants: Tuesday, December 14 – The White Horse, Stocks Hill, Silverstone, NN12 8UW Stamford: Tuesday, December 14 – The William Cecil at Stamford, St Martins, Stamford, PE9 2LJ Business Room Online: Thursday, December 16, 12-2pm via zoom. The Connections Club - Northants Only open to business owners, influencers and decision makers this is a structured and professional group, which gives people the opportunity to connect with other business owners who are serious about growth. It allows you to take away a valuable skill, learning or insight – at every single meeting and meet valuable contacts. It is not lockout, but each session is limited to a maximum of three business areas. Northampton: Tuesday, December 7. Meet 11.45 - 2pm. Delapre Abbey, London Road, Northampton, NN4 8AW Business Room: 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 doesn’t always deliver an ROI. The Business Room is proudly different, providing a time-efficient and cost-effective way to build your contacts and collaborators and access new opportunities. 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 may be say networking and a member session where they add value to your business. This may be a skills’ share or a business insight in your session. These are lock out groups so only one business area is represented. There are no Business Room meetings in August but for future events see the website. For further information contact: Barbara 07504 946 585/ 01933 652884 Email barbara@yourbusinessmatters.co www.yourbusinessmatters.co
>> To have your networking group’s details included in the January edition of Business Times email: news@business-times.co.uk
For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk
Business Class Internet Hosting Since 1995
SPE Get a qui CIAL ck OFF quote on ERS li AVA ne ILAB LE
Tier 4 Specification The most stringent standard for fault tolerance, fire prevention and uptime.
48,000sqft, 600+ Racks From Colocation of a 1U server, to lockable rack enclosures and private multi-rack data suites.
ISO 27001 Certified Company
Audited annually, we comply fully with this security standard ensuring the physical safety of your data and equipment.
Substantial Connectivity Options Managed Transit or a selection of providers on-site or nearby (including GTT, BT, CityFibre, Verizon, Virgin Media, C&W).
Our Data Centre in Milton Keynes is ideal for connectivity, hosted desktop services and the latest Cloud Solutions The Data Centre in Milton Keynes represents our 20+ years of experience in the industry and also our passion and commitment in creating a world class facility. The most important aspects of a Data Centre are its Specification, Security and Connectivity.
Specification -
Security –
Connectivity –
Tier 4, the very highest specification for a data centre. This means that each and every main service has a separate and diverse back up of equal size to the total capacity of the primary set (N+N). This includes: Mains Power, Generator, UPS, Power Distribution, Air Conditioning and Network.
The building was inherently secure as the previous owner was a UK bank. We have enhanced this further by renovating and upgrading all main systems including installation of vehicle and person anti tail gate enclosures both outside and also within the building. All infrastructure and procedures meet or exceed the ISO27001 security standard.
Adjacent to a wide range of other fibre providers two of which have made a substantial investment in large points of presence directly into the facility including many hundreds of physical fibre cores via diverse routes. This means that this is not only a well connected data centre but a major connectivity hub suitable for the provision of leased lines MPLS circuits and National Ethernet solutions.
This facility is suitable for any hosting or connectivity requirements large or small. Please contact us for more information.
Call Now to Book a Tour - 01908 921080 Rack Space | Colocation | DR
www.host-it.co.uk To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk
Business Times
|
December 2021
17
Appointments Restaurant manager relishes new career course
H
e has worked in fine dining restaurants in London, Paris and Dubai. Now Davide Occhiuzzi is bringing his experience to Northamptonshire as the new restaurant manager at Murrays, Whittlebury Park. The restaurant is now the proud holder of its third AA
Davide Occhiuzzi
Rosette. “This is an exciting period for Murrays,” says Davide. “I am looking forward to using my experience to build on the restaurant’s well-established reputation to take dining here to the next level and I am thrilled to be embarking on the next stage of my career here.”
Trainees set their sights on success
L
aw firm Howes Percival has welcomed eight new trainee solicitors to the firm and has appointed its first solicitor apprentice. It has also appointed four new solicitors who have completed their training contracts. Pictured are Nichola Constantinides and Iona Palmer, who have begun their training at the firm’s office in Northampton. During their two-year training contract, they will complete four six-month seats, each in a
18
Business Times
|
December 2021
different department. Nichola centre has begun in the insolvency and corporate recovery department while Iona right is splitting her training between the commercial property and corporate, commercial and banking teams. Also pictured is Eliza Kay, whose first training stint is with the corporate, commercial and banking team in Milton Keynes. The new intake join six current trainees who have completed the first year of their training contract. Partner and training
principal Simon Murphy said: “Preparing the next generation of lawyers is essential to the future of our business. We like our trainees to get stuck in, work as part of the team and get involved in quality work, which gives them the best possible start to their legal career.” Charis Skipper has joined Howes Percival as its first solicitor apprentice. “We hope that this could become a route into the practice for more people in future,” said Mr Murphy.
For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk
Appointments
‘I remember thinking more could have been done’
A
n accident on holiday that left a friend paralysed and in a coma for six weeks became the inspiration for a career in health and safety for Scott Murrin. The newly appointed health and safety consultant at Acorn Safety Services in Northampton vividly recalls the accident, which happened when he was 16. “I was on holiday with some friends and one of them fell off a balcony,” he says. “He was in a coma for six weeks and was paralysed down one side. Fortunately, he recovered but it was a horrendous time. “The barrier along the balcony was not high enough and I remember thinking
Scott Murrin more could have been done to prevent the accident happening. Ever since then I have been passionate about improving health and safety and keeping people safe.” Mr Murrin has worked in the health and safety industry for nearly a decade. Acorn Safety Services works on hundreds of projects across the UK every year and has opened
a new office in Birmingham to add to its existing offices in Northampton and London. The company has several long-term projects on the horizon and is helping clients to adapt to life postpandemic, says Acorn’s health and safety manager John Crockett. “As a result, our team is continuing to expand.”
Events officer promoted to manager role
E
vents and engagement officer Sam Hunter is settling into her new role as partnerships and events manager at the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership’s Growth Hub. She has been promoted after joining SEMLEP in 2019 and has maintained the pro-gramme of events at SEMLEP throughout the pandemic and Brexit transition, organising
SEMLEP’s series of Covid-19 webinars discussing government support measures and its series of Brexit workshops helping businesses to understand the new ways of working. “The number of people needing our support back in March 2020 was overwhelming and I am proud that we were able to offer support to businesses during that uncertain and frankly quite scary time,” says Ms Hunter pictured.
Sales head targets business development
F
ormer estate agent Richard Panter has joined electrical and mechanical contractor RK Electrical Mechanical Services as head of sales and new business. “Having a background in estate agency provides me Richard Panter with a range of transferable skills,” he says. “Over the years I have built up a host role as well as helping to meet of contacts in the local area the needs of those I already and I am looking forward to know.” ness Times small add 2019.qxp_Layout 1 17/08/2021 13:16 Page 7 building on this in my new Mr Panter has spent most
of his career working in Northamptonshire and Leicestershire. Away from the office he is a keen sportsman, still playing for Rothwell Town Cricket Club’s first team in the Northants County League. His new role at the RK Electrical Mechanical Services’ office in Desborough will see him develop the company’s offer in the industrial and commercial sectors as well as to domestic clients.
NIGHTS ofOLD UK/IE/EU PALLET DISTRIBUTION +44(0)1536 533544 sales@knightsofoldgroup.com www.knightsofoldgroup.com
To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk
With the end of the year rapidly approaching, SEMLEP’s Growth Hub manager Vicky Hlomuka reflects on the year that has gone and considers the year to come.
We are here to support those looking to thrive
I
think it is fairly safe to say that this has been another extremely challenging year, both for individuals and for businesses. However, it is nearly over. We are nearly through 2021 and we can look forward to coming back better and stronger than ever for 2022. With New Year rapidly approaching, it seems like a good time to look back over the year that has passed, to assess where we are, to consider what we have achieved and to start to think about how we can build upon that for the year to come. 2021 has been a tough year. The continuing pandemic, with its lockdowns and restrictions, and the on-going impacts of leaving the EU have left many companies struggling to maintain growth. On top of the purely practical implications that these have had is the stress and worry that has accompanied them. I am very proud to be able to say that SEMLEP’s Growth Hub has been here to provide support, to offer advice and to help businesses to overcome the worst challenges that they have faced. Our business advisers have been hard at work all year helping businesses at every stage of their journey, providing one-to-one support and giving managers the opportunity to work on their business with the aid of an experienced outside perspective. Whether that is a one-off discussion of a particular problem or ongoing support, our business advisers have been doing some fantastic work. We have also run a huge number of different events covering absolutely every aspect of running and growing a business. This year our events on adapting to the new import and export rules have been particularly vital but, as the year has progressed, our webinars on the various different skills and areas of knowledge needed to ensure long-term, sustainable business growth have also proved useful and popular. We have continued to keep our Business Support Resources Hub up to date with a wide range of tools and resources for business leaders. This covers everything from coronavirus support, finance and funding and information on starting a business through to mentoring and workplace mental health. We are being asked to add new resources all the time so this bank of resources continues to grow and diversify. Despite this year’s challenges, SEMLEP’s Growth Hub has continued to run core business programmes such as Growth Curve. This combines university-led masterclasses with one-to-one consultations with a business
Vicky Hlomuka
We can continue returning to something like normality, even if that normality has changed a little adviser, allowing you to create an action plan for the future and gain access to funding. We have also run more cohorts of the Peer Networks programme, a group learning and peer networking programme for SME leaders, and the new Foundations for Growth scheme which provides support to up-and-coming businesses looking to begin their growth journey. This year has also seen the deployment of Intensive Business Support schemes funded by the UK government’s Additional Restrictions Grants via various local authorities and run by SEMLEP’s Growth Hub. This combines government funding to help to alleviate the effects of the pandemic with a series of one-toone sessions with a business adviser, making it another valuable scheme of which we are proud to be a part. That was the year that has passed. But what is in store for the year ahead? At the moment it seems like we can be optimistic. The worst of our problems will soon be over and we can continue returning to something like normality, even if that normality has changed a little. Businesses are going to continue to want to grow, thrive and succeed and we will be on hand to provide the tools, support and encouragement they need to do so. Despite the challenges, business have come through 2021 stronger, leaner, and more determined to succeed than ever before. With more events, more programme cohorts and more business support schemes planned, SEMLEP’s Growth Hub is determined to make 2022 the best year for business.
www.semlepgrowthhub.com
Business Times
|
December 2021
19
Marketing Steve Rees, commercial manager at Square Media, reflects on what has become a breakthrough year for the digital marketing specialists
Digital transformation means new opportunities for growth
I
t seems incredible that over 18 months have passed since we went into the first lockdown and everything in life started to change. We are reaching the end of our second year of lockdowns and face a second toned-down Christmas and no New Year London fireworks to marvel at on TV at the stroke of midnight. In all reality, 2022 could see more of the same restrictions and the need to work in our ‘new reality’. Looking back at 2021, Square Media has had an incredible year, when it could have been a disaster. While so much has changed, one thing has remained the same – businesses still need to market their services and keep their businesses functioning. We also noticed that our competitors had reduced their advertising and sponsorship of events. Confidence in the future was evaporating fast and most businesses were going into survival mode. We had to step up and help our clients through the ‘digital transformation’ they needed to make in their businesses and through that process, our clients started to find savings and new opportunities in equal measure.
Zoom and Teams calls were already happening long before the 2020 lockdown started but they were not essential. We could jump into our cars, battle through traffic, find and pay for parking and then pay for overpriced coffee in noisy cafés trying to hold meetings among groups of ‘yummy mummies’ and their sugar-fuelled toddlers. Maybe our new reality has been a force for good. Traffic levels have reduced, our wildlife has had a boost and everyone seems to be ‘kinder’ to each other. I decided to look a little deeper and found some interesting personal and business statistics for 2021: ■ I have driven 15,000 fewer miles, saved £2,250 in fuel and 400 hours of time. ■ I have saved over £1,000 in overpriced coffee and £300 in parking fees. ■ I have also had a 40 per cent increase in meetings (virtual of course) all recorded in our HubSpot CRM which captures everything booked on Teams and Zoom through our Microsoft 365 integration. ■ Best of all.. our business has
■
■
Steve Rees ■
■
doubled in size partly due a new client who has raised £1 billion to roll out fibre broadband across the East of England, helping people and businesses work better online. It has not been an easy year but we have transitioned to being a fully digital agency and are now reaping the rewards. We have had to adapt fast but can now have staff working from anywhere so why not expand further and increase our capacity? Growth through acquisition in digital markets is so much easier than the traditional world we are all leaving behind. We hope to
■
■
■
complete the acquisition of a competitor this year and supercharge our growth plans for 2022. So what have we learned in 2021 that has made this year our most successful on record? We wrote our own marketing plan and decided to: Innovate and use best of breed software and systems to be competitive; Empathise with our clients and help them with digital transformation by running educational webinars and events to help us understand their options; Network through the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce. We have been able to take exhibition space, apply for business awards and attend related events with sponsorship opportunities; Join Business Network International partly because of their impressive ‘digital transformation’ and innovative new ways of running the network; Advertise heavily on Google
■
■
■
and in publications such as Business Times who themselves are going through a digital transformation; Publish our own blog and social content to help educate our audience; Send out consistent email campaigns to our database to increase engagement; Run PR campaigns and work with local charities such as Cransley Hospice to demonstrate our Corporate Social Responsibility.
We have learned so much over the last 18 months about how to thrive in our new digital world and can see huge potential in the year ahead. But enough about us... what about your business? We may have all been navigating the same storm but we have all been in different boats. n If you would like an opportunity to discuss your business, we would be delighted to have a chat. Our consultation calls are free and I guarantee you will leave the meeting with ideas on how you could improve your marketing and make 2022 a year to look forward to.
An industry first: Tiling company achieves carbon neutral status
B
edrock Tiles are proud to announce some seriously climate-complimenting news - that we have achieved the status of becoming the first company in the UK tiling industry to be certified as Carbon Neutral. During the week of COP26 in Glasgow, this could not have been completed at a better time than now, especially while everyone’s attention is focused on sustainability. The process for becoming certified
20
Business Times
|
is quite intense, thorough and not for the faint-hearted. It took us three months to collate and present all the data to the auditing company for scopes 1, 2 and 3. It then took a further three weeks for that data to be analysed and reported back to us. It has been calculated that Bedrock Tiles emit 52 tonnes of carbon while conducting our operational tile supplying activities over the course of a year. There are a few methods
December 2021
to opt into in respect to making the offsetting choices. These could be to request your contribution payment is invested in large-scale hydro, turbine, forestation or solar projects. Bedrock chose to send their contribution to hydro and forestation projects. The certification is an annual requirement and Bedrock have now incorporated it into the operational procedures along with factoring the costs into our budgets. We cannot
wait to continue the good work that we have started next year and into the future. While it is quite a process to become certified, it is imperative that we all get on board. Bedrock would like to extend an invitation to fellow businesses to get in touch with us to discuss, how and what we did to get there and encourage as many other, forward-thinking businesses to do the same.
n Bedrock can always help you find perfect sustainable tiles, at our award-winning showroom in Moulton Park or simply offer you some sound advice on tiles for your projects if you need it. Please feel free to get in touch with the knowledge that all deliveries made by Bedrock are now carbon neutral. Telephone: 01604 33 00 03 www.bedrock-tiles.com
For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk
Free marketing consultation! Reflect on the past year & plan for the next
What marketing methods worked well & what didn’t? What needs to change & how do you plan to go about it? Why not book a complimentary marketing planning session with our experienced team & explore your options?
Scan the code to book a free session now! t: 03303 800 630 w: www.squaremedia.solutions
squaremedia.solutions /free-consultation
In the Community
Community stalwart is pub company’s fundraiser of the year P ub landlord Chris O’Reilly is a man with community at his heart. The landlord of The Ranelagh Arms has raised more than £160,000 over his 18 years behind the bar at the pub in Wellingborough through regular events such as golf days, sponsored walks, meat raffles, quiz nights and lotteries - even a swear jar. This year alone Chris and his customers and staff have raised just over £6,250 for Macmillan Cancer Support, previous amounts having been split among charities close to regulars' hearts. And his efforts have been recognised at the Wells & Co brewery annual awards, when he was named Fundraiser of the Year. Wells & Co retail director Shirley Couchman said: “We are immensely proud of Chris and his hard work and dedication to charitable fundraising throughout the years. He has gone above and beyond with his efforts and should be incredibly proud of his achievements. Pubs are a central hub of our communities and Chris’ efforts just go to show how valuable an asset pubs are in helping others.”
Pole Fair organisers call for business support
C
Photo: Glyn Dobbs
Chris O'Reilly landlord of the Ranelagh Arms at the Wells & Co Pub Partner Awards
Wanted: Volunteers to boost hospice’s Christmas tree recycling scheme
A
community Christmas tree recycling project to raise funds for Cransley Hospice is looking for volunteers. The initiative on January 8-9, 2022 will see teams heading out to collect pre-registered Christmas Trees from around North Northamptonshire for recycling. A hospice spokesperson said: “By helping us with this project you will be helping to support and develop the essential end of life care provided at Cransley Hospice. “We hope to raise a phenomenal £20,000 but we need lots of help. The more the merrier so we hope you will bring family, friends, neighbours and colleagues too.” As well as supporting Cransley Hospice Trust, ten per cent of donations from the registered trees will support other local charities. To ensure nothing goes to waste, the chippings will be given to Fermyn Woods and Sywell Country Parks for their eco-friendly mulch, and some of the trees will go to the Boughton House Estate for their eco heating systems.
What’s involved? As part of the Cransley Crew you will be working in teams of two or three. One person will need to be able to and happy to drive a van or tow a trailer, Teams can use their own trailer or there is a limited availability of discounted vans available with local rental companies. You will need to be fit and able to take part in lifting of trees and getting in and out of vans. If you are in a group of three, you can have one person as a navigator who does not need to be involved in the lifting of trees (that is up to you). Collections will run from between 8am and 2pm. There will be a safety briefing prior to the event and all safety and PPE equipment will be provided. To sign up, or if you have any questions, contact the hospice’s fundraising team on 01536 452 423 or email fundraising@cransleyhospice.org.uk.
Volunteers will need to be fit and able to take part in the lifting of trees
Recognising that charity is serious business 22
Business Times
|
December 2021
orby Pole Fair, one of the town’s major community celebrations, is calling on support from businesses. The Pole Fair, held every 20 years, will take place on June 3 next year across the Old Village area of Corby. Now Made with Many, the organisation coordinating the 2022 Pole Fair, is looking for business sponsorship to ensure this event can meet expectations - at the 2002 fair there were crowds of 30,000. Traditions include a dawn parade with a reading of the town’s charter, floral and every person entering the village paying a small toll or be carried over the stang to face the stocks. Helen Willmott, of Made with Many said: “We are currently busy applying for a range of grants to support the fair but there are many traditional aspects of the fair that these funds will not support. So, we are looking for local businesses to give back to the local community and support these activities, through financial contributions, in-kind support, staff volunteering or all three.” There are a wide range of sponsorship opportunities from supporting the jousting to a community breakfast, greasy pole or a Viking encampment. There is also an exciting opportunity for a single headline sponsor, who will receive a bespoke package of publicity and acknowledgement. For further information, or to have a discussion about getting involved contact Helen Willmott on helen@madewithmany.org on call on 07703 822656.
Winter appeal aims to help elderly and vulnerable
N
orthamptonshire Community Foundation has launched their annual winter appeal to support older and vulnerable people. The Foundation is the leading independent grant-making charity in the county and its annual Winter Well-being appeal has raised £235,000 since 2010 to protect some of the most vulnerable members of our communities. Winter can be a lonely and worrying time. With many older and vulnerable people living alone in addition to the ongoing public health crisis, many people are still cautious about leaving their homes. The uncertainty of the coming winter months will lead to increased social isolation again this year. This year, the appeal needs the help of the local community more than ever. The fuel crisis is set to take hold of the nation and one in ten households in Northamptonshire currently live in fuel poverty, meaning that they spend more than ten per cent of their income on fuel. Victoria Miles, chief executive of Northamptonshire Community Foundation, said: “Fuel poverty has always been an issue and the Foundation has stepped up and raised annual funds in the past for the most vulnerable in our communities who need help and support during the cold winter months. “This year will see fuel prices rocket and we will unfortunately see more people having to choose whether to heat their homes or cook a hot meal. We are pleading with those who can to give generously to our Winter Well-being appeal so we can make sure the funds reach people in need this winter.” Money raised will be awarded in the form of grants to local community groups and small charities whose activities protect and help older and vulnerable people in supported environments. The campaign has had a great start, with the Foundation’s deputy chief executive and grants director Rachel McGrath taking on the Thames Path Challenge to raise funds for the appeal. Over the course of two days, Rachel walked 100 kilometres along the River Thames and raised over £1,600 to kick off this year’s appeal. Waitrose Rushden have also generously donated £333 from their Community Matters green coin scheme. To learn more and donate to the appeal, visit www.ncf.uk.com/give/winter-wellbeing
0800 088 6004 enquiries@wilsonbrowne.co.uk wilsonbrowne.co.uk For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk
In the Community
Launch of crowdfunding appeal after new centre is hit by vandals A n online appeal is under way to help a community interest company deliver essential help to young people and adults with neurodiverse conditions. Neurodiversity expert Jannine Perryman is appealing for help to raise £16,000 to refurbish a building in Silver Street, Wellingborough. It was targeted by vandals, causing the delay to the opening of a base for ADHD WISE UK to deliver training, coaching, counselling and occupational therapy for learners with additional needs. The organisation has been providing support and services across the UK since 2016. “We have long since had a dream to open a neurodiversity hub where those with conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, tics and Tourette’s can be provided with support from people who know what it is like to live with these challenges,” says Jannine. Now those plans have been put back after vandals smashed the glass door of the building earmarked for use by Jannine and her team, giving them no option but to have to pay for repairs. “We were forced to pay for repairs and have been given no option but to install CCTV,” says Jannine. “When added to our original costs of refurbishing the building so that it is fit for use, it all mounts up and we need help to be able to deliver our services from a central base.
ADHD WISE UK want to refurbish 8 Silver Street, Wellingborough (left)
“Having a base will help us to deliver community projects and life skills for people with neurodiverse conditions, for example money workshops. There is so much we want to be able to do for our neurodiverse community.” ADHD WISE UK receives no central funding and nationally there are only four local authorities that fund its services to support their constituents.
“Unfortunately, Northamptonshire is not currently one of them but we do hope to change that,” says Jannine. “Options are available to help everyone who needs our support but first we need yours.” She believes that, without access to specialist help, more children are at risk of being excluded from school. “A lack of Special Educational Needs and Disability training for new and experienced teachers, a limited professional experience of attendance difficulties and an ever changing, narrowing curriculum coupled with constraints on time and resources can mean that children do not receive the early interventions they need. “When it comes to poor attendance schools and local authorities need to be looking beyond the absence for the reason behind it asking ‘Why are they refusing to attend school?’ Or ‘Why are they unable to attend?’ “Schools have clear, high expectations for attendance so persistent absence is a clear cause for concern not only for the school and Ofsted but also for the child’s educational outcomes.” Crowdfunding page here: https://bit.ly/3HP2rzo
Food firm backs new community clubhouse with donation to kitchen
F
ood manufacturer Central Foods has been at work in provides the finishing touches to what is a great new facility the kitchen as the firm celebrates its 25th anniversary. for the village and those who use the sports ground.” The company has helped to fit out the kitchen Collingtree Parish Council has thanked Central Central Foods Foods, its funding partners Northamptonshire in a new community clubhouse being built by donated £2,500 to Collingtree Parish Council at its sports ground in Watering the new Collingtree Community Foundation and Sport England as well as the support from local sporting groups. “It is our Lane. Central Foods, whose headquarters are near the community hope that this impressive facility will serve as a vital sports ground, donated £2,500 to the new facility, which clubhouse has paid for equipment, cutlery and crockery, and supplied hub for local sport, both for Collingtree village and the food for 150 guests who attended the clubhouse’s the wider community for many years to come,” says official opening. a spokesman. “Our local community has always been very supportive of us and The recreation ground is used by local sports groups for tennis, many of our staff live locally so we are delighted to be able to celebrate football, cricket and rugby and the new clubhouse has been funded by our 25th anniversary with a donation to the new Collingtree sports a combination of grant and parish council funds. It has two changing clubhouse,” says managing director Gordon Lauder. rooms, showers and a kitchen and bar. It replaces two containers that “We are committed to encouraging the enjoyment of physical were previously used as makeshift changing rooms and for storing sports and activities and we hope that our 25th anniversary donation sports equipment.
Corporate golf day goes with a swing
W
The team from Selected Fitness who won first place at Cynthia Spencer Hospice's charity Golf Day
ell played to the Selected Fitness team as they celebrate their victory at the annual corporate golf day in aid of Cynthia Spencer Hospice. The quartet saw off the challenge of 24 other teams at Northampton Golf Club. The day raised more than £14,000 for the hospice in Northampton. Businesses across Northamptonshire rallied to the cause, providing sponsorship for the event, to boost the coffers further. The day and prizes were sponsored by headline sponsor ACS Recruitment, Franklins Solicitors LLP, Onefoursix, Neves Solicitors, United Pallet Network, Digital Origin, Artemis, DFA Law, Smurfit Kappa, Neptune Rum and ACS Office Solutions. In the individual competition, Jon Thorpe of ACS Solutions won both the Longest Drive and Putting Competition. Lee Tribe from IT support specialist Digital Origin and Steve Bowers of Northampton Golf Club were the Nearest the Pin winners while Harvey Entwistle
Recognising that charity is serious business To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk
from Selected Fitness claimed the prize for Nearest the Pin (in 2). ACS Recruitment managing director Chris Wright said: “Our first time as headline sponsor and it certainly will not be the last. Well done to all the winners.” The golf day was part of Cynthia Spencer Hospice’s 45th anniversary celebrations. Corporate partnerships fundraiser Nina Gandy said: “It was great to see lots of new businesses join in the competition too and enjoy networking with other local firms while supporting our wonderful hospice. As many businesses are still adjusting to the post-lockdown environment, their support is really appreciated, and the funds raised will make a huge difference to our patients and their families both now and in the future.” Entries are already coming in for the 2022 Cynthia Spencer Hospice Golf Day, to be held at Northampton Golf Club on October 6. “Sign us up for next year to defend the title,” said Selected Fitness owner Josh Brown.
0800 088 6004 enquiries@wilsonbrowne.co.uk wilsonbrowne.co.uk Business Times
|
December 2021
23
NIGHTS ofOLD
NIGHTS ofOLD
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR
Inverness Aberdeen
Contact the team to discuss your UK/IE/EU collection and delivery requirements throughout the festive season
Glasgow
Durham
+44(0)1536 533544 sales@knightsofoldgroup.com www.knightsofoldgroup.com
Banbridge Leeds
Dublin
Galway
Immingham
Manchester
Wrexham
Derby Peterborough
Cork
Kettering
Hereford
Norwich
Colchester Luton
Bristol
Exeter Truro
Abingdon
Maidstone
Fareham Isle of Wight
Channel Islands