Business Times Northamptonshire July 2022

Business Times Est. 1991

July 2022

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

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Defence giant targets SME expertise. P3

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£7 million boost for the Northamptonshire economy. P5

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Special edition marks 60 years of a rock icon. P8

Q& A

Pride parade sponsor on its commitment to inclusion. P13

Sheila Smith on horses and the inspirational Gary Neville. P21

Stylish: A Phantom 65 yacht under construction at Fairline’s factory in Northamptonshire

Yacht maker set to launch luxury models at festival CEO: Investment in new products underpins company’s future growth

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uxury motor yacht manufacturer Fairline, planning two world debuts at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival, is looking forward to an ‘exciting’ future.

The Oundle-based manufacturer is unveiling the all-new Phantom 65 and Squadron 68 at the prestigious showcase in early September, a year since Fairline Yachts was acquired by Hanover Investors.

Paul Grys, Fairline Yachts’ chief executive, said: “We are delighted to be making two world debuts at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival. Having taken on board feedback from customers to further improve the Squadron 68, we are confident buyers will fall in love with it as much as we have.

“New and exciting products breed growth in this market and the response we have received for our latest models is incredible. The investment made in new products underpins our future growth and we have got an exciting period ahead of us.”

Mr Grys joined the company in November 2021 after nearly 20 years at JCB and Derek Carter, who was chief executive of Fairline Yachts for 15 years to 2011, returned to take on the chairman’s role in early 2022.

At the time of his appointment, Paul Grys said: “The pandemic has led to a surge in demand in the luxury yacht market and Fairline is in a great position to benefit from this. With our heritage, our passionate workforce and exciting product range, we will create a strategy to seize a greater share of this market globally.”

The company’s plans include the recent recruitment of apprentices to join the team at the manufacturing operation in Oundle, where it has been based since the 1960s. Since then, the company has earned a worldwide recognition and a global network of more than 50 dealers.

Mr Grys said: “This is an incredibly exciting time to join Fairline as we launch new products and continue production of our existing popular ranges to meet demand across To page 4 >>

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Swedish corporate buys signage business

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ignage and graphics business Astley Signs, which has a base in Kettering, has been acquired by Swedish corporate group Mindelon AB. It now owns all the shares in Astley, whose head office is in Gateshead. Astley will become an independent company within Mindelon’s retail solutions division.

Managing director Gavin Redhead and sales director David Forrester remain in post in the new company.Mr Redhead said: “The transaction secures the future of the company for the next generation and enables it to continue to follow the path of investment, growth, and evolution we have successfully pursued over the last three decades.” n Corporate finance specialists at professional services firm Grant Thornton in Northampton have led the sale of London-based O’Donovan Waste Management to acquisitive Scandinavian group Sortera. The business, founded in 1959 by Joe O’Donovan, has been run by his daughter Jacqui for more than 30 years.

Grant Thornton corporate finance director Mike Hughes said: “The growth of O’Donovan is an inspiring story. I am confident it will go from strength to strength under Sortera’s ownership.”

Greencore’s production line in full flow. The Northampton firm donated around 2,000 sandwiches to those taking part in last month’s pageant in the town to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Sandwich manufacturer fuels pageant

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ood supplier Greencore played its part in Northampton’s celebrations of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee last month with donations of 2,000 sandwiches to participants in the pageant through the town.

More than 1,500 members of the military and emergency services, youth, community and religious groups tucked into the fare after the pageant.

Tim Jackson, site director at Greencore Northampton on Moulton Park, said: “We are proud of our long-standing history as a major employer in Northampton and it

is important to us that we play our role in the local community.”

Cllr André González De Savage, chairman of pageant co-organiser West Northamptonshire Council, said: “They are just one of dozens of major UK companies who call Northampton a base of operations and employ hundreds of people in the area, if not thousands if you count the suppliers and services they work with.

“I am very pleased they have stepped forward to show their commitment to their community here in Northamptonshire.”

Directors hail ‘significant hire

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he arrival of new commercial director Sam Savage at asbestos management company Acorn Analytical Services has been described as a ‘significant’ hire for the business.

Mr Savage has moved to the Northampton firm from an asbestos consultancy in Daventry where he worked for more than 20 years. In his new role, he is overseeing the sales function of the business as well as driving the day-to-day client management.

Mr Savage worked with fellow Acorn Analytical Services directors Neil Munro, Paul Knights and Ian Stone more than ten years ago. “Acorn is a fantastically successful business with ambitions to grow further in the coming months and

Acorn Analytical Services directors (from left) Neil Munro, Paul Knights, Sam Savage and Ian Stone years,” he said. “I cannot wait to get started and work with the team to realise those ambitions.”

Mr Munro said: “We have known about Sam joining the business for some time

now and is great to finally get this piece of news out there.” Fellow director Ian Stone added: “With his 20-plus years of experience in the asbestos industry, he will be a real asset to the company.”

Law firm’s AGM confirms partner moves and promotions

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wo promotions to partner head a clutch of upward moves for staff at Wilson Browne Solicitors.

Nine employees have been promoted to senior positions within the firm following the Annual General Meeting.

Childcare associate Helen Russell and commercial litigation associate David Farmer have both been promoted to partners.

Associates Emma Oliver and Travis Wood in commercial property and

David Farmer

Helen Russell

company and commercial solicitor Jessica Hooley become senior associates, as do private client legal

executive Stacy Ludlam and residential conveyancers Sam Brett and Russell Hurst.

Private client solicitor

Kayleigh Brown, the current Leicestershire Law Society’s Junior Solicitor of the Year, is promoted to associate.

“We are proud to be a firm that recognises excellence, no matter how long people have been here,” said Wilson Browne chair Kevin Rogers. “Congratulations to everyone that was promoted, the recognition is well deserved.

“It is equally great to see some of the faces that trained here enjoying fantastic careers with us.”

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

Business News

Security giant aims to tap into SME expertise after joining tech cluster

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efence and security giant BAE Systems has joined the Silverstone Technology Cluster as it seeks to engage more directly with the network’s membership of small and medium-sized businesses.

BAE Systems has presented at several of the network’s events over the past two

years, including at its annual conference in the autumn. The company is keen to tap into the STC membership’s niche specialisms.

BAE Systems works in sectors including aerospace, maritime, land, space and cyber. Its air sector’s Future Combat Air Systems business is a major partner in the

Tempest programme working to create an internationally collaborative future combat air system by the mid-2030s.

Chris Pett, FCAS’ head of supply chain, said: “We have an increased drive to engage with innovative SMEs which the STC represents very well.

We constantly need to move technology forwards to support

future and existing programmes.

It is important that we open up that route to market so as to be more accessible as a large prime contractor.”

Companies in the STC are set to benefit from working with BAE’s product and technology portfolio, he added. The business already works with the RAF and Royal Navy and with

UK security agencies on cyber security and software. It intends to work more closely with its supply chain so they can focus their work on areas that will help bring their capabilities and products to market.

“Inevitably, as our adversaries develop their capabilities so customer demand will change at a much more rapid pace

then we have previously been used to. In order to counter this threat, it is imperative we understand, embrace and integrate the future supply chain at a faster pace to ensure we are providing our customers with the most cutting-edge technology. The relationship with STC will help enable this.”

HR consultancy is sold in deal worth £6.1m Joining forces will strengthen our service offer, says CEO

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uman resources and health and safety compliance consultancy HR Solutions has been sold in a deal worth up to £6.1 million.

The company, based in Kettering and with an office in Milton Keynes, has been acquired by employment law, HR and health and safety business WorkNest through its parent company Marlowe plc.

HR Solutions, and its subsidiaries including Essential Safety will integrate into Marlowe’s WorkNest brand. WorkNest says the deal will bring ‘attractive’ synergies and will enhance the company’s HR and health and safety consultancy offer.

Greg Guilford, chief executive at HR Solutions, said: “Over the past few years we have been growing very quickly. This has been led by the great commitment our team has to our client base, their continued professionalism, as well as several acquisitions HR Solutions has made along

the way. We are excited at this development in joining WorkNest as this will further strengthen our service and bring considerable benefits to our clients through the scale and breadth of services offered by the wider group.”

Established in 2001 by Mr Guilford’s mother Carol, HR Solutions works with around 750 clients across the UK in sectors from small care agencies to multinational technology firms.

Mr Guilford, already an experienced HR practitioner, joined the company in 2008.

WorkNest’s chief executive Gavin Snell, pictured below, said: “We are excited to welcome HR Solutions’ clients and all of our new colleagues

Greg Guilford into the WorkNest family.

We share the same focus on employee engagement and high-quality client support and WorkNest has a strong track record of bringing such likeminded businesses together with positive outcomes. HR Solutions’ continued client service delivery is the priority but in the coming months, we will work on synergies and opportunities across the businesses.”

Sign up now: Businesses urged to join tourism app ahead of its launch

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usinesses across West Northamptonshire are encouraged to sign up for a new e-commerce and tourism app to boost footfall, increase local spend, and shine a spotlight on everything our area has to offer.

West Northamptonshire Council has worked with technology firm Bubltown to create the new ExploreWN app. It is set to be launched later this summer, but businesses are invited to sign up to it for free now, so they can set up their profile on the app and be ready to engage with customers from day one.

Funded by the government’s Welcome Back Fund with the aim of helping businesses recover from the pandemic

and return to growth, the platform offers a digital showcase for local businesses and attractions It is free for any West Northamptonshire business to join and use and allows them to create a profile, raise their reputation, boost their brand and increase sales.

The app will give residents easy access to local goods, services and discounts right on their doorstep and will include features to promote events, walking routes and local attractions.

Cllr Dan Lister, cabinet member for economic development and town centre regeneration on West Northamptonshire Council, said: “This is a powerful platform which will provide

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

businesses with the support they need to thrive in a more digital future as well as enhance the local quality of life, grow the local economy and support our vision of a thriving West Northamptonshire.

“We are dedicated to supporting businesses to grow, create jobs and prosper in this area. West Northants has the perfect combination of rural and urban offers and ExploreWN is going to showcase every hidden gem and reason to visit, shop and spend in our area.” n Businesses can find out more and sign up for free by visiting https://join. explorewn.co.uk

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Business News

Engineering firm wins NHS contract

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firm based in Northamptonshire has been appointed to deliver engineering services to the NHS. CooperÖstlund will provide engine installation and maintenance services to hospitals across the UK after being added to the NHS Shared Business Services’ Hard Facilities Management 2 framework agreement.

The Duston-based engine specialist has been awarded the Power Supply, Fuel and Steam Plant, Combined Head and Power Lot, enabling customers to access services including new and refurbished CHP engines, overhauls, service works, parts and breakdown support.

CooperÖstlund underwent a seven-month procurement process before receiving the good news. The framework agreement runs for up to four years. Chief executive Duncan McPherson said: “We are

delighted to have been named as a supplier on NHS Shared Business Services’ framework agreement. We look forward to working in partnership with NHS SBS and supporting its vision to make life easier for NHS employees, patients and suppliers, while delivering value for money to the taxpayer.”

The company has service teams located across the UK and Ireland. With a 100MW energy portfolio, the company has enjoyed an annual 47 per cent client growth. NHS Shared Business Services is a national provider for a range of estate and construction, health, digital and IT, and corporate services agreements.

The agreements can be used by all UK-based public sector organisations, including NHS organisations, local authorities, Further and Higher Education, housing associations and the emergency services.

Fortec’s newly upgraded distribution facility at Station Park near Daventry

£430k investment boosts logistics hub’s efficiency

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nvestment of £430,000 in new forklift trucks and improvements to its warehouse roof aims to improve efficiency and capacity at Fortec Distribution Network’s hub near Daventry.

IT’S NOT JUST A JOB.

The state-of-the-art RX70 LPG forklifts will enable its warehouse team to load and unload more quickly.

The roof upgrade, which is currently being installed, is designed to provide additional visibility through the use of skylights.

Fortec Distribution is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pall-Ex Group and one of the UK’s major palletised freight distribution networks. PallEx Group chief executive

Kevin Buchanan said: “This is a significant investment that has provided the operations team with more reliable kit, ensuring quicker turnarounds and an allround better service from the central hub.”

Fortec has invested £250,000 in 36 new forklift trucks and is spending £180,000 on upgrading the roof of its 210,000 sq ft warehouse at Station Park, near the Watford Gap

services on the M1 north of Daventry.

“We have replaced the previous fleet and increased it, enabling us to improve handling within the hub and reduce waiting times for our members,” said Mr Buchanan.

“The addition of the new roof will vastly improve the warehouse environment and provide the right setting to support our ambitious growth plans.”

Students build on their green credentials

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

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

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onstruction students at Northampton College will be ‘going green’ as part of a new focus on developing eco-credentials and creating a sustainable workspace.

The Green House Project will be part of the Advanced Construction and Engineering Centre that incorporates

environmentally-friendly resources such as a green roof, solar panels and hot water systems. It will be funded by donations and sponsors.

Industry partners attended the project’s official launch at the college’s Booth Lane campus.

Mark Bradshaw, curriculum manager for construction, said: “The construction industry has

a huge part to play in reducing our collective carbon footprint and green technology is central to many new developments.

It is something our students will be challenged with in the workplace so we want to create a sustainable learning resource where they can embrace the green revolution as part of their studies.”

Yes we Cannes: Yacht maker heads for Riviera >>From page 1

“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.”

Jennie Jahina Head of Employment

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

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the world. Apprentices based at our headquarters in Oundle will be working on models of up to 60 feet and be among a fantastic team of highly skilled and dedicated engineers who support production for our outstanding global dealer network.

“We have had generations of families work at Fairline throughout its rich history and seeing team members thrive throughout their careers with us is very rewarding.”

Cannes: Fairline is preparing to launch two new yachts at the Yachting Festival on the French Riviera in September

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

Business News Data firm moves to new facility

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marter transport data is being developed at the new facility operated by Traffic Technology at Silverstone

Park.

The system is key in developing more sustainable traffic patterns.The business specialises in data-driven monitoring through the supply of connected sensor technologies for vehicle, cycle and pedestrian travel to local authorities, police forces and government organisations.

Build, design and manufacture of its systems is all carried out at Silverstone Park and the business also oversees installation for customers.

Traffic Technology’s systems are supplied across the UK and Ireland

Martin Steers is pictured during his appearance before the Select Committee

Radio boss champions role of local journalism

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he station manager of Northampton radio station NLive Radio has given oral evidence to the DCMS Select Committee on the sustainability of local journalism.

Martin Steers was representing the UK Community Radio Network, of which he is a cofounder.

The committee opened its inquiry in February to examine the challenges facing local news

organisations and what support they need in order to maintain their democratic function. Mr Steers, alongside News Media Association chief executive Owen Meredith and David Powell, chair at Local TV Network, gave evidence about local journalism on community radio stations and the issues that may impact its future.

Mr Steers said: “It was a nervous but a worthwhile experience, expressing the concerns of the

community radio sector regarding the sustainability of journalism.

Our thoughts, comments and input seemed to be well received by the Select Committee, and I hope it can help start further conversations to secure more opportunities for the sector.”

He also met several MPs including Northampton South’s Andrew Lewer, to discuss NLive Radio and its plans to bring digital radio to Northampton.

and the company has a distribution network in France that sells monitoring systems worldwide.

Managing director Richard Toomey said: “Sustainable transport monitoring has become more prolific. We believe we are helping to take this to the next step by developing non-intrusive machine learning to determine if it is a cyclist, a pedestrian, a vehicle etc.

“Traditional monitoring has been used in road sensors or GDPR contentious, vision-based sensors to build data.

“However, with the development of machine learning radar, we are moving to the next generation of detection in a changing street scene environment.”

Retail giant boosts its logistics fleet

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etail giant Primark has added an initial 40 new trailers to its distribution fleet based at its depot at Islip near Thrapston.

It has awarded its new third-party logistics contact to Wincanton which

delivered the all-new fleet of tractors and trailers from Tiger Trailers, with wrapping support from Finch Signs of Raunds. Primark has now placed an order for more than 40 further trailers, which will be manufactured in the autumn and into 2023.

e-commerce firm leads UK growth list

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ulfilment house James & James Fulfilment has been named among the 100 fastest-growing companies in the UK. The Northampton-based

County economy set for £7m windfall funding

company works with online retailers and is ranked 60th in the Growth Index list with a compound annual growth rate of 60.7 per cent.

GOODRICH CONSULTING LLP Photo: Hawkers Yard, Ruislip Wrenbridge Land

Skills improvement is priority to receive share

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overnment funding of more than £7 million is set to boost the West Northamptonshire economy over the next three years.

The money will be used to improve people’s life chances, increase skills, create stronger communities and support local businesses.

It includes £5.4 million from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund - the largest allocation in the South East Midlands.

West Northamptonshire Council will work with partners and providers to develop proposals to deliver the funds.

There is also a potential allocation of up to £1.9

Cllr Dan Lister million in Multiply funding, which both replace previous strands of European social funding.

Cllr Dan Lister, cabinet member for economic development, town centre regeneration and growth, said: “This money will help us to ensure that residents,

The Shared Prosperity Fund is intended to: ■

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numeracy as better education in this area has been shown to improve people’s chances of progressing their careers. Its allocation is dependent on a robust business case.

Boost productivity, pay, jobs and living standards by growing the private sector; Spread opportunities and improve public services;

businesses and communities in West Northamptonshire have the support they need to grow and adapt to our changing economic landscape.

“In collaboration with stakeholders, community groups and local partners, we will analyse the greatest needs for West Northamptonshire and develop proposals to best address the opportunities using these funding pots.

“We are dedicated to supporting and growing the local economy, particularly as it recovers from the pandemic.

It is the vision for WNC to deliver economic prosperity in this area, making it a place where everyone will thrive.”

Its primary aims are to: Result in more adults achieving maths qualifications;

Restore a sense of community, local pride and belonging;

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Empower local leaders and communities.Multiply funding is specifically targeted at improving

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Improve outcomes for employers;

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Increase general numeracy levels.

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Your donations have reached the right place

Ex-SEMLEP chair becomes a Dame

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Now priority is food and medical supplies, say BID convoy

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convoy delivering food, clothes and medical supplies to Polish refugee camps on the border of Ukraine has safely returned to Northampton.

The convoy, organised

by Brackmills Business Improvement District and logistics firm Goodwill Solutions, travelled more than 2,400 miles over three days, delivering tonnes of goods and even donating the three vehicles they travelled over in.

The vehicles crossed the English Channel to Calais then drove through Belgium and Holland to Berlin and then through Poland - by far the longest leg, said BID chief executive Sara Homer

who took part in the trip.

“What an experience. There were some real moments of anxiety - were we safe?

Would the team be able to safely deliver our three vehicles to the Ukrainian army?

“They were, we were and all the donations were safely delivered to the people who really needed our support.”

John Sherriff, group development director of Goodwill Solutions, added: “It is pretty tense over there.

Provisions were dropped off in the middle of the night and we drove to the border to deliver our vehicles to the military. The trip as a whole was a success. We met a lot of people on the way, other convoys, and we are

planning another trip.

“We needed to show to all the generous people of Northamptonshire that their donations have got to the right places. We learned along the way that what is now needed is not clothes but food and medical supplies.”

The convoy transported donations from Rotary Clubs, councils, individuals and parish churches.

“Please keep donating,” said Mr Sherriff. “This war is not going to be over any time soon. It may not be on the news as much but our donation hub will remain

open until we know everyone is safe.

“We met some incredible people along the way and safely delivered all the goods that had been so generously donated by the people of Northamptonshire,” said Ms Homer.

“Along the journey we met and waved to ambulances, fire engines and other vehicles, all making the same journey as us.

“It was incredibly humbling and we all want to return and keep on doing our part to help these people so in need.”

Support the Northampton Supports Ukraine campaign n To donate products visit Goodwill Solutions, 1056 Deer Park Road, NN3 6RX between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Call 01604 422464 on arrival. n There is a dedicated bank account for financial donations.

Name: Goodwill Solutions CIO Sort code 20-90-08, Account number 63993264

he founding chair of the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership has received a Damehood in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List for her services to young people and philanthropy.

Ann Limb said she would use the honour to ‘encourage young people, regardless of their start in life, to step up to serve humanity with kindness, compassion and in a spirit of peace building’.

She left SEMLEP in 2019 and is currently chair of The Scouts - the first woman to be elected chair of trustees in the movement’s 108-year history - and is vice chair of the City & Guilds of London Institute.

Ms Limb received an OBE for public service and services to education in 2011 and, four years later, a CBE for public and political services.

Ann Limb

Advertising Feature

Where a new era is under way

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idshires have been operating successfully for over 19 years. There has been lots of high and a few lows during that period, but when Managing Director Ben Fountain looks back he is very proud of where the business now sits and even more prouder of the people now rising to the top within it.

Nothing proves Ben’s point more than the current set-up of leaders now managing the business - Jamie Faulkner and Craig Rose managing both the sales and operations side of the business.

Supported fantastically by Sarah Cameron and Victoria Inns in finance and accounts, Kevin Banks and Karl Scalabrin in projects and sales, as well as Paul Houghton in procurement and Andreas Georgiades running the warehouse and counter.

In total, these people have over 60 years of experience working for Midshires Electrical & Lighting and they know what is required to get results and work together as a team.

Ben Fountain says: “Sometimes you have to be brave and ignore the hype and promises made by others and back people you truly know and trust. If their attitude is right and team sentiment is good, that is one of the main ingredients to build a successful future on.

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“Obviously it is essential that I provide support guidance and advice when required but that is something I enjoy giving. Especially when someone wants to listen, learn and become more professional.

“It’s of no surprise to me. The success the new management team are now having is because people have taken the opportunity and stepped up to the plate and doing the job well, working with integrity and building trust quickly as well as revelling in the responsibility.”

Ben’s only regret is that he did not bring some of the younger people at Midshires into management roles a lot sooner. “Sometimes you just make the wrong call and employ the wrong people. Eventually the mistake is realised and you become a little wiser. With that experience, you can then help a younger management team avoid some of the pitfalls and errors that were made before.“ With that all said, the future of the company is in very strong hands. There is still work to be done but with everybody working hard and moving in the right direction, there is no doubt a lot positive changes are benefitting ourcustomers, the business and, of course, the management and their teams working in it!

Exciting times at Midshires lay ahead. Watch this space...

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

Business News

New technology highlights construction skills gap

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alls for improved skills levels and more apprentices in the construction industry have been welcomed by building supplies merchant Travis Perkins.

The company, headquartered in Northampton, has responded to publication of the All Party Parliamentary Group for SME House Builders report into ways to support achievement of the government’s target of 300,000 new homes built in the UK each year.

The move to Modern Methods of Construction, new ways of delivering projects and the need to adopt new technology and innovations have created an industry that is evolving at pace, with an emphasis on sustainability. These new technologies have highlighted the need to improve workforce skills levels and sustainable building

Government report calls for campaign to win future talent’s hearts and minds practices are becoming increasingly important as the UK moves towards net zero, the report says.

It adds that promoting the benefits of a career in construction and showing how the industry is now safer, cleaner and more modern was also identified as vital for the future health of the sector.

Builders and colleges should work more closely together as their ambitions are similar; to produce an industry of skilled tradespeople. The report calls for early intervention at schools, especially in the area of careers advice, where apprenticeships are not always a focus and are often seen as secondary to university.

Government also needs to make better use of social media as a way of winning the hearts and minds of potential younger employees, the report concludes.

Published last month and launched at the House of Commons, it follows a call for evidence from the APPG to ask how the UK can boost its delivery of improved skills and more well trained and motivated apprentices.

Travis Perkins managing director Kieran Griffin said: “We are passionate about helping to build better, more sustainable communities, to enrich lives for generations to come.”

The company has around 1,000 staff enrolled on apprenticeships on

Kieran Griffin more than 40 programmes across the Travis Perkins Group. “By also providing these apprenticeships via the Builders Merchants Federation, we also see it as a responsibility to contribute to developing talent for the broader construction sector,” Mr Griffin said.

Apprenticeships have proved to be

a vital route in creating a pipeline of talent for the future. The pandemic has had a significant impact on the overall numbers of apprenticeships in construction but numbers are moving upwards. In January there were 14,900 new apprenticeship starts in construction in August-October 2021. At the same period in 2020, there were 8,200 starts, compared with 11,700 in the year before the pandemic.

The APPG was chaired by Andrew Lewer, MP for Northampton South.

“The findings of this report are critical to enabling us to build the types and volume of houses the nation needs,” he said. “The report is also critical to enhancing the appeal of working in building and construction as a wellpaid, fulfilling career for more of the brightest, best and hardest working of our young people.”

Chamber welcomes new members

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ine Chateau Limited is the latest business to join the Wellingborough and East Northants Chamber of Commerce.

The family business, based in Silver Street, is the first specialised wine merchant which focuses only on Moldovan wines. “We focus on quality wines produced by winemakers in Moldova with an extraordinary heritage and exceptional culture for wine processing,”

said managing director Constantin Paunoiu.

He decided to join the Chamber after meeting its president Pritesh Ganatra at a networking event. “Since then, Pritesh has unconditionally offered support,” Mr Paunoiu said.

Also new to Chamber membership is Business Mechanisms Coaching & Consulting, run by Robert and SarahLouise Isaacson.

Nick Freeman welcomes you to his new studio

Photographer has the future in focus

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hotographer Nick Freeman has opened his second studio in Northamptonshire.

Nick Freeman Photography has built its reputation from his original studio in Corby for the past five years.

“I have been using the corner of my dining room as an office space for the last few years and really wanted to find somewhere that would give me a dedicated space for

editing and client face to face meetings that did not involve a car journey,” Mr Freeman said.

The new studio, in Rothwell, has a desk work meeting area downstairs and a studio gallery upstairs with floor to ceiling glass. “It creates a really lovely bright airy space that lends itself to anything where you need creative light.”

Mr Freeman, who has been a

photographer for 34 years, has also taken on board customer feedback with the new studio.

“My original studio is essentially just a box but that brings great benefits as you can make it whatever you want it to be. It is quite big though when you just need a small spot for a headshot and some clients felt a bit intimidated when they came in. I wanted to be able to offer another option.”

For the latest business news from around Northamptonshire, visit www.business-times.co.uk

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Business News

Rock ‘n’ roll: Special edition Minis mark music icon’s 60 years of loud

Classic style meets the electric vehicle age

T L

uxury vehicle manufacturer David Brown Automotive has manufactured 60 special edition versions of its Mini Remastered model to celebrate rock ‘n’ roll audio icon Marshall’s 60th anniversary.

Each car features Marshall-inspired touches including an upgraded sound system, with new dashtop-mounted tweeters, additional speakers in the doors and equipment fitted to the rear parcel shelf.

There are plenty more touches to reflect the Marshall brand and colours, including Marshall Gold brake calipers and wheels Each car is hand-painted in Marshall Black with gold coach-lining to the roof, pinstripes and Marshall logos to the doors.

David Brown Automotive founder and chief executive David Brown said: “We are hugely influenced by music and to partner with such an iconic brand to create this very special Mini Remastered,

and to help them celebrate 60 years in business, a momentous milestone, was an opportunity we did not want to pass on. It seems fitting to unite the classic Mini and Marshall - two British icons - and in doing so to inject the Mini, a favourite among music stars through the ages, with serious rock and roll appeal. We are delighted with the resulting car.”

Marshall, based in Bletchley since the late 1960s, and David Brown Automotive will each donate a portion of the proceeds from each sale to the Music Venue Trust, a charity that supports independent concert venues throughout the UK. Marshall Amplification’s managing director Jon Ellery said: “This project has caused great excitement at Marshall. Mini Remastered Marshall Edition is a truly stylish and fitting way of celebrating our diamond anniversary, uniting our iconic, proudly British brand with a stunningly reimagined version of an iconic design,

likely Britain’s most loved car. It is a perfect match.

“We are also thrilled to be supporting the Music Venue Trust with this partnership.

It is an organisation extremely close to our hearts at Marshall and we are looking forward to helping them continue their vital work, getting the independent venues and the UK’s independent music scene back on their feet after the shock of the recent years.”

David Brown Automotive located to its state-of-the-art 18,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility at Silverstone Park in 2017, where it remains among the growing number of innovative engineering and manufacturing businesses.

Mr Brown said: “We are also proud to be supporting the Music Venue Trust, in partnership with Marshall, a fantastic charity doing its utmost to restore the UK’s independent live music scene after such a challenging period.”

ake a look at a very special car: an electrified 1952 Jaguar XK120.

It is a world first, comprising a leather-free interior that utilises ocean clean-up materials, including carpets woven from reclaimed nylon fishing nets with backing upcycled from plastic found in thre world’s oceans.

The car is pictured at the handover to its owner outside the Savile Row shop in London of bespoke shoe maker Arthur Sleep by its manufacturer Lunaz at its Silverstone factory Ahead of the first drive, Lunaz chief executive David Lorenz handed over a pair of bespoke shoes, made from the same textile material as the seats of the Jaguar XK120, to the car’s owner.

“Lunaz customers delight in every element of the commissioning, design, restoration and electrification process,” said Mr Lorenz. “To

reflect the conclusion of this long and involved journey we like to create something special related to the build.

“Furthering the legacies of the most celebrated cars in the world is a labour of love derived from close collaboration with every Lunaz customer. In handing over this beautiful electrified and upcycled Jaguar XK120, we conclude a project that has empowered our designers to reimagine the traditional classic car material palette.

“We are proud to take materials and create processes that significantly reduce the global impact of enjoying these cars by unlocking the power of upcycling.”

The company is among one of the fastest growing in Britain and has attracted investment from institutional names including the Barclay, Dalal and Reuben families and David Beckham.

We’re celebrating logistics across Northamptonshire

B

rackmills Business Improvement District is delighted to once again be supporting the Northamptonshire Logistics Awards, designed to celebrate the success of everyone, at every level working in this key sector.

This year the BID is sponsoring the Unsung Hero of the Year category, a category that will “recognise and celebrate the unsung heroes from across our sector – from warehouse colleagues to drivers, to transport managers, security to team leaders”.

More Brackmills businesses than ever before were recognised for excellence in the 2021 Northamptonshire Logistics Awards.

Sara Homer, Brackmills BID chief

executive, says: “And this year we want to do even better. We are home to a staggering amount of innovation, talent and success so are delighted to be

both sponsoring the awards and to be supporting and encouraging our resident businesses with their entries.”

The closing date for entries has been

extended to Monday July 4 at 9am, giving businesses a little extra time to submit their entries.

Sara, pictured left, added: “These awards are a highlight in our Brackmills calendar and this year we have offered our Brackmills businesses some professional support with their applications - all part of our status as a Business Improvement District.

“Our BID PR consultant has been on hand to help and advise. We are passionate about raising the profile of our estate and our resident businesses and this is a great way to do just this.”

The BID would like to wish everyone the best of luck with their applications and we look forward to seeing many of you at the awards ceremony later this year.

Find out more about the awards at https://nlawards.co.uk 8

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Money Matters

Don’t let desperation lead to disqualification 9% inflation adds to

pressure on prices

In difficult times, anxiety can distort rational thinking and lead to risky decision-making, warns insolvency specialist Lauren Auburn, a director at BRI.

I

n this current climate of ever-increasing costs, reduced customer spending and the lingering aftereffects of the pandemic, some company directors may - out of sheer desperation - be tempted to resort to dishonest, irresponsible or even illegal measures to boost capital and sustain normal trading.

If their business subsequently enters into a formal insolvency process and any such activities come to light, the liquidator or administrator will be duty-bound to report any misconduct to The Insolvency Service and, in the case of possible criminal acts, to the police.

Many businesses use invoice financing as a means by which to maintain a healthy working capital. This service constitutes a form of shortterm borrowing whereby a business will ‘sell’ its account receivables - payments due from customers - to a factoring provider, normally a division

of a bank or other financial service company.

Under a binding agreement, the factoring provider will advance monies to the business on receipt of the relevant sale invoices and then proceed to collect the payments from customers in repayment of the advance. As security, a personal guarantee will generally be required from the director(s).

The process is susceptible to a form of malpractice known as ‘fresh-air invoicing’ - the submission of an invoice to the factoring provider and drawing of credit prior to the delivery of the related goods or services, in contravention of the agreement. Naturally, customers who have not yet received their order will be unwilling to make payment of sum demanded under the terms of the invoice when approached by the provider, undermining the core basis of the agreement.

For the director, the

B Lauren Auburn

consequences of engaging in fresh-air invoicing can be severe. In addition to becoming personally liable for the debts owed to the provider, as such behaviour would be considered misconduct under the Company Directors’ Disqualification Act 1986, they may also face a ban from acting as in the management of a limited company. In a recent case, The Insolvency Service secured disqualification orders with a combined length of 17 years against two company officers who had submitted false invoices to a factoring provider.

Of course, invoice financing is an extremely useful service for many businesses but

any such arrangement must be managed responsibly to ensure compliance with the agreement and avoid the consequences of personal liability and/or legal action.

However, in difficult times anxiety can distort rational thinking and lead to risky decision-making and that is why it is vital to seek levelheaded, professional advice if financial problems are threatening to overwhelm your business. n For a free, no-obligation and confidential discussion, contact any one of the management team at BRI Business Recovery and Insolvency.

With sustainability at the forefront of the political agenda, businesses are facing increasing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint and become more environmentally conscious. Aside from the benefits to the planet, going green can also provide considerable tax savings for businesses. Tim Woodgates, of Moore UK chartered accountants, takes a look at two of the tax saving schemes currently available to UK businesses.

Take your business green and reap the tax benefit

I

n a bid to reduce the number of vehicles on the road, the government introduced the Cycle to Work scheme, which incentivises bicycle travel by providing employers and employees with an opportunity to reap some of the associated tax benefits.

Employers may choose to operate a salary sacrifice scheme, paying for the bike and any additional equipment - such as a helmet - on behalf of the employee.

In turn, an agreed amount will be deducted from the employees’ gross pay each month.

Employees have the option to buy the bike from the company at its second-hand value in the future.

As providing a company cycle is a considered an exempt non-cash benefit (benefit in kind), the employee will not suffer any tax disadvantage from the scheme. In fact, both employers and employees will benefit from reduced National Insurance contributions on employees pay.

In addition, the purchase of bikes and equipment is considered capital expenditure so will qualify for capital

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Electric cars are growing in popularity and the tax incentives available are part of the reason allowances such as Annual Investment Allowance or writing down allowances.

VAT registered companies will be eligible for full VAT relief.

Electric cars are growing in popularity and the tax incentives available are part of the reason why.

For an employer, providing a fully electric company car results in a typically very low taxable “benefit in kind”.

This means that the tax position for the employee is considerably better than a petrol or diesel version of a vehicle of the same specification.

From an employer perspective, the benefits of providing electric company cars continue, with a reduction in Class

usinesses in Northamptonshire and across the East Midlands are preparing to raise their prices in response to spiralling inflationary pressures, says new research from professional services firm Grant Thornton.

Its latest Business Outlook Tracker survey finds that almost one in five midmarket firms have put up their prices, with 38 per cent intending to follow suit in the next few months.

More than half of these businesses expect any price increase to remain in place for at least 12 months, although only 19pc anticipate that this will be permanent.

Rising costs, wage inflation and energy bills have hit confidence in the mid-market with 50pc of respondents in the East Midlands remaining optimistic about the outlook of the UK economy, a 12 percentage point decrease compared to February.

Hopes of revenue growth have also dwindled, with 40pc expecting turnover to increase compared to 76pc in February.

Sue Knight, pictured below, Grant Thornton partner and practice leader in the Midlands, said: “With inflation running at 9pc and predicted to rise even further, the mid-market in

the East Midlands is bracing itself for another challenging period. If they have not done so already, many are seriously considering when they need to increase prices in order to maintain acceptable profitability and cashflow levels.

“Acting quickly and decisively to manage rising inflation rates could mean passing on increased prices to the consumer but management teams also need to be looking at every aspect of their business to identify potential savings.”

These challenges have also led to changes in investment priorities.

Investment expectations for the next six months have dropped significantly across all areas monitored by the Tracker.

The most significant drop in the East Midlands, of 33pc, is seen in R&D, followed by skills development (-29pc), technology (-13pc) and growing in international markets (-7pc).

“Due to the current situation, there has been a real shift in the midmarket’s priorities, with the increasing uncertainty stalling investment expectations,” said Ms Knight. “This is likely because many businesses are facing a double squeeze, with almost every cost increasing alongside rising concern from the potential of slowing consumer demand.”

Tim Woodgates

1A NIC contributions. If the vehicles are purchased outright, the business can write off the full cost value against the profits of the same period by virtue of 100 per cent First Year Allowances.

Further tax write-offs can be claimed by the business if an electric charging point is installed at their premises. If the employer pays to charge an employee’s electric company car then no fuel benefit arises for the employee.

If the business opts to lease an electric car rather than purchasing one outright, it can obtain full tax relief on the lease payments made.

As environmental pressures continue, businesses have an obligation to consider how they can become sustainable. In addition to tax savings, a reduced carbon footprint can enhance overall customer perception, leading to growth and ultimately, longer-term profitability.

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to receive Business Times on your mobile.

n For further advice, contact Moore Chartered Accountants on 01536 461900 or visit www.moore.co.uk

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

Business News

Lawyers guide cinch in Eagles sponsorship deal

L

awyers in Northampton have played a central role in the deal that sees online car marketplace cinch become front of shirt sponsor at Premier League football club Crystal Palace.

Howes Percival’s corporate and commercial partner Matthew Thompson, pictured, advised cinch on the deal’s negotiations.

Under the multi-year agreement, cinch becomes the Eagles’ official front of shirt sponsor for the 2022-23 season for both the men and women’s teams, on a multi-year contract.

It is also to be the club’s official training wear partner as part of the deal, giving cinch significant brand exposure across the club’s Academy teams, Selhurst Park stadium, digital channels and branding on all replica shirts.

Mr Thompson said: “This was an important and highly sensitive transaction for both cinch and Crystal Palace. We were delighted to help cinch achieve its sponsorship and we look forward to seeing Crystal Palace wearing the cinch sponsorship next

season and beyond”.

Avril Palmer-Baunack, chair of cinch’s owners Constellation Automotive Group, added: “We are delighted to be joining Crystal Palace as front of shirt sponsor. cinch is an ambitious brand that has achieved a lot in a short space of time and this new partnership will further support our expansion in the UK car market.

We look forward to working with the teams, fans and local community and have high hopes for the club next season.”

Cinch has a sporting sponsorship portfolio that also includes England Cricket, the Scottish Premiership Football League and Northampton Saints rugby club.

Students and chefs in the kitchens at Silverstone

Young chefs savour their ‘special opportunity’

W

orking at the Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone serving around 2,500 covers is the culmination of their study for catering students at Milton Keynes College.

The college has agreed a partnership with Silverstone Circuit that will see 30 catering students work alongside the racing circuit’s events team from September as part

of their training. The partnership will become part of the college’s new T-level - the new work-based qualification equivalent to A-Level - catering course from September 2023.

The students will spend half their time at the college for the academic aspects of their course and the other half at Silverstone where they will learn practical skills from chefs and professionals.

Their training culminates in the British Racing Drivers Club hospitality marquee where they will serve around 2,500 covers over the three days. There is also the possibility for the students of securing employment at Silverstone at the end of their course, said Silverstone Circuit’s head chef Dean Hoddle-Smith.

“This is a special opportunity for any budding new chef.”

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Business News

Proud to ‘demolish old norms’

Highways deal puts residents’ priorities first

W

est and North Northamptonshire Councils have announced Kier as their preferred contractor to deliver a new highways service with increased investment this autumn. The new maintenance contract is part of the £30 million-a-year service, which includes maintaining roads, footpaths, signage and drainage, repairing potholes and winter gritting.

The current contract, delivered by Kier and WSP under arrangements inherited from the former county council, was procured over a decade ago. The councils say it lacks the flexibility required to meet the changing priorities of the council and its community. The new contract will run for seven years and may be extended by up to a further seven years based on performance and quality of the service.

Cllr Phil Larratt, cabinet member for environment, highways, transport and

Pride parade sponsor pledges to champion diversity and inclusion

Cllr Jonathan Nunn waste services at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “We are starting afresh with new priorities and requirements that fully reflect the present-day needs of our communities. ” Residents have been calling for improvements to the service, added council leader Cllr Jonathan Nunn. “While they accept the need to spend more, they need to feel certain that we are getting the best value and quality for their money. We have procured a truly flexible contract that will focus on the priorities of our residents as we know these can change over time.”

His counterpart at North Northamptonshire Council Cllr Jason Smithers said: “A fit-for-purpose highways contract is essential in the delivery of so many services and vital if we are going to move towards being net carbon zero by 2030.”

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

A

major employer in Northamptonshire has shown its commitment to diversity and inclusion by sponsoring the Pride Northampton parade.

Building supplies giant Travis Perkins plc sponsored last month’s parade for the first time, welcoming the opportunity to celebrate diversity and show its support for its employees and the entire LGBTQ+ community.

All 20,000 Travis Perkins plc employees, including 1,600 in Northamptonshire, have been encouraged to use Pride to learn more about what it means to become good allies to lesbian, gay, bi, trans and questioning and took part in a range of activities, including training, talks and debates. Many also marked the occasion by wearing rainbow laces or dressing brightly during June to show their support.

Robin Miller, inset, Travis Perkins’ general counsel, company secretary and sponsor of the group’s LGBTQ+ network, said: “We are committed to become a more inclusive business that attracts a more diverse range of talents and people so we provide a work environment that better reflects the diversity of the communities where we live and work.”

The Pride Northampton parade was a

Employees at Travis Perkins wore rainbow laces last month to show their support celebration of diversity and support for everyone from the local LGBTQ+ community, he added.

The parade was organised by the Northampton Pride committee and West Northamptonshire Council’s LGBTQ+ and Allies Forum. Council chairman Cllr André González De Savage said: “When we use the word community, we do not just mean neighbours, sports clubs and

churches. We also mean businesses, especially those who employ thousands of people and pay salaries which are spent within the area.

“It makes me very proud to see not only a household name based in Northampton stepping forward to support its community but also to see an historic business demolish old norms, to break new ground and open doorways to the LGBTQ+ community.”

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Networking The business networking events this month across Northamptonshire positive attitude of mutual face-to-face.

All monthly breakfast meetings, 7.30am-9.30am.

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

National networking Every Wednesday at noon.

Contact Gary Thorpe for all events.

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

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

Price: £16.

Northampton 3rd Wednesday: The Turnpike, Harpole.

Price: £16.

Elite BNI (Kettering) Tuesday 6.45am-8.30am: Online Ignite BNI (Daventry) Tuesday 6.45am-8.30am: The Turnpike, Harpole Northampton Pioneer BNI (Northamptonshire) Wednesday 9.30am-11am: Online Pavilion BNI (Northampton) Thursday 6.45am-8.30am: The Old Northamptonians RFC, Sir Humphrey Cripps Pavilion, Billing Road, Northampton Prosperity BNI (Kettering) Thursday 6.45am-8.30am: The Kettering Golf Club, Headlands, Kettering, Sterling BNI (Northampton) Thursday 11.45am-1.30pm: The Old Northamptonians RFC, Sir Humphrey Cripps Pavilion, Billing Road, Northampton Lighthouse BNI (Northampton) Friday 6.45am-8.30am Franklin’s Gardens, Weedon Road, Northampton

Brunch 2nd Tuesday 9.30am-11am: Online Breakfast 4th Wednesday 7.30am-9am: Online 3rd Thursday 7.30am-9am: Online 2nd Friday 7.30am-9am: Online

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

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

Advice and tips on time management and productivity.

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

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

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

Northamptonshire July 28 10am-11am: Online Hosted by Sally Wood, director of Sally Wood Consultancy Limited and FSB area leader for Northants, Leics & Rutland.

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

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

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

All Business Buzz events run 10am-noon Brackley Buzz July 7: Plough Pub & Kitchen, High Street.

Price: £6.

Northampton Buzz July 20: Fox & Hounds, Harborough Road.

Price: £6.

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

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

Members believe there is so much to gain with a

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MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP July 28 9.30am-11am: Poppy Design Studio, Elgee Works, Victoria Street, Desborough Free event for NNBN members.

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

VIRTUAL MEETINGS Price: £6

Afternoon Fridays 3pm-4pm: Online If you are serious about growing your business, BNI works. Last year BNI members in the UK generated more than £482 million worth of business for each other. To find out how, visit a local chapter meeting and see for yourself.

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

NETWORKING July 14 9.30am-10.30am: Online via Zoom Free event for NNBN members; visitors £4.99

Networking events provide a platform to meet and build relationships with peers and fellow members. The group also hosts personal development sessions, with talks from business leaders EVERYONE SELLS! July 26 5.30pm-7pm: Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce office, Northampton Personal development event. Presenter: Julie Futcher, The Sales Ace. Free event for Next Generation Chamber members. To book, email info@ nextgenerationchamber.co.uk.

NNBN is a business membership for North Northamptonshire which aims to help businesses in the North Northants area recover, build and grow for a brighter future NNBN SOCIAL July 1 8pm-10pm: The Raj, Rockingham Road, Kettering Price: c.£30, depending on food order. Partners welcome.

NETWORKING July 5 7pm-8.30pm: The Threshing Barn, Chester House Estate Free event for NNBN members; visitors £10.

Free to attend for start-up and established businesses.

Meetings run from 9.30am to 10.30am.

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

Greg Pawsey, host of Brackley Buzz which meets on the first Thursday of the month, 10am-noon, at The Plough in High Street

Kettering July 13 9.30am-10.30am: Holiday Inn Express, Kettering. Price: £6.

Corby July 19 9.30am: ViRAL Entertainment Price: £6 East Northants Details to be confirmed.

Check website for updates.

Wellingborough July 11 9am-10am: Online. Free event.

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

July 6 9.30am-11am: Northampton County Lawn Tennis Club, Church Way. Price: £6.

Book via www.northamptonbusinessnetwork. co.uk.

BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS + NETWALKING July 20 8.30am-10am: Stanwick Lakes Informal networking over a breakfast roll and hot drink. Followed by ‘netwalking’ - networking while you walk in the great outdoors.

Price: £10 + VAT Chamber members; nonmembers £15 + VAT. Contact: Visit www.northants-chamber.co.uk/ events.

SUMMER MEETING July 15 7am-10am: Stanwick Lakes Theme: The environment. Meeting open to all Chamber members, business representatives and local stakeholders.

Agenda and speakers tbc.

For more details and to book, visit www.wencc. co.uk.

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

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

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

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

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

Kettering July 12 12 noon-2pm: Kettering Park Hotel Wellingborough July 20 12 noon-2pm: The Stanwick Hotel, West Street, Stanwick Northampton July 14 12 noon-2pm: Old White Hart, Cotton End, Far Cotton, Northampton South Northants July 19 12 noon-2pm: The White Horse, Stocks Hill, Silverstone THE CONNECTIONS CLUB - NORTHANTS Only open to business owners, influencers and decision-makers, this is a structured and professional group, which gives people the opportunity to connect with other business owners who are serious about growth.

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

Northampton July 5 11.45am-2pm: Delapre Abbey, London Road, Northampton.

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

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

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of Three

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

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

CHARTERED

Financial Planners

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TAXATION

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

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Property Portfolio

Landlords beware... The council is coming (maybe) Plans that effectively force landlords to rent out empty property are not the answer to the challenges facing the retail sector, says the RICS

Proposals by the government to give councils powers to let vacant High Street units through auctions are pressing ahead. Samantha Jones, of Prop-Search in Northampton, assesses the implications.

Samantha Jones

T

he government’s proposal to give local councils powers to let vacant high street properties through compulsory rental auctions appears to be pushing ahead despite industry concerns, says commercial property agent Prop-Search.

The government has now published draft legislation - the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill - aimed at unlocking new powers for local authorities to bring empty premises back into use and instigate rental auctions of vacant commercial properties in town centres and on high streets.

Samantha Jones, an associate director of PropSearch, says: “Under the Bill, a local authority will be able to designate a street or an area as important to the local economy because of the concentration of high street uses. The range of high street uses defined in the Bill is wide and includes shops, offices, restaurants and light industrial but not warehouses. Once designated, vacant units are vulnerable to local authority intervention

if it considers occupation would be beneficial to the local economy, society or environment.”

A unit is determined as vacant if it is unoccupied for a year or, broadly, if it has been unoccupied for at least 366 days in the last two years. If premises qualify, the local authority can serve notice on the landlord, valid for ten weeks, during which the landlord will not be able to let the property without the local authority’s consent and then only if the letting begins within eight weeks, lasts for at least a year and will have people regularly present at the property.

If no tenancy has been agreed within eight weeks, the local authority can serve a final notice. At this point, the landlord can serve counter notice and, if necessary, appeal.

Grounds for appeal include: n The premises were not vacant or not suitable for the local authority’s intended high street use; n The local benefit argument is not met; n The landlord intends to

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These proposals are understandably controversial and there is some scepticism whether they will achieve the desired effect

carry out substantial works of construction, demolition or reconstruction affecting the premises; n The landlord intends to occupy the premises for the purposes of business or as a residence; n The local authority failed to consent to a letting during the initial letting notice.

If the landlord does not appeal or is unsuccessful, the property can be taken to auction. Once a successful bidder has been identified, the local authority will enter into a contract with that bidder for a short-term tenancy of the premises. This will be for a term of at least one year but

not exceeding five years and will take effect as if it was entered into by the landlord.

Ms Jones says: “These proposals are understandably controversial and there is some scepticism whether they will achieve the desired effect.”

“While business premises remain empty without any lease in place, the burden of paying business rates falls to the landlord. Many landlords facing such large rates bills

are already offering units on peppercorn or nominal rents to mitigate this liability and if there is no appetite for them on this basis, is there going to be any interest in the rental auction?”

Reinvigorating the high street is what all parties want but in a workable framework,she adds.

“Prospective tenants looking to bag a high street property at a local authority auction may not be so keen on the rates liability and nothing in

the Bill suggests there will be any rates mitigation schemes for the lucky auction winners.

That would definitely help the high street.”

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, while welcoming the move to bring empty commercial property back into use, has also said that the government’s proposals to effectively force commercial landlords to rent out an empty property may be “too blunt a tool” and one which does not fully address the challenges faced in the retail sector.

The reasons why many shops are unoccupied are complex, the RICS adds, including demand, business rates, planning permission, shifting consumer habits with the rise of online retail, and this proposed new legislation does not address these issues.

So, landlords with empty high street properties beware…

Production up at new facility

D

emand for its innovative energy storage systems has led a company to more than double the size of its facilities at Silverstone Park.

PUNCH Flybrid has fitted out 5,700 sq ft of workshop and office space in order to increase production. This adds to its headquarters on the park.

Its systems can reduce fuel consumption by up to 60 per cent. Demand is mainly from the construction sector but the technology is also being applied in other sectors such as wind turbines and mining.

The increased premises has also created ten new jobs, said managing director Tobias Knichel.

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

Your Business Times GRIFFITHS AIR CONDITIONING

Trust in our engineering expertise

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urton Latimer-based Griffiths offer a onestop-shop for all aspects of building engineering services. The established business, now in its 23rd year, carries out work including air conditioning, domestic gas, electrics, plumbing, underfloor heating and ventilation.

Renewables also form a significant part of their workload with products such as air and ground source heat pumps, solar PV and solar thermal.

Many Northamptonshirebased businesses use Griffiths

for one or more of these technologies and many small building companies appreciate the ease of having just one engineering contractor, especially as so much of what is being installed these days bridges across many different technical areas.

While a significant number of projects are in the commercial or industrial sectors, Griffiths also have many domestic customers, especially with regard to the installation and servicing of renewables (heat pumps and solar).

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team ensure equipment that requires regular maintenance, especially air conditioning, heat pumps and gas boilers, are all attended to as and when required and operate as efficiently as possible.

Energy efficiency forms a large part of the regulations that Griffiths have to work to and projects are designed to be as economical to install and run as possible.

In Burton Latimer, Griffiths have an Energy Efficiency Centre showroom with working examples of heat pumps and many other energy saving ideas.

n Contact Griffiths Air Conditioning on 01536 420666, visit www.griffithsaircon.co.uk or call into the Energy Efficiency Centre showroom at 111 High Street, Burton Latimer, open 9am-5pm Mon-Fri.

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Q&A

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

This month, Northamptonshire Business Expo organiser Sheila Smith.

What was your first job?

I’ve had a very expensive horse habit to fund for more than 50 years. As a teenager in the mid-1970s I was at work in a hairdressing salon, taking booking calls in a taxi office, cleaning, babysitting, doing whatever I had to do to give my naughty pony a life of luxury.

Quite an achievement to juggle all those little after-school jobs given that we were in the midst of a deep economic recession, a time of power cuts, street riots and workers on strike… unemployment was running at the highest rate since the end of the Second World War too.

Why did you choose your particular career?

My career in sales chose me. I’m entirely self-taught and have worked at almost every level and although the industries and products/services have changed over the years, the process remains the same.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Forty or so years in business has seen so many highs - of countless deals struck, the glittering prizes and all - but I wouldn’t be much of a sales professional if I didn’t believe that the best is yet to come.

In business, we all need to be a bit more ‘Gary Neville’ Sheila Smith is an experienced events manager and the organiser behind the Northamptonshire Business Expo, the latest of which took place at thre Holiday Inn Corby last month. She has also organised and hosted networking events across Northamptonshire for more than a decade.

What are the first 3 things on your bucket list? n

To fly in a hot air balloon.

n To return to Singapore - what a fascinating place. n To spend a whole summer on the Cote d’Azur.

MY FAVOURITE...

BOOK The ones I’m reading right now.

Joyrider by Angela Scanlon and City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert

Who in business do you respect the most?

At my great age, it is time for giving back and inspiring the next wave of intrepid business champions. I love the work I have been doing with the students for

A gold watch. My lovely Dad was coming up to his 30-year long service award when he worked at ICI in 1970.

On the awards night he was presented with the watch which he immediately gave to my Mum as he’d actually chosen a ladies watch for her instead.

I love that story. I was so blessed with those two as parents.

I declined a marriage proposal over afternoon tea at the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan in September 1986… Those were the days.

As a regional sales manager, I once found myself with the highest turnover of staff in the company and I couldn’t work out why.

I’d hired ‘good’ people with bright, shiny CVs but none of them were actually up to the mark.

My sales director nailed it when he sat me down and advised me to put away the CV when interviewing, focus on the person in front of me and seek out your shared values because that’s the person you’ll be working with, not the CV version.

Absolute game changer. My region closed that year with a seven-figure turnover and 100 per cent staff retention.

What’s your career ambition?

What’s your most treasured possession?

Tell us a secret about yourself.

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

Folk who don’t keep their word. I might forgive you but I’ll never forget such a big transgression.

Not sure I ever really do but if I did, it would mostly be around the animals or on my yoga mat.

Everyone I meet says that I should write a book about my life so I’ve started it. I’ve written great stuff, it’s brilliant, you’d love it but I can’t find the spark within to finish it. I’ll keep you posted on that…

Allowing myself to be bullied out of a job I loved. I grieved for that job for years after but that was over 20 years ago and HR processes are much more robust now, thankfully.

What annoys you the most in business?

How do you relax?

Tell us something you regret.

…and the low point?

Oh, Gary Neville - no contest. He made the best of being an extremely average but determined footballer with Manchester United and England, going on to be a business hero with a compelling work ethic that has me hooked. In business, we all need to be a bit more ‘Gary’.

...and your life ambition?

To save all the animals. I’ve been involved with the rescue and rehoming of 11 dogs from Bulgaria in the past year, I want to do more of that and I’ve also started delivering equine therapy sessions with Follyfoot Healing With Horses, I’ve had a few wow moments there observing how horses bond with people and, indeed, how horses choose their people.

They have a very incisive strategy and move quickly to steal your heart away.

FOOD Vegan. Although I’m not vegan, I do like the food.

MUSIC/SONG The Beatles/ I Saw Her Standing There Sheila Smith

Photo: David D’Souza Photography www.dsouzaphotography.com

FILM Lion, starring Dev Patel TV PROGRAMME Match Of The Day

Leicester College in recent years and 40 of those students came to my Leicester Business Expo to volunteer for a day at work with me.

We all learned a lot from that.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Salford City FC. I’ve been following for about four years now and have been a season ticket holder for the past

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

two seasons. Originally, gripped by the Class of 92 Sky TV documentary because it reminded me of home - I’m from the north - I went to my first match when Salford played Brackley Town in January 2018 and that was that.

The fans and staff at Salford are incredibly warm and welcoming. They make me feel like I’ve been part of the club since forever.

RESTAURANT Locally either Nuovo in Northampton or The Butchers Arms at Priors Hardwick.

In London I go to Wild Honey on Pall Mall superb.

DESTINATION I can’t choose between The Whitsunday Islands and New York City. I love them both.

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21

In the Community

Festival benefits artists and the town

When partnership is a joy for both parties Northampton’s music gala organisers s the wider public reflect on opportunity for performers are making conscious

A

decisions as consumers, more businesses are now focusing on their Corporate Social Responsibilities than ever before.

The Air Ambulance Service, through its Reuse department, is actively partnering with businesses to provide a sustainable and cost-effective ways to support a lifesaving charity - offering a solution to both their environmental and social responsibilities.

Information technology is ingrained into even the simplest of organisations. Many businesses and institutions find themselves regularly updating their equipment and are aware and concerned about the environmental impact, as well as GDPR restrictions surrounding the disposal of tech correctly. The TAAS IT Asset Reuse department can provide a free collection and data secure solution to this, giving organisations peace of mind.

Celebrating ten years since the first placement of a clothing bank, The Air Ambulance Service now has more than 1,000 clothing banks, each funding a mission for every 15 times it is filled. Organisations with a car park and other outdoor spaces can consider supporting the Children’s Air Ambulance by hosting a clothing bank. The reuse of clothing not only diverts tonnes of textiles from landfill but also provides funding to support the charity’s transfer of critically ill babies and children.

People can also support the Children’s Air Ambulance through Charity of the Year partnerships, challenge events and fundraising.

Across the many divisions that make up TAAS, it works to ensure each partnership is as varied and engaging as possible, and with years of expertise in this area, provides the advice, support and collateral people need. Whether it is giving time, gifts in kind or professional expertise with which to support the charity, TAAS works to ensure the partnership is a joy for both parties.

S

n For more information, contact The Air Ambulance Service on 0300 304 5999, email contact@ theairambulanceservice.org.uk or visit theairambulanceservice.org.uk

upporting new music and up and coming artists is at the heart of Northampton Music Festival.

Last month’s event featured a total 61 acts performing at eight locations throughout the town centre, genres from rock to opera, world music to jazz.

Festival director Graham Roberts has been in the music industry for more than 35 years as both a performer, teacher. For the past five years he has been director of Northampton Music Festival.

“I am passionate that new artists should be supported and given professional practice through the experience of taking part in a festival, together with the challenge of playing to a large audience, possibly for the first time,” he says. “Feedback from previous festivals show that this free entry festival is of great benefit to both artists and the general public

Golfers in the swing for county health charity’s golf day

T

eams of golfers are signing up for the seventh annual golf day to support Northamptonshire Health

Charity.

The independent charity, which supports local NHS hospitals and community services across the county, is looking for teams to help raise money at the challenge on September 8.

The charity team are looking to raise funds for a new outside play area for the children’s wards at Northampton General Hospital and the Twinkling Stars appeal for the new maternity bereavement suite at Kettering General Hospital.

Lead bereavement midwife Lisa Drummond said: “Each year we care

Business Times

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July 2022

Festival on the BBC Introducing stage in 2018 and, with their current single Dreaming receiving critical acclaim, they have now progressed to headlining this year’s festival.

“Having grown up in Northampton, I always used to look out for all the events we could try and get a slot for and festivals were always top of the list,” says frontman Marcus Marooth.

“There are some fantastic festivals in Northampton that we have been lucky enough to play at and to be invited to headline NMF22 is really great.”

The Student Showcase Stage in Element Courtyard on George’s Row featured performances from students at Northampton College and the University of Northampton, a celebration of new and emerging talent. “Being part of Northampton Music Festival is an important experience for our students and an insight into life in the music industry and the reality of a large-scale event,” says Sarah Thursby, curriculum

manager for music and performing arts at Northampton College.

“We go through a rigorous audition process to select the acts who will perform on the day and for many of the students the festival will be their first professional and, importantly, their first paid gig.

For both Northampton College and the university students, the chance to collaborate and represent the growing talent in our town is essential. Supporting the music community, events and profession in Northampton is at the heart of what we do.”

Town centre organisations have rallied to sponsor the festival. Its main sponsors this year were Northampton Town Council, Avery Healthcare, the University of Northampton, Northampton Town Centre BID and The Wilson Foundation.

Also adding their support were West Northamptonshire Council, Northamptonshire Community Foundation, Jeffrey West, Revolution Radio, TCB and Creative Folks.

Link-up provides support boost for kidney patients

for up to 100 families who suffer the heartbreak of losing their baby.

While we work very closely and supportively with parents in this situation, we know that our facilities really let us down and we want to change that.”

Funding from the appeal will create a new bereavement room as well as a family room that is entirely separate from the delivery suite.

Last year’s event also supported the two appeals and raised a total of £5,900. To sign up a team of four to take part in this year’s golf day costs £260 per team. There will be prizes for the teams finishing first, second and third teams as well as for, nearest the pin and the longest drive. Hole sponsorship is also available.

n Visit northamptonshirehealthcharity.co.uk/events/northamptonshirehealth-charity-golf-day-2022/ for more information and to sign up. To discuss sponsorship, call 01604 626927 or email greenheart@nhcf.co.uk

Recognising that charity is serious business 22

who may not otherwise be in a position to afford to attend a large live music event.

“The increased footfall has also benefited the town centre, the whole purpose of the festival.”

Kerrie Cosh presents BBC Music Introducing in Northampton, which was created to support unsigned, undiscovered and under the radar musicians. She worked with the festival to curate part of the line-up of the Main Stage on the Market Square and is thrilled at the range of talent on show. “Northampton is a melting pot of diverse and multi-talented artists and we are always discovering new musicians we are desperate to share with music lovers.”

Northampton-based band Sarpa Salpa below, who headlined the Main Stage, is a band championed

by BBC Introducing. The band first performed at Northampton Music

A

new partnership between Anglian Water and Kidney Care UK will give patients access to a dedicated phone line and support.

The charity provides support services to help people live better with kidney disease. Through the partnership, those receiving support from Kidney Care UK will have direct access to its Priority Services team. The aim of the partnership is to ensure those living with chronic kidney disease receive additional support from both organisations.

Approximately 10,000 patients in the Anglian region rely on dialysis at home or in hospital. Beth Kennedy, customer services partnerships manager for Anglian Water, says: “In our region, approximately 870,000 people have chronic kidney disease, which presents a vast opportunity to

build awareness about the support that we can provide to our customers through this partnership.”

The cost of living crisis means patients who are running a dialysis machine at home are facing increased expense to receive their treatment.

The water company’s Extra Care Support provides discounted tariffs and assistance schemes to help customers with low incomes.

Says Laurie Cuthbert, director of fundraising, marketing and comms at Kidney Care UK: “This is an exciting partnership to transform the support our kidney community will receive in the Anglian region.

“Crucially, being able to call a dedicated number and know that the person who answers understands kidney disease, dialysis and the impact this has on your life will be incredibly reassuring.”

0800 088 6004 enquiries@wilsonbrowne.co.uk wilsonbrowne.co.uk For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk

In the Community

County’s message to healthcare heroes: Thank you

B Starlight stars set for a magic night of fundraising

C

ransley Hospice Trust’s popular Starlight Walk is making a return with the promise of more lights and lasers through the woodlands around the 5km route.

The fundraiser, on September 24 at Boughton House near Kettering, is hoping to build on the feedback received from last year’s inaugural event.

The charity has a special ‘early bird offer’ on any tickets purchased before August 26 when participants can secure their place for £20 per person.

The Starlight Walk begins after

sunset, with a cocktail and fun dance warm-up to get the party started. Participants will then boogie their way around the 5km walk by torchlight followed by a disco.

Kate Ilott, events manager at Cransley Hospice Trust, said: “We are incredibly excited to be back at the breathtaking Boughton House.

We have added so much to this year’s event and we hope that our supporters, as well as local people looking for a fun-filled night out with friends, will join us to celebrate.

“There is also no pressure to fundraise - although of course,

anything that people can donate in addition to their ticket price is greatly appreciated as it will enable us to continue the support and development of hospice care and services in North Northamptonshire.”

The Starlight Walk is the charity’s best-selling event and, following the end of the early bird promotion, standard ticket prices will be £25 per person. n Book your place on the Starlight Walk at www.cransleyhospice.org.uk/ event/starlight-walk-2022

Fleet firm scores with new soccer sponsorship deal

It will be a chance to experience new things, relax, laugh, sing, dance and be merry, says NHCF’s fundraising and sponsorship manager Laura Pugh.

NHS and health care staff based in the county can visit the website www. thankufest.com to find out more and book their tickets.

“Thankufest provides a unique opportunity to align your brand with a meaningful events programme and show your company’s support and thanks to the health and social care staff who live and work in Northamptonshire,” says Laura.

Individuals can support the programme by donating via the event’s justgiving page.

“Please help us to create meaningful, genuine memories while building awareness of your business to an audience of around 40,000 local health and social care professionals and their families,” says NHCF trustee Phil Zeidler. n To find out more about fundraising packages available or to work with the organisers to create the perfect bespoke experience for the county’s healthcare heroes, email Laura.Pugh@nhcf.co.uk

Solicitor’s marathon target is a step into the unknown

H

V

ehicle leasing firm Silverstone Fleet Management has renewed its sponsorship of Under 13s side AFC Houghton Magna Hawks girls football team for the new season.

The Hawks play nine-a-side matches in the Northamptonshire Women’s and Girls Macron Football League.

“The Hawks are local to us being in Great Houghton and there are some amazingly talented players on the team,” says Silverstone Fleet Management managing director Scott Norville.

“We are proud to support such a skilful set and be able to offer financial support to ensure the team have the kits and training gear they need.

“As a local business, it is important to us to positively

usinesses have been urged to back a programme of 15 events over the next 15 months that recognise and say ‘Thank you’ to NHS and healthcare staff across Northamptonshire.

The Thankufest programme began last month with events at Wicksteed Park, featuring a gig by presenter and DJ Jo Whiley, and at Franklin’s Gardens - home of Northampton Saints - with a concert by Pete Tong & the Heritage Orchestra.

The events are being led by NHS charity Northamptonshire Health Charity Fund and delivered in partnership with experiential agency Hyphen. They say the programme is a fantastic way to commemorate the work of Northamptonshire’s NHS and health care staff during the pandemic.

NHCF is looking for businesses to sponsor the programme in all or in part, with a range of opportunities to align brands with the initiative.

Events range from live music gigs to historic home visits and food festivals. The invite-only free events will be a fun, rewarding and memorable day/evening to thank up to 40,000 Northamptonshire health care staff and their families.

impact the community in which we operate and grassroots football brings huge benefits to children and young people not just through promoting exercise but by teaching many different disciplines and life lessons.”

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

Houghton Magna Hawks show off their new kit, courtesy of Silverstone Fleet Management

er work as a family solicitor at Northamptonshire practice Wilson Browne Solicitors has inspired Jessica Leech to raise money for the NSPCC by running in this year’s London Marathon.

“I have never run a marathon before,” she says. “Previously at school I was a 100 metres or 200 metres athlete so I have a bit of work to put in beforehand.”

Having qualified as a solicitor in May last year, Jessica has joined Team NSPCC following her experience in family law and the effect it has on children, the difficult situations children find themselves in through no fault of their own.

The NSPCC has allocated her a trainer and a 20-week training plan.

Jessica is posting a video log to show how her training is going ahead of the event in October.

“I will dedicate each mile to someone who has supported me in

Jessica Leach my legal career so far,” she says.

“Those who have helped me in my quest to become a lawyer will now be helping me to protect children from child abuse.”

She has set a fundraising target of £2,200. n Follow Jessica on LinkedIn and to donate towards her challenge visit https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/jess-leech.

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

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