8 minute read
Defence giant targets SME expertise
Business News Security giant aims to tap into SME expertise after joining tech cluster
Defence 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
Human 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 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.”
Greg Guilford
Sign up now: Businesses urged to join tourism app ahead of its launch
Businesses 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 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.”
Engineering firm wins NHS contract
Afirm 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
Investment 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.”
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.
Jennie Jahina Head of Employment
0800 088 6004 enquiries@wilsonbrowne.co.uk wilsonbrowne.co.uk
Students build on their green credentials
Construction 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
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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.
