Business Times Northamptonshire July 21 by PulseGroupMedia

Business Times Celebrating 30 years est. 1991

July 2021

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

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SEMLEP’s new Skills Panel chair vows to grow talent pipeline P11

FE AT UR E

Fund it like Beckham: England star invests in Silverstone firm P13

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Starting & Staying in Business: Advice from the experts P16-17

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Take a look inside the revamped Northampton Museum P18

The latest appointments and promotions in business P19

Raising a glass to expansion are Tom and Tina Warner, founders of the craft gin company Warner’s Distillery. The company is moving into a new manufacturing unit in Kettering to keep pace with soaring demand for its British-made gins. Full story: Page 3

Let’s create a powerhouse, MPs urge Tesla founder County MPs Andrea Leadsom and Andrew Lewer have written to Elon Musk outlining why he should base a manufacturing plant in Northamptonshire.

esla chief executive Elon Musk, who has been in England scouting potential locations for a future manufacturing plant, has had a timely reminder from MPs about why Northamptonshire would be the ideal location. A flying visit to the region has fuelled ongoing rumours that the billionaire entrepreneur is considering setting up a battery manufacturing plant with potential sites in the region. His visit prompted a letter to Mr Musk highlighting the county’s assets from former Secretary of State for Business Andrea Leadsom and Northampton South MP Andrew Lewer. Mrs Leadsom, MP for South Northamptonshire, said: “Northamptonshire, at the centre of ‘Motorsport Valley’ is a global force in high performance engineering. We

have the talent, the infrastructure and the cutting-edge research architecture in high end manufacturing and battery technology that makes Northamptonshire a very attractive proposition for global leaders like Tesla.” Motorsport Valley has around 4,300 companies and employs 41,000 people, the letter added. It spends almost twice as much of its turnover on research and development than the pharmaceutical industry, in places like the Silverstone Technology Cluster in Mrs Leadsom’s constituency. “Forward thinking and innovative automotive and mobility businesses would come here to benefit enormously by being so near such a powerhouse of research and high-end engineering capability,” she said. Continued on page 5 >>

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MP hails £19.9m award as ‘a catalyst for further investment’ Towns Fund success is set to develop growth, jobs and skills

£19.9 million award to Corby through the Government’s To w n s Fund promises a wealth of regeneration projects. The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government announced Corby was one of 30 successful bids from towns in England which will now share more than £700 million to boost their local economies and create jobs. The news has been welcomed by Corby’s MP Tom Pursglove and Town Board chair Lorna Dodge, who said the money will provide the town with “an economically confident base to address future challenges”. Mr Pursglove described it as a “big moment” for the town,. The Towns Fund programme also aims to improve skills, deliver green transport links and revamp cultural and tourist attractions. The Corby schemes include: n Sixth Form College at Chisholm House. This will be repurposed and renovated to be a carbon neutral building. n Market Walk East Site. A potential multi-use building bringing together community and commercial usage in the town centre. . n Corby Station Links. Improvements to the public area on Oakley Road for cyclists and pedestrians. n Smart and Connected

Willow Place in Corby. Corby. A smart and green town centre through harnessing connected and clean technologies to understand the present use and help predict future requirements. Mr Pursglove, MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire, said: “It gives the green light to further boosting our local education offer, growing jobs and opportunity in the local economy and improving our transport infrastructure, including the links between Corby railway station and the town centre, including high-quality active travel opportunities.” Ms Dodge said: “This investment is excellent news for Corby and has the potential to maximise opportunities through the

innovative regeneration of space. The town centre will be a focal point for surrounding residential communities.” This injection of money will see the town build on the work by the Corby Town Deal Board, set up to bid for a share of the Town Fund. The board includes individuals from various businesses, community groups and public sector bodies to develop and agree Corby’s Town Investment plan. It will continue to oversee the projects through to their completion. Cllr Jason Smithers, leader of North Northamptonshire Council said: “This is great news for Corby and surrounding area and I am delighted to see this level of

investment being made in the town. The projects that receive funding will help create an environment that will bring economic growth, jobs, new skills and do so in a way that can help protect the environment which is so very important.” Mr Pursglove added: “The next chapter of regeneration in our town will now be a reality. The Corby Town Deal Board drew up a robust bid and the government have strongly backed it. “I believe this substantial award will serve as a catalyst for further investment and improvement in the years ahead - we are all ambitious for our town and we will build on this success. “There is no time to waste.”

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Business Times

July 2021

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Business News

Food firm seals £9.4m warehouse deal Manufacturer looks to create jobs with opening of distribution centre

ood manufacturer Kent Foods is to open a regional distribution centre in Daventry after acquiring the freehold of a 73,257 sq ft warehouse in a £9.4 million deal. The purchase of the Barberry72 warehouse in Sopwith Way is expected to bring further investment and new jobs to the area as part of Kent Foods’ expansion strategy, said Barberry development director Jon Robinson. He added: “This transaction has delivered the outputs of our business plan and secured a new quality occupier for Daventry, creating economic growth and new jobs for the town. We are delighted to have completed the sale of Barberry72 to Kent Foods and we wish the company success with its new regional distribution centre.” Kent Foods, whose headquarters are n Glasgow, is one of Europe’s largest independent suppliers of sugars, sweeteners, dairy products, oils and fats to the food manufacturing industry. The company began its search for new facilitires last year, said Rob Watts, associate director of Avison Young, who acted for Kent Foods. “We identified Barberry 72 in Daventry as a preferred building due to the excellent location and specification. It was a pleasure to work with

Emilie Douglas and Jonathan Robinson, of Barberry, are joined by Simon Norton, of Colliers, Rob Watts, of Avison Young, and Christian Smith, of Savills. the Barberry team during the process,” he said. Independent fund manager Frontier Development Capital supported the development with a loan of £3.75 million in August last year from the FDC Debt Fund, a £100 million fund for mid-market SMEs and property developers providing loan investments up to £10 million. FDC’s investment director, property finance Ed Bradburn said:“Industrial sites of this quality and

in such a strategic location for the industrial and logistics sector are highly sought after so it is fantastic to see Barberry 72 sold to Kent Foods. “This high-quality development demonstrates how the FDC debt fund can be used to support regional property developers to progress speculative projects to a successful outcome.” Both Savills and Colliers acted on behalf of West Midlands-based Barberry.

Corporate plan outlines vision for area’s economy to thrive

abinet members have given the goahead to the first Corporate Plan for West Northamptonshire Council. The plan sets out the council’s strategic vision over the next four years. outlining six key priorities that will guide policy, service planning and budget setting. they are economic d e v e l o p m e n t ; ro b u s t resource management; green and clean; imporved life chances; connected communities; thriving towns and villages. Council leader Cllr Jonathan Nunn said: “This Corporate Plan sets out our collective vision for making West Northants a great place to live, work, visit and thrive. It outlines our commitment to work with our residents and all partner organisations and to use our resources wisely to protect our environment, meet residents’ needs for homes and jobs and ensure that everyone can live well and safely together.

Distillery seals move to new factory

Cllr Jonathan Nunn “This is a living document that we will continue to review and adapt as new opportunities and challenges emerge for our council in the years ahead.” The detailed plans for how the priorities will be developed during the current year as part of the budget setting process, he added, and will be subject to stakeholder engagement and wider public consultation. “We want our new council to reflect the times we live in,” said Cllr Nunn. “The future is bright and we are taking this opportunity to create a great new start for West Northants, its residents and its businesses.” The document lays out

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ways the unitary council, which was set up in May, will turn “ambition into reality”. It pledges to work with employers, colleges and agencies to give people the skills and qualifications that businesses want and to help more people into better-paid jobs. There will be investment in strengthening existing, and creating new, employment locations so that all parts of west Northamptonshire are able to contribute to, and benefit from, growth as part of a thriving area. More investment will support the area’s worldclass industry and service providers including high tech, engineering motorsports, logistics, financial services and its valuable heritage as the home of shoes. Other work will make it easier to set up new enterprises and help existing businesses to develop and grow. n For the full report see www.westnorthants.gov.uk/ your-council/corporate-plan

raft gin company Warner’s Distillery is expanding after sourcing a 56,000 sq ft manufacturing facility.. The industrial warehouse and manufacturing site at Kettering Business Park will enable Warner’s to scale up the production of its popular gins. The new site off the A14 will enable the business to keep pace with the gin market, which today is worth more than £3 billion. Mr Warner, who founded the company in 2012, said: “We are tremendously excited about this move as it sets a milestone for us as a business. The new building enables us to scale up and satisfy the country’s desire for 100 per cent natural, farm-grown British gins.” Commercial property agent Berrys acted for building owner the IMK Group. Commercial agent Kevin O’Dell said: “The Warner’s team are certainly on an upward trajectory right now. It is great to have a local company expand within Kettering and shows the industrial market is still very strong.”

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GROWTH CURVE Support and training for local business owners to stabilise their businesses and plan for future growth. Identify business goals with your High Growth Business Adviser. Attend a university masterclass to develop skills needed to grow. Access to a peer-to-peer network of fellow Growth Curve alumni. Participants will be notiﬁed of future grant funding they may be applicable for.

Visit www.semlepgrowthhub.com/growth-curve or call us on 0300 01234 35 to ﬁnd out more. Business Times

July 2021

Business News

Logistics: ‘As important now as it has ever been’ Covid has highlighted sector’s importance, says forum

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he pandemic has highlighted the importance of the logistics sector to the UK economy, says the head of Northamptonshire Logistics Forum. The sector is the fastest-growing in the county, providing one in seven jobs. And it has been in the spotlight over the past 18 months, firstly because of Brexit and the uncertainty surrounding trade with the EU and then with the impact of Covid-19. The events of the past year have highlighted the forum’s importance in supporting the sector, says its chairman Tony Bellott. It champions collaborative working and is a powerful lobby group for logistics in the county. “A lot of people think rather differently about logistics and how the goods they want get into shops, homes and schools,” Mr Bellott added. “That might be due to the early worries about food shortages or the boom in online retail during lockdown. It was followed up by worries about lorries facing unprecedented issues moving goods in and out of the country once Brexit became a reality.” Founded in 2016, the forum is made up of representatives from local businesses in procurement, transportation, warehouse

n To find out more, email charlotte. patrick@northampton.ac.uk or visit www. northantslogisticsforum.com

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operations and ‘last mile’ customer delivery. It is supported by the University of Northampton and hosts workshops and networking events on topics including legislation, advice on energysaving best practice, HR and recruitment. “Almost everything we use in our everyday lives involves a ‘supply chain’ and its constituent parts,” said Mr Bellott. “This highlights just how important the logistics industry is. Having the Northamptonshire Logistics Forum, which focuses on the issues facing the industry, helps members protect their interests while providing an opportunity for their staff to be involved in celebrating the success of their contribution - as important now as it has ever been.” The forum has launched its annual awards competition, the winners of which will be announced in September. Mr Bellott said: “ “This year we will certainly be in the mood to celebrate, knowing that we have come through this incredibly challenging time, did what needed to be done and emerged as strong as ever.”

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July 2021

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Take a break to focus on your company’s future

ummer is finally here. The weather is warming up and people are looking forward to their summer holidays. As a business leader you may think that you do not have time to stop and take a break but now might be the perfect moment to take a step back and spend a little time on your business instead of in your business. It is far too easy to become caught up in the day-to-day running of things, especially when so much effort needs to be put into stabilising and consolidating your business after the pandemic. However, it is absolutely vital that you do not end up neglecting your company’s future for the sake of its present. Growth will not happen by itself though. You need to take the time to develop and hone your business and leadership skills. You need to be able to step back, pause and consider your business, assess your goals and priorities, and start planning how you will go about shifting your business from stabilisation to growth. A season for growing This summer, join the Growth Curve programme and receive support and training to help

you to consolidate and stabilise your business, complete your recovery and return to steady, sustainable long-term growth. The Growth Curve Programme is run by SEMLEP’s Growth Hub, in partnership with the University of Bedfordshire, Cranfield University and the University of Northampton, and partfunded by the European Regional Development Fund. Growth Curve will give you the opportunity to discuss your business, its challenges, and your aspirations for it with one of SEMLEP’s high growth business advisers before going on to attend a university masterclass. This masterclass consists of a series of intensive, interactive sessions that will focus on developing and honing your leadership and business management skills. These sessions will cover a wide range of topics, that could include sales, marketing, human resources and operational efficiency. The programme is designed to help you to learn how to take a step back and look at your business from different angles. This will provide you with new insights into the challenges your business

faces and see how other organisations are overcoming similar hurdles. You will learn new ways of working to better lead yourself and your team and develop an action plan to address the most urgent and important issues facing your business. Lastly, it gives you an invaluable opportunity to network with like-minded people who can be a source of motivation, support and guidance. Once you have completed the programme, you will continue to get ongoing support as well as access to a network of your fellow Growth Curve alumni. You will also be notified of future grant funding which you may be eligible for. In order to be eligible to apply to join the Growth Curve programme, your company must be a SME (maximum turnover of €50 million or annual balance sheet of €43 million) based in the South East Midlands, have between three and 250 employees and prior to the pandemic have had annual turnover of £200,000 and have been experiencing or projecting high growth for between two and three years.

n For more information, and to see if your company is eligible, visit the SEMLEP Growth Hub website www.semlepgrowthhub.com.

Students take a walk on the wild side

new degree course in wildlife ecology and conservation will now run at Moulton College. The college already offers degree programmes in animal studies, construction management, equine studies and sport, with all degrees accredited by the University of Northampton. Mark Edwards, lecturer in ecology and conservation, said: “Interest in ecology and

conservation is on the rise. We are providing an exciting opportunity for the next generation to create a sustainable future for wildlife and contribute to our net zero environmental goals.” Cleeve Jenkins, dean of higher education at Moulton said: “This validation status opens our doors to more students to take advantage of the degree programmes we have on offer here.”

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Business News

Broadband boost for businesses as CityFibre extends Vodafone partnership

usinesses in Northampton and 11 other towns and cities in the UK are to receive new ethernet services after providers Vodafone and CityFibre expanded their partnership to include Vodafone Ethernet Services for business customers. Vodafone UK currently uses CityFibre fibre-to-the-premises infrastructure to deliver its

Vodafone full-fibre broadband service. This new partnership will use CityFibre’s ethernet infrastructure to offer more local access options. Vodafone UK’s strategy and wholesale director Vishal Dixit said: “We already have an extremely successful partnership with CityFibre so we are delighted to be able to extend this. It has never

been more important to ensure our business customers have as much choice as possible, as well as the high-speed and high-quality data service they need to run their business successfully.” The ethernet services will be made available in Northampton later this year. They are already available Cambridge, Coventry and Peterborough and will also

arrive in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Huddersfield, Leeds, Leicester, Milton Keynes, Portsmouth and Southend-on-Sea. Rob Hamlin, chief commercial officer at CityFibre, said: “ With business need for reliable, gigabit speed connectivity only set to increase, our world-class networks will reach 30 per cent of the market in the coming years. This fast-

growing platform offers partners like Vodafone products and economics designed to win market share and will help them remain at the forefront of innovation in fullfibre services.” CityFibre has a separate partnership with Vodafone to supply fibre-to-the-premises infrastructure for Vodafone’s full-fibre broadband service.

New jobs as engine firm opens logistics centre Giant warehouse consolidates operations for manufacturer and creates up to 100 new posts

lobal engine manufacturer Cummins has opened UK Logistics Centre in Daventry and helped to create nearly 100 new jobws in the area. The 435,000 sq ft centre in Apex Park, consolidates the storage capacity previously shared across warehouses run by Cummins and other businesses. The facility allows for greater speed and flexibility across the company’s supply chaint. Andy Fenn, site leader for UKLC, said: “It is a fantastic achievement to see the Cummins UK Logistics Centre come to fruition. This project truly demonstrates Cummins’ continued investment within the UK and a new way for Cummins to manage its logistics and supply chain network within Europe. “In the current climate where jobs have been significantly impacted by Covid-19, I am proud we have created nearly 100 new roles in the area, in addition to the Cummins workforce currently employed in Daventry and Rugby.” The UKLC project focused on reducing the centre’s environmental impacts and is part of Cummins’ Planet 2050 sustainability strategy to address climate change and conserve natural resources. The facility has been given a BREEAM Outstanding rating, a sustainability assessment ranking the facility in the top one per cent of UK non-domestic buildings. The warehouse is designed to be self-

powered for six months of the year, utilising PV solar panels and a Cummins gas generator set in a standby application. Other environmental features include the site’s ability to harvest rainwater and the available electric vehicle charging points for employees. The UKLC project supported local businesses, using suppliers from within a 15mile radius throughout the build. The development has been welcomed by Daventry MP Chris Heaton-Harris pictured. He said: “I am delighted to see the opening of Cummins’ new UK Logistics Centre, here in the heart of Daventry and the constituency. It is wonderful that Cummins has invested so much in this area and is such good news after what has been a very difficult year. “I am also very impressed to learn about how much effort and research has been put into addressing climate change and conserving natural resources.” Since 1972, Cummins has shown a long-term commitment to Daventry and surrounding areas, with its established production facility on Royal Oak Way employing more than 1,000 people. The factory makes high horsepower engines for the power generation, mining, and rail sectors, along with complete power generation sets.

‘The best place for businesses like Tesla’ >> From page 1 The two MPs are joining forces to keep a close eye on investment and business opportunities for the area, with one clear message of: Northamptonshire is open for business. Andrew Lewer, the MP for Northampton South, said: “We highlighted in our letter, the strengths of Northamptonshire strategic location at the heart of the UK strategic logistics and supply chain with

Andrea Leadsom Northamptonshire and the South East Midlands central to one of the most significant UK government regional investment programmes,

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the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, which will turbo charge our area’s R&D, science, technology and performance engineering capability on a global platform over the next decade. “I am fully behind the Oxford Cambridge Arc programme with the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership and the new West Northants Council to make Northamptonshire and the region the best place in Britain for businesses like Tesla to locate.”

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

Business Times

July 2021

Legal Briefing

Combining new strength with existing legal expertise

ward-winning top regional law firm Harrison Clark Rickerbys (HCR) and top-ranked Northampton firm Hewitsons have merged to bring their clients a greater range and depth of legal advice and expertise. The two firms came together in June and will be known locally as HCR Hewitsons. Charlotte Thornton-Smith, who heads the Northampton office with Dominic Hopkins, said: “The addition of Northampton to our regional network is one of the most exciting parts of this merger for me. “I’m looking forward to working with the team as we expand the breadth and depth of the legal advice we can offer to clients together.” Dominic Hopkins said: “We have found a partner firm that shares our absolute focus on the client and

Charlotte Thornton-Smith and Dominic Hopkins, joint heads of HCR Hewitsons’ office in Northampton

providing opportunities for their team; joining with them will ensure our clients benefit from the even

wider range of legal specialisms that their strong regional network can provide and our people will have

www.hcrhewitsons.com

enhanced opportunities. “This is about becoming an even better version of ourselves.”

The merger brings the two firms together into a firm of approximately 780 people and £65m turnover, with a network of 11 offices nationally. Harrison Clark Rickerbys, trading as HCR Hewitsons in Northampton, Milton Keynes and Cambridge, has more than 780 staff and partners based at offices in Birmingham, Cambridge, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Hereford, London, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Hereford, Thames Valley, Worcester and the Wye Valley, providing legal services to both business and private clients regionally and nationwide.

01604 233 233

A PASSION

FOR PEOPLE Adding new strength to existing expertise

“

The merger of HCR and Hewitsons brings together two firms whose focus is squarely on their clients; together, HCR Hewitsons offers greater breadth and depth of advice and experience. Charlotte Thornton-Smith & Dominic Hopkins, Joint Heads of Northampton Office

01604 233 233 I www.hcrlaw.com HCR Hewitsons is a trading name of Harrison Clark Rickerbys Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the SRA

Business Times

July 2021

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Business News

Council seeks operator for new Vulcan Works hub

ompanies have been invited to bid for the contract to run the new Vulcan Works Creative Hub in Northampton when it opens later this year. The project will provide 5,500 sq metres of office and workshop space, creating up to 68 units for small creative businesses. Along with the launch of the expanded and revamped Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, due to reopen this month (Feature: page 18), it will add significantly to the vibrancy of the Cultural Quarter. The successful applicant will be required to manage the centre including its marketing, finances, legal compliance, business

The Vulcan Works Creative Hub is expected to open by the end of the year support and building maintenance. Cllr Jonathan Nunn, leader of West Northamptonshire Council, said: “Vulcan Works holds huge amounts

of promise and we will ensure that it lives up to that. The company we select will need to have a proven track record in running similar

Firms urged to back environment education campaign in schools

usiness can play a key role in helping to grow a programme that is teaching primary school children about waste, recycling, sustainability and its environmental impact. Waste Wise Kids, a non-profit organisation based in Sywell, has launched a membership scheme for its environmental primary schools programme. The structured educational programme has been written by industry environmental experts and primary school teachers specifically for children aged between five and 12. To help to deliver the programme to schools, Waste Wise Kids is working with businesses, communities and individuals keen to encourage children to make better environmental decisions. Founder and chief executive Rachel Rowley said: “We are so excited to build our membership with the business community’s support. “Through the partnership of education and industry expertise, we are bringing together a community of like-minded organisations that want to support young people learning about waste and sustainability and have a positive impact on the environment.” Schools are supplied with everything they need, including a visual presentation with teachers notes and a box full of demonstrative items. This includes a full section on plastics, showing the types of

plastics and how plastics are numbered for recycling, examples of recycled items that the children can touch and evaluate and a sustainability rewards chart for future recycling projects. Businesses can support operations via a revenue-generating membership fee which drives the national roll-out of Waste Wise Kids. There are a number of options for businesses, depending on their size and how actively they would like to be involved, as well as memberships for schools, community groups and individuals. “We developed the membership scheme because we had so many people say they wanted a way to support its growth,” said Rachel. “Our aim is to encourage a sense of belonging and knowledge transfer among our members to add value to Waste Wise Kids. Businesses can also achieve positive social value by nominating primary schools to receive the Waste Wise Kids environmental programme as well as support internal CSR targets.” To find out more call 01604 496987 or visit www.wastewisekids.org “There is no doubt about it, our environment’s future lies in little hands,” said Rachel. “With the challenges of tackling climate change becoming more urgent, it has never been so important to focus our attention on environmental education.”

facilities and must convince us they have the passion to make it succeed. “It is vital that we nurture the incredible creative talent we have in Northampton, which is why we are providing this facility. This project is very dear to my heart as I have watched it progress from ideas on paper into a stunning collection of spaces for small businesses to begin their journeys.” The Cultural Quarter will have several major new additions in the coming months, including the opening of the redeveloped museum and the creation of a new home for NN Contemporary Arts, with more in the pipeline, Cllr Nunn added. The £15 million project is part-

funded by £6.3 million Local Growth Fund and £3.06 million European Regional Development Fund contributions via the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership. Its chief executive Hilary Chipping said: “We hope that this creative hub will be a great asset for our local business community.” West Northamptonshire Council will retain ownership of the facility and the management agreement will be for an initial three years with an option to extend for a further two. The council is in the process of procuring a contractor to fit out the facility, ready for occupation later in the year. Completion is expected by December.

Boat owners fined for non-registration

even boat owners in Northamptonshire have been fined a total of nearly £5,500 at Wellingborough Magistrates Court for not registering their vessels. They were also ordered to pay a total of almost £5,550 in compensation and nearly £550 in victim surcharges during last month’s hearing.

Environment Agency waterways team leader Nathan Arnold said: “We hope these penalties will serve as a reminder to all boaters that they must ensure that their vessels are properly registered at all times. “The funds generated by boat registration enable the Environment Agency to provide the services that boaters expect on the waterways.”

GOODRICH CONSULTING LLP Photo: Hawkers Yard, Ruislip Wrenbridge Land

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PROJECT MANAGEMENT KNOWLEDGEABLE

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goodrichllp.com | 01604 859859 | admin@goodrichllp.com Rachel Rowley joins pupils at Sywell School

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Business Times

July 2021

Money Matters

Firms merge after founder makes decision on retirement

orby-based accountancy firm Marray & Co. has merged with Moore East Midlands. The merger supports Moore’s long-term growth strategy to increase its presence across Northamptonshire and the East Midlands region. The Marray & Co office has closed and all clients will be serviced from the Moore offices at Oakley Hay in Corby. Marray & Co founder John Marray said: “I am delighted that Marray & Co. have merged with Moore. After a career spanning almost 50 years and running a practice for more

than 30 years, I have realised it is time to start thinking about my future plans and eventual retirement. “It is important to me that, when I do retire, all my clients are looked after and supported. As an established firm of chartered accountants, Moore have a great reputation for providing a first-class services for their clients and I must say that I have been impressed by their friendly down toearth approach. “Having the support of the team at Moore and access to all their specialists will be a real benefit to clients. With a similar client base to Marray

Pictured (from left): John Marray, Nick Bairstow, and Moore East Midlands associates Tim Woodgates and Jen Arber & Co I believe they make the perfect fit.” Moore managing partner Nick Bairstow agreed. “This

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is a really exciting opportunity for both Marray & Co and Moore,” he said. “This merger brings together two firms who

share the same values and a commitment to delivering a great service and we are looking forward to continuing

to deliver the great service John and his team have given to their clients over the past 30 years.”

Recipients celebrate Queen’s Birthday Honours awards

wards in the Queen’s Birthday Honours’ List include a Dame Commander of the British Empire for political service being given to Conservative MP for South Northamptonshire Andrea Leadsom. Mrs Leadsom has been South Northamptonshire’s representative at Westminster since 2010 and has held several ministerial roles. Two people who helped to rescue Northamptonshire County Council from financial collapse are being given OBEs for services to local government. Theresa Grant was brought in as the new chief executive and Tony McArdle was appointed by the government

Theresa Grant

as one of two commissioners to oversee the recovery. A MBE has been awarded to the first female Red Arrows pilot Kirsty Murphy, who is now pilot for The Blades aerobatic team at Sywell Aerodrome. The honour is given for her service to aviation thanks to her ambassador role inspiring young women. Lisa Wainwright receives a MBE for services to sport in recognition of her work to develop child protection policies for England Netball,

which were then used by Sport England. Another MBE recipient is Jennifer McDonnell, from Northampton, for services to the green economy while working for the Knowledge Transfer Network. Jacqueline Goodall, the inclusion support manager at Sponne School in Towcester from Bugbrooke, is awarded a British Empire Medal for services to education. The response to the Covid crisis has seen another BEM go to John Brownhill, who cofounded Food4Heroes. Northamptonshire Police Chief Superintendent Dennis Murray receives a Queen’s Police Medal for distinguished service to the force. n Appointments: Turn to page 15.

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email news@business-times.co.uk or call 01604 259900 For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk

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

Business Times

July 2021

Money Matters Sponsored Article

Uncovering the wider benefits of financial advice

Tony Byrne, of Wealth & Tax Management, outlines ways to set surplus cash in your business bank account to work for you.

New research shows that sound financial advice boosts both confidence and emotional wellbeing

inancial advice is more important than ever. Not only have changes in pensions and financial regulation placed more responsibility for planning retirement income into the hands of individuals, but the coronavirus pandemic has also reminded us all of how unforeseen events can rock the foundations of what we had thought was a stable financial footing. The financial benefits of taking advice are well documented. Research undertaken by the International Longevity Centre UK in 2019 showed that those who take advice are on average £47,706 better off in retirement than those who do not*. But that is not the end of the story. Building on this study, the ILC has undertaken new research this year that shows financial advice could be an important factor in promoting mental health and wellbeing. Its report Peace of mind: Understanding the non-financial value of financial advice finds that non-financial benefits may be at

least as important as the more easily visible financial ones in achieving this. Participants in the study who had taken financial advice reported that they felt less worried about their future, enjoying the peace of mind that comes from knowing that proper preparation has been made for their later years. And that included those who were already in retirement. They felt more confident that they would achieve their long-term goals and, through their interactions with an adviser, felt more financially literate and able to understand how those goals would be achieved - and more empowered to make complex financial decisions for themselves. Being in control of their financial future in these ways left them feeling reassured and less worried than they would otherwise have been. But despite these benefits there remains a significant ‘advice gap’, with fewer than one in six people taking advice. This stems partly from a lack of awareness of the

benefits of seeking advice and of how and where to find it. Among those who have not taken financial advice, some - especially women were worried that doing so would actually result in a loss of control, and that decisions would be taken out of their hands. The experience of the advised participants showed this to be an unfounded fear However, it remains clear that identifying long-term goals and establishing a financial structure to achieve them results in greater emotional wellbeing. Closing the ‘advice gap’ is a vital next step in giving that peace of mind to all. So the ILC is calling on government, the industry and the Financial Conduct Authority to work together to remedy the situation by highlighting both the non-financial as well as the financial benefits of advice, and reassuring individuals that advice will be tailored specifically to their goals.

A financial adviser can help with your own financial planning. Should you wish to discuss wealth management, retirement planning or Inheritance Tax planning, contact Brace Wealth Management on 01327 844433 or email bracewealth@sjpp.co.uk. * ILC,What it’s worth-Revisiting the value of financial advice, November 2019, based on 2014/2016 calculations. Receiving professional financial advice between 2001 and 2006 resulted in a total boost to wealth (in pensions and financial assets) of £47,706 in 2014/2016.

Tony Byrne

Hail to the magnificent seven

am surprised by how often I come across successful business owners whose businesses have a considerable amount of money on deposit earning zero or near zero rates of interest. So here are seven ways to get surplus cash in your business bank account working hard for you. Maximise your employer pension contributions. The maximum pension contribution is £40,000 a year (£80,000 for a couple) and unused relief for the previous three tax years can be carried forward to the current year. Invest surplus cash in a proper investment. By which I do not mean a bank account. Put money into a proper investment that invests in assets that will grow in value such as shares and property. Extract money from your business tax efficiently. In a recent article, I explained how to withdraw cash from your business very tax efficiently by taking income mainly as dividends and reinvesting into Venture Capital Trusts, Enterprise Investment Schemes (EIS) and Seed EIS schemes. Buy a top competitor and/ or supplier. Learn from the best. This is what Amazon does. Reduce competition and/or reduce the cost of suppliers.

Buy your own business premises. This can be done with or without your pension scheme but undoubtedly it is far more tax efficient to use your pension scheme. Just work out how much you pay in rent annually and calculate how much you have paid over the years in rent. You may well find that it would have been cheaper to have bought your business premises instead. Invest in your business. Need new plant and machinery, need more research and development or new IT equipment? What are you waiting for? The best companies in the world spend the most on investing in their own businesses such as Google and Amazon. Little wonder they lead the world. Invest in your staff. Your staff are your greatest asset, not your customers. Invest in great staff, train them well, pay them above-average salaries and give them the top benefits, working conditions and employment terms and conditions. They will then serve your customers really well.

www.wealthandtax.co.uk

To discuss how to get your business cash working hard for you, join us for a one-hour Discovery Meeting either at our offices or by a video conference call at our expense worth £270 to each of the first three readers who contact us before July 31. You know it makes sense. We offer a great cup of coffee too - unfortunately, not a virtual one. Ring us on 01908 523740 or for free on 0800 980 4516 or email wealth@wealthandtax.co.uk. The contents of this article are for information purposes only and do not constitute individual advice. The value of your investments can fall as well as rise and is not guaranteed. All information is based on our current understanding of taxation, legislation and regulations in the current tax year. Any levels and bases of and reliefs from taxation are subject to change.

Business Times

July 2021

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

Business News

Put sustainability first, university hub tells business

Skills Panel chair vows to increase talent pipeline

he South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership has appointed a new chair of its Skills Advisory Panel to implement new plans to prioritise employment and skills across the region. Northampton College principal Pat Brennan-Barrett will work with fellow panel members to continue to build an inclusive talent pipeline of people with the skills required for today’s economy. Ms Brennan-Barrett said: “This work will help to ensure employers have access to a wave of new recruits who are fully equipped with the skills they need to be able to hit the ground running and make a difference in the workplace from day one.” SEMLEP’s new Skills Strategy evaluates the area’s current employment and skills levels and sets the strategic direction for recovery from the pandemic and future growth, including a detailed action plan for the future. SEMLEP’s employer and skills manager Paul Thompson said: “As

C Pat Brennan-Barrett we work to rebuild, our employment and skills work is of vital importance. As a key part of the skills community, Pat is perfectly placed to bring considerable knowledge and drive to help ensure delivery of the action plans within the new strategy.” Ms Brennan-Barrett said: “I

am delighted to be given the responsibility of overseeing the work of SEMLEP’s Skills Advisory Panel as we continue to create the workforce of the future with a generation of hungry, adaptable and digital-savvy young people at its core.”

orporate responsibility and sustainability is the focus of a new business hub that has opened at the University of Northampton. The Centre for Sustainable Business Practices partners the university’s academics and students with businesses across the region. It is being run in conjunction with the Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability. Associate professor Adrian Pryce, CSBP outreach lead at the university, said: “Consumers and businesses are increasingly making smart and responsible choices with their spending and alignment of business relationships. Businesses that demonstrate their commitment to progressing the environmental and social agenda will retain a competitive advantage.” The Northamptonshire Hub aims to encourage businesses to adopt responsible and sustainable practices

and to provide the opportunity to gain professional recognition for their achievements. CRS board member David Logan discussed his view of corporate social responsibility and the environmental, social, and governance landscape at the hub’s launch last month. Guests also took part in a session on Circular Economy business models, led by Gerrard Fisher and Jennifer Decker of QSA Partners, Northamptonshire’s first certified B Corp company. B Corp companies pledge to meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. Mr Pryce said: “The Hub will provide a fantastic forum for businesses. I believe the work of the Hub will support a more responsible, sustainable and ethical approach to business, which will see the county’s economy flourish.”

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

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

Business Times

July 2021

Business News

Tailor shows winner how to wear it well Jack Walding, a Northampton carpenter who had to postpone his wedding through lockdown, can now step out in style after winning a capsule wardrobe of clothes courtesy of St Crispin Bespoke Menswear.

ack visited the shop just as lockdown finished for non-essential businesses to be measured for his first ever made-to-measure suit, shirts, blazer and chinos which was the prize for the lucky winner of the competition which ran in Pulse Magazine and sister title Business Times. He was guided, with the expert help of Dean Anderson, the director of Saint Crispin Bespoke Menswear, to a formal three-piece suit using the finest English pure worsted wool fabric from Holland and Sherry in an Below: The jacket can be worn with a pair of smart jeans or the chinos that were a part of Jack’s prize

eye-catching Prince of Wales check. For his smart casual blazer, Jack selected a sophisticated wool silk mix Italian cloth from Reda in a fine blue check with a pale blue lining and bespoke touches in the same lining to the sleeve vent and buttonhole detail. This can be worn with his new crisp white shirt with blue buttonholes. To finish off the look, a pair of beige chinos made from 98 per cent cotton and two per cent Lycra mix for comfort, especially when travelling. The three extra shirts, which would complete his capsule wardrobe, were gifted to his groomsmen for his up-andcoming wedding.

This fantastic wardrobe of clothing was then put into production taking around six weeks to create. Jack then returned to the shop to try on the garments for Dean to make any fine adjustments required to ensure they fitted him to perfection. Jack said “I could not believe how well all the garments fitted me. I was finding it incredibly difficult to find a suit that would fit me correctly. At 6 feet 4 inches with long legs and broad shoulders and a narrow waist, suits were a nightmare without costly alterations. In addition, the fabric and finish were poor and lacked any of the superb bespoke touches that Dean could provide. It means

The made-to-measure suit was made using a Prince of Wales check with the fine cerise checks complemented with a pink lining to the suit and back of the waistcoat Below: Jack’s crisp white shirt boasts pink buttonholes and his initials JW on the sleeve cuffs

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July 2021

the quality of all the garments are incredible. I certainly could not have found anything like this on the high street. “I now have all the key elements for my wardrobe I need to take me to any occasion I am likely to attend.” Dean said: “Jack’s suit can be worn to many other special occasions such as the races, christenings, special anniversaries and parties. The jacket and chinos can be worn on his honeymoon and weekends away. The jacket can be worn with a smart pair of jeans and a shirt or polo shirt.” Jack said: “The chinos could be worn with a smart shirt, polo shirt or crisp white t-shirt and a great piece of Allen Paine knitwear I have my eye on. I will certainly be getting a lot of wear from all of the items. “I found Dean incredibly approachable and easy to get along with. I was quite nervous when I walked through the door as I do not normally ever consider going into a place like Saint Crispin’s Bespoke Menswear. It is an experience and service I will definitely be repeating, “Dean has shown me that I don’t need many clothes in my wardrobe, just the right ones. I would thoroughly recommend anyone considering this experience to give Dean a call. You will not be disappointed.” For more information, including gift certificates, visit www.saintcrispin.co.uk or call 01604 589907 to make an appointment.

Careers campaign calls for business leaders to join up

usiness leaders are being urged to join more than 100 enterprise advisers in giving the benefit of their career experience to the next generation of employees. The South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership has launched its Rewrite the Story campaign, inviting employers to volunteer as enterprise advisers and share their insights into the world of work with senior leadership teams at schools throughout the region. Research shows that young people who have four or more encounters with the world of work during their time in education are 86 per cent less likely to become NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training). SEMLEP says the role of an enterprise adviser is crucial in creating opportunities for young people and bridging the gap between education and work. The initiative, devised by

The Careers & Enterprise Company, highlights the importance of local businesses partnering with a local secondary school or college to use their skills, business experience and networks to help develop a strong careers programme that supports all students. SEMLEP already has 111 enterprise advisers working with schools but is keen to increase the involvement of senior business people. SEMLEP’s employment

and skills manager Paul Thompson said: “As outlined in SEMLEP’s recently published skills strategy, connecting businesses and education facilities together is vital to ensuring that the careers provision in schools and colleges reflects that of the labour market. We need more businesses to sign up to the programme to not only benefit students’ understanding of the world of work but also to ensure we are supporting our next generation of employees.”

To join the network, register your interest or find out more about how you can #RewritetheStory of a young person visit bit.ly/-RewritetheStory

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

Business News

Beckham backs ‘the very best in British ingenuity’

rapidly growing technology company that upcycles and converts motor vehicles to its proprietary electric powertrain is preparing an ambitious growth plan after securing investment from a group of highprofile backers. Former footballer David Beckham has joined the Barclay, Reuben and Dellal families in investing in the vehicle electrification company Lunaz. The company upcycles and converts vehicles to clean-air powertrains - far less costly and with greater impact on the environment than replacing with new. The powertrain is unique and has been developed by engineers from Aston Martin, F1, Ferrari, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, McLaren and Prodrive. Mr Beckham is pictured on his visit to Lunaz’s headquarters at Silverstone. He has taken a ten per cent stake in the company through his investment arm, which has backed fast-growth start-ups in sectors such as eSports and athletic recovery products. “Lunaz represents the very best of British ingenuity in both technology and design,” he said. “I was drawn to the company through their work

David Beckham (centre), with Lunaz chief executive David Lorenz (left) and managing director John Hilton restoring some of the most beautiful classic cars through upcycling and electrification.” Lunaz, which was founded two years ago, specialises in the leectrification of the world’s most celebrated classic cars. It has already brought to market the world’s first fully-electric Range Rover, Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Jaguar sports cars

through its Lunaz Design brand. Since Lunaz started production in 2019, the company’s growth has accelerated as individual and hospitality buyers worldwide look to adapt their vehicle fleets in response to tougher stances by governments on high-emission vehicles. The injection of growth capital has enabled Lunaz to develop plans for

the upcycling and electrification of industrial vehicles on a mass global scale. It will begin with industrial HGV vehicles including refuse trucks, of which 80 million exist in the UK, EU and USA alone. The Lunaz remanufacturing and electrification process will extend the life of up to 70pc of the existing weight and embedded carbon within

a vehicle. It also saves fleet operators significant costs compared with replacing existing vehicles with new. Lunaz’s founder and chief executive David Lorenz said: “The upcycling of existing passenger, industrial and commercial vehicles presents a sustainable alternative to replacing with new. Our approach will save fleet operators capital while dramatically reducing waste in the global drive towards decarbonisation.” The Lunaz Group has committed long-term to the UK and specifically Silverstone as its global HQ. It plans to double the number of jobs for engineers and manufacturing technicians by the end of the year and to have created more than 500 high-skilled jobs at Silverstone by 2024. Mr Lorenz said: “Firms like ours, which operate in the principles of the circular economy, show that British industry can provide potent answers to the global need to transition to less impactful industrial practices.” From Silverstone, the Lunaz Group will run a network of manufacturing facilities near its major global markets and is already in discussions with European governments.

Sponsored Feature

Brian Bennett (centre) with daughter Wendy Hayward and guest presenter Colin Mander, of Compair

Aircare celebrate 30 years in business

he team at Aircare Compressor Services Ltd have hosted a special event to celebrate 30 years in the compressed air and vacuum industry. The open event also gave many valued customers, suppliers and team members the chance to bid a fond farewell to company founder and Chairman Brian Bennett and to Willie Bourn, Senior Engineer. Leading suppliers within the compressed air and vacuum industry such as Compair, Hydrovane, Elmo Rietschle, Pneumax and Prevost attended the event. The British Compressed Air Society were also on hand, along with Aircare’s fluid power partners OMC and Hydroscand. An emotional presentation took place at 11am to honour Brian Bennett’s 30 years of www.aircarecompressors.co.uk

service and Willie Bourn’s retirement. Gifts marking the 30 years were given out to all Aircare team members before the official opening of Aircare’s newly refurbished offices and trade counter. ‘The morning was a huge success and the whole team are still buzzing,” says Aircare’s Managing Director Wendy Hayward. “As we say goodbye to our Chairman (aka my Dad), Brian, it is time for us to forge ahead. Our customers will continue to receive the very best service, our team will carry on growing and we will steadily expand our best in class product range. Our customers can always rely on the knowledge and experience of our honest and trusted team of professionals. “Quality of service runs throughout the company and will continue to do so.”

01536 403808

enquiries@aircarecompressors.co.uk

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Business Times

July 2021

Business News

Entrepreneurs praised for their drive to innovate

hree businessmen from Northamptonshire are among eight on the shortlist for this year’s East Midlands Entrepreneur of the Year. Martin George, chairman and owner of flour miller Whitworth Bros Ltd in Wellingborough, is joined on the list by Alex Goldsmith, chief executive of Northampton-based Medigold Health Consultancy, which develops occupational health and wellbeing solutions for employers across the UK. Also on the shortlist is Barry Gough, chief executive of The Memento Group, based at Bugbrooke and a global sports licensing business involved in the world of sport memorabilia. The awards, organised by professional services firm EY, have issued a national shortlist of 126 business leaders making a positive impact on the economy and who

have displayed remarkable resilience and innovative spirit during the pandemic. Chris Romans, EY private partner and head of tax in the Midlands, said: “All of the entrepreneurs have demonstrated acute commercial awareness. They have continued striving to innovate and growth their business despite the challenges they will have faced over the last 12 months. “It is the contributions of these individuals and their businesses that are making a huge impact on the local, regional and in many cases, the national economy.” Four regional judging panels are meeting to select the regional winners, who will represent their region at UK judging in October. The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year UK overall winner will be announced in November and will represent the UK at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year in 2022.

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July 2021

Home is where the heart is: ‘To offer live-in care was a natural progression for us’

ome Instead East Northants have noted that because of the pandemic many more older people want to stay in their own home because they feel comfortable in their own surroundings. The organisation are delighted to be offering a live-in care service for clients across North Bedfordshire, East Northamptonshire and everywhere in between to have the option to have a CAREGiver with them at all times, making it more feasible for people to remain at home. A live-in CAREGiver will be a person’s companion, who is there to oversee their client’s wellbeing day and night. Live-in care supports a whole range of scenarios that elderly people find themselves in including: n Long-term conditions, such as Parkinson’s; n Dementia; n Losing a spouse; n Frailty; n Unexpected illness and events.

If you are looking for support for younger adults, Home Instead also care for people aged 18 and over and the caregivers are chosen carefully for their empathy and caring nature. Working with their client’s routines and making sure they enjoy a full life with a suitable social calendar, including days out and social events, while assisting with their long-term health conditions. Live-in care is tailored to meet the individual needs of clients and their loved ones. It can range from companionship to help with bathing, dressing and mobility. Home Intead works closely with clients to understand what they need from a CAREGiver and hand pick a trained individual who can deliver on their care needs. “We have offered home care to elderly and vulnerable people in the community for 11 years so to offer live in care was a natural progression for us,” says Mark Darnell, owner of Home Instead East Northants. “For many, they are not aware that you can remain living in your

own home when independent living becomes a challenge. Often they believe that the next step is to go into a care home. “By offering live-in care, we have been able to discuss options with our clients and let them know that if home is where they want to be, we can support them to stay there.” For more information on Home Instead’s live-in care service, email Jackie.rafferty@ homeinstead-eastnorthants. co.uk

Showroom is an ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ of energy-saving and renewables ideas

elcome to a one-stopshop for all aspects of building engineering services. Burton Latimer-based Griffiths, now in its 22nd year, carries out a variety of 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 businesses across Northamptonshire 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 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).

Brian Griffiths: While a significant number of projects are in the commercial or industrial sectors, Griffiths also have many domestic customers The Griffiths service 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.

Contact Griffiths on 01536 420666 or visit either their website at www.griffithsaircon.co.uk or their Energy Efficiency Centre showroom at 111 High Street, Burton Latimer - open 9am-5pm Monday-Friday.

MAKE THE HEADLINES... Send your business news to news@business-times.co.uk For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk

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Business Times

July 2021

Feature: Starting & Staying in Business The trend towards more flexible leases means tenants are likely to experience more regular renewals and often three-year rent reviews. Even if your business is already established, up to one in three tenants reading this article will move, renew or review their rent this year. Stephen Chown, of Chown Commercial, offers some tips to tenants, especially new ones, considering taking on a lease.

by Lauren Aurburn BRI Business Recovery & Insolvency

Stay relevant, competitive and open to change

t has been reported that the current pandemic has triggered a surge in the number of new businesses set up in many of the world’s largest economies. To some this may seem unusual, especially considering that a lot of businesses have faced some of the most difficult trading conditions over the past 15 months as a result of being in lockdown. However, while some businesses have struggled, others have been really successful because they have evolved and, in some cases, this has happened purely because the pandemic has forced changes to the way we work. An example of this is working from home. Prior to lockdown, it would be highly unlikely that an employer would allow their staff to work from home due to the concern that there would be a loss of productivity. However, it would appear that working from home will become the new norm, with a number of employers permanently adopting a flexible working policy following the easing of lockdown restrictions. Property costs - rent, rates, utilities etc - are usually one of the

highest overheads for a business and so reducing this cost, or eradicating it completely, is only going to increase profits and help with cashflow. In order to stay in business it is key to stay relevant, competitive and open to change. If a business does not adapt to change, failure in the future could be inevitable. The demise of the retail sector is a prime example. One of the issues faced by high street retailers is the increase in online sales and competition from online only retailers. While high street retailers are struggling - and there have been a number of high profile retail insolvencies over the last few years - it has been reported that online only retailers are making huge profits. The moral of the story is… change can be good. It can be tempting to stay the same but, for some businesses, not changing or adapting can result in failure. n If you or a client, contact or friend has any business finance concerns, contact one of BRI’s experienced management team on 01604 754352 to arrange a free, confidential chat with no obligation.

Help your profitability as well as your peace of mind

greeing the rent you will pay and the length of lease is a good start but always agree all terms before instructing solicitors. Otherwise you will add extra expense to your already overstretched budget. A document called Heads of Terms should list precisely what you will be expected to do and pay for. It may sound daunting but it will always be subject to contract (ie, not yet binding on the parties) and will give you the chance to see all the terms on one sheet rather than spread between several letters or emails. If you are not 100 per cent sure about everything - both at the beginning and end of the lease - take some advice. There are a number of fundamental points to agree which are just as important as the rent. First: is the property in tip top condition? If so, take a full repairing lease, keep up with the housekeeping throughout the lease and all will be well. If it is looking tired, consider a schedule of condition. Cameraphones make a photographic schedule easy to produce nowadays and for a few hundred pounds a surveyor will give you peace of mind that you will not pay for someone else’s repairs at the end of your lease. A common myth is for tenants to assume that ‘It was like that when I took it on, so it’s OK’. If the defect was not documented in a schedule of condition then it will probably fall to the tenant to make good before handing the property back at the end of the lease. This is especially common where a tenant takes an assignment and occupies for the last two or three years of an existing lease. You may find yourself responsible for taking

Stephen Chown down someone else’s partitions and making good if the premises were clear open plan at the start of the lease. Before signing up it is important to know exactly what will be expected of you in two, three or five years’ time. This is information that a surveyor will offer you. Commercial leases can often be more than 50 pages long and the short ones may have pitfalls created by what is left out. Even before you sign up, you may be expected to agree to pay the landlord’s solicitors fees. If this is agreed between the two parties then place a cheque with your solicitor as soon as possible as this is the single most common reason for early hold-ups. Nothing will happen until the cheque arrives and it is the quickest way to wind up your new landlord. The next most common way is to be slow with references and to send a credit reference from someone to whom you actually pay cash on delivery. Most business leases are governed by the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 part II and this must be adhered to closely. When you come towards the end of a business lease, each party gives each other notice before you move out or renew. Then

there are expensive issues such as dilapidations for the parties to consider. Advice at the end of a lease is as important as at the beginning. This leads on to rent reviews which are less rigidly governed by time limits but which can nevertheless catch out the unwary tenant. Reviews are best carried out just before the stated date as the evidence upon which they rely is fresh and up to date. If you leave a review unsettled you may well accrue interest and will certainly have to pay the increase over the delayed period in one lump. The exact wording of the lease will also affect the outcome so, again, professional advice may save a company unnecessary cost. Stephen Chown is a qualified chartered surveyor and has 30 years of professional experience in commercial property advice. Before committing your company to several years of increased costs, a consultation with a chartered surveyor is a wise move. Knowing what to budget for and knowing it is at the right price will help the profitability of your business as well as your peace of mind. n Contact Chown Commercial on 01604 604050 or visit www.chowncommercial.co.uk

‘It is crucial we support people to develop employability skills’

he South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership’s Community Grants programme, having already supported over 200 people back into work, is now open for a sixth round of applications. While the local employment rate remains above average, employment across the country has seen a dip. From prolonged periods of furlough to job losses and redundancies, Covid presented an employment landscape never seen before and as a result we are seeing a rise in unemployment rates.

Business Times

July 2021

SEMLEP’s Community Grants programme offers voluntary, community and social enterprises grants of between £10,000 and £20,000 to deliver employability skills projects, helping vulnerable members of the community return to work or training. Projects funded through the programme use bespoke methods to engage with people from the hardest to reach communities Unlike many other grant funding schemes, the Community Grants programme does not require ‘match funding’. This means that a grant can be used to cover a project’s entire cost.

Gayle Parker, operations manager at SEMLEP, said: “Over the past year, I am proud that we have been able to support members of our community to get back into the workforce. This sixth round of funding offers greater opportunities to recover from the pandemic. As restrictions continue to be lifted, it is crucial that we continue to support people to develop employability skills that will benefit them now, and in the future.” To date, the programme has awarded £1,179,526 to 69 projects. With £661,864

remaining, organisations that can help people to get back into work or training are invited to express their interest via the SEMLEP website at www.semlep.com/ community-grants/.

n The Community Grants programme is delivered by SEMLEP, supported by Voluntary Impact Northamptonshire and funded by the European Social Fund and the Education Skills Funding Agency.

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

Feature: Starting & Staying in Business Look after your key people - customers, colleagues and family, says businesswoman Clare Elsby. They are crucial to your success.

We have climbed many stairs... and gone back down a few

By Clare Elsby Elsby & Co

indsight is a wonderful thing. What advice would I give to my former self, starting up a bookkeeping and management accounting business from a back bedroom in 1993, which still applies to our modern way of working in 2021? Have some cash behind you... Cash is always king, even in 2021. We may not carry it around in our pockets these days but to have easy access to cash gives us options. I was lucky enough to have taken out mortgage protection insurance which gave me six months to see if I could make a go of setting up on my own. This allowed me to work out my weekly outgoings and to see exactly what I needed to earn before I literally would run out of money. I was used to a monthly salary so I also knew that I could not wait too long before I got paid for any work I picked up. This meant I had to turn work around quickly, make sure I invoiced on time and had robust terms and conditions. If you are borrowing to set up a business, be sure to factor in finance costs into your overheads. To see if you are making a genuine profit, set yourself an hourly rate which you know you want to cover. That is a challenge in the very early days when most of us work for nothing but to have a viable business, you need to take this into account as soon as you are able. Be prepared to move out of your comfort zone... I was good at setting up systems

and I understood how bookkeeping should be done. What I had to learn was how to market myself and get out there and network. This is where I picked up my work but I had never had to do this before. I also had to quote for work, whereas I had always just done what other people had asked of me. I had to be disciplined about my own admin. Essentially, I had to wear lots of hats and not just be able to do the work itself. Setting up on your own means exactly that: ‘on your own’. As early as you can, identify your personal strengths and weaknesses and engage others to help you manage those tasks you find a real struggle and therefore put off doing. Not only will it allow you to focus on what you are good at - and what they are good at - you will have time to identify opportunities to grow your business sooner. You may have to take backward steps to go forwards... It might sound counter-intuitive but staying in business is a challenge equal to starting up. It is easiest to think of it in terms of stairs. Starting in business, you are on the level but you get to a certain point where the business is growing. You may need more finance, you may need to take on an extra pair of hands - your first employee - you may have physically outgrown your space and need to invest in premises. This is your first hurdle, your first stair. From my experience, the first person you employ is the most important. This is where you make

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he coronavirus pandemic has revolutionised the way we work. Boris told us to work from home and we did... We worked from home in a way we had never done before. This was not possible for all roles but we have seen people performing duties from home which we never dreamed would be possible. As we follow the government’s ‘Roadmap’, many employers are consulting with staff on continued home working or allowing a certain level of home working. All employers should be alive to the opportunities created by these new ways of working for their business and their workforce. But can an employee insist on home working? THE LEGAL RIGHT There is no legal right to flexible working. There is a right to request flexible working (including working from home) for employees with 26 weeks’ service. If the request is rejected, the decision must be based on one or more specified grounds such as detrimental impact on quality or performance. Managers often focus on how a request can be rejected rather than accommodated. Employees armed with evidence that they have worked effectively from home during the pandemic now may switch the balance of power. Employers are likely to be asked “What part of my role have I not been performing from home?”.

Opportunity knocks for a new way of working

by Graham Irons Howes Percival LLP Employers should be prepared for this. What constitutes acceptable performance during a pandemic may not be the same when things return to “normal”. There may be aspects of the role that could not be performed at home. An examination of all duties and the context in which they were, and will be, performed will be needed. CULTURE Working relationships and culture are not specifically taken account of in the statutory grounds for rejection. For working relationships, it is easy to see how there may be an impact on performance if the role involves interaction with a wider office based team. But what about culture? It may be arguable that your culture and values provide the foundation which underpins the delivery of

great performance and quality. The question will be whether home working contributes to or detracts from your culture. DISCRIMINATION Rejecting a flexible working request, can create a risk of discrimination claim. For example, this could be where an application is agreed for, say, a white employee but rejected for a black employee. The employer must point to a clear rationale as to any difference in treatment. Employers should also recognise that working from home could constitute a reasonable adjustment for some disabled employees. Again, the need to work from home during the pandemic may demonstrate that such an adjustment is reasonable even where this may previously not have been thought to be the case.

For further advice on dealing with requests to work from home, contact Graham Irons at Howes Percival LLP email graham.irons@howespercival.com ... who will be working from home.

the decision - or it might be made for you - to expand. You now have a responsibility, a legal obligation for someone else’s welfare and to pay them a regular salary. The step backwards may be in your own earnings, your time taken up in training so that you can invest in the future. Having been in business since 1993, we have climbed many stairs, gone back down a few and then up again. You need to be prepared to never reach the top or to decide that you have reached a point where your work-life balance simply would not

benefit from climbing to another level. “Politeness costs nothing and gains everything”

Lady Mary Wortley Montague

You need to make friends in business,. After all, even today business ultimately is about working with people, selling to other people and buying from people. Your customers, employees and family are the key people in your life and crucial to your success. Look after them and you will have no regrets about starting up a business

when you look back. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Unlike 1993, there are opportunities for local support either through the University of Northampton’s Business Support Team or for matched funding via the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership’s Growth Hub. There is also a range of free workshops and seminars available at the Business & IP Centre, based at Northamptonshire Libraries. Elsby & Co www.elsbyandco.co.uk

Business Times

July 2021

Business News: Feature The architect behind the expansion and redevelopment programme at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery reflects on the project and explains how existing features were retained and restored to take pride of place alongside new areas and exhibitions, including in the world-famous Shoe Gallery.

‘I cannot wait to see the spaces being enjoyed’

orthampton Museum & Art Gallery is preparing to welcome back visitors this month after completion of an extensive expansion and redevelopment programme. The museum has been transformed, delivering an enriched and improved visitor experience, and is planned to be a major contributor to the regeneration of Northampton town centre and its developing Cultural Quarter. Visitors will be back from July 10, when the museum reopens. “It is great news that the museum will be opening its doors to the public,” said Tom Jagger, lead architect on the project and associate as GSSArchitecture which was appointed architects, lead consultants and principal designers on the project by West Northamptonshire Council. “I cannot wait to see the spaces being enjoyed. In addition to new and improved gallery spaces, areas for social interaction have been created which have transformed the building into a destination that will keep visitors engaged and coming back for repeat visits.” The project involved extensive remodelling works and construction of a nine-metrehigh courtyard extension which connects the existing museum with the surrounding vacant

historic buildings including an Old Gaol. These buildings have been converted to museum use, more than doubling the space on offer to the public. The extension houses a bright and airy cafe leading out to a spacious outdoor terrace. Designed as a dynamic new addition but referencing local materials including stone, slate and glass, careful consideration was required to ensure that existing features were retained and restored, said Mr Jagger. An historic arch revealed by demolition work during the project has been incorporated as a key feature within the extension. The Old Gaol block, formerly used as council offices, is now home to a temporary exhibition gallery, studio, and the museum’s world-renowned collection of shoes. The new shoe gallery is situated on the lower floor of the extension and runs into parts of the vaulted structures beneath the existing museum which were part of the original Gaol. A Central Hall, which offers multi-use lettable space for events, exhibitions and corporate hire, creates further revenue-generating space and has already generated significant interest ahead of the museum’s reopening, Mr Jagger said. The project follows on f r o m G S S A r c h i t e c t u r e ’s

The new Shoe Gallery at Northampton Museum, whose new Central Hall (below) will become a venue for events, exhibitions and corporate hire

masterplanning work on Northampton’s Cultural Quarter and is the latest in the practice’s

growing portfolio of regional and national museums, galleries, and exhibition spaces.

n Find out more at www. gssarchitecture.com

Lowry, Durer and a medieval shoe: Museum offers new home to art works

il paintings, prints and textiles, several pairs of shoes and ethnographic art are among new items on display when Northampton Museum & Art Gallery reopens this month. Ten shoes from Afghanistan and Greece, including a medieval design which kept the wearer raised from then dirty streets, were purposely chosen to broaden the scope of the museum’s world-famous footwear collection. The 20 artworks also include works by Northamptonborn artists Constance Howard and Robert Wallace Ellis. The venue has obtained a total 33 objects from Derbyshire County Council’s School Library Service

Business Times

July 2021

which are part of a collection gathered over 50 years from 1938. The collection includes a woodcut self-portrait print by the German Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer, a rare, unsigned lithograph print by L. S. Lowry, entitled A Street Full of People, and Japanese Satsuma ware. The donations by Derbyshire County Council have been endorsed by the Museums Association and funded by the Esmee Fairbairn Collections Fund West Northamptonshire Council deputy leader Cllr Adam Brown, portfolio holder for culture, leisure and housing, said: “We are delighted

Japanese Satsuma ware is among the items on display at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery

that we can provide these objects with a new home in West Northants and ensure that people can enjoy them.” The items will feature in future exhibitions, in learning sessions and the museum service’s Art History lecture series, he added. Derbyshire County Council leader Cllr Barry Lewis said: “The transfer of collections from the Schools Library Service to museums like Northampton’s is pioneering and continues to be an exciting project for us to be involved in. For a long time, museums have been nervous about the disposal of objects so

we welcome the confidence the Museums Association has placed in us to get this right - it is an innovative project which continues to see items being rehomed in a transparent way, considering what is the best place for the object while ensuring that it is not lost to the public where possible. “We are very pleased that Northampton Museum and Art Gallery is able to receive these objects, and to exhibit them in their galleries in future.” n For the latest from the Northampton Museums, visit www.northamptonmuseums.com or follow their social media channels #StepInside.

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Business News: Appointments

Surveyors’ expertise is ‘a real asset’ to consultancy team

wo experienced building surveyors have joined property, business and planning firm Berrys at its Kettering office. Senior building surveyor Bill Crowther left has worked at both national and local consultancies with clients ranging from

local authorities to national retailers and has acted as contract administrator on a host of projects. Building surveyor Ben Alders right is working towards his RICS accreditation to become a Chartered Building Surveyor.

Berrys head of building consultancy John Rivett says: “Their breadth of expertise both on the residential and commercial side as well as work with local authorities is a real asset and adds to the building consultancy team’s strengths.”

Practice leader relishes prospects for year ahead

Growth highlights new marketing role

xpansion including three mergers and acquisitions and year-on-year growth of 20 per cent has led an HR consultancy to recruit its first marketing manager. HR Solutions, which supplies outsourced support to small and medium-sized businesses, has welcomed Rebecca Gormley to the team. Her newly created role is to develop and implement the company’s marketing strategy and grow its digital footprint through brand awareness. Chief executive Greg Guilford said: “We are excited with the appointment of Rebecca to help us increase awareness to SMEs of the benefits of HR and health and safety outsourced services.” Rebecca joins a series of new arrivals

Rebecca Gormley with Greg Guilford over the past six months, including HR consultants, advisors and administrators. The firm is continuing to recruit, said Mr Guilford. “I welcome all our new hires after what has been a turbulent year for a lot of businesses,” he added. “We see these roles as helping us to expand our support to our clients as we all move forward.”

artner Andy Harris has been promoted to head of law firm Howes Percival’s corporate, commercial and banking practice. The firm, with offices in Northampton, has invested heavily in its CCB practice in recent years. Firm-wide it has grown by around 50 per cent with several promotions and senior high-profile hires. Mr Harris pictured rejoined Howes Percival last year, having previously worked for it between 1999 and 2008. He has more than 30 years’ experience as a transactional and advisory corporate lawyer and extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions work, private equity, funding work and reorganisations, in particular in the automotive and manufacturing sectors. In the first quarter of this year, Howes Percival completed 32 deals totalling £263 million and the firm expects to announce another partner appointment later this month. Chair Geraint Davies said: “Under Andy’s leadership, our ambition is to continue to further develop our

CCB offering and client base.” Mr Harris added: “The last 12 months have been very challenging but also very busy indeed with buyers and sellers coming to the market. Many businesses have been able to demonstrate strong normalised performance despite the pandemic and sellers have seen pricing remain strong and have decided that now is the time to derisk. “There is also money available to support deals. We are feeling very positive about the rest of this year and beyond.”

Partner leaves the City behind

xperienced solicitor David Davies pictured right has left the City to join Northampton law firm dfa Law as partner in the corporate and commercial team. He previously worked for Linklaters and has more than 20 years’ experience, with a particular interest in

mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, restructuring and commercial agreements. dfa Law has also welcomed Jen Balashi pictured to

its commercial property department. She joined in May, having qualified as a solicitor in 2019.

Specialist leads fightback against cybercrime

ecurity specialist John Pury Hill near Towcester, Lyons has joined is planning to introduce a the board of IT and new Cyber Highway tool telecoms provider Digital to improve cyber safety for Origin as the company’s chief companies. information security officer. Managing director James He will be responsible for Evans says: “John brings delivering new cyber security a wealth of IT security products to support the knowledge and experience company’s IT, connectivity, with him. telephony and mobile activity. “We are delighted to have iness Times small add 2019.qxp_Layout 1 13/01/2021 11:09 Page 7 Digital Origin, based at secured his services at a

pivotal time in the ongoing war against cybercriminals. Attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and frequent.” Digital Origin is to become a Cyber Essentials Certification Body, enabling the firm to help businesses to step up their software and hardware assets to meet new security standards.

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Business Times

July 2021

In the community

Law firm sets up new foundation to support charities

ational law firm Shoosmiths has launched The Shoosmiths Foundation, a grant-making body working to help to address societal issues, empower sustainable change and improve the lives of people and the environment in the UK. The Shoosmiths Foundation builds on the firn’s existing community investment programme which continues to support local charity partners through staff fundraising and firm donations, staff volunteering and provision of legal advice pro bono. Grants are available for UK-registered charities undertaking work in the UK, with funding decided by the Shoosmiths Foundation grants committee.

In terms of eligible expenditure, applications for this round - open until close of business on July 23 - must relate to the social mobility aim which is the Shoosmiths Foundation’s grant giving priority for 2021. The foundation offers grants to: • Advance social mobility in the legal sector, and across the UK in line with the Shoosmiths social mobility action plan. Particular focus on charitable organisations which share our belief that ‘talent can come from anywhere’, and which align their interventions with local socio-economic analysis and need; • Advance a carbon net zero UK; • Advance access to justice in the UK. Shoosmiths chief executive Simon Boss

On the run to support hospitals

said: “The Shoosmiths Foundation is a really exciting opportunity for us in our efforts to increase our societal impact. With our three Foundation themes, we are able to allocate funds to strategic priority areas. In 2021/22, we will be looking for applications which have a focus on social mobility. “This will enable us to build on our longstanding community commitments as a firm and it is also an opportunity for us to financially support projects which align with our ambitions - and reiterate our belief - that talent can come from anywhere.” The firm is to host a live webinar on July 14 at 2pm where charities can find out more and ask any questions. To register visit www.shoosmiths.co.uk

ump into your running shoes this summer and take on a half marathon challenge to support your local NHS. Pledge to raise a minimum of £100 for Northamptonshire Health Charity and you can run for free in the challenge on Sunday, September 26. If the 13.1-mile half marathon is too far, register for The Size 6 race. The minimum amount to raise for a free place, which runs alongside the Northampton Half Marathon, is £75. Another option is the Northampton Half Marathon Relay, which is in three stages with a minimum sponsorship requirement of £160. Raise money for the ward, department or service that means the most to you and your family at Northampton General and Kettering General Hospitals as well as all the community and mental health hospitals and services under Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust. Other help is welcome to support current fundraising appeals for the new outside play area between the children’s wards at Northampton General, a new maternity bereavement suite at Kettering General or for a multisensory room at The Burrows for young people with complex mental health conditions. In 2019, the charity’s team of runners raised more than £14,000 for a wide range of wards and departments. Register for a place at www.northamptonshirehealthcharity.co.uk/ events/northampton-half-marathon-2021 Get in touch with the team 01604 626 927 or email greenheart@nhcf.co.uk

Groups deliver garden’s creative makeover T

he Northamptonshire Mind garden in Corby has had a creative makeover thanks to support from the government’s Loneliness and Isolation Fund and a team effort from organisations and volunteers. Since April, Groundwork Northamptonshire has been working with the Green Minds group, including volunteers and service users at the Corby Mind centre in Argyll Street, on horticultural and creative projects. The Green Minds group have been busy

Business Times

July 2021

working with the Groundwork Green Patch team to transform the garden. Working with another Groundwork team, Made With Many, the group discussed possible sculptures and projects before choosing artist Dan Wilson to work with them to design and create a series of murals. They decided to create a spotter’s guide to some of wildlife found in the garden, including red kites, bluebells and robins, with each artwork depicting flora and fauna from each of the four seasons.

Northamptonshire Mind’s chief executive Sarah Hillier said: “This is a fantastic and inspiring example of groups working together and with us here at Mind to create something truly special at our base in Corby. The amazing efforts of all those involved not to mention the truly outstanding talent on show - took our breath away. We are both honoured and proud to have been involved in such a collaborative community project.” To find out more about this project visit www.madewithmany.org

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In the community

Building firm backs ongoing campaign to support communities

uilding products manufacturer Forterra has donated £30,000 to FareShare, a charity tackling hunger and food waste and which has been championed by footballer Marcus Rashford. FareShare redistributes goodquality, surplus food to around 11,000 charities and community groups across the nation. With every £1 donated, FareShare provides four nutritionally balanced meals, which means Northampton-based Forterra’s donation will enable the charity to redistribute the equivalent of 120,000 meals to families and children facing food poverty. Forterra’s chief executive Stephen Harrison said: “We are delighted to be able to make this contribution to FareShare. It is incredibly important that

we come together to support vulnerable communities and children, not just during these particularly trying times but into the future too.” Mr Rashford, who plays for Manchester Utd, became an ambassador for the charity during the pandemic, working closely with FareShare to ensure food availability for vulnerable children and families across the UK. The charity’s head of fundraising Becky Ettinger, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Forterra for this donation. The pandemic has made fundraising even more difficult so to receive such a significant donation will make a huge difference to us and to all the people across the country who rely on our help.”

Film highlights food poverty

eading grant-making charity in the county Northamptonshire Community Foundation and As It Is Theatre Company have held the online premiere of Foodbank:2021. Written by former foodbank manager Tara Osman and directed by Lawrence O’Connor, the live theatre film highlights real life stories about people who are forced to rely on food banks to support both themselves and their families. Adaptions of the play have previously been performed across the UK and it was due to be shown in Northampton in April but was cancelled due to the public health crisis. The film, shot under Covid-safe restrictions during lockdown, provides a window into the world of food poverty in the UK. “This play pulls no punches and nor should it,” says Tara. “It is a disgrace that anyone is facing hunger when supermarket shelves are stuffed full of food. Hopefully, Foodbank:2021 underlines the urgency and necessity of political action to tackle hunger.” Across the last year, Northamptonshire Community Foundation distributed £362,293 specifically to local charities and community groups to provide food aid for those shielding and self-isolating and other vulnerable residents as well as those experiencing financial hardship. The Foundation is currently providing grants to charities through its Family Food Aid Fund to help struggling families living on a low income. The community foundation’s deputy chief executive Rachel McGrath says: “The pandemic may be receding but the urgent need to tackle food poverty goes on. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we continue to provide funds to help tackle food insecurity in our local communities and welcome donations to help continue the programme. “I really urge anyone to watch Foodbank:2021 which has been produced on behalf of Northamptonshire Food Poverty Network is based on real life stories. It is a challenging watch and reflects the distressing and unjust circumstances many find themselves in. As part of our global goals work, we want to be a part of the local response to ensure we have zero hunger on our doorsteps by 2030.” Foodbank:2021 is now available to watch online on Northamptonshire Community Foundation’s YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube. com/user/NorthamptonshireCF. Northamptonshire Community Foundation has recently launched the Family Food Aid Fund to support community groups and charities that are helping families experiencing financial hardship. Funding will enable them to gain easy access to nutritious food and balanced meals as well as supporting the wellbeing of children and young people struggling with food insecurity. To donate to the appeal, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/familyfoodaid

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A FareShare volunteer distributing much needed food

Students rise to fundraising challenges E vents management students from University of Northampton have raised more than £11,945 to support charities. The students have gone online this academic year for the fundraisers which meant working with charities to design, plan, market, and operate the events. The students used their creativity to run a programme of virtual and Covid-safe events, including a student versus lecturers’ quiz night, tapas cooking session with a chef, and The Flash Fringe Festival. Charities that benefited included The Hope Centre, Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group, Cynthia Spencer Hospice, NorPIP, and Northampton Association for the Blind. Final year student, Victoria Pshenchenko, who was part of the team of students who organised a virtual escape room in aid of Northampton Association for the Blind, said: “I’ have loved organising this fundraising event and I am pleased we have been able to raise money to support the charity’s important work. It has been a fantastic chance to put my academic skills into practice in the planning of the event. This opportunity was one of the things that attracted me to the course at Northampton. Claire Leer, senior lecturer in events

management and tourism, said: “I am incredibly proud of all of the hard work the students have put into organising these assessed events. It has been a tricky year for the students to plan and run events but they have embraced virtual events management and come up with some great virtual and Covid-safe events. They have also supported

some wonderful local charities to continue to provide their vital services for the people of Northamptonshire. “I would also like to thank the local charities for supporting our students to demonstrate their practical events skills, by offering students a real world, client / event manger working relationship.”

Generous support for nursing and care staff training

onnolly Foundation UK is giving more than £75,000 to The Bedford College Group to support the training of nursing and care staff. The Foundation’s money will fund 56 bursaries of up to £500 plus another £50,000 towards equipping training facilities.

Students eligible for the funds will include those aged 16 plus starting new T-Level full time courses in Health and Science from September 2021. The equipment funds will set up a care home or hospital ward setting complete with special bed, hoist, life size mannequins and scientific equipment for checking blood pressure and more.

Ian Pryce CBE, principal and chief executive of The Bedford College Group said: “This is extremely generous of the Connolly Foundation who are champions of opportunity for young people. We are grateful for their continuing support.” Find out more about the Connolly Foundation and the causes it supports at: www.connollyfoundation.org.uk

Business Times

July 2021

Networking

>> The local Networking round-up

elays in the easing of lockdown rules has meant many plans to return to face-to-face meetings have been put on hold but online networking is still making a difference. The different styles of networking groups across Northamptonshire means people can find one to suit their style of doing business.

A group for networkers looking for a constant stream of referrals, introductions, opportunities and sales. The tried and tested RIO™ model offers dynamic weekly online meetings and an experienced management team: Peterborough every Tuesday at 8am. Cambridgeshire and South Lincolnshire every Wednesday at 8am. Northants and surrounding areas every Tuesday at midday. National networking every Wednesday at midday. Contact Gary Thorpe for all events. Email: gary.thorpe@debt-doctors.co.uk Tel: 07963 766052 or 01536 333425 All meetings are over 90 minutes and we are continuing online, which means you’ll benefit from no increase in your time commitment, no additional fuel costs and no high monthly/ weekly meeting fees as we move out of lockdown.

Tuesday’s BNI (Temporary Online) Meeting 6.45am-8.30am, Ignite BNI, Holiday Inn Northampton West M1, Jct 6 (NN7 4LP). Thursday’s BNI (Temporary Online) Meetings 6.45am-8.30am, Pavilion BNI, Collingtree Park Golf Club (NN4 0XN); 6.45am-8.30am, Prosperity BNI, Kettering Rugby Club (NN15 6NT); 11.30am-1.30pm, Sterling BNI, Delapre Golf Club (NN4 7DU). Friday’s BNI (Temporary Online) Meeting

The belief is that, with the right support at the right price - any small business can succeed. Members believe there is so much to gain with a positive attitude of mutual collaboration and a desire to share collective wisdom and experience. The Business Community will start face-to-face meetings starting in Northampton on July 28th. The following meetings remain online: Northampton & Daventry (7.30am-9.30am) - alternate Wednesdays and from July 28, subject to government guidelines, this meeting will be face-to-face at The Turnpike, Harpole. Wellingborough & MK (7.30am-9.30am) - alternate Thursdays Market Harborough (7.30am-9.30am) - alternate Fridays Free networking (3pm-4pm) - every Friday Brunch (9.30am-11am) – every other Tuesday of the month Evening (6.30pm-8.30pm) - 4th Tuesday of the month All meetings are £6, except the free meeting, with a money back guarantee if you don’t find a meeting of value. Visitors welcome. Details of all events and to book: www.buscomm.co.uk/ourevents

The FSB has 2,000 members across Northamptonshire and as well as local campaigning, members hold regular networking and support events, currently all online and free to attend. These include a monthly FSB Northampton Virtual Networking where all are welcome. You don’t have to be an FSB member to join in. The FSB also holds a regular Northampton Business forum on key busines issues and meetings for members with local MPs. Find these and hundreds of other networking, support and webinar events online at www.fsb.org.uk. Upcoming events: FSB Northampton Virtual Networking Thursday, July 22 at 10am

6.45am-8.30am, Lighthouse BNI, Franklin’s Gardens (NN5 5BG); 6.45am-8.30am, Unity BNI, Gt Doddington Club (NN29 7TL). Contact Duncan Webster for all events, email: Duncan@BNIBreakfast.co.uk, Tel: 07977 422220.

No fuss networking. Relaxed, informal, B2B, virtual networking. This café inspired solution powered by Remo provides a variety of pay-as-you-go events: Bedford Buzz Wednesday, July 7 Rugby Buzz Thursday, July 8 Bicester Buzz Tuesday, July 13 Leicester Buzz Friday, July 16 MK Buzz Wednesday, July 21 Northampton Buzz Wednesday, July 28 Banbury Buzz Wednesday Hinckley Buzz Wednesday All Business Buzz events operate from 10am to noon and are bookable via the app: https://app.business-buzz.org/app For full details of all Business Buzz events please visit: www.business-buzz.org.

Business Times

July 2021

Networking group set up by Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire Chambers of Commerce to help young business people in the region to grow and develop via a series of monthly networking events and personal development sessions. Sandwich Social 12 noon-1pm Tuesday July 13 Informal lunchtime networking. To book visit www.northants-chamber.co.uk/who-we-are/ next-generation-chamber/our-events

Free to attend for start-up and established businesses and run from 9.30am to 10.30am, Visit the website at www.northnorthantsbusinessnetwork.co.uk Wellingborough Monday, July 12 Kettering Wednesday, July 14 Corby Tuesday, July 20 East Northants Thursday, July 22 All take place on Zoom, free to attend and book via www.northnorthantsbusinessnetwork.co.uk

ChamberLIVE: Digital transformation for business Tuesday, July 6 online, 10am to 11am. Chamber members can book for all events. www.northants-chamber.co.uk

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

Attendees maximise their time out of the office and in the room, by ensuring all the attendee information is shared in advance. This gives attendees time to plan their networking session in advance so they can get more out of each meeting, therefore making it as profitable as possible. Each session involves a training session of networking and a member session where they add value to your business. This may be a skills’ share or a business insight in your session. Groups meet 12 noon to 2pm when face to face but currently online from 11.30 to 1.30pm. These are lock out groups so only one business area is represented Kettering Tuesday, July 13 Business Rooms Wellingborough, Northampton and South Northants return to face to face meetings COVID safe venues that can achieve social distancing Wellingborough Wednesday, July 14 Northampton Thursday, July 8 South Northants Tuesday, July 13 Connections Club Northants face to face meetings at its new home at Delapre Abbey £30 for visitors including a one course lunch and refreshments. It is our Business Insight and we have CEO, Richard Clinton of Delapre Abbey talking about the lessons he has learnt in his business. Richard joined Delapre just before the pandemic struck and will be sharing his experience in managing through this turbulent time The Connections Club - Northants Only open to business owners, influencers and decision makers, this is a structured and professional group which gives people the opportunity to connect with other business owners who are serious about growth. It allows you to take away a valuable skill, learning or insight at every single meeting and meet valuable contacts. It is not lock-out, but each session is limited to a maximum of three business areas. Tuesday July 6: Meet 11.45am - 2pm. Contact details: Barbara 07504 946 585/ 01933 652884 Email: barbara@yourbusinessmatters.co www.yourbusinessmatters.co

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Marketing & PR

What do you value in a service?

Deciding on whether something is value for money or not is very subjective, but have you ever thought about how people view the value of your products and services?

s I write this month’s column, I have just returned from a threeday course in London. One thing we covered that I found really insightful was how we measure results in business. For example, if we pay for a service, often we want to see a return on investment for that service. But is this always financial? Apparently, when it comes to advertising, the most successful advertising campaigns generally relate to one of these five key life areas: money, status, time, health and relationships. If a service can save you time, make you money, make you feel successful (status) or improve your health and/or relationships, people will feel compelled to buy it. It got me thinking about the services we provide at Ballyhoo PR. Quite often we measure the success of our campaigns on the amount of press coverage gained, how many award entries reach the finals, or the domain authority numbers of the websites our clients are featured on. Sometimes the targets are a bit more measureable, such as the client wants to

Emma Speirs of Ballyhoo PR - sharing positive news doesn’t just feel good – it actually does you good too!

see a percentage increase in enquiries, registrations or sales as a result of the work they do with us. I’d never really thought about how through working with us, a company may appear bigger or more successful by saying externally that they have their own PR team. Also, the very nature of PR

gives the people we work with a platform and raises their profile. Appearing in magazines, newspapers or on the radio about their business elevates their status and gives them the reputation as an expert in their field. There is also the time aspect. How much time we can save our clients by taking all of their PR and communications and the related planning and strategy off their hands. Business success is largely subjective. It is all about perception and how successful we believe someone is from the outside looking in. Quite often the value we attach to our own products and services when we are selling them can be different from the values our potential clients would put on them when asked. Interesting, eh? So have a think about it. What do you do? How would this fit in with one or more of those five key life areas? It could help you to market your business more effectively. For more information on Ballyhoo PR, see www.ballyhoo-pr.co.uk or contact Emma on 01536 682800 / emma.speirs@ballyhoo-pr.co.uk.

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Business Times

July 2021

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Who Am I? The definitive guide to creating your brand story and using it effectively

Marketing & PR

One of the things many business owners find difficult is talking about their own business. It is incredibly common. Not day-to-day conversation but defining what their story is, what their brand proposition is and then putting that into written words. Where do you start – a brochure, a website? What do you say? How do you say it? Surely anything will do? Having a structured approach to telling your story will help you to build really strong foundations that you can build your entire pitch around. Every business needs its own ‘story’ or the brand has little true substance. There is a tendency for companies to talk far too much about what they do and to overlook that what customers really want is to buy from a company they believe can and will deliver. That may seem like a subtle difference but there is a big difference between what a company says it can do and what a customer has confidence and comfort they can do. I could hand you a brochure that tells you my company builds beautiful conservatories but without any pictures of my work, outline of my company’s approach and evidence of happy customers you would be quite right to have some pretty big reservations. The bit that fills all of these gaps is what I would term your ‘story’. It’s the ‘fluffy stuff’ that lets a customer know who you are, why they should do business with you and it is every bit as essential as telling them the specifics of what you do. Whatever the communication piece; website, brochure, flyer, video, I would say that only 20-30% should be about what you do and the rest should be about you and what makes you different (and better). Pick your central communication piece and make that your foundation. As I have talked about before, when

discussing social media, the rule applies that it is better to focus on one thing at a time and to do it really well before you start something else. There are four places you can start with when working out what your story is: 1. A set of brand guidelines that defines your values, mission, vision and voice. 2. A website. 3. A company profile or ‘overview’ brochure. 4. A presentation e.g. Powerpoint. There are pros and cons to starting with the other three. If you start with a brochure or the presentation, the plus side is that you will end up with a clear, linear narrative for your story but there will be a lot of information left out as it is a top-line, summary piece. If you start with the website, it will be the other way around as you will have a lot of information to convey and then have the challenge of how you structure and also deliver a simple story as part of the user experience. My recommendation if you cannot start with the guidelines, which are the purest place to begin, is to start with the brochure, get your narrative together then let that drive the website.

How to write a great story and make sure it’s memorable. Let’s assume you are starting with a brochure. The reason it is such a good place to start is that, like any book, it has a beginning, a middle and an end. The same cannot be said for a website as it can meander off in any direction the user chooses to navigate. What I recommend to clients is to have a profile brochure of 16 pages or more, no fewer than that, and for it to cover the following structure: • Introduction - About you, the owner, setting the tone of what you have to say in the whole piece, why you chose to be in this business and what you stand for. • Background - A brief history of the company, your successes and maybe even some of the experiences that helped to shape the business you are today. Almost every negative can be spun into a really compelling positive. • What you do - What products and/ or services you provide • Who you serve - Who your typical markets and customers are, what they expect, showing that you understand them all and have specialist knowledge and experience.

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

• Reasons to choose your brand and business - How you do it differently and, more importantly, better than the rest. What your business ethics are, what your brand stands for and the consistencies in what you do that you are proud of and that your customers love. • Provenance of capabilities and experience - Showing examples of your work/applications, happy clients/customers, accreditations, awards and anything else that will give a customer confidence and comfort. • Closing statement or promise - As you started, so you should finish, setting out the summary reasons for customers to choose you and your final closing pitch to them. • Call to action and contact information - Don’t simply provide your contact details, use this as a final opportunity to entice people to get in touch with you and to start a conversation. G i v e them a reason. You can see from my list above that there are eight aspects I believe are important. If you had just one page on each of these and you add 4 sides for a front and back cover (and their inside pages) you’re already up to 12 pages and that’s without some lovely

Darren Isaac, Director, TFA

www.t-f-a.co.uk

big pictures. Note that a folded brochure has to be a multiple of 4 sides/pages in most cases. Not only do you need lovely, big pictures but you also need plenty of space. This is why I say no fewer than 16 pages! Don’t skimp on pages just to get the cost down. Tell your whole story but do it in a way that is interesting and emotive but to the point and is wrapped in your business style. Give them a feel for what it’s like dealing with you in the way you write your content and don’t flounder or skip around useless ‘padding’ that means little. If in doubt, leave it out. This process will give you the heart and soul of your business pitch. Once you have the end results of this process you will find it really does act as the ‘bones’ for every other communication piece. The difference will be that some pieces expand into a lot more detail or focus on specific areas e.g. a particular service or offering. You will be surprised how much you have to say once you get it flowing.

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www.pulsemagazine.co.uk Business Times

July 2021

Business News

Success is on the menu at the Food & Drink Awards 2021-22 ‘A fantastic way for the sector to come together and support its own’: The search begins for this year’s hospitality heroes

fter a year best forgotten, the county’s hospitality sector now has reason to celebrate with the launch of the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards for 2021/22. Created by the sector for the sector, the annual competition is aimed at raising a toast to all that is great about local produce and drink, recognising excellence within the county’s dining venues and rewarding those who work so hard within the culinary sector. Now in its 13th year, the awards have the continuing support of Weetabix as headline sponsors for a second year. And the breakfast giant is joined by existing category sponsors Booker, British Pepper & Spice, Daily Bread, Dawn Farms, Heygates Flour and Animal Feed, Howes Percival LLP, Moulton College, and Whitworth Bros Ltd Flour Millers as well as associate sponsors Musk Process Services, the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership and Warner’s. This year’s competition sees the return of Thrapston-based Whitco Catering and Bakery Equipment Ltd as sponsors of the Independent Café / Tearoom of the Year category, one which makes a welcome reappearance to the line-up of categories which are now open to chefs, producers and eateries as well as students, entrepreneurs and food heroes. It also again features the Weetabix Sustainability Award, introduced last year to reflect the company’s ‘Change for Better’ commitment to sustainability.

Francesca Theokli, marketing director at Weetabix, said: “As a business deeply rooted in our local community, we know how much the success of Northamptonshire matters. The food and drink produced in Northamptonshire is truly second to none and that is definitely something worth celebrating. “We are delighted to be returning this year as headline sponsors - after what we know was a very tough year for lots of local businesses, these awards are a fantastic way for the sector to come together and support its own. We are looking forward to the great - and hopefully very tasty - things on the horizon for food and drink in Northamptonshire.” The full details of the new-look competition were revealed by awards director Rachel Mallows at the launch at Northampton’s Delapré Abbey, home of Restaurant Hibiscus. It won gold in the Booker Dining Venue of the Year category in 2020 and its head chef Sam Squires was named Chef of the Year. Sam revealed how both awards have been a huge boost to the venue. “The increased exposure, prompted by the announcements, saw a massive influx in new customers making reservations, so much so that we had to open our booking line early to try to cope with the demand. “It has also prompted us to review everything we do to ensure we create the best possible dining experience and inspired us to come up with some new and exciting ideas, not to mention generated such a feel-good factor across the team, meaning everyone

The free-to-enter categories in this year’s awards with their respective sponsors are: Artisan Local Drink of the Year Artisan Local Product of the Year Sponsor: Heygates Flour and Animal Feed Artisan Local Vegetarian / Vegan Product of the Year Sponsor: Daily Bread Booker Dining Venue of the Year Sponsor: Booker Booker Young Chef of the Year Sponsor: Booker

Sam Squires, head chef at the Hibiscus restaurant in Northampton’s historic Delapré Abbey, was named Chef of the Year at the 2020 awards

is so looking forward to coming back after what has clearly been a rollercoaster year.” Those were sentiments echoed by Rachael Templeton of Blue Aurora Wine at Lutton Farm near Oundle, who collected a gold and two bronzes in the Artisan Local Drink of the Year category. “We were absolutely delighted when the results were announced as part of the virtual celebrations back in November, not least as these were the first awards we had ever entered,” she said. “We have found the detailed feedback from the judging panel to be both helpful and reassuring.. “The subsequent coverage we have received has certainly helped raise our profile, prompting an increased following across social media and has attracted new customers, leading to our

taking on two new local stockists.” Richard Gordon of The Greedy Gordons at Twywell, who won the F&B Achiever of the Yea’ category and who saw his Cranford venue, The Red Lion, take gold in the Covid-19 Local Hero of the Year category after being named co-winner of the Booker Food Pub of the Year, said sales had increased by 30 per cent when the pub was named among the finalists in 2019. “The social media effect of shares and likes drove tens of thousands of people to our platforms and it has been fabulous therefore to celebrate our continued success with all of those supporters that we simply would not have reached otherwise,” he said. “Winning double gold this time was by far my career highlight, making all the blood, sweat and tears of the last year worthwhile.”

Chef of the Year Sponsor: Dawn Farms F&B Achiever of the Year Sponsor: Howes Percival LLP Food and Drink College Student of the Year Sponsor: Moulton College Independent Café / Tearoom of the Year Sponsor: Whitco Catering and Bakery Equipment Ltd Local Food Hero of the Year One To Watch Sponsor: Whitworth Bros. Ltd Flour Millers Weetabix Sustainability Award Sponsor: Weetabix World Cuisine Restaurant of the Year Sponsor: British Pepper & Spice

For more details on all the categories in the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards 2021/22, including downloading entry and nomination forms, visit the Awards’ website www.northamptonshirefoodanddrink.co.uk 26

Business Times

July 2021

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

Business News

Reconnect... and release the inner artist in you

ave you and your colleagues been navigating the highs and lows of working from home during the past months and months of lockdown? Have you returned to work and felt disconnected from your team, colleagues or clients compared to ‘normal’ times? MK Gallery has the perfect antidote: come together and draw each other’s portrait. The Gallery’s Re-connect course is based around portraiture, a form of art in which you can ‘show the qualities of your subject’. You work in groups and in various media, guided by a professional artist and encouraged to experiment, taking you back to more carefree days of childhood art. It is a great opportunity for a group to spend time together, step out of comfort zones and indulge in a new experience while reconnecting with each other. It generates a creative environment, expands knowledge,

releases the stresses of work and allows delegates to recalibrate. The programme is run by Paul Berryman, an associate artist at MK Gallery. Paul is a lifelong artist whose practice concentrates on making figure and portrait art, with the focus on working from live models. Before working with MK Gallery, Paul had already delivered hundreds of life drawing and portrait events around Milton Keynes with his own drop-in groups, where he has honed a comprehensive but supportive and light-hearted teaching style. Although Paul describes himself as occasionally obsessive about creating accurate works, he also enjoys letting go and harnessing the uncontrollable messiness of alternative materials. He leaves nobody behind when running a multi-skill level event. Paul says his aim is always that everyone goes away feeling it has been a great experience.

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

Colleagues at law firm Freeths take part in a Re-connect day at MK Gallery n Law firm Freeths LLP in Milton Keynes have already signed up to a Re-connect event. “We loved it. In the year where we have had very limited

interaction with people an event spending time together, drawing each other in person was a great idea,” says Freeths partner Lucy Bradban.

“I have not laughed so much in ages. There is no doubt this event will be very popular with businesses in Milton Keynes and beyond.”

Business Times

July 2021

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

TAKE ACTION NOW TO KEEP YOUR BUSINESS MOVING GOV.UK/TRANSITION 28

Business Times

July 2021

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

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For more information, please visit berrys.uk.com or call: Kettering: Kevin O’Dell 01536 517777 Towcester: Duncan Batty 01327 356140 To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk

Business Times

July 2021

Property Portfolio

Frustration grows as companies accelerate search for new sites

he commercial property market is very buoyant following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions. Despite new variants placing caution on further easing, businesses seem keen to sort their property matters for future trading years. The road networks appear busier each day and, as we drive around these networks, evidence of the strong demand for new warehouse and industrial premises is depicted by the amount of construction. However, supply is limited across the UK, with many regions reporting a significant lack of buildings for occupation.

by Simon Parsons Berrys Companies are becoming ever more frustrated in finding suitable buildings for new operations or relocations. Much of the development activity is that of larger units and the regional market supply of units less than 150,000 sq. ft. (13,935 sq. m.) is limited.

This supply demographic is changing with a variety of development proposals being bought forward in and around the region. Opportunities for companies are available but not necessarily constructed. This requires businesses to plan their operations around future delivery

dates. Along with understanding of the development process, this can require considerable time spent on research and investigation into the market. The effect of this, like all supply chains, is increasing costs. Companies can limit their exposure to increasing costs by entering into agreements now. This requires a working partnership between the developer and the customer, something developers have harnessed over many years of experience. Berrys works with several regional, national and international occupier companies advising them on the market and

opportunities. Our knowledge and understanding of the market allow us to be where the client wants us to be from the start. Working closely with the business, we ensure that we understand the business plan and align this to the property strategy. We recognise that this relationship is for months - often longer - and place emphasis on ensuring that this is at the centre of our day-today working. n For confidential real estate advice, contact Simon Parsons on 01536 213169 or email simon. parsons@berrys.uk.com.

Relief for tenants but landlords’ concerns remain Evictions moratorium is extended but occupiers must start paying rent again, says minister

FSB: Changes must incentivise property owners to negotiate

ith the government’s ‘roadmap’ for releasing the UK from Covid-19 restrictions being delayed by four weeks, it comes as little surprise that there is yet another extension to the moratorium on commercial property evictions, says agent Prop-Search. The moratorium will now be extended until at least March 25 2022 – two years after it was first introduced – the government has announced. Restrictions on

Samantha Jones Prop-Search

landlords using laws permitting them to recover rent arrears by selling a tenant’s goods will also be continued. In a statement to the House of Commons, Steve Barclay, Chief

Secretary to the Treasury said: “We believe this strikes the right balance between protecting landlords and supporting those businesses that are most in need.” The government has previously called for evidence on commercial rents to help to monitor the overall progress of negotiations between tenants and landlords, with a view to setting out steps that it could take after June 30, the previous date set for an end to the moratorium. Now a new arbitration “backstop” will be brought in to assist the resolution of disputes between landlords and tenants. Mr Barclay said: “We will introduce legislation in this Parliament session to establish a backstop so that where commercial negotiations between tenants and landlords are not successful, they go into binding arbitration. Until that legislation is on the statute book existent measures will stay

mall businesses around the country have welcomed t h e g o v e r n m e n t ’s decision. Many were set to face legal proceedings for rent they could not afford on premises that have been shut. Many will have had no opportunity to raise any revenue, as they have been unable to use their premises for a prolonged period, said Mike Cherry, national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses. “We are pleased to see the moratorium will be extended for a meaningful amount of time, allowing more breathing room for small firms to embark on negotiations with their landlords, rather than worrying about it ending up in court,” Mr Cherry added. “The clear signal is that landlords should now join these discussions,

in place, including extending the existing moratorium in place to protect tenants from eviction to March 25 2022.” All tenants should start to pay rent again in accordance with the terms of their lease or as otherwise agreed with their landlord, he added. Samantha Jones, an associate director of Prop-Search in Northampton, said: “The move

rather than simply waiting to launch a legal bid for 100 per cent of rent for the whole period.” The FSB says that action on encouraging negotiations about historic rent arrears between landlords and small business tenants is much needed. The next step is key, which is how the government will design the binding mediation system for historic arrears. Mr Cherry said: “This ‘back-stop’ system is focused on businesses that have been forcibly closed, which does not include the supply chain. This means that the government must move forward with the plans for £1.5 billion of business rates support for this group. “We hope these changes will all help to incentivise landlords to enter into positive negotiations with their tenants.”

is likely to offer some relief to businesses who have been unable to negotiate rent deferrals with landlords and feared being evicted from their properties once the protections were due to end in two weeks’ time. However, landlords have previously raised concerns that the moratorium has allowed some businesses to escape paying rent despite still making profits.”

LET’S TELL YOUR BUSINESS STORY... Contact the Business Times newsroom to discuss how to feature your organisation in future editions of Northamptonshire’s leading business newspaper. email news@business-times.co.uk or call 01604 259900

Business Times

July 2021

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

Property Portfolio

Car retailer opens site to mark new phase of growth Online car marketplace cinch is to take over the site in Corby that was formerly used by fellow retailer Cazoo

he UK’s fastest-growing online used car marketplace cinch is to open a state-ofthe-art car preparation site at Corby. The facility, which has capacity to prepare over 30,000 cars per

annum, has been updated and will now exclusively be used to expand cinch’s UK offering. The new site, in Geddington Road, will employ 200 specialist car mechanics, paint technicians, quality inspectors and support

staff. It had been used previously to prepare cars for rival online car marketplace Cazoo. cinch has recorded month-onmonth growth of 45 per cent and the new site is needed for increased capacity as consumers continue to

move to buying used cars online. Having launched in October last year, cinch is now the largest online B2C market place for used cars in the UK, with around 30 million unique visitors. It enables motorists to part-exchange their car and buy

or finance quality-checked used cars fully online and have them delivered to their home. cinch is a subsidiary of Constellation Automotive Group, which also owns webuyanycar and BCA. It recently raised more than £1 billion to fund cinch’s growth across the UK and Europe. CAG executive chairman Avril Palmer-Baunack said: “I am delighted to open this facility in Corby and that so many skilled colleagues will now be preparing cinch cars for sale online. cinch has grown significantly over the last eight months and has reached an annual sales rate of 45,000 cars. However, this is just the beginning. “The used car market is at the beginning of massive digital transformation. By expanding the infrastructure available to us, we will enable the next phase of digital growth for us and our partners such as dealers, car manufacturers or leasing companies.”

Anglian Water puts treatment works project out to tender

nglian Water is taking the initial steps to find a partner to deliver a new water treatment works to the value of £100 million which will secure future water supplies across the East of England. As one of the first major infrastructure projects in England to be tendered using Ofwat’s Direct Procurement for Customers approach, the water company is looking for a Competitively Appointed Provider to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the new works in Elsham, north Lincolnshire. The contract for the scheme would run for at least 25 years. The DPC process allows water companies to open up all elements of a major infrastructure project with a value of £100 million or more to the competitive market, in order to drive the best value for money for their customers. Once built, the new water treatment works will need to be capable of supplying up to 31 million litres of drinking water every day. The works will be critical in supplying water to Anglian’s new network of strategic water mains which will take treated drinking water from Lincolnshire to the south and east of the region. Construction is likely to begin in 2023, with the works fully operational by the end of 2025.

This strategic project is part o f A n g l i a n ’s Wa t e r R e s o u rc e s Management Plan, which looks 25 years ahead to make the East resilient to drought. Without taking this action, the East of England would face a water deficit of 30 million litres a day by 2025, the equivalent of 4,380 Olympic swimming pools of water, every year. Anglian Water’s chief executive Peter Simpson said: “The construction and operation of a new water treatment facility is crucial in ensuring we can keep taps running for our customers, and as importantly, without having a detrimental impact on the environment. “We are proud to be one of the first companies to embark on Ofwat’s DPC process to ensure we are getting the best value for money for our customers while maintaining or industry leading standards of providing them with the best quality drinking water.” Anglian Water is now looking for interested parties to get in touch, pre-market engagement, to gauge capability, interest and to support the development stage of the project. n For further information, the full Prior Information Notice, email AWDPC@anglianwater.co.uk. The formal contract notice for tenders is expected to be issued by April 2022.

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Business Times

July 2021

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