Business Times Northamptonshire June 21

Business Times Celebrating 30 years est. 1991

June 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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Done: The largest lease deal in Northampton this year P2

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Delivery robots: Operator reports a ‘game changer’ year P5

Northampton is preparing to welcome its newest radio station to the airwaves this month. Chris Gregg (right) and Ian Hickling are pictured at the top of the iconic National Lift Tower, the tallest building in the town and home to the mast for Revolution Radio, which launches on June 12. Full story: Page 7.

PE OP LE

Put your best foot forward to help school in The Gambia P6

PR OP ER TY

Appointments: New look, more features P15

5 pages of the latest property news P27-31

A catalyst for the wider regeneration of Northampton Civic leaders have welcomed the government’s decision to award £8.4 million for the redevelopment of Market Square

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edevelopment plans for Northampton’s historic Market Square have received a £8.4 million boost.

The money, awarded by the government from its Future High Street Fund, follows a bid last year by the Northampton Forward Board.

It will fund Market Square’s redevelopment, which will be a catalyst to the wider regeneration of Northampton.

Work will begin in summer 2022, with existing stalls to be transformed to provide a more attractive platform for independent traders, aiming to encourage greater footfall, bring a new demographic into the square and create a flexible space for other functions, events and activities.

Cllr Jonathan Nunn, chair of the Northampton Forward Board, said: “It is great to have this final, firm confirmation of our funding bid for the improvement of Northampton’s wonderful market square.

“The prosperity of all our towns in West Northants is of utmost importance, and as we

Cllr Jonathan Nunn look forward to a continued return to a more normal life, we know we have to help these towns to meet the needs of modern living.

“This means making them places that people want to visit, increasingly for experiences and pleasure and not just for shopping as perhaps they did before.”

To page 3 >>

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Princess House: The Department of Work and Pensions is to move in after HM Revenue & Customs’ lease expired.

Owner’s delight at landmark property deal

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ne of the biggest office lettings in Northampton this year has been concluded.

The Department for Work and Pensions is to take almost 25,000 sq ft of space at Princess House, replacing HM Revenue & Customs.

It is to relocate after ten years at the building after its lease expired.

The building in Cliftonville is owned by property investment and development specialist Helmsley

Group. Director Ed Harrowsmith said: “This is a landmark property transaction given the present market conditions and we are delighted to have secured the DWP as an anchor tenant at Princess House.

“Helmsley boasts a diversified and resilient portfolio of commercial properties in strong town and city locations such as Northampton and this letting is further evidence of this.”

The letting was secured by TDB Real

Estate. Its director Chris Drummond said: “This is a blue chip covenant and a strong indicator of confidence in the Northamptonshire property market. Take-up in towns such as Northampton has been limited over the last 12 months given the uncertainty caused by Covid-19 so this is a sizeable letting in what is still a challenging market.

“Princess House is now fully let, which is excellent news.”

Countdown begins to business awards gala

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ntries are now open for businesses in Kettering for this year’s Kettering Business Awards.

The winners will be announced at the Kettering Park Hotel & Spa on October 8 in categories including a special Covid Recognition Award this year, recognising how businesses have adapted during the pandemic and gone the extra mile for their communities.

Also included is a category for businesses that have increased their

digital presence and delivered results in a crowded market or adapted with an e-commerce presence in the last 12 months.

This year’s awards will be judged by a panel of judges for the first time, with business professionals from outside the borough judging the entrants.

Awards founder Simon Cox said: “We are delighted to be bringing the Kettering Business Awards back this year with ten great categories for businesses within

the borough to be recognised after the postponement of 2020.

“It is important for businesses to get the recognition they deserve, especially after the turbulent and unpredictable year of 2020 which has seen businesses innovate and perform in uncertain times.” n For more information and to enter the awards, visit www.ketteringawards. co.uk. Entries close on June 30.

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Business Times

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

Business News

Showcase shares innovation and insight into county’s digital potential

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n annual technology innovation showcase will bring together businesses and individuals who work in Northamptonshire’s thriving digital and tech’ experts.

The Merged Futures 3 showcase is coordinated by Digital Northampton, an independent collaboration set up by the University of Northampton and Northamptonshire County

Council and now taken over by the newly-formed West and North Northamptonshire Councils.

The project’s aim is to grow the digital economy across the county and, since its inception, has brought together individuals and business who can either offer innovative solutions or need to find a solution to their digital challenge.

Project leader Richard Beards said:

“There are really some amazing things happening in Northamptonshire.

Through collaboration we want to bring individuals and businesses together so they can take opportunities.

“Merged Futures 3 will help to shine a light on the people who are working across Northamptonshire in digital businesses. This will bring people involved in the sector together so we can create a community that can

harness the innovation and skills to realise potential.”

Mr Beards, who has set up the showcase with David Bevan and Iain Douglas, believes the online event on June 18 offers a diverse range of opportunities. It will cover topics including local innovation, building digital teams, the cyber game, e-sports performance analysis, augmented reality and digital arts.

Merged Futures 3 will begin with a business networking session hosted

by Sally Woods from the Federation of Small Businesses.Throughout the day visitors can visit virtual ‘rooms’ to listen to a wide range of speakers and workshops will include one for beginners about augmented reality. n To register and to find out more, visit www.mergedfutures3.com

BID co-chair relishes an ‘unmissable opportunity’

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he next five years represent “an unmissable opportunity” to breathe new life back into Northampton town centre, says the new co-chair of the town’s Business Improvement District.

Kerry Reynolds was voted in to help oversee Northampton Town Centre BID’s plans to revitalise the town’s fortunes as it embarks on a new fiveyear term.

The area director for Metro Bank in the town has been a BID director since 2018. In March, businesses voted in favour of renewing the BID for five more years until 2026, securing a significant £1.5 million to be spent on promoting the area.

Now is the time to inject a renewed sense of optimism, pride and purpose in the town as the UK emerge from the impact of Covid-19 lockdowns, says Ms Reynolds.“This is a key point in both our immediate and long-term futures.

“People are looking forward to getting back out in our town centre and supporting their favourite businesses and that enthusiasm, coupled with the exciting investment plans detailed in the Northampton Forward and Towns Fund proposals, represents an unmissable opportunity to really make a difference to Northampton.”

Ms Reynolds will serve alongside her co-chair Andrea Smith, head

Kerry Reynolds of business services at Franklins Solicitors. “We have a lot of work to do post-pandemic and I cannot wait to get started with Kerry and the rest

The preferred design for Market Square

Have your say on final Market Square plans >>From page 1.

There will be a final public consultation on the preferred design, which was chosen following an initial public consultation at the end of 2019.

Northampton Forward Board member Jo Gordon, chief executive of Royal & Derngate Northampton, said: “This news is a muchneeded boost for the town centre and the timing could not be better. So many local businesses and venues - including us at the Royal & Derngate - have just started taking baby steps towards providing a safe ‘welcome back’ to the people of Northampton and beyond and it is fantastic to be able to look ahead to this positive future investment and invigoration of our vital community spaces.”

The work on Northampton Market Square

is scheduled to complete in early 2024. Find out more about the regeneration plans in the Northampton Town Investment Plan www. westnorthants.gov.uk/regeneration Cllr Nunn said: “Now we can press ahead with plans for the square, we will be asking the public for their views again to ensure we create a space that everybody feels proud of, which honours - not undermines - its noble history and brings back its vitality.” n The Future High Streets Fund launched in December 2018 and is a key part of the government’s plan to renew and reshape town centres, making them a more attractive place to live, work and visit. Northampton is one of 57 English high streets to receive a share of more than £830 million of the overall fund.

It was awarded a total £8,427,625.

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

of the BID team,” said Ms Smith.

Businesses pay an annual levy into a collective pot which is used to deliver the BID events, initiatives and projects in line with the BID Business Plan. The board is governed by local business people who all give up their time as board directors on a voluntary basis.

Ms Reynolds said: “It is an exceptional place to do business with a community that cares deeply about the town. We want to channel that passion and give businesses and residents a town centre to truly be proud of.

Through a business-led programme of investment, we will continue to work with all stakeholders to define,

develop and promote the identity of Northampton town centre which reflects its strengths, characteristics and heritage and is a sustainable and vibrant place which generates pride for its businesses, local residents, and visitors.”

Ms Reynolds succeeds Brendan Bruder, who has stepped down. Mr Bruder, managing director of property consultants Abbey Ross, will remain as a BID director.

“His support and contribution over the course of his tenure was unwavering and we are grateful that he will remain as a board director,” said BID operations manager Mark Mullen.

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June 2021

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Business News

Peer networks: a view from the inside For the past six months, SEMLEP’s Growth Hub business adviser Sandra Edwards has been involved with the Peer Networks programme, helping businesses to come together in a time when we could not be further apart.

Business Times caught up with Sandra to hear about the programme and the successes she has seen local businesses derive as a result.

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here are a huge wealth of benefits to joining a peer group Sandra Edwards I joined SEMLEP’s Growth Hub as a business adviser in October 2020. It was my passion for helping business owners overcome their problems which led me to the role. I was instantly attracted to Peer Networks; I was already familiar with peer group programmes and knew that they are a really good way of getting business owners to think differently about their business.

What is Peer Networks?

SE There are two sides to the Peer Networks programme;

an open side, giving you that free-flowing communication, and a structured side with presentations delivered by an expert. These cover a series of topics that are relevant to the businesses on the programme and the group can put forward topics that wish to discuss.

Each business has the chance to talk about key problems that affect their business and the group can give their input and offer solutions. That is one of the most important elements, and one that the participants really love.

At the end of the course, each participant puts everything they have learned into a business plan which they put into

and continue to help each other.

It really does provide you with a network you can be part of forever if you want to.

Sandra Edwards

action. Once you finish the programme, you can stay in touch with the other members

What are the benefits?

SE One challenge of getting people to join the programme is that they say ‘I don’t have time’. Every business owner wants to grow their business but they are too busy working on the day-to-day tasks.

For the duration of each session, you get to work on the business not in the business.

In my experience business owners often make time for everybody else but when it comes to making time for you, it always comes last on the list.

Another strength of the programme is that it will give you the knowledge to take your business to the next level.

Your current knowledge will take you so far but you need extra information - that you might not know you do not have - to get to the next level.

The programme gives you access to ten other business leaders and their knowledge plus the knowledge of the experts leading the sessions.

Lastly, the networking itself is incredibly important. It can be lonely at the top, even with a team of employees under you, and participants really value the bonds that they have created.

By keeping the network going beyond the end of the course, every member continues to receive that knowledge, advice, and encouragement.

If the last year has taught us anything, it is the value of our contacts and connections.

As we come out of lockdown and life begins to get back to normal, people are looking to rebuild those connections and develop new relationships that they can carry forwards.

With new cohorts of the Peer Networks programme starting, this is a perfect time to do this and learn new skills that can help you take your business to the next level.

To find out more about the Peer Networks programme and whether your business might be eligible, visit: www.semlepgrowthhub.com/peer-networks/

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Business Times

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he engineering division of Northampton-based Briggs & Forrester has won the contract for a new phase of a £700 million development scheme in Birmingham.

Briggs & Forrester Engineering Services is to begin work on the design and build mechanical, electrical and plumbing contract for One Centenary Way pictured, a new

Business Times

office building overlooking the transformed Centenary Square. The development is set to become a renowned city landmark and will act as a gateway to Birmingham’s Paradise development.

The 280,000 sq ft building spans 13 floors including a two-storey basement with car parking and cycle facilities. Installation is due to start on site in summer this year.

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Business News

Ministers back Arc’s growth potential, forum told

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overnment ministers have reiterated their backing for the growth potential of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc and have set an aggressive timeline for its delivery, a forum of business leaders has been told.

The final spatial framework the government’s policy paper on the Arc’s development - is due to be published in 2023 and ministers remain of the view that the Arc is set to lead

national recovery.

The framework will create a blueprint for the region and transform the area into a premier growth corridor and a world leader in sustainability, with GVA expected to double by 2050 to more than £200 billion.The spatial framework is also set to bridge the gap between national planning policy and local planning - a radical step in planning terms, signalling an acceptance by the government of the benefits

of cross-authority spatial planning.

Speaking to the forum, Bev Hindle, executive director of the OxfordCambridge Arc Leadership Group, and SEMLEP chief executive Hilary Chipping both called for greater business collaboration across the region, signalling the opportunities for growth across life science, aviation, green and connected mobility and innovation.

A ‘game changer’ year for the robots

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ndependent logistics operator Europa Worldwide Group has appeared for the first time in The Sunday Times Profit Track 100 2021, the list of the 100 private companies in the UK with the fastest-growing profits over the past three years.

Europa is the highest listed logistics company,

is already tackling climate change and helping to solve major economic, environment and social challenges. We now need more businesses to get involved.”

The environment will play a fundamental part, with the ‘Green Arc’ way of thinking integrated into all strategies to reach the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

“Although the policy paper has a very clear development angle, it includes explicit commitments to delivering positive environmental outcomes across the region, including biodiversity net gain, reducing flood risk and ensuring communities have greater access to green space,” said Ms Chipping.

at 32 out of 100 businesses in the league table.

The company opened its state-of-the-art £60 million warehouse in Corby last year. It also operates at sites in Nottingham and near Worksop in Derbyshire.

Managing director Andrew Baxter said: “This is a triumph.”

GOODRICH CONSULTING LLP Photo: Hawkers Yard, Ruislip Wrenbridge Land

point we are today,” he said.

Starship robots passed the one million deliveries per month milestone in January this year and has since passed 1.5 million deliveries.

“These rapid developments have also helped us scale the business, so we can provide

a lower cost of delivery than any other option available.”

Starship’s contactless delivery service has become an important revenue stream for local businesses - 40 independent retailers have signed up in the past year, Mr Heinla said.

Fish tanks, fridges... hackers target more than a computer, warns expert

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The government is in the process of establishing a ‘Growth Body’ for the Arc, which will be overseen by an independent chair and will seek collaboration with local businesses. “The Growth Body will incorporate a strong business voice,” Mr Hindle said.

Hilary Chipping said the development of Artificial Intelligence will play a fundamental role in driving innovation. “We are building on the work which is already happening,” she said.

The Arc is critical to future green and connected mobility solutions. It is at the forefront of pioneering new technologies and testing, she said. “The entire area

Logistics firm joins profit growth’s top 100

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he head of the company behind the delivery robots on the streets of Northampton has described the past 12 months as “a gamechanger”.

Starship technologies has seen its delivery numbers worldwide multiply fourfold since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Its service is now available to around one million people.

The company has also broadened its network in Northampton, now partnered with 40 independent retailers.

Co-founder and chief executive Ahti Heinla said the upturn in business has moved the adoption of autonomous delivery ahead by years. “When we launched commercial delivery three years ago, we did not expect to be at the

Mr Hindle said the policy paper was a positive step forward. “I believe the elements of this vision are coming together and the government are repeating our ideas back to us,” he said. “They agree with the underpinning principles of the Arc, which include sustainable and digital first, and believe the Arc will add real value.”

The Arc growth is expected to deliver one million new homes and 1.1 million new jobs by 2050. But, said Mr Hindle: “We need to move away from housing, while still fundamental, as we will be creating places to live and work. It is much more about sustained economic growth.”

oday’s hackers are not confining their focus to an organisation’s computers. They will target security cameras, burglar alarms, even fish tanks.

That is the warning from a data security specialist in Northampton. “It is not unusual to meet someone whose fridge is connected to the internet,” said Tony Capewell, managing director of IT support firm Your Cloud Works. “But every time you add an extra device to your business’ IT network, you potentially open up new ways for hackers to get in.”

Society is connecting more devices to the internet every day. “It is called the Internet of Things,” said Mr Capewell.

Recently 150,000 security cameras were hacked, allowing the private feeds from businesses, schools, and hospitals to be viewed.

A few years ago, hackers managed to access an online thermometer in a casino’s fish tank and from there break into its IT network.

“These are extreme examples but I think they give us an indication of how resourceful hackers can be,” Mr Capewell said. “Before adding any new device to their network, local business owners should get advice from IT professionals.

“A little thought on installation can stop a horrendous breach from happening down the line.”

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

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Business News

Colleagues step up for for school in Africa

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team of HR professionals in Northamptonshire are walking more than 7,000 miles to raise funds for a school in The Gambia.

HR Solutions, based in Kettering, is backing the Walk To Gambia project, which aims to raise £30,000 to build, equip and staff two new classrooms at Starlight School.

Staff have committed to walk the equivalent of a round trip from Kettering to The Gambia and back - a total of 7,378 miles. As Business Times went to press, the team had walked more than 4,200 miles - the equivalent of reaching The Gambia and now on the way back, as far as Mauritania.

HR Solutions chief executive Greg Guilford was inspired

by Angela Rhodes, director of Milton-Keynes based HR firm Crispin Rhodes and chairman of international organisation The

Angela Rhodes in The Gambia.

Oasis Project (The Gambia).

When HR Solutions acquired Crispin Rhodes last year, Mrs Rhodes was keen to continue supporting the project and she and Greg came up with the Walk to Gambia challenge.

Mr Guilford said: “We are thrilled to be able to work together as a team to support such a deserving cause. Angela pours boundless energy and creativity into the The Oasis Project, which provides humanitarian support through education to improve health and living conditions. The creation of the Starlight School

for children in Bakau is a shining example of their work.”

Mrs Rhodes is a long-time supporter of charities locally and nationally and has raised more than £120,000 for those including the Rotary Club and Milton Keynes charities Willen Hospice and MK SNAP. She said: “The economy in Bakau has been devastated by the Covid pandemic because nobody is able to travel to visit this amazing country. It is a huge challenge for the wonderful people living out there at the moment.

Education and welfare is key.”

Simon Wain

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Business Times

| June 2021

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

Business News

‘This is about giving the audience what they want’ The founder of Northampton’s newest radio station talks to Business Times ahead of its launch this month.

Pictured: Chris Gregg, co-founder of Revolution Radio.

not so-silent revolution is happening across Northampton with the arrival of a new radio station. Switch on for Revolution Radio on 96.1 FM is planned for June 12, heralding the start of a new way of listening for people from all walks of life and all generations across Northampton.

It always helps to be in the right place at the right time. Ask Chris Gregg who is one of the driving forces behind Revolution Radio.

All community radio stations need a licence to play from governmentapproved regulator Ofcom and, as Chris admits, these can be like ‘gold dust’. But sometimes fate plays a hand and, in this case, it came during the pandemic when Ofcom took the decision to review the licence for Northampton.

It was the golden opportunity for Chris and his business partner Ian Hickling, who have combined their considerable expertise and connections to bring a new station to air. It has not been without its challenges but the pair’s industry knowledge has proved invaluable.

“There has been a lot to sort out and a lot of hurdles to overcome,”

the tallest building for miles around.

“It is a fantastic location and is an amazing vantage point,” says Chris.

He has the same far-reaching vision for the station which, like all community-licensed radio stations, has to be run on a not-for-profit basis.

The plan includes extensive training for people looking for a career in broadcasting.

“We intend to do things properly and this includes training people above and beyond what is required so they have the confidence and knowhow to walk into any other radio station,” he says. “It is important we put the time in so we sound like a professional radio station which means business.”

And, after finally getting through the wealth of paperwork to get the go ahead for the switch on, there is still one question challenging Chris.

“I still do not know what the first track will be we are going to play once we go live.”

Somehow you sense that, when the moment comes, Chris will once know he is in the right place at the right time.

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says Chris, whose credentials include time running Milton Keynesbased Horizon Radio. “We want to be a radio station that appeals to Northampton’s diverse communities.

This is about giving the audience what they want, to make sure they are in control rather than telling them this is what they should be listening to and talking about.”

The wraps have now come off the new studios in Northampton’s Abington Street which will be at the heart of the daily broadcasts.

Listeners can expect a mix of news, local information and music ranging from current pop to dance and R&B. All tracks have been ‘family checked’ to ensure the station is a safe listen during the school run with playlists refined by requests from listeners.

“It is important to us that people feel they can call in and ask for a birthday request, share a bit of news or let us know what is happening in their neighbourhood,” says Chris, who has had to balance the pressures of getting a new station on air with the time-consuming needs of a new baby.

In between feeds and nappy changing, he has spent his paternity

leave making sure the station meets all the legal requirements and getting the right people in place.

The location of the all-important

transmitter was the responsibility of Ian, with the mast taking pride of place on Northampton’s iconic National Lift Tower - at 127 metres,

ehT

Rewrite Story

n To find out more, visit the website at www.revolutionradio.com

Your experience, helping to shape the future of young people.

Become an Enterprise Adviser 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.

Help Rewrite their Story Did you know, the more employer encounters a young person has, the less likely they are to become unemployed?

We're looking for passionate business leaders who want to make a positive difference to the futures of young people.

Through our Enterprise Adviser programme, we connect local businesses with schools and colleges to provide employer-led careers information directly to students.

Could your insight inspire a young persons future?

Enquire now: bit.ly/SEMLEP-RewriteTheStory

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

Business Times

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June 2021

7

Legal Briefing

Landlords are between a shock and a hard place

The UK continues its move towards electric-only new cars from 2030. It is crucial for property owners to understand their legal and financial obligations as they prepare to install electric charge points to their property.

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he transport sector being the largest contributor of carbon dioxide in the UK, a move towards a fully electric automobile industry will undoubtedly be a significant defence in the fight against climate change.

H o w e v e r, w i t h t h e government - in its now trademark reactionary policy making - deciding to bring forward the ban of the sale of petrol and diesel cars from 2040 to 2030, the onus has moved to landlords to take expedited action to provide occupants with access to charging capability and to cope with the influx in demand for electric cars.

It is essential that landlords understand and consider the legal, as well as financial, ramifications of installing electric charge points to their properties.

Issues they should consider include: n The rights granted to tenants in their leases and whether you are able to install the charging points.

Do the leases reserve rights for you to close, vary or reduce the amount of car

By Lucy Lord Howes Percival

parking spaces to install the charge points? If the spaces are demised to individuals, will they surrender their rights for a premium? n Are all costs related to the charge point recoverable within the service charge? Are the service charge provisions broad enough to allow you to charge for the associated costs of installation and maintaining of the charge point and is there a service charge cap? n Are any governmental grants or subsidies available?

Government help such as the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme has been extended to include rented premises and landlords can apply for it on behalf of their tenants so long as they meet the requirements that someone

owns, leases or has ordered a qualifying vehicle and has dedicated off street parking at their property.

Such assistance may help to offset costs ensuring service charges do not rise rapidly. n Will you require consent from a superior landlord or a bank which holds a charge over your interest to make the instalment?

You do not want to breach any conditions of a superior lease or charge which could result in further financial cost to you. Check the terms of your superior lease or charge before proceeding. n If you allow an electric charging point provider to install a charging point, how will you ensure they will not have security of tenure?

If you hire an electric

Landlords must understand every ramification of installing electric charging points at their properties. charging point provider which will install and maintain the point, you will need to ensure that your agreement limits the term to ensure the provider will not have security of tenure over the parking space. n Whether planning permission or other associated permissions are required?

Consider the type of

premises you own and whether further permission is required to make any changes.

Does your lease allow you to pass the cost of planning onto tenants via the service charge or will the cost fall to you?

Whether these issues apply will depend upon your premises and the agreed terms of the lease. Therefore, special

attention should be taken to read through and negotiate where necessary.

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taff at law firm Howes Percival are celebrating after the firm was named Corporate Law Firm of the Year in Insider Media’s Central & East Dealmakers Awards 2020.

The firm was also shortlisted for two deals in the Deal of the Year (above £10 million) category and for another two deals in the Deal of the Year (below £10 million) category.

The annual awards recognise work by professional services firms in the region - corporate

finance firms, banks, funders, private equity houses and individuals - in deal-making over the past year.

Corporate partner Andy Harris said: “This prestigious award and the shortlistings show not only that our team is more than capable of handling some of the most complex and high-profile deals in the area but also that the team is being recognised for doing so.”

The judges highlighted Howes Percival’s involvement in two major deals: the sale of Metrol Springs to Lesjofors

AB and the acquisition of Norfolk Broads Holdings by Craft Leisure. The firm has already completed 32 deals in the frst quarter of 2021, said Mr Harris.

“2020 was a breakthrough year for us, with what is still a relatively new team. We have invested heavily in the last couple of years and expanded our services significantly. As a result, we have also started 2021 with a real bang. We are confident that 2021 will continue to be a very busy year for us.”

Step out to back access for justice

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he Under Sheriff of Northamptonshire Dominic Hopkins is calling on people to walk for ‘access to justice’ and join him and other members of the legal profession on the 2021 annual Northampton Legal Walk.

The 10km sponsored walk takes place on June 21.

Mr Hopkins, a partner at laew firm Hewitsons and chairman of the Northampton Legal Walk Committee that is supporting the Access to Justice Foundation and Midlands Legal Support Trust, will join the county’s high sheriff Amanda Lowther in this annual event that raises money for local advice services.

Organisations supported by the event work

to prevent families being made homeless, to tackle destitution and to help older people gain the support to which they are entitled.

Mr Hopkins said: “The pandemic has resulted in a vastly increased need for support from community advice centres and while some support has been forthcoming from government, it is nowhere near enough to meet that need.”

Pre-event registration takes place 5pm5.30pm at the Northampton Combined Court Centre at Lady’s Lane. The post-walk celebration takes place outside Hewitsons’ Northampton office.

To donate, visit mlst.weebly.com/ northampton-legal-walk.html

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

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

Business Times

|

June 2021

9

Money Matters

FSB: Confidence is on the up amid ‘surging’ optimism

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onfidence levels among small businesses in the East Midlands are the highest in the UK, according to the latest study by the Federation of Small Businesses.

Trading restrictions have now eased across England and Wales and the business group reports that its SBI confidence measure for the region has risen to +50 in Q1 of this year, up from -23 last quarter.

The region’s confidence figure stands significantly higher than the UK average of +27.3.

As the lockdown continued to scupper spending opportunities across the UK, just over half of small firms in the region reported a decrease in revenue of the last three months. However, 55 per cent expect revenues to increase over the next quarter and 54pc aspire to grow their firms over the next 12 months.

The figures also show that 39pc increased the average salary across their business over the last 12 months, with one in three increasing wages by 2pc or more. Just over half expect to see salary increases over the next 12 months, with 26pc reporting the likely increase to be above 2pc.

Clare Elsby, the FSB East Midlands policy representative, said: “With surging levels of optimism and upticks in three critical business areas - confidence, employment and wages and future growth - small businesses in the East

Clare Elsby Midlands are feeling positive about their future.

The swift roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine and the strong ‘roadmap’ out of crippling restrictions are likely to be behind the boost in optimism and it is heartening to see SMEs across the region report that business confidence is now at its highest since the pandemic began.”

She described net revenue across the region as “somewhat stubbornly stagnant”. However, she added: “There are certainly green shoots of recovery and the overall picture of recovery for the East Midlands is looking bright.

“We live in hope that the virus stays in retreat so the remaining indicative dates for unlocking can be met, enabling our vital night-time economies, offices and travel and tourism businesses to get back to it as well.” n Read the full report at https://firstvoice.fsb. org.uk/first-voice/east-midlands-small-businessconfidence-rebounds-to-highest-level-in-uk.html

06/05/2021 12:30:33

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Business News

Law firms finalise ‘really exciting’ merger deal

R James Simpson is pictured with Encore area manager Andrew Fletcher at 159 Regiment RLC

Recruitment agency signs Armed Forces Covenant

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recruitment agency in Northampton has thrown its support behind an initiative to help former servicemen and women find work after they leave the military.

Encore Personnel has put pen to paper on the Armed Forces Covenant at the suggestion of one of its employees who joined the company last year after five years serving with The Army.

James Simpson, a business development consultant in Encore’s Driving division, served with 26 Regiment Royal Artillery.

“I know first-hand how it feels to step out of the routine of military life into the working world. It can be unwelcoming and daunting for some,” he said.

He pitched the idea of signing the covenant to Encore’s directors.

“It was signed straight away. It basically means that we will do our utmost as a business to give a fair shot to people who have left the forces, be that as candidates for our customers or new recruits to our own teams.”

As the army scales back after the recent Defence Review, it is

important that other businesses follow suit, he added.

Andrew Fletcher, area manager of Encore’s logistics division, said: “James joined our division with a raft of transferable skills which are clearly a reflection of his training and experience in the military.”

Encore has ten branches across the region. Managing director Pete Taylor added: “We are honoured to be supporting armed forces leavers and their families by signing this covenant. It really was a no-brainer for us.”

egional law firm Hewitsons is set to complete a merger with a leading firm based across southern England and in Wales.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys is in the advanced stages of merger talks with Hewitsons, a move which will add new locations in Northampton and Milton Keynes to its existing network of nine offices.

The merger was expected to complete by the end of May, resulting in a firm of around 780 staff and £65 million turnover. The combined Cambridge teams will move into new premises, while Hewitsons staff in London will move into HCR’s office in the heart of the City.

Hewitsons partner Dominic Hopkins said: “This merger is a really exciting development for us. Our clients are at the heart of everything we do. We do this with our outstanding people providing an outstanding service. We are known for it. It is why clients come to us.

“But we are always about finding ways to get better in every dimension of what we do and this merger is about that.”

HCR partner Charlotte ThorntonSmith will head the Northampton office with Mr Hopkins. She said: “The addition of Northampton to our regional network is one of the most exciting parts of this merger for me. It is a thriving county with a strong heritage and has seen recent development and investment.”

Harrison Clark Rickerbys has more than 550 staff and partners based at offices in Cambridge, Birmingham, London, Wales and the West Country. It works with both business and private clients across the UK in a range of sectors.

Mr Hopkins said: “Joining with them is going to ensure our clients benefit from the even wider range of legal specialisms that their strong regional network can provide and that our people will have enhanced opportunities.”

Trusted legal advisers to the business community in Northampton.

To find out more, please contact Gerald Couldrake on 01604 230 400 or at gerald.couldrake@howespercival.com.

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

Business Times

|

June 2021

11

Money Matters

Landlords, don’t fall into the dumb company trap

By Tony Byrne Wealth & Tax Management

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n my experience, property entrepreneurs are successful at building profitable property portfolios and creating wealth but rarely do they do so in a tax-efficient manner. The continuous tax increases and legislation imposed on buy to let landlords in recent years has exposed this tax inefficiency even more.

Of course, this is not entirely the fault of property entrepreneurs themselves.

They are, quite rightly, busy focused on building their property wealth.

Some landlords have decided to form limited companies and have transferred their property portfolios in full or in part into such structures.

However, such a strategy is not right for everyone. Each case has to be

judged on its merits.

Top-class tax advice from tax professionals is essential. Companies House records show that less than one per cent of property companies have multiple share classes. This is strong evidence that 99pc of property companies have not been created as smart companies but rather as dumb ones.

Essentially, the problem with residential property is that there is no tax shelter for it as such. For example, you cannot invest directly in residential property through a pension or an ISA unless it is a specialist fund known as a Real Estate Investment Trust, which is uncommon.

BRI appoints three new directors

Lauren Auburn

I

nsolvency practitioner Lauren Auburn, along with colleagues Tom Guthrie and John Rimmer, have been made directors of BRI. Lauren, who has been managing the Northampton office and team for several years, now has the added responsibility of overseeing

You can invest in commercial property via a pension scheme such as a Self Invested Personal Pension or a Small Self Administered Scheme but there are limits on pension contributions and the size of your pension before exorbitantly high tax charges start to bite in the form of the Lifetime Allowance. So what can you do?

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www.elsbyandco.co.uk 12

Business Times

| June 2021

the continued growth of the whole firm.

This latest promotion shows the commitment by BRI to develop its staff. Lauren joined as a trainee and, 15 years later, is now one of the most senior in the firm.

BRI director John Warburton said that he was delighted that three experienced IPs had joined the board. “We will continue with our focus of supporting all our staff to help them to develop,” Mr Warburton said.

All three have been with BRI for a number of years and it shows that all staff have the opportunity to progress within the firm, he added.

You need to speak to a property tax specialist, preferably one who is personally experienced in investing in property and who has a wide knowledge of the many tax planning techniques available to property entrepreneurs. The potential tax savings are significant and often amount to six figures or more.

“For our existing contacts, they can be assured that the way we do business firmly remains in place, i.e. by providing the right advice, first time and every time, irrespective of the fee income for ourselves.

“For those who have yet to speak to us, we are more than willing to be an initial sounding board without any cost to help with all business recovery and insolvency matters.”

Lauren and any of the other management team can be contacted on 01604 754352 or by email at lauburn@briuk.co.uk.

Call Wealth & Tax Management on 01908 532740 or for free on 0800 980 4516. Or email wealth@wealthandtax.co.uk www.wealthandtax.co.uk

New probate service ‘has real advantages’, say accountants

Matthew Grief Chartered Tax Adviser Moore

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hartered accountants Moore East have more knowledge in respect of the taxation Midlands, which has offices in and accountancy requirements than traditional Peterborough, Corby and Northampton, probate practitioners. has launched a new probate “When asked to act for existing clients service to complement their existing we already hold a significant amount trusts and estates and inheritance of information in relation to their ‘We have more tax planning services. financial affairs which can make knowledge in Probate services were historically the whole process far less time respect of the taxation consuming.” only offered by solicitors but in and accountancy 2014 the law changed to allow The service is completely requirements’ specially accredited accountants flexible, he added. “We are happy to undertake non-contentious probate to work with you to keep costs work too. down if you can do some of the more Matthew Grief ,who is heading up the new straightforward administrative tasks yourself or, service, is a chartered tax adviser and a member of if you prefer, we can handle everything on your STEP, the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. behalf.”

Matthew said: “You may not have considered Moore East Midlands is offering its new service using an accountant for probate services but there to both existing clients and new clients. are some real advantages. As accountants we Prices start from around £1,500.

For more information or for a bespoke quote, call 01536 461900, email east.midlands@moore.co.uk or visit www.moore.co.uk For Northamptonshire’s business news visit www.Business-Times.co.uk

20 years strong .

Featuring a Q&A with Ad Valorem’s MD Nigel Adams FCCA

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s the famous Beatles song says… ‘it was twenty years ago today’ (1st April) that I took the leap from a stable well-paid job into the uncertain world of being a business owner!

I set the stall early by trying to fix the obvious issues that I saw with accountancy practices, such as offering direct debits, fixed fees and 30-day turnaround of accounts – nothing innovative there, just plain sense as far as I was concerned (although many said it couldn’t be done!). That is where we have hung our hat for the last 20 years – challenging the preconceived ways of running an accountancy practice, with success and the odd skinned knees!

We have continued our drive to create a truly scalable business with innovation at its core, that is a stimulating workplace for our 63 strong team and a base from which to offer an ever-expanding range of services to our SME clients. We have had the privilege to work with some truly inspirational mentors, team members and business owners.

We’ve learned a lot along the way and long may it continue.

It just remains for me to say a big thank you to our team and clients past and present – we couldn’t have done it without you! Looking forward to the next 20 years!

I developed to be able to offer a hub to smaller businesses, allowing them to benefit from that experience, and hopefully make a difference.

whether they’re just starting out or needing that little extra push to reach their next level. It’s been wonderful to see clients achieve their goals, whether performance related or the ultimate sale of their business. It’s always a proud moment when clients are achieving their goals!

If you could give yourself a piece of advice 20 years ago, what would it be?

There are so many lessons you learn when running a business, the main and most important thing for me is to enjoy what you do. As an extension of that, it is also important to enjoy who you are working with, such as clients, suppliers and colleagues.

What’s been experience?

your

biggest

Going forward from that, we are a family business.

I run the practice with Nikki, my wife. Also, both my sons work here in different departments. We have a family connection here, which is not just immediate family, but a much broader embracing family.

Everybody is part of the team and all work together collaborating for our client’s benefit. That for me is really quite humbling and makes me very proud.

learning

Focus and implementation are very important within a business. It’s one thing to have lots of really great ideas, but it’s the actual implementation and making sure things get done that most businesses struggle with. To achieve implementation, focus will bring back the precision that is needed to achieve goals in the most effective way.

What’s been moment?

your

What does the future hold for Ad Valorem?

I think we’re entering one of the most exciting periods, not only for the practice, but for industry as a whole. Digitisation is becoming more prevalent and inescapable. As a result, we have better quality and more accessible data, which enables us to advise clients in a truly proactive way.

proudest

We have set our stall by saying we want to be the best digital accountancy practice in the country, with all that digitisation brings with it. There are many areas that we continue to develop which ultimately will enhance our client experience.

There have been many proud moments over the last 20 years for us. I think from a business perspective, it’s been seeing the company grow and develop, offering a broader range of support to our clients and seeing the team develop.

To watch Nigel’s full interview, check out our social media channels @AdValoremGroup or visit our website advaloremgroup.uk

Why did you start Ad Valorem?

One of the highlights for me has been seeing some of the younger members of the (e) enquiries@advaloremgroup.uk team grow within the business. We had two team members nominated for Rising Stars in CLOUD taxation and R&D (w) advaloremgroup.uk TAX WEALTH FINANCE ACCOUNTANCY TAX CREDITS SERVICES & BANKING accountancy, which is a great achievement for them (t) 01908 219100 MANAGEMENT and the business. Also, seeing everybody come in with focus on our purpose, enjoying the moment and the space that they work and contribute in is a great thing.

Prior to setting Ad Valorem up, I’d spent a lot of time working in various industries. However, what I really wanted to do was to use the network that

I’m also very proud of the support we’ve provided our clients at the different stages of their businesses,

As part of our 20th anniversary celebrations, we interviewed MD Nigel Adams for his reflections on his time at Ad Valorem.

“

C.T. WILSON

“

- Nigel Adams FCCA Managing Director

SON LTD

20 years of brilliant, friendly, efficient service - no question

too small, no question too inconsequential, always ready to help, what’s more to say! Congratulations on 20 years of business, here’s to the next 20!

- Cheryl Wilson CTWilson and Son Ltd

Please feel free to either call us on:

01908 219100 or email us at:

Cloud Tax R&D Wealth Accountancy enquiries@advaloremgroup.uk Services Tax Credits Management

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

Finance & Banking

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June 2021

13

Business News

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AM Labels wins Epson ColorWorks Partner of the Year award

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leading label and colour label printing machine specialist, label manufacturer, barcoding and software solution expert based in Kettering, AM Labels Ltd (AML) has received the prestigious Epson ColorWorks Partner of the Year Award 2021.

The Epson ColorWorks Awards is an annual event in which Epson’s leading partners and value-added resellers are recognised for their sales, innovation and contribution to the industry. The Partner of the Year accolade is awarded to one business each year, based upon the sales performance of Epson hardware.

With a large portfolio that includes an extensive range of Epson printers, AM Labels provides its customers with a variety of options to meet their printing requirements. Thanks to the Kettering-based company’s exceptional customer service and extensive knowledge and Brendon Bass with the ColorWorks Partner expertise in colour label printing, along with of the Year award from Epson its diverse customer base, AML successfully supplied and supported the installation and service of Epson C6000 printers into a variety diverse customer base.” of industries.

AM Labels’ Sales and Marketing Manager Andrew Coxall, Epson’s Business Systems Brendon Bass said: “We are truly honoured Account Manager, presented AML with its to receive the Epson ColorWorks Partner of award. He said: “AM Labels is one of our the Year Award for the first time, recognising longest-standing partners with the highest our hard work and outstanding growth in sales level of expertise. The company experienced throughout 2020. We look forward to continuing particular success with the C6000 range, to work closely with Epson throughout 2021 demonstrating its extensive expertise and and in the years to come.”

For more information on AM Labels, please call the sales team on 01536 414 222 or email: sales@amlabels.co.uk

Blinds manufacturer is ready to roll in the years ahead

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axon Blinds are now seeing the benefits of becoming a bespoke manufacturer of all types of roller blind systems.

In recent years the company have seen huge demand for heavy duty made roller blinds increase through product innovation, architectural building design, shading, safety and security benefits in both commercial and domestic properties.

Saxon Blinds specialises in the manufacture of electric, battery-powered motorised options, heavy duty manual chain and gear controls.

Its products are now made and installed to suit all commercial type sector buildings, including schools, universities, office suites, shops, government and public buildings throughout the UK. The last quarter has seen

Saxon Blinds specialises in the manufacture of electric, battery-powered motorised options, heavy duty manual chain and gear controls record growth and with the encouraging statements from Barclays predicting the biggest economic boom since 1948 in Britain, Saxon Blinds is very positive on forward trading in the years ahead.

Saxon Blinds offers a survey, supply and install service. All

Business Times

For a forward features list, deadline dates, rate card or to submit editorial email: news@business-times.co.uk

our in-house staff are CSCSskilled workers and DBS checked. For any advice on commercial blinds, don’t hesitate to contact Saxon Blinds on 01604 603111 or email sales@saxonblinds.co.uk All commercial blinds come with a five-year guarantee.

To advertise call:

01604 259900

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

Business News: Appointments

Silverstone hires sustainability pioneer

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tephane Bazire, a pioneer of sustainable transformation in the motorsport industry, has joined Silverstone Circuit as its head of business sustainability.

He will focus on developing the venue’s sustainability strategy, driving the business forward through diversification, developing new revenue streams and expanding its portfolio, within a sustainable and responsible environment as a

Logistics giant promotes duo to head freight divisions

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ontinued growth in its international freight forwarding have led to two new appointments at Northampton-based Yusen Logistics (UK).

The company has promoted Paul Simmonds to head of air freight forwarding and Pete Bagnall as head of ocean freight forwarding.

Mr Simmonds has held UK and regional operations roles at Lufthansa Cargo, Schenker, CEVA and CH Robinson and joined Yusen in 2019 as branch manager at Egham.

Paul Simmonds Mr Bagnall inset joined Yusen as an analyst in 2001 and has held management and operational management roles including UK ocean freight forwarding operations. Business unit director Paul Rice said: “Both Paul and Pete share strong leadership skills, vision and direction.”

priority. He has worked for multinational companies and agencies, most recently masterminding Circuit

de Barcelona’s strategic plan for 2025.

Mr Bazire pictured said: “I am excited to be joining a world-class sports venue that has committed to integrate sustainability into its business. Implementing a strategy that is bespoke to Silverstone, respecting its heritage, building on its global brand recognition and underpinning this with programmes that deliver our goals will be at the core of my mission.”

Colleagues celebrate promotions of ‘shining stars’ at law firm

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awyers working at the Northampton office of regional practice Hewitsons are among a total 18 promotions announced by the law firm across its offices.

Moving up to the role of legal director is agriculture law specialist Stephanie Dennis, while Antonia Cooper, who works in the firm’s private wealth division, becomes a senior associate.

Gemma Hill and Anne-Sophie Reynolds, colleagues in the corporate and employment team, are now associates, as is agriculture lawyer Rachel Smith.

Her colleague in agriculture Helen Deady and private wealth lawyer Alexandra Svennenik have been promoted to senior solicitor.

Managing partner Colin Jones said: “Not only does Hewitsons have a long-established history in training the next generation of leading solicitors but we are also committed to recognising the shining stars within the business who continue to grow and excel.”

Paula Ursu (left) and Zara Shah n Meet the young lawyers embarking on a two-year traineeship that they intend will result in them becoming fully qualified solicitors.

Paula Ursu and Zara Shah have joined Hewitsons’ office in Northampton. Paula has joined the firm’s agricultural, food and rural business department.

She has previously worked as a paralegal for litigation firms in London and Northampton. She also worked as a legal intern in the contracts department of a global company.

Zara, who has joined the real estate team, previously worked as a fraud analyst at Barclays before starting at Hewitsons. She achieved a first class honours in her law degree at the University of Northampton and was student ambassador for the Access to Justice Foundation.

Managing partner Colin Jones said: “Hewitsons has a long-established history in training the next generation of leading solicitors and our trainee programme and the legacy of great lawyers it provides is something we are very proud of.”

Partnerships reflect ‘invaluable contributions’

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wo lawyers at regional law firm Howes Percival’s Northampton office have been promoted to partner.

Regulatory expert Rob Starr and corporate, commercial and banking specialist Matthew Thompson have had their appointments confirmed. Mr Thompson’s

corporate commercial and banking colleague Harriet Rogers has also been promoted, becoming a senior associate.

The moves are three of a total five promotions announced across the firm’s Northampton and Leicester offices.

Howes Percival chairman Geraint

ersonal vehicle leasing firm Embrace Leasing has welcomed Lawrence Haywood pictured as leasing specialist Joe Francis, account director at the Northampton-based firm, said: “Embrace Leasing has seen growth over the last 12 months with targets being achieved month in month out and now it is time to step up a gear

and expand the team. Lawrence has a wealth of experience within the motor industry. We have continued plans to grow the business going forward and Lawrence joining the team enforces this.”

Embrace Leasing is part of Silverstone Fleet Management. Its vehicles are supplied from a national network of main dealers from the largest dealer

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

Davies said the promotions reflected their “invaluable contribution”.

He added: “These promotions also reflect our commitment to nurturing and developing talent within the firm.”

Two of the five individuals completing their training with Howes Percival, he said.

Business Times small add 2019.qxp_Layout 1 13/01/2021 11:09 Page 7

Leasing firm moves up a gear with new arrival

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Silverstone managing director Stuart Pringle said: “There is no doubt that sustainability is critical to the future of our business and we want to drive forward with investing in a strategy that protects our longterm growth and profitability, as well as a greener, customer centric and more socially engaged future.

“Stephane’s appointment is integral to our vision and he will spearhead some exciting initiatives that will assist us in realising our ambitions.”

Journalism student makes headlines

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niversity of Northampton journalism student Lucy Holmes is creating headlines of her own, having landed a job with an award-winning PR firm before she has graduated.

Lucy Holmes, aged 21, is close to completing her BA (Hons) Journalism course at the university’s Waterside campus and has already secured her first paid role, a position with Brixworthbased agency Orange Juice.

“We have been fortunate to grow our client base throughout lockdown and needed an extra pair of hands to help with the increased workload,” says Orange Juice director Daniel Owens. “We enjoy a good relationship with the University of Northampton. Lucy was recommended to us and within minutes of meeting her on a Zoom call we knew we had found the perfect candidate.”

Lucy will work with clients, helping to produce press releases, social media content, blog pieces and compiling media coverage reports for companies in a range of industry sectors.

“Having the opportunity to get into the world of work before I have even graduated is amazing and I am really grateful to have this opportunity,” she says.

Growth plan fuelled by ten recruits

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egional accountancy firm Cottons Chartered Accountants has welcomed ten new starters, including four trainees, as part of its ongoing expansion programme.

Managing partner Nick Warne said: “We are delighted to be welcoming so many new starters this year. These appointments underscore Cottons’ investment in our future and to ensure that we continue to provide an outstanding service for our clients.”

Cottons has offices across the Midlands and London, including in Northampton, Daventry and Milton Keynes.

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June 2021

15

Feature: Environment

Asbestos campaign wins award for health and safety company

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firm from Northampton is celebrating after winning a top award for its commitment to making workplaces safer.

Acorn Analytical Services has won the Asbestos Consultancy Award at the Tomorrow’s Health and Safety Awards 2021.

The awards are organised by Tomorrow’s Health and Safety magazine.

Acorn Analytical Services director Neil Munro said: “These awards

celebrate the most innovative services and products in our industry so to have won the Asbestos Consultancy Award is an incredible achievement for our team.

“Sadly, thousands of people in the UK continue to die as a result of being exposed to asbestos every year. We are passionate about educating the public about the dangers of asbestos, protecting people from harm and ensuring companies do not fall foul of asbestos law and face crippling fines.”

Acorn’s approach to asbestos has

seen it achieve many industry firsts.

Its award-winning team authored a best-selling book called Asbestos: The Dark Arts and it broadcasts regular informative podcasts on the subject.

It has also created the UK’s only fully documented and systemised asbestos management process, known as The Acorn Asbestos Antidote. It takes clients from non-compliance to full compliance with the government’s rules, regulations and laws relating to asbestos.

Green approach will pave the way for prisons for the future

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he new prison being built at Wellingborough will use heat pumps, efficient lighting systems and thousands of solar panels to reduce energy demand by half and cut carbon emissions.

The government is working towards net-zero by 2050 so future prison expansions will learn from the construction of prisons like Wellingborough’s HMP Five Wells which are being constructed more sustainably than existing

prisons using recycled materials and incorporating green energy.

Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland said: “Our ambitious approach offers a unique opportunity to build back a safer and greener prison system.

“New jails will use new green technologies and modern methods of construction to ensure our prisons cut carbon emissions as well as reoffending.”

Existing prisons are benefiting from a £15 million investment to

cut their emissions. Solar panels are being installed at a further 16 sites to meet 20 per cent of their power demand - bringing the total number of solar panels across the estate to over 20,000. More than 200 electric vehicle charging points are also being installed across 40 prisons.

Habitats for wildlife will be cultivated at each prison to promote biodiversity and ensure the local ecology is stronger than before construction began.

Farmers support project to improve water quality

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five-year project has been launched aimed at enhancing natural habitats and biodiversity across farmland in Pitsford The Water Friendly Farming project is a partnership with Anglian Water, the Freshwater Habitats Trust and the Environment Agency.

It will take place in three phases in collaboration with farmers who have given access to their land for teams to assess the current biodiversity in the area. During the first phase, surveys will be undertaken looking at species, water quality and the hydrology of the catchment area.

After this, the team will work with farmers to add new features to the landscape such as ponds and leaky dams - a natural solution for flood management. Assessments will follow to understand how these measures work to help enhance the water quality in the area.

Georgina Wallis, catchment advisor at Anglian Water, said: “It is great to be able to work with local farmers in a new and innovative way, understanding how landscape-scale water-friendly farming outcomes can fit with productive agriculture, in one of our key drinking water catchments. Our region is a bread basket for UK cereal production so demonstrating how our two industries can work hand in hand to better the environment is a route we are keen to pursue.”

16

Business Times

Photo: Matt Power photography and Anglian Water

Pitsford Water Friendly Farming will be able to answer important questions such as: • Can clean water ponds increase wetland plant diversity?

• Does the addition of woody material in stream increase habitat for freshwater invertebrates?

• Can leaky dams slow the flow reducing flood peaks during storm events?

Answers to questions like these are essential in guiding future land management and conservation work, ensuring the best gains can be delivered for wildlife and local communities.

Hannah Worker, project officer at the Freshwater Habitats Trust, said: “Despite the increasing implementation of a wide range of measures that aim to improve the freshwater environment, restoring and increasing freshwater biodiversity at a landscape scale remains a challenge.

| June 2021

“Through Pitsford Water Friendly Farming we aim to address this, working closely with the local farming community to understand how commonly used habitat improvement and natural flood management measures can be best applied to enhance biodiversity, improve water quality and reduce flood risk.”

The project team will install water quality mitigation measures which include the implementation of conservation tillage, riparian corridor management (for example, fencing), installation of buffer strips, creation of wetlands and ponds, bunding of ditches, protection of river and stream crossings, and nutrient management practices in livestock enterprises.

Simon Bonney, catchment delivery manager at the Environment Agency, said: “As part of our catchment-based approach to improve the water and wider environment, the Environment Agency works with delivery partners, including landowners, to contribute to those improvements. This project takes a partnership approach with landowners to deliver new and existing water friendly farming interventions to improve the local environment. As we approach the introduction of the Environmental Land Management Scheme this project will provide useful lessons learnt to support future in-field interventions to contribute to the ELMS.”

Acorn Analytical Services directors Neil Munro and Ian Stone with the Asbestos Consultancy Award

Engineering specialist wins contract at waste recycling centre

T

he engineering division of building services provider Briggs & Forrester has won a contract to deliver the mechanical and electrical works on the Newhurst Energy Recovery Facility in Leicestershire.

Engineering Services have been appointed to design, supply, install and commission the small power, lighting and distribution services to the facility.

Main contractor Hitachi Zosen Inova AG has also awarded the mechanical, electrical and plumbing services to the administration building.

The Newhurst Energy Recovery Facility will provide sustainable treatment of up to 350,000 tonnes of residual waste in a year and will generate up to 42 megawatts of low carbon energy - enough to power around 80,000 homes.

The facility is a significant addition to the UK’s waste management infrastructure and supports both the government’s ambitions to reduce reliance on landfill and the UK’s ability to sustainably treat more nonrecyclable waste.

Briggs & Forrester Engineering Services completed a similar Energy from ewaste facility in Gloucester last year. Regional director Adrian Nicholls said: “Briggs & Forrester are proud to be expanding on our Energy from Waste project experience following the successful completion of the Gloucester Energy from Waste facility back in 2020 and look forward to further enhancing our MEP offering in the infrastructure and emerging technologies sector.”

Sustainability earns oil producer prestigious award

H

argrave-based cold pressed rapeseed oil producer Farrington Oils has won a prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development.

Farrington Oils is one of 205 organisations nationally to be granted a Queen’s Award for Enterprise, recognised for its excellence in sustainable development and one of only 17 to be recognised for excellence in sustainable development.

In 2005 when Duncan Farrington set up Farrington Oils, it was the UK’s first seed-to-bottle producer of cold pressed rapeseed oil. Since then the brand has grown with products available at leading supermarkets.

The Queen’s Award is in recognition of the company’s industry-leading approach to sustainability. This includes the grower’s commitment to carbon and plastic neutrality and Linking Environment and Farming marque standards to Mr Farrington’s work monitoring and increasing the carbon stored in the farm’s soils.

Hesaid: “Winning a Queen’s Award for Enterprise is a huge honour and being awarded it for sustainable development

Duncan Farrington in particular is a real testament to our commitment to the environment.

“Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do and I am so proud to be recognised for our decades of hard work and dedication in this area.

“Now more than ever, we all need to put our planet first, working towards a more sustainable future. I hope that seeing a small company from a village in Northamptonshire win such a prestigious award will encourage other small and medium sized businesses to take the next step in their sustainability journey so we can all do our bit for the planet.”

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

Marketing & PR

Revolution, Evolution or Stagnation?

When is the right time to update your logo, your company image and messaging? In the 20 years I have worked in marketing, this remains one of the most difficult questions for many company owners and directors. The common trap I see people falling into is the delusion that updating their brand is onerous, expensive and a threat to ‘what people already know’. In fact, the opposite is true and brand stagnation is one of the worst mistakes a business can make.

So, how has your business brand changed over the last 5-10 years? Has it evolved, gone through big changes or has it completely stagnated?

How often and how much do successful brands change?

The short answer to this question is that it varies but that all brands change. You may say that brands like Coca-Cola never change but they do much more than you might think. Whilst their core values stay largely the same, their advertising is always changing and so is their image, their logo, even the recipe. Take a look at the logo evolutions on the right. Like others, you probably did not notice there were quite so many.

If even big brands like Coke have to be constantly changing, what you should take from this is that a business like yours should be. Why? Because the world moves on and so do markets and so do people’s beliefs, expectations, tastes and behaviours. Interesting to note that Coca~Cola even went ‘backwards’ to reflect its brand origins and esteemed history. Burger King have done the same – go and take a look. Evolution is not always ‘forwards’!

Much in the same way as you should have a business plan for every 1, 3 or 5 years, my recommendation is that you also consider your brand every 2-3 years and how, from the logo up, you portray your business to the world. The longer you leave it, the bigger and more drastic changes you will need.

Work on a set of really strong messages, say five or six, That all represent common,

relatable needs in your market and that have the same feel. Once you have your ‘killer lines’ you can think about the imagery to accompany them.

How do I update my brand without it costing me a fortune?

Progressive evolution is the key. I had a meeting with a large logistics company who were terrified at the potential implications of updating their logo and image. They were held back because they had polarised on a view that absolutely everything would need to change overnight at immense expense, from their website to their entire transport fleet’s livery. As a result, they had done nothing in some 20 years because the board could never agree to do it. This is the trap I spoke about and it simply has to be avoided.

The solution, in an instance like this, is to look at ways in which the current identity (logo) can be modernised without changing its essential constructs. For example, retaining the overall elements and colours but refining and simplifying them. A good evolution is just enough to bring it beyond up to date, and into the next 3-5 years, in terms of where you expect your business to be. It has to reflect where you are going and not where you are; it has to help you get to your destination and not be outdated the moment you launch it.

If this is done the right way, by a professional branding agency, you will find you can put your new logo by the side of

the old one and see some really strong, marked differences but also that they are inherently related. If you were to see them separately, you would possibly think they are pretty much the same. This enables you to launch your new identity without having to throw away all of your collateral and instead to update everything in stages when facilitated/necessitated because all nestles nicely together. That is the benefit of a progressive evolution.

As previously mentioned, if this does not happen then you absolutely will reach a point in time where you have to drastically change everything at great expense and, if you cannot afford to do that, yes… you will be another one of those stagnating businesses. You will end up looking tired and dated and you will lose business as a result.

“Tunnocks Tea Cakes and Caramel Wafer have never changed their branding!”.

Correct. And their market share is in decline as the older generations who are their customers disappear.

2. How has the market changed? What are my competitors doing? Who is the market leader and why? What have been the fundamental changes in this industry over the last couple of years and why?

3. How have my customers changed?

Who ARE my customers now? What do they want these days? How do they buy and what do they expect?

4. Where are the opportunities? What can I do to stand out, based on the above?

Where is the industry trend going? What should I look like now to attract more, bigger and better customers?

By answering those questions you will gain a strong insight into where you

Darren Isaac, Director, TFA

www.t-f-a.co.uk

brand is weak. Remember, your brand is not just your logo but your website, your collateral, your entire visual and written style – what you say and how you say it.

Armed with this knowledge, you will have enough to sculpt your own business style, values and direction. With the assistance of a brand/marketing agency you can then brief them effectively and get on doing something about it rather than stagnating and, worse, declining.

Okay, so where do I start?

There is nothing to be gained by changing for the sake of it; you must know the reasons driving change in order to maximise the way you benefit from it.

Ask yourself the following questions: 1. How has my business changed? Is it bigger? Has our style changed? Do we offer different things now?

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

Increase your profile.

Promote your business.

Strengthen your brand.

– Henry Ford

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

Business Times

|

June 2021

17

Business News

Town leads the way in contactless payments

N

orthampton has seen the number of digital contactless payments made in the town increase by almost 500 per cent in the past year, according to a new report.

The coronavirus pandemic has led to an increase in the number of outlets refusing cash payments, says the study by UK merchant payment provider Dojo.

It reveals that contactless payments are on the rise, in Northampton by just under 482pc year on year.

The figure places the town second on the list of towns and cities in the UK - behind Hull - most willing to embrace mobile technology such as Apple and Google Pay. Jon Knott, head of customer insight at Dojo said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has changed

everyone’s lives in a number of ways that we could have never predicted even 13 months ago. Smaller businesses that were previously cash-only have rapidly changed how they operate to meet consumer demands and keep pace with larger competitors so they do not lose custom.

“It is clear that the huge upturn in the use of contactless technology is speeding up the UK’s shift towards a cashless economy but at a rate far beyond what anyone was expecting pre-coronavirus.”

Mr Knott says the trend is set to continue. A £100 contactless card limit set to take place later this year.

“Consumers have embraced the ease and practicality of going contactless and we expect to see these changes stick,” he said.

A pre-lockdown meeting of Made in Northamptonshire members

Food network hails support of county

B

usinesses in the food and drink sector have paid tribute to the support they have received from a group set up to champion the industry in Northamptonshire.

Made In Northamptonshire was set up ten years ago and continues to support the county’s finest local producers, retailers and eateries. It is now celebrating the reopening of its first shop selling county-made produce and the opening of a second store.

Scores of businesses have used MIN to source business advice, as a sounding board and have increased sales opportunities by attending events and festivals.

Husband and wife Ian and Lauren Horton set up Gander’s Goat, selling a range of goat milk ice cream, after buying a farm at Cottingham near Corby five years ago.

“It was really only by chance that we ended up buying the farm here in 2016,”

said Ian. “But that was arguably the best thing we ever did.

“The help we have received through Made In Northamptonshire has been simply amazing and, having reflected on the last five years, we really do not think we would have survived without the kind of unique support we have received if we had gone anywhere else.”

MIN was founded by businesswoman Rachel Mallows to provide guidance, business advice and to expand sales opportunities. The first MIN shop opened at Rushden Lakes before Christmas, only to close with the introduction of the most recent lockdown restrictions. Now the shop is welcoming customers once more and a second MIN store is open, at Jeyes of Earls Barton.

“We have been delighted to offer hundreds of hours of support to our producers over the last decade,” said Rachel. “The opening of these two MIN shops is the icing on the cake, offering not only the chance for them to reach more customers but also the opportunity for discerning buyers to try some of their wonderful treats for themselves.”

MIN ‘s quarterly meetings - held online over the last year - are attended by around 50 members. Membership is £75 per year and the group also produces a directory which promotes more than 100 tasty treats to the county’s foodies.

A

fter a year like no other, the relaxation of lockdown measures means businesses can start to breathe as attention shifts from simply surviving to thriving.

Innovation promises to be the key according to specialists at MPA, a professional service provider which in just 14 years has become one of the UK’s top 100 accountancy firms.

Founder and owner Mike Price is still at the heart of the company which shows business owners how to tap into their potential.

“The pandemic has changed the way we provide and consume all types of products and services. Innovation will naturally be different for everyone, dependent on size, industry and available investment,” said Mike, who believes lessons can be learned from sectors not usually thought of as being at the forefront of innovation.

“Restaurants quickly implemented online ordering and delivery, distillers stopped making gin and started producing hand sanitiser and zoos began conducting virtual tours and animal meetings, all to pivot their business models to help serve their customers or the wider community.”

MPA has also continued to innovate, in the last year establishing its diversified services portfolio to provide full circle client support. Whatever your business need, MPA now has the answer.

Mike said: “What we are here to do is help people make the most of the innovation mindset they started their business with and then help them

Mike Price: ‘We are here to help people to make the most of the innovation mindset’

Innovation is key for firms looking to realise potential access funding to support it. I know myself that running a business takes time, money and creativity and when any one of those is out of kilter, growth can suffer. It is hard to find time for innovative thinking when you know your accounts are due, when there is cashflow to manage, when there is

a team to motivate or simply when customers are waiting.”

MPA’s team of experts specialise in helping business owners and directors with the fundamentals; taking care of tax and accounts, providing strategic advice, planning and inspiration where needed and helping them find the

cash to support their visions through grants, Patent Box and research and development tax reliefs, or general financial management.

As an owner or manager, it is important that you have the time available to focus on your business while also to enable your personal

aspirations to be met. MPA prides itself on being able to provide advice and support to help leaders achieve just this.

Jo Surley, MPA’s head of accounting and tax, said: “While we are most known for our research and development tax relief expertise, we provide broader tax, accounting and business advisory services to businesses and their owners both locally and beyond, with clients all over the UK and overseas.

“In the last few years, we have really seen an increase in the number of business owners coming to us looking for a partner who has capability beyond number crunching. People who want a partner who is willing to take the time to understand them and their business as well as their aspirations and the areas they need support on.

“Our team is diverse enough to have technical experts with sector-specific knowledge and experience working right alongside qualified accountants and tax advisors. We are also not constrained by the usual timesheets and chargeable hours, meaning we can truly focus on our clients’ needs. That, coupled with our understanding of the UK innovation landscape, makes us pretty unique.”

The pace of change over the last year alone has shown how important it is to remain open and ready to react to unpredictable challenges. Ensuring you are free to be the pioneering business leader you used to be now will put you in the best possible position to come out of the pandemic ready for a renewed period of growth.

If you need advice, support or want to ensure you are being properly rewarded for the R&D you are already doing, give MPA a call and see how you can take your vision to the next level.

To talk to the team, call 0808 296 5538 or visit the website at www.mpa.co.uk 18

Business Times

| June 2021

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

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Business Times

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June 2021

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Business Times

| June 2021

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

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

Investing responsibly Helping you find solutions to turn your money into a real force for good

T

he consequences of the coronavirus pandemic will be profound, wide-ranging and long-lasting. So, it’s no surprise that sources of optimism, arising since the crisis unfolded, were quickly seized upon. Perhaps the most significant is the effect on our environment.

Global carbon emissions have fallen, according to analysis published on the Climate Action website in May 2020, while data from NASA, published by the World Economic Forum in April 2020, suggests that air quality has improved dramatically as countries around the world have taken steps to restrict activity and travel.

The view that investments are measured by value alone is changing.

In a world awake to the challenges of climate change, energy consumption and pollution, contemporary investing is about achieving financial wellbeing in a world worth living in.

Understanding climate change risk within your portfolio is increasingly important as world policy continues to evolve. Our commitment to support you, and future generations, means helping you be conscious of the impact your investment has on climate change, as well as how carbon risk could affect your investment value.

Whilst the environmental impact has been positive, an ONS report Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain, published in April 2020, highlights some of the social aspects of the outbreak. Over half of the 1581 individuals surveyed highlighted that the lockdown measures and worry of the virus affected their wellbeing. One in five also mentioned it affected their household income and a staggering 84% were worried about the effect the coronavirus was having on their life.

Although the biggest crisis of 2020 is COVID-19, the biggest crisis of the decade is still climate change With many of us now considering the impact on the community and health of the planet in our everyday decisions, it’s no wonder that many organisations are also rethinking how they do business.

Shining the spotlight on corporate behaviours helps illustrate why businesses cannot simply be about making profits. There’s a huge awareness that the general public are more sustainable in the way they live their lives. Successful companies also think about their wider stakeholders and

strive to improve employee satisfaction and community spirit – and that contributes to long-term success. You too can make a difference through the companies you invest in when it comes to your investments and savings.

As part of our distinctive approach to investment management, we carefully assess external fund managers’ attitudes to responsible investing.

We review how they incorporate environmental, social, and corporate governance in their decision-making, and how their investment strategy considers climate risk.

We believe what gets measured, gets managed. Reporting the carbon footprint of our St. James’s Place Portfolios allows us to identify opportunities for change. And this is just the beginning. We’ll continue aligning our St. James’s Place Portfolios with targets based on scientific developments, with the ambition of delivering you greater insight and aligning your investments with your personal ethics.

The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select, and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested.

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

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

Brace Wealth Management is a trading name of Keith Brace Wealth Management Ltd. SJP12234 V1 (07/20)

SJP12234c V1 A5 Responsible Investing - Practice.indd 1

19/07/2020 23:02

Marketing & PR

Collaboration over competition

Whether you get your daily news fix by social media or a printed paper, have you ever stopped to consider how reading the news makes you feel? Two Northants PR agencies are joining forces to highlight the importance of positive stories in the media.

O

n Tuesday, June 22nd it is Positive Media Day, a national day designed to ‘propel positivity into mainstream media’.

Anyone who knows me knows that I am hugely passionate about sharing people’s stories and recognising achievements and success and credit where it is due. This is something I know the team at Business Times believe in doing too. You just need to read one issue to see that!

Positive news can have a significant impact on a person’s wellbeing and, conversely, it is easy to be consumed with negative stories as you scroll through your phone, pick up a newspaper, listen to the radio, or tune into the TV. Some fascinating research has been done into the impact of hearing positive news – our bodies, we are told, produce happy hormones such as dopamine, serotonin and endorphins, which bring your blood pressure down and improve your mental health.

So, sharing positive news doesn’t just feel good – it actually does you good too!

Back in April, when I was having a chat with Jessica Pilkington of Pilkington Communications, we came up with the idea of working together on a project. We wanted to do something positive and uplifting that showed it was possible for ‘competitors’ to

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

work together collaboratively and combine skills and experience.

When we discovered that there was a dedicated day in the year to celebrate uplifting, positive news stories, we knew there was the seed of a perfect campaign for us to join forces on.

The first part of this collaboration has been to create a Positive Media Day survey, one

that will dig deep and find out how the public accesses news stories, what the appetite for uplifting news really is and how the media can affect your mood. We also wanted to know how people’s feelings towards the news had changed in recent years with scandals such as the recent Martin Bashir investigation into how he procured his Panorama interview with the late Princess Diana and Donald Trump’s accusations of ‘fake news’. We also need to consider the decline in print and whether people still buy newspapers. Has this been accelerated by Covid-19 and more people ordering their shopping online and not picking up papers as part of their weekly shop?

We will collate the responses and share these on Positive Media Day as part of a wider campaign to promote the need for positive stories in the media.

I am so proud of this campaign and everything it stands for, including the fact that we are working with another local PR agency that others might consider to be our competition.

After the last year we have all had, we need positivity more than ever.

For more information on the Positive Media Day campaign and a link to participate in the survey, see www.ballyhoopr.co.uk/news/ or contact Emma on 01536 261666 or emma.speirs@ballyhoo-pr.co.uk.

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Business News

Firms put focus on mental health in the workplace

Keep your cool when the summer heat is on

W

ith warmer summers seeming to be a future trend, more and more homeowners are making their environment more comfortable by installing air conditioning in their bedrooms or conservatories.

Working with Daikin, one of the world’s largest suppliers of air conditioning systems, Griffiths Air Conditioning have been installing air conditioning throughout Northamptonshire and the seven surrounding counties for over 20 years. Back then it was ‘cooling only’ but more recently heat pump air conditioning has become standard, enabling both heating and cooling from the same system.

Generally, air conditioning systems have an outdoor unit and a wide choice of indoor units that can be wall-, floor- or ceiling-mounted. Another option that is often overlooked is to

T place a ducted unit in a loft space and feed the conditioned air into flexible ducts that terminate in neat white ceiling grilles.

This arrangement can provide air conditioning to several upstairs bedrooms or multiple rooms in a bungalow without the expense of a separate system for each room.

For wall mounted systems, Daikin offers various options to suit budget and required functions. Top of the range is the Ururu Sarara, providing complete climate control with (de) humidification, air purification and ventilation with top efficiencies in

heating and cooling.

Next are the Stylish models in white, black, silver or blackwood with a modern and striking design.

The popular curved front Emura models, available in matt crystal white or silver, are design at its best, delivering superior efficiency and comfort.

The new Perfera model has an attractive design with perfect indoor air quality, and for those seeking the most economical solution, the Comfora model still provides high efficiency and comfort.

Contact Griffiths Air Conditioning on 01536 420666, at www.griffithsaircon.co.uk or by visiting their Energy Efficiency Centre showroom at 111 High Street, Burton Latimer. Open 9am-5pm, Monday-

MODERN REFURBISHED OFFICE SUITES

TO LET

he UK’s largest supplier of building materials is on track to deliver on its commitment to have six times as many mental health first aiders in place as at the start of this year.

Travis Perkins plc, whose headquarters are in Northampton, says the safety and wellbeing of colleagues is its number one priority.

The drive to increase the number of accredited MHFAs from 40 to more than 250 has been accelerated.

This initiative is part of a range of support for staff, including an employee assistance programme for counselling and emotional support, a mental wellbeing app and assessment tool, activity, mindfulness resources, discounts on gym memberships, exercise equipment, online fitness and other financial offers to help balance the physical, financial and mental aspect of wellbeing.

Group HSE and fleet director Richard Byrne said: “During Covid, our mental health and wellbeing

have been put to the test like never before but our strong people focus has underpinned our pandemic response and helped us work collectively to resolve the many challenges this past year has posed for our 20,000-plus colleagues.”

The MHFAs are the first port of call in the workplace for mental health support for colleagues. “But we are very clear that they are not there to diagnose or provide ongoing support or counselling.” Mr Byrne said. n Northampton-based building products manufacturer Forterra has appointed 60 volunteer mental health first aiders from within its workforce.

The MHFAs range from board directors to site operatives, and will be trained on two-day courses during June and July. Human resources director Shahbaz Idriss said: “We recognise that we have a role to play in providing a supportive and understanding working environment where it feels safe to talk about mental health issues.”

HIGH SPEED CONNECTIVITY MOVE IN INCENTIVES ON SITE COFFEE SHOP

WATERSIDE HOUSE, NENE BUSINESS CENTRE, STATION ROAD, IRTHLINGBOROUGH, NORTHANTS, NN9 5QF 3,050 – 11,000 SQ FT (283.35 – 1,021.92 SQ M)

MODERN PLUG AND PLAY OFFICE SUITES CLOSE TO RUSHDEN LAKES To feature or comment email: news@business-times.co.uk

Business Times

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June 2021

23

In the community

Girls football team nets new sponsorship deal T he Northampton Town Girls under-14 team has been boosted thanks to J Sweeney, one of the county’s leading accountancy practices, becoming thenew front of shirt sponsor.

J Sweeney Accountants will sponsor the Under-14s Girls squad for the 2021-22 season after agreeing a sponsorship deal with Northampton Town FC Community Trust, which oversees the Northampton Town Women & Girls programme.

Around 165 women and girls play football for Northampton Town Women and Girls each week. Throughout the grassroots game, the support of sponsors from the local business community is invaluable.

Phillip Smith, chief executive of the NTFC Community Trust, said: “We are delighted to have J Sweeney Accountants on board as a shirt sponsor.

“The women’s game has really taken off in recent years and we have a healthy women and girls set-up. Having key sponsors on board is integral to us being a part of that and seeing the women’s game grow.

“From the sponsor’s point of view, they have the opportunity to raise their profile and achieve CSR goals. We work closely with anyone coming on board to help them identify the ways we can help them gain increased exposure, depending on the specifics of their business, whether that be from their logo on the match shirt all the way through to collaborative ideas and programmes.”

James Sweeney, director at J Sweeney Accountants, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the Northampton Town FC girls’ team for the coming seasons and extend our support to Phill and the rest of the team at Northampton Town FC Community Trust.”

As well as delivering female-centred programmes across 11 teams from under-eights to the Northampton Town Senior Women’s team, NTFC Community Trust also provides support to the community inthree further areas: Education: working with primary and secondary schools across the county to deliver curriculum-based interventions and extracurricular classes and clubs to support learning and wellbeing outside the classroom.

Health and wellbeing: engaging with participants and patients in a non-clinical setting to support a wide range of physical and mental health issues throughout a person’s lifespan, from childhood obesity to alcohol and drug misuse through to active ageing.

Disability and Inclusion: covering a wide range of physical and mental disabilities, including learning difficulties, autism and sight impairment, as well as a structured disability player talent identification programme and running the Northampton Town MultiDisabled Football Club.

To find out more about sponsorship opportunities through NTFC Community Trust, email community@ntfc.co.uk or visit ntfccommunity.co.uk

Auto firm donates vehicles to college’s student mechanics

Soccer tournament aims to raise funds for local hospice M

B

usinesses from across Northamptonshire are being urged to take part in a charity football tournament.

Silverstone Soccer five-a-side fun will take place on August 15 at Daventry Town FC, to raise money for Cynthia Spencer Hospice.

Ryan Bishop, sales manager at car and van leasing specialist Silverstone Fleet Management, is organising the event this year, after a hugely successful first event in February 2020.

Football-mad Ryan decided to use his local business contacts and love of football to raise funds for the hospice, the company’s Charity of the Year. He also organised the #Sing4Cynthia social media campaign, which saw businesspeople film themselves singing songs and upload them to LinkedIn with the hashtag #Sing4Cynthia, pledging money to a Just Giving page and nominating two other people to take part.

“We are proud to support Cynthia Spencer Hospice as much as we possibly can,” said Ryan. “The Silverstone Soccer event was so much fun last year and raised a substantial amount a money that can really make a huge difference to the hospice and its incredible work. We are thrilled to be able to bring it back again this summer and hope that the business community will once again rally for this deserving cause.”

The event is limited to 16 teams only and Ryan is encouraging local businesses to sign up now. The price per team is £200 which includes your business-named football shirt included for each player.

Each team needs seven players.

The tournament aims to raise at least £5,000. Nina Gandy, corporate partnerships fundraiser at Cynthia Spencer Hospice, said: “The football event in 2020 was the last live fundraising event held by a local business for Cynthia Spencer before the pandemic. When the event returns in August, it will be one of the first events to bring the local business community back together.

“The team did a fantastic job running the event in 2020 and when it returns in August there will be lots of additional ways to get involved

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Ryan Bishop and Nina Gandy launch this year’s Silverstone Soccer tournament. as well as playing on the day. The team continue to support the charity in a variety of ways and this event should definitely be one to sign up for!”

To sign up for Silverstone Soccer visit: https://sfmsoccer.silverstonefleetmanagement.com/

echanics learning skills at Northampton College will accelerate their learning in state-of-the-art workshops thanks to a donation of three up-to-date cars from a motor company.

Wellingborough-based recycling company Auto Spares has gifted the college three up-to-date vehicles so student mechanics have the chance to practise working on cars they are more likely to encounter in their future employment.

The donated vehicles include two 2008 Polos and one 2001 Fiat Punto, with the market value of each vehicle rounding up to £1,000. Auto Spares has also taken away some of the college’s outdated vehicles and will continue to refresh the stock available to students.

Co-director Robert Austin said: “Technology in vehicles is always changing so it is vital that students become familiar with modern car engines and all the equipment that accompanies newer models. We are pleased we have been able to help Northampton’s mechanics of the future by providing them with some newer cars to work on.

“We recognise that hardworking mechanics with good skills and know-how are vital nowadays, which is why we decided to donate these cars.”

There are still some vehicles at the college that need to be replaced and Auto Spares has pledged to continue working with the students, providing them with more used cars in the future, including potentially a hybrid vehicle.

Motor vehicle engineering tutor Stephen Smith said: “It is so important our students have access to modern cars to enable them to practise and develop their skills on machinery they are likely to come into contact with day in, day out in the workplace.

The technology in cars has developed rapidly so students need to be able to have a thorough understanding of newer vehicles and how they operate.

“We are extremely grateful to Auto Spares for their kind donation and we’re sure this will make a real difference to our students throughout the duration of their course.”

Auto Spares and Northampton College will continue to work together to provide motor vehicle engineering students with good quality equipment that will allow them to learn and progress during their studies.

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

In the community

Have your say and help to shape charity’s work

C

harity Age UK Northamptonshire is seeking the views of people affected by the pandemic.

Many older people in the county will feel the effects of the coronavirus pandemic for years to come. Research has shown that people with pre-existing long-term health conditions were more likely to say their health has deteriorated because of the lockdowns. Half of all ‘shielders’ say they cannot walk as far as they could before the pandemic.

Now Age UK Northamptonshire wants local people to fill in a short survey to tell the charity what services and support it ought to be providing.

Chief executive Chris Duff said “We are keen to hear from people across the county. Please fill in our short survey to tell us what services you think we should provide. What support do you think is missing? How could our services be adapted so that they are better at meeting the needs of older people in Northamptonshire?”

The link to the survey is on Age UK Northamptonshire’s website at www.ageuk.org.uk/northamptonshire/survey or request a paper copy by calling 01604 611200.

Age UK Northamptonshire has provided services and support to older people throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

For information on their services or if you would like to support the charity, visit www.ageuk.org.uk/northamptonshire or call 01604 611200.

Champion Tracey is the county’s Covid hero A nurse who has seen “unbelievable, upsetting and truly sad things” while working at Northampton General during the pandemic has been named Northamptonshire’s Covid Champion.

Tracey Tipler, from Earls Barton, has won the Smiths Farm Shop and Sauls of Spratton So Long to Lockdown competition for her “courageous and selfless dedication” to her work when she was drafted into a Covid-19 ward to help out.

Her work was even more admirable as she was also grieving her daughter who had recently passed away from cancer, leaving behind four children.

“At the time the pandemic hit the UK, I was working in outpatients but I have a background in intensive care and emergency admissions,” said Tracey, 59.

“Although I had read all the stories in the papers, nothing had prepared me for what I was faced with. It was like working in a science fiction movie with everyone gowned up with only their eyes visible and some very, very sick patients.

“I can honestly say in all my years of nursing I have never seen such unbelievable, upsetting and truly sad things during my time on the Covid ward. I cannot even bear to think about it actually.”

Her friend and colleague Shelagh Donnelly nominated Tracey in the competition. “What Tracey has been through is simply gut wrenching but despite her own loss she has gone above and beyond for other people,” said Shelagh. “She has sat next to total strangers, holding their hand while they died without their family by their side and helped treat others, nursing them back to full recovery.

“Just like all the other NHS workers who have worked tirelessly through the pandemic, Tracey is a hero. But, despite her own grief, she has been courageous and shown selfless dedication throughout.

I am so proud to call her my friend.”

Tracey received a huge hamper of goodies courtesy of Smiths Farm shop and Sauls of Spratton, local businesses which teamed up to find the town’s Covid Champion to mark the end of the third lockdown.

Farm Shop owner Adrian Smith said: “For more than a year now key workers, volunteers, friends, family and neighbours have kept the county moving during the most challenging and unprecedented of times. Despite the worry and fear, there are people out there who have shown true grit and put others first.

Tracey Tipler with her prize hamper outside Smiths Farm Shop “We were inundated with stories of bravery, sadness, love and good old-fashioned neighbourly British spirit but Tracey’s commitment touched our hearts. She was so gracious when we presented her with the hamper but there was no doubt that she truly deserved her prize.”

Emma Price, a director of Sauls of Spratton, added: “Reading the nominations for our competition has made me so very proud of the people of Northamptonshire. I had no idea our county was full of such kind, caring folk.”

Yvonne Rose, Stuart Phelan and Faye Brassett were named the competition’s runners-up.

Logistics firm rallies to the cause of children’s camps D elivery of equipment, materials and resources for a charity that provides camps for seriously ill children is to be funded by a transport and logistics company in Northampton.

XPO Logistics first partnered with the Over The Wall charity last year when it agreed to transport the residential camp equipment to venues across the UK at no cost. One of the camps scheduled to take place was in King’s Park, Northampton, and would have been the charity’s first ever ‘teen camp’.

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

All the camps were cancelled following the outbreak of Covid-19.

Over The Wall developed a virtual interactive online platform Camp in the Cloud to bring the camp into each family’s home. XPO has now agreed to fund the delivery of 1,000 of the Camp in the Cloud Seriously Fun boxes containing games, T-shirts, puzzles, activity materials and other resources.

The company will be the official logistics and transport partner when Over The Wall’s venue-based residential camps resume in 2022.

XPO Logistics managing director, transport - UK and Ireland Dan Myers said: “I thank the Over The Wall and XPO teams for their tremendous effort in adapting to the situation and working together to ensure kids get the support they need. We are proud to be part of this inspiring partnership for a great cause.”

Since 1999, Over The Wall has provided free, lifechanging experiences for children affected by severe health conditions. It has helped thousands of children in the UK. Chief executive Kevin Mathieson said: “Logistics and transportation are critical for the camps we offer so we are incredibly grateful for the support of XPO Logistics. This partnership means children will continue to experience the joy of camp, both in their homes and also in venues, when our residential camps reopen.”

Above: A family participating in Over The Wall Camp in the Cloud from home which was funded by XPO Logistics Left: Children gathered together for a group photo at their residential stay in happier times

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25

Networking

>> The local Networking round-up

N

etworking meetings have been a lifeline for many people with online sessions helping them to stay connected. The relaxation of lockdown rules means there is a gradual move to return to face-to-face meetings.

Northamptonshire has a wealth of networking groups which means people can find one to suit their style of doing business.

Tuesday’s BNI (Temporary Online) Meeting 6:45-8:30, Ignite BNI, Holiday Inn Northampton West M1, Jct 6 (NN7 4LP).

Wednesday 9th June: Kettering Monday 14th June: Wellingborough Tuesday 15th June: Corby Thursday 24th June: East Northants

Thursday’s BNI (Temporary Online) Meetings 6:45-8:30, Pavilion BNI, Collingtree Park Golf Club (NN4 0XN); 6:45-8:30, Prosperity BNI, Kettering Rugby Club (NN15 6NT);

All take place on Zoom, free to attend and book via www.northnorthantsbusinessnetwork.co.uk

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

Monday 14th June ChamberLIVE: Preparing for the new normal.

Online. 2pm to 3pm Tuesday 15th June ChamberLIVE: Blokes don’t like to talk. Online. 2pm to 3pm ChamberLIVE: Workplace stress - How I coped.

Online. 10am to 11am

Friday’s BNI (Temporary Online) Meeting 6:45-8:30, Lighthouse BNI, Franklin’s Gardens (NN5 5BG); 6:45-8:30, Unity BNI, Gt Doddington Club (NN29 7TL).

Contact Duncan Webster for all events, email: Duncan@BNIBreakfast.co.uk, Tel: 07977 422220.

Wednesday 16th June ChamberLIVE: Man Active. Online. 10am to 11am ChamberLIVE: Dads…not just good for DIY. Online. 2pm to 3pm.

Thursday 17th June ChamberLIVE: Managing stress at work. Online. 2pm to 3pm ChamberLIVE: Protecting your mental health.

Online. 10am to 11am

No fuss networking. It offers relaxed, informal, B2B, virtual networking. Our café inspired solution powered by Remo provides a variety of pay-as-you-go events:

Friday 18th June Nutrition, mental health & networking at Nene Whitewater Centre Ltd. 2pm to 4pm

Tuesday 8th June: Leicester Buzz Thursday 10th June: Rugby Buzz – Bicester Buzz Wednesday 16th June: Northampton Buzz

Chamber members can book for all events. www.northants-chamber.co.uk

Wednesday 23rd June: Banbury Buzz – Hinckley Buzz

Friday 18th June: MK Buzz All Business Buzz events operate from 10am to noon and are bookable via the new app: https://app.business-buzz.org/app For full details of all Business Buzz events please visit our web page: www.business-buzz.org.

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

The Business Community run the following meetings:

Upcoming events: This month’s FSB networking session will be at Merged Futures 3 on June 18th. To book a space on FSB’s networking session, which is open to non-FSB members. Visit: https://bit.ly/3yKUAOX

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

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

Each session involves a training may be say networking and a member session where they add value to your business. This may be a skills’ share or a business insight in your session.

Groups meet 12 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.

Tuesday 8th June: Kettering Thursday 10th June: Northampton Wednesday16th June: Wellingborough Tuesday 15th June: South Northants

The Connections Club - Northants Only open to business owners, influencers and decision makers this is a structured and professional group, which gives people the opportunity to connect with other business owners who are serious about growth. It allows you to take away a valuable skill, learning or insight – at every single meeting and meet valuable contacts. It is not lockout, but each session is limited to a maximum of three business areas.

Tuesday 1st June: Meet 11.45 - 2pm when face to face but currently online 11.45am – 1.45pm

Northampton & Daventry (7.30-9.30am) alternate Wednesdays

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

This provides practical support to help businesses grow their business. There are two types of regular face to face connection events.

The Business Room is a one business area group for business owners, those in employed positions, MLMs and franchised businesses. Networking requires an investment of time and money, but it doesn’t always deliver an ROI. The Business Room is proudly different, providing a time-efficient and cost-effective way to build your contacts and collaborators and access new opportunities.

Wednesday 2nd June: Bedford Buzz

Thursday 24th June Northants Chamber Speed Networking.

Online. 10am to 11.15am

The FSB has 2,000 members across Northamptonshire and as well as local campaigning, the team of staff local members hold regular networking and support events, currently all online and free to attend. These include a monthly FSB Northampton Virtual Networking where all are welcome, you don’t have to be an FSB member to join in.

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 & MK (7.30-9.30am) alternate Thursdays Market Harborough (7.30-9.30am) alternate Fridays Free networking (3.00-4.00pm) every Friday

Contact details: Barbara 07504 946 585/ 01933 652884 Email: barbara@yourbusinessmatters.co www.yourbusinessmatters.co

Women-only (9.30-11.00am) 3rd Wednesday of the month Evening (6.30-8.30pm) 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

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

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

AWA R D

W I NN I NG

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Property Portfolio

New HQ and new era for insulations company

A

company based in Northamptonshire since it was founded more than 40 years ago has moved to new headquarters.

Belgrade Insulations, which distributes insulation and drywall systems, has acquired an industrial warehouse on Brackmills industrial estate in Northampton.

The company has expanded over the years at its original Wellingborough site, which also housed sister company Belgrade Polymer Products, a specialist plastics moulding business.

Belgrade has grown since it was acquired in 2010, leading to the move to larger 23,124 sq ft premises at Brackmills Trade Park. The warehouse had been developed around three years ago through funding by M&G Real Estate.

The move means that Brackmills Trade Park is now full, said Richard Baker, a director of Northamptonshire letting agent Prop-Search, which acted jointly with Avison Young “I am delighted to have got this unit let for M&G,” he added.

Andrew Steel, of Michael Steel & Co, acted for Belgrade Insulation.

Belgrade has also opened five new distribution centres in Leeds, Birmingham, Glasgow, London and Portsmouth.

Richard Baker, Prop-Search - The move means that Brackmills Trade Park is now full

Government proposes new consultations on energy efficiency

T

he government has issued two significant consultations on energy efficiency that are relevant to building owners, tenants, landlords, real estate investors, asset management/ consultancies - from both large and small organisations.

The first consultation seeks views on the government’s proposals to introduce a national performancebased policy framework for rating the energy and carbon performance of large commercial and industrial buildings above 1,000 sq metres.

This will include annual ratings and mandatory disclosure to ensure that

large businesses and building owners will be aware of, and accountable for, how effectively they use energy.

The rating will reward a building with a higher score if the building actually reduces its measured energy use and carbon emissions.

Samantha Jones, an associate director of Prop-Search, said: “The proposal is that the energy use and carbon emissions from a building will be benchmarked against similar building types, which will then produce a simple rating, for example between one and six stars, where six stars could represent the best and one the worst.”

The consultation describes the process, in one to six stages, to go from a set of meter readings to the rating. It is proposed there will be two possible rating types - “base building rating” for building owners with tenant space and “whole building rating” for owner occupier/single tenant sites.

The government plans to introduce the rating in three phases. The proposal is for a phase one soft launch in April 2022, which will require sites to register and produce a rating within the first 12 months. Disclosure of the rating in the first year will be voluntary but encouraged.

The government proposes to legislate to enable mandatory disclosure from the second year of being on the rating framework.

Phases two and three of the rating’s introduction will address the remaining commercial and industrial sectors.

The second consultation seeks views on the government’s plan to improve the implementation and enforcement of the Energy Performance Certificate B target by 2030 for privately rented non-domestic buildings, with EPC C by 2027 set as an interim milestone.

Samantha Jones said: “The government is clear that landlords

should invest in the improvement of their building in a way that is most cost-effective and minimises disruption to themselves and tenants.”

The current position is that from April 1 2023 all non-domestic rental properties in scope of the regulations will need to be compliant with EPC E, or have a valid exemption. Beyond April 2023, the government proposes new compliance windows where landlords are expected to comply and enforcement activity is required.

Landlords will need to demonstrate the building has reached the highest EPC band that a cost-effective package of measures can deliver.

Silverstone scheme targets new hightech tenants Work is under way on a new speculative development of industrial buildings at Silverstone Park.

O

Phase 3 will comprise the largest properties yet constructed at Silverstone Park

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wner MPEC says that Phase 3 of the two million sq ft outline planning consent will comprise the largest properties yet constructed at Silverstone Park. The largest buildings will offer more than 90,000 sq ft of accommodation.

The new phase will comprise 265,000 sq ft of space and follows the letting of 260,000 sq ft in 2020.

Silverstone Park commercial director Roz Bird said: “The Phase 3 scheme will provide larger facilities for growing companies and companies attracted to the area because of the skills in advanced engineering.

With this latest scheme we again hope to attract a wide range of tenants involved in advanced engineering, manufacturing and industrial processes.”

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Barnwood Construction, which built the first two phases of the site, has been appointed main contractor for Phase 3.

Ms Bird said: “What is significant to note is the mix of advanced engineering companies, with specialist facilities, moving to Silverstone Park. These companies have moved to the park to maximise the Silverstone brand and benefit from the central location and the skills in the local area.

“I believe this latest activity will serve to attract further engineering, industrial processes and manufacturing businesses in engineering supply chains who need easy access to the equipment and expertise.”

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

Property Portfolio

Government gives green light to new permitted development right A new permitted development right allowing change of use from Commercial business and service to residential has been given the green light by the government.

F

ollowing consultation, changes that will introduce the new national permitted development right to create new homes via a change of use from Class E (commercial business and service uses) to Class C3 (residential) have been enacted.

However, the right is subject to a requirement to obtain prior approval and an application for prior approval cannot be made until August 1 this year. It must also address certain issues such as flooding, noise, adequate natural light and fire safety, as well as consider the impact on future occupiers from nearby occupiers.

The new rights are limited to buildings with commercial property agents and chartered cumulative floor space of up to 1,500 sq surveyors Prop-Search, said: “The metres and which have been vacant for government has accepted concerns at least three months immediately that the loss of larger commercial Town before the application for prior units many have negative economic centres could impacts on an area and would approval. Larger buildings will require planning permission to lose key local place additional demand on local change use. services through the creation of services large number of new homes.

Focusing the right on already empty properties will protect existing “The proposals have already been met businesses, the government says. with hesitation by some, questioning whether allowing homes into high streets is going to Simon Toseland, director of Northamptonshire optimise use. There is also a fear that town centres, while gaining residential space, could lose key local services like pharmacies and banks.”

The consultation had proposed that the permitted development right be limited to premises in Class E on September 1 2020, when the new use classes came into effect.

That requirement has been dropped, replaced with a condition that the permitted development right will only apply to buildings that have been in Class E or, before September 1 2020, any predecessor use class for at least two years before the application for prior approval.

The new rights are limited to buildings with cumulative floor space of up to 1,500 sq metres and which have been vacant for at least three months immediately before the application for prior approval.

“Ultimately, we will have to wait and see whether these new rights will successfully improve vacant premises or lead to a mismatch spaces.”

The government is also to press ahead with changes which it says will support public service infrastructure through the planning system, including extended permitted development rights for certain public buildings and a new planning fast track for major public service developments.

As proposed in the consultation, the right will not apply to listed buildings.

Mr Toseland said: “It also remains to be seen whether office buildings or gymnasiums can be turned into high-quality housing, particularly as

The rationale behind the public service fast track is to enable hospitals and classrooms to quickly expand and adapt to changing needs.

The general mood in the country over the past month has greatly improved with the easing of lockdown restrictions and the emergence of spring interspersed by the odd hail shower.

Meanwhile the Northampton industrial property market has been training along unabated since the start of the pandemic in March last year and shows no signs of slowing down.

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there is no requirement to follow local design codes or enter into section 106 agreements to secure essential infrastructure.

This right will allow schools, colleges, universities, hospitals and prisons to increase by “up to 25 per cent of the existing footprint of the cumulative buildings on the site or 250 sq m, whichever is greater”.

Supply and demand: The biggest challenge the market faces hat is fuelling the activity and demand? There is still a high level of demand from occupiers requiring warehouse space to satisfy the insatiable demand from online consumers. We have found over the past few months that supply of new and existing units is the biggest challenge that the market faces.

There has been strong take-up but this has not been reciprocated in many units coming back to the market to be let or sold.

In addition to this, only a handful of developments have come forward, mostly catering for the larger end of the market while the SME demand remains somewhat neglected.

By Simon Toseland Prop-Search

the land at Crow Lane and propose to speculatively develop two units of 90,014 sq ft and 57,834 sq ft.

Site preparation works a re u nde r way a nd a planning application has been submitted. Subject to consent, the development will st a r t on site th is year for delivery of units i n e a rly 2022 . D r a ke

Joe Smith, Partner Drake Commercial LLP

A n eight-acre site i n Nor thampton has been acquired by Trebor and Hillwood which have bought

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

There is still a high level of demand from occupiers requiring warehouse space to satisfy the insatiable demand from online consumers.

Commercial and Knight Frank are letting agents on the scheme.

Drake Commercial are marketing a new scheme of i ndu st r ial u n it s on Moulton Park on behalf of Princebuild which has constructed six new units of 1,500 sq ft. We have secured two pre-lets to major trade counter operators and have received strong interest in two other units. The site is well located, next to Hevey builders merchants.

There has been a good level of demand for units both on a leasehold and f r e e hold b a si s . T h e r e are cu r rently less than 20 existing units on the market up to 100,000 sq ft in Northampton, with a number of these properties close to going under offer.

It is clear that rental and capital values are rising further still, which shows no sign of slowing down given the market dynamics at play.

Should landlords or tenants require any advice in respect of agency, rent review or lease renewal issues, please contact Drake Commercial on 01604 620616.

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Property Portfolio

Delivering design with a strategic approach

New retail developments, industrial, commercial, community buildings, residential, and later living/healthcare facilities are among the projects being worked on by the specialist masterplanning team at GSSArchitecture.

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u s t a i n a bi l it y i s an ever more important topic in the const r uction i ndu st r y a nd GSSArchitecture’s internal Sustainabilit y Working Group have been researching and applying the latest approaches to their designs.

With PassivHaus certified designers on the team, GSS is incorporating innovative, environmentally conscious practices into its core design principles, resulting in the delivery of exciting, low carbon projects locally and throughout the UK. These projects include the development of a net zero carbon residential community of 4,000 homes, which also has a focus on incorporating designs that will benefit the health and wellbeing of residents.

GSS has delivered a

building programme for Moulton College, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The building programme was delivered in various phases over five, ten and 15 years, making up a significant portion of the campus as it stands today. Key projects within this development include the Food & Drink Innovation Centre, sports, accommodation and social buildings and the college’s Large Animal Unit.

Many businesses have been impacted by recent economic pressures and GSS believes it is important to take a strategic viewpoint for any future developments, assessing the existing estates and assets while considering i n n ov a t ive , p r a c t ic a l , and cost-effective design solutions.

Fo r e x a m p l e , m a n y

campuses across the country are paying increased attention to repurposing existing buildings. The majority of these facilities are able to provide flexible, adaptable spaces but require c reat ive t h i n k i ng a nd experience with similar projects in order to unlock their potential.

Having built a substantial por tfolio cover ing key sectors such as education, industrial and commercial, residential and healthcare, GSSArchitecture is suitably posit ioned t o develop s t r a t eg ic m a s t e r pl a n s for clients in a variety of sectors and to deliver the projects that make up these developments.

Find out more about GSSArchitecture and how the team can assist with your next project at www. gssarchitecture.com

“This acquisition offers great potential, particularly as demand for out-of-city homes in the UK continues to grow at a rapid rate”

Homes plan for historic hall site after acquisition by private equity firm Private equity firm Cadman Capital Group has completed the purchase of a residential development site in Leicestershire.

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he 3.87-acre site in the village of Knaptoft has been acquired for a seven-figure sum and the Northampton-based group has begun work on planning 13 individual homes.

The site is home to the Grade ll Listed remains of Knaptoft Hall, along with heritage farm buildings, which will be sympathetically retained to form part of the new dwellings.

The acquisition is the first outside of Northamptonshire by the Cadman Capital Group’s real estate arm, as the business looks to further expand the geographical footprint of its property portfolio. Due to

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long-running but recently accelerating structural changes in the commercial property market, the business has shifted its focus to residential property in recent years.

Property director Asha Winterflood-Rivers said: “In line with our strategy focused on expansion through the purchase of residential development opportunities in strong, rural locations, this acquisition offers great potential, particularly as demand for out-of-city homes in the UK continues to grow at a rapid rate.

“Following the impact of the Covid-19 lockdowns, we have seen a drastic consumer shift

towards residing in more rural locations, which is why we want to provide high-quality, energyefficient homes, with a focus on well thought-out designs and that means homes with space to live well; no shoebox rooms or postage stamp gardens.”

Cadman’s real estate division has reported a strong start to the year, with this purchase being the overall group’s fourth acquisition of 2021.

The three earlier acquisitions fell under the ownership of the group’s food and beverages and lifestyle portfolios and include the purchase of a Welsh brewery, a 100-acre Sussex vineyard and a Midlands-based gun shop.

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

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

QUARRY PARK COURT NORTHAMPTON

GATEWAY 45 NORTHAMPTON

BRACKMILLS GATEWAY NORTHAMPTON

WEN NELOPM

WEN NELOPM

R NT DSEHME N I U B

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TO LET 1,507 – 9,100 SQ FT 6 brand new light industrial units Can be taken individually or in combination Available Q2 2021

14 OSYTH CLOSE NORTHAMPTON N IO EW CT

NSTRU

IN

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FU

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TO LET/ FOR SALE 57,834 – 90,014 SQ FT

TO LET 19,280 – 38,560 SQ FT

New distribution industrial units Located close to A45 with direct access to M1 To be built to institutional specification

Detached modern industrial unit Available individually or as a whole Undergoing substantial refurbishment

THE VIEW WATERSIDE WAY NORTHAMPTON

MARCONI COURTYARD CORBY

T EN EW PM

NVELO

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LY D NT HE S

E EC

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F RE

TO LET 4,950 SQ FT

TO LET 9,604 SQ FT

TO LET 3,661 – 7,396 SQ FT

Mid terrace modern industrial unit 10 car parking spaces Available immediately

Prime new Grade A detached office building 70 on site car parking spaces Available immediately

Terraced industrial/warehouse units Newly refurbished accommodation Popular courtyard location

GALLOWHILL ROAD NORTHAMPTON

SEVEN GRANGE LANE PITSFORD

31 LYVEDEN ROAD NORTHAMPTON

R NT DSEHME N U BI

WEN NELOPM

WION NSTERUCT

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TO LET 4,945 SQ FT Semi detached industrial unit Undergoing comprehensive refurbishment Located on popular Brackmills Industrial Estate

1 BASSET COURT NORTHAMPTON E BL Y LA TEL I A IA AV ED M IM

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IN

TO LET 1,655 SQ FT

TO LET 20,620 SQ FT

Modern first floor office suite Full refurbishment undertaken Attractive rural setting

Detached modern warehouse Due to undergo full refurbishment Large yard/ loading area

WESTGATE 8 NORTHAMPTON

2-4 TWIGDEN BARNS CREATON

R NT DSEHME N U BI

WION NSTERUCT

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TO LET 1,209 – 2,460 SQ FT

TO LET 54,167 SQ FT

Well presented nd of terrace two storey office Capable of subdivision floor by floor Well located at J15 of M1

Modern cross-loading warehouse unit 3 dock and 2 ground level loading doors Undergoing substantial refurbishment

IN

TO LET 1,440 – 3,030 SQ FT Rural office barn conversion Located in picturesque countryside location Capable of being subdivided into smaller suites

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

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LOGISTICS FOR LIFE UK/IE/EU ROAD TRANSPORT n Pallets/Part Loads/Full loads n Contract distribution n FORS Silver

CONTRACT LOGISTICS n BRC AA Warehousing n Fulfilment solutions n Value added services

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+44(0)1536 533544 sales@knightsofoldgroup.com www.knightsofoldgroup.com