Business Times Magazine March 2025

Inside your edition this month

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Dealership wins Chinese EV deal

Corby car dealership Rockingham Cars is one of 50 select dealers chosen to distribute Chinese electric vehicle brand Leapmotor cars in the UK.

The showroom will host the C10 midsized SUV and the compact T03 city car. The collaboration came about through a joint venture between Leapmotor and Stellantis, which owns car brands Abarth and Fiat. “We are really excited to be chosen as one of the few dealerships to launch Leapmotor electric vehicles in the UK,” said managing director Matthew Hall. “It is a real coup for us.”

“I am incredibly proud of Rockingham Cars and how it has evolved and moved with the times to grow and attract more car brands and customers without losing that family business ethos of getting to know our customers and providing the best possible service,” said Matthew.

Rockingham Cars has sold Abarth and Fiat vehicles for many years and was

Lawyers complete golf travel firm sale

Lawyers at regional firm Howes Percival have played their part in the sale of the UK’s fastest-growing golf travel operator to the global market leader in running and cycling travel.

Sports Tours International has completed its purchase of ASR Travel Group, including its subsidiary Golf Holidays Direct and four other dormant companies.

Golf Holidays Direct, which is based in Stevenage, was founded in 2017 and has grown to become Europe’s third largest golf travel business. Its move to become part of Sports Tours International is part of its owner and chairman of betting company

Betfred Fred Done’s plan to create the UK’s largest sports travel group.

Howes Percival corporate partner Tom Redman said: “We expect to see both brands go from strength to strength. Leisure and tourism is a big and growing sector for us.”

Joanna Nicholls, head of Howes Percival’s leisure and tourism sector team, added: “This was a fantastic deal to be involved in The corporate finance team from Dow Schofield Watts worked with the shareholders and Howes Percival on the deal.

ranked second in customer satisfaction platform JudgeService’s 20 best car dealers list, based on anonymous

customer feedback and reviews.

F1 partners extend link ahead of new season

One of the longest-standing partnerships in F1 motor racing is preparing to enter its 19th year.

The Manufacturing Intelligence division of Silverstone Park-based Hexagon is to continue providing the 3D laser scanning and digitalisation solutions that have enabled Oracle Red Bull Racing at the top of the sport.

Hexagon is also expand its partnership through Oracle Red Bull Sim Racing, focusing on the engineering sector and inspiring future generations to take up careers in engineering and the STEM sector.

Josh Weiss, president of Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division, said: “We are honoured to continue our partnership with Oracle Red Bull Racing, where our advanced measurement technologies play a key role in driving on-track success. Sharing a legacy of entrepreneurial spirit, innovation and excellence, we are excited to face the challenges of the upcoming season and embrace an even greener, more exhilarating era in 2026 and beyond.”

Hexagon branding will feature on the lower sidepod of the RB21 race car and across Oracle Red Bull Sim Racing liveries for the F1 Sim

Racing World Championship and Porsche Esports Supercup.

Hexagon’s advanced technologies play a central role in Oracle Red Bull developing a successful car. With thousands of design changes each season, its technicians provide quality inspection and digitalisation into the team’s engineering processes. The accuracy of these technologies ensures the extreme levels of precision and quality required, said a Hexagon spokesman.

Oracle Red Bull Racing has reduced faults by 50% over the past two years with the support of Hexagon’s ultra-fast scanning technologies that guarantee every component is manufactured to the required accuracy and quality.

Its 3D laser scanning technology will provide crucial support in refining aerodynamics.

Christian Horner (inset), chief executive and team principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing, said: “Hexagon has played a vital role in the success we have achieved over a long period as a valued partner to the team. Our technology partners are a crucial element for us and we are very selective about who we work with. Hexagon will ensure our competitiveness for years to come.”

Managing director Matthew Hall and sales manager Alec Pun with the Leapmotor T03

The company was established by Matthew’s father David in the 1970s.

‘This is a significant step forward’

The Northamptonshire MP leading calls for legislation to protect the employment rights of terminally ill employees is encouraged by a government minister’s response.

AMP’s campaign for employees suffering from a terminal illness to receive special “protected” status in employment has moved a step closer to success.

The Dying to Work campaign, established by the Trades Union Congress, wants to see terminal illness recognised as a “protected characteristic” so that an employee with a terminal illness would enjoy a “protected period” where they could not be dismissed as a result of their condition.

Lee Barron, the former TUC regional secretary in the Midlands who has represented the Corby and East Northamptonshire constituency since the General Election last year, has championed the campaign since taking his seat in Parliament.

He has met with fellow MP Georgia Gould, Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office, to discuss ways in which the government would sign up to the

“It is legal in this country to sack a worker diagnosed with a terminal illness. That is wrong.”

TUC’s Dying to Work Charter. She is responsible for public sector reform and has oversight of government functions, Cabinet Office business planning and the performance of public bodies.

“In reality this means committing the employer, in this case the UK government, to support, not sack, terminally ill workers,” said Lee. “It is legal in this country to sack a worker diagnosed with a terminal illness. That is wrong.

“The TUC Charter already protects over 1.5 million workers and getting central government endorsement is crucial if we are to change the law.”

The Dying to Work campaign highlights the potential effects of losing employment following a

terminal diagnosis. These can include reduced income and loss of financial security, loss of stimulation, dignity and normality associated with being in employment, undergoing an inevitably stressful and upsetting HR procedure and loss of death in service and life assurance payments to family members and loved ones.

Lee also led a debate at Westminster Hall last year calling for a change in the law. “If you have been given a terminal illness diagnosis, the last thing you should be worrying about is taking your workplace to an employment tribunal,” he said.

“This is a significant step forward for the campaign. I explained to MPs at the end of last year in a debate that this was the start of a conversation not the end.

“Therefore, listening to the Minister’s intention for the whole of Whitehall to sign up to the Charter is reason for much optimism.”

A number of employers in the Corby and East Northamptonshire constituency have already signed up to the Charter, including industrial and electronics company RS Components, logistics giant Wincanton and the Royal Mail.

Lee Barron and Georgia Gould

Investing in your future workforce

Northampton College invites employers to join its series of forums to discuss and learn more about the benefits of apprentices in the workplace.

Sector-specific employer forums to help organisations to discover how apprentices can benefit their businesses are to take place at Northampton College.

The sessions will give employers the chance to learn what is involved in launching apprenticeship schemes and outline the support Northampton College can offer.

A different sector will be represented at each forum, with dedicated events for:

n Digital, Business and Finance.

n Culinary Arts.

n Early Years.

n Construction.

n Engineering, Fabrication and Welding and Motor Vehicle.

n Hairdressing and Barbering.

The forums will take place between March and June.

Northampton College principal Jason Lancaster (inset) said: “Apprenticeships are a very effective way for businesses to invest in current and future employees while addressing any skills shortages within their industries.”

The college has supported more than 400 apprentices in more than 350 local businesses in the past year. “Each of our qualifications has been designed with the support of employers so our apprentices are equipped with the skills that their industries need.”

Businesses which have already benefited from taking on Northampton College apprentices include Rushdenbased accountancy firm Elsby & Co. Head of operations Ann Phillips (inset) said: “Northampton College is a trusted partner for delivery of apprenticeship learning for us.

“The college works hard to prepare their learners for what they need to do to be successful, from a business as well as a technical perspective.

“Our contacts at the college, both from a business development and apprentice development perspective, are available for support and guidance and always work hard to understand our needs and adapt what they do to suit us, the learner and apprenticeship requirements.”

Network to debut Cobblers’ East Stand

Property and construction professionals are warming up to be the first guests to enjoy the new facilities at Northampton Town FC’s new East Stand.

Networking group PropConnect has secured the exciting new venue for its meeting later this month. The group’s launch event in October attracted more than 100 professionals from the property, construction and associated industries, with demand continuing to rise at each event since.

PropConnect aims to provide a relaxed and informal environment in which professionals talk business, discuss opportunities, share best practice and seek advice from their peers.

It is all about relationship building, said PropConnect’s co-founder and host Parm Bhangal, managing director of Northampton-based quantity surveyor, estimator and consultancy Bhangals Construction Consultants. He created the group with construction contractor Matt Abraham, managing director of main contractor Form Five.

Businesses attending Northampton College’s employer forums will discuss the recruitment and training challenges they are facing and discover how partnering with a college can support companies in implementing recruitment and training strategies.

They will also learn about the role of the National Apprentice Service, how

“Our last event at The Guildhall was a great success and with each event we aim to showcase a different key location in the county,” said Parm. “The East Stand is another fantastic space to bring our growing network together.”

The meeting at Northampton Town FC’s Sixfields stadium takes place on March 27, 5.30pm8.30pm. To find out more, contact PropConnect on 07341455219, email hello@prop-connect.co.uk or visit prop-connect.co.uk.

“The new stand has been filled with difficulties for over a decade so to have PropConnect be the first external event within the space is super special,” said Matt.

n Business Times is delighted to be working as PropConnect’s official media partner. “It is a golden opportunity for everyone in the property and construction industry to mingle, connect and get business done,” said Martin Lewis-Stevenson, director of Business Times’ publisher Pulse Group Media.

apprenticeships benefit companies and tips about financial incentives. There will also be an opportunity to network with some of the college’s business partners while enjoying some light refreshments.

n Find out more about the forums at northamptoncollege.ac.uk/employers/ employer-events.

PropConnect founders Matt Abraham and Parm Bhangal

Classics rocking all over the world

Exports of remastered and electrified classic cars are at record levels, says their manufacturer.

Booming demand from overseas has pushed the international business of luxury car restoration, remastering and electrification specialist Lunaz to record levels.

The company’s headquarters at Silverstone has seen orders from overseas rise by 150% year on year. Its secondary market is increasing in value and orders for classic models including Aston Martin, Bentley, Jaguar, Range Rover and Rolls Royce are increasing in both number and price.

The UK market still comprises 35% of Lunaz’s business, said chief executive and founder David Lorenz. The company’s order book for its Silverstone factory is full to the second half of next year and the export success will support the company’s long-term growth plans, including the creation of new jobs.

The demand is coming from customers in the USA, mainland Europe and the Middle East, as well as the UK, who represent a new generation of first-time classic owners. “Lunaz was created to write the next chapters in the incredible stories of the most celebrated cars in British automotive history,” said David.

“The growth of our export business, along with the appreciating value of Lunaz cars offered to the secondary market, demonstrates a global appreciation for the Lunaz proposition: to marry cutting-edge technology and exceptional driving dynamics with the style of an era when beauty was the only requirement.

“This success lays the foundation for many years of growth, ensuring that we can continue developing and nurturing the very best restoration, engineering and design talent.”

Each vehicle is painstakingly recreated by Lunaz’s designers, engineers and restoration specialists over the course of 5.500 hours. Driveability is enhanced through upgraded brakes, suspension and steering while interior comfort is brought up to contemporary standards with air conditioning, discreetly integrated infotainment, navigation systems and full wi-fi connectivity.

Customers are investing significantly, not only in applying the Lunaz process to highly sought-after and rare cars, but also in intricate materials, finishes, engineering innovations and technological enhancements, David said. The result is an increase in the average transaction value of 18%. Existing Lunaz cars offered to customers on the waiting list have been sold at a premium, appreciating by an average of 22%.

Lunaz’s exhaustive restoration, remastering and electrification process has been applied to some of the world’s most collectable and rare vehicles.

Among them is a 1958 Bentley Continental by James Young, one of only 13 remaining. Delivered to a client in France, the car was submitted for restoration with a clear vision: to allow his young family to share his love of classic British cars and to address the usability and reliability challenges of vehicles from this era.

The family has secured slots over the next four years for a collection of Jaguar, Bentley and Range Rover.

Another notable commission was a 1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, crafted for a renowned European collector of luxury and sports cars. Designed as the perfect conveyance for an evening in London, the brief included an elegant storage solution for a particular brand of cigars.

Lunaz’s designers collaborated with a Mayfair cigar merchant to create a tailored humidor (below) precisely matched to the client’s preferred maker and gauge. It included wood-patterned ashtrays inlaid with gold and magnetised for secure placement on the rear picnic tables. The car has become a distinctive presence outside one of London’s most exclusive members’ clubs and restaurants.

David Lorenz

Side by side, the 1958 Bentley Continental and 1956 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud

Finance model boosts housebuilding

Property investor Barwood Capital has partnered with Close Brothers Property Finance to create a development finance model designed to support SME housebuilders.

The bespoke approach enables both parties to mitigate risk while providing clients with increased access to financial resources.

The model gives the builders access to equity and senior debt, enabling them to acquire more sites and deliver more homes. It has already been deployed on more than 20 sites, developing 230 homes with a Gross Development Value of £130 million.

Equity and finance have long been

cited as major barriers to entry and growth for SME property firms, particularly with current interest rates levels. Research has shown that 27% of SMEs identify development finance as a major barrier to delivery – by removing that barrier, the Barwood Capital-Close Brothers model has the potential to boost SME housebuilding production at a time when supply is historically low, both parties say.

Steve Chambers, director and head of residential at Barwood Capital – based at Pury Hill Business Park near Towcester - said: “Barwood has been partnering with SME housebuilders for over ten years by providing equity for their projects and working together to deliver some

Book shines a light on solar farm safety

A health and safety firm has released a second book in as many months to help safety management in a niche industry.

Acorn Safety Services, based in Northampton, has released Solar Safe: Master Compliance, Lead Fearlessly, Build with Confidence to help workers on solar farm projects to manage health and responsibilities.

“We are really passionate about helping people overcome their health and safety issues and what better way than by writing a series of books that

anyone can access,” said operations manager Zeynep Guzelkasap.

“This may seem like a niche area but the use of solar wind farms is increasing and last year saw a number of exciting innovations and technological advancements in the renewable energy sector.

“The need to stay compliant with this rapidly evolving technology is increasingly important.”

The book follows the release of The Retail Compliance Handbook by Acorn Safety Services at the end of 2024.

exceptional family homes across the UK.

“Our tried and tested funding model with Close Brothers will expedite our existing developer partnerships and generate new ones, which will only bolster the UK’s requirement for new homes.”

Close Brothers Property Finances’ business development director Simon Davey added: “By partnering with Barwood Capital to create this new lending model, we are able to provide SME housebuilders with access to both senior debt and equity while diversifying risk and removing key barriers to development opportunities - all at a time when the housing shortage remains acute.”

Get creative... and have some fun

One of the charities to benefit from the fundraising by this year’s Franklins £50 Challenge has spoken of the importance of the initiative.

Lorraine Lewis, founder and chief executive of The Lewis Foundation, said the money raised makes a “huge difference”.

She called on all teams taking part to go all out and raise as much as possible for their chosen charity. “It is an incredible opportunity for local businesses to get creative and have fun,” Lorraine said.

Competition is under way, with more than 50 teams - a record number for the challenge - each taking £50 donated by law firm Franklins Solicitors and rising to the challenge of using it to make money for their charity.

A total 12 charities in Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes are set to benefit.

Franklins marketing manager Rosanna Stimson said: “This year, our theme is all about making a difference locally, with emphasis on bringing help and hope to every generation.

“The £50 Challenge is a fantastic way for businesses to showcase their creativity at the same time as raising money for some incredible local charities. It is always inspiring to see the generosity and entrepreneurial spirit of businesses in action.”

Last year’s competitors raised more than £9,000 for The Lewis Foundation alone. The total for the eight benefiting charities in 2024 exceeded £35,000 – a record for a single year - and the challenge has raised more than £135,000 since it began in 2018.

Lorraine Lewis (right) with Franklins partner Andrea Smith and TV presenter Nick Hewer, a supporter of the Franklins £50 Challenge

No handle on the size of the problem

A forum at the University of Northampton debates the rising tide of retail crime.

Retail staff are facing record levels of abuse and violence, according to new figures from the British Retail Consortium.

It says that an estimated 2,000 incidents take place every day across the UK, a rise that cost UK retailers £2 billion in the 12 months to September last year.

The figure is an estimate as few incidents are reported to employers and the police. Yet a seminar at the University of Northampton has debated ways to encourage more retail staff to come forward and report such incidents.

Students on the university’s Criminal and Corporate Investigation and Policing degree courses took part in a retail hackathon at which retail security software firm Zinc Systems, based in Little Houghton, asked students to find ways to give workers the confidence to report incidents. The hackathon was a collaboration between UON, Zinc Systems and its clients, B&Q, NEXT, Graff and National Business Crime Solutions. Each

presented during the event.

Simon Moss, security and commercial stock loss manager for B&Q, said violence and abuse occurred every day. “It is pretty obvious retailers do not have a handle on the real size of the problem. It is increasing on a yearly basis but we know we only get a very small percentage of all incidents reported.”

John Fox, UON’s head of criminal justice

studies, said: “The Hackathon was a learning day for the students where they can also network, see what employers are looking for and make a lasting impression.

“It also serves to strengthen ties with all partners, helps to solve genuine retail crime challenges and stimulates opportunities for academic research to support retailers and police efforts to reduce retail crime.”

Facility leads hydrogen power test

Testing has begun of a key project that will drive hydrogen fuel use in existing heavy-duty truck engines.

Project Cavendish, a £9.8 million government-funded programme facilitated by the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK, will deliver applicable solutions and a clear upgrade path for hydrogen combustion using current platforms and infrastructure.

The project, taking place at MAHLE

Powertrain’s flexible testing facility in Northampton, aims to accelerate the decarbonisation of the haulage sector. MAHLE has considerable experience with alternative fuels such as hydrogen and methanol.

Its head of research and advanced engineering Jonathan Hall said: “Hydrogen combustion engines are well-suited to heavy-duty, long-distance applications that are hard to electrify. Its

use allows industry to take advantage of years of development and investment as a means to accelerate the transition towards net zero.”

MAHLE’s facility in Northampton is designed for such advanced work with a dedicated hydrogen supply, monitoring and safety systems developed in house and high-torque dynamometers suited to the testing and calibration phase of the project, he added.

The EU’s recently revised CO2 standards for heavy-duty vehicles require a 45% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030, rising to 65% by 2035 and 90% by 2040. Meeting this accelerated timetable, which now also applies to a broader range of vehicles, represents a significant challenge.

In response, the UK government has committed £8.3 billion in Great British Energy to invest in the hydrogen industry and up to £21.7 billion for the carbon capture industry to pave the way for large-scale infrastructure projects. The technology will complement fuel cell electric vehicles in developing hydrogen infrastructure for rail, aviation and maritime applications as well as road transport.

MAHLE Powertrain’s facility in Northampton

Meet and connect… Appetite for expo is as strong as ever

100 exhibitors and hundreds of visitors confirm the success of Your Business Expo, Northamptonshire’s leading business exhibition.

Praise from visitors and exhibitors alike has been coming in for the success of this year’s Your Business Expo Northamptonshire.

The event, held in the Creative Hub at the University of Northampton’s Waterside campus, attracted around 100 exhibitors and hundreds of visitors, each looking to network, connect and seek out business opportunities.

They also heard expert advice from leaders in their fields who presented insightful and thought-provoking seminars on topics including Artificial Intelligence, digital marketing, business software, HR and business insurance.

Experts in business growth also discussed the vital role of teams and teamwork in successful businesses at a panel session led by Hawsons Chartered Accountants.

All this followed 90 minutes of frenetic speed networking, run by the Business Buzz networking group in Northamptonshire, with business cards exchanged between around 100 delegates before the start of the expo itself.

“We are still catching our breath after the show,” said Martin Lewis-Stevenson, director of Your Business Expo organiser Pulse Group Media which publishes Business Times, its sister title in Milton Keynes and

Bedfordshire Business MK and the NN Pulse and MK Pulse lifestyle magazines.

“This is our third show in Northamptonshire and it is clear that the appetite for expos is as strong as ever. Exhibitors and visitors tell us that an event such as your Business Expo is a great way to meet, connect and – in some cases – do business on the day with scores of businesses locally and we have already started planning for Your Business Expo Northamptonshire 2026.”

Pulse Group Media also runs Your Business Expos in Milton Keynes and Bedford. Join us at The Ridgeway Centre in Milton Keynes on June 5 for your Business Expo Milton Keynes. Plans are being finalised for your Business Expo Bedford, which will take place in the autumn.

Find out more and book your stand and visitor pass for Milton Keynes and Bedford at yourbusinessexpo.co.uk

Photo caption style

Landmark warehouses set to create 1,000 jobs

Developer Logicor has completed its largest logistics development in the UK, three state-of-theart warehouses totalling 800,000 sq ft in Daventry.

The development is expected to bring around 1,000 jobs to the town and will provide the space to enable expanding businesses to remain in the Midlands as they grow, the company said.

The park is part of the developer’s plans to deliver a total 1.8 million sq ft of premises in the UK this year. Three large developments are under way, the others being in Derby and Bolton. Logicor Park Daventry, off Braunston Road, contains three warehouses of 385,000 sq ft, 280,000 sq ft and 135,000 sq ft.

Charlie Howard, the company’s UK managing director, said: “As our largest development in the UK so far, Daventry marks a major milestone for Logicor. Over recent years our capacity and expertise has grown rapidly, allowing us to execute some of the largest and best-located developments in the market.

“Logicor Park Daventry will create longterm employment opportunities and, as a

modern, sustainable development, forms part of the key logistics infrastructure that enables the flow of trade across the UK.”

Logicor recently used the Daventry site to boost its Reach education and employability programme, working in partnership with The Talent Foundry to help raise awareness of the range of career opportunities in logistics real estate among Year 10 and 12 students.

Logicor Park Daventry is EPC A and BREEAM Excellent rated. Each warehouse features solar photovoltaic installations, generating renewable energy on site, while EV chargers support the use of electric vehicles. LED lighting illuminates the office and external areas and the site has an outdoor gym and 2.2 acres of woodland, comprising 4,500 new trees.

Record demand for financial lifeline

Credit unions have never been more popular or more vital, according to new Bank of England findings.

The Bank’s latest figures reveal that credit unions across England, Scotland and Wales continue to see steady growth in membership, loans and savings, with total membership reaching a record high of more than 1.5 million.

The national trend is mirrored in Northamptonshire, where credit union Commsave has reported a surge in new members since the start of the year and a record number of calls from residents seeking savings, loans and financial advice. Commsave now has more than 37,000 members, with more than 450 joining in January alone.

“We are on track to exceed this in February,” said Commsave’s interim chief executive Richard Monroe. “We are living in challenging economic times and the need for financial support has never been greater. This is exactly what credit unions are here to provide.”

The latest Bank of England data shows that total membership of credit unions across the UK is 1,568,726 - a 4.2% rise from the previous year.

The total value of credit union loans increased by £9 million from between April and September last year, reaching £1.848 billion.

Savings are also on the rise, with total credit union deposits growing by 4.5% year on year, reaching £2.371 billion by Q3 of 2024.

Robert Kelly, chief executive of the Association of British Credit Unions Limited said: “These figures demonstrate the resilience and importance of the credit union movement in Great Britain. As more people face financial uncertainty, credit unions provide an essential service, offering ethical savings, affordable credit and financial education.”

n Commsave is reinforcing its commitment to financial inclusion with a bold new campaign You Are More Than Your Credit Score. The campaign features airtime on Heart Radio and branded designs on Northamptonshire’s Stagecoach buses, spreading the message that financial support should be accessible to all.

Find out more at commsave.co.uk

Putting people before profit and pioneering change

MPower Talent Ltd and Success

Together CIC have opened their doors in Northampton. Founders Daryl and Steph Riley are committed to change the way in which recruitment services and support are delivered both to employers and to those seeking new employment.

Daryl has spent two decades in professional recruitment and business consulting with global international businesses and smaller boutique companies. He believes he has seen and heard it all when it comes to the good, the bad and the ugly in the recruitment industry and has been challenging leadership teams and their behaviours to be fairer, unbiased and more human centric.

“Job hunting can be soul-destroying and building relationships with recruiters is harder than ever, especially if you do not equal immediate revenue to them,” Daryl said.”And what happens to the people who do not fit the immediate mould?

“If we are to genuinely and authentically help people, we need to start putting people before profit and not to solely treat people as a commodity to generate money.”

Steph has worked in the public health sector for more than 25 years, including as a lead child exploitation specialist. She has received a police commendation for the services she has delivered and believes in an authentic purpose and values-led approach when it comes to supporting the local community.

She is passionate about supporting the wellbeing of teams, candidates and organisations to improve job satisfaction, quality improvement and resilience in the workplace. Steph’s compassionate approach and values underpins and aligns with Daryl’s experience and commitment to resourcing.

Daryl Riley

It embeds the human centred approach to recruitment by putting people first and working together.

Daryl and Steph have built MPower Talent on the principles of being valuesand purpose-led, with their mission to prioritise people in every aspect of the recruitment and employment process with compassionate leadership.

With an embedded Corporate Social Value Responsibility at the heart of everything, the team are dedicated to creating a human-centred approach for everyone, from every corner of communities, through personalised and empathetic engagement.

“We could not just stop here, though,” said Steph. “We needed to be able to provide a service that makes a genuine difference to everyone’s lives.”

This is why the couple have launched

Success Together CIC, a community interest company delivering end-to-end career and life skills training, specifically for disadvantaged young people and disadvantaged groups.

Daryl and Steph realised that the level of support available to help people back and into work is very basic. They believe local employers can also improve in several areas to ensure their hiring and recruitment strategy is inclusive and offers opportunities for everyone from every background and every walk of life.

“When we combine MPower Talent and Success Together CIC, we are able to connect education with employment by delivering meaningful and impactful skills training and to partner with local employers to help create authentic and genuine career opportunities for everyone,” said Steph.

Taking teambuilding back to nature

Team building, workplace wellbeing and sustainability goals come together in a new package of environmentally conscious corporate events

Stanwick Lakes near Wellingborough has joined forces with corporate festival and event organiser The Soul Camp to provide a range of courses aimed at businesses.

The partnership blends the benefits of nature with corporate responsibility, providing a platform for organisations to align their operations with Corporate

Social Responsibility objectives, said Stanwick Lakes business manager Jemma Hough. “Stanwick Lakes is committed to becoming a trusted partner for businesses locally and beyon.

“As a charity, corporate engagement is vital to sustaining our conservation and heritage work.

“Through this collaboration with The Soul Camp, we can deliver bespoke away days, corporate volunteering opportunities and wellness experiences that truly help teams unwind, connect

and find inspiration in nature.”

Stanwick Lakes, managed by the Rockingham Forest Trust, spans 750 acres of conservation and heritage land and hosts educational programmes, recreational facilities and a waterside café.

As businesses increasingly prioritise mental health and employee well-being, this partnership offers a compelling alternative to conventional corporate away days, said Jemma.

n Find out more at stanwicklakes.org.uk.

Yacht maker seeks new investor

The search has begun to find a buyer for luxury yacht manufacturer Fairline Yachts.

The firm, founded in 1967 and based in Oundle, went into administration in January less than two months after private equity firm Hanover Investors sold its stake in the business, with the company being acquired by electric propulsion systems specialist Arrowbolt.

Now administrator Alvarez & Marsal has secured funding for the business from UK bank DF Capital and has started the search for a buyer to take the business forward. The company is continuing to

trade as normal, manufacturing yachts for customers around the world.

The company has four yacht ranges, from 33 ft to 68 ft models, which are sold globally both directly and via local dealerships. Fairline’s expert team of 250,

based across two sites in Oundle and Suffolk, include highly skilled craftsmen. All 250 employees have been retained.

Joint administrator Michael Magnay said: “Fairline Yachts is an iconic brand with a committed and passionate team of experts who have established deep relationships with dealers and end customers over many years.

We expect that it could have broad appeal, to international investors as well as domestic.”

He urged parties interested in acquiring the business to make contact. Email Gquinn@alvarezandmarsal.com.

We fight on, say council leaders

Lobbying will continue after the government rejects an initial proposal for a devolved South Midlands region.

Work will continue towards securing a devolution deal for the South Midlands region, say Northamptonshire councillors.

A proposal for Northamptonshire and its neighbouring local authorities for Milton Keynes and Bedfordshire to be part of the government’s Devolution Priority Programme has been turned down.

But councillors on North and West Northamptonshire Councils are to continue discussions towards securing a deal. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has supported the move.

Six councils – Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes, North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire – already work together as part of the South Midlands Authorities alliance. The authorities had hoped to use the devolution model to bring millions of pounds of future

investment into the area, boosting job opportunities, infrastructure and housing.

The initial proposal was rejected due to insufficient local consensus but ministers acknowledged that the South Midlands Authorities had a strong track

record and that the area is a central corridor for economic growth from a national perspective.

“It is now time for leaders across the area to ensure we are speaking with one voice, with the best interests

Council leaders Cllr Adam Brown (left) and Jason Smithers

“A devolution deal has the ability to deliver enormous economic benefits.”

of our residents in mind,” said West Northamptonshire Council leader Cllr Adam Brown. “Devolution offers so many potential benefits, including greater spending power and greater local control over infrastructure, jobs and growth.

“While we are bitterly disappointed that we have not been successful this time around, we are eager to work with partners in the other South Midlands Councils to form the consensus the government needs from us.”

Jason Smithers, his counterpart at North Northamptonshire Council, added: “The six South Midlands authorities already have a strong history of working together to drive economic growth. A devolution deal has the ability to deliver enormous economic benefits to our area for decades to come and we are committed to working with government and local authority partners to make this a reality.

“This is a very exciting time to be working collaboratively with neighbouring unitary councils. Building on this will only bring more benefits to all of our communities through a devolution deal that could attract millions of pounds of additional investment.”

Success in sport, success in business

Two former Northamptonshire sporting successes have transferred their success in competition into success in business.

Joe Zielinski and Paul Coverdale are co-owners and co-directors of marketing company Zinc Digital, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Joe was a gymnast for 15 years and winner of three national golds before launching Zinc Digital with former professional cricketer Paul, who played for Northamptonshire.

“Over the years, we have navigated an ever-changing digital landscape,

embraced new technologies and remained committed to providing an exceptional service to our clients,” said Joe. “This birthday celebration is an opportunity to thank our clients, partners and dedicated team who have been key to our success.”

Zinc Digital, whose head office is at Little Houghton, works with hundreds of clients across Northamptonshire, the UK and overseas. The company employs 20 staff and specialises in state-ofthe-art websites, bespoke software and in helping companies to embrace digital opportunities.

Paul Coverdale (left) and Joe Zielinski, founders of digital marketing specialist Zinc Digital

It helps to counter imposter syndrome

Doctor turned farmer

Johnny Wake reflects on receiving Cranfield University’s Entrepreneur Alumni of the Year award.

Entrepreneurship and “visionary” leadership has earned a doctor turned farmer an alumni award from Cranfield University.

Johnny Wake, managing partner of Courteenhall Farms near Northampton, was part of Cranfield’s Business Growth Programme in 2019. Now he is the winner of Cranfield School of Management’s 2025 Entrepreneur Alumni Award for his “deep commitment to sustainability and innovation” in the agriculture sector.

“Winning the Entrepreneur Alumni Award means two things to me,” he said. “Firstly, it is recognition for the incredible team I work with. They are truly amazing and make anything feel possible.

“Secondly, it helps counter the imposter syndrome I often feel as someone from a non-business background. That feeling has driven me to constantly prove myself, so I would not want to lose it entirely, but receiving this endorsement, especially

from an institution I admire so much, is truly meaningful.”

Before taking over the family agriculture business full-time, Johnny was a doctor working in the Department of Health, his local hospital and a GP practice. He is a passionate advocate of sustainable

Manual or Automated Blinds for Businesses and for Schools

& made measureto

farming - under his stewardship, Courteenhall Farms has doubled in size to more than 4,000 acres and is achieving a 30% increase in crop yields after adopting of precision farming, advanced irrigation systems and renewable energy technologies.

Wellness and the employer practising what it preaches

Dr Johnny Wake

“It held me accountable for the changes that needed to happen for the sake of both the business and myself.”

Johnny was named Sustainable Farmer of the Year at the British Farming Awards last year. The judges said his forwardthinking approach sets new standards for the industry, demonstrating how cuttingedge practices can drive both business success and sustainability, they said.

Cranfield School of Management is one of the world’s most influential business schools, with a reputation for delivering cutting-edge management thought leadership.

Its awards honour alumni who exemplify the school’s values, make significant contributions to their organisations, communities and the alumni community and who serve as role models to others aiming to make an impact in business and society.

Professor Stephanie Hussels, Cranfield University’s group head: strategy, entrepreneurship and sustainability and director of its Business Growth Programme, said: “Johnny Wake exemplifies what it means to be an entrepreneur. His achievements at Courteenhall Farms demonstrate how entrepreneurial thinking can transform

industries while creating lasting positive impact.”

Courteenhall Estate lies between Roade and Northampton, is listed in the Domesday Book and has been in the Wake family since 1672. “I am hugely lucky to be a steward for a wonderful slice of the countryside,” said Johnny. “I take inspiration from the opportunity to help improve that, from the team I work with and from other trailblazers from both within and outside of my industry.

“My time at Cranfield enabled me to recruit and delegate while growing the business. It held me accountable for changes that needed to happen for the sake of both the business and myself.”

It is an e-commerce health and beauty powerhouse and is practising what it preaches when it comes to its staff’s wellbeing.

Every month, colleagues at the Northampton headquarters of Sol Retail enjoy a free hour of beauty treatments, choosing from massage, facial, manicure and pedicure carried out by a visiting beautician. Every Wednesday, some take part in a 30-minute session of Indian clubs training, designed to improve strength, flexibility and mobility.

Staff and their family also have the support of an Employee Assistance Programme and their mental health is cared for through the company’s health insurance plan.

“We believe that supporting our team’s mental and physical health is a crucial part of how we operate and we are proud to offer a range of services that prioritise the wellbeing of our staff,” said Sol Retail’s founder and chief executive

Barry Tong (inset)

Research by management

consultancy People Insight has shown that around two-thirds of employees feel that their employer does enough to support their health and wellbeing at work. However, a separate study in 2021 found that 96% of chief executives believe they are doing enough for employee wellbeing.

“Clearly there is a disconnect,” said Barry. “We have found that a comprehensive approach to wellness is integral to creating a happy, productive and successful team and we want to encourage other businesses to take a similar approach, ensuring their employees are supported all year round.”

Schools contract puts safety first

The company running 19 schools in Warwickshire and Worcestershire has chosen Northampton-based health and safety consultancy Acorn Safety Services to carry out fire risk assessments.

Our Lady of the Magnificat MAC, part of the Archdiocese of Birmingham, educates more than 6,000 students and employs 800 staff.

Acorn Safety Services will provide comprehensive assessments tailored to the specific needs of each site.

Operations manager Zeynep Guzelkasap said: “Fire risk assessments are crucial in educational settings where school buildings have a high footfall and are regularly used.

“Clear evacuation procedures and stringent processes are vital for keeping everyone safe.”

New office opens

National estate agency Jackson-Stops is to open a new office in Oundle. It will be run by Brandan May, formerly a partner and growth and training director at Hortons estate agency. The new office is one of three to open, the others in Cheltenham and Taunton.

Make everything rosy in the garden

Aproperty that features a garden is a major selling point for tenants. However, it is a more complex story for landlords.

THE PROS

More desirable. A property with a garden is seen as highly desirable by prospective tenants and, conversely, a property that lacks outdoor space may be a deal breaker for some.

More lucrative. Some research suggests that a property with a garden adds an average of 25% to the rental price so a property with a garden is definitely more profitable for landlords in the longer term. Improved occupancy retention. Did you know that a garden can increase tenant retention?

This could be a particularly compelling factor for landlords who have been burned with high tenant turnover costs.

THE CONS Expense. A property that features a garden is going to cost the landlord more, both outright in the initial property price and in terms of garden maintenance and upkeep. Landlords must ultimately assess whether the cost is worth the benefits.

Danny

Flowers,

managing director of Motum

Insurance Services, assesses the benefits and pitfalls of insuring a rental property with a garden.

Potentially time-consuming. Keeping a garden looking presentable can require a great deal of time and effort, for which some landlords do not have the capacity. Also it may be an impossibility for

some who live further afield and would therefore require further costs in the form of a landscaper.

How can you make the most of your property’s garden?

Making sure your garden looks its best will go a long way towards attracting tenants and this does not have to cost the earth. Simply maintaining what is already there by mowing the lawns and pruning hedges and plants will go a long way.

That said, you may want to invest in a professional landscaper to give your property a competitive edge - which also means you could potentially charge a higher rent - but it is worth noting that some tenants may want the opportunity to make the garden look like their own. Either way, hardy shrubs and flowers would make a welcome addition to any rental.

You will also want to clearly explain the tenant’s responsibilities when it comes to the garden (if they have any) and consider enshrining these rules in the tenancy agreement to avoid future issues. Motum Insurance Services is dedicated to finding the right policy to meet your specific landlord needs.

Danny Flowers

Bad for people, bad for business

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has been to Northampton to visit people who have been taking part in a mental health social prescribing programme.

The Secretary of State is pictured at Workbridge - the vocational and educational part of mental health charity St Andrew’s Healthcare –where she learned more about the organisation’s Community Skills and Wellbeing programme.

The initiative has been developed to help people who have been unable to work due to mental ill health by easing them back into employment. The minister’s visit took place after the Department for Work and Pensions published new research which shows that many sick and disabled people say they want to work to help to boost their living standards but do not receive the right support.

“The broken benefits system is letting down people with mental health conditions who want to work,” said the Secretary of State. “People claiming health and disability benefits have been classed by the system as “can’t work” and shut out of jobs and have been ignored when they have been crying out for support.

“That is a serious failure. It is bad for people, bad for businesses which miss out on considerable talent and bad for the economy. For young people in particular, being out of work can have a scarring effect that lasts a lifetime.”

Prison officer Teresa Hawkins is on long-term sickness leave but wants to return to work when she feels well enough. She has been attending the five-week

On a visit to Northampton, the Work & Pensions Secretary backs an initiative aiming to help those suffering with their mental health back into employment.

programme at Workbridge.

“I have been off work for three months now and all I had been doing was sitting at home, overthinking, which was not doing me any good. My social prescriber gave me a list of courses in Northampton to help get me out of the house and I liked the sound of the artwork course at Workbridge.”

“The programme is funded by a £60,000 grant provided through the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund via West Northamptonshire Council. Participants are supported by skilled tutors and given the opportunity to learn new skills, understand more about resilience and gain confidence.

It took a lot of courage for me to walk through the door on the first day – I was very nervous as I did not know what to expect, I almost did not come but I am so glad I did because if I did not have this course, I would be getting up late every day.

“It has helped give my day structure and a reason to get up. The course tutors are so lovely and friendly, I feel like this is a safe place for me. I have met some likeminded people, learned some new skills and I do not feel as hopeless as I used to.”

Teresa lcurrently ives with her daughter.

“She has seen me so low and it is always her that picks up the pieces. I desperately

“The

broken benefits system is letting down people with mental health conditions who want to work.”

Government minister Liz Kendall (centre) with St Andrew’s Healthcare’s Dr Sanjith Kamath and Workbridge’s education manager Jenny Lane

want to get better so she can go live her life.

“This programme is helping me to heal and for the first time in a long time, I have got hope for my future. I want to go back to work eventually and the people here are helping me as I am getting back all the social skills that I had lost from being at home all day.”

Across the UK, more than one million people are waiting for mental health services support.

“We know that stigma around mental health remains a major barrier to people getting the support they need and this can be even worse for those with complex challenges,” said Dr Sanjith Kamath, executive medical officer and deputy chief executive at St Andrew’s Healthcare.

“Too often, long waiting lists and a lack of early intervention mean that people’s mental health worsens, making it harder for them to stay in or return to work. There is an urgent need for parity of esteem between mental and physical health so that people receive the right support at the right time. We must act to ensure timely, accessible care for all.”

Referrals to the Workbridge vocational programme can be made via the Wellbeing Launchpad through Social Prescription or the Department of Work and Pensions. Self-referrals can also be accepted if the person meets the criteria.

n The programme is still running and open to people living with mental illness, autism, learning disability or brain injury. Find out more at bit.ly/3E7vSzr

MP backs national mental health campaign: Page 47.

A property lease must cover as many eventualities as possible to offer a tenant protection in the event of business disruption. Commercial property solicitor Annabel Campbell explains.

When disaster strikes, protect your rights

When your commercial landlord grants you a lease, you can expect to use the property to carry on your business without interruption. However, your landlord may want to carry out works to adjoining property so the lease will set out when and how this can happen.

Unexpected events and problems could also arise which interfere with your use of the property, such as severe weather, a major incident like a fire or explosion or even another pandemic.

If you find that you are unable to carry on your business, you will want to understand your legal position, your rights and your options.

“Commercial leases try to anticipate future events that will affect your right to use the property and set out what should happen,’ said Annabel Campbell, a solicitor in the commercial property team with Borneo Martell Turner Coulston.

“Most of the time this works well but occasionally something will happen that nobody has foreseen. Whatever the situation, the starting point will be what your lease says.”

Your landlord will have a number of obligations under the lease but the fundamental one is the landlord’s covenant for ‘quiet enjoyment’. This means that you should be left to run your business from the property, with limited rights for the landlord to come into your premises.

Linked to this is the idea of ‘nonderogation’, which means that the landlord must not do anything which would interfere so fundamentally with your use of the property that you no

“Your landlord should take reasonable steps to minimise the impact on you and your business.”

longer have what you bargained for. Your landlord will want the right to carry out works to adjoining property they own and, if your unit is part of a larger building, to those parts that are not let to you or other tenants.

You should have the opportunity to point out any aspects which are likely to be particularly disruptive and your landlord should take reasonable steps to minimise the impact on you and your business.

Your lease will contain detailed provisions about insurance of the property. The usual position is that the landlord will insure the building so that if something unexpected happens and the building is damaged, there will be insurance money to reinstate.

As the tenant, you will want to know that if you cannot use the property, your rent will be suspended until you can go back in. Your lease will usually provide for a period of up to three years during which you do not have to pay rent and the landlord is expected to reinstate the property.

If your unit is part of a larger building, your landlord will probably have obligations to provide a range of services such as heating, lighting, water and possibly lifts or other machinery. In normal circumstances, you would have a claim against the landlord if they failed to

provide these services but your lease may have an exclusion of liability for events beyond the landlord’s control.

The law on exclusion clauses is quite complex and, if you find yourself in this situation, your solicitor can explain what rights you have.

Borneo Martell Turner Coulston’s commercial property experts are here to advise you on various legal matters. For further information, contact Annabel Campbell on 01604 622101 or email annabel.campbell@bmtclaw.co.uk

Annabel Campbell

Steve Souch, director of 3RS IT Solutions in Northampton, reflects on deep fakes, Artificial Intelligence and exactly what businesses need to know in order to protect themselves.

CThe weakest link is always human error

yber security has been a big concern for businesses for a while now. In fact, in the King’s Speech delivered in July last year, the UK government announced its intention to introduce a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. This proposed legislation aims to strengthen the UK’s cyber defences and ensure that critical infrastructure and essential digital services are secure for businesses and individuals to use without fear of compromising themselves.

To have some formal protection like this would be welcomed by businesses but I cannot help but feel that the most effective way to combat cyber attacks is through education.

The weakest link is always human error. If everyone in a business undertook cyber security training, they would better understand how to protect their devices from attacks and how to navigate the internet sensibly.

Education is a fundamental part of cyber security. It is just as important as any piece of technology, software or hardware. People need to feel confident in what they should look for in email scams and what links they can or cannot click on. The education would then run alongside the protection software or hardware.

One thing that worries me, however - and I feel that many businesses have

“Put a process in place so staff know how to verify calls through using passwords and codes.”

not even thought about yet - is where Artificial Intelligence comes into this.

In this new world of AI and deep fakes, we are no longer dealing with a few dodgy-looking invoices from random email addresses. Scams are becoming more sophisticated and dangerous.

AI can impersonate people’s voices and people’s faces, making the methods of contacting cyber security targets more realistic. You could potentially receive a phone call from a supplier saying an invoice is overdue that sounds exactly like them and then receive an invoice on email for you to pay.

Likewise, people can be caught out in their personal lives. For example, you might receive a phone call from your wife or children - that sounds exactly like them - saying they have lost their phone or wallet and asking you to transfer some money to their friend’s account quickly.

In terms of what people should do, we advise in our cyber security training to agree on a password with your family or workplace. Then, if you receive call like this out of the blue you can ask them ‘What is our password?’.

Companies need to put a process in place so staff know how to verify calls through using passwords and codes.

I would also strongly recommend that you have different passwords for home and work so that if one area of your life is hacked, the hacker cannot touch the other.

Another consideration is, now that most companies offer flexible working, to think carefully about the use of public wi-fi in coffee shops and hotels. You never know how secure these are or who else is on it.

In some cases, using this is almost as risky as walking into a shopping centre and shouting out your password.

Something else we also advise is ‘Back up, back up, back up.’ We had a scenario at 3RS IT Solutions recently where an older client lost all her photos to ransomware. She had digitised them so no longer had hard copies and lost them all.

The world is changing and scams are getting more professional. The human OS (operating system) is – and always will be - the weakest link when it comes to cyber security. Education is key to fighting the fakes.

n 3RS IT Solutions offers cyber security services and training for businesses. Find out more at 3rs-it.co.uk/solutions/ cyber-security-solutions/

Countries and businesses are looking to Artificial Intelligence in the race for competitive advantage. But how, asks James Johnson, a principal at accountants Hillier Hopkins, should they fund that investment to give them the critical head start?

The AI race is on, with countries competing to attract the next big AI tech company and businesses seeking to stay one step ahead of the competition.

There are many free-to-use AI tools, such as ChatGPT, that have been quickly adopted by businesses to help with everyday tasks. They are without doubt enormously helpful but have their limits.

Putting aside the question of data protection, their application does not always solve the business-critical challenges faced. It is why so many businesses are looking to purchase or even develop their own AI tools designed to better support their business.

And that will often mean a considerable financial investment.

Funding new IT and software will be nothing new for most businesses. Software as a service is commonplace, with its cost spread across the financial year. It is a model many AI software providers are following.

Some businesses will, however, wish to purchase software, making changes to it to better suit their business case. Here the cost can rise significantly.

Where possible, businesses will look to fund that investment through revenue and reserves. However, as costs increase, alternative funding options may be needed.

Most businesses will look to their banks but there are several grants available to businesses looking to invest in AI. The British Business Bank, while not a direct funder, has plenty of useful resources and signposts to support.

DIY AI

Many businesses are choosing to develop their own proprietary AI tools which will not only help to accelerate their own business but also to provide potentially valuable new revenue streams. However, costs too can quickly rack up, meaning serious investment might be needed.

Again, businesses can access a wide range of grant funding. The UK government, for example, has a grant programme for those exploring ways to protect against societal risks such as deep fakes and cyber attacks.

The British Business Bank also flags R&D grants that range from £25,000 to £10 million to help businesses with the commercial development of innovative “products, services, and processes”.

External investment from angel or private equity investors may be another valuable source of funding. Typically, this will come at the expense of equity in the company. Here, a business may

Investment tips the balance in AI success

“The R&D tax credit regime is now more complex, subject to greater scrutiny and less generous.”

want to consider creating a separate business entity to hold and fund the development of AI products with investors holding equity in the new business rather than diluting the ownership of the parent company.

TAXING AI

Businesses that are developing their own AI tools should keep in mind that tax advantages may be open to them.

R&D tax credits will be available to businesses if they can demonstrate their AI project addresses a specific technological challenge. If it qualifies, R&D tax credits will result in a reduction in the Corporate Tax a business pays or, if prerevenue, a cash payment.

The R&D tax credit regime has, however, changed and is now more complex, subject to greater scrutiny (to prevent abuse) and less generous.

Another consideration should be the Patent Box regime. Patent Box is designed to encourage businesses to keep and commercialise intellectual property in the UK by effectively offering a corporate tax rate of just 10% on qualifying assets. AI software will in many cases qualify.

The funding and tax landscape is complicated and advice should be sought before a business acts.

n James Johnson is a principal at chartered accountants Hillier Hopkins. He regularly advises businesses on the funding and tax surrounding software and AI.

Visit www.hillierhopkins.co.uk.

James Johnson

AI: Forum cuts through the noise

Join leading technology and business experts at an exclusive event in Milton Keynes to explore the power of Artificial Intelligence.

Industry leaders will be presenting on the latest advancements in AI and how it can be applied in business to enhance performance, efficiency and growth.

The event takes place on March 12 at the MK:U Innovation Hub, featuring insights into the latest AI trends and applications. The agenda includes sessions on:

“An incredible opportunity to scale and innovate like never before.”

Accelerating your AI journey with Copilot A practical guide to harnessing Microsoft Copilot to streamline workflows and boost productivity.

Building and executing a successful data and AI strategy Best practices for leveraging AI-driven data insights.

The AI-powered marketing era Understanding how AI is shaping marketing, customer engagement and brand growth.

AI agents for every business Exploring how AI automation has the potential to drive innovation and operational efficiency.

The event is a

follow-up to a highly successful inaugural event last year. Industry leaders from Qoob, Fliweel.tech, Dragon IS, Onyx Data and Pulse Group Media will lead the discussion on AI’s high-speed evolution over the past 12 months, highlighting how it is reshaping sectors, enabling innovative business solutions and improving efficiency.

Matthew Rigby-White, managing director of digital marketing agency Qoob, said: “The rapid evolution of AI presents an incredible opportunity for small and medium-sized businesses to scale and innovate like never before.

“This event will help business leaders to cut through the noise and discover practical, impactful ways to leverage AI within their organisations.”

Martin Lewis-Stevenson, director of the event’s media partner Pulse Group Media – publisher of leading business magazines Business Times and Business MK – added: “This collaboration underscores our commitment to providing our audience with insights into the transformative role of AI in modern enterprises.”

Rigby-White

Lionel Naidoo Managing Director at Dragon IS Leon Gordon CEO at Onyx Data

Matthew Rigby-White

Stepping up to sustainability

Lionel Naidoo, managing director of Dragon Information

Systems

, looks at the many ways in which small businesses can reap the benefits in terms of efficiency and profitability.

Sustainability remains a hot topic for small and medium-sized enterprises, with a recent survey revealing that many UK SMEs started 2025 with a renewed commitment to sustainable practices, recognising their significance more than ever.

With the potential to benefit SMEs by generating cost savings, driving greater employee engagement and increased attractiveness to customers and investors, it can be a win-win… and technology and sustainable IT practices are a key piece of the puzzle.

What is sustainability?

Sustainability in business comes down to operating in a way that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is about recognising a company’s impact on the world and society and involves balancing three key elements: economic, environmental and social impact.

How can sustainability benefit businesses?

Attracting customers The working practices and ‘green’ credentials of businesses are increasingly forming part of the decision-making process, when customers come to choose the companies or suppliers they will work with.

Cost savings Implementing sustainable practices can also lead to cost savings. For example, improving energy efficiency and investing in renewable energy sources can lead to significant

Prepare your organisation’s IT environment for AI

savings on energy expenditure while futureproofing a business against further price increases. Securing investors and funding Environmental, social, and governance issues have become a priority for institutional investors and pension funds. These investors are increasingly considering the environmental and social impact of their portfolios. Companies that perform well on ESG factors can also be seen as less risky and better positioned for long-term success.

Recruitment and retention When competition for talent is high, the sustainability credential of a business could be the difference. Many job seekers, especially the younger generations, prioritise working for companies committed to sustainability. They want to feel that their work contributes to a greater good.

9 TECH-DRIVEN STEPS TO SUSTAINABILITY FOR SMEs

IT infrastructure sits at the heart of businesses today so it naturally has a crucial role to play when improving sustainability.

1. Opt for energy-efficient hardware

Investing in energy-efficient hardware, such as devices with Energy Star ratings or EPEAT certification, can help to reduce energy consumption and lower the carbon footprint.

2. Switch to cloud computing

Cloud computing enables access to resources on demand, eliminating the need for on-premises servers and reducing energy consumption.

3. Use green data centres

Partnering with green data centres that use renewable energy sources and implement energy-efficient cooling systems can significantly reduce a business’s environmental impact.

4. Integrate remote working

Encouraging remote working can lead to substantial energy savings by reducing the need for daily commutes as well as office space and operational needs. Investing in reliable remote work tools, such as Microsoft 365 can support this.

5. Consider e-waste management

Partner with certified e-waste recycling companies to ensure that old and obsolete electronics are disposed of responsibly. Consider donating or refurbishing old equipment to extend its life cycle and reduce waste.

6. Go paperless

Work with Dragon Information Systems to bring generative AI to your Microsoft 365 productivity suite.

Accelerate productivity across the company while keeping data safe and sound.

Enable your AI transformation by embedding Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 into the productivity apps your employees use daily. By combining the power of Large Language Models (LLMs) with your data stored in Microsoft Graph and Microsoft 365 apps, employees can use natural language to turn their words into the most powerful productivity tool on the planet.

Dragon Information Systems works with organisations to ready their environments for AI adoption. Assess your company’s AI readiness and configure data privacy and governance policies in your Microsoft 365 tenant to optimise your security posture as you undergo this journey.

Get your organisation AI-ready today with Copilot for Microsoft 365 services from Dragon Information Systems.

Scan the code to find out more.

Transitioning to a paperless office can significantly reduce environmental impact. Implement digital document management systems and encourage employees to use electronic signatures and digital communication tools.

7. Invest in smart building tech

Smart building technology, such as thermostats and lighting systems, can help to optimise energy usage and reduce waste, improving efficiency and impacting on carbon footprints.

8. Generate renewable power

Investing in on-site renewable energy sources such as solar panels, wind turbines and battery storage units can make a huge impact in reducing emissions and energy costs.

9. Carry out employee training

Educate employees about the importance of sustainability and how they can contribute to green business initiatives.

Dragon IS works with small and medium-sized businesses, helping them with a broad range of issues relating to their IT infrastructure and cyber security. To find out more, email info@dragon-is.com or call 0330 363 005.

Lionel Naidoo

New programme boosts start-up

Collaboration between business support deliverer South Midlands Growth Hub and the startup business hub Vulcan Works in Northampton has enabled 21 would-be entrepreneurs to turn their business idea into reality.

The Growth Hub has earmarked funding via West Northamptonshire Council from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to allow a further clutch of businesspeople to take advantage of the hub’s expertise and facilities at Vulcan Works.

Entitled the John Franklin programme, the new initiative is running alongside Vulcan Works’ existing incubation programme for start-up businesses, known as Vulcan Creatives. It is already supporting ten businesspeople by hosting workshops, specialist grant opportunities and one-to-one coaching.

Vulcan Creatives, led by business growth manager Darren Smith, had more than 50 applicants this year. South

Midlands Growth Hub’s collaboration has allowed a further 21 people to join the John Franklin programme, which also runs for six months and delivers collaborative learning opportunities, guidance and advice in starting or growing a business.

South Midlands Growth Hub business adviser Jessica Stead said: “We had such

a high number of people wanting to join the Vulcan Creatives that rather than let them fall away we thought we would support them too. We thought we would mirror what Darren is doing and offer that initial consultation meeting to ensure they are aware of the business workshops happening at Vulcan Works and can network with the Vulcan Creatives team.”

Darren said: “By taking on another 21 people in the John Franklin programme, we can spend that money earmarked for this purpose on more entrepreneurs who need the support and more Northamptonshire businesses will benefit from that decision.”

Programme participants also have access to the Vulcan Creatives business support workshops and one-to-one coaching.

n For more information on business support available in Northamptonshire, visit growthhub.southmidlands.org.uk

Jessica Stead

Time to turn growth talk into action

The FSB’s Jennifer Thomas reflects on its latest survey of small firms ahead of the Spending Review this month.

Small businesses are feeling the pressure as 2025 begins, with FSB’s latest Small Business Index results recording confidence at its lowest level outside of the pandemic, highlighting the growing challenges small firms are facing and the need for urgent action from the government.

Small businesses reported that for Q4 of 2024, their top barriers to growth included the domestic economy, tax burden, labour costs and consumer demand. Only 43.4% of small firms expect to grow in the next 12 months and 24.2% now anticipate contraction. The SBI confidence score dropped 40.1 points in Q4 2024, reaching its lowest point since Q1 2020, when the first lockdowns took effect.

Such a steep decline underscores the urgency of turning the government’s growth agenda into action, as outlined in the Chancellor’s recent speech. The FSB is calling for an ambitious Small Business Strategy, supported by targeted legislation, to help to reverse the trend.

The upcoming Employment Rights Bill is a major concern, with nine in ten business owners worried about its impact. This is undoubtedly contributing to the subdued confidence levels we are seeing.

On a more positive note, the government’s plans to tackle late payments - an issue that has long strained small businesses - are welcome and overdue. Improving cashflow would remove a major headache and allow firms to plan and invest with greater certainty.

Regulators have been asked to propose measures to support growth and the FSB has submitted its own

recommendations to help small businesses to thrive. We urge the government to extend this mindset to HM Revenue & Customs as well, reducing the £25 billion and 280 million hours spent by small firms on tax compliance would be a significant boost to productivity.

As we approach the Spending Review, the government must prioritise initiatives that genuinely support small business growth. Looking ahead, the King’s Speech should introduce a dedicated Small Business Bill to bring together the necessary reforms and support measures. This would provide entrepreneurs with the confidence to start, scale and succeed in their businesses, fuelling long-term economic prosperity.

n Jennifer Thomas is the FSB’s development manager in Northamptonshire. fsb.org.uk

Why Isn’t Your Brand Everywhere?

Preparing for work in the real world

The University of Northampton is looking to extend its apprenticeships offer for the new academic year.

National Apprenticeship Week has seen a national celebration of the importance and value of this route towards a degree. As part of this, the University of Northampton is announcing seven new apprenticeship programmes to start later this year.

The traditional three-year undergraduate degree does not suit all learners. Apprenticeships offer a viable alternative, combining classbased learning and ‘on the job’, real-world experience through the apprentice’s employer.

The university currently offers apprenticeships in a variety of different sectors, such as engineering (Manufacturing Engineering, and NonDestructive Testing), health (Nursing Associate, Occupational Therapy, and Advanced Clinical Practitioner), management (Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship), and Policing.

The Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship recently received the stamp of approval from the Office for Students, which rated UON’s programme as “outstanding”.

As part of an ongoing commitment to appeal to as many people as possible, UON is developing seven new apprenticeships for September 2025 (currently pending validation) following a successful bid last year for almost £0.5 million to enhance its Level-6 programmes:

n Accounts and Finance.

n Digital Marketing.

n Midwifery.

n Nursing (four fields of practice).

n Physiotherapy.

n Podiatry.

n Project Management.

Work is also under way for a new Teacher apprenticeship, expected in 2026.

“By applying these industry practices, apprentices can drive improvement and innovation.”

The accounting and finance apprenticeship is available for new accounting and finance employees, experienced workers seeking a qualification and AAT-qualified staff.

Anna Poole is a senior lecturer in financial accounting. “Successful completion offers professional recognition.” she said. “This is an exciting opportunity for apprentices to implement optimal practices taught by our skilled UON lecturers. By applying these industry practices, apprentices can drive improvement and innovation, benefiting both the business and its emerging talent.”

UON’s apprenticeship manager

Simon Longhurst added: “We are very pleased to officially announce our new apprenticeships. The great thing about apprenticeships is that, once an employer has agreed to support them, the apprentice accrues very little debt as the costs of their course are paid out of the employer’s levy pot.

“This is an exciting time for apprenticeships at University of Northampton. As well as our successful bid last year, Ofsted gave our apprenticeships an overall ‘good with outstanding features’ rating, testament to the quality of our programmes and the learning experience here.”

Age is no barrier to becoming an apprentice, he said. “There is a growing trend of people beyond retirement age embarking on apprenticeships as they have more time to ‘earn and learn’ about an area they are interested in. Now is the right time for people interested in progressing further in one of the many areas we offer apprenticeships in to get in touch and find out more.”

Simon and two academics leading on two of the new apprenticeships –Lisa Slaughter for project management and Dr Kardi Somerfield for digital marketing – sat down for a chat about these new additions on the UON apprenticeship podcast. They covered the modules their programmes will include, the support apprentices received – even down to their mental health and wellbeing – who the right apprentices are and professional accreditation and memberships that are part of their programme plans.

n Listen to the conversation at northampton.ac.uk/podcasts/

Helping groups back to the land

Three Northamptonshire community groups have received funding from Groundwork Northamptonshire’s Grow Cook Eat project to help them to bring the benefits of fresh, healthy food to their neighbourhoods.

KHL Community Workshop in Corby will be growing fruit and veg in a new garden space, Youth Work Weldon will engage young people and their families in the benefits of fresh food and a healthy lifestyle, and Kettering Community Unit will be working with PTSD sufferers to enhance their health and wellbeing with their Mood Food Project.

“This funding is all about helping local groups launch and expand their own growing and cooking projects,” said Groundwork Northamptonshire’s operations director Kimberley Lawson.

Previous grant recipients have transformed community gardens and allotments and revitalised the outdoor spaces of children’s nurseries and day centres for the elderly.

Lowdown charity is on a high

Northampton charity The Lowdown has reopened its newly transformed youth space in the town centre.

The mental health charity works with young people aged up to 25, providing free and confidential support services. It received a Youth Investment Fund grant approaching £1.3 million in 2023, with which The Lowdown has transformed its listed building home, increase its services and set up a Youth Advisory Board.

More than 80 guests were on hand to see James Saunders Watson, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, officially reopen the space. “The Youth Investment Fund has enabled us to co-design a space that young people deserve,” said The Lowdown’s chief executive Sharon Womersley.

Hospices add support to legacy campaign

Palliative care providers Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Cransley Hospice Trust have joined forces as part of a national campaign to highlight the growing need for hospice care.

The campaign, facilitated by Hospice UK, is appealing for more people to consider leaving a gift in their will to support their local hospice.

Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Cransley Hospice Trust hope that they can inspire more people to consider leaving a legacy, ensuring that their essential services can continue to provide their compassionate and specialist care for future generations and sustain the surge in demand.

Jenine Rees, head of fundraising and marketing at Cransley Hospice Trust, said: “With the number of deaths increasing year on year within the UK, if we do not start planning now, the gap in hospice care will become very real.

“Gifts in wills are already playing a pivotal role in ensuring we can continue to provide hospice care for our residents. However, as future needs grow, so too must the support we receive.”

Anita Frith, director of income generation and communications at Cynthia Spencer Hospice, added: “Not only does it highlight the critical work we do across the region but also the lasting impact that gifts in wills can have on our ability to continue providing care here in Northamptonshire.

“The invaluable support provided

Walk, glow and make your own light show in the inaugural Twilight Walk fundraiser for Cynthia Spencer Hospice.

The hospice is organising a 5km or 10km dusk walk on May 10, starting and finishing at Delapré Abbey.

Michelle Morris, community and events fundraising lead at Cynthia Spencer Hospice, said: “The Twilight Walk is a fantastic opportunity to spend time with friends and family while raising money for an incredible cause.”

Entry fees are £10 for children, £15 for adults and £45 for a family of four until March 16, when prices rise to £12, £20 and £50. Sign up at www.cynthiaspencer.org. uk/twilight-walk-2/

by both Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Cransley Hospice Trust could not exist without the incredible support we receive, and a gift in your will helps to ensure this care is available to everyone, when it is needed, both now and in the future.”

When fundraising moves into top gear

Silverstone Leasing has chosen Cynthia Spencer Hospice in Northampton as its Charity of the Year for 2025.

The company has raised funds for the hospice for the past six years, taking part in challenges including an abseil. This year planned fundraising efforts include a family fun day, a marathon and the Silverstone Soccer charity football tournament, which takes place each summer and has raised thousands of pounds for the hospice since its conception in 2020.

Nina Candy, corporate partnerships fundraiser lead at

Cynthia Spencer Hospice, said: “It is fantastic news that Silverstone Leasing has chosen us to be their charity partner for another year. We are privileged to work with a team that really want to make a difference within the local community.”

Silverstone Leasing sales manager Ryan Bishop (inset), who also organises Silverstone Soccer, said: “For the past six years we have done all that we can to support Cynthia Spencer Hospice, a cause close to all our hearts. We have built a great rapport with Nina and with the charity and working with them is a pleasure as well as a privilege.”

Have your say for new plaque recipients

A new Blue Plaque scheme is under way to honour people and events that have shaped the area’s culture and history.

The scheme is part of the Histories of Northamptonshire project, led by Northampton Museums & Art Gallery and supported by Arts Council England.

A panel of experts chose four historical figures to each receive a plaque in the inaugural Northamptonshire Blue Plaque Scheme in 2019. Now West Northamptonshire is looking to add eight new plaques for 2025. Residents are invited to submit nominations for potential recipients who must have: n Died at least 20 years ago.

n Made a significant contribution to the area.

n Not already have been recognised with a Blue Plaque.

n Have a strong connection to West Northamptonshire.

Nominate by March 31 at uat. northampton.gov.uk/xfp/form/794 or email hon@westnorthants.gov.uk. A panel of historical and cultural experts and community representatives, will review applications. Plaques will be installed from September.

Cllr Dan Lister, cabinet member for local economy, culture and leisure, said: “West Northamptonshire has a proud and fascinating history, shaped by extraordinary people whose contributions deserve to be recognised and remembered.”

Historic estate is top of the class

Its range of unique and inspiring heritage education programmes have earned the Chester House Estate a Learning Outside the Classroom quality education badge.

The estate is steeped in more than 10,000 years of history and its learning department hosts school trips to encourage students to connect with heritage.

Chester House Estate is one of only seven locations in Northamptonshire to hold the award, of which two are museums.

The estate, which is overseen by North Northamptonshire Council, runs a series of programmes that focus on history, geography and archaeology. Among them is the award-winning Irchester Field School. Council leader Jason Smithers said: “We have always strived to ensure that the Chester House Estate embedded into the community. This recognition is a symbol of this work.”

The Chester House Estate provides on-site trips and hosts outreach and home education and scout group visits to explore its unique heritage and free museum and archaeological archive. Last year the Estate launched its loan box option, allowing schools to borrow a box of artefacts for a half term to enrich their learning in their own classrooms.

The gateway to economic growth

Construction is to begin this month on Marefair Heritage Park, a new green space linking Northampton train station and the town centre.

The Marefair Heritage Park is part of the town centre’s wider transformation and is expected to be open by late summer this year.

It will feature a play area, community garden and a walking trail that follows part of the footprint of the original Northampton Castle.

The project is being delivered by Corby-based contractor Jeakins

SUPPORTING LOCAL CHARITIES

Weir and landscape architects from multidisciplinary design practice BDP.

“Marefair Heritage Park is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through collaboration on the SCAPE Regional Construction framework and we look forward to delivering a space that will benefit the local community for generations to come,” said Jeakins Weir’s managing director Alistair Weir.

Martin Jones, landscape architect director at BDP, added: “The rich heritage of the local area is celebrated in our designs for this new park.”

The Marefair Heritage Park will contribute towards the town’s wider regeneration plans, including the Four Waterside and Marefair development.

Cllr Dan Lister, cabinet member for local economy, culture, and leisure at West Northamptonshire Council, said:

“The Marefair Heritage Park is a key milestone in our broader vision for the transformation of Northampton. By improving connections between the train station and the town centre, we are creating a more welcoming gateway that will drive footfall and economic growth.”

Packaging supplier has award wrapped up

Tapes and strapping supplier Southgate Global has been named Supplier of the Year to leading packaging supplies distributor RAJA.

The company based at Pury Hill Business Park near Towcester, received the award at RAJA’s UK Supplier conference in Bedford. Southgate Global, a specialist in packaging equipment, consumables and servicing for operational logistics and fulfilment, was chosen from 25 key suppliers.

Its head of trade sales Alan Lennie said: “We have been working hard with them, as well as all our other distributor partners, over the last year to ensure

SAXON BLINDS

that they all have the highest quality and best-selling products and consumables.

“Moving into 2025, we will be working very closely with the RAJA team and our other trade partners to help them maintain their edge in a competitive market and continue to build on and strengthen these relationships.”

A RAJA UK spokesperson said the firm’s suppliers are key to the smooth running of the business. “Our aim is to provide customers with the best possible and latest products on the market and we could not do this without a company like Southgate. We cannot overstate their importance.”

Affordable solutions to complex challenges

Saxon Blinds Ltd is one of the UK’s leading independent manufacturers of blinds and is proud to offer an extensive range of high quality commercial blinds and shading systems.

Our experienced surveying, manufacturing and installation teams

offer a reliable and consistent approach from inception to completion of works.

Saxon Blinds has a highly skilled production team who have been manufacturing all types of commercial blinds and shading systems for over 40 years and specialise in the construction of motorised, manual and electric heavy duty blinds. The range of shading solutions we offer is growing all the time. We are constantly reviewing the market and aim to offer the latest innovations and technologies.

So whether you are looking for commercial blinds, smart home technology, digitally printed blinds, complete blackout or roof blinds - or are simply looking to improve BREEAM or achieve WELL rating - with our extensive range and industry knowledge we are confident we can find an affordable solution to suit even the most complex of challenges.

Keeping our business premises and homes warm during the cooler months - and doing it as economically as possible - is something we all have to think about.

Burton Latimer-based Griffiths has several energy-efficient solutions on offer. For water-based central heating systems using either radiators or underfloor heating, the Daikin Altherma range of air source heat pumps provides over 4kW of heat for every 1kW of electricity needed to run them.

Replacing existing gas or oil boilers for an air source heat pump could qualify for the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme with a £7,500 grant.

For offices, shops or other commercial areas, the Daikin range of energy-efficient air to air heat pumps will provide quick warm-up times and cost savings while also being able to cool in the summer months.

A wide range of indoor units allow the fan coils to be floor-, wall- or ceiling-mounted or even fully concealed behind panelling and suspended ceilings.

Modern inverter-controlled compressors and clever weather compensation controls, minimise the electricity costs.

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

Pictured (from left) are Southgate Global’s head of category management Matt Pyne, technical manager Duncan Harrison, head of trade Alan Lennie and key account manager Sam Colgan with RAJA UK managing director Tom Rodda

The majority of businesses are struggling to secure the additional money required to support their growth, say the results of a new survey by business advice firm Grant Thornton

Finance: A crucial catalyst for growth

Many companies in the region expect to be seeking extra funding for their growth plans this year. Most expect a struggle to secure it, according to new research by business and financial adviser Grant Thornton.

The findings show that 70% of businesses anticipate applying for extra funding - most commonly of between £10 million and £25 million – to support investment in new equipment, new premises, R&D and new products or services. Others want to use the money to manage market challenges such as liquidity and increased employment costs.

However, securing the funds they need may be a struggle. Lenders are nervous in the wake of the measures in the Autumn Statement in October as well as interest rate levels and the fragile macroeconomic environment.

Charlotte Anderson, Grant Thornton’s practice lead in Milton Keynes, said: “Securing funding remains a crucial catalyst for business growth across our region but few expect the process to be straightforward.”

Higher interest rates are an ongoing challenge, along with rising input and labour costs exacerbated by the increases to employer NI contributions and National Minimum Wage and, for some sectors, exposure to waning consumer confidence, she added.

“These issues are likely increasing businesses’ need for further funding while also impacting their ability to access it.”

The survey of 800 businesses across

the UK found that 68% find it hard to access new sources of funding. Most are using alternative lending sources - the number that would consider funding from alternative funding sources such as asset-backed loans, specialist credit funds or a debt fund is, at 82%, on a par with those who would consider a traditional bank loan.

Larger businesses are more confident that their existing lender would support their additional funding needs. They also have more flexibility with the funding sources available to them, with 83% prepared to move to a new lender that may be more expensive but offered better terms, compared to 68% of medium-sized businesses.

A lack of funding is constraining the ability of all businesses to boost productivity levels and almost threequarters of those surveyed urge the government to do more to improve access to private sources of funding for businesses. They want ministers to:

n Improve partnerships with private financial institutions to expand access.

n Implement policies that incentivise private investment in local businesses.

n Enhance tax incentives for private investors in high-growth sectors.

Debt markets have recovered over the last year, a trend that Grant Thornton expects to continue through 2025.

The base rate has stabilised and is anticipated to reduce further over the medium term, said Jon Bramwell, a director in the clients and markets debt advisory practice for Grant Thornton.

“Lenders do however have a high bar and are sensitive to the challenges in the macro-economic environment, particularly in sectors such as retail and leisure where businesses’ financial performance is driven by discretionary spending,” he added. “The impacts of the October Budget on National Insurance and National Minimum Wage have also been factored into credit decisions as this has directly impacted the financial outlook for many businesses.

“This means that it is vital for businesses to know which funders to approach and how best to present their business in a balanced way.”

Liquidity across the debt markets has never been greater and there are numerous potential avenues and types of lenders for businesses to approach.

Figures from the British Business Bank show that 50% of new money lent in the UK now comes from sources other than the high street.

“All businesses need to be able to demonstrate strong business fundamentals, including evidence of performance, robust and maintainable revenues and controlled costs,” said Jon.

Grant Thornton has outlined five priorities for businesses ahead of refinancing:

n Build relationships with lenders early.

n Focus on ESG credentials.

n Consider alternative sources of lending.

n Prepare reliable forecasts.

n Consider terms as well as price.

Charlotte Anderson

Jon Bramwell

A six-month deadline on the serving of legal claims overseas is at risk because of delays at the government department that processes them, warns a specialist dispute resolution lawyer.

International claims: Be on the case

Lawyers are urgently warning that the “clock may run out” before an international claim is successfully served due to severe backlogs at the UK’s Foreign Process Section.

The FPS, which handles the service of claims abroad in compliance with the Hague Convention, is grappling with processing times that could take several months.

Claimants hoping to serve documents abroad could run the risk of not successfully serving a claim within the Civil Procedure Rules’ six-month deadline, potentially prejudicing their position.

Sneha Nainwal, partner at law firm Shakespeare Martineau, which specialises in cross-border disputes and has an office in Milton Keynes, said: “The FPS handles a range of international disputes, with commercial claims being the most common. Typical cases involve a UK-based claimant seeking to recover contractual debts or damages from foreign defendants.

“These cross-border claims, regardless

of industry, are increasingly subject to delays due to the FPS backlog.”

The FPS plays a pivotal role in the initial stages of litigation involving the service of documents overseas. When a claimant issues proceedings in the UK and the defendant resides abroad, the FPS ensures legal documents are served accurately and in compliance with international protocols.

This crucial function is central to the ‘international service of claim’ phase – a vital step that sets the stage for the progression of the case towards resolution or settlement. By facilitating this process, the FPS supports the efficient administration of justice across borders.

The current backlog stems from the residual effects of the pandemic. Due to global lockdowns and restrictions, the FPS was temporarily suspended, leading to an accumulation of claims waiting to be processed.

This delay has compounded over time, with a growing volume of claims

requiring international service.

Sneha said: “The most pressing risk for businesses issuing a claim is the expiration of the six-month period for serving the claim form. Failure to serve within this time frame could result in the claim being deemed invalid or struck out.

“The best way to mitigate this risk is for claimants to act proactively by ensuring their application to the FPS for serving documents abroad is watertight.”

The FPS enforces strict procedural rules and any oversight or misstep could result in the rejection of the application, forcing the claimant to restart the process and face further delays in an already backlogged system, she added.

“To avoid this, ensure all documents are in perfect order and apply promptly for an extension if you anticipate difficulty serving within the six-month deadline. Do not leave things to the last minute.”

For the best chance of success and to avoid unnecessary complications, seek professional advice, she added.

“Failure to serve within this timeframe could result in the claim being deemed invalid or struck out.”

Sneha Nainwal: Have your documents in order and apply for an extension in good time if you foresee problems in meeting the deadline, she advises

A growing business needs strategic financial leadership... which will not come from the company accountant, says Adrian

Goodman, of PPX Consulting

Your accountant is not your CFO...

One of my first articles for this magazine attempted to answer the question Does my Business Need a Finance Director?. In it, I explored the trigger points and thresholds at which, I believe, a business would benefit from the services of a finance director or chief financial officer.

However, I have also worked with many SME businesses where they conflate the terms CFO and accountant and assume that once an accountant has been appointed, they can wear both hats and support the business equally well with all financial objectives.

Many SME owners assume their accountant is handling everything financial in their business. After all, they prepare the accounts, file tax returns and maybe even manage payroll.

But while accountants play a crucial role, they are not the same as a CFO or a FD. The distinction is important, particularly for growing businesses that need more than just compliance; they need strategic financial leadership.

A traditional accountant ensures that financial records are accurate, tax obligations are met and reporting deadlines are not missed. This is essential but it is primarily focused on the past – what has already happened in your business.

A CFO, on the other hand, looks ahead. They use financial data to shape strategy, identify risks and opportunities and ensure the business has the financial structure needed for sustainable growth.

“As a business grows, financial complexity increases... this is where a CFO mindset can make all the difference.”

Without this forward-thinking approach, businesses often find themselves reacting to financial challenges rather than proactively managing them.

Most businesses start with an accountant handling tax and compliance and in the early stages that is often enough. However, as a business grows, financial complexity increases.

Common signs that a SME needs more than just an accountant include:

n Cash flow unpredictability A CFO can help forecast cash needs and structure funding appropriately.

n Rapid growth Scaling a business requires financial planning beyond annual accounts.

n Profitability concerns A CFO analyses margins, pricing and cost structures to improve bottom-line performance.

n Investor or lender expectations If external stakeholders are involved, financial strategy becomes even more critical.

n Operational inefficiencies Financial leadership is not just about numbers; it is about ensuring resources are allocated effectively.

Many SME owners experience frustration

when their business outgrows its existing financial processes. They may find that despite strong sales, profits are not where they should be or they are constantly facing cash flow pressures.

This is where a CFO mindset can make all the difference. A CFO does not just report on what has happened. They drive decisions. This includes:

n Financial forecasting Anticipating future financial performance and cash flow needs.

n Strategic planning Aligning financial decisions with business goals.

n Performance analysis Identifying the real drivers of profit and loss.

n Funding strategy Determining the best way to finance growth, whether through reinvestment, loans or external investment.

n Risk management Ensuring the business is financially resilient and prepared for challenges.

Hiring a full-time CFO is not feasible for many SMEs but that does not mean they have to miss out on financial leadership. Many businesses benefit from fractional CFO services - outsourced financial expertise tailored to their needs and budget. This allows SMEs to access strategic insight without the cost of a fulltime executive.

If your business is growing and you feel you need more financial clarity, it may be time to move beyond traditional accounting and bring in strategic financial leadership. At PPX Consulting, we help SMEs to bridge this gap, ensuring they do not merely stay compliant but thrive.

Adrian Goodman

Health & Safety

Safety: A core part of your strategy

In the world of asbestos management, poor planning, cutting corners, and ignorance of legal obligations can lead to devastating consequence, not just for the health and safety of workers but also for the financial and reputational survival of businesses.

Sadly, these scenarios are far too common. We see it week in, week out: businesses only call us in when it is already too late… when the damage is done and the fall-out has begun.

Unsafe asbestos removal practices are not just bad business. They can land directors and business owners with eyewatering fines, reputational ruin or even a prison sentence. If you still think saving time or money is worth the risk, read on.

At the heart of most asbestosrelated failures is a dangerous cocktail of complacency, ignorance, and cost-cutting. The same mistakes crop up repeatedly:

Failure to conduct asbestos surveys

Skipping an asbestos survey is one of the most common, and dangerous mistakes we see. Despite being a legal requirement under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, businesses still undertake refurbishment or demolition projects without knowing if ACMsasbestos-containing materials - are present. This often leads to asbestos being unknowingly disturbed, releasing deadly fibres into the air.

Hiring unlicensed or incompetent contractors

To save a few quid, some businesses hire unlicensed contractors who lack the training, experience, care or equipment to handle ACMs safely. This not only creates serious safety risks but also leaves businesses exposed to legal action if the work does not comply with regulations.

Neglecting fixed sites

Factories, warehouses and other fixed sites often operate with outdated or non-existent asbestos management plans. Routine maintenance or unplanned repairs then disturb ACMs, putting workers and the public at risk.

Cutting corners

Compliance is not optional and taking the cheap route can lead to consequences far more expensive than doing things properly in the first place.

To understand the stakes, let’s look at some of the harshest penalties businesses have recently faced for asbestos-related failures:

Compliance specialist Adam Fox has a wake-up call for businesses over unsafe removal practices when it comes to asbestos in buildings.

Adam Fox

n A housing association was fined £1.5 million for exposing workers and residents to asbestos during maintenance work. They failed to commission proper asbestos surveys and ignored basic safety precautions.

The penalty was not just a financial blow but a reputational disaster.

n A company director received a 16-month custodial sentence for repeated asbestos breaches. His company had been warned by the HSE but continued to conduct unsafe projects, knowingly endangering workers and the public.

n A manufacturing firm faced a £500,000 fine after failing to manage asbestos in its factory. Routine maintenance disturbed ACMs, exposing workers and contractors to harmful fibres.

The investigation revealed they had not updated their asbestos management plan in over a decade.

These are not isolated incidents. The Health and Safety Executive is ramping up enforcement and businesses caught

“Unsafe asbestos removal practices are entirely avoidable. But addressing the issue requires businesses to take their responsibilities seriously and plan ahead.”

breaching asbestos regulations can expect to pay a heavy price. Fines regularly reach six or seven figures and in the most serious cases, directors can face imprisonment.

We regularly encounter businesses in Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire facing similar predicaments. Whether it is contractors starting work without an asbestos survey or fixed-site operators ignoring their duty to manage asbestos, the outcomes are alarmingly consistent: projects or production halted, HSE investigations launched and significant costs incurred as the cost of compliance skyrockets.

Unsafe asbestos removal practices are entirely avoidable. But addressing the issue requires businesses to take their responsibilities seriously and plan ahead. Here is what every business should be doing:

n Conduct proper asbestos surveys. Before starting any refurbishment or demolition project, commission an asbestos survey conducted by qualified professionals. It is a legal requirement.

n Use licensed contractors. Always verify that the contractors you use are licensed and experienced in dealing with ACMs.

n Update your asbestos management plan. Fixed sites like warehouses and factories need up-to-date asbestos management plans. If yours has not been reviewed in years, it is time to bring in experts to assess your compliance.

n Plan projects with asbestos in mind. Asbestos management should be part of your project planning process, not an afterthought. Factor in the time and budget needed for proper surveys, removal or remediation – and do not cut corners.

n Stay compliant. As regulations evolve, staying informed and compliant is critical. Work with experts who can help you to navigate the complexities of asbestos management.

Ensuring proper asbestos management is not just about compliance. It is about protecting lives, safeguarding your business and maintaining a reputation for doing the right thing. By taking proactive steps, you can avoid the devastating consequences that come from cutting corners. Make asbestos safety a core part of your business strategy.

Adam Fox is director of health and safety compliance consultancy Consulo. consulocompliance.co.uk adam@consulocompliance.co.uk

The Procurement Act that became law last month aims to cut a swathe through the red tape around tendering for public sector contracts, says a bid writing expert.

‘Transformational’ Act is good news for SMEs

The government’s new Procurement Act 2023 is now enacted and will transform public sector procurement, making it simpler and more straightforward for the business and voluntary, community and social enterprise sector to find and win public sector contracts

‘Public sector’ refers to the NHS, emergency services, schools, colleges and universities, local and national government and other organisations such as housing associations and even the BBC.

The new Act is particularly good news for small businesses

The government spends £400 billion annually through public procurement channels and has a target of spending one third (or around £133 billion) with SMEs. It awards only 11%-12% directly to SMEs but claims around 24% when they count in SMEs as sub-contractors to strategic suppliers.

This heads up about the new Act is important as one of the key changes will be the provision of a new Central Digital Platform to enhance the existing Find a Tender service.

The Central Digital Platform will serve as a one-stop hub for suppliers to register,

manage their profiles and engage with opportunities. It will:

n Feature a simple registration and identification for both suppliers and buyers.

n Store suppliers’ core business details that can be used for multiple bids.

n Enable easy management and updating of core information quickly, and shared easily between suppliers, eSenders (private tender platforms) and buyers.

n Make public procurement opportunities visible making it easier to search and set up alerts for tenders of interest for suppliers.

n Allow for procurement noticing throughout the procurement lifecycle.

n Capture procurement data and eventually allow creation of dashboards to analyse that data.

Bid management and business winning expert Tony Round, director of Wellingborough-based MaximGrowth. com, said: “We help businesses to win contracts every day and, for them, the new Act is simply transformational. The government buys anything and everything you can imagine and with the new Act, price is no longer the defining factor.”

All suppliers looking to work in the public sector, even if already registered on Find a Tender or Contracts Finder must register on the new Central Digital Platform. Registration is free with the CDP and is now open. For existing Find a Tender users, the URL remains at gov.uk/find-tender.

Staff wellbeing a strategic priority

As businesses navigate an evolving workplace landscape, employee health and wellbeing has become a strategic priority rather than an optional benefit.

The latest CIPD Health and Wellbeing at Work Report highlights a growing recognition that investing in wellbeing is not just about supporting employees - it directly impacts business performance, engagement and retention.

Yet many organisations struggle to translate their investment into measurable outcomes. While employers are dedicating resources to wellbeing initiatives, only one in two believe their approach is effective.

Without a structured, preventative strategy, businesses risk missing the real benefits of a strong wellbeing culture.

The link between employee wellbeing and organisational success is well established.

According to the CIPD’s findings:

n More than a third of organisations report increased absences due to stresshighlighting the need for proactive mental health support.

n Only 38% of businesses take a strategic approach to wellbeing, leaving many initiatives fragmented and ineffective.

n Financial wellbeing remains a neglected area, despite the growing impact of cost of living pressures on employees.

“When wellbeing is embedded into workplace culture - covering mental, physical, financial and social health - organisations experience higher productivity, stronger employee engagement and lower turnover,” said HR specialist Rachel Collar (inset), owner of HR consultancy Haus of HR in Towcester.

Haus of HR is offering a free Health & Wellbeing Check, an online assessment of a business’ current approach and how it compares to industry best practices.

The results are in the form of a personalised report that details areas for improvement in mental health, financial wellbeing and employee engagement.

Mediation specialist joins family law firm

Family law firm Wolley & Co Solicitors has welcomed experienced practitioner Rachel Lander to the firm’s Buckingham office.

Rachel (inset) has specialised in family law for almost 30 years and has extensive expertise in alternative dispute resolution.

She is a trained mediator and collaborative lawyer, specialising in ADR methods such as direct negotiation, mediation, roundtable discussions, private Financial Dispute Resolution and arbitration.

“Family law today requires a focus on reducing adversarial interactions wherever possible,” Rachel said. “With ADR, we can help families to reach solutions that are less contentious and more supportive of long-term relationships, particularly when co-parenting is involved. I prioritise a collaborative approach to reach fair, sustainable agreements.”

Woolley & Co has offices in Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire.

MD calls for change in planning system

Housebuilder Cora homes has named Matthew Westwood as its new managing director. He has worked for the Northampton-based company since 2022 as its director of special projects.

Despite mounting pressures on SMEs in the sector, Cora had laid solid groundwork for the year ahead, he said. Any changes the government could make to speed up the planning process would be welcome.

“It has not been easy but the team delivered a number of exceptionally good quality homes against the odds.

“We are under no illusions that 2025 will be another tough year and without meaningful and correctly targeted change to the planning system, in particular planning committees, the difficulty of delivering much needed housing will remain.”

Matthew Westwood

Joining UK rail industry ‘at a critical point’

From the largest public transport provider in Australia to the West Coast Main Line… Julien Derhornoy is preparing for his new role as Network Rail’s deputy managing director of its North West & Central region.

He has moved from his previous post as chief executive of Keolis Downer to support with the leadership duties of the region, the economic spine linking longdistance business travellers, commuters and visitors to London, Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester. It also boasts the West Coast Main Line, one of Europe’s busiest mixed-use railways.

“The British rail industry is at a critical point of its history and it is extraordinarily exciting to be joining at this time,” he said. “I am looking forward to bringing a fresh pair of eyes but also learning from the incredible experience of my new colleagues, the traveling public and the many stakeholders of the renowned British railways.”

His role will include the integration of HS2 into the UK’s rail network.

Network Rail’s UK national centre is next to Milton Keynes Central station. North West & Central regional managing director Rob McIntosh said: “Julien is joining us at an opportune time as we begin to integrate rail and track as part of much-needed rail reform. The

new deputy managing director role will bolster the rail industry’s senior leadership expertise with new thinking from other parts of the world.”

Julien, a former regional managing director of France’s state-owned railway company SNCF, became chief executive of Yarra Trams - the operator of the Melbourne tram network – in 2019 before becoming chief executive for its parent Keolis Downer in 2023.

He takes up his Network Rail role next month., The job is one of two deputy regional managing director roles created by Network Rail for both Eastern and NW&C regions to prepare the industry for rail reform as part of Great British Railways.

Specialists join law firm’s commercial team

Regional law firm Howes Percival has continued the expansion of its commercial team with two key hires.

Sophie Gladwell has joined as an associate solicitor, having worked for Milton Keynes law firm EMW and as an in-house lawyer with Eurostar. She also completed in-house secondments with Domino’s and MIB and has extensive experience in working with food and beverage and leisure and tourism clients.

She is based at Howes Percival’s office in Northampton. “Sophie’s experience in food and beverage and leisure and tourism perfectly complements two of the wider firm’s core sectors,” said partner and head of commercial Paula Dumbill.

The firm has also welcomed Helen Jones, an experienced commercial contracts and transactional intellectual property specialist, as a legal director based in Leicester.

Julien Derhornoy

Paula Dumbell (centre) welcomes Sophie Gladwell (left) and Helen Jones

DE&I champion hails ‘groundbreaking’ work

Work at Volkswagen Group UK’s headquarters in Milton Keynes to promote diversity, equality and inclusion among its employees has earned the company’s managing director Damien O’Sullivan a role as patron of a sector group championing the DE&I cause.

Damien took over as VW Group UK’s managing director in December from Alex Smith, who was the first patron and gold member of the UK’s Automotive 30% Club. It is a network of more than 70 automotive managing directors and chief executives committed to be inclusive leaders and to build diverse gender-balanced businesses.

into its diversity, equity and inclusion journey and I am privileged to be joining the organisation at such an advanced stage,” said Damien. “I recognise the groundbreaking work which has taken place to bring it to its current position and I am determined to move the organisation forward to the next level.

“We are so proud of our awardwinning initiatives, active Employee Network Groups and inclusive intersectional approach and recognise these elements provide us with a fantastic foundation on which to build the next ten years of progress.”

Volkswagen Group UK has long been a part of the network and has more than 46% female representation overall. It has also exceeded its target to have 30% of its leadership roles filled by women.

The company, whose head office is at Blakelands, has been focusing on its DE&I activity for the past decade and runs a series of initiatives, Employee Network Groups and inclusive-led projects. VW Group UK was headline sponsor of the MK Pride Festival last summer.

“Volkswagen Group UK is a decade

Automotive 30% Club founder Julia Muir said: “Damien’s inclusive leadership style, international experience and familiarity with different cultures will bring a new perspective and multi-dimensional diversity intelligence to our group of patrons. Together we will work across the sector to create high performing gender-balanced and diverse teams of the best people to rise to the challenges of industry transformation.

“It is great to see that Damien is keen to build further on the fantastic work already done at Volkswagen Group UK. His collaborative approach will be of great value to the club.”

...

and new co-head of banking arrives

James Stephen, partner and head of corporate at law firm Howes Percival, welcomes Simon Warburton as partner and head of the firm’s banking team.

He has joined the firm, which has offices in Northampton and Milton Keynes, after a number of years working for international law firms in the City of London.

Simon will head the Howes Percival national banking team alongside

director Faye Meredith. “He is a very experienced banking and finance lawyer, valued by clients for his commercially minded expertise and pragmatism,” said James.

“The ability to offer a comprehensive corporate, commercial and banking and finance service all under one roof and across all our offices has been a key factor in our success and rapid growth in the last few years.”

Danielle Shepherd

Property investor boosts team

Real estate investor and developer Barwood Capital has announced the promotion of senior investment director Danielle Sheppard to its head of performance and impact and the arrival of Will Dickens as head of business development.

Danielle has worked at Barwood Capital for just over ten years. “I am incredibly excited to embark on this new role,” she said. “This is a particularly exciting step in my journey, due to the current diversity and ambition of the company’s investments across the UK.”

Will (inset) has worked in real estate for more than 25 years, at King Sturge and at Citi as a director in its global real estate and private equity team.

He has moved from Yoo Capital. His role will focus on leading the capital raising efforts across Barwood’s various funds, vehicles and mandates in both the commercial and residential sectors.

“The bottoming out of the UK property market during 2024 and availability of debt improving means that we are seeing significant interest in UK property from both domestic and international investors,” he said.

“I look forward to bringing my wider relationships into the Barwood fold as the market picks up pace.”

The announcement follows a successful year of capital raising, which saw Barwood close its fifth Growth Fund, complete two successful fund raises for its Barwood Residential Investment Platform and a further equity raise into its Urban Industrial Income LP, an existing multi-let industrial vehicle.

James Stephen (left) with newly arrived banking specialist Simon Warburton

Damien O’Sullivan

A Day in the Life

Every day brings new challenges and opportunities. For Sophie Yorke, managing director of Xtra Express Logistics at Brackmills in Northampton, that variety is the spice of her working life.

Sophie Yorke

If my team are having a bad day, I’ll be down there with them

The day religiously starts with a very strong black coffee. That’s the first thing I do, a convenient stop off at the kitchen for a caffeine hit to set me up for whatever the day entails.

It’s hard to know what’s coming as no two days are the same, but in many ways that’s probably one of the best things about the role, because it is so varied. By nature of the sector that we operate in there can be various unforeseen challenges, for example vehicle issues, traffic incidents and many other factors that need to be managed quickly to ensure we meet our customers’ expectations.

As such my start to the day can really vary depending on what we face each morning. Every morning without fail I have a catch up with group managing director Edward Grant-Salmon either by phone or in person, depending on our whereabouts. We run through what’s scheduled

for the day across both operations, review volumes to establish allocation of resources needed and review any other matters that need to be addressed for the day ahead.

I then meet up with the operations team - the guys who coordinate and plan drivers and vehicles for the Pallet Track and APC pallet and parcel movements - generally spending a couple of hours with them.

Mid-morning, once everything is in place, I’ll check in with the wider management team: Martin, our warehouse manager; commercial manager Claire, who looks after the customer services team; Nathan, who

“I think it’s important that we get through the challenges together.”

manages all site compliance and vehicle maintenance. We have a quick catch up (or as long as needed) just to check through the running of each department, to identify and resolve any issues and to finalise plans and actions for the remainder of the day.

Depending on where else I’m needed, I’ll move around within the business as required. Some days I’ll go out on customer visits, either to existing customers or to support the sales team with development of new opportunities.

My email traffic sees a constant flow so I’ll keep checking those throughout the day (and night), either on my mobile or on my laptop, which I carry around religiously.

There’s also integration throughout the day with the APC and Pallet track network depots, of which we are proud to be shareholder and founder members. This is key as, along with other depots across

Sophie had been working for logistics company Action Express Northampton for 20 years, latterly as general manager. She joined the business aged 17 as an accounts assistant, rising through the ranks to become operations manager in 2015 and general manager in 2022. She became managing director of Xtra Express Logistics in August last year, following Action Express Northampton’s acquisition by Crisis Logistics and a subsequent rebrand to Xtra Express Logistics. Directors Charles and Edward Grant-Salmon and Roman Stajila saw Sophie as key to the company’s future. “We knew straight away that we wanted Sophie to be a part of the company at a senior level,” said Charles. Roman added: “Xtra Express Logistics parcels and pallets network is in great hands. Sophie knows the business inside and out and knows the Brackmills site better than anyone.”

last year

the UK, we have a voice that enables the service offering to be further developed and improved to meet our customer changing needs.

As part of my wider role and as a director of the group, part of my time is allocated to group matters - which includes strategy, planning and a range of areas that combined and working with my co-directors helps to shape the future of the business - and the smooth running across all operations.

As such I often head over to our same day and haulage operation based at Hannington near Wellingborough - so, a short hop on the A43.

Whenever there’s an issue that could cause a delay, I’m very hands on (as are all of our senior team) because ultimately if you don’t recover that time in the morning, it has a knock-on effect through the whole of the day.

Being part of a wider group proves very handy as it gives me extra resource in terms of vehicles that might be needed quickly to resolve an immediate challenge.

I’ve also been known to help with the sortation or if we’ve had delays to our vehicles arriving back at base so that we can run them out ourselves in vehicles, just to make sure that it’s not impacting on the high levels of service that our customers expect.

This reflects the work ethic and culture across the group at all levels in terms of getting stuck in and the job done.

It’s important that I understand the challenges behind the scenes. A multitude of situations can arise, with our aim being to not trouble our customers unless essential. Having a team well equipped in terms of knowledge and problem-solving skills in how to deal with them is key so it doesn’t have a knock on

Sophie Yorke with colleagues at Xtra Express Logistics. ‘Having a team that is well-equipped in terms of knowledge and problem-solving skills is key,’ she says

A Day in the Life

to the customer experience.

If there’s a crisis (which isn’t too common, thankfully), I love getting right into the middle of it. There’s a real sense of achievement when you resolve an issue that may have seemed impossible when initially presented. It’s what we do.

There are days when it’s very pressured and can be very stressful. But I think the fact that we all get on as well as we do really helps.

If my team are having a bad day, I’ll be down there having a bad day with them. I think it’s important that we get through the challenges together and take what we can from the issues experienced, to learn from them for the next time.

I’m primarily based at our Brackmills operation so I’m lucky as I get to see everybody most days. As I said earlier, I’m very hands on within the team in all areas, from training to general support or in any way that I can make the team feel appreciated and supported.

“The variety and the pace aren’t for the faint-hearted but I think that’s actually what drives me.”

I have full overall responsibility for the Brackmills site and, having been within the business for 20 years, I’ve worked within most of the departments. Nine times out of ten, I’ll know the answer to any questions the team may have. It’s personally rewarding to know that I can help.

We have a fabulous team of people across the business, from our warehouse staff to our driving team and the guys in the office. They’re all absolutely fantastic and I love spending time with them.

I’m passionate about growing and developing the next generation, particularly with the younger members of our team. As a board, we’re very keen to progress this area and have already identified some shining stars across the group who we think will be the future in years to come.

As you can probably tell, I’ve got a real passion for what we do. It’s funny really as I sort of stumbled into logistics when I was 17, not really sure what I wanted to do but instantly fell in love with it.

The variety and the pace aren’t for the faint-hearted but I think that’s actually what drives me. I absolutely thrive on the buzz of this company and the amazing people that I work with – it’s like an extended family. I want the business to do well and continue the growth journey, always mindful that customers are key.

I’m very proud of what we do and equally proud of our service. The future will be exciting.

Sophie and group director

Edward Grant-Salmon after her appointment as managing director in August

Business of Sport

Cycling showcase’s economic legacy

Hosting a Tour of Britain stage last year generated a net £5.7 million for Northamptonshire’s economy in general and tourism sector in particular, says cycling’s governing body.

Hosting one of the six stages of the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men cycle race last year generated a major financial boost to the West Northamptonshire economy, an evaluation report by the sport’s governing body British Cycling has revealed.

West Northamptonshire hosted the event’s fifth stage, with thousands of spectators lining the route to cheer on the world’s leading cyclists.

The report highlights how the stage delivered the highest economic benefit of the entire Tour, with a total impact of £5.69 million, driven by £3.6 million in attendee spending.

More than 85% of spectators voiced their pride in their local area following the event, with 83% recognising the positive boost to the economy. Visitors spent an average of 2.4 nights in the area, boosting the hospitality sector. Media coverage, which promoted West Northamptonshire to national and international audiences, was worth £635,698, according to the evaluation report.

“The Tour of Britain brought tremendous benefits to West Northamptonshire, showcasing our area as a prime destination for world-class sporting events,” said Cllr Daniel Lister (inset), West Northamptonshire

Council’s cabinet member for local economy, culture and leisure.

“This report further highlights our dedication to boosting tourism, attracting inward investment and supporting local businesses while promoting a strong sense of community pride and spirit.”

The event has also inspired residents and visitors to take up cycling and active lifestyles, he added. “The council remains committed to building on this momentum.”

Sport is set to bring a further economic boost to the area when Northampton hosts matches in the Women’s Rugby World Cup in September.

The University of Northampton’s Waterside Campus hosted the

start of the Tour of Britain stage.

“Of the six stages, our stage generated a quarter of the economic impact of the total race (£21.1million) with more money spent locally by attendees than anywhere else in the country,” said UON vice chancellor Professor Anne-Marie Kilday (inset)

“The university has at its heart the strategic goal of having a positive impact on its community and successes like this show together we can make a real difference and extract even more potential from our town and county.”

British Cycling’s events managing director Jonathan Day added: “The figures from the report demonstrate the huge social and economic impact these events have on communities across the UK.”

Cryptocurrency exchange agrees Oracle Red Bull partnership

Oracle Red Bull Racing has welcomed cryptocurrency exchange Gate.io as a partner to the team on a multi-year deal.

Gate.io branding will feature on the Milton Keynes-based Oracle Red Bull’s racing car, driver and pit crew suits throughout the 2025 season, as well as on the helmet of world champion Max Verstappen.

Founded in 2013, Gate.io is one of the world’s most established cryptocurrency exchanges, with more than 20 million users worldwide. It has expanded to become a blockchain specialist, driving innovation in secure digital asset trading, decentralised finance, blockchain infrastructure, venture capital investment and Web3 technologies.

Oracle Red Bull Racing’s chief executive and team principal Christian Horner said: “Gate.io is a brand that very much shares Oracle Red Bull Racing’s passion to exist at the forefront of technological innovation. Together, we look forward to

Christian Horner

building a more immersive and unique connection with the team for fans around the world and to working with a like-minded partner that is not afraid to disrupt the status quo.”

Dr Lin Han, founder and chief executive of Gate.io, added: “We believe that innovation and performance go hand in hand, whether in blockchain or on the racetrack. We are continuously advancing blockchain technology to bring greater transparency, speed and efficiency to digital finance.

“This partnership comes at a time when blockchain is moving beyond finance, and we are excited to explore new ways it can intersect with global industries like motorsport.”

Sponsor signs up for new East Stand

Northampton Town FC’s new East Stand already has secured a sponsor.

Facilities management specialist Lawrence Cleaning Services is to be the official sponsor of the new stand at Sixfields Stadium, with LCS branding across the top of the stand.

Managing director Mark Lawrence said: “A lot has changed at the club over the last few years, both on and off the pitch, and the club has a growing reputation as a progressive, family-friendly, community-driven club which is moving forward both on and off the field. That aligns perfectly with our values.”

Based in Northampton, Lawrence Cleaning Services is a family-owned business with more than 30 years of experience in providing commercial and industrial cleaning for clients across Northamptonshire.

The club’s commercial director James

Play

your part in

Brackley Town FC are pushing for promotion to the National League, just one step below English Football league status. And the club is offering match sponsorship opportunities for all its remaining National League North home games as the season reaches its climax.

The club is currently well in the hunt for promotion after a cracking run of results that took the team to third place in the table as Business Times went to press.

Now it is calling on local businesses to support their efforts to bring fifth tier football to the town.

Corrigan said: “LCS is a successful company with a strong track record of delivering high-quality service. This partnership is a great example of how local businesses can work with the club to create meaningful connections with our fans. We look forward to a successful collaboration and to seeing the LCS Stand become a key part of the matchday atmosphere.”

Chief executive James Whiting added: “Mark and David [Lawrence, chief executive] of LCS have been close and loyal partners of the club for many years.

“We are hopeful of seeing the stand open ahead of schedule and we know that anyone who steps inside will be impressed by the quality. Having access to fantastic facilities like this will only help keep taking the club forward.

“Everyone at the club cannot wait to see the LCS stand open and we are proud to have LCS right there alongside us.”

‘A great fit’

Recruitment company Tempeo has agreed a partner deal with Northampton Town FC. The business, based in Northampton, is the club’s official recruitment partner.

Directors Johnathon Dowling and Michael Berkshire said: “We see a shared passion for excellence and a commitment to our respective communities. This partnership reflects Tempeo’s dedication to building strong relationships, just as NTFC fosters a strong bond with its supporters.”

Cobblers corporate sales manager Ollie Lloyd described Tempeo’s partnership as “a great fit for the club”.

the Saints’ promotion push

A club spokesman said: “Football fans are known for their loyalty - not just to their team but also to the businesses that support them. Aligning with Brackley Town FC means connecting with a passionate audience, building goodwill, and fostering brand trust among local and visiting supporters.”

The £99 match sponsorship package includes match tickets and hospitality, choosing and presenting the Man of the Match award, a feature in the matchday programme, regular mentions on social media and over the tannoy on matchday,

as well as advertising on club’s electronic scoreboard.

Brackley Town’s remaining home fixtures: March 8 v Alfreton Town

March 15 v Buxton

March 25 v Kidderminster Harriers

March 29 v Scarborough Athletic

April 18 v Oxford City

April 26 v Farsley Celtic

n To find out more, email sponsorship and commercial manager Will Grashoff at willgrashoff@brackleytownfc.co.uk.

The new LCS East Stand at Northampton Town FC’s Sixfields stadium

Photo: Pete Norton

Business Soundbites

A snapshot of what business people have been telling us.

“Businesses are being forced to find another method for offsetting increased costs if they are to maintain their current levels of profit.”

Professor Joe Nellis of Cranfield School of Management and adviser to chartered accountants MHA suggests a focus on productivity may be the answer.

“The most terrifying breakfast club I’ve ever been to.”

Michelle Theuma, head of Concept Onyx Recruitment, on hearing the ease with which speaker and cyber security specialist Hiro Taylor was able to access her LinkedIn account.

“Using this is almost as risky as walking into a shopping centre and shouting out your password.”

IT expert Stephen Souch, of 3RD IT Solutions, cautions against the use of public wi-fi networks in places such as hotels and coffee shops.

“It’s time people start to manage their mobile time for their sake of their mental health.”

Cognitive behavioural therapist Rathika Thivakan, who works at St Andrew’s Healthcare in Northampton, bemoans the addictive nature of phones and social media.

“It helps counter the imposter syndrome I often feel as someone from a non-business background.”

Medic turned farmer Dr Johnny Wake, managing partner of Courteenhall Farms near Northampton, on his Entrepreneur Alumni Award from Cranfield University.

“Why should the brightest scientists and entrepreneurs board a train to Oxford or Cambridge when Milton Keynes offers not only ambition but the infrastructure to match it?”

Nicholas Mann, chair of Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership, urges the city to take its place at the heart of the government’s Oxford Cambridge Arc growth plans.

Creating a safe space to share emotions of grief

They aim to provide a safe space where people going through bereavement can come together, share experiences of grief and talk about their experiences and emotions.

Such support groups are “central to bereavement support in the UK”, says a paper in the National Library of Medicine, and the organisers of one such meeting in Dunstable is in no doubt as to the value to the bereaved.

Talking Elephants has been running in the town since 2021, set up volunteers from the Neville Funerals office in the town. Attendance has risen by more than a third in the last two years.

“We recognise how challenging grief is but we also know how important it is that people have somewhere safe to go to talk about their bereavement and get advice from like-minded people,” said James Whitham, Neville Funerals branch manager. “That is where Talking Elephants comes in.

“Our sessions are open to individuals at all stages of grief and provide each individual with the opportunity to discuss their bereavement and get some support

from other attendees.”

A total 581,363 deaths were registered in England and Wales in 2023, a rise of 4,203 on the previous year.

“This year we have really focused on spreading the word in the hope more people will benefit from these sessions,” said James. “We have some wonderful regular attendees who help to run our sessions and support us in welcoming newcomers.

“Within our local area, we are one of the only free, accessible bereavement support groups and there continues to be a lack of provision for these needing the support during difficult points in life.”

The groups are run by each of Neville Funerals’ branches across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

“Each of our sessions starts with conversation cards as we appreciate it can be challenging to know what to say in a bereavement setting,” said James. “Once we have all got to know each other and the new faces have been welcomed, our sessions provide a safe place to have a cup of tea and discuss grief with people in similar situations.”

n To find out more, visit nevillefuneralservice.com/our-bereavement-support-services, call 01582 499680 or email talkingelephants@nevillefuneralservice.com

James Whitham and colleagues outside the Dunstable branch of Neville Funerals

MP backs call to improve mental health services

MP Lee Barron has joined calls by a campaign group encouraging men to speak up about their mental health.

The MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire has backed the national men’s mental health campaign group Blue Soul Shoes, set up by PR specialist Ashley Riley after he experienced a panic attack that within a month turned into life-stopping anxiety and dark depression. He had to enter a psychiatric hospital and a month later suffered two life-changing strokes.

“I know from the people I speak to that challenging mental health is one of the biggest pressures middle-aged men are experiencing,.” said Lee. “Meeting Ashley, hearing of his experience and the work of Blue Soul Shoes shows there is so much more to be done and it is something we must be more open to talk about.”

National figures show that 77% of men in the UK have suffered with common

‘Our game gets people learning in a really fresh and interesting way’

Learners travel forward through time to the year 2050. They see for themselves how alternative futures unfold based on decisions they have made in assumed roles such as entrepreneurs, civil society organisations, policymakers and the public.

“This learning experience is different. It gives people a safe space to practise exercising their agency to create sustainable transitions, as individuals, as members of organisations and collectively as an industry ecosystem,” says academic Dr Rosina Watson.

“We are allowing participants to break free from assumptions about an organisation’s role, reimagine the structure of an ecosystem and renegotiate each organisation’s role within that structure.”

The learning experience is in fact a game, developed at Cranfield University in 2018, showcased at COP26 in Glasgow three years later and now a winner in the Financial Times’ Responsible Business Awards.

It has been played by more than 2,500 people since it was developed, with students, sustainability

practitioners and business executives building skills from game-based learning.

The Exploring Sustainable Futures game is played on a number of Cranfield School of Management’s courses including the MBA Environmental Management, MSc Food Systems and Management and the Senior Leader Apprenticeship and Sustainability Business Specialist Apprenticeship.

“Our game takes a radical approach to building systems thinking and collaborative leadership abilities and gets people learning in a really fresh and interesting way,” said Rosina, associate professor of sustainability at Cranfield School of Management and the game’s co-creator.

“With greater awareness and alignment of their attitudes, values and working relationships, players build agency in creating real change and that is something the real world really needs,” said Rosina.

The game won in the Best Business School Teaching Materials based on Innovative Research category at the FT Responsible Business Awards.

mental health symptoms such as anxiety, stress or depression. Yet only 40% of men have spoken to anyone about their mental health. The figures also show that three-quarters of all suicides in the UK are men.

“There is the perception that poor mental health happens to ‘other’ men,” said Ashley. “I was an outgoing, comfortable, loud, business-owning, confident man when I started suffering from a low mood that just got worse and worse. It is awful. But you can come out the other side. You can do something about it and that is why Blue Soul Shoes was established and that is why we are making a difference.”

The government has pledged to invest in mental health services with an expanded workforce, mental health workers in schools and a national network of early support hubs for young people.

“It has been an encouraging start from the government in their approach and investment in mental health services,” said Ashley. “But this needs to be just the start. Millions of men every year have to rely on the help and support of charities or volunteers to get help.

“Poor mental health is destroying men, their partners, their wives, their families and their businesses.”

Lee chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Modernising Employment. Its remit includes looking at mental health in the workplace. “I wanted to give my backing to Blue Soul Shoes and join with Ashley to encourage men, however challenging it is, to speak to someone who can help if they are struggling.

“There is no shame and there is no judgement. Blue Soul Shoes speaks to many men every day who need support and that is the first step to addressing experiences of anxiety or depression.

“You do not need to be alone and help is out there."

n For more information on the work of Blue Soul Shoes, visit bit.ly/BlueSoulShoes.

Ashley Riley (left) and Lee Barron

Networking

A group for networkers looking for referrals, introductions, opportunities and sales.

NORTHANTS AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Every Tuesday at noon.

NATIONAL NETWORKING

Every Wednesday at noon. Contact Gary Thorpe for all events. Email: gary.thorpe@debt-doctors.co.uk Tel: 07963 766052 or 01536 333425.

AYLESBURY

2nd Tuesday 12 noon-2pm online.

MILTON KEYNES

2nd Thursday 12 noon-2pm online.

BUCKINGHAM

3rd Tuesday 12 noon-2pm online.

CAPPUCCINO CONNECTIONS

4th Thursday 10am-11.30am online.

Contact: Anna Atkins-Carter, regional director North Bucks / West Chilterns. 07540 097776, email: anna.atkinscarter@theathenanetwork.com or visit theathenanetwork.com

BEDFORD

2nd Wednesday 12 noon-2pm online.

SOUTH BEDFORDSHIRE

4th Tuesday 12 noon-2pm online. Contact: Kate Cherry, regional director Bedfordshire & St Albans. 07909 675333, email: kate.cherry@theathenanetwork.com or visit theathenanetwork.com

March 19 7.45am-9.15am

The Bedfordshire Golf Club, Stagsden Sponsors: Forvis Mazars; Metro Bank; Woodfines Solicitors. Speaker tbc. Contact: Kerry Ransby, email: kransby@woodfines.co.uk or visit bedfordbreakfastclub.co.uk

MENTAL HEALTH IN CHALLENGING TIMES –BUILDING PERSONAL RESILIENCE

March 6, 9am-11.15am, 9.30am-11am Wrest Park Business Centre, Wrest Park, Silsoe The signs of poor mental health in colleagues, how to start meaningful wellbeing conversations and fostering a supportive workplace culture. Speaker: David Beeney, businessman and mental health practitioner. Hosted with Tate Recruitment. Free event for Chamber members; non-members £10 plus VAT.

BREAKFAST IN BEDS

March 19, 8am-10am

Central Bedfordshire College, Kingsway, Dunstable

Networking breakfast, hosted with Central Bedfordshire College. Free event for Chamber members; non-members £15 plus VAT. MEET THE NEIGHBOURS

March 26, 12 noon-2pm Mitchell Hall, Cranfield University

Joint event with Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire Chambers of Commerce. Networking plus lunch. Price: £20 plus VAT Chamber members; non-members £35 plus VAT. Book on to Chamber of Commerce events via events.chamber-business.com.

IGNITE

Tuesday 6.45am

The Turnpike, Harpole, Northampton ACHIEVERS

Wednesday 9.30am

Brewpoint, Cut Throat Lane, Bedford. PIONEER

Wednesday 9.30am-11am online. APOLLO

Wednesday 10am

Abbey Hill Golf Centre, Two Mile Ash, Milton Keynes. FUSION

Thursday 6.45am

Abbey Hill Golf Centre, Two Mile Ash, Milton Keynes. BLAZE

Thursday 6.45am

Mount Pleasant Golf Club, Lower Stondon, near Henlow. PAVILION

Thursday 6.45am-8.30am

The Old Northamptonians RFC, Sir Humphrey Cripps Pavilion, Billing Road, Northampton. PROSPERITY

Thursday 6.45am-8.30am

The Kettering Golf Club, Headlands, Kettering. STERLING

Thursday 11.45am-1.30pm

The Old Northamptonians RFC, Sir Humphrey Cripps Pavilion, Billing Road, Northampton. ENCORE

Friday 6.45am, Holiday Inn London Luton. LIGHTHOUSE

Friday 6.45am-8.30am

Old Northamptonians Association, Billing Road, Northampton. Contact: Duncan Webster. Email: duncan@bnibreakfast.co.uk or call 07977 422220.

More information: bni.co.uk

March 4, 18 6.45am-8.45am

The White Hart, Buckingham Networking with speaker. Visitors: £10.

More details: bucks-fizz.biz or contact David Babister 07796 136688 or dab@espressoarchitecture.co.uk

Regional sponsor: Business MK and Business Times

Relaxed, informal, conversational B2B networking. All Business Buzz events run 10am-noon. Price: £10 plus VAT.

BEDFORD

1st Wednesday: George & Dragon, Mill Street. BIGGLESWADE

4th Tuesday: Miss Vietnam, Market Square. BRACKLEY

1st Thursday: Paisley Pear, Northampton Road. DAVENTRY

3rd Friday: Arc Cinema, Mulberry Place.

DUNSTABLE

4th Friday: Sugar Lounge at The Old Sugar Loaf, High Street North.

LUTON

2nd Tuesday: The Garden Cafe, Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road.

MILTON KEYNES

3rd Friday: Pop World MK, Lower 12th Street, Central Milton Keynes.

NORTHAMPTON

3rd Wednesday: Barratts Snooker Club & Bar, Kingsthorpe Road.

TOWCESTER

December 19: Towcester Mill Brewery, Chantry Lane.

WELLINGBOROUGH

2nd Tuesday: Castello Lounge, Market Street

All meetings payable in advance on the Business Buzz Booking App app.business-buzz.org/app or at the event.

Business networking and referral group. Price: £6.

MILTON KEYNES

4th Thursday, 7.30am-9.30am

Windmill Hill Golf Centre, Bletchley. Meeting fee: £16 (first meeting free).

NORTHAMPTON BREAKFAST

3rd Wednesday, 7.30-9.30am: The Turnpike, Harpole.

NORTHAMPTON EVENING

4th Tuesday, 6.30-8.30pm

Cheyne Walk Club, Northampton.

WELLINGBOROUGH

2nd Thursday, 7.30-9.30am

The Hind Hotel.

VIRTUAL MEETINGS

Meeting fee: £6 (first meeting free).

WEDNESDAY BREAKFAST

4th Wednesday, 7.30am-9am.

THURSDAY BREAKFAST

3rd Thursday, 7.30am-9am.

FRIDAY BREAKFAST

2nd Friday, 7.30am-9am.

THE ACCOUNTABILITY CIRCLE

Monday 10am-11am online

Time management and productivity. Price: £6 per session or £12 per month. More information: buscomm.co.uk

March 7 & 21, 7am

Windmill Hill Golf Centre, Bletchley

Networking breakfast with speaker. Price: £15 nonmembers. Contact: businessgrowthclub.co.uk or Mark Orr 07903 655169.

Brunchtime networking. Price: £26.

BEDFORD

March 13, 9.30am-11.30am

Brewpoint, Cut Throat Lane, Bedford Host: Aruno Rao.

MILTON KEYNES

March 5, 9.30am-11.30am

The Woburn, George Street, Woburn Host: Heide Swift. NORTHAMPTON

March 11, 9.30am-11.30am

The Chester House Estate, Irchester

Host: Kirsty Parris. TOWCESTER

March 19 9.30am-11.30am

The Navigation Inn, Thrupp Wharf Marina, Cosgrove Host: Kirsty Parris. Contact: busynetworking.net/meetings.

Networking with lunch. Price: £28.

AMPTHILL

March 13, 11.45am-2pm

The Knife & Cleaver, Houghton Conquest Host: Chandra Gardner.

BEDFORD

March 2, 11.45am-2pm

The Woodland Manor Hotel, Green Lane, Clapham

Host: Aruno Rao.

BUCKINGHAM

March 17, 11.45am-2pm

The Grand Junction, High Street, Buckingham Host: Heide Swift.

KETTERING

March 25, 11.45am-2pm

The Kettering Golf Club, Headlands Host: Aruno Rao.

MILTON KEYNES

March 6, 11.45am-2pm

The George Inn, Watling Street, Little Brickhill Host: Aruno Rao.

MILTON KEYNES NORTH

March 10, 11.45am-2pm

The Cherry Tree, Olney Host: Aruno Rao.

NORTHAMPTON

March 18, 11.45am-2pm

The White Hart, Main Road, Hackleton Host: Aruno Rao.

TOWCESTER

March 26, 11.45am-2pm

The Navigation Inn, Thrupp Wharf Marina, Cosgrove Host: Aruno Rao.

Contact: busywomen.net or call 07957 284851.

NETWORKING BREAKFAST

3rd Friday, 7am-9am Astral Park, Leighton Buzzard Breakfast networking with speaker. Price: £13. Contact: info@buzzardnetworking.co.uk or visit buzzardnetworking.co.uk

March 5, 7.30am-9am

YMCA, North Sixth Street, Central Milton Keynes

The longest-established breakfast networking club in Milton Keynes. Speakers: Dr Susan Izadkhasti and Gamiel Yafai – Women Leaders UK; Emma Jolly and Aimee Clarke –Brain Tumour Research. Book at: citybreakfastclub.co.uk

VIRTUAL

March 4 & 25, 10.30am-11.30am online BREAKFAST, NETWALKING & BRUNCH NETWORKING

March 6, 6 7.15am-8.45am; 9.10am-9.55am; 10am-11.30am Willen Hospice Café , Willen Lake IN PARTNERSHIP EVENT with BUCKINGHAM businesses

March 6, 5pm-7pm The Grand Junction, Buckingham GOLD MEMBERSHIP WORKSHOP

March 11, 9am-12 noon

Fairspace MK, MK Community Foundation

LUNCHTIME NETWORKING

March 12, 12.15pm-1.45pm

Slug & Lettuce, Central Milton Keynes

IN PARTNERSHIP EVENT with LEIGHTON BUZZARD businesses

March 13, 5pm-7pm

Leighton Town FC

MONTHLY MEET-UP

March 18, 4.45pm-7pm

Milton Keynes Theatre IN PARTNERSHIP EVENT with OLNEY businesses

March 26, 5pm-7pm

Olney Rugby Club

MATCH SPONSORSHIP –MK DONS v FLEETWOOD TOWN

March 29, 12.30pm-5pm

Stadium MK

Book at the event booking diary page at collaboratemk.co.uk.

Contact: Tim Lee tim@collaboratemk.co.uk or 07786 527845.

Alternate Wednesdays, 7.30am-9.30am

The Hind Hotel, Wellingborough Networking group run by its members for its members. Contact: cornerstone-northants.org or email: network@cornerstone-northants.org

Wednesdays, 6.45am-8.30am

The Hopping Hare, Hopping Hill Gardens, Northampton

Breakfast networking plus members’ presentation opportunities. Price: £10 visitors. Contact: enigmanetworking.co.uk

Email: chair@enigmanetworking.co.uk or call 07889 967779

MILTON KEYNES VIRTUAL NETWORKING

March 21, 10am-11am online

Networking plus an update on the benefits of FSB membership.

Free event for FSB members and non-members. To book on to FSB events: visit fsb.org.uk

COFFEE & CONNECT

March 13, 10am-12 noon

Frosts Garden Centre, Woburn Sands

Informal networking. Price: £12.50. Book at: askgoto.com/event/coffee-connect-mk-20/

LBBC

LEIGHTON BUZZARD BUSINESS CLUB

Wednesdays, 7am-8.30am

The Dukes, Leighton Road, Heath and Reach Breakfast networking with speaker plus member presentations. Visitors: £10.

Contact: leightonbuzzardbiz.co.uk

Email LBBC chairman Steve Baker at: steve@sbfinancial.co.uk or call 01296 641868.

#LOVEBIZ NETWORKING DERNGATE COMMUNITY

March 5, 11.30am-2pm

The Hopping Hare, Hopping Hill Gardens, Northampton

Contact: Julie Cameron at: juliecameron@lovebiznetworking.co.uk or lovebiznetworking.co.uk

LUTON COFFEE CLUB

1st Tuesday 8am-10am

Mano Coffee, George Street Informal networking. Free event.

To find out more, email organiser Stephen Wood at: s.w@srwood.co.uk or call 01582 401221.

MEET THE NEIGHBOURS

March 26, 12 noon-2pm

Mitchell Hall, Cranfield University

Joint event with Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire Chambers of Commerce. Networking plus lunch. Price: £20 plus VAT Chamber members; non-members £35 plus VAT. To book on to Chamber events, visit chambermk.co.uk/events

MEET OF MK

March 27, 5pm-7.30pm

Unity Sky Lounge, Unity Place, Central Milton Keynes Price: £16.75

Contact: mkfm.com/events/mkfms-meet-of-mk/

Alternate Thursdays, 7.15am-9am

Beefeater, Priory Marina, Barkers Lane, Bedford Breakfast networking with speaker. Contact: nibeds.co.uk

NNBN is a business membership organisation for all of Northamptonshire which aims to help businesses in the county to recover, build and grow for a brighter future.

ENGAGE & GROW EMAIL MARKETING

March 3, 4pm-5pm online

Free event to NNBN members; non-members £10.

Networking

NNBN NETWORKING WITH NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

March 6, 1.30pm-2.30pm

Wicksteed Park, Kettering Networking hour as part of the Northamptonshire Business Exhibition organised by Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce. Free event.

FRIDAY@4

March 7, 4pm-5pm online Networking. Free event to NNBN members; nonmembers £5.

LEARN TO PODCAST

March 10, 4pm-5pm online Free event for NNBN members; non-members £10.

NETWORKING

March 13, 7pm-8.30pm Kettering Park Hotel Networking. Free event for NNBN members; nonmembers £10.

HOT DESKING

March 28, 10am-4pm Vulcan Works, Guildhall Road, Northampton Free event.

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

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE BUSINESS EXHIBITION

March 6, 8.30am-3.30pm Wicksteed Park, Kettering Includes:

Coffee & Connect 8.30am-10am

Informal networking with up to 100 other businesspeople ahead of the exhibition itself. Free event for Chamber members and non-members.

Business Exhibition 10am-3.30pm

Up to 100 businesses exhibiting. Free admission for visitors.

International Women’s Day 2025 – How do we #ACCELERATEACTION 11am-noon

Forum to mark International Women’s Day. Free event.

Economic Growth Strategy for North Northamptonshire 12.30pm-1pm

Presentation by North Northamptonshire Council of its new growth plans for the area, followed by Q&A. Free event.

Speed Networking with NNBN 1.30pm-2.30pm

Hosted by membership group NNBN. Free event. MEET THE NEIGHBOURS

March 26 noon-2pm

Mitchell Hall, Cranfield University

Joint event with Milton Keynes and Bedfordshire Chambers of Commerce. Networking plus lunch. Price: £20 plus VAT Chamber members; nonmembers £35 plus VAT.

To book on to Chamber events, visit northants-chamber.co.uk/events

March 27, 5.30pm-8.30pm

Northampton Town FC, Sixfields

Networking group for property and construction professionals in the newly opened East Stand at Sixfields Stadium.

Find out more at: prop-connect.co.uk

Fridays, 6.45am-8.45am

The Cock Hotel, Stony Stratford

Networking breakfast, with more than 40 members from a wide range of businesses. Businesses referrals, business support and training. Contact: tfinetworking.co.uk.

Connecting

Connecting corporate & community with great conversations, meaningful networking, and inspiring updates.

Connecting corporate & community with great conversations, meaningful networking, and inspiring updates.

City Breakfast Club Milton Keynes is the longest-running, premier networking event connecting you with the city’s top business leaders. The event takes place on the first Wednesday of each month*.

City Breakfast Club Milton Keynes is the longest-running, premier networking event connecting you with the city’s top business leaders. The event takes place on the first Wednesday of each month*.

City Breakfast Club Milton Keynes is the longest-running, premier networking event connecting you with the city’s top business leaders. The event takes place on the first Wednesday of each month*.

To book your place, visit citybreakfastclub.co.uk

To book your place, visit citybreakfastclub.co.uk

*No meeting in January and August

12 noon-2pm, networking lunch.

BEDFORD & AMPTHILL

1st Tuesday: The Swan Hotel, The Embankment, Bedford / online.

LEIGHTON BUZZARD

3rd Wednesday: The Dukes, Heath & Reach / online.

LUTON

2nd Monday: South Beds Golf Club/ online.

SANDY & BIGGLESWADE

1st Wednesday: Stratton House Hotel, Biggleswade. Contact: Louise Yexley on 07989 020647, email louise.yexley@wibn.co.uk or visit www.wibn.co.uk

MILTON KEYNES

1st Tuesday: The Brasserie at Milton Keynes College, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley. Contact: Edith Samambwa on 07802 581838, email: edith.samambwa@wibn.co.uk or visit www.wibn.co.uk.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

March 7, 10am-2.30pm

The Ridgeway Centre, Wolverton Mill

Speakers and exhibition, hosted with Milton Keynes Community Foundation in collaboration with NatWest. Price: £30.

NETWORKING LUNCH

March 26, 12 noon-2pm

Maaya Indian Kitchen & Bar

Details tbc.

For more details and to book, visit womeninenterprise.co.uk

BUSINESS ROOM

The Business Room is a one business per area group for business owners, those in employed positions, MLMs and franchised businesses.

BEDFORD

3rd Thursday 9.30am-11.30am, The Kingfisher.

KETTERING

2nd Tuesday 12 noon-2pm, Kettering Park Hotel & Spa.

NORTHAMPTON

2nd Thursday 12 noon-2pm, Sun Inn, High Street, Hardingstone.

OLNEY

2nd Wednesday 9.30am-11.30am, The Cherry Tree Restaurant & Bar.

SOUTH NORTHANTS

3rd Tuesday 12 noon-2pm, The Fox & Hounds, Whittlebury.

WELLINGBOROUGH

3rd Wednesday 12 noon-2pm, The Stanwick Hotel, Stanwick.

THE CONNECTIONS CLUB - NORTHANTS

For business owners, influencers and decisionmakers.

NORTHAMPTON

1st Tuesday 11.45am-2pm, Delapre Abbey, Northampton. Contact, Barbara Hodgson 07504 946 585 / 01933 652884, email barbara@yourbusinessmatters.co or visit yourbusinessmatters.co

To book your place, visit citybreakfastclub.co.uk

“I am looking forward to ensuring we continue to deliver an informal, informative and interactive networking experience for our guests ”

I am looking forward to ensuring we continue to deliver an informal, informative and interactive networking experience for our guests ”

Steve Freeman Chairman “I am looking forward to ensuring we continue to deliver an informal, informative and interactive networking experience for our guests ”

Steve Freeman Chairman

7:30 - 9:00