17 minute read
closer to our clients”
Powerful partnership brings us closer to our clients
For Square Media Solutions, success is about nurturing and developing a long-term relationship with its clients. Collaboration, says managing director Matthew Rigby-White, is key.
That is why the company is so excited about a new partnership it has forged with Pulse Group Media, publisher of the lifestyle MK Pulse and NN Pulse magazines and of Business Times and Business MK, the leading business newspapers in Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes, North Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire.
The link-up will see Square Media bring its expertise in web design and functionality to upgrade the websites of the area’s leading publications in their field, bringing them closer to their customers as they evolve to meet the changing demands and needs of their customers. And Pulse Group Media will deliver Square Media’s message to its total readership of more than 200,000.
“We have the digital capability and expertise and Pulse Group Media has fantastic reach and reputation,” says Matthew.
The attention to detail and Pulse Group Media directors Martin and Kerry Lewis-Stevenson with Square Media commercial manager Steve Rees
commitment to working with the customer swung the deal for Pulse Group Media. “Square Media are interested in our business and being alongside us as we move the business forward,” says Pulse Group Media director Martin Lewis-Stevenson. “We are genuinely excited at the opportunities that are presenting themselves. We see this as a longterm partnership and us working together to grow each other’s business.”
Plans to transform the websites of the business titles Business Times and Business MK are under way and the ideas for the Pulse websites too are exciting. “We work by understanding what the end user wants from the site and we encourage them to engage with us,” says Square Media’s commercial manager Steve Rees.
Initial engagement is under way with an emailed survey of selected clients and readers to establish the elements that keep them coming back to the printed titles and to the websites and - just as important - how those sites could be improved.
“The chance to overhaul these sites is huge and it is credit to Square Media that they are ready to take this on,” says Pulse Group Media director Kerry Lewis-Stevenson. “They want to revive and improve our sites with ideas based on customer feedback and are approaching it from a customer experience perspective above everything else.”
Adds Matthew: “We want the readers and advertisers of the publications to be involved in the process and this will be happening on an ongoing basis. These sites will be constantly evolving and that is the beauty of this partnership.”
Deal brings ‘world-class
products and technology’ Foam conversion company Technical Foam Services has completed its acquisition by a major foam, latex and flooring >>From page 1 products manufacturer. as drone operations, pairing The company, based in Corby, is now TCI’s Blackbird system for part of the Vita Group. TFS’ former detection and location of owner and managing director Duncan drones and controllers with Geddes will continue to lead the business, ECS’s Claw for jamming which employs more than 50 staff and has them. These solutions will provided its products to market sectors deliver more power to deal including automotive, medical, audio and with threats to security, the retail, for more than 20 years. company says.
SPX president and chief executive Gene Lowe said: “As our first acquisition in our CommTech platform, ECS expands and strengthens SPX’s position in communications intelligence by adding highly complementary, world-class products and technology.
“We see significant opportunities to grow our presence in COMINT, and complementary technologies and solutions worldwide. We view ECS’s expertise in encrypted data link systems and RF countermeasures as a perfect fit.”
TFS will bring greater technical foam conversion capacity and capability to the Vita Group, as well as access to product and conversion expertise for customers. Mr Geddes said: “We are really pleased with the outcome of this deal and I am pleased to be able to continue working with Vita to help continue to grow the business over the next few years.”
The Vita Group’s chief executive Ian Robbsaid: “We believe this transaction allows Vita to provide a broader range of services and products, as well as the potential for opening up new routes to market. Duncan is a highly respected leader in the industry and with his experienced workforce has built an impressive entrepreneurial company in TFS. We look forward to working together in the future to support our customers.” Outgoing TFS shareholders Duncan and April Geddes appointed Northamptonbased law firm Howes Percival as their legal advisers for the deal. Mr Geddes said: “Our deal with Vita happened incredibly quickly and the team were
Foam firm prepares for new era after sale
able to react and help us meet a really tight deadline.” Howes Percival partner Matt Thompson said: “Northamptonshire has always had an enviable reputation for producing successful, profitable, privately owned businesses, opened and often still operated by local people with significant expertise in their fields. Technical Foam is no exception and the Vita Group have clearly seen that Duncan and Technical Foam is a great addition to their portfolio of existing businesses.” Rail freight hub plans revealed
Construction is under way to create the connection for the 35-acre strategic rail freight interchange at SEGRO SEGRO’s managing director, national logistics, Andrew Pilsworth said: “It will only be possible for people to buy more goods online if they choose to Logistics Park Northampton Gateway. SEGRO is investing £190 million into infrastructure, including the new SRFI and improvements to the surrounding road network. New CGI images show for the first time how the development will look once complete. The 450-acre site will house five million sq ft of modern warehouse and logistics facilities next to M1 junction 15. The first plots are due to be available later this year. and to have them delivered in a timely manner if we continue to develop highquality warehouse space in the right locations, such as SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton Gateway.” The infrastructure improvements are planned to be complete by the end of 2023.SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton Gateway is expected to create around 7,500 direct jobs, with around 120 created during the infrastructure construction phase.
Picturesque...
Challenging... Inspiring...
Just two miles from Northampton town centre this family-owned course, built in 1995, is the county’s busiest golf centre and has built up a strong membership as well as being very popular with the casual and regular visiting golfer. Overlooking the Northampton Skyline the 18 hole course is open to everyone and provides a challenge for golfers of all abilities, with a mix of long and short holes. Brampton Heath is a 27-hole venue with a 9-hole short course perfect for beginners, family golf and footgolf. A 18-bay driving range allows you the chance to practise your swing, with clubs available to use free of charge. The clubhouse has recently seen a big investment and offers a selection of drinks and delicious home-cooked meals and snacks.
Legal Briefing
Cashflow: The cornerstone of business health
Under the shadow of Covid-19 the UK government has swiftly implemented significant changes to insolvency laws, placing potential pressure on companies’ cash flow. This article presents a brief overview of the government measures that have been extended since the start of the pandemic as well as additional considerations to bear in mind when deciding the best approach to manage business finances.
A brief overview of current insolvency measures in place: n On May 4 2021 the Debt Respite Scheme (Breathing Space Moratorium and Mental Health Crisis Moratorium) England and Wales Regulation 2020 came into effect which introduced a breathing space moratorium and a mental health crisis moratorium that will protect debtors from creditors seeking enforcement action for up to 60 days. n Until September 30 2021, under the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020, creditors will be prevented from issuing statutory demands and winding up petitions and companies will be eligible for a moratorium even if they were subject to a prior moratorium, administration or Company Voluntary Arrangement in the previous 12 months.
In few cases, winding up petitions and statutory demands can be presented if creditors have reasonable grounds to believe that the inability to pay is not the result of Covid-19. However, a higher burden of proof rests with the creditor to establish, to the satisfaction of the court, that the debt would have arisen even if Covid-19 had not had a direct financial effect. n A prolonged ban until March 25 2022 on commercial evictions and commercial rent arrears recovery will preclude landlords from forfeiting commercial leases and evicting tenants for non-payment of rent. n As of June 29 2021, more people will benefit from a Debt Relief Order by writing off their existing debts, provided that the new eligibility criteria are met: a monthly surplus income of no more than £75, a level of debt up to £30,000 and a maximum property value of £2,000.
With the uncertainty as to how long those measures will last, it is more important than ever that businesses focus on controlling cash flow to secure their chances of survival. Here are some tips to improve cash flow. n Setting accurate terms and conditions in business contracts, including payment dates, interest provisions and penalty for nonpayment. If payment terms are not clear it may be difficult to manage cash and to pursue a debt if, for example, the date for payment is uncertain. n Staying on top of invoices to maximise debt recovery. It is crucial to create accurate and timely invoicing for cash flow management. If invoices are issued late or are incorrect, this will cause delayed payments which ultimately put a strain on cash flow.
When chasing invoices become a fruitless effort, a possible solution may be to agree on a suitable payment plan and record this in writing before considering legal action n Good communication with creditors is key to managing debts. Creditors should be immediately informed about debtors’ difficulties in making payment. Maintaining open lines of communication will preserve a good business relationship. On the other hand, silence may lead creditors to commence legal action. n Businesses should be aware that the Recovery Loan Scheme will close on December 31 2021.
If there is a lesson to be learned from the financial crisis in the age of Covid 19 it is that effectively managing cash flow is the cornerstone of business health. While recourse to statutory demands and winding up petitions may not be not an available option for the time being, it is essential that companies act quickly to adopt best practice in order to keep cash flow flowing in the months ahead.
For more information, contact Davide Danielle on 01604 230400 or email davide.daniele@ howespercival.com.
THE CYBER
CONFERENCE
COME TOGETHER | EXCHANGE IDEAS | INNOVATE
21 - 23 September 2021 | Online
Is your business cyber-ready?
Discover all you need for the future from the experts - how to protect your business and your people, stay in control of your data and plan ahead using cyber tools to support your aims.
Book your place at www.hcrlaw.com/events
Christopher Nuttall and Virginia Henley at HCR Hewitsons’ Northampton office
Merged firm marks progress with promotions
Newly merged law firm HCR Hewitsons is celebrating promoting six of its lawyers to partner level Becoming partners are pensions specialist Christopher Nuttall and charities team head Virginia Henley, both based in Northampton. They are joined by Gemma Dudley (planning, highways and environment) and James Frankland (agriculture) and Stewart Morrison (dispute resolution) in Cambridge and Christopher Mackie (restructuring and insolvency), in London.
Katie Wall in the Northampton real estate team has been promoted to legal director, as has James Simnett in the London dispute resolution team.
Dawn Oliver, senior partner, said: “We have a dynamic team, able to offer a genuine breadth and depth of expertise to our clients, and we are committed to recognising and celebrating excellence in our people.
“They are at the forefront of everything we do, enabling us to provide a platform stretching across the country from Cambridge to Cardiff and ensuring our clients benefit from the full range of legal specialisms provided strong regional network.”
The firm has more than 780 staff and partners based at offices in Milton Keynes, Northampton, Cambridge, London, Birmingham, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Hereford, Thames Valley, Worcester and the Wye Valley, providing a complete spectrum of legal services to both business and private clients regionally and nationwide. It has a number of highly successful teams specialising in individual sectors, including health and social care, education, technology, agricultural and rural affairs, finance and financial services, defence, security and the forces, and construction.
Manufacturing centre has key role in development of STEM skills
Aproduction facility that is set to become a world leader in additive manufacturing has opened at Silverstone Park in Northamptonshire.
The Digital Manufacturing Centre utilises state-of-theart manufacturing processes, connectivity and pioneering engineering to work with companies operating at the forefront of their sectors. The centre is part-funded by the government and will play a key role in developing STEM skills along the Oxford-Cambridge Arc growth corridor.
Northamptonshire MPs Dame Andrea Leadsom and Andrew Lewer were joined by Buckingham MP Greg Smith, whose constituency abuts Silverstone, for the official opening. Also attending were representatives from the South East Midlands and Buckinghamshire & Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnerships, the Above: Kieron Salter is pictured with South Northamptonshire `MP Dame Andrea Leadsom and (right) in conversation with Andrew Lewer, MP for Northampton South, and Richard Harrington (centre), chief executive of the Buckinghamshire & Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership
Silverstone Technology Cluster and Silverstone UTC.
The 2,000 sq metre facility is working with innovators in the space, aerospace, motorsport, automotive, medical, industrial, oil and gas and marine industries. The facility brings together metal, polymer and silicone AM processes with complementary machining, finishing and inspection.
DMC chief executive Kieron Salter said: “This is a significant moment for us, the realisation of a vision. Undertaking construction and fit-out in the middle of a global pandemic has not been without its challenges but our team’s efforts speak for themselves. As the UK looks to ‘level up’ and ‘build back better’, the DMC will play a key role in enabling innovators in the UK and abroad, whether they are launching satellites or beating lap records.”
The centre aims to develop sought-after STEM skills in frontier applications to provide employment opportunities and support to local education. The DMC is already working closely with Silverstone UTC and other schools and colleges.
It is also working with industry and technology partners. Aerospace specialist Produmax, based in the north of England, has opened a satellite site at the DMC.
Dame Andrea, MP for South Northamptonshire, said: “This facility is a shining example of British innovation and ingenuity, providing future-ready manufacturing capability and jobs to the UK. Investment in leading technologies and processes is at the heart of ‘levelling up’ the country and the Industrial Strategy. Not only does it add to domestic capability but businesses like this are also an inspiration and valuable educational tool for young professionals and STEM students.”
Mr Lewer, who represents Northampton South, added: “Manufacturing has always been such a critical part of the UK economy and employment and to see businesses like the DMC, in the heart of Northamptonshire investing in stateof-the-art systems is fantastic. It is an incredibly exciting time for STEM professionals, particularly within this region.”
SEMLEP has part-funded the Digital Manufacturing Centre through its Local Growth Fund. The DMC is also providing STEM jobs and training opportunities, Mr Salter said. “We are already working on some very exciting projects and are thrilled to now open our doors to wider industry to help them address their greatest challenges.”
Inside the Digital Manufacturing Centre
Promotion
Putting your business on course for success
HIGH QUALITY PRODUCTS AND RELIABLE SERVICE
• All types of internal, external signage and vehicle livery • Interior decor graphics, custom wall papers and roller blinds • Exhibition and retail graphics • Covid secure notices & screens • All custom made with in-house production
Brampton Heath Golf Centre, located on the outskirts of Northampton, has two new purpose-built conference rooms above right which can hold up to 12 and 16 respectively. The rooms are part of our recent extension and refurbishment and room hire starts from £50 per half-day. Brampton Heath also offers the magnificent Cranshaw Function Suite above left boasting superb views over the 9th and 18th holes of the wonderful golf course and the large lake. The Cranshaw can accommodate up to 80, even 100, guests depending on the style of meeting you require. Room hire starts from £100 and food and beverages can be tailored to your needs.
Looking for the best location in the city for your corporate event?
Contact events@mkgallery.org to discuss your requirements today
MK Gallery, 900 Midsummer Boulevard Central Milton Keynes MK9 3QA +44 (0)1908 676 900 events@mkgallery.org
COMMUNITY GRANTS Do you help people get back into work?
If you can help people to build confidence and overcome barriers that can block them from getting into training or paid work, we could help you.
Apply for a grant
Leisure scheme nears completion
Work on Daventry’s £12.5 million Mulberry Place development featuring the town’s new cinema continues to take shape, despite a delay to the cinema’s anticipated opening date.
The cinema’s foyer, which will include the ticket office, concession stands, café, bar and a function room, is close to completion. The new public square with decorative fountains is also taking shape.
West Northamptonshire Council is also in advanced negotiations with operators interested in the development’s two restaurant units.
Work to complete the fit-out of the cinema’s four auditoriums has suffered a setback, after some technical issues were identified Remedial work is under way but operator The Arc Cinema is now planning to open in December. Cllrs Lizzy Bowen (front) and Jake Roberts (far right) with staff from West Northants Council and Willmott Dixon at the cinema development.
Cllr Lizzy Bowen, portfolio holder for economic development, town centre regeneration and growth, said: “This is the first time I have had a chance to look around this development and it is really exciting. The work that The Arc Cinema have been able to complete so far is really impressive and just shows everyone’s commitment to delivering a high-quality cinema experience.”
Work on the public square and the restaurant units is also progressing well, she added.
Brian Gilligan, director for Melcorpo which runs The Arc Cinema, said: “It has been incredibly frustrating for us and the people of Daventry to have our opening date impacted by delays in the construction of the building. On the positive side, we have been able to complete internal fit out works in many areas of the building and we are really pleased with how they have turned out.”
SEMLEP’s Community Grant programme can award local community groups grants of between £10,000-£20,000 for projects that help disadvantaged communities. Grants can cover 100% of your project cost so no match-funding is required.
This programme is managed by the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership. • All grants are co-funded by European Social Fund and the Education and Skills Funding Agency. • Free advice and grant application support is provided by Voluntary Impact Northamptonshire *Eligibility criteria applies.
