Business Times March 24

Business Times

More than 100 outstanding apprentices have been hailed as the future of UK housebuilding.

Charlie Collison, YouTube sensation and recognised as the UK’s fastest bricklayer after winning the Super Trowels bricklaying competition, said that apprentices are the key to the industry’s future and called on more people to consider a career in the sector.

He was the keynote speaker at a graduation ceremony held at warranty and insurance provider NHBC’s headquarters in Milton Keynes. “What NHBC and its national network of bricklaying hubs is achieving is vital if we are going to close the skills gap and housing shortage we are facing,” Mr Collison said. Stephanie Black, 23 and from Northampton, was awarded NHBC’s Construction Site Supervisor Apprentice of the Year. She called on others considering a career in the sector to follow her lead.

“An apprenticeship in house building is for everyone,” she said. “We must attract the widest pool of talent and people from all backgrounds to take up an apprenticeship in the housebuilding industry to help address the

Apprenticeships: The key to solving building’s skills crisis Distribution centre set to create 400+ new jobs

Hundreds of new jobs are set to come to Northampton after plans for a landmark distribution facility at the Northampton Gateway Rail Freight Interchange received the go-ahead.

SEGRO has been given planning permission to develop about 50 acres of land at the NGRFI. A report to the strategic planning committee at West Northamptonshire Council confirmed that Yusen Logistics will occupy the new site – the company’s largest warehouse across its worldwide operations.

Yusen has confirmed that the site would create an initial 400 jobs as part of the company’s workforce in Northampton and Milton Keynes. The jobs will include warehouse operative, management, IT servicing and administration support “with the intention that the building will become a headquarters for some

UK-wide functions,” said a report to the strategic planning committee at West Northamptonshire Council. The proposal is for a bespoke and high-tech cross-docked distribution facility with office space and two mezzanine levels. An application had to be made because the company needed a bespoke building which exceeds the maximum height

parameter for the site.

A statement filed on behalf of the applicant said: “The proposed development is for a modern distribution building which responds to the needs of the logistics market through automated areas within the mezzanine levels to help with productivity.

“The occupier’s strategy reflects

Weetabix signs new logistics deal

Cereal brand Weetabix has signed up a new logistics partner.

XPO Logistics, now runs the Weetabix multi-warehousing operation at the company’s main site at Burton Latimer as well as at its facility in Corby.

The focus will be on improving automation across the site and driving sustainable efficiencies,

Weetabix said. Around 200 of the current Weetabix workforce at the site have joined the XPO team. XPO will also develop and adopt new in-house systems to help Weetabix improve its current operations.

Weetabix’s head of supply chain Richard Spaughton said: “We chose XPO as they clearly share

To page 5 >>

nationwide skills gap and housing shortage.

“I took on such a varied, interesting and demanding apprenticeship and have gained such extensive knowledge and expertise in a wide variety of topics. I am looking forward to what I hope to be a great career ahead which offers many opportunities and makes a real difference.”

NHBC has a network of training hubs around the UK at which around 100 apprentices are trained by experienced tutors each year. Research shows that the UK will need 225,000 more construction workers by 2027, Mr Collison said. NHBC’s apprenticeships and training programmes and its growing network of national NHBC Training Hubs are encouraging more people into the industry, helping to close the skills gap by training the next generation of house builders, said Darryl Stewart, who is responsible for NHBC’s apprentice training programme and training hubs. The apprenticeship programme is also attracting women, career changers, diverse cultures and school leavers wanting to work in house building. “It is encouraging to see people entering a career in housebuilding but there is still more to do,” Mr Stewart said. “It is never too late to learn a new skill.”

the overarching objectives of the wider [Northampton Gateway] development.”

The developers intend the building’s carbon footprint is as low as possible through achieving an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating and measures which incorporate renewable energy measures and sources such as solar.

A report for the committee said: “Whilst the proposal would result in some increased landscape and visual impact to that consented under the DCO, in the context of the wider site development and altered landscape, it is not considered that this would result in any notable or unacceptable changes to the overall landscape and visual impact of the building to that permitted within the existing DCO parameters.” Members voted to support the project, subject to conditions.

Merger deal accelerates law firm’s expansion plans

Law firm SP Law has completed its merger with Milton Keynesbased law firm EMW.

The deal is part of EMW’s growth plans and means a return to Northampton for the practice, which was founded in the town in 1992.

SP Law, which is based in Northampton, advises commercial and private clients on legal services ranging from family law and personal injury to employment law and commercial litigation. The firm, which merged with Martin Adams & McColl in 2012, was founded by Hassan Shah and Sundip Patel. Mr Shah said: “EMW is

a fantastic business with an excellent reputation in the market. We look forward to this exciting new chapter for both firms, working together to broaden and expand our offering and influence both in Northampton and beyond.”

Parliament hears building sector’s call for VAT cut

Drainage specialist

Marsh Industries has showcased its sustainable off-mains solutions at a Builders Merchants Federation Parliamentary Reception at the Palace of Westminster.

The BMF member company, based in Kettering, was one of 12 to exhibit at the event which gave MPs and members of the House of Lords an insight into cutting-edge products in the building materials supply industry.

Marsh Industries took the opportunity to demonstrate its latest products, including the phosphate reduction capability of its new sewage treatment product Aqua-Puratine. Business development manager Michael Harrison said: “Marsh welcomed the opportunity to present its latest sustainable product developments to the

attendees. These were of particular interest to those seeking solutions regarding treatment and discharge, with particular emphasis on the safety and wellbeing of local habitats, rivers, waterways, humans and wildlife.”

In his speech, BMF chief executive John Newcomb called for a reduction in VAT for retrofit work in a bid to kickstart a programme of home improvements that would make the UK’s homes warmer, greener and cheaper to run. UK homes use 35 per cent of the nation’s energy consumption and produce 20pc of Britain’s total carbon dioxide emissions. Some 28 million properties need an upgrade if the UK is to achieve its net zero carbon emissions target, he added.

“Our members have shown decision-makers at

EMW, whose headquarters is in Milton Keynes, also has offices in London, Gatwick and Brighton. It recently secured B Corp certification, awarded to companies that place social good and environmental stewardship at

the heart of their business.

Managing partner James Geary said: “We are pleased to be able to announce the merger with SP Law, which will see the firm’s return to Northampton, where it launched back in 1992.

“The deal will allow us to accelerate growth, build market share and ensure we are investing in innovation and attracting the very best talent.

“Hassan and Sundip have built a well-established and highly respected firm with the same values and ethos as ours, and we look forward to working together to deliver on our shared ambitions.”

the highest level the breadth of innovation in building materials supply that could improve millions of existing homes across the UK, which currently are among the worst in Europe for energy efficiency,” Mr Newcomb said.

“BMF members such as Marsh Industries have a key role to play in delivering the products and services needed for retrofit work.”

The BMF has pledged to secure 15,000 apprenticeship

Advertiser’s Message

opportunities in the sector by 2030. “We want to get Britain building again and reducing or axing VAT on retrofit work within existing properties would be a major financial incentive for homeowners across the UK,” said Mr Newcomb.

The reception, sponsored by UK Construction Week, was hosted by Northampton South MP Andrew Lewer, who chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group for SME Housebuilders.

Blinds manufactured to meet the needs of our education clients

For schools, academies, colleges and universities looking to invest in commercial child safe blind systems, now is the perfect time to start planning for installations during all the main school holidays.

Saxon Blinds once again spent the half-term, Easter and summer holidays working on projects throughout the education sector, taking advantage of the buildings being empty to complete our works with the minimum fuss and disruption.

Many of the heavy duty blind systems we install in schools are transforming the performance and look of classrooms, school main halls, sports halls, making them more suited to modern technologies and the time now spent looking at screens.

They can also increase the potential use of the building when it comes to hiring out to other outside groups or organisations , so increasing the opportunity to generate additional income into the school.

As well as modern blinds systems that look better and work more efficiently than the traditional curtain systems, Saxon Blinds is also helping more and more education clients fit systems that can be deployed should there be a security breach.

Roller blinds can be instantly lowered where there are signs of intruders, or where there is a situation the might be upsetting to the children.

“Our bespoke systems are all manufactured in our Northampton factory and as such are built to suit any

given situation,” added Mark. “They are compliant with safety regulations, so there are no dangling cords or anything that might prove hazardous, and blinds systems are closely fitted to each individual window, leaving exit doors and fire exits clearly accessible.”

Saxon Blinds produces a complete range of products, offering choice, flexibility and competitive pricing, as well as a fiveyear guarantee on all commercial blinds. All Saxon Blinds staff are DBS checked and part of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme.

n For more details contact Saxon Blinds on 01604 601888, email sales@saxonblinds.co.uk or visit www.saxonblinds.co.uk

Embrace the festival spirit in the Year of the Dragon

NOW OPEN… Introducing the Inaugural Northampton Dragon Boat Festival 2024: A Roaring Celebration for Ailsa’s Aim

Get ready to embrace the thrill of the water and the spirit of the dragon as NewWave Events proudly presents the Northampton Dragon Boat Festival 2024. This exciting event is set to make waves on Saturday, September 28, at Billing Aquadrome.

The Northampton Dragon Boat Festival promises to be a day filled with excitement, camaraderie, and fierce competition, all in the name of supporting the incredible work of Ailsa’s Aim, the festival’s official charity partner, which provides comprehensive support to individuals and families facing challenging health circumstances.

Gather your crew of up to 11 participants and prepare to navigate the water in a 30ft long dragon boat. Each boat will have its own dedicated drummer, setting the rhythm for a heart-pounding race that will captivate thousands of spectators. In the spirit of the Chinese zodiac, 2024 is the Year of the Dragon - a symbol of power, strength, and good fortune.

Alicja Mierzejewska, executive director at NewWave Events, said: “We are thrilled to launch the Northampton Dragon Boat Festival in 2024. This marks the beginning of an exciting new tradition, and we are determined to surpass our previous successes. With the support of Ailsa’s Aim, we aim to create a memorable event that not only showcases a fun event but also contributes to a meaningful cause.”

The Northampton Dragon Boat Festival is a day of entertainment and family-friendly activities that will keep everyone engaged. The festival grounds will feature a variety of stalls.

Ailsa’s Aim is a charity with an unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive support to individuals and families facing challenging health circumstances. It provides services in more than 20 hospitals, wards, centres, and schools in the UK, offering a helping hand to patients battling cancer and families with babies in special care.

“Having the opportunity to be the charity partner for this Northamptonshire dragon-boat festival is so special for us at Ailsa’s Aim,” said the charity’s founder Niven Whatley. “We are tremendously proud to be part of this new annual event and are really excited that people and businesses from our local areas will be able to take part and help us raise much-needed funds for our cancer and neonatal care packs while having fun in a terrific local venue.”

n For more information and to register your team, contact NewWave Events at 01536 674 748 or visit https:// dragonboatevents.co.uk/northampton-dragon-boatfestival/. Find out all about Ailsa’s Aim at www.ailsasaim. co.uk

Councils unite to give green light to new tourism strategy

Inward investment, new employment opportunities and a pride in the county are the cornerstones of a new tourism and visitor economy strategy for Northamptonshire.

The strategy, which has been developed by North and West Northamptonshire Councils with partners and stakeholders from the public, private and voluntary and community sectors, will be implemented between now and 2030.

Plans also include exploration of a new private sector-led Local Visitor Economy Partnership, LVEP, which will work with national tourism agency Visit England to oversee delivery of the strategy and promote and market specific tourist destinations across the county.

The LVEP will also be responsible for identifying and bidding for government funding streams.

The plan focuses on four key themes:

n Visits and Value;

n Great People;

n Better Business;

n Inspirational Places.

Similarly to Visit England, which focuses on showcasing the diverse attractions, cultural heritage, and experiences offered by different regions across England, a LVEP would work on strategic marketing initiatives to boost tourism, support local businesses and enhance Northamptonshire’s overall appeal.

Setting out what the LVEP could look like in Northamptonshire is a priority following the adoption of the Northamptonshire Tourism Strategy and will be explored in partnership with the private sector.

Cllr Daniel Lister, cabinet member for economic development, town centre regeneration and growth at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “By developing a Local Visitor Economy Partnership between the private and public sector, we can source support from Visit England to expand Northamptonshire’s tourism offer even further and realise growth for the entire county.

“Our strategic location

Plans include a new organisation to lead delivery and marketing

in the country, boasting proud culture and heritage, along with world-class attractions and events, makes Northamptonshire the perfect destination for visitors and engagement.”

National tourism statistics show more than 18 million visits to Northamptonshire, with visitors spending close to £1 billion a year.

That money supports more than 30,000 jobs across the county and 3,000 businesses including attractions, hotels, pubs and other venues, Cllr Lister added.

West and North Northamptonshire councillors have given the go-ahead to the strategy

at their respective cabinet and executive meetings. Both councils will continue to deliver specific tourism activities at a local level but will work with partners for larger initiatives.

Cllr Helen Howell, deputy leader of North Northamptonshire Council and its executive member for sport, leisure, culture and tourism, said: “We are extremely proud of the county we call home - it really is a hidden gem, which in the past may have been overlooked when people are looking for places to visit and stay.

“But that should not be the case at all and this new strategy sets out how we can

attract and improve visitor numbers, encourage people to return and boost the tourism economy.”

The strategy is available to read on the councils’ websites westnorthants.gov.uk and northnorthants.gov.uk.

“It also looks at how we can maximise future potential,” said Cllr Howell.

“We also want to encourage visitors to stay in our county and to do that we need to enhance our accommodation offering from camping, glamping, and budget to high end accommodation. We really need to shout about Northamptonshire and what it has to offer.”

Cllr Lister added: “We will work collaboratively and creatively to ensure every resident and visitor in Northamptonshire utilises the tourism offer of the county and we will work with attractions and employers to overcome barriers and realise opportunities for growth.”

Councils set for SEMLEP transfer

Board chair pledges ‘a smooth transition’

Final preparations are being made for the transfer of the functions of the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership, SEMLEP, into the hands of the subregion’s local authorities.

Businesses can expect a seamless transition, said host authority West Northamptonshire Council which is preparing for the switch on April 1.

The move follows the government’s decision last year to end core funding for Local Enterprise Partnerships from March 31.

From next month, the LEP services come under the auspices of the six local authorities in the South East Midlands: Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes City, North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire Councils.

The services include:

n The Growth Hub business support service which provides free one-to-one advice, guidance and resources;

n The Careers Hub, which connects employers to schools, colleges and training providers to

coordinate careers education to the needs of the region’s economy; n Strategic regional economic planning.

A Central Area Growth Board of the leaders of each authority will provide the initial governance structure until a joint committee is set up. The board will be supported by a Business Board of representatives from the business community across the area.

Central Area Growth Board cochair Cllr Jonathan Nunn (inset), leader of West Northamptonshire Council, said: “We are committed to ensuring the businesses and individuals who have been so brilliantly supported by SEMLEP will experience a smooth transition. We will also dedicate our efforts to building on the great work that has been done by everyone so far.”

West Northamptonshire Council will take over the agreed budget for management of the former LEP functions and staff transferring, Cllr Nunn added.

TV presenter backs law firm’s charity challenge

Former star of the BBC series

The Apprentice and Countdown presenter Nick Hewer has shown his support for the Franklins £50 Challenge in a social media video.

Lord Sugar’s former righthand man gave his backing to the Apprentice-style fundraising challenge, organised by regional law firm Franklins Solicitors.

Each team taking part receives £50 and has three months to turn the seed funding into more however they choose – from cake sales to car

washes, sponsored walks to black tie events.

The 2024 challenge began last month and runs until May 21. Since it began in 2018, the Franklins £50 Challenge has raised more than £100,000 for charities in Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes.

Mr Hewer, who lives in Northamptonshire, said: “The Franklins £50 Challenge is a brilliant initiative to test your entrepreneurial skills and see how you could grow £50 seed funding

into substantial funds for charities across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes.”

Eight charities have been selected to benefit from the challenge: Cynthia Spencer Hospice, Northampton Hope Centre, The Lewis Foundation, Northamptonshire Community Foundation, Willen Hospice, MK Act, Harry’s Rainbow and YMCA.

Find out the latest at www. franklins50.co.uk.

“We are so grateful to Nick for lending his support to the challenge.,” said Franklins partner Andrea Smith.

Degree course bids to tackle logistics sector’s talent quest

Anew degree course at the University of Northampton aims to provide qualified workers to meet the logistics sector’s booming demand for talent.

The BSc in Sustainable Logistics and Supply Chain Management will welcome its first students in September. They will study the importance of logistics to global trade, focusing on sustainability, project management, procurement and business law.

Jobs in the logistics sector are growing at nearly twice the rate of all other sectors.

Over the past decade, the number has risen by 26 per cent compared to by 14pc across the wider UK economy.

The sector has become increasingly professionalised and logistics firms are making decisions on major investments based on the skills available around potential development sites, said Andrew Gough, UoN’s senior lecturer in operations management. As a result logistics employers require a growing range of professional services and the sector is forecast to grow by more than 50pc in the next 20 years.

Professor joins accountants as economics advisor

Respected international economist Professor Joe Nellis is working with accounting and advisory firm MHA as its in-house economic advisor.

Professor Nellis who is one of the country’s best-known economists, is Professor of Global Economy at Cranfield School of Management and received a CBE in the King’s 2024 New Year’s Honours list.

He has four decades of experience commenting on UK, European and global macro-economic trends.

MHA partner Atul Kariya said: “Joe has been a friend of the firm for a long time. His insights and extensive knowledge on current trends,

Sweet dreams as firm wins hotel contract

Multi-million pound deal with Premier

Inn chain

Delivery specialist Panther Logistics has won a major fouryear contract with bed and mattress manufacturer Silentnight.

“It is not an opportunity that is spoken about a great deal in schools but, with wages being on average £4,900 higher compared to other sectors, we need to change the narrative,” he said.

The university has worked with specialist logistics developer Newlands Developments to create a module for second-year students. Associate planning director Edward Pigott, who worked on the module with Mr Gough and Newlands planning director Ben Taylor, said: “The industry has been fighting against the perception that it is all trucks and sheds for a very long time and it could not be further from the truth,” he added. “This is rather critical national infrastructure that enables people to live their daily lives.

“Northamptonshire is strategically placed and we think, by partnering with the university, those looking to invest will choose to do so here and create the highquality jobs the region needs to keep growing.”

n To find out more, visit https://www.northampton. ac.uk/courses/

The companies have worked together for the past nine years. Since 2022 this has been through Panther’s Specialist Operations Division which focuses on delivery of tailored solutions.

The new multi-million pound deal will see Panther continuing to support Silentnight’s contract with the Premier Inn hotel chain.

The Northampton-based company will deliver new beds and mattresses and remove current mattresses and beds for recycling.

Panther’s specialist operations division delivers bespoke support solutions for large-scale delivery clients such as Silentnight. These new commercial opportunities allow Panther to diversify from its industry-leading two-person deliveries into a much larger operation.

Finance and commercial director Andy Dale said: “Since its launch, our Specialist Operations Division has been a great success and is yet another milestone for Panther and further demonstrates our ability to consistently push the boundaries,.

“The specialist install and

predictions and the economic landscape for both the UK and global economy have been of real benefit and value to our clients. We are delighted to welcome Joe to the MHA team”.

Professor Nellis said: “I have worked closely with MHA for many years and watched it grow from strength to strength at impressive speed. I very much admire their ethos and enthusiasm, so I am delighted to become part of the MHA team in this way

Supply chain consulting and warehouse solutions provider Visku, whose head office is in Wellingborough, has strengthened its leadership with three key appointments.

Julian Burnett is appointed chief executive, focusing on digital platform growth and market expansion. The new chief customer officer Andrew Jackson-Proes is an expert in growth strategies and digital platforms while chief operating officer Stephen Ashton has headed national logistics operations for FTSE retailers and manufacturers.

Chairman Adrian Fawcett said: “The new configuration of Visku’s board represents a significant upweighting.”

delivery solution by Panther for Silentnight demonstrates the strength of the partnership and we are delighted that we will be continuing to develop our offering with them.”

Panther has invested substantially in the sourcing and training of select teams of specialist installers exclusively assigned to the Silentnight contract.

David Lawrenson, Silentnight’s sales director for hospitality, said: “We are very excited about this growing partnership. It marks another significant stride in

our hospitality business.

“Our hospitality contracts expect and thrive on seamless, largescale logistics. Panther’s unwavering commitment and impeccable service since our collaboration in 2014 have not only impressed us but played a pivotal role in fuelling Silentnight’s remarkable growth.

“They are a key driving force behind our continued success and the obvious choice of delivery provider to support us on our ongoing expansion.”

‘Excited to move to the next phase’

>>From page 1 our ethos regarding sustainable efficiencies, how we value our people and prioritising the customer. We are excited to move together into the next phase of our warehouse operations.”

XPO will also manage Weetabix’s global forwarding requirements through crossborder services, customs clearance and aligned transport projects.

Dan Myers, managing director - UK & Ireland, said: “Weetabix is an iconic brand and a company with strong people values, something we share at XPO. Together we will continue to develop the supply chain roadmap and future warehousing strategy. The future is genuinely exciting, and working with Weetabix and our team, I look forward to seeing the delivery of our ambitious plans.”

XPO’s business intelligence technology will provide data on site operations, Mr Myers added.

and add my voice to theirs.”

He also issued a grim warning ahead of the Spring Budget statement by Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt, due on March 6. “The UK economy is flatlining and is ten per cent smaller than it should be,” Professor Nellis said.

“The country needs a Budget for growth not for votes. It will not get it.”

n Read Professor Nellis’s pre-Budget views in full at business-times.co.uk.

Leasing business combines its corporate and retail subsidiaries

Vehicle leasing company Silverstone Leasing has merged its two subsidiary brands.

Historically it handled the company’s corporate leasing business while sister company Embrace Leasing managed the personal leasing and retail activity.

Now the two have joined forces. The move follows feedback from clients, which also revealed a demand for weekend opening. As a result the combined business is open 9am-1pm on Saturdays as well as 9am-5.30pm on weekdays.

Managing director Scott Norville said: “Combining everything using the same processes across the board

is already proving to work really well. Everything we do, we have looked at how can we improve it and approach 2024 in a new way.

“We have fine-tuned our processes and added automation to the customer journey to help with idea generation and how we can do things better.”

Silverstone Leasing is targeting growth of 20 per cent in 2024.

“Customer confidence is slowly improving and that, alongside our own improvements, is already proving fruitful,” Mr Norville said.

“I am proud of the team and their positive attitude to the changes.”

Its commitment to creating and maintaining a thriving and safe evening and night time economy has earned Northampton official Purple Flag status for the quality of its offering.

The award highlights Northampton’s blend of night time entertainment, dining, and culture and hails in particular the licensed driver training scheme for taxi drivers and the town’s new night time economy strategy.

Purple Flag - similar to the Blue Flag for beaches - aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of town and city centres between the hours of 5pm to 5am. There are 100 Purple Flag destinations around the world.

Accreditation can boost the local economy, increase tourism and improve the overall quality of life for residents by providing more night time entertainment and social opportunities.

Cllr David Smith, cabinet member for community safety and engagement and regulatory services at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “With the help of partners we have delivered an incredible amount of work over the past three years to improve the night time economy in Northampton and ensure that residents and visitors feel safe at all times.

“The impact of this work is evident in the reduced crime rates and feedback from local

Mark Mullen, operations manager at Northampton Town Centre BID, said a safe and welcoming environment is key to a succcessful night time economy

Town centre economy toasts Purple Flag status

businesses and I am delighted that this was recognised by the Purple Flag auditors.”

The council, the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District, working with partners, have held Purple Flag status for five years.

Northampton is one of ten areas in the UK to have received a Full Renewal

accreditation.

“Creating a safe and welcoming environment for our visitors is key to a successful night time economy and I am delighted the efforts of multiple partners to do just this has been recognised,” said Mark Mullen, operations manager at Northampton Town Centre BID.

West Northamptonshire Council and its partners has delivered a range of initiatives to improve safety in the town

centre over the past three years.

This includes investing in ID scan technology in clubs and bars, improvements to street lighting at taxi ranks and other identified dark spaces, the Flare App, increased CCTV and Police Nightsafe crews around the town centre, and a new Taxi Marshal service.

The West Community Safety Partnership also led on the development of the It Only Takes One campaign promoting safety advice for women and raising awareness of the impact of harassment and inappropriate behaviour.

UEV pioneer wins green light for refuse trucks in London

Refuse collection trucks upcycled to electric power at the Silverstone headquarters of technology pioneer Lunaz have achieved a landmark rating that means they can be used by borough councils in London and other major metropolitan areas.

The Upcycled Electric Vehicles, UEV, have received five-star rating Direct Vision Standard, DVS, the highest rating for driver visibility. The rating is significant because, under Transport for London rules, HGV operators can apply for a permit without needing to provide additional evidence.

From October this year, HGVs rated zero to two stars will need to be retrofitted with a Progressive Safe System. However, the fivestar rating clears the way for Lunaz UEVs to enter service in London.

“It is also in line with [London] Mayor Sadiq Khan’s pledge to eliminate road deaths in London by

CEO: Rating heralds move to UK-wide adoption by councils

2041,” said Lunaz’s founder and chief executive David Lorenz. “Having our UEVs fully prepared for operation in the capital is an important step towards widespread adoption. They are cheaper and better-equipped than their all-new electric equivalents, representing greater value for money for local taxpayers alongside the environmental benefits of our clean-air

technology and upcycling process.”

The rating puts Lunaz in a good position in its progress towards its projected production capacity of 1,100 vehicles a year at its Silverstone factory.

The DVS has been developed by researchers, academics and representatives from the freight industry, Europe’s leading HGV

If you need help with employment issues, call Jennie on 0800 088 6004.

“I pride myself on providing practical and clear advice, striving for outcomes that save businesses time, money, stress and reputation… It’s what I do.”

Jennie Jahina Head of Employment

manufacturers and regulatory bodies. Vehicles are rated from zero (poor) up to five stars (excellent).

Vehicles upcycled by Lunaz have a suite of technologies to help drivers see around the vehicle from all angles. The external camera monitoring system comprises two assemblies containing three cameras mounted on the top corners of the vehicle, which send images to screens on the dashboard display. The original wing mirrors are replaced with digitised versions that eliminate rear and blind spots around the UEV. An object detection system instantly picks out cyclists, pedestrians and other potential hazards, alerting the driver via the dashboard display screen.

The green light for service in London is another major step towards the wider adoption of Lunaz UEVs by local authorities as replacements for their end-of-life diesel refuse trucks, the company

Colleagues embrace firm’s wellbeing initiative

Staff at professional services firm MHA are taking advantage of a new firm-wide initiative to encourage them to open conversations and talk about their wellbeing.

Colleagues at MHA’s office in Northampton are pictured enjoying a time-out from their work at a relaxed coffee morning, part of Time to Talk Day.

Organised by Rethink Mental Illness and Mind, the initiative inspired staff to talk openly, developing connections and camaraderie that MHA sees as essential contributions to the mental health and

wellbeing of its workforce.

MHA team members also enjoyed a walk, engaging in conversations which the company believes help to make talking about mental health feel less awkward.

“We believe in the power of positive conversation to break down barriers and foster a workplace culture that prioritises mental health and wellbeing,” said partner Robert Butler.

“Our participation in Time to Talk Day is just one step in our continuous commitment to challenging norms and dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health.”

Full fibre set to bring £1bn boost to economy

Full fibre broadband is set to benefit the Northampton economy by up to £1 billion, said the UK’s largest independent full fibre platform CityFibre.

The company has completed the primary build of its network across Northampton, which is now ready to connect the majority of businesses based in the town and more than 87,000 homes.

An economic impact report by the consultancy Hatch, commissioned by CityFibre, concluded that Northampton stands to enjoy significant economic, social and environmental benefits from its new digital infrastructure platform, including:

More than £603 million in productivity and innovation gains;

£133 million from a widened workforce over the next 15 years.

Enabling 5G rollout alone could drive up to £1 billion in positive economic impact, the Hatch report adds.

CityFibre’s partnership

manager Charles Kitchin said:

“The rollout is an exciting step for the town’s digital connectivity, which will benefit from faster and more reliable broadband. Residents can now enjoy seamless streaming, even when using multiple devices at once, with ample productivity and innovation benefits for the local economy.” Northampton is the latest location to be completed in CityFibre’s nationwide rollout of full fibre broadband, making the town one of the best-connected in the UK. Work is continuing in Kettering. Construction in Northampton began on the £40 million project in 2019 and CityFibre has since laid

almost 732km of dense full fibre infrastructure across the town. The company will continue to explore opportunities to reach more sites including business parks, new-build properties, multidwelling units and homes on private or unadopted roads.

CityFibre’s network currently supports download and upload speeds of up to 2.5Gbps and is capable of supporting symmetrical speeds of up to 10Gbps.

Cllr Mike Hallam, cabinet member for corporate services and HR at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “CityFibre’s completion of its primary-build in Northampton will provide a significant boost to the local economy, making the town one of the best-connected places in the country. Having high-quality digital infrastructure is vital when attracting new businesses and residents to the area and we look forward to seeing the community reap the benefits for generations to come.”

Staff at professional services firm MHA are taking advantage of a new firm-wide initiative to encourage them to open conversations and talk about their wellbeing.

Colleagues at MHA’s office in Northampton are pictured enjoying a time-out from their work at a relaxed coffee morning, part of Time to Talk Day. Organised by Rethink Mental Illness and Mind, the initiative inspired staff to talk openly, developing connections and camaraderie that MHA sees as essential contributions to the mental health and wellbeing of its workforce.

MHA team members also enjoyed a refreshing walk,

Good to talk: Initiative puts wellbeing in focus

engaging in conversations which the company believes help to make talking about mental health feel less awkward.

MHA said it is committed to encouraging meaningful conversations every day, whether with a colleague, friend, or family member.

“As an organisation, we believe in the power of positive conversation to break down barriers and foster a workplace culture that prioritises mental health and wellbeing,” adds partner Robert Butler. “Our

participation in Time to Talk Day is just one step in our continuous commitment to challenging norms and dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health.

“We encourage everyone to take part in this initiative and help to make a difference, one conversation at a time.”

MHA is dedicated to creating a workplace that values open communication, supports mental health initiatives and empowers employees to prioritise their wellbeing, Mr Butler adds.

Review your contracts of employment and staff handbooks… for free

need updating.

Contracts: are yours up to date?

Unless your contracts have been revised to take account of the changes, they will not be legally compliant. This may not be an issue for those the organisation employed before April 2020, but it will be an issue for any new hires you have taken on, or you are planning to take on.

In conclusion, can you be 100% certain your contracts and handbook reflect your current way of working?

What is the cost?

There is none – we don’t charge for the review (charges would only apply if you ask us to help update the applicable documents).

Contact the Employment Team (EmploymentLaw@ wilsonbrowne.co.uk), or call 01604 876697 for further information to arrange your free review.

The University of Northampton is adding its expertise to the drive for innovation and growth through its participation in the government-funded Knowledge Transfer Partnerships with Northamptonshire businesses. Business engagement officer Sam McKay explains.

In the fast-paced and ever-changing landscape of modern business, staying ahead often requires tapping into new knowledge and expertise.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, KTPs, are a UK government-funded programme designed to drive innovation and growth by forging collaborative partnerships between businesses and universities.

The core of KTPs lies in the transfer of knowledge, technology, and skills from the academic world to commercial applications within businesses. These partnerships typically involve the employment of a recently qualified graduate, known as a KTP Associate, who works within the business to help address specific strategic challenges or opportunities.

Right now, around 800 businesses, 100 knowledge bases (universities) and over 800 graduates are involved in KTPs. There are two types of KTP:

n Classic KTPs focus on developing new or better products and services.

n Management KTPs focus on developing better businesses by enhancing processes and building management capability.

A KTP project can last between

Embed expertise, generate knowledge, foster innovation

12 and 36 months, depending on the challenge and the needs of the business.

Each KTP is a partnership between:

n A UK-based business of any size. This includes not-forprofit organisations such as social enterprises, charities and some public sector organisations. Within KTP these partners are always referred to as ‘the business’.

n A registered knowledge base. This could be a university, college, research and technology organisation or Catapult in the UK.

n A suitably qualified graduate, with the capability to lead a strategic business project.

KTPs can help your business to embed expertise, generate new knowledge, expand capability and foster a culture of innovation. KTPs drive competitive advantage through accelerated innovation and the possibility of creating Intellectual Property.

They also gain privileged and costeffective access to the UK’s worldclass knowledge base and resources.

and better processes. Businesses also benefit from the strategic input of a highly experienced Knowledge Transfer Adviser.

Working with your academic partner, you will improve your business processes and performance, helping you to become more competitive and productive.

A KTP is part-funded by a grant. A typical KTP project delivers a package of support valued at around £80,000 to £100,000 per year. This includes the costs of the academic team; project consumables; the associate’s salary, mentoring, training and development; travel and subsistence.

The proportion of the costs covered by KTP varies according to several factors including the size of the business or group and the type of knowledge base you choose to work with. Typically, the grant rates are:

The results can be increased revenue and profit through access to new markets, new product development, increased productivity

■ 75 per cent of project costs for notfor-profit businesses of any size;

■ 67pc of project costs for micro, small and medium-sized businesses;

■ 50pc of project costs for large businesses and public sector organisations.

Businesses will need to fund the remaining cost of the project but may be able to use research and development tax relief to recoup some of these costs. To access R&D tax relief, businesses should speak with their accountant or seek other professional advice.

The University of Northampton has partnered with businesses in delivering several successful KTPs, details of which will follow in the next edition of Business Times. In the meantime, if you have a strategic innovation idea for your business but do not have all the in-house expertise needed to develop it, please get in contact with us here via business. support@northampton.ac.uk.

Sam McKay is Regional Business Engagement Officer in the Directorate of Research & Knowledge Exchange at the University of Northampton. 07514 721300 sam.mckay@northampton.ac.uk

From flying helicopters to holistic financial planning for the present and the future... Andrew Gibbs talks to Jason Stather-Lodge, founder of OCM Wealth Management.

It’s pointless being a star performer one minute and a fool

the next

Walk into the stylish office of OCM Wealth Management and you immediately sense organisation, and pride and feel that this is a successful business. Modern, airy, office space. Stateof-the-art technology. Professional people doing professional things… this is a business going places.

Founder and chief executive Jason Stather-Lodge welcomes me to his office. We are here to talk about wealth management, customer care, going the extra mile, and the importance of family.

This is a business handling some £700 million worth of investments for around 500 families, employing 40 staff in a newly refurbished and updated office on the edge of Northampton.

We open the interview… and Jason takes me by surprise. “I never intended to go into financial services,” he said. “All I wanted to do was to fly helicopters.”

Not quite the opening to an interview that I was expecting but it opens a whole new avenue of questions. From military to money…

“At 53, we feel I am at the peak of my career,” said Jason. “We have built a team that is in lockstep with what we are trying to create, whether it be culture or vision and it is exciting.”

Track back 40 or so years, however, and continuing his education in the traditional sense was not on the teenage Jason’s agenda. “Although I did well academically and in a sporting context, I was bored at school and therefore continuing through a traditional education system is not what I wanted to do”.

A Levels were not for the 16-year-old Jason who pursued the alternative option of joining the Fleet Air Arm as an aeronautical engineer.

His plan was to get his qualifications, gain a thorough understanding of how a helicopter operates and then retrain to become a pilot in order to fulfil his dream. He achieved the first part but the dream ended when Jason failed his military pilot’s medical examination because of his eyesight.

He did though go on to achieve his dream to fly but did it privately.

Having qualified as an aeronautical engineer, however, an alternative career beckoned as being an engineer was not what the young Jason wanted to spend the rest of his life doing. “Engineering is numbers so I went to night school and did A levels in accountancy and business studies.

Doing these, I fell in love with numbers, economics, and maths.”

Having spent eight years in the military, during which time he had met his wife Maggie - ‘the love of my life’ - Jason left the services for a career in the financial sector “It was time to take control of my life and my own destiny,” he said.

The decision to set up OCM Wealth Management came after eight years of building up experience handling clients’ wealth, first at Standard Life before moving to RBS and finally Ernst & Young.

“That is where I learned to be a wealth manager, that it is all about looking after clients, advising on strategies and life goals for this and the next generation, not promoting products.

“At EY, I was working with very wealthy families, and I was their financial director. I was working with them to clarify the strategy for where they wanted to go and to manage that journey from a tax, investment, and holistic point of view. It was also not just that generation; it was the whole family and it was truly holistic.

“I loved working for EY. The skills I learned there aligned with the positive parts of my personality and remain with me now. The central drivers of OCM stem from those days.”

In 2004, eight years after leaving the military, Jason and Maggie set up OCM Wealth Management. Jason had been working in London, Maggie worked in the business studies faculty at Nene College as well as looking after their two daughters Olivia and Charlotte. “OCM: Olivia, Charlie and Maggie,” said Jason. “As well as ‘Our Clients Matter’.”

This industry is evolving and is becoming more complicated, with tighter regulation. That is a good thing

He decided to go on his own because he wanted to spend more time at home with his family. Since day one, OCM Wealth Management has worked with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families, delivering support, advice, and results as a chartered financial planning firm, discretionary asset manager and tax planning specialist.

‘The Power of 3’ is OCM’s slogan.

At the core of that approach is the desire to plan and build strategies focused on this generation but with an eye on the next, at all times

looking at ways they can mitigate the loss of capital and income to taxation.

“Everything is done holistically,” Jason said. “Once the financial planning has been done, it is also equally important to deliver stable investment returns over the short, medium and long term and balance that with also protecting capital.

“It is pointless being a star performer one minute and a fool the next. No one likes shocks and the need to deliver on agreed outcomes and balance the risks are a core principle of our centralised investment proposition.”

In 2006, OCM Wealth Management moved into the firm’s first office at Sywell Aerodrome - not surprisingly, so Jason could continue immersing himself in the world of aviation

- then in 2013 to larger premises at Bouverie Court on The Lakes business park in Northampton. Two years ago the business acquired and moved to its current headquarters on Old Bedford Road, safe in the knowledge that they own the building and have security and a long-term location.

Jason’s and Maggie’s focus today is preparing for the next phase of OCM’s growth. Their daughter Charlie, 24, works full-time as a wealth manager and OCM is working on plans to expand, initially in the Midlands and then over time UK-wide via new channels with satellite offices manned by wealth management specialists and supported by OCM’s expertise. The aim is that in three years, OCM will to have multiple offices all managed from Northampton. Over the next 20 years the ambition is to continue growing “but not at the expense of the service that is and has to be maintained,” Jason said.

“We have built a business that is very client-focused and has a great culture and we are very proud of what we have created for our clients and our staff who are part of our wider family.

“This industry is evolving and it is becoming more and more complicated, with tighter and tighter regulation. That is a good thing. But it takes more and more energy to stand still, which is why we have built a team around us that is as highly educated, highly qualified, focused on client service and aligned with our culture.”

There has always been a succession plan. “I am delighted that Charlie has embraced it so well, in conjunction with my senior management team,” said Jason. “Not that I am going anywhere but I want to have more time to have fun and ultimately get a better work-life balance. If I do that, maybe I can keep going for another 20 years.”

Despite the success in the business and in his personal and professional life, Jason remains focused on leading the next phase of growth, mentoring his team and on driving improvements and better client experiences.

“Ultimately OCM is family,” he said. “It is a family office. Our Clients Matter sounds like a cliché but it is totally true.”

A group for networkers looking for referrals, introductions, opportunities and sales. A tried and tested model offering dynamic weekly online meetings and an experienced management team:

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.

If you are serious about growing your business, BNI works. Last year BNI members in the UK generated more than £482 million worth of business for each other. To find out how, visit a local chapter meeting. Each chapter has a personality of its own and finding where you fit best helps you get connected.

IGNITE

Tuesday 6.45am:

The Turnpike, Harpole Northampton PIONEER

Wednesday 9.30am-11am: Online 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

LIGHTHOUSE

Friday 6.45am-8.30am:

Old Northamptonians Association, Billing Road, Northampton

Contact: Duncan Webster. e: duncan@ bnibreakfast.co.uk or call 07977 422220.

Regional sponsor: Business Times; Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce

No fuss, no membership, pay as you go... The Business Buzz format is relaxed, informal, conversational networking. Our town-focused events meet face to face, allowing visitors to build better and more robust relationships. These are complemented by regional virtual events.

All Business Buzz events run 10am-noon.

BRACKLEY

1st Thursday: Paisley Pear, Northampton Road.

Price: £10 + VAT.

NEW GROUP DAVENTRY

3rd Friday: Arc Cinema, Mulberry Place.

Price: £10 + VAT.

NORTHAMPTON

3rd Wednesday: Fox & Hounds, Harborough Road.

Price: £8 + VAT.

TOWCESTER

4th Thursday: The Saracen’s Head, Watling Street.

Price: £8 + VAT.

WELLINGBOROUGH

2nd Tuesday: Castello Lounge, Market Street

Price: £8 + VAT.

For more details, download the Buzz App or visit www.business-buzz.org/about/locations/. Book and pay at https://app.business-buzz.org/app.

The Business Community is focused on growth through collaboration and support with engaging and interactive meetings; both online and face-to-face.

Monthly face-to-face meetings.

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.

MONTHLY VIRTUAL

Price: £6 - first meeting free.

Wednesday Breakfast

4th Wednesday, 7.30-9am.

Thursday Breakfast

3rd Thursday, 7.30-9am.

Friday Breakfast

2nd Friday, 7.30-9am

THE ACCOUNTABILITY CIRCLE

Monday, 10am-11am: Online

Helping you get your things action list from to do to done! (£6 per meeting or £12 per month).

Contact: buscomm.co.uk/ourevents

NORTHAMPTON

March 12 9.30am-11.30am

The Chester House Estate, Irchester

Host: Kirsty Parris.

Brunchtime networking. Price: £26.

TOWCESTER

March 20 9.30am-11.30am

The Navigation Inn, Thrupp Wharf Marina, Cosgrove

New group - launch event.

Host: Kirsty Parris.

Brunchtime networking. Price: £26.

Contact: www.busynetworking.net/meetings

Networking for businesswomen aiming to grow their business in a professional manner while getting to know each other better and having some fun along the way.

Networking with lunch. Price: £28.

KETTERING

March 26 11.45am-2pm

The Kettering Golf Club, Headlands

Host: Aruno Rao.

NORTHAMPTON

March 19 11.45am-2pm

The White Hart, Main Road, Hackleton

Host: Aruno Rao.

TOWCESTER

March 27 11.45am-2pm

The Navigation Inn, Thrupp Wharf Marina, Cosgrove

Host: Aruno Rao.

Contact: www.busywomen.net or call 07957 284851.

The FSB has 2,000 members across Northamptonshire.

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE BUSINESS BITESIZE: SIPS, BITES AND BUSINESS INSIGHTS

March 7 5.30pm-7.30pm

The Roade House, High Street, Roade Networking with light refreshment and updates from West Northamponshire Council, SEMLEP Growth Hub, the Careers Hub and the FSB on business grants and support.

Speaker: Yvette Lamidey, .of Business Locksmith. Subject: Strategy for Business Development: Keeping your business thriving with smart work, not just hard work and frustration.

Price: £10 FSB members; non-members £20. Sponsors: SEMLEP Growth Hub; South East Midlands Careers Hub; West Northamptonshire Council.

NETWORKING

March 22 10am-11am: Online

Hosted by Sally Wood, director of Sally Wood Consultancy Limited and FSB area leader for Northants, Leics & Rutland.

To book and for details of other networking, support and webinar events online, visit www. fsb.org.uk/events.

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE BUSINESS EXHIBITION

March 8 10am-3pm

Wicksteed Park, Barton Road, Kettering Free to attend for visitors. Dozens of exhibitors including many of Northamptonshire’s leading employers.

Includes:

BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS

8.30am-10.30am

Networking over breakfast ahead of the exhibition itself. Price: £10 + VAT Chamber members; non-members £20 + VAT.

ChamberLIVE: IWD24 – HOW DO YOU #INSPIREINCLUSION?

11am-12 noon

Seminar and workshop. Free event.

SPEED NETWORKING WITH NNBN 1.30pm-2.30pm

Free event.

To book on to events hosted by Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, visit www. northants-chamber.co.uk/events.

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.

ONLINE NETWORKING

March 1 4pm-5pm

Free event to NNBN members and nonmembers.

SPEED NETWORKING WITH NNBN

March 8 1.30pm-2.30pm

Wicksteed Park, Barton Road, Kettering

Hosted by NNBN as part of the

Northamptonshire Business Exhibition run by Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce. Free event.

BUSINESS NETWORKING

March 13 9am-12 noon

Holiday inn Express, Rockingham Road, Kettering Networking + workshop.

Free event to NNBN members and nonmembers.

EVENING BUSINESS NETWORKING

March 14 7pm-8.30pm:

Kettering Park Hotel

Informal networking event. Price: Free event for NNBN members; visitors £10.

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

UK BUSINESS FORUM NORTHAMPTON

2nd Wednesday 5.30pm-9pm:

Delapre Abbey, London Road

A friendly, informal and relaxed networking event for small business owners. Each event features a short presentation on topics to support business owners followed by informal networking.

UK Business Forums has been the home of small business community support and advice for nearly 20 years. Membership is not necessary but join for free and maintain the business relationship you make at our networking evenings through our free online business support forums.

Free event. To book, visit www.ukbfevents.co.uk

BUSINESS ROOM

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

KETTERING

2nd Tuesday 12 noon-2pm:

Kettering Park Hotel & Spa

NORTHAMPTON

2nd Thursday 12 noon-2pm:

Sunn Inn, High Street, Hardingstone 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

Only open to business owners, influencers and decision-makers.

NORTHAMPTON

1st Tuesday 11.45am-2pm:

Delapre Abbey, Northampton.

Contact: Barbara Hodgson email barbara@ yourbusinessmatters.co, call 07504 946 585 / 01933 652884 or visit www.yourbusinessmatters.co

SMEs seek stability amid uncertainty

Cost of living tops list of challenges

Workforce stability is the main focus for SMEs in 2024, despite ongoing economic pressures and an uncertain climate, according to the latest barometer from people experts HR Solutions.

The results of the fourth annual SME Business Survey from the HR specialists were revealed at the Your Business Expo business exhibition hostded by Business Times publisher Pulse Group Media at Sywell Aerodrome.

More than half of respondents (54 per cent) said their biggest business issue this year is recession and cost of living, with 47pc citing recruitment as a problem and 39pc worried about bringing in new business. Yet less than a quarter of those surveyed plan to make any redundancies, instead putting an emphasis on efficient resource management.

Just over half plan to focus on cost reduction in order to maintain workforce stability and make better use of resources. Recruitment and employee retention were also revealed as pressing issues, driven by competitive job markets and the expansion of the talent pool due to remote working. 45pc of SMEs are

concerned about the need for wage adjustments in line with inflation.

In response, SMEs are prioritising employee engagement. Survey commissioner HR Solutions is calling on business owners to focus on creating an attractive workplace culture that values diversity, encourages open communication, and promotes work-life balance. A strong company culture supports employee retention and makes the organisation more attractive to potential employees, said HR Solutions chief executive Greg Guilford.

The survey, which HR Solutions carried out with Your Business Expo organiser Pulse Group Media - publisher of Business Times, Northamptonshire’s business newspaper - county law firm Wilson

Browne Solicitors and digital marketing agency Qoob, took place at the end of 2023. It quizzed SMEs across multiple business sectors.

Your Business Expo, which attracted around 100 exhibitors and hundreds of visitors to Sywell Aerodrome, hosted a seminar to digest and discuss the SME Business Survey results at a panel forum led by Mr Guilford, Pulse Group Media director Martin Lewis-Stevenson and Matthew Rigby-White, Qoob’s managing director. Also on the panel was Jennie Jahina, employment law partner at Wilson Browne Solicitors, and HR Solutions knowledge manager Victoria Templeton.

HR Solutions has already programmed a schedule of webinars to address the issues raised. “We can

see a clear shift in the mindset of SMEs,”said Mr Guilford. “Financial performance and securing new business will naturally remain at the forefront of owner-directors’ minds but, as we know with the cost of living crisis and fears of a recession, finances continue to be a top priority.”

HR Solutions will use the survey results to develop specific support, advice and resources for SME business owners to use to overcome these challenges, Mr Guilford added.

“It is important that SMEs look inwards and ensure they have the right staff in place. They must also review internal processes to streamline and reduce inefficiencies,” he said. “Strategic planning and innovative thinking is the most effective way to increasing turnover this year.”

County hall lease plan unveiled

Plans to lease parts of the former County Hall buildings in Northampton have been unveiled by West Northamptonshire Council.

County Hall and other historic buildings such as the Guildhall, holds significant importance in the town and county’s history and forms an integral part of the council’s collection of heritage assets.

However, a review of office space and assets has confirmed a surplus of office and administrative meeting rooms which could be better used and would reduce costs on the public purse. The council’s cabinet has approved plans to:

n Transfer the Judges’ Lodgings on a long leasehold, with potential use as a hotel or private residence.

n Transfer the Centre Block and former Constabulary Block on a long leasehold for restoration and conversion, probably to flats.

n Lease parts of the Sessions House and Front Block for commercial food and drink operations.

Council leader Cllr Jonathan Nunn said the plans aimed to secure the preservation of County Hall and its future use. “We appreciate the significance of our cherished County Hall buildings and the role they play in our town and county’s history.”

Consultation with stakeholders and the public will continue, he added.

Accelerating AI in your Business was the theme of an insightful forum in Milton Keynes. Editor Andrew Gibbs reports on the takeaways for organisations of all sizes.

AI: Embrace it... don’t think of it as ‘The Terminator’

Introducing Artificial Intelligence is set to transform the way business works. It has the potential to transform efficiency and productivity, helping employees to do their job better and boosting an organisation’s bottom line.

It is being hailed as the ‘next Industrial Revolution’. Yet remove the human aspect of working with AI, relying on the technology to solve business problems and generate solutions and business risks travelling a dangerous path.

AI experts and business leaders are eagerly exploring the benefits that the tech can bring to their business. But a forum in Milton Keynes has heard that caution should be the watchword as organisations begin in earnest to develop the use of AI in their day-to-day operations.

Think AI and most people think of ChatGPT. It is a natural language processing tool driven by AI technology that enables humanlike conversations and much more with the chatbot. It can answer questions and assist with tasks, such as composing emails, essaid, blogs and code.

Take-up of ChatGPT is a true phenomenon, AI expert Andy Paul, founder and chief executive of AI specialist company Fliweel.tech told the forum. Presenting on how valuedriven AI can be implemented in a business, he revealed data that the technology reached one million users in five days of its launch. By comparison, Facebook took 400 days, AirBnB 800 and Netflix 1,400.

Its development is moving apace. AI is being implemented and bringing benefit to the sales, IT, marketing, HR and finance operations of organisations. The IMF estimates that AI will affect around 40 per cent of jobs worldwide, a figure rising to 60pc in developed countries.

Its potential is vast, Mr Paul told his audience at the forum, hosted by software specialist Aiimi at its head office in Central Milton Keynes. But he and fellow speakers warned against overreliance on the technology.

“The human in the loop remains really important,” Mr Paul said. “AI is there to enhance your job, not replace it. There should always be a human involvement to review and approve the process.

“It refines in a way that may appear to be right but its output needs to be fact-checked. We need to monitor the output and we need to be mindful of the data we are passing into the Chatbot. Controls are essential to ensure we are not feeding sensitive data.”

Begin small and scale. Trial AI in certain functions to establish how it works for a business, Mr Paul said. Implementing AI in any business should be on the basis of the desired business outcome rather than relying on the data and be open-minded on its input. AI is more accessible than many think.

AI is there to enhance your job, not replace it

“Start small and then scale,” Mr Paul said. “The worst thing you can do is to spend thousands or millions of pounds on a large deployment of AI.

Create a testing ground first.”

Use of AI should come down to the problem a business is looking to solve. “Do not just throw AI or money at the problem,” Mr Paul said. “AI will touch many roles and it is going to affect every industry in a positive way if we embrace it and not think of it as ‘the Terminator’.

“It is down to open minds in organisations to embrace the technology. The reality is that if you do not embrace AI, you will be at the back of the line and your workforce will not be as productive as your competitors.”

AI currently takes three forms: extractive - answering questions and delivering updates; generative, which creates new text from a specific model; open- and closed-

book, which answers questions based on a specific model or finds data from the wider internet to enhance the answer.

Matt Eustace, head of solution engineering at Aiimi, stressed the importance of fact-checking before transmitting AI’s data.

“You need to know what you are doing so you need to fact-check before the information is sent out,” he said. “Understanding the answers produced is probably the biggest piece of work to be done.”

Mr Paul added: “Cleansing the data is really important. Put rubbish data into a model and you will get rubbish results - it is so important to know what data you are feeding in before you input it.

“However, there are some roles where AI cannot help. Sometimes AI is not the solution.”

Again he urged caution in the implementation of AI.

“There is a mindset that people have to change in order to embrace AI. Showing value through a pilot project is the quickest, easiest and cheapest way to do it. AI is the cheapest it has ever been and it is only going to get cheaper. The chances are that there is a solution out there that will do the bulk of the work and it does not have to be expensive.

“But transparency is going to be a big topic. Always have people in the loop to review the data and to know where the data is being processed.”

‘It has the potential to transform the way we work’

Marketing is an area that is ready to reap significant benefits from the development, evolution and implementation of Artificial Intelligence. Digital marketing specialist Matthew RigbyWhite describes the meteoric rise of the technology as the new Industrial Revolution.

“It is almost as if warp speed has been engaged in marketing terms,” he said.

First there was Web 1: the internet.

Then came Web 2: social media. Now AI is Web 3. “AI has the potential to transform how we work,” said Mr Rigby-White, chief executive of digital marketing agency qoob. “But it is all about understanding what the problem is that we are trying to solve.”

AI has risen in the business consciousness and awareness only in the past two years. 2022 and 2023 were years of discovery, advancing AI, developing large language models and improving virtual and augmented reality. Businesses, particularly SMEs, were discovering new technology but were unsure how to react to it, leading to clumsy implementation, trial and error.

“Cool stuff with little practical application,” Mr RigbyWhite said.

This year is set to be the ‘year of Smart Implementation’, he added. There is a movement towards the practical implementation of AI and an increased use of

Augmented Reality in marketing.

Businesses are focusing on AI implementation, considering serious investment and reworking their digital marketing strategies. Some large businesses are appointing ‘Chief AI Officers’.

“Businesses are now getting it and wondering how they can use it, what problems it will solve. There is more focus on implementing AI in business and the big firms are making some serious investment.

“Businesses need to start moving and they need to understand that it is not just about making a decision for the organisation. It is the people and the culture within the business that will determine whether you use it.”

The rate of change is accelerating and the next couple of years will be very much a case of ‘wait and see’. “We can make guesses but I want people to focus on the ‘now’ for the adoption of AI,” Mr Rigby-White said.

Trust, privacy and authenticity are becoming more important to people as technology progresses. “We need to be aware. It is really exciting but we can do harm to our reputations with consumers if we are not careful.”

He also stressed the importance of authenticity.

Businesses are wondering what problems it will solve

”If ChatGPT is going to the majority of the work, remember that you have to be authentic as a brand - be careful that your message does not lose meaning.”

Back to nature and reaping the benefits

James Saunders Watson, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, is pictured with youngsters taking part in a pioneering scheme using naturebased learning techniques to help children to cope with anxiety and trauma.

The Lord-Lieutenant presented seven school children with certificates for completing the TRUST Programme run by the New Leaf Learning initiative at the Courteenhall Estate near Roade.

The charity supports primary school-aged children across Northamptonshire who are struggling to engage in education. Each child goes through the TRUST Programme, which stands for Trying, Resilience, Understanding & empathy, Self-regulation and Teamwork.

They take part in slackline, denbuilding, whittling, gardening,

cooking, animal welfare, ponddipping and fire in the Courteenhall Estate grounds. Every session includes learning self-regulation techniques through breathing properly, yoga and meditation with accredited trainers.

“The TRUST programme is proving so effective in helping those young children who have found engagement with the education system a challenge,” said Mr Saunders Watson.

The programme has had significant results. Children have grown in confidence, learned teamwork and have begun to understand aspects that affect their behaviour, said New Leaf Learning founder Alex Preston.

“Already their teachers have told us that some of the children are able to engage better in their learning in the classroom. For others the process may take a little longer but staff are now equipped with

Anew round of grant funding is under way aimed at creating new volunteering opportunities in West Northamptonshire.

Charities, voluntary or community groups, clubs, community interest companies and not for profit organisations are invited to apply for a grant up to £1,500 to recruit volunteers for projects which address

Recognising

a local community need.

This Community Funding Grant Scheme being run by West Northamptonshire Council has received £47,000 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Cllr David Smith, cabinet member for community safety and engagement, and regulatory services,

Bottom left: Mr Saunders Watson in conversation with New Leaf Learning founder Alex Preston (centre) and colleague Rosie Davis from the Courteenhall Estate

the strategies needed and they can continue to use these back at school.

Each child has taken part in yoga every week for five weeks, which equips them with strategies to manage tricky moments, Ms Preston said. “A large part of the learning is how to manage some very challenging emotions. Often our children have experienced adversity in their young lives and The TRUST Programme offers an opportunity to reset and recharge whilst being surrounded by nature in the stunning environment of Courteenhall Estate.”

New Leaf Learning aims to offer the programme to as many children in the county as possible. “We hope that this visit from the LordLieutenant will attract attention not only from the local education community but also from local businesses who might consider New Leaf Learning as a charity that they would like to support,” Ms Preston said.

The charity launched at Courteenhall in September last year after two years of research-based trials with primary schools across Northamptonshire. Its chair of trustees Dr Johnny Wake, who is managing partner of Courteenhall Estate, said: “New Leaf Learning is an incredible charity that is making a real difference.”

said: “Our communities are at the heart of everything we do and we are thrilled to be offering this third round of funding to support and enable our community and voluntary sector organisations to continue their valuable work.”

n To find out more, email communitygrants@westnorthants. gov.uk.

Director’s diagnosis prompts donation

Cleaning franchise Time for You has made a heartfelt donation to a local charity as a ‘thank you’ for their gift packs to adult cancer patients, following one of the co-founder’s cancer diagnosis.

The Brixworth-based company has presented £1,680 to The Lewis Foundation - which provides free gifts to adults undergoing treatment in 17 hospitals in the Midlands - after director and co-founder Freddie Rayner was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer.

The money was raised by more than 150 franchisees at Time for

You’s AGM, dinner and dance, match-funded by Time for You.

“Freddie is my colleague, co-founder and father,” said managing director Sam Stawarz.

“He is still receiving treatment as an outpatient at Northampton General Hospital, which is why we chose to support a charity making a difference to cancer patients. The Lewis Foundation was the perfect choice.”

Time for You will continue its support of the charity in 2024.

“Donations like this are made even more poignant when we learn the reasons behind them,” said co-founder Lorraine Lewis.

Fun run aims to add a splash of colour

Two charities are set to host the return of a popular fundraiser in Northampton. Northampton Colour Run 2024 will take place at Overstone Park on June 2, raising money for Cynthia Spencer and The Lewis Foundation.

It is the first time the charities have joined forces for the popular 5km fun run, which sees participants splattered in coloured, non-toxic paint and powder throughout the course.

“This is such a powerful and exciting collaboration,” said The Lewis Foundation’s founder and chief executive Lorraine Lewis.

“It has always been such a popular fundraiser in the town so we were

over the moon to be asked by the Cynthia Spencer team if we would like to work with them to organise the event.”

The two organisations are planning ways to make the run even more inclusive and fun. “It is the start of an ongoing joint venture which we hope raises thousands of pounds for us both year on year,” said Cynthia Spencer Hospice’s events and challenges fundraiser Michelle Leighton.

She and Lorraine are urging would-be competitors to take advantage of the ‘early bird’ entry discount. Tickets booked by March 31 are £15 per adult, £10 per child and £45 for a family of four.

Hospice film appeals for your vote in national awards poll

Lights… camera… action…

An emotive film showcasing the specialist end-of-life care being provided at Cransley Hospice in Kettering is in line for a national award.

The winners of the Smiley Charity Film Awards 2024 will be announced later this month.

Cransley Hospice Trust is a finalist for its film The Importance of Hospice Care, shortlisted alongside national charities such as Green Peace UK.

The winner will be decided by a public vote. Cransley Hospice is calling on Northamptonshire to get behind its entry.

Cast your vote at https:// smileycharityfilmawards.com/ charities/cransley-hospice-trust

It captures the passion of the hospice team as they explain how the care delivered at the hospice and by the hospice at home team has a positive lasting impact for patients, families and loved ones and helps to dispel some of the myths around hospice care, death and dying.

“This is an incredible achievement by the team,” said Cransley Hospice Trust chief executive Philip Talbot. “Their commitment to and enthusiasm for the support they provide resonates throughout the film. I sincerely hope that our supporters, friends and colleagues will take a moment to vote and shine a spotlight on the importance of hospice care.”

Voting is open until March 12, with the winners announced at the Odeon Luxe cinema in London’s Leicester Square on March 20.

year’s

by Cransley Hospice Trust. The event takes place on September 19, with teams of four competing over 18 holes.

The club hosted the trust’s 25th anniversary event last year. “This year we are aiming to make the day event better and raise even more for patients and their families,” said Cransley Hospice Trust’s community fundraising and event development manager Louise Gurney.

Sign up for the day at https://www.cransleyhospice.org.uk/event/golfday-2024/. Prices are £60 per players (£240 for a team of four). The event also includes prizes, breakfast and lunch.

Golfers prepare for ‘memorable day’

Specialist kitchen, bedroom and bathroom and construction recruitment agency and online training provider Simon Acres Group is organising its second charity golf day to support Cancer Research UK.

The event takes place on May 23 at Overstone Park Golf Club near Northampton. Last year’s inaugural event drew a total 45 players and raised £1,000.

This year the company is targeting

100 participants. “We aim to make this year’s event even more remarkable,” said Simon Acres, Group managing director. “We are grateful to those who have already committed to join us on what is shaping up to be a memorable day.” Players will enjoy breakfast on arrival, on-course refreshments during their 18 holes, a post-golf meal. A selection of prizes are also up for grabs.

n Sponsorship packages are available. For more details and to sign up for the golf day, call Kieran Carroll on 0203 701 6660 or email Kieran@simonacres.co.uk.

Festival aims to serve up a treat for food businesses

The creators of Towcester Food Festival and Bite Street NN are launching a gastronomic extravaganza this summer… the Delapré Food Festival.

The food and drink festival will take place at Delapré Abbey, which organiser Crispin Slee said is tailor-made for the event. “It is such a special place and the perfect spot for the festival. We want to bring the grounds to life for a grand summer weekend celebrating artisan food and drink.”

Delapré Food Festival will feature bustling food and drink stalls, hourly chef demos, tasting sessions and masterclasses.

The outdoor street food market will be curated by Northampton street food pop-up Bite Street NN.

Top local chefs are already lined up to take part on the demo stage.

Warner’s Gin in Harrington, will run gin tasting sessions and Josh Moinet of VineBud in Towcester will host wine tasting.

Cheese expert Shane Holland will host a board of cheese masterclasses and the expert mixologists at

grow and helping the local food economy,” Mr Slee said.

Local food hero Gary Bradshaw of Hamm Tun Fine Foods - the maker of Cobblers Nibble Cheese - is already signed up for the festival.

They include Delapré Abbey’s Bart Polinski, head chef at Hibiscus, James Peck and Hannah Dunne from Ember in Wellingborough and Carmela Sereno Hayes, Northampton’s ‘Queen of Italian cuisine’.

Tom Warner, the founder of

Number 13, which has opened in Wellingborough to rave reviews, will share the secrets of a perfect cocktail.

“It is really important to us that the festival supports local food and drink businesses, helping them to

“Having a big show like this on our doorstep is vital for businesses like mine,” he said.

Delapré Abbey chief executive Richard Clinton said: “It is going to be a terrific occasion and will help to support one of Northampton greatest historical assets.”

Delapré Food Festival takes place on the weekend of June 8-9 from 10am. Parking is free and Early Bird tickets are on sale at £10 per person, family tickets £20. Entry to the festival includes admission to the house. Guided tours will take place twice a day or explore at your leisure.

n Find out more at www. delaprefoodfestival.co.uk. The organisers are also appealing for volunteers to help with the festival in return for free tickets and a food voucher.

Hotel’s refurbishment delivers welcome windfall

Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Mind Northamptonshire are the two charities chosen by Northampton Town Centre Hotel as its charity partners for 2024-25.

They were chosen following an invitation to local charities to pitch to a panel of judges, outlining how each could work with the hotel.

Cynthia Spencer Hospice’s corporate partnerships fundraiser lead Nina Gandy (inset) put together a video of how the two very different worlds might come together. “I looked closely at what the hotel offers to its clients and how that mirrored what we offer to our patients and their loved ones,” she said.

trolley, in which we offer patients an evening tipple as part of our ‘live every moment’ mantra.

“While we offer very different services, there is some great synergy between us and lots of ways that we can work together.”

The hospice, in Kettering Road, Northampton, has to raise just over £2.2 million a year to continue providing essential services.

“For example, the mini cereal boxes that hotel staff serve to residents at breakfast are the same ones that we offer to families who stay at the hospice overnight with our patients.

“Similarly, the bottle of gin served behind the bar at the hotel could also be found on our happy hour

Northampton Town Centre Hotel is undergoing a multi-million-pound transformation ahead of its relaunch later this year under the four-star Mercure Northampton brand. “Giving back to our local community is a huge part of who we are,” said general manager Simon Smith (inset). “We want to be part of the fabric of the town, making a difference to the people who live here and having a real impact on society. Supporting charities and good causes will form a big part of that.”

n Bedroom suites, office furniture, reception desks and coffee tables are among items donated to charities as part of the hotel’s renovation.

The Hope Centre is to take delivery of the contents of one floor of bedrooms. Mind Northamptonshire will ensure two floors of bedrooms are reused in local centres and will sell a range of surplus items in its charity shops.

Furniture is to go to the YMCA to help with the development of its new centre in Derngate and to Armed Forces charity SSAFA, based at the barracks in Clare Street.

The Spring Charity will reuse lounge chairs and coffee tables in its family room while Higham Ferrersbased Ailsa’a Aim will use endof-line toiletries and discontinued notepads and pens in their packs for cancer patients and their families.

“The last thing we want to happen is to see all the furniture end up in landfill,” said Mr Smith. “That is just a total waste.”

Breathing new life into asbestos management

Asbestos, once hailed for its fire-resistant properties, now represents a hidden hazard lurking in the bones of buildings across the nation. With the Health and Safety Executive’s groundbreaking Asbestos: Your Duty campaign, a new chapter in asbestos management is beginning to unfold.

This initiative aims to both raise awareness and rejuvenate the approach to managing asbestos in non-domestic premises, merging innovation with health and safety, regulatory compliance and training to protect workers and the public.

Asbestos remains the biggest industrial killer in the UK. Microscopic asbestos fibres, when disturbed, can become airborne and, if inhaled, cause serious lung conditions, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Non-domestic premises face the challenge of managing this risk, especially in structures built before the year 2000 when asbestos use was

finally banned. The HSE’s Asbestos: Your Duty campaign is not just a call to action but a beacon of guidance for property owners and managers, emphasising their legal and moral duty to manage asbestos safely.

At the core of the campaign is a push towards innovative practices in complying with health and safety regulations. The campaign leverages the latest technologies and methodologies for asbestos management, from state-of-theart detection techniques to digital compliance tools. These innovations aim to streamline the process of asbestos management, making it more effective and less burdensome for those responsible.

The campaign also underscores the significance of compliance. It offers a roadmap for navigating the stringent regulations in place to protect individuals from asbestos exposure. It provides clear, accessible information and resources to ensure that property owners and

managers can meet their obligations with confidence.

Educating property owners, duty holders, managers and workers about asbestos risks and management strategies is crucial. The Asbestos:

Your Duty campaign advocates comprehensive training programmes that cover identification, safe handling and legal responsibilities related to asbestos. By empowering individuals with knowledge and skills, the campaign aims to foster a culture of safety and compliance. Innovative training methods, including online courses and virtual reality simulations, are highlighted within the campaign. These modern approaches cater to diverse learning preferences and schedules, making training more accessible and engaging. The goal is to ensure that everyone involved in managing nondomestic premises is equipped with the knowledge necessary to deal

with the asbestos risk safely and effectively.

Adopting the Asbestos: Your Duty campaign’s guidelines involves several practical steps:

n Property owners and managers need to conduct thorough asbestos surveys to identify the presence and condition of asbestos-containing materials in their buildings. These surveys, carried out by competent professionals, provide the foundation for effective management plans.

n The next step is to develop and implement an asbestos management plan detailing how the risks associated with asbestos will be managed and should be regularly reviewed and updated.

The plan must be communicated to all relevant parties, ensuring that everyone is aware of the precautions and procedures in place.

n Technological solutions for monitoring and managing asbestos. Digital tools help to maintain up-todate records of asbestos-containing materials, track the condition of asbestos over time and ensure timely compliance with regulations.

Embracing the Asbestos: Your Duty campaign enhances the safety and well-being of anyone who interact with non-domestic premises. It also protects organisations from the

reputational and hefty financial risks associated with non-compliance.

Furthermore, the campaign’s focus on innovation and training positions organisations at the forefront of health and safety practices. By adopting cutting-edge technologies and methodologies, they can manage asbestos more efficiently and effectively, setting a high standard for others in their industry.

By blending innovation with rigorous health and safety standards, regulatory compliance and comprehensive training, the Asbestos: Your Duty campaign offers a new paradigm for asbestos management.

For property owners and managers, engaging with this campaign is not just a regulatory requirement; it is an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in safeguarding public health and safety.

Funding a MBO: From necessity comes creativity

If you have been presented with an opportunity for a potential management buyout at the company where you work and you believe there is a strong future for the business, one of your first and most pressing considerations will be the funding.

There are several options for funding a MBO, each with different features in terms of cost, risk and availability. It is in your best interests to consider all the avenues available and to make a wellinformed decision which will hopefully pay dividends long into the future.

“Buyers of companies have become increasingly creative as to how to fund their purchases,” said Tom Bodkin, a partner in the corporate and commercial team with Borneo Martell Turner Coulston Solicitors in Northampton.

“Sometimes this creativity has arisen out of sheer necessity as, if the money is not immediately to hand, strategies need to be developed to secure it. Other modern funding routes have arisen out of seller desperation, where providing a funding lifeline to the buyer has been the best way for the seller to secure an exit from their business.”

Main Funding Options

The main funding options for a MBO can be distilled into the following groupings,. Tom Bodkin takes a look at each in

turn:

Private Equity This route usually involves either venture capitalists, angel investors or high-net-worth individuals investing in the business in return for an equity stake to secure a future return on their investment.

It may also involve an element of help or mentorship, and you can benefit from leverage of the investor’s contacts.

Individual Loans In this option, each member of the MBO team takes out a personal loan (if required), which may be unsecured or sometimes secured against their own property. The liability for repayment rests with the individual members in their personal capacity.

Leveraged Finance Here the loan is secured over the assets of the company being acquired. In this sense, you could think of it as akin to buying a house with a mortgage - the asset itself is used as the means of securing the finance.

The business assets are

Energy-efficient solutions keep you cool on costs

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 to assist with reducing fuel costs, including a hybrid system that combines a gas combi boiler and heat pump. Although originally aimed as a replacement for existing gas boilers in two- or three-bedroomed properties with a heating load between 12kW and 20kW, it can also be suitable for larger, harder to heat premises.

The Daikin Altherma Hybrid smart controller automatically monitors operating conditions, heat pump efficiency and heat load to determine the most economical running mode that achieves the lowest running cost. The hybrid system could provide a considerable saving on current gas costs.

For water-based central heating systems using either radiators or underfloor heating, the Daikin Altherma range of

Tom Bodkin

therefore at risk until the loan is repaid.

Standard Business Loan

In this case, a business loan is obtained but on an unsecured basis. The liability for repayment rests with the business, but it is not secured directly against the business assets.

Seller Finance This option can be a little more creative and is not ‘one size fits all’. For example, options include:

■ A simple deferred

consideration where the purchase price is paid over time, often from business profits;

■ Seller sliding equity, whereby the seller is paid off over time and their equity stake diminishes with each tranche paid;

■ Where the seller takes a private mortgage over business property or takes some other form of security to ensure that they are paid for their shares.

n Our specialist team at Borneo Martell Turner Coulston Solicitors can evaluate your situation and help you to identify the best way forward in terms of your MBO funding options and many other aspects of the potential transaction.

For an informal conversation, contact Tom Bodkin in the corporate and commercial team on 01604 622101 or email tom.bodkin@bmtclaw.co.uk

This

air source heat pumps provides over four kilowatts of heat for every one kilowatt 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. Ground source heat pumps although more suited to new build projects, also qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

Griffiths is part of the ‘Underground Network’ of approved installers of Kensa ground source heat pumps.

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

Exciting changes at growing accountancy firm

Asenior accountant with decades of experience has joined a well-established Northamptonshire accountancy firm at an exciting time in its history.

Dominic Graham joined Elsby & Co at the beginning of the year, having worked in accountancy in Northamptonshire for nearly two decades.

He said: “I have always followed Elsby & Co’s activities in the media and on social media and thought they were a good company.

getting to know the team and going forward I’ll be helping junior members to build up their own knowledge and support them with their training,”

Dominic said.

“It is a great time to join Elsby & Co. The company is growing and it is really exciting to be a part of that.”

In 2023, during its 30th anniversary year, the firm grew its client base and expanded its range of services.

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. With all these products Griffiths can provide the ancillary electrical or plumbing installation services required and most importantly, arrange for the company’s service division to carry out regular service visits to ensure equipment is operating as efficiently as possible.

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

“They are very focused on their clients and take a holistic approach to working with them. They provide far more than just end of year of accounts followed by a billthey take the time to really get to know their clients.

“That approach resonated with me because that is how I have always worked. I like to build strong relationships with my clients because I want to help them develop their business and achieve their ambitions.”

As well as supporting clients, Dominic will use his years of experience to help junior members of staff.

”I am really enjoying

This year there are more changes on the horizon with the firm opting to split away from its former Sywell base.

Going forward, Elsby & Co will be based solely in Rushden.

Partner Claire Emery said: “There are lots of positive changes happening at the firm but as far as our clients are concerned it is business as usual and they will continue to receive the high levels of customer service that are at the heart of everything we do.

“We were delighted to welcome Dominic to our team and are planning to take on more apprentices this year as we continue to grow our business.”

n For more information, email Elsby & Co at help@ elsbyandco.co.uk, call 0330 053 9189 or visit www.elsbyandco.co.uk

Council: F1’s Silverstone decision boosts visitor economy

The decision to keep the British Grand Prix at Silverstone for a further ten years has been welcomed by Northamptonshire visitor economy.

The world-class motorsports venue has announced it will continue to host the British Grand Prix until 2034 after reaching an agreement with Formula 1. This new deal will see Silverstone race into its ninth decade having hosted the first ever Formula 1 Grand Prix in 1950.

The announcement strengthens the area as a destination of sporting and cultural excellence, said West Northamptonshire Council.

Cllr Daniel Lister, cabinet member for economic development, town centre regeneration and growth, said: “The event attracts hundreds of thousands of people each year and hugely benefits our tourism and visitor economy while showcasing West Northants to a global audience. Attracting more visitors to West Northamptonshire, increasing footfall and spend is a top priority.”

The Formula 1 Qatar Airways British Grand Prix 2024 will take place over the July 4-7 weekend.

Silverstone Circuit’s chief executive Stuart Pringle said: “This long-term

commitment reflects the importance of the British Grand Prix to Formula 1 and their acknowledgement of our ability to deliver a world-class experience for the British fans who are among the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable in the world.”

The British Grand Prix has become one of the largest attended events on the F1 calendar. Last year’s event attracted some of the biggest names in sport, music and culture as the race drew in a record crowd of 480,000 across the weekend with more

than 60,000 fans camping in the local area.

Peter Digby, chairman of the British Racing Drivers’ Club, said: “I am delighted we have secured a tenyear extension to host the Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone. This contractual security will provide a solid base for the further development of the venue as we continue to improve and transform the circuit into a year-round international motorsport and leisure destination.”

County cricket wins green light for new venue plan

Plans to create a second facility for professional cricket in Northamptonshire have moved a step forward.

Northamptonshire County Cricket Club has received the green light to create a second venue at Moulton. West Northamptonshire councillors have agreed to a 125-year lease on land at New Manor Farm. Now the cricket club will begin consultations with residents on their proposals before a formal planning application is submitted.

NCCC chief executive Ray Payne said: “This is an exciting milestone in a project that we have been working on for some time. There is so much growth happening for cricket in the county and over the last few years this has significantly increased pressure on our existing facilities. We cannot play any more games at The County Ground than we do currently so it makes sense for us to investigate the idea of an additional venue, which the site at Moulton offers.”

The plans are for a permanent capacity of 2,000 and the new venue would become home for the development of women’s and girls’ cricket.

There are no plans to move the professional men’s setup or club offices away from The County Ground, where Northamptonshire County Cricket Club has played since 1886. NCCC chairman Gavin Warren added: “We are proud that prudent governance and commercial growth of the club have helped us to achieve an enviable level of financial security. Now we need to ensure that we invest in our facilities so we can increase opportunities for everyone to play and expand the club’s reach into communities across Northamptonshire and surrounding counties.”

West Northamptonshire Council deputy leader Cllr Adam Brown, cabinet member for housing, culture and leisure, said: “This is an exciting step forward in their plans to deliver a first-class facility in West Northamptonshire.”

“We are concerned by recent comments that have been made suggesting that homelessness is a lifestyle choice. Such comments fail to recognise the severity of the crisis and, as the largest voluntary sector provider of supported housing in the country, we can say that, whilst there are many complex circumstances that can lead to a person becoming homeless, lifestyle choice does not feature highly among them.

“The current crisis is the result of a series of public policy failures in recent decades that has greatly exacerbated the issue of homelessness. The lack of affordable housing options, insufficient mental health resources, and a limited safety net for those facing financial hardship have all played a significant role in the alarming rise in homelessness and the risk of homelessness. Reducing it to a matter of restricting the use of tents is irrelevant and does nothing to address these wider complex causes.

“As we continue to provide shelter and support in times of crisis, we implore the government to reconsider its stance and work alongside organisations like ours to address the root causes of homelessness. By addressing the systemic issues and not placing blame on the marginalised, we can build a more equitable and empathetic society for all.”

165 young people are at risk of homelessness every day across England and Wales. They could be experiencing abuse, family breakdown or loved ones may not be able to afford to accommodate them any more. They become homeless, not through choice or any fault of their own.

With the donations of generous RoomSponsors at YMCA, we’re able to give over 10,600 young people a safe place to stay. With your help, they can access mental health support, careers advice and many other vital opportunities to build bright futures. For as little as £12 a month you could support one of these young people staying at your local YMCA. Please be as generous as you can, it could make such a huge difference to someone’s life, not just throughout the winter months but all year round.

And help us spread the word. For the thousands of young people at risk of homelessness every week, this is not a lifestyle choice.

THE POWER of Three

The Power of 3 runs through the core of OCM as we have three professional disciplines brought together allowing us to deliver such a powerful client focused proposition.

As an Independent Chartered Financial Planning Firm, a Discretionary Asset Manager and Tax planning specialist, we utilise the power of 3, to ensure we deliver a seamless and first class, cost and time efficient service to clients. This is because at OCM we truly believe Our Clients Matter.

CHARTERED Financial Planners

ocmwealthmanagement.co.uk

TAXATION & Accounting

DISCRETIONARY Asset Managers