Business News
Security giant aims to tap into SME expertise after joining tech cluster
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efence and security giant BAE Systems has joined the Silverstone Technology Cluster as it seeks to engage more directly with the network’s membership of small and medium-sized businesses. BAE Systems has presented at several of the network’s events over the past two
years, including at its annual conference in the autumn. The company is keen to tap into the STC membership’s niche specialisms. BAE Systems works in sectors including aerospace, maritime, land, space and cyber. Its air sector’s Future Combat Air Systems business is a major partner in the
Tempest programme working to create an internationally collaborative future combat air system by the mid-2030s. Chris Pett, FCAS’ head of supply chain, said: “We have an increased drive to engage with innovative SMEs which the STC represents very well. We constantly need to move technology forwards to support
future and existing programmes. It is important that we open up that route to market so as to be more accessible as a large prime contractor.” Companies in the STC are set to benefit from working with BAE’s product and technology portfolio, he added. The business already works with the RAF and Royal Navy and with
UK security agencies on cyber security and software. It intends to work more closely with its supply chain so they can focus their work on areas that will help bring their capabilities and products to market. “Inevitably, as our adversaries develop their capabilities so customer demand will change at a much more rapid pace
then we have previously been used to. In order to counter this threat, it is imperative we understand, embrace and integrate the future supply chain at a faster pace to ensure we are providing our customers with the most cutting-edge technology. The relationship with STC will help enable this.”
HR consultancy is sold in deal worth £6.1m Joining forces will strengthen our service offer, says CEO
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uman resources and health and safety compliance consultancy HR Solutions has been sold in a deal worth up to £6.1 million. The company, based in Kettering and with an office in Milton Keynes, has been acquired by employment law, HR and health and safety business WorkNest through its parent company Marlowe plc. HR Solutions, and its subsidiaries including Essential Safety will integrate into Marlowe’s WorkNest brand. WorkNest says the deal will bring ‘attractive’ synergies and will enhance the company’s HR and health and safety consultancy offer. Greg Guilford, chief executive at HR Solutions, said: “Over the past few years we have been growing very quickly. This has been led by the great commitment our team has to our client base, their continued professionalism, as well as several acquisitions HR Solutions has made along
the way. We are excited at this development in joining WorkNest as this will further strengthen our service and bring considerable benefits to our clients through the scale and breadth of services offered by the wider group.” Established in 2001 by Mr Guilford’s mother Carol, HR Solutions works with around 750 clients across the UK in sectors from small care agencies to multinational technology firms. Mr Guilford, already an experienced HR practitioner, joined the company in 2008. WorkNest’s chief executive Gavin Snell, pictured below, said: “We are excited to welcome HR Solutions’ clients and all of our new colleagues
Greg Guilford into the WorkNest family. We share the same focus on employee engagement and high-quality client support and WorkNest has a strong track record of bringing such likeminded businesses together with positive outcomes. HR Solutions’ continued client service delivery is the priority but in the coming months, we will work on synergies and opportunities across the businesses.”
Sign up now: Businesses urged to join tourism app ahead of its launch
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usinesses across West Northamptonshire are encouraged to sign up for a new e-commerce and tourism app to boost footfall, increase local spend, and shine a spotlight on everything our area has to offer. West Northamptonshire Council has worked with technology firm Bubltown to create the new ExploreWN app. It is set to be launched later this summer, but businesses are invited to sign up to it for free now, so they can set up their profile on the app and be ready to engage with customers from day one. Funded by the government’s Welcome Back Fund with the aim of helping businesses recover from the pandemic
and return to growth, the platform offers a digital showcase for local businesses and attractions It is free for any West Northamptonshire business to join and use and allows them to create a profile, raise their reputation, boost their brand and increase sales. The app will give residents easy access to local goods, services and discounts right on their doorstep and will include features to promote events, walking routes and local attractions. Cllr Dan Lister, cabinet member for economic development and town centre regeneration on West Northamptonshire Council, said: “This is a powerful platform which will provide
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businesses with the support they need to thrive in a more digital future as well as enhance the local quality of life, grow the local economy and support our vision of a thriving West Northamptonshire. “We are dedicated to supporting businesses to grow, create jobs and prosper in this area. West Northants has the perfect combination of rural and urban offers and ExploreWN is going to showcase every hidden gem and reason to visit, shop and spend in our area.” n Businesses can find out more and sign up for free by visiting https://join. explorewn.co.uk
Business Times
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July 2022
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