THE FIRST WORD
Welcome to the February edition of Business Network. I read a statistic recently that claims January is the most popular month for
starting a business – with more individuals branching out and going it alone than at any other time of the year. Of course “going it alone” isn’t strictly true because there is a range of support out
there, not just for start-ups but for growing and evolving businesses too, and it’s an area the Chamber takes great pride in. With this in mind, business growth is the theme for this month’s edition. As well as
the regular news, wins, celebrations and business support features from our members, we have a focus feature written by the D2N2 Growth Hub which details all the options open to a growing business, and what the best route might be for your business. February’s Business Network also includes an interview with Paul Bresnihan, Managing Director of Chamber patron Growth Partners. Not only does Growth Partners provide products and services perfectly aligned to
this month’s “Grow” theme, Paul is also talking the talk, so to speak, having himself taken the plunge by launching the Leicester-based business as recently as 2017. While Brexit continues to be an absolutely key consideration, it can be difficult to
publish up-to-the-minute news and views in the magazine – purely because the landscape is prone to changing so quickly. What is correct and current upon the magazine going to print can quickly become superseded by new developments once it lands on desks. Therefore there is a more rounded view in this publication – with interesting and important news on the future of the East Midlands’ economy from the perspectives of HS2 and the Chamber’s asks of Government to ensure the region gets the backing it deserves.
Best wishes, Nathan Fearn Editor, Business Network
CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2019
NEWS UPDATE 4 BUSINESS AWARDS Chamber wins prestigious BCC award
6 MEMBER NEWS Ward named top family business
20 APPOINTMENTS D2N2 appoints Chief Executive
22 DEALS, MERGERS AND PARTNERSHIPS GeoSLAM secures investment
23 STRATEGIC PARTNERS AND PATRONS New faces at Purpose Media
25 CHAMBER NEWS Summit takes on sustainability
INTERNATIONAL TRADE 34 Spotlight on: Malaysia
POLITICS 36 The road to fairer investment
INTERVIEW
38 Paul Bresnihan, Managing Director at Growth Partners
FEATURES
43 Apprenticeships Developing the engineers of the future
44 The benefits of Degree Apprenticeships
46 FOCUS FEATURE Growing your business
50 Accountancy Services Five things to know about Making Tax Digital
52 Taxing situations TRAINING & EVENTS
54 Secure your place at the Chamber's Annual Dinner
BUSINESS SUPPORT
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57 SKILLS New skills are the key to growth
58 PROPERTY Key considerations when renewing your lease
60 LEGAL Preparing for employment law changes
62 DIGITAL GROWTH Taking advantage of the Digital Growth Programme
64 FINANCE Consumers plan to curb spending
67 TECHNOLOGY Technology trends for business
68 MOTORING Nick Jones tests the BMW X3
69 INFORMATION The key considerations of working and caring
COMMENT
70 THE LAST WORD Chamber President Kevin Harris comments on the latest issues
business network February 2019 3
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