INBUSINESS VIEWPOINT
What a year 2020 has been! Writing this column for the December/January issue is usually a jubilant time for reflecting on the traditional wins and triumphs of the past year – the Northamptonshire Business Awards, the Next Generation Awards, the remarkable milestones our wonderful member businesses share with us, and the deserving winners who have achieved so much. As my predecessor last year sat to comment on 2019, no-
one could have predicted what lay in store. Despite none of the usual celebrations coming to fruition, I believe more than ever we need to celebrate our businesses and the resilience, tenacity, and determination that has been shown throughout 2020. We may not have been able to come together as we’d have liked, but the strength of our network has shone through the darkest times, as the staff here at the Chamber have been privileged to see businesses lifting each other up, connecting, and carrying on through unprecedented challenges. Raise a (socially-distanced) glass, because that is worth celebrating! As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to affect businesses throughout the country, we will continue to champion the needs of our members to the very highest levels of government. Reach out, we are here to help. As we enter 2021, who would have thought that Brexit, and the end of the transition
period that is scheduled to occur in the middle of this issue of InBusiness, would be the second item on the agenda?! But here we are, and we hope that those member businesses most affected by the changes have found the Chamber Customs series of webinars throughout the autumn helpful in preparing. Our excellent International Trade Team are here to help navigate these new waters, and I encourage any member who has a query or concern to get in touch as soon as possible. As our celebrations at home this festive season are potentially going to be impacted
along with everything else this year, may I take this opportunity to wish you, your colleagues, and families the warmest wishes for good health. However we are able to celebrate, we are not alone, even when we are distanced.
Yours, Louise Wall, Interim CEO, Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce
CONTACT DETAILS
EDITOR: Tori Al-Shaikhly E:
tori.al-shaikhly@
chambermk.co.uk
MILTON KEYNES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 500 Avebury Boulevard, Milton Keynes MK9 2BE W:
www.chambermk.co.uk
NEWS AND ARTICLES SHOULD BE SENT TO:
tori.al-shaikhly@
chambermk.co.uk
CHAMBER BUSINESS PARTNERS
PUBLISHED BY: Kemps Publishing Ltd 11 The Swan Courtyard, Charles Edward Road, Birmingham B26 1BU
T: 0121 765 4144 W:
www.kempspublishing.co.uk
MANAGING EDITOR: Laura Blake T: 0121 765 4144 E:
laura.blake@kempspublishing.co.uk
DESIGNER: Stuart Burton
ADVERTISING MANAGER: Jon Jones T: 0121 765 4144 E:
jon.jones@
kempspublishing.co.uk
PRINTERS: Stephens & George Print Group
The Feb/March 21 issue of inbusinesswill include features on: Education, Training & Apprenticeships and Communications & Marketing. The deadline is 8 January.
FRONT COVER: Gosh! Food See page 14-15
14 Jane Rayner, CEO of Gosh! Foods IN THE SPOTLIGHT
16 Recruitment & HR Recruiter completes charity swim
18
Legal Services When company directors divorce
TRAINING & EVENTS
20 The latest comprehensive list of training courses and Chamber events
MEMBER ZONE
22 MK College celebrates apprentice pass rates
24 Member Profile: Ashley Ball, Addington Ball Recruitment Ltd
25 Dividing pensions during a divorce 26 Next Generation, plus new members
CONTENTS POLICY MATTERS 4
The latest views from policy executive Christopher Jones
BUSINESS REPORT
5 6 7 8
10 11 12
Chamber welcomes new staff to the team Encouraging active travel in Milton Keynes BCC director to step down
Ice hockey team announces new sponsor
Biz Space reveal eco-friendly refurbishment
Photographer in Queen’s Award win GOING GLOBAL Delivering Chamber customs TALKING BUSINESS
ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE: inbusiness is a bi-monthly publication and digital magazine distributed to over 3,000 Chamber members and key businesses in Milton Keynes. The publication focuses on news and information about local companies and the initiatives and advice available to increase the prosperity of firms in the Milton Keynes area. Milton Keynes Chamber welcomes newsworthy articles of business interest, giving preference to Chamber members. As editorial space is limited, inclusion cannot be guaranteed and the editor may amend or reject articles submitted.
inbusiness is produced on behalf of Milton Keynes Chamber by Kemps Publishing Ltd and is distributed without charge to all Chamber members and other leading businesses in the Milton Keynes area. The Chamber and the publisher are committed to achieving the highest quality standards. However, views expressed in the magazine are independent and while every care has been taken to ensure that the information it contains is accurate, neither Milton Keynes Chamber nor the publisher can accept any responsibility for any omission or inaccuracies that might arise.
For further information on Milton Keynes Chamber, call: 01908 547820 or visit:
www.chambermk.co.uk
PRIVACY NOTICE: Kemps Publishing Ltd process personal information for certain legitimate interest purposes, which includes the following: • To provide postal copies of this publication to Chamber members and Kemps’ customers; and
• To offer marketing and promotional opportunities within this publication to Chamber members and prospects.
Whenever we process data for these purposes, we always ensure we treat your Personal Data rights in high regard. If you wish to, you can visit
www.kempspublishing.co.uk to view our full Privacy Notice and to learn more about our legitimate interests and your rights in this regard.
DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 inbusiness 3
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28
