Business

Business news from across Milton Keynes and North Bucks. For more business news head to www.businessmk.co.uk

23rd Jun 2020

Why mental health should top the business agenda as the UK gets back to work

The latest virtual, Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership (MKBLP) event touched upon a subject which has resonated highly throughout the Covid-19 crisis and lockdown period – Mental Health. Guest speaker Jon Manning, CEO of Arthur Ellis: Mental Health Support, incited frank discussions amongst the group of Milton Keynes business leaders during an online event, following his candid account of his own personal experience with mental health. With mental health highly tipped to be the next pandemic, Jon stressed the need for Milton Keynes businesses to upskill their employees and create Mental Health First Aiders in a bid to mitigate mental health issues as people return to work. Sharing tips on how business leaders can prudently bring furloughed staff back into the workplace Jon stressed the need for new working routines to be embraced: “Employers have a duty of care to transition the fear that many employees will be feeling into..

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09th Jun 2020

Getting your website to the top of Google part 1 – The power of SEO

Every business that wants to generate more new customers through its website covets one thing: The golden chalice of being at the very top of Google’s search results. It is often said, in the world of marketing, that if you can dominate search you can dominate a market. This is the power of being found first and you should make it your goal. Before I begin, there are various search engines but the two most popular are Google and Bing (owned by Microsoft). I am focusing on Google as it has over 90% of the search market but you should also keep your eyes on Bing as it is gaining share and presents some unique opportunities for ranking. You don’t have to buy your way to the top, and even that’s dangerous. ..

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11th May 2020

Business Live UK and Queensbury Consulting announce exciting new partnership

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a dramatic effect on the world of business, but during this time of huge uncertainty two businesses from Milton Keynes have announced a strong new partnership to help other professionals. Business Live UK has teamed up with Queensbury Consulting to support growing businesses during this most critical of times. “We are delighted to welcome Queensbury Consulting to the Business Live UK board,” said Victoria Beale, CEO and founding director of Business Live UK. “This strategic new partnership has been formed because our unique, lead generation solution fits perfectly with Queensbury's offering, who specialise in immigration and global mobility, strategic business support, programme management and investment in their holistic service to clients. “We are very much looking forward to moving forward together as one entity and being able to offer SME's full 'end to end' services supporting the key elements required of any growing business.” Queensbury Managing..

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03rd Feb 2020

Calling all MK Businesses for the inaugural Milton Keynes Rose Pancake Race

The project team for the Milton Keynes Rose are challenging all local businesses to compete in the inaugural Milton Keynes Rose Pancake Race on Shrove Tuesday, 25th February 2020. This relay race in Campbell Park will help to raise the funds needed for the engraving of two new pillars which will be unveiled later on this year plus help to support future projects at the Rose. The team at the Rose are looking for businesses to enter teams of four people to take part in the race. Each team will need to bring along a frying pan to use a baton and each runner will need to complete a 300-metre lap of Campbell Park. The fastest team will be crowned MK Rose Pancake Winners! To enter your team please contact The Parks Trust at events@theparkstrust.com, there is a £50 entry fee per team. The race will start at 11.55am on..

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28th Jan 2020

Free business summit comes to MK

Business owners in Milton Keynes are invited to a free Social Media and Business Summit, which takes place at the Harben House Hotel on Friday 31st January. Part of a UK-wide tour, the event will be hosted by award-winning author and entrepreneur Adam Stott and US business coach Damien Elston and show those who attend how they can use major social media networks to generate leads, increase brand awareness and grow their business. Adam started his first business aged 25 from home when he was still living with his Mum. In just nine years, he had grown the business to a turnover of more than £33.9 million and was included in the Financial Times Top 100 Businesses to Inspire Britain for three consecutive years. Adam was also an early pioneer of lead generation through social media and has sold more than £50 million worth of product and services over social..

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22nd Jan 2020

Female Techpreneur launches in Milton Keynes

Incredibly, in 2020 75% of businesses gaining investment are still male-led. Of course that means a quarter of the market is female-driven, and now a new vibrant members club will support their business needs through a variety of initiatives. Launching in the business-rich new town of Milton Keynes, it will show female tech leaders how to scale up and exit effectively. Female Techpreneur is the brainchild of Bukky Babajide, and she wants to help business owners connect with mentors, thought leaders and investors, while also making the most of education and business support. “We will assist women in the tech industry when pitching for investment, grants and finance,” Bukky said. “Knowledge is power, and Female Techpreneur will offer all the knowledge necessary to help business leaders successfully reach the next level. “If you are a tech business owner and can visualise how you want your brand to flourish, Female Techpreneur..

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27th Nov 2019

Scuff N Scratch to match donations from its customers to buy toys for the Children’s Ward this...

Scuff N Scratch Solutions is asking customers to help them provide gifts for the Children’s Ward at Milton Keynes University Hospital this Christmas. The local car bodyshop is encouraging members of the public to make donations - which will be matched by Scuff N Scratch Solutions to provide toys for the children who will spend this Christmas in hospital. Donations will be collected until 19th December and can be made at the bodyshop in Denbigh Hall, or online via the just giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/scuff-n-scratch-childrens-ward Before Christmas, Scuff N Scratch Solutions will deliver the toys to Milton Keynes Hospital Charity, who will be accepting the donations on behalf of the children’s ward. The fundraising for Milton Keynes University Hospital helps to improve the patient experience and ensures that staying at the hospital is made as comfortable and positive as possible. Rob Clark, owner of Scuff N Scratch Solutions comments: “No child..

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01st Nov 2019

IMServ teams up with United Living and Pozitive Energy to deliver the UK’s first SMETS2 Smart...

IMServ, one of the UK’s leading independent Smart Meter installers and data collectors, has successfully delivered 139 SMETS2 Smart Metering New Connections in Milton Keynes for United Living and their energy provider Pozitive Energy. Solstice Apartments, on Silbury Boulevard in Central Milton Keynes, is a contemporary housing development, which has seen former office space converted into brand new one and two bedroom apartments for private rental. The residential development, which supports the wider social regeneration strategy in Milton Keynes, adds 139 high-specification apartments to the area. This not only enhances the residential market, but also benefits the local community, with the addition of two retail units on the ground floor, as well as landscaped gardens and communal areas. IMServ has worked closely with the principal contractor, United Living, to provide a seamless installation programme of 2nd generation Smart Metering, which not only powers each apartment, but also connects each and..

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20th Jul 2019

Businesses in Milton Keynes are suffering due to ill health

Business Live UK and Bannatyne MK are on a mission to make the Milton Keynes workforce healthier, happier and more successful Business Live UK were approached by Bannatyne Health Club & Spa, Milton Keynes to solve the age-old dilemma that is finding the perfect work-life balance. “Unfortunately, while health and safety in the workplace is standard, health and wellbeing is all too often an afterthought. We’re on a mission to change that.” said Victoria Beale, CEO Business Live UK Ltd. The Business Live UK team, alongside Bannatyne, are excited to announce that in September they will be hosting their first Business Health & Wellbeing event, which will take place every quarter – beginning on Thursday 19th September. It will be hosted in the beautiful Winter Gardens at Bannatyne Milton Keynes, from 6pm-8:30pm. “Everyone knows about the rewards that come with success in business, but far fewer want to admit that..

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08th Jul 2019

£70k Milton Keynes Business Centre refit sees delighted businesses benefit from improved and...

An ambitious £70,000 renovation project to create improved facilities for clients at Capital Space’s Milton Keynes Business Centre has been completed on time, on budget – and with customers delighted with the result. “The renovations were designed to give our customers more of what they need to ensure the space works as effectively as possible for their growing businesses,” said Milton Keynes Business Centre manager, Matt Roberts.  “This is a renovation that’s about substance as well as style. The new lighting and décor certainly give MK Business Centre fresh appeal, while the impact of having a larger ‘meet-and-greet’ area has been immediate – it’s just so much more welcoming, professional and convenient for everyone.” “The increased space in the reception area helps us massively because it’s the waiting hub for any candidates we’re interviewing. When there are several of them, they can be waiting here for a period of time and..

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08th Jul 2019

Start your own business – the right way

From the idea stage to bringing a product or service to market, a business launch encompasses myriad steps. Darren Isaac, owner of TFA, offers his advice on starting the right way. I’ve been in business for over twenty years and, in that time, I’ve built five multi-million pound companies from scratch. People often ask me how I got started and say how they would love to run their own business, but they are quick to disregard it as a possibility, for one reason or another. ANYONE can start and build their own business, with next to no money, but most who would like to don’t because they talk themselves out of it. Here are my top five rules for getting your own business started and making it work right from day one: Choose a business that you will enjoy. It’s crucial to your success that you enjoy what you do. If..

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20th Jun 2019

Your Office Space ‘packs a punch’ for businesses in Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes business professionals flocked to the recent launch of Your Office Space, and the contemporary working space proved a resounding hit with the 50 businesses who attended. The centrally located hub offers a brand new, adaptable workspace from its premises at the iconic Gloucester House in Silbury Boulevard, and was officially opened by The Mayor of Milton Keynes, Sam Crooks. Councillor Crooks said: “What attracted me was how much they can support new start-ups. New businesses need flexible spaces, and that's what Your Office Space Provides. He added: “Milton Keynes is one of the most successful places in the country for start-ups, and Your Office Space meets a need.” The launch evening packed a punch too; Former World Champion Boxer Billy Schwer gave his support to the event, and was so impressed that he has decided to run a monthly masterclass for CEOs and Sales Directors at the business..

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12th Jun 2019

Wellies Day Nursery in North Crawley celebrates their 30th Birthday...

In light of the current weather forecast for the Milton Keynes area remembering your Wellies is quite apt! Let’s hope we see a glimmer of summer by Saturday 29th June when Wellies Day Nursery in North Crawley open their doors for a big celebration. 30 years is an exciting milestone in any area of life but for one local business it’s the start of a new chapter. Local business Wellies Day Nursery in North Crawley is in its 30th year and is still going strong. Nursery owner Helen Hobbs has experienced a star studded career as a nanny for well-known stars, such as Sir David Frost OBE and actress Lady Marsha Fitzalan who has starred alongside Rik Mayall, Martin Shaw and Rupert Everett. Then, in 1989 Helen decided to build something very special. Helen says “I began Wellies as a Nursery Nurse who wanted to offer the very best to..

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05th Feb 2019

Local businesses take Hospice to their heart

Local businesses Woolfe Jewellery and charity cards specialists DoodleDoo are spreading some love this Valentines by showing their support for an appeal to help Willen Hospice reach more people living with life-limiting illnesses in Milton Keynes and surrounding areas.  ‘Hearts in our Community’ aims to raise money that can help Willen’s specialist community nursing team to support more patients and their families in their own homes - where and when they need it most.  Businessmen John Woolfe and Glenn Wynsor have been supporting the Hospice for a number of years, more recently raising almost £1,000 through the sale of greetings cards that can be personalised online. For every card bought to support the Hospice, DoodleDoo makes a donation of at least 10% of the purchase price after VAT, which is then match funded by Woolfe Jewellery.   Fundraisers behind the Hospice appeal are calling on local people to visit www.doodle-doo.co.ukahead of this Valentine’s..

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07th Jan 2019

The Paterson Group launches key new division: Paterson Training, to kick-off 2019

The Paterson Group has been offering high-end training solutions to its workers and clients for over 20 years. The launch of Paterson Training follows an extremely positive year for The Paterson Group in 2018, having undergone a Management Buy-Out in July, followed by the successful relocation and expansion of the Milton Keynes branch in November. The introduction of Paterson Training as a stand-alone division within the Group will reinforce the already strong focus on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) throughout Paterson Recruitment and Paterson Health & Social Care’s diverse sectors.  The Paterson Group is experienced in delivering a variety of courses including; First Aid, Basic Life Support, Fire Safety and Manual Handling, as well as more specialist sessions: Administration of Medication, Infection Control and Care Planning to name a few. Launching Paterson Training will enable the provision of a broader range of courses, as well as bespoke offerings to suit specific..

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