Newark Business Club kicked off its first meeting of 2026 with a powerful message on inclusive recruitment, infrastructure updates, and the vital role of local charities. Hosted at its regular morning slot, the session highlighted how Newark businesses are “changing the game” by tapping into overlooked talent pools.
Breaking Barriers in Recruitment
The morning’s headline presentation featured Helen Johnson and Richard Woolley of GXO Logistics UK who partner with Currys with the main Distribution Centre in Newark. As a major employer in the area, GXO is tackling recruitment challenges by leaning into a core value: inclusivity.
With 4.1% of the Newark and Sherwood population currently unemployed due to care responsibilities or long-term health conditions, Helen and Richard urged businesses not to “wait for perfect.” GXO has seen remarkable success by recruiting from diverse backgrounds, including veterans, the homeless, those with Downs Syndrome and those within the open prison system.
Richard shared an inspiring journey involving SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) students. After meeting a job coach in Derby, GXO began their journey to supported internships that led to the permanent hiring of individuals. This is a different way to transition students with additional needs into employment. The message to the room was clear: with the right guidance from organisations like DS Workfit and East Midlands County Council Authority, any business can provide the “reasonable adjustments” needed to unlock this untapped workforce.
Helen ended the presentation telling everyone that we were all the ones who could make a difference and hire for the candidate to make their business stronger.
Before leaving the stage Helen and Richard selected the members to receive write ups and they are Hannah Colson (HC Upholstery) who secured the Newark Advertiser feature, while newcomer Lucy Robinson (Formulr Marketing) who won a spot in the club’s newsletter.
Before the break we had the first of two table networking sessions giving members the opportunity to learn more about each others businesses.
Two Minute Talk
In the “Two Minute Talk,” Louise Sinclair of Beaumond House Hospice delivered a moving presentation on the emotional power of food. Drawing on her experiences from a road trip in America, Louise explained how “food becomes the story” for families facing life-limiting illnesses.
“Food expresses love when words are hard to find,” Louise noted, highlighting how shared meals and the simple act of “putting the kettle on” provide comfort and dignity. To support their vital work, Beaumond House promoted their cream tea delivery service, with Chris Needle and Paul Chadbourne winning the morning’s prize boxes.
Next month we’ll have a two-minute talk from Matthew Taylor of MT Productions.
Action Group Update
Michael Hardy provided a robust update from the Action Group, focusing on ensuring Newark remains a priority for regional investment. Key updates included:
* A46 Dualling: A £500m investment is slated for the Newark bypass, with a specific project timeline expected from Skanska in March.
* Political Engagement: Following concerns that the Mayor’s plan lacked mention of Newark, the group has been in active discussions with Council Leader Paul Peacock to ensure the town stays at the centre of the conversation.
Who Gives A Book?!
Each month we give away a book to share knowledge around the room and this month Sheryl Monk won a copy of Simon Squibb’s What’s Your Dream? If you’ve read something inspiring please email hello@newarkbusinessclub.co.uk your recommendation.
Announcements
The meeting concluded with a flurry of local announcements and successes:
The joint Christmas event with Grantham Business Club at Harlaxton raised £700 for Beaumond House.
Dates for the Diary:
* Ignite Event (Kelham Hall): Jan 22nd (Use code NBC5 for a discount).
* Wine Tasting (Newark Town Hall): Feb 5th, supporting Newark Emmaus Trust.
* The Big Newark Sleep Out: March 20th.
The Newark Business Club returns on Friday, February 6th, at YMCA Newark & Sherwood. Doors open from 645am.
Member Spotlight
Serious growth comes from a strategy that’s carefully built around your business, your audience and your goals. It relies on finding your very own Formulr for success.
That’s where Lucy Robinson and her team come in. After spending the last 12 years studying and practising marketing, Lucy launched Formulr Marketing in 2026, giving local businesses access to proven, results-driven marketing support without the cost of a full-time hire. Formulr offers strategic support, as well as full-service marketing for those looking for someone to take the reins and deliver.
Key services include:
- Social media management – Building brand awareness and creating a genuine community.
- SEO – There’s an audience looking for products and services like yours online, that can’t find you. We change that.
- Influencer, affiliate and PR – Getting people talking about (and promoting) your business.
- Paid advertising (Meta & Google) – Reaching the right audiences, at the right time, and driving meaningful action.
- Email marketing – Making the most of your existing contacts, turning interest into conversions.
- Websites & eCommerce – With a specialism in Shopify, Formulr supports website development and eCommerce growth across a range of platforms.
Formulr can act as an interim solution while you recruit, cover maternity leave, or support when your internal teams are at capacity. Alternatively, they can operate as a fully outsourced marketing function – giving you the flexibility, expertise and momentum your business needs to grow.
Ready to find your winning Formulr? Contact Formulr Marketing today.
Email: lucy@formulrmarketing.co.uk
Website: www.formulrmarketing.co.uk
LinkedIn: Formulr Marketing
Phone: 07926 688580
Newark Business Club’s February Meeting
You are invited to join us for Newark Business Club’s February meeting on 6th February at 6.45 am at the YMCA.
By Roz Andrews, RA Writers For Hire Ltd and RA Book Editing
Thank you to Our Patrons & Sponsors
We are delighted to announce the following Patrons for 2025: Gusto Group|GXO in Partnership with Currys|Barcode Warehouse|Motorfinity|PeachyEvents|Radio Newark
Next Meeting – The next meeting of Newark Business Club will be on 6th February at the YMCA and doors open 6.45am.
The YMCA catering team offer a range of delicious breakfasts which are available to purchase.
Please Book your tickets online
YMCA Community and Activity Village
Lord Hawke Way
Newark
Nottinghamshire NG24 4FH
For sponsorship opportunities, contact chairman@newarkbusinessclub.co.uk
