Newark Business Club Meeting Write-Up – July 2026
Emma Holden, chair of Newark Business Club, welcomed over 70 business leaders, company directors, retailers, freelancers and sole traders to Newark Business Club’s July meeting at the YMCA. The roving mic travelled around the room as everyone introduced themselves and their businesses, highlighting the diversity and talent of the local area.
Meeting Sponsors – New Age Financial Services
Will Stokes, founder of New Age Financial Services, emphasized the importance of planning for retirement, regardless of your age. Pensions are an effective tool for creating a fulfilling life in retirement. They are also a tax efficient way of saving money. For each £100 you invest in a pension, you’ll save £25 in income tax. If you own a limited company, you’ll reduce your company’s corporation tax if you contribute to a small business pension plan.
However, four in ten people of working age are not saving enough for their retirement, according to the UK government. Even if you can only afford to contribute a small amount to your pension, it’s still important to do so because smaller monthly pension contribution over a longer time can lead to higher returns than larger contributions over a shorter time. Therefore, it makes sense to start saving for retirement as early as possible.
Once you reach retirement age, there will be several options for taking your pension, including a guaranteed or flexible income and up to 25% of your pension savings in tax-free cash. Will’s mission is to make financial advice accessible to everyone, regardless of their income. His services include retirement planning, investments, life insurance and estate planning. He offers a free initial consultation.
The Business Card Draw
The business card draw was next on the agenda. The winners of a write-up each were Donna Wynne, Senior Global Leadership Development Manager at TUI, a first-time visitor, and Rani Karim, founder of First Gate Solutions, a regular attendee.
Action Group Update
Newark Business Club’s Action Group has been reappraising its mission and objectives. Its mission is: “To create a landscape that encourages business growth and investment in the Newark region by focusing on key areas such as road, rail, planning and environmental impact.” The group aims to be proactive, building relationships with key stakeholders and engaging in dialogue with them before decisions are made in order to secure the best possible impact for Newark-based businesses.
Going forward, Chris Needle, who recently became chair of the Action Group, said that the group would focus on three key pillars: planning and development, transport and infrastructure, and retail, town centre and place. The Action Group’s priority will be to campaign for the reinstatement of the A46 Newark Bypass dual carriageway project.
If you would like to have an influence and help to make Newark a better place to live and work, you are welcome to go along to an Action Group meeting. The next one will take place on 4 August at 5.30pm in the YMCA Café.
2 Minute Spotlight!
Newark Business Club member Ben Boughtwood, founder of Buzz Lab Media, stood in the spotlight this month. Ben started his career with a local company where he was responsible for marketing and media. He then worked for an international company, based across ten countries, leading their ecommerce and marketing team in the UK.
With a broad range of experience gained in both small and large companies, Ben now leads Buzz Lab Media, which offers a wide range of services, including brand strategy and positioning, digital marketing, social media management, and PPC advertising. In his spare time, Ben enjoys playing padel and collecting vinyl records.
Who Gives a Book?!
This month, Emma Holden recommended The Reluctant Retailer: How to Delight Your Customers Without Losing Your Mind by Newark Business Club member Keith Lockwood. Clare Copping of Starfish Hypnotherapy won a copy of the book.
Club Connections
Several members shared how connections forged at Newark Business Club have led to referrals, collaboration and long-term friendships.
Robert Jenrick MP
Local MP Robert Jenrick spoke to the Business Club about the disappointing news that the A46 Newark Bypass project has been cancelled. He will be meeting with the Transport Secretary to discuss the cancellation and will do his utmost to ensure that the project is reinstated.
Events & Announcements
- Call for Local Volunteers Local organisation Your CVS is looking for new volunteers with 1-2 hours per week to spare. A variety of voluntary positions are available, including drivers, befrienders and group assistants. Find out more at: www.yourcvsnotts.org/volunteer-centre
- New Podcast – Talking Newark Talking Newark is a new podcast to shine the spotlight on the people, businesses and organisations that make Newark a great place to live and work. Set up by marketing consultancy Nettl of Newark & Grantham and partnering with community events group We Are Newark, Shop Newark and Newark Business Club, you can listen to the weekly episodes on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
- Butterfly Ball The inaugural Butterfly Ball in aid of Your CVS’s Butterfly Service, which offers non-clinical end-of-life support, will be held on 26 September at Thoresby Manor. Buy your ticket at: https://www.shopnewark.online/events/the-butterfly-ball
- Dragon Boat Race Registration for the Dragon Boat Race on 13 September in aid of The Children’s Bereavement Centre and Beaumond House Hospice is still open: https://www.newarkdragonboatfestival.co.uk/register
Business Spotlight – First Gate Solutions
Empowering Your Business to Grow, Adapt, and Succeed
At our core, we believe in building profitable, lasting relationships rooted in transparency, growth, and deep partnership. We don’t just offer off-the-shelf advice we bring our whole selves to your challenges, examining your business through a forensic eye to deliver truly tailored solutions. Guided by insightfulness, grit, empathy, and candour, we work alongside you to co-create measurable success with speed and complete clarity.
How We Can Support You
- Business Consultancy: Strategic planning, operational improvement, business transformation, and process optimisation tailored for SMEs, directors, and leaders.
- Contract Management: End-to-end support for care providers, public sector contractors, and regulated firms covering compliance audits, contract reviews, KPI monitoring, and risk reduction.
- Leadership Support: Confidential, independent guidance to help leaders and managers resolve workplace conflict, gain clarity, build confidence, and make informed decisions.
- Commercial Real Estate & Telecoms: Expert transactional support including leases, sales, acquisitions, renewals, and variations (delivered in association with Kingsley Wood).
Ready to find the right solution for your business? Visit our website to watch our quick videos, learn more about our services, and book your free initial consultation today!
Get in Touch
- Website: firstgatesolutions.com
- Email: info@firstgatesolutions.com
- Phone: 07535786482
Next meeting
The next meeting of Newark Business Club will be on 7 August at the YMCA, beginning with tea, coffee and informal networking from 6.45 am.
Thank you to Our Patrons & Sponsors
We are delighted to have support from Patrons for 2026: Gusto Group|GXO in Partnership with Currys|Barcode Warehouse|PeachyEvents|Radio Newark
Write up by Roz Andrews of RA Writers For Hire/RA Book Editing / Photos supplied by Nicola Auckland Photography.
