- Managing the work of more junior staff (46%)
- Loss of culture (46%)
- Mental wellbeing (37%)
- The provision of training remotely (37%)
- Having efficient technology (37%)
East Midlands’ mid-market struggling to implement hybrid working
New research from Grant Thornton UK LLP’s latest Business Outlook Tracker has revealed that, prior to the implementation of ‘Plan B’ and the return of work from home guidance, hybrid working was being adopted by many mid-market firms in the East Midlands, but some businesses were still facing challenges with its implementation.
The survey of mid-sized businesses found that a hybrid working approach, where people split their time between working remotely and in an office, was the most common working practice in early December with 92% of the region’s businesses working this way.
Despite more than nine out of ten businesses operating in this manner, 15% said that they were not yet finding it to be effective. The research identified that the main working style challenges for those respondents adopting a hybrid working approach are:
Rutland retailer unveils US expansion plans following six-figure funding package
Natural wool sleeping products and homeware company Woolroom has unveiled plans to expand internationally following funding from Santander UK.
Santander UK has provided the Rutland-based business with a six-figure funding package to support its plans to increase sales in the US. The package includes foreign exchange support, and the bank has provided Woolroom with international expertise to connect it with product distributors and home delivery partners in the US. Woolroom has also shifted its day-to-day banking to Santander UK.
The US market currently represents 25% of its sales and the business plans to grow this figure to 50% over the next three years.
Woolroom sells its products – including beds, mattresses, bedding, accessories, homeware and children’s sleep items – to clients through its four stores in the UK and via its website which attracts international customers particularly from the US and Europe, and print catalogue. It plans to extend its range of products with the launch of a woollen sleepwear line in July this year.
All the wool it uses in its products is sourced from UK farms and exclusively purchased directly from British Wool. The company aspires to create a safer, cleaner, healthier environment for sleep with sustainably sourced products. In 2020, it launched a traceable wool programme enabling customers to scan QR codes on their product and identify which specific UK farm the wool came from.
It is the increase in demand – particularly in the US market – for bedding products made from natural materials that is a major driving force in the growth of its business. Another factor propelling growth in sales is people spending more time at home during the pandemic and investing in products to make themselves comfortable. The company’s annual turnover has increased from £5.7m in August 2020 to £8.5m in August 2021 and it is targeting £12m this year.
Woolroom was founded in 2008, is based in Oakland, Rutland and employs a staff of 27. It plans to hire three additional staff over the next year as it grows.
The business has four stores in Ipswich, Marlow, Oakham, and Peak Village in Rowsley, Derbyshire.
Chris Tattersall, Woolroom Managing Director, said: “Santander UK is a true partner to our business, working hard to understand our vision, challenges and goals, and supporting us to move forward and grow profitably across all of our markets.”
Chris Kovacs, relationship director at Santander UK, said: “We are delighted to have become Woolroom’s banking partner, supporting the next phase of its growth strategy. Our international support solutions and funding package will help it expand further in the US market. The business has a fantastic ethos of delivering ethical and sustainable products and we look forward to working together to deliver growth globally.”
Grants of up to £2,000 available for visitor economy businesses in Derbyshire
Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire are offering visitor economy businesses based in Derbyshire the opportunity to apply for business grants of up to £2,000.
This will enable local businesses to adapt, recover and rebuild in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Business grants are available to support the development of valuable digital assets such as online booking systems, updated websites and cashless payment facilities to help respond to changing consumer behaviour.
Grants are also available for cycling facilities such as bike storage and internationalisation such as website translation.
Grants of up to £2,000 are available in the following areas:
- Covid-19 Digitalisation – e.g. updates to an existing website, implementation of online booking/cashless payment systems.
- Cycling – e.g. secure cycle storage and maintenance equipment for use by visitors.
- Internationalisation – e.g. website translation or the implementation of online booking/cashless payment systems to encourage international visitors.
- Be part of the visitor economy, including sole traders, partnerships and limited companies.
- Be located in Derbyshire.
- Have less than 250 employees.
- Have been trading for more than 12 months.
- Have a business bank account.
- Successful applicants will receive a 50% grant towards the cost of the overall project, with a minimum 50% grant contribution being £1,000 and the maximum being £2,000.
Ibstock reports “strong” year as revenues rise
Ibstock, the Leicestershire-based manufacturer of clay and concrete building products and solutions, has hailed a “strong financial performance in 2021,” supported by “a combination of a strong operational performance and proactive management of inflationary pressures.”
According to a trading update for the year ended 31 December 2021, full year revenues are expected to increase by 29% on 2020, to £409 million, which is in line with the level achieved in 2019.
Meanwhile, as a result of a strong trading performance in Q4, the company now expects to report adjusted EBITDA for 2021 modestly ahead of its previous expectations.The business noted that it saw a continuation of previously reported strong demand trends during the final months of 2021, with robust activity levels in all key end-market segments and in particular from both new build housing and the Repairs, Maintenance and Improvement (RMI) sectors.
Against this backdrop, the group said it traded well in the final quarter of 2021, benefitting from a combination of a resilient operational performance and the dynamic commercial approach taken by the group in both the clay and concrete divisions in response to significant inflationary pressures.
Ibstock said product price increases were successful in mitigating the effect of the significant input cost inflation experienced during the second half of the year, particularly seen across energy, freight, carbon and materials.
Joe Hudson, CEO of Ibstock PLC, said: “Customer demand remained resilient in the final quarter and a combination of a strong operational performance and proactive management of inflationary pressures have ensured that Ibstock was able to deliver a strong financial performance for 2021.
“Whilst we are mindful of ongoing uncertainties, including industry supply chain pressure and cost inflation, the good momentum achieved to the end of the year provides us with a strong platform for significant further financial and strategic progress in 2022.
“The UK construction industry has a vital role to play in supporting economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic and addressing climate change in accordance with government targets. Ibstock’s investment in growth and innovation across our business positions us well to pursue opportunities and support the industry into the future.“
ICS Electrical Contractors announces new partnership with TFS Facilities Services
ICS Electrical Contractors is pleased to announce a new partnership with TFS Facilities Services (TFS), a leading Facilities Management company based in the Midlands, with clients such as Odeon and CBRE.
As part of thenew partnership with TFS, ICS will be providing M&E services nationwide to their established client base, including public and private sector clients.
So, what does this mean for ICS’s clients?
- ICS’s client base now extends beyond the East Midlands, and they can serve clients throughout the UK
- They have an additional office space in Nottingham, meaning based on their location, clients have the option of meeting with ICS either in the Nottingham office or in the Leicestershire office
- They have increased the team to 6 electricians, and plan to hire 5 more electricians over the next three months, reducing wait times
- As a TFS partner, they can provide access to other services such as security gates, rolling shutter doors, HVAC, fire suppression, sanitisation and building fabric
2022 Business Predictions: Karl Viner, co-owner, Fitness Options
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Karl Viner, co-owner, Fitness Options.
Perhaps we might be forgiven for having to dust off the old crystal kettlebell because frankly who knows what will happen but as with any other business, we’ve learned to adapt to the challenges and to embrace the business word of the pandemic era…’pivot’.
As an independent retailer, we’ve faced huge challenges and opportunities.
Our retail clients typically have their own home gym, are seeking to create one or have a hybrid space, like a garage, so the challenges gyms have faced has been a huge boon to us – try finding a set of dumbbells online this summer!
However, whilst we have one of the largest fitness stores in the UK, a lot of our customers are used to popping in to get to grips with the equipment we have. So whilst there have been windows of opportunity and a major upturn in footfall as soon as we re-opened, we’ve also invested heavily in a new ecommerce site which has helped us reach a wider audience and expand our offering.
We’ve also seen a major upsurge in enquiries from our commercial clients, with hotels and independent gyms upgrading their facilities but the interesting one has been the demand from businesses seeking to create “wellness” facilities for their staff. Some are creating small space for workouts, whilst others are commissioning us to help design and build entire fitness facilities for their teams.
We anticipate this trend will continue, as forward thinking firms see the opportunity to not only invest in their employees’ health and wellbeing but also seek to create an attractive working environment that aids retention, recruitment and the return to the office.
Nottinghamshire Council to slash carbon emissions with new ‘plan’
A detailed carbon reduction plan will be drawn up by the council as a way of slashing emissions from its activities and services.
The plan will be delivered, and implemented, this year and will be an important lever in helping the council achieve its ambitious carbon neutral target by 2030.
The carbon reduction plan will be based on evidence gathered from the council’s recently published greenhouse gas report which set out where its emissions are most prevalent.
The report showed that 54% of the council’s emissions are from its electricity use; both in buildings and from highway equipment and lighting, with 18% due to heating, 13% from running of fleet vehicles, the reminder caused by staff business travel and transmission losses.
The county council’s Environment Ambassador, Cllr Mike Adams, has welcomed the creation of a carbon reduction plan describing it as a “game-changer.”
Cllr Adams said: “It is good news that we are now in the process of drawing up a carbon reduction plan; it is going to be a game-changer in our ambition to become net zero in all of our activities by 2030.
“Producing our greenhouse gas report was the first step to getting our plan up-and-running – we couldn’t go into this important project without getting the facts right about the origins of our emissions.
“We are already ahead of time with some of the elements likely to be in this plan, for example, we have switched the majority of our highways lighting to LEDs and we are now moving our electricity supply to a green tariff.
“We are serious about doing our bit to mitigate the effects of climate change in Nottinghamshire and our carbon reduction plan will be an important blueprint for our work.”
Nottinghamshire County Council committed to become carbon neutral by 2030 after it declared a climate emergency last May.
Derby City Council funds expert advice to help small businesses go digital
High street businesses in Derby are being offered a helping hand to step into the 21st century with a package of free support to implement modern forms of trading.
Up to 100 retail, hospitality and leisure organisations can benefit from access to expert advice via the Derby Business Resilience Programme, which is funded by Derby City Council and delivered in partnership with East Midlands Chamber.
Advisers can assist in establishing an online business strategy and, depending on requirements, the creation of a fully search engine-optimised e-commerce website with 12 months’ free web hosting provided by Derbyshire-based digital marketing agency Purpose Media.
Grants to cover bespoke consultancy support are available to some eligible businesses, while aspects of the support scheme are also open to companies in the transport industry supply chain.
East Midlands Chamber Head of Enterprise Paul Stuart said: “Purchasing habits have changed as a result of Covid-19, with fewer in-store visitors and a move towards online transactions. We expect this to be a long-term shift, so it’s vital that businesses ensure they see this as an opportunity, rather than a threat.
“By engaging with the Derby Business Resilience Programme, small businesses can benefit from expert support to equip themselves with the right mix of tools needed for the online world – something that will complement their existing services, attract new customers and, ultimately, future-proof their organisations.”
Derby City Council has provided £200,000 in funding towards the programme, with East Midlands Chamber contributing £42,000.
It is aimed at independent micro or small businesses based within the city council’s area that can demonstrate the adverse impact of Covid-19 on their trade.
The fully-funded support includes a dedicated business resilience adviser with specific digital or business support skills, who can work alongside a company to help develop an online business plan.
This involves reviewing current marketing and social media activities, setting up a Google listing or even signing up a company to its first social media account.
By setting up e-commerce websites with features such as click and collect or other delivery options, businesses can increase their profile and use their virtual shop window to drive greater footfall to both their physical and online store.
One year’s membership of the Chamber is also provided – giving them access to business protection services in HR, health and safety, tax and legal issues, as well as discounts on member products and services – while they will be able to attend regular events and webinars to increase their digital know-how.
Cllr Steve Hassall, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Decarbonisation, Strategic Planning and Transport at Derby City Council, said: “The last couple of years have been incredibly tough for all business, and our local retail, hospitality and leisure businesses have been hit especially hard.
“We want to do all we can to offer practical support to independent retail and leisure firms across Derby and help drive our recovery from the pandemic. I’d encourage businesses to apply quickly to take advantage of this scheme.”
Award-winning, full-service marketing agency Purpose Media has been approved to deliver digital marketing advice, and to design and build websites for those businesses that are eligible.
The company, based in South Normanton, has previously worked alongside the Chamber in delivering the Chesterfield Digital High Street project, which has offered similar support to more than 30 businesses – ranging from gin shops and cafés to hairdressers and butchers.
Purpose Media business development manager Grace Golden said: “Through our work in the Chesterfield Digital High Street project, we have helped businesses learn new ways to engage with customers, attract business and increase profitability.
“By implementing new activity online such as posting videos or using Facebook advertising, they have renewed optimism for their future and have confidence in their ability to marketing their business.
“We believe the Derby Business Resilience Programme can be equally successful for independent businesses in the Derby City Council area. It intends to help businesses attract new customers, drive footfall to retail stores, establish an e-commerce website and improve visibility online.”
An information session about the Derby Business Resilience Programme will be held at Derby Enterprise Centre on Thursday 20 January. Businesses can apply on the East Midlands Chamber website by 31 March. String of office deals completed at The Atrium in Nottingham
Acting on behalf of Truelove Pension Fund, FHP have completed a number of office lettings within The Atrium, a multi occupied city centre office building, following increased deal activity within the sector.
FHP were instructed to market The Atrium at the start of 2021, at which point the building had some 20,000 sq ft of vacancy, with various tenants having decided to vacate spaces as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Since then, the landlords, Truelove Pension Fund, have undertaken various refurbishments within the building and alongside FHP’s marketing efforts have now concluded the lettings of five suites within the building totalling 18,000 sq ft.
Mark Tomlinson of FHP, who acted on behalf of the landlords, said: “Much has been made of the changes within the office sector, but these lettings prove that the office market is still very much alive and kicking for the right quality of spaces.
“We have seen many occupiers reconsider their requirements and adopting a more flexible working strategy and seeking to improve the overall quality of their office accommodation to enhance working environments going forwards.
“There remains a lack of supply of good quality spaces within the sector and we expect to see deal activity to improve during 2022, once occupiers put their new office strategies into place.”
Kate Truelove of Truelove Pension Fund said: “We are delighted to have secured a number of lettings in The Atrium in a short space of time during the middle of a pandemic. It shows office-based working is here to stay going forward and we would like to thank FHP for their hard work in securing a strong set of tenants throughout the building on long term leases.”
Nottinghamshire manufacturer wins 12th contract for Morrison Construction with £1.8m education project
Morrison Construction has awarded a £1.8m furniture and fitout contract to Mansfield-based Deanestor for a new £60m multi-school campus in West Lothian, Scotland. The project is Deanestor’s 12th contract for Morrison.
Deanestor will fit out over 340 rooms across the new Winchburgh campus near Edinburgh, manufacturing bespoke furniture in a light maple wood finish. The contract includes the provision of over 300 base cabinets, 940m of white laminate worktops, over 1km of adjustable shelving, 16 teaching walls, 215 resource storage units, as well as write-on teaching aids, shoebox storage units, and wall cupboards.
Due for completion in 2022, the campus is being delivered by Hub South East Scotland for West Lothian Council and will provide two new secondary schools, a primary school with an early years facility, and a sports and wellbeing hub.
William Tonkinson, Managing Director of Deanestor, said: “We are delighted to have secured our 12th project for Morrison Construction. This latest Scottish education project reaffirms our market-leading position in the education sector and our specialist capabilities – from school furniture design and manufacture to project management, logistics, procurement, and installation.”
David Wright, construction manager at Morrison Construction, said: “Deanestor has successfully delivered a number of education contracts for Morrison, including the award-winning Barony Campus in Cumnock, East Ayrshire and more recently at Calderwood Primary School, which like Winchburgh, was for West Lothian Council.
“Their team has an impressive track record in fitting out complex multi-school campus projects and a good level of technical competence in the design, manufacture and installation of furniture for large-scale education schemes.”
The centralised teaching aids for each classroom will incorporate tall resource storage cabinets at either side and a central interactive LED panel. Deanestor’s contract also includes the procurement of chairs, classroom tables, modular seating for breakout areas, lockers, noticeboards, whiteboards, and dining seating solutions across the campus.
The four campus buildings will be individually distinct but share a common thread of materials, natural light, and ventilation, and will create inspirational learning environments as well as a focus for the rapidly growing community of Winchburgh.
Designed by Ryder Architecture, the secondary schools – Winchburgh and Sinclair Academies – will initially serve up to 660 non-denominational and denominational pupils respectively. Facilities include art zones and studios, breakout spaces, dance and drama halls, exhibition areas, general classrooms, science laboratories, assembly halls, hub rooms, offices, library, meeting rooms, outdoor learning areas, and sports centre.
The interior of Winchburgh Academy will have a contemporary design with a master palette based on shades of green, grey, and light wood furniture, and four other colour themes reflected in soft furnishings for different parts of the school.
JM Architects are designing the new Holy Family Primary School and nursery. The primary facilities will have flexible play and learning spaces, reception, dining/assembly hall, courtyard, and multi-use games area for outside play.
Streets cover customs declarations on imports from the EU, the reintroduction of the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme and more in latest business support update
In its latest Business Support Update, Streets Chartered Accountants dives into customs declarations on imports from the EU, the reintroduction of the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme, Self Assessment Tax Returns, and more.
Customs Declarations on imports from the EU – have you got to grips with changes from 1st January 2022?
HMRC has warned businesses that Customs Declarations on imports from the EU will change once again at the start of 2022. From the 1st January 2022, businesses will no longer be able to delay making import customs declarations under the Staged Customs Control rules that have applied during 2021. Most businesses will have to make declarations and pay relevant tariffs at the point of import.
Streets ranked in the Top 10 in Business Weekly’s New Year Honours
In Business Weekly, Streets has been acclaimed and recognised as one of the region’s leading financial advisory firms: “Streets has had a fabulously successful 12 months and expanded its area of expertise in the region through shrewd acquisition and sound planning.”
Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme reintroduced for small businesses
The Government has stated that the Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) Rebate Scheme will be reintroduced allowing for businesses with fewer than 250 employees, who had a PAYE payroll scheme open on or before 28 February 2020, to recover money from the government to pay statutory sick pay to employees affected by Covid-19. Although claims were to be made before 31 December 2021, the scheme is being re-introduced in mid-January 2022.
Podcast – Self-Assessment Tax Returns with Kelly Goodchild
In this session, Streets Tax Manager Kelly Goodchild explores how the impact of the pandemic and the financial measures introduced by the Government to support individuals and businesses could affect your Self Assessment Tax Return due to be completed by 31 January 2022. The deadline looms.
Peace of mind in 2022 – we are concerned that you are not currently protected
With the self-assessment deadline for filing returns and making payments looming, tax matters are probably very much on the minds of many. Perhaps less so is the potential impact that a tax enquiry or investigation might have on us as an individual or on our business. Whilst we all want to ensure our affairs are in the best order, there is a real risk that the Revenue can instigate an investigation or enquiry.
Well-deserved New Year’s honour for Streets client Paul Holt
Services to International Trade, education and the UK’s PPE Supply Chain earn a well-deserved New Year’s Honour for Streets client Paul Holt, Managing Director of 3D printing specialists Photocentric. Paul has been recognised by the Queen with the award of an MBE for his contribution to international trade as well as his commitment to education.
Digital marketing duo join V Formation
Nottingham marketing and PR agency V Formation has kicked off 2022 by strengthening its growing team with two experienced recruits in new roles.
Rachel Axten joins the team as digital marketing manager to provide strategic digital advice and support to V Formation’s clients as well as the team, and David Shindler joins as senior marketing executive and will focus on delivering on and offline marketing campaigns for clients.
With a wealth of experience in planning, executing, and analysing both digital and traditional marketing and PR campaigns across a wide variety of industries, Rachel is well versed in understanding, meeting, and delivering clients’ digital marketing needs as well as managing and supporting internal marketing activity.
Prior to joining V Formation, Rachel honed her management and digital capabilities as client marketing manager for CCM Group, an agency based in Sutton-in-Ashfield, and has over eight years’ experience within the marketing sector.
Rachel said: “I’ve always had such a passion for both creativity and strategy, which is why marketing has always been the career for me. The industry is ever-changing which keeps it fast paced and exciting! I’m thrilled to be taking this next step in my career, and I can’t wait to support V Formation as it continues to grow and strengthen its digital offering.”
With six years’ professional experience in the marketing sector and a degree in graphic and media design, David joins V Formation from Stratford-upon-Avon-based optical products distributor Thomas Jack Limited, where he was marketing co-ordinator and focused on producing artwork and content for digital and print.
On joining V Formation, David says: “Having come from a graphic design background, I feel passionately about helping people to solve their visual communication problems, and I’m keen to use my skills across broader areas of the marketing space. This new role at V Formation gives me the opportunity to do exactly that. I’m looking forward to being part of the team as the business continues to grow.”
Sue Carr, V Formation director, adds: “We’re thrilled to welcome Rachel and David to the V Formation team as we continue on our growth trajectory. They are both highly skilled, experienced marketeers, who together will add real value to our growing roster of fantastic clients.”
“Now is all about investing in the future,” says Hilary Campton, V Formation director. “Our pace of growth has accelerated in the last couple of years, particularly in recent months, and our annual revenues have risen again, with figures for the first half of this financial year up 25% on the same time last year.
“As we look ambitiously to the future, Rachel and David’s skills will support the ongoing development of our integrated marketing offering, the team and our client portfolio, with them each having complimentary knowledge that is the perfect fit for our expanding service offering and client portfolio.”
Helping Leicestershire’s creative and digital agencies find cash
Creative and digital agencies based in Leicestershire can get support finding the money they need to grow, by attending a free webinar from the Business Gateway tomorrow (20 January).
Finance and funding expert, Lawrie Chandler, founder of the company Edale, will share information and advice on how to find and secure the funding available specifically for creative and digital companies.
Mr Chandler is highly experienced and has delivered several webinars for the Business Gateway, all of which have been very well attended by Leicestershire businesses during the past year.
Discussing his track record in supporting creative and digital businesses, Mr Chandler said: “Edale has assisted numerous creative professionals who have set up on their own, by putting a simple funding plan together as they start out on freelancing; then we’ve helped them secure funds to invest in hardware and software to get started.
“A few thousand pounds in the early days is a real help and we know that that help is available. We’ve helped creative people at different stages of their journey too; we helped a graduate to secure match-funding for a digital app as he graduated. For an established creative agency, we supported them to secure funding to develop a new product to complement the design side of their business.”
Any creative or digital agency in Leicestershire is welcome to join the webinar which runs tomorrow, Thursday 10am – 11.30pm. To book your place, visit the Business Gateway website here: http://bity.ly/3JGIZHr or search in www.bizgateway.org.uk/events
Loughborough to play key role in new programme putting the Midlands at forefront of hydrogen innovation
Loughborough University experts are part of a new programme designed to support, foster, and accelerate the hydrogen economy in the Midlands.
The Hydrogen Development and Knowledge Exchange (HyDEX) programme brings together the university partners in the Energy Research Accelerator (ERA), with multinational businesses, SMEs and other partners, in order to accelerate innovation in hydrogen, build markets and the supply chain, and support the skills needed for the emerging hydrogen economy.
The aim of HyDEX is to address the challenge of building a thriving new business, industrial and manufacturing sector in hydrogen, where very little currently exists. The programme will allow businesses to accelerate the development and viability of new hydrogen products and associated intellectual property, while supporting the transition from declining industrial sectors and enabling the training and re-skilling required.
The £4.99m three-year programme is being funded via the Research England Development (RED) Fund scheme, which is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). It will see the ERA university partners making available their £111m worth of hydrogen facilities, large scale demonstration programmes, and research capabilities to businesses.
This will be supported by the expertise of leading industrial partners in transport, heating and manufacturing technologies, who are also involved in HyDEX. These include Worcester-Bosch and Cadent (hydrogen boilers and gas networks); Intelligent Energy (fuel cells); Toyota (hydrogen vehicles); FAUN Zoeller (heavy vehicles); Cenex, ENGIE (Hydrogen Networks); Progressive Energy, ITM Motive (hydrogen generation and transport respectively); Siemens and ENGIE (hydrogen production and storage).
Loughborough’s involvement in the HyDEX programme is being led by Professor Upul Wijayantha from the Department of Chemistry. Professor Wijayantha is also leading the overall Demonstrator Programme for HyDEX.
Speaking about the project, he said: “This is an exciting opportunity for Loughborough University, ERA partners and the Midlands region, as it will put us in a globally leading position in hydrogen technology innovation. The HyDEX programme is a perfect opportunity to achieve some important objectives that we identified last year when we worked with the Midlands Engine to formulate the 10 points Green Growth Plan for Midlands region.”
Loughborough’s Dr Kathryn North, who leads the Skills programme within the project, added: “HyDEX will work closely with industry and university partners to provide skills training and development opportunities for researchers and industry colleagues. This is a really important aspect to develop alongside the industrial links and technologies and provides strong alignment with the existing ERA Skills programme and the Centre for Postdoctoral Development in Infrastructure Cities and Energy, both also led by Loughborough University.”
The other universities involved in the programme are Keele (project lead), Aston, Birmingham, Cranfield, Nottingham and Warwick.
Civic partners such as the Midlands Engine, LEPs, local government and local authorities, will also add their weight to support the creation of a market for low-carbon hydrogen solutions as part of the net-zero transition.
There is also an international dimension to HyDEX, which will facilitate links with growing international markets in countries such as China, Australia and South Korea, where ERA partners have strong connections, in order to build commercial opportunities that reach beyond the Midlands and the UK.
Nottingham to Lincoln rail route: businesses urged to have their say on rail upgrade plans
Regional transport body Midlands Connect has launched an online consultation to get businesses’ views on improvements to the rail route between Nottingham, Newark and Lincoln. The survey asks firms to give their views on current rail connectivity and to outline how improving them would impact their trade, productivity and access to skilled workers.
The potential improvement plans would see the number of hourly train services between Nottingham, Newark and Lincoln double from one, to two trains every hour. As well as this, improvements to signalling and track would improve journey times, reducing end to end trips from 55 minutes to 45 minutes.
Line speed work is expected to be completed between 2022 and 2026, while Midlands Connect is examining ways to improve service frequency in the medium term.
The consultation is being supported by MPs Karl McCartney and Lilian Greenwood, local councils including Nottinghamshire County Council and Lincolnshire County Council as well the Lincolnshire Chambers of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses.
The survey is open until Friday 11 February at 5pm.
Head of Rail Karen Heppenstall said: “We are calling on employers and businesses to get involved in our online consultation to let us know their views. We want to know what the impact could be on them if we improve the rail route and specifically, if it could lead to more jobs and growth in the local economy.
“The case for upgrades on this route is clear: slow and infrequent rail services between Nottingham and Lincoln mean that only a small proportion of journeys along this corridor are made by train. Midlands Connect is committed to changing that and to gathering the best possible evidence outlining why these improvements are so sorely needed.”
Lottery funding secured to restore the Grade II Victoria Embankment Memorial Gardens
Nottingham City Council’s £1.7m bid to develop Victoria Embankment Memorial Gardens has been successful.
Funding has been awarded through the National Lottery Heritage Fund and will be used to improve facilities, create a visitor centre and jobs on the park. Match funding has come from The Transforming Cities Fund, The War Memorials Trust and Nottingham City Council.
The announcement to return the park to its former glory marks the culmination of a development journey which has included two rounds of public consultation. The views of park users, veteran groups and the Memorial Gardens Association about how the gardens and facilities could be developed have identified a strong desire to see the area restored and improved.
The first stages of work to develop designs and plans have been completed which means the delivery of the project can begin. This will deliver the following:
- Restoring the war Memorial which was unveiled in 1927
- Restoring Queen Victoria’s Statue (dating from 1903) which has been in the gardens since 1953 (previously it sat in the Old Market Square)
- Restoring the pond and fountains
- Improving paths and access
- Re-planting original flower beds
- Installing new furniture
- Creation of a visitor centre and toilets
- Creation of jobs
- Development of a World War 2 Roll of Honours
Revenue and profit dip at NAHL
Revenue and profit have slipped slightly at Kettering-based NAHL, which operates in the UK consumer legal services market and is behind the brand National Accident Helpline.
According to a trading update for the year ended 31 December 2021, group revenue is anticipated to be in line with the board’s expectations at £38.9m, slightly below £40.9m in the prior year.
Underlying operating profit meanwhile is expected to be at least £4.0m, down from £5.7m last year, though this is also in line with the board’s expectations.
The business noted that COVID-19 continued to have an impact on the group’s markets, with Government restrictions and cautious consumer behaviour supressing accident numbers. The results for 2021 reflect a full year of COVID-19 impact.
James Saralis, CEO of NAHL, said: “While our business continued to experience headwinds throughout 2021, I am pleased with the progress we were able to make on our strategic objectives of creating a higher margin personal injury business and delivering growth in our catastrophic injury business. We grew the book of ongoing personal injury claims in National Accident Law by 166% and grew revenues in Bush & Co. by 9%, driven by our investments in business development.
“During the period, we were pleased to successfully extend our RCF with Yorkshire Bank through to December 2024, providing our business with the liquidity to continue to grow NAL. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our people who have continued to work tirelessly throughout the period to strive for the best results for all of our stakeholders.”
2022 Business Predictions: Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR and the PR and Communications Ambassador for the IoD in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
Would you want to work in your office?
PR is somewhat misunderstood and often underutilised in business (which I don’t predict will change that much sadly) but there’s an area where it really plays a very vital role and yet is often overlooked… I’m talking about your staff. How attractive is your business to work for? Does it look like a great organisation from the outside? Are you winning awards? Are you supporting your local community or good causes? Think about how that might attract potential candidates, suppliers and of course, customers and clients. What about the internal message? Does it feel like a great place to work? Is it exciting? Vibrant? Challenging? Or is it just same old same old? If so, 2022 is going to be a challenge for you because now more than ever, talented people are going to demand MORE from their employers. We know about flexible working and work life balance by now, that is going to be the minimum expected. What we will also need to see is a bit of extra OOMPH! What helps you stand out as an employer of choice? Why, given the rise of home working, would your team want to come in? What impact might that have on company culture? How can you position your business as somewhere that people WANT to work in and partner with? How do you stop them from looking at greener grass? That will be crucial in 2022 and I predict that the organisations that do this well will not only survive but thrive.Bassetlaw to be part of unique planning pilot
Bassetlaw District Council will be one of just seven Local Authority areas in the country to pilot a ‘Simpler Approach to Neighbourhood Planning’, supported by up to £45,000 of Government funding.
Bassetlaw has been at the forefront of community-led planning since it was introduced by the 2011 Localism Act and is already supporting 32 communities across the district with Neighbourhood Plans.
Neighbourhood Plans give communities a greater say in guiding development in their areas, for example choosing where they want new homes, shops and offices to be built, in addition to what these new buildings should look like and what infrastructure should be provided.
The ‘Simpler Approach to Neighbourhood Planning’ pilot, overseen by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, will support local councils to explore innovative ways to get even more people involved in community-led planning.
Bassetlaw’s share of the fund will support pilot projects in at least three communities and will help them to develop a better understanding of their local area, before considering if and how a Neighbourhood Plan could help to manage it.
Cllr Jo White, Cabinet Member for Regeneration at Bassetlaw District Council, said: “As one of the authorities that have taken a lead in the development of Neighbourhood Plans, the opportunity to participate in this pilot is welcomed. We are already working in partnership with 32 communities across the district to empower them and give them a greater say in the planning process, so we are excited to be part of this pilot.
“Thanks to this funding we can explore different approaches and enable more communities to engage in the Neighbourhood Plan process, ultimately giving them more of a say on development in their areas.”
The Bassetlaw pilot will explore how the introduction of an initial ‘understanding’ phase will help communities to develop a bespoke ‘place profile’, before considering if and how this could provide a firm foundation for a Neighbourhood Plan to follow.
By working with at least three distinct communities, the pilot will allow different approaches to be trialled, such as the use of digital technologies to capture and share local data. This will also help to assess if this approach is more effective in some settings than others.
The Council has been a proactive supporter of Neighbourhood Planning from the start and, in partnership with enthusiastic communities, 20 Neighbourhood Plans have been completed in Bassetlaw, with more under development or review.
This experience puts the Council in a strong position to reflect on how the current system works and how potential changes could make the process more engaging for all involved.
Housing Minister Rt Hon Christopher Pincher MP, added: “Local people know their areas best and by getting involved in neighbourhood planning, they can properly influence future development in their communities.
“Through these pilots, we are giving more people, and particularly those from under-represented areas, the tools they need to influence decisions that affect their lives.
“Over 1,200 communities across England have completed a neighbourhood plan, and more than 2,800 have started the neighbourhood planning process.”
Further details on each project will be published as the pilots progress.
Derby’s high street tipped to thrive with new support scheme for independent businesses
High street businesses in Derby are being offered a helping hand to step into the 21st century with a package of free support to implement modern forms of trading.
Up to 100 retail, hospitality and leisure organisations can benefit from access to expert advice via the Derby Business Resilience Programme, which is funded by Derby City Council and delivered in partnership with East Midlands Chamber.
Advisers can assist in establishing an online business strategy and, depending on requirements, the creation of a fully search engine-optimised e-commerce website with 12 months’ free web hosting provided by Derbyshire-based digital marketing agency Purpose Media.
Grants to cover bespoke consultancy support are available to some eligible businesses, while aspects of the support scheme are also open to companies in the transport industry supply chain.
East Midlands Chamber head of enterprise, Paul Stuart, said: “Purchasing habits have changed as a result of Covid-19, with fewer in-store visitors and a move towards online transactions.
“We expect this to be a long-term shift, so it’s vital that businesses ensure they see this as an opportunity, rather than a threat.
“By engaging with the Derby Business Resilience Programme, small businesses can benefit from expert support to equip themselves with the right mix of tools needed for the online world – something that will complement their existing services, attract new customers and, ultimately, future-proof their organisations.”
What does the Derby Business Resilience Programme involve?
Derby City Council has provided £200,000 in funding towards the programme, with East Midlands Chamber contributing £42,000.
It is aimed at independent micro or small businesses based within the city council’s area that can demonstrate the adverse impact of Covid-19 on their trade.
The fully-funded support includes a dedicated business resilience adviser with specific digital or business support skills, who can work alongside a company to help develop an online business plan.
This involves reviewing current marketing and social media activities, setting up a Google listing or even signing up a company to its first social media account.
By setting up e-commerce websites with features such as click and collect or other delivery options, businesses can increase their profile and use their virtual shop window to drive greater footfall to both their physical and online store.
One year’s membership of the Chamber is also provided – giving them access to business protection services in HR, health and safety, tax and legal issues, as well as discounts on member products and services – while they will be able to attend regular events and webinars to increase their digital know-how.
Councillor Steve Hassall, cabinet member for regeneration, decarbonisation, strategic planning and transport at Derby City Council, said: “The last couple of years have been incredibly tough for all business, and our local retail, hospitality and leisure businesses have been hit especially hard.
“We want to do all we can to offer practical support to independent retail and leisure firms across Derby and help drive our recovery from the pandemic. I’d encourage businesses to apply quickly to take advantage of this scheme.”
Going digital is giving businesses ‘a renewed optimism for the future’
Full-service marketing agency Purpose Media has been approved to deliver digital marketing advice, and to design and build websites for those businesses that are eligible.
The company, based in South Normanton, has previously worked alongside the Chamber in delivering the Chesterfield Digital High Street project, which has offered similar support to more than 30 businesses – ranging from gin shops and cafés to hairdressers and butchers.
Purpose Media business development manager, Grace Golden, said: “Through our work in the Chesterfield Digital High Street project, we have helped businesses learn new ways to engage with customers, attract business and increase profitability.
“By implementing new activity online such as posting videos or using Facebook advertising, they have renewed optimism for their future and have confidence in their ability to market their business.
“We believe the Derby Business Resilience Programme can be equally successful for independent businesses in the Derby City Council area. It intends to help businesses attract new customers, drive footfall to retail stores, establish an e-commerce website and improve visibility online.”
An information session about the Derby Business Resilience Programme will be held at Derby Enterprise Centre on Thursday 20 January. Businesses have until 31 March to apply for support.
