Free money saving advice for Blaby businesses
Businesses in Blaby District will be able to benefit from free advice by a money-saving consultancy, in a project funded by Blaby District Council.
At a time when running costs are rising and financial pressures continue to be felt by small businesses, the Council has teamed up with Place Support Partnership, a consultancy who have worked with businesses across the country to identify money saving opportunities.
From card machine fees to gas, water, and electricity, the service will be completely free for any businesses who receive advice on reducing their running costs.
Funded by Welcome Back Funding, which the Council successfully bid for from Central Government and the European Regional Development Fund to support all businesses in the district, the move is part of Blaby District Council’s commitment to help its local centres recover following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Blaby District Council Leader, Councillor Terry Richardson, attended the launch with Alberto Costa, MP for South Leicestershire, and Rishi Rood, Managing Director of Place Support Partnership, at Blaby Town Centre-based Barry Botts Jewellers.
Councillor Sharon Coe, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing, Community Engagement and Business Support, said: “I am delighted to help launch this new service. It is still so important that we continue our support for small businesses in the district whilst they recover from the difficult 18 months we have all experienced.
“We hope that the support and advice given will see big financial savings for our local businesses and look forward to working with Place Support Partnership on this service.”
Alberto Costa, MP for South Leicestershire, said: “Small businesses are the backbone of our local and national economy, however the last 18 months or so has been particularly difficult for so many up and down the country, hence why I am very pleased to see that Blaby District Council are launching this new service to help support businesses in South Leicestershire.
“I am sure many will benefit from this new money saving advice service, and I should like to thank Blaby District Council for once again being proactive in supporting local businesses as we continue our recovery from the Covid pandemic.”
East Midlands is the UK’s least lonely region for business leaders
The East Midlands has the fewest business leaders currently experiencing loneliness, new research by law firm Shakespeare Martineau has revealed.
Bosses from the region also reported feeling the least alone during the coronavirus pandemic, with 57% saying they were not at all isolated – compared to other areas where up to 63% claimed feelings of loneliness or isolation.
One thousand senior decision-makers in UK businesses were surveyed by Censuswide on behalf of Shakespeare Martineau as part of its annual Ambition Index*.
More than a quarter of the region’s bosses also spoke about how nothing is holding them back as leaders.
Duncan James, partner and regional head of Shakespeare Martineau in the East Midlands, said: “It is really interesting to hear that senior decision-makers in our region felt the least lonely during Covid and it is positive to see this continue as we emerge from the pandemic. This continues to show what a great place to work the East Midlands is.”
When given a list of options of what could be holding them back as a leader, the majority of respondents (26%) selected nothing – the highest region in England. Maintaining a work-life balance and a shortage of time placed joint-second, with 21% selecting these options.
Only 10% of respondents chose confidence, making the East Midlands the region least affected by a lack of optimism.
Duncan said: “It is extremely positive to see bosses from the East Midlands currently feeling so confident and that there is nothing getting in the way of their leadership.
“Over the past three decades, the region has experienced many setbacks with major industries disappearing, which has negatively affected thousands of people in the East Midlands. They have already navigated many choppy waters, so are perhaps more used to economic disruption compared to other regions.
“Leaders have had to be confident in themselves in order to be successful and this optimism has paid off, with the region now boasting many major international players, British household brands and innovative start-ups.”
Almost 40% of East Midlands business leaders will be investing more in their business in 2022 than this past year. However, 29% of respondents say they are not planning to invest or hoping to grow their businesses at all.
IT (31%) and technology (29%) topped the list of resources bosses will be investing in, followed by talent and learning and development (21%), and product development (17%). Of those leaders who are wanting to grow their businesses, the majority (24%) say they plan on doing this via cash from directors. This was closely followed by organic growth and joint ventures (17%), and bank debt (16%).
Duncan said: “I suspect some leaders think that because interest rates are so low, growing via debt money is a much easier option than sharing ownership of a business or equity investment. However, there’s an argument for both and leaders should be thinking more openly – looking at the whole gambit of investment rather than simply what they are used to. It’s important for leaders to take advice from trusted advisors who can deliver professional counsel to ensure they are making the right decisions for their business to be successful.”
New robotics research centre will transform the relationship between people and technology in UK manufacturing
A new national robotics research centre will receive a share of £25m to improve collaborative technology and help businesses unlock the full potential of automated industrial manufacturing.
The Made Smarter Innovation Research Centre for Smart, Collaborative Industrial Robotics led by Loughborough University aims to advance smart manufacturing by eliminating barriers and accelerating widespread use of smart collaborative robotics technology to unlock the full potential of the UK industry in productivity, quality, and adaptability.
The centre will bring together a team of world-class experts from Loughborough University, Cranfield University, the University of Strathclyde, the University of Warwick, and the University of Bristol, with experience in manufacturing, engineering, digital technology, robotics, human-factors, verification and safety, law, psychology, systems engineering, metrology, and ICT.
It also comprises of key organisations across core UK industrial sectors including aerospace, automotive, agri-food, green energy, construction, and space.
Project lead Dr Niels Lohse, of Loughborough’s Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, said: “Automation increases productivity, safeguards manufacturing, creates and protects jobs.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for greater responsiveness and resilience. With disruptions to supply chains and workforce availability, collaborative robot sales more than doubled, but the UK remains significantly behind other highly industrialised nations.
“While there is a huge appetite for the benefits of industrial automation, its full potential remains untapped. The perceived and actual high initial investment cost for specialised, automation equipment is a significant barrier for wider adoption.
“The need for highly specialised skill sets limits the design, implementation, and maintenance of automation. Specialised equipment is often too inflexible particularly for SMEs with modifications being either too expensive or impractical. People and automation are separated by inflexible safety, regulatory, procedural, physical, and psychological barriers preventing effective collaboration.
“Bringing the automation community together will be essential for addressing the unique challenges faced by UK industry to unlock the full potential of their highly skilled workforce through automation and digital technology.”
The research centre will create a multi-disciplinary, cross-sectorial hub setting the national research agenda in smart, collaborative industrial robotics, and deliver the next generation of automated factories. It will focus both on fundamental research to seed new breakthrough technologies needed to make automation more responsive, collaborative, and safe as well as industry-initiated feasibility demonstration projects to raise awareness of emerging automation capabilities.
Dr Lohse added: “I am very excited that our centre has received the support from nearly 50 national and international organisations including SMEs, large end users, technology providers, systems integrators, and research organisations. Even before the centre has been officially launched, more companies are looking to join.”
Professor Rossiter, lead of the University of Bristol team, highlighted the critical need for seamless robotic integration: “Future manufacturing will enhance human workers with robotic technologies, from autonomous smart manipulation to soft robotic power suits.”
Professor Webb, the lead investigator from Cranfield University, commented: “We are really excited about this new collaboration which will further enhance our existing work on close collaboration between humans and robots to put human operators at the centre of such systems thus significantly increasing the impact of industrial robotics in the future workplace. Understanding the impact of robotics and co-working on the human operators is key to building a safe and secure workplace of the future.”
Professor Yan, the lead investigator from the University of Strathclyde, said: “Collaborative working among human operators, robots and other manufacturing machineries raises many research challenges. This distributed research centre will become a great enabler for investigating new ways of configuring and reconfiguring these ‘actors’ for different manufacturing tasks.
“It will be exciting to tackle the challenges faced by multiple sectors from both technological and legal perspectives and see the solutions we can produce. At the University of Strathclyde we are operators of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), which is part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVMC) and we look forward to collaborating with our industrial partners to devise these novel solutions.”
Professor Darek Ceglarek, who leads the University of Warwick team, stated: “I am delighted to be part of the Centre and look forward to working with our academic and industrial partners in accelerating adaptation of industrial robotic systems.
“We will emulate near-real production and product quality through our digital twin for high-fidelity validation to enable right-first-time and near-zero-defect manufacturing. The digital twin will be integrated with AR/VR and avatars embedded decision studio to facilitate new ways of working with industrial robotic systems.”
It is one of five university-led research centres which are being funded by UKRI and Made Smarter as part of a wider £300 million partnership between government, industry, Catapults, and academia led by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Innovation Strategy.
The key priority areas for research and innovation in the centre are:
- Collaboration: Robotic systems need better models of how people naturally interact with others to start truly collaborating with them and fully leverage their respective strength.
- Autonomy: Robots need to extend their sensory perception and autonomous cognition capabilities to effectively carry out increasingly complex tasks, deal with variations, and disruptive changes.
- Responsiveness: The process of designing, verifying, validating, deploying, and operating automation needs to become more accessible for a wider range of people and organisations.
- Acceptance: The societal, cultural, and economic impact of automation needs to be better explored to inform future policy, regulations, and education requirements.
Record year of revenue for Topps Tiles
Topps Tiles, the Leicester-based tile specialist, has returned to profit while witnessing a record year of revenue.
In unaudited annual financial results for the 53 weeks ended 2 October 2021 the company posted a pre-tax profit of £14.3m, up from a loss of £9.8m in the year prior.
Group revenue meanwhile reached £228m, growing from £192.8m.
Retail like-for-like sales were up 19.6% despite trade restrictions throughout Q2.
Rob Parker, Chief Executive, said: “Our full year results demonstrate the strength of our position as the UK’s leading tile specialist and the potential of the business when it has been able to trade without restriction.
“Despite significant disruption for a three month period, during which our stores were unable to welcome homeowners, we delivered record revenues for the year and made good progress towards our ‘1 in 5 by 2025’ market share goal.
“We believe this performance underlines the strength of our strategy and the success of new initiatives including the expansion of our value ranges and the introduction of innovative new products. The successful development of our digital offer during the year has been particularly pleasing and we have plans in place to expand this further in 2022.
“Trading in the initial weeks of the new financial year has been robust with two-year Retail like-for-like sales growth of 18.4%. While trading headwinds are likely to continue over the short term, we are confident in our strategy and our ability to deliver sustainable long term growth.”
Golden night for 38 of the most forces-friendly employers
Local authorities, educational establishments and commercial companies spanning IT, recruitment and building materials were among the organisations honoured for their outstanding support for the military last Thursday 25th November at a regional ceremony to recognise the 2021 winners of the national Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards.
Against the stunning backdrop of the Royal Armouries in Leeds, 38 organisations in total were recognised for the contribution they make to the Armed Forces community in an event jointly hosted by East Midlands RFCA, North West RFCA and the RFCA for Yorkshire and the Humber.
Winners ranged from small and medium-sized family companies to large organisations employing many thousands of people, such as the University of Derby and Aggregate Industries. What all of them had in common was brilliant HR practices that support staff that serve or have served in the military.
Minister for Defence People and Veterans, Leo Docherty, was guest speaker for the night and he said: “I would like to thank all the organisations who have proven their support for the defence community during such unprecedented and challenging times.
“The vast range of those recognised this year demonstrates how employing the Armed Forces community makes a truly positive and beneficial impact for all employers, regardless of size, sector or location.”
To win an award, all the organisations provide ten extra paid days leave for serving Reserves and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers so they can attend camps and training events. They must also have supportive policies in place for Veterans, Reserves and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, as well as the spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.
The awards were presented by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Ed Anderson, who said: “The military depends on great employers who truly understand the role of Reserves to the Armed Forces’ capability, as well as the vital part Cadet Force Adult Volunteers play in creating fantastic and often life-changing opportunities for thousands of young people in local communities. That’s why it is such an honour to present awards to these organisations who showcase the very best of employment practices when it comes to those who serve, and those who have served, and their families.”
The organisations in the East Midlands who won the prestigious award are:
Aggregate Industries, Leicestershire
Ashfield District Council, Nottinghamshire
Eagle Eye Innovations, Lincolnshire
Forces Cars Direct, Lincolnshire
Forces Solutions, Rutland
HZL Specialist Solutions Limited, Derbyshire
Lincoln College, Lincolnshire
Mercury Electronic Warfare, Lincolnshire
Shorterm Group, Derbyshire
TMS Support Solutions, Lincolnshire
University of Derby, Derbyshire
In addition, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust had their Gold Award re-validated after holding it for 5 years already.
Carol Cooper-Smith, CEO of Ashfield District Council, Nottinghamshire, commented: “Ashfield District Council prides itself on its support for our Armed Forces and we promote positive engagement with service personnel both inside and outside of the Council. We are therefore delighted to have been awarded a prestigious Gold Award by the MOD for our work and we will continue to strive to be an exemplar.”
Tim Stevens, Managing Director of SME Mercury EW and Defence Training Services, Lincolnshire, said: “We value the work of all members of the Armed Forces and recognise their commitment and the sacrifices that their families also make. As a small business, we are immensely proud that we recognise former serving members, members of the Reserves and spouses, as our employees. It is their skills, experience and continued professionalism that makes our business a success.”
Professor Kathryn Mitchell DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, commented: “I am delighted that the University of Derby has been awarded the Ministry of Defence’s highest badge of honour in recognition of our commitment to the Armed Forces community. At Derby, we are keen to attract service leavers as employees, and to encourage them to start new careers, education and training with us, recognising the outstanding transferable skills that Veterans bring that can be built on in a second career.”
Funding extension for Business Gateway means support for hundreds of local firms
A key source of support for Leicester and Leicestershire’s businesses will be able to reach nearly 200 more firms following a decision to extend its funding.
An additional £2million of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) money has been awarded to Leicester City Council and partners for the Growth Hub project – a service providing a one-stop shop for business support across the city and county as part of the Business Gateway Growth Hub service.
The funding award means businesses will now be able to get a share of additional grants totalling just over half a million pounds, and continued access to a range of business support services.
The service has received two rounds of ERDF funding since 2016 and the current £3.9m of ERDF funding was due to end in December 2021.
Leicester City Council is the accountable body for the current ERDF project and the additional £2m of funding means the programme will now be extended until June 2023, enabling it to provide continuing support to firms still recovering from the disruption to the their trading caused by Covid-19.
The Growth Hub services include:
- Professional business advisers to support businesses throughout their development, offering advice on issues including business planning, funding and growth
- A programme of business-related events and workshops/ seminars, covering a range of topics including reducing carbon emissions, becoming more innovative and adopting digital marketing
- A dedicated programme to accelerate the growth of businesses created from 2018 onwards
- Regular webinars on aspects of finance including where to find funding and how to apply for it successfully
- Referral of clients to complementary grant schemes such as the Digital Growth and ‘Scale-Up’ programmes
Outlook positive despite confidence dip among East Midlands firms
Business confidence in the East Midlands fell 13 points during November to 42%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
Companies in the East Midlands reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 11 points at 41%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 17 points to 42%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 42%.
The Business Barometer, which questions 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
A net balance of 17% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, down 26 points on last month.
Overall, UK business confidence was buoyant in November at 40%, down just three points on October’s reading of 43%. Both firms’ confidence in their own trading prospects and optimism in the economy remained comfortably in positive territory, each dipping just three points month-on-month to 39% and 41% respectively.
All UK nations and regions had positive confidence readings in November, with three regions – Wales, the East of England and South East – reporting an increase on October’s data.
Firms in London (down two points to 63%) remained the most confident for the third month in a row, followed by the North East (down 16 points to 45%), the West Midlands (down eight points to 42%) and East Midlands (down 13 points to 42%).
A net balance of 30% of firms across the UK reported plans to create new jobs in the next 12 months, with hiring intentions strongest in London (41%), Wales (37%) and the South West (37%).
Amanda Dorel, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Although confidence has dipped here in the East Midlands, it remains higher than the national average, and there are reasons to be optimistic. With the region’s strength in manufacturing, those in consumer-facing sectors like fashion will be looking forward to the opportunities created by the coming festive season.
“We’ll be by the side of local businesses to help them make the most of any opportunities that come their way.”
At a sector level, confidence slipped in manufacturing (42%), to its lowest since August, linked to the persistence of supply-chain disruptions, while it fell to a seven-month low of 28% in construction.
In contrast, the retail sector (45%) bucked the trend with a pickup in confidence, reflecting hopes for higher spending ahead as the festive period approaches. Services confidence (41%) fell slightly, with strong growth for financial & business services and communications offset by more downbeat responses from education, health and public administration.
Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Business confidence remains robust above the long-term average, but it dipped this month as economic optimism and trading prospects were affected by the persistence of rising costs and supply chain issues.
“Pay expectations remain elevated with a quarter of businesses anticipating rises of 3% or more in the next 12 months which will add to business costs, but it bodes well for staff facing into economic challenges.”
Service sector continues its recovery in the quarter to November, but costs see record growth
Optimism improved for firms across the service sector in the three months to November, according to the latest Service Sector Survey from the CBI – however cost growth in both sub-sectors continued to pick up, growing at the fastest pace since survey records began in 1998.
For business and professional services firms, sentiment about the business situation continued to improve in the quarter to November, albeit at a slower pace than in the preceding three months. Sentiment among consumer services companies improved markedly last quarter, following a deterioration in the three months to August.
Business volumes continued to grow at a strong pace across the service sector in the three months to November. However, there are signs of slowing growth, as business and professional services firms expect volumes growth to ease next quarter – while expectations within consumer services are for volumes to be unchanged.
Cost pressures are building with both consumer services and business and professional services seeing costs grow at the fastest pace in survey history – with firms in both sectors anticipating the pace to pick up even further next quarter, also the strongest expectations on record. As a result, selling price growth accelerated too, with expectations for significantly faster growth in the coming quarter for both sub-sectors.
Despite elevated cost pressures, profitability grew in both business and professional and consumer services, with the strongest growth since February 2018 for the latter. With strong price and cost growth expected to persist into the next quarter, expectations in both consumer services and business and professional services are for profits growth to stall in the three months to February.
Employment growth within business and professional services picked up in the three months to November, recording the fastest growth in more than six years. This pace of growth is expected to continue into next quarter. Consumer services also saw employment return to growth in the three months to November, following unchanged headcount in the previous quarter. This too is expected to continue at a similar rate in the three months to February.
Firms’ investment prospects have strengthened, as services firms expect to ramp up their spending plans over the next 12 months, particularly on IT. Respondents from the business and professional services sector reported the strongest investment intentions for vehicles, plant and machinery investment since 2016, and the for IT in more than 20 years. Consumer services firms expect to increase spending on land and buildings, as well as vehicles, plant and machinery – both the strongest expectations since 2017. Capital expenditure on IT is also tipped to remain strong for consumer services.
Charlotte Dendy, CBI Head of Economic Surveys and Data, said: “The service sector continued to report a strong recovery in the three months to November, with volumes, profits and employment all showing solid growth.
“However, record growth in costs is threatening to put a winter freeze on the service sector recovery next quarter. With firms’ cost growth expectations the strongest in survey history in both sub-sectors, businesses expect services profits growth to stall in the coming quarter.
“With Covid still a concern, with impacts for consumer confidence, together with cost and supply chain issues continuing to bite, a difficult winter lies ahead. It is therefore vital that the Government works with business to help address these challenges, ease cost and supply pressures, giving businesses the platform to ensure the recovery does not fizzle out before Christmas.”
East-Midlands law firm rated ‘excellent’ in Lexcel audit
Following a successful audit of practices and procedures, JMP Solicitors has secured its Lexcel accreditation, achieving a rating of ‘excellent’.
The Grantham-based law firm was found to be fully Lexcel compliant in the major assessment which occurred last year and takes place every three years, alongside this year’s standard annual audit. The results showed that JMP met all Lexcel accreditation requirements, notably exceeding the basic Lexcel standard required.
Lexcel is a nationally recognised legal practice quality mark awarded by the Law Society, which is granted to firms that can demonstrate good practice in structure and strategy, finances, information management, people management, risk management, client care and case management.
The assessor’s comments found the firm – “maintained a client focused and service-orientated approach and all employees demonstrated a commitment to providing a high level of service.”
As part of the report produced following assessment, JMP Solicitors has been recognised as having a “wealth of experience” in matters relating to family law, conveyancing, civil litigation and medical and professional negligence claims, as well as a speciality in Japanese Knotweed claims.
The firm has been commended for its “culture of compliance,” in ensuring that all Lexcel-compliant policies, plans and procedures are implemented and adhered to in the company’s operations.
The assessor also noted that the company “demonstrated that an excellent risk management framework is in place as part of the firm’s overall risk management policy” and that all staff members who were interviewed showed “a continued commitment to providing an excellent level of client care and the practice has effectively embedded a ‘customer-centric culture’ across all departments.”
The report also factored in how the firm has been addressing the current COVID-19 pandemic, and JMP received positive feedback on its risk management of the situation, conducted by the senior team.
JMP Solicitors was assessed against the latest 6.1 version of the Lexcel Standard and will now carry the accreditation until the next annual audit.
Ian Howard, director at JMP Solicitors, said: “We are delighted to have received an excellent scoring in our most recent Lexcel audit, which is testament to our hardworking and tenacious team. We will now proudly hold this accreditation until the next audit, which is an amazing achievement to add to those we already have next to our name.
“Whilst the pandemic was an unprecedented situation that many businesses had little to no preparation for, it is reassuring to know that we have done our very best to handle the situation in the interests of our clients and our team, and this has been recognised by industry standards.
“We have all been working tirelessly to continue delivering services whilst putting our clients at the forefront of our practice, as we have done for the past two decades. Thank you to the team who have demonstrated commitment and flexibility, so that we can continue to provide a personal, high standard of service for our clients.”
As well as its Lexcel accreditation, JMP Solicitors has also been accredited by the Investors in People and has been recognised as a ‘Leading Firm’ by Legal 500.
Lincolnshire farmer purchases land and secures business for future generations
Virgin Money has helped one Lincolnshire farmer finance the purchase of 212 acres, as well as secure a loan for a 3,000-tonne grain store and a new cutting-edge crop sprayer, safeguarding the future of their farming enterprise.
Building a farming business that is an attractive and profitable offer for the next generation, requires investment, determination, and ever-increasing efficiencies. David and Jane Pridgeon, along with David’s parents, run Pridgeon Farms Limited near Chapel St. Leonards. They have spent 15 years building a successful soft fruit and cereal business and a farm shop expanding over 20 acres.
Recent investments in land, and machinery utilising the latest technology to streamline production and reduce labour, are all a part of the strategy to ensure a fit for purpose business which will withstand future challenges.
Commenting on their recent business developments, David said: “The most important aim going forward is to ensure sustainability for the future. My father has worked hard to create the foundation to build on and I would like to continue this for future generations.
“We’re always looking for opportunities and have expanded through a range of land options; owned, rented, contracted and shared farms. Over time, our contract farming agreements have turned into rentals, which have provided us with much more security. Our recent developments are all about long-term viability. We have invested in the land and infrastructure to enable us to grow and improve efficiencies.”
The soft fruit enterprise has required continual investment in poly tunnels, and growing and irrigation systems, to create an infrastructure that utilises technologies and is less dependent on staff resources. In order to do this, it has been imperative that the Pridgeons had guidance and support from someone who not only understood the business but was interested in their ideas going forward.
Steve Thomas, Agricultural Relationship Manager at Virgin Money, commented: “The Pridgeon family have been working with Virgin Money for almost 15 years and I feel we’re very much a part of their team. It’s key to the success of any business that their bank is supportive, and this can only be achieved with good communication and understanding.
“David and Jane, and David’s parents, are all very knowledgeable farmers and are very committed to succeed. They saw the potential in soft fruit and, having established that enterprise, are now the suppliers of 150 acres of fruit to regional wholesalers, farm shops and green grocers. It’s an amazing achievement and one they are continually looking to foster.”
Virgin Money is committed to working with customers to ensure that they have a strong understanding of each business so that they can help plan and advise for future growth.
Plans for 294 new homes submitted for former Nottingham secondary school site
Plans to build 294 new homes in Nottingham, at the site of the former Padstow Secondary School, have been submitted to the city council.
Countryside Properties are behind the scheme in Bestwood, north of Nottingham City Centre, which would provide 9 one bed dwellings (of which 6 are apartments), 108 two bed dwellings, 134 three bed dwellings, and 43 four bed dwellings.
Previous school buildings on-site have been demolished with only remnants of the former Padstow School infrastructure remaining. The site is now predominantly greenfield.
The southern area of the site is currently occupied by part of the existing Henry Whipple Primary School, although plans are to demolish this area of the building.
Regional housebuilder William Davis Homes praises ‘Golden’ generation
Regional housebuilder William Davis Homes has celebrated the 50th anniversary of its apprenticeship awards scheme by praising a new ‘golden’ generation of construction workers.
Nineteen-year-old apprentice electrician Demi Whitehead has become the first female to be named the company’s Apprentice of the Year. Her mentor, David Oliver, won the title himself in 1975 and praised her hard work and dedication.
Runner-up was fourth-year apprentice joiner Carlo Williams, also aged 19. There was a teamwork award for three third-year apprentice bricklayers: Aiden Busy, Matthew Walker and Alex Seymour.
As well as being the Golden anniversary, this year’s awards evening was extra special after the 2020 event was cancelled due to the pandemic.
The Managing Director of William Davis Homes, Guy Higgins, praised the skills and resilience of the company’s 38 apprentices – as well as the support of the mentors.
“It was wonderful to see the return of our awards night and to celebrate the hard work and achievements of our apprentices in this golden year for young talent,” said Mr Higgins.
“Many of our apprentices have had their training disrupted because of the pandemic. To see their level of progress despite this challenge is testament to their attitude and commitment.
“Over the years, a large part of our workforce has been built on apprenticeships. It is tremendous to see this homegrown pipeline of skills continuing and I’m delighted to see our first female Apprentice of the Year.”
Demi Whitehead is a fourth-year apprentice who joined the company straight from school in 2018. “I’m really proud to win this award,” she said. “When I came for my interview three years ago, I didn’t even think I’d get the apprenticeship.
“I’ve always been more practical than academic. I come from a family of tradesmen and have always helped my dad and grandad. I love my job and look forward to continuing my journey with William Davis Homes.”
Demi’s off-site studies are at Loughborough College but now that she is in the final year of the apprenticeship, most of her time is spent gaining skills on the company’s Buttercup Fields development at Shepshed.
Her mentor David Oliver said: “Demi is a confident apprentice and this shows in her approach to her work and problem solving. She is eager to learn new skills and put them into practice. Demi gets on well with other trades and site staff and is a credit to herself and the department.”
William Davis Homes’ apprenticeship scheme has won a number of awards. They include a National Housebuilder Award and a Construction Industry Training Board Award. The company also has a team of technical trainees in skills such as quantity surveying and engineering.
A large proportion of the company’s current workforce started as William Davis Homes apprentices. On average, around nine out of ten stay with the company – higher than the national average. Seventeen former Apprentice of the Year winners are still working for the company.
“Apprentices are the future of our company,” said Guy Higgins. “It is a credit to the mentors and trainers that so many apprentices decide to stay with us, demonstrating that completing an apprenticeship can lead to a long and fulfilling career.”
Derby College Group CEO presented with OBE
Derby College Group (DCG) Chief Executive Officer, Mandie Stravino, has been presented with an OBE by the Princess Royal at Windsor Castle in recognition of her services to education.
Mandie has worked in further education for 27 years and was appointed CEO at DCG in 2012.
She has also held a number of non-executive and governance roles including: being appointed to the DfE’s Principals Reference Group, chair of the CBI Regional Council, a member of various economic development boards and ASCL’s national Principals’ committee.
Mandie said: “Attending the investiture at Windsor Castle will always be a memorable occasion in my life and it was particularly special to receive the honour from the Princess Royal who I met when she officially opened the Roundhouse College back in 2010.
“I have been extremely humbled to be recognised, particularly in the company of so many altruistic citizens who have had such a significant positive impact on their communities.”
Mandie chose to continue her post-16 education in an urban FE college; she valued the experience as not only did she achieve high grades across the board, she also developed wider skills and attributes which prepared her to progress and succeed in work, life and higher education, ultimately achieving an MBA.
Mandie’s career in FE commenced 27 years ago at what is now one of the largest urban FE colleges in the country. After a period of working for a national ITP she moved back to the world of colleges and eventually joined Derby College (now DCG).
As a product of FE herself, she is a champion for social justice. Supporting young people and adults alike to use the power of education to drive social mobility.
200 Degrees Coffee welcomes hospitality entrepreneur to its board
Paul Campbell has joined Nottingham-based 200 Degrees Coffee Roasters as chair of the Board.
Paul is the founder and owner of Hill Capital Partners LLP, through which he carries out advisory roles and private investment across the leisure and hospitality sectors.
200 Degrees has 15 coffee shops across the midlands and the north of England and barista schools within six of those locations.
The roasters provide a coffee at home and office subscription service and wholesale – supplying its beans to operators across the country.
Co-owner and CEO of 200 Degrees Coffee, Rob Darby, said: “Having Paul join our board is great news for 200 Degrees and we are excited to be working with him.
“Paul has a wealth of experience in this sector, is likeminded to our approach and has already been on that business growth journey very successfully, so is ideally placed to help us navigate that and thrive as we continue our own expansion.
“I’m a big believer in surrounding yourself with good people in life and in business and we are very pleased that Paul has chosen to be in the 200 Degrees team.”
Having formerly created, grown and sold several businesses of his own, Paul enjoys working with ambitious entrepreneurs, Boards and fellow investors who are looking to significantly expand their businesses. His other Board roles include Hawksmoor, Hickory’s, Tortilla, The Alchemist and Yard Sale Pizza.
Paul said: “200 Degrees has a clear point of difference, a strategic growth strategy and a sound management team, they also align with my own values so is a relationship that I’m pleased to be a part of.
“With the various elements of the business performing well, the coffee sector as a whole continuing to flourish and being led by a dynamic and entrepreneurial team, there are great prospects for 200 Degrees and I’m pleased to be able to help guide them on that journey.”
200 Degrees was set up by Rob and his business partner Tom Vincent in 2012 and is based at its Roast House near Trent Bridge in Nottingham.
The company has seen significant growth opening four new shops in 2021 and plans for further expansion in 2022.
Anglian Water partners with environmental experts to deliver river restoration programme across the East
Anglian Water will join forces with environmental consultants – Binnies, Five Rivers and Jackson to deliver a programme of river restoration schemes at selected locations across the East of England.
The water company plans to invest over £7million across 16 separate schemes all designed to restore unique river habitats, improving ecology and biodiversity. The work will be delivered by the three environmental businesses alongside the wider, established, Catchment Based Approach (CaBA) partnerships. Planning for the work will begin this Autumn with boots on the ground from next year.
The investment is part of £300million worth of fast-tracked funding the water company brought forward at the end of 2020 as part of the Government’s green recovery plans. After being given the green light by Defra, Anglian has begun work on more than 200 environmental schemes, a year earlier than planned, and at no extra cost to customers.
By restoring targeted stretches of riverbed, the company estimates there will be a wider ecological benefit across up to 250km of river catchment and highlights the importance of restored healthy rivers for climate resilience, particularly in drought vulnerable areas such as East Anglia.
Water Resources Environment Manager for Anglian Water, Martin Bowes said: “The aim of these schemes is to reinstate the natural processes in the rivers that have been lost through historical river management and modification. The work will reinstall meanders, riffles, and gravel into the river beds, creating variation in river flows and protection against erosion. By changing the river’s shape – narrowing or shallowing some parts, we can increase habitat diversity and allow the river to function more how nature intended it to, and as importantly, without increasing the risk of flooding to local amenities, businesses or homes.
“By taking this approach, we hope to see an improvement in the diversity of invertebrate life in the river, which is an excellent indicator of overall river health, whilst also increasing the resilience of the river ecosystems to fluctuations in flows throughout the year.
“We’re really excited to be working collaboratively with this collective of environmental experts, as well as our CaBA partners, local Rivers Trusts, and landowners to maximise the benefit that can be delivered for these important ecosystems across East Anglia.”
Target areas include tributaries of the region’s most iconic chalk streams, including south-western tributaries of the River Lark (Kennett-Lee, Tuddenham, Cavenham, Linnet) and southern tributaries of the River Little Ouse (Sapiston and Black Bourn) in Suffolk, and the northern tributaries of the River Wissey (Old Carr, Gadder, Stringside), and the Rivers Heacham and Gaywood in Norfolk.
85% of the world’s chalk streams are found in the UK in southern and eastern England. They are renowned for their clear waters and diverse, thriving habitats.
Further target areas for restoration include the River Gwash, East Glens and West Glens in Lincolnshire, and the Broughton Brook in Bedfordshire.
Scott Aitken, Managing Director for Binnies said: “Binnies and our RSK Group sister company Salix are delighted to be partnering with Anglian Water and the CaBa partners on these important environmental projects which bring multiple benefits to our habitats, local communities and to the customers of Anglian Water”
Jacob Dew Director of Design for Five Rivers said: “Five Rivers, Mott MacDonald and CaBa partners are excited to be assisting Anglian Water in designing and delivering river restoration and nature based solutions on these vital river ecosystems, protecting both water resources and nature across the Anglian region.”
Brian Crofton, Managing Director at Jackson Civil Engineering, said: “Jackson is delighted to be part of the team who will be delivering this programme of works to our precious rivers in the East of England. With over 15 years of experience working with the Environment Agency we hope that with our knowledge and understanding of working with sensitive natural assets we will be able to provide valuable support to Anglian water and the CaBA partners on this exciting project.”
Management restructure for Chesterfield green energy company
Green energy company Custom Solar has been restructured, with a new senior leadership formation taking the helm.
10 years from the company’s inception, Custom Solar has seen exponential growth from completing major solar projects such as the UK’s largest in the Port of Hull to securing large-scale commercial contracts with UK-leading businesses.
Growth and success have resulted in an increase in Custom Solar personnel working nationwide as well as in the firm’s new head office located in Chesterfield. The new invigorated management structure will seek to take the company forward into the future and continue to deliver further success.
Company founder Matthew Brailsford said: “The last 10 years at the helm of Custom Solar have been more exciting and challenging than I could ever have imagined, as a team we have achieved amazing things and have pioneered new and exciting projects across the UK.
“The business and sector show unrivalled potential in the coming years and as such Custom Solar is preparing for the mammoth challenge of decarbonising the UK’s electricity supply.
“As we continue to grow, I recognised the need to bolster the senior leadership team with a mix of industry seasoned professionals and outside expertise. Gary Sucharewycz (CEO), Victoria Brown (CFO), and Kristian Clark (COO) all have proven track records of success and add another level of professionalism and dedication to the business.
“I very much look forward to the leadership taking the reins of the day-to-day operation of the business as I know they will expand our reach, impact, and ongoing financial stability.
“I personally now move to the role of Group Chairman to focus on strategic growth, acquisition, and investment. This is an incredibly bright and exciting time for Custom Solar, and I hope everyone will join me in wishing the senior leadership team all the very best as they continue to drive the business forwards.”
Gary Sucharewycz, CEO, has been with the business for the last 6 years in the role of Director of Development and Strategy and has been in senior roles within the solar sector for the last 11 years with over 20 years of experience in the Energy industry. He has been pivotal in driving Custom Solar’s growth, developing a commercial pipeline and development process that has achieved an incredible success rate of contracted projects that has reflected in year-on-year growth with many major contracts secured across the UK.
Gary has expressed his delight to have taken on the new position: “I am really proud to have been asked to take on this role at this point in our journey having been heavily involved in the company’s growth since joining the business.
“The new position requires me to take on additional responsibility in driving us forward through an incredible growth period and I am delighted to be supported in this by Victoria and Kristian whom I have been working with over the last 8 months transitioning into our new roles.
“Through this time we have already seen an exciting period of growth in terms of recruiting new members of the team, contracts secured and projects delivered. We are supported by an experienced and successful management team and a very talented wider team internally, who is based at our new head office location and site-based through our engineering teams.”
Victoria Brown, CFO, who joined the business earlier in the year, is a qualified accountant and award-winning Chartered Director with over 20 years post qualified experience in various businesses. Knowledgeable in change management, risk management & mitigation, funding, and phases of high growth, Victoria brings a wealth of financial expertise to the company.
Victoria is also NED for Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, sits on the Risk and Audit Committee at Sheffield Hallam University, is Chairman of the Institute of Directors for South Yorkshire, and is a Member of the Company of Cutlers.
Kristian Clark, COO, has been Operations Director at Custom Solar for the last 2 years and has been intricately involved in the business’s continued scaling up of its delivery model. His knowledge and approach have helped the business focus on its core deliverables, whilst seeing a controlled strategy of growth.
Kristian is highly experienced in Solar PV delivery with a history of developing businesses operations functions to manage growth efficiently and safely.
Mansfield manufacturer to supply 4,000 items of kitchen furniture for major residential scheme
Nottinghamshire-based Deanestor, the furniture and fitout specialists, has won its second contract to provide bespoke kitchens for Grainger plc – the UK’s largest listed residential landlord.
The contract awarded by main contractor Bowmer + Kirkland is for the manufacture and installation of 261 high specification kitchens for a new £64m residential development in Milton Keynes.
Deanestor is manufacturing around 4,000 items of furniture for the kitchens in three layouts and both straight run and L-shaped configurations. Two kitchens also feature in the show apartment for the development.
The scheme will provide 261 purpose-designed rental homes ranging from studios to one and two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom duplexes. Construction of two eight-storey blocks is underway on a brownfield site historically occupied by the YMCA. The developers are Peveril Securities with Mayforth and the architects are Pick Everard.
Commenting on the project, William Tonkinson, Managing Director of Deanestor, said: “We are very pleased to be working with Bowmer + Kirkland on our second Grainger build-to-rent scheme. This reaffirms our position as a leading specialist in the supply of contemporary yet long-lasting kitchen solutions to the private rental sector.
“We offer a complete furniture and fitting out service for exceptional quality kitchens and are working for some of the UK’s leading private residential developers and contractors on major schemes for both rent and market sale.”
Wayne Catterall, project manager at Bowmer + Kirkland, said: “We need the kitchens to be robust and durable for the long-term operation of the buildings, to deliver value for the client, and to contribute to an attractive living environment for residents. We are confident in Deanestor’s ability to achieve the quality, finish and detailing required for the project and to our programme.”
Deanestor is also providing high specification kitchens for a build-to-rent scheme for Grainger in Birmingham.
The bespoke base and wall cabinets manufactured by Deanestor in Mansfield will have a white carcase with doors and front edges in a high gloss graphite finish to contrast with white flecked solid surface worktops. A tall unit is being supplied to accommodate an integrated fridge freezer and the contract also includes the procurement, supply, and installation of white goods – dishwasher, freestanding washing machine, electric oven and hob, extractor, sink and taps.
Summit hears how Chesterfield’s ambitions have not been derailed
Speakers at the recent Chesterfield Investment Summit have revealed that the borough is on course for a faster recovery from the pandemic than many other towns and cities.
The town’s high rate of public sector employment combined with its strong retail, manufacturing, and logistics sectors, have been attributed to Chesterfield’s significantly lower increase in unemployment during the pandemic compared to the national average.
At the Summit, which was held on 24 November and attended by more than 130 members of the business community, it was revealed that the borough’s level of unemployment increased by 46% during the pandemic compared to the national average of 77%.
The annual Summit, which was held in-person for the first time in two years, was organised by Destination Chesterfield and Derbyshire Economic Partnership and part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
Speaking at the Summit, Dr Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council revealed the town’s plans for its recovery and growth, include plans to make the case for the re-opening of a rail line and a new £125 million road in the north east of the borough.
He said: “The town has shown a great degree of resilience and done really well during the pandemic. We are now looking towards recovery and growth. Chesterfield’s myriad of competitive advantages, including location, history, transport links, university, skills base, affordability and current construction projects have come together to make it an attractive opportunity for investors.”
Despite the ‘bitterly disappointing news’ to axe the eastern leg of HS2, Dr Bowen, said: “This won’t stop us in bringing forward our ambitious plans to redevelop the former Staveley Works Corridor. We look forward to working with the landowners to bring forward a mixed-use scheme comprising housing, leisure, retail, and light industrial units anchored around a new road and Chesterfield Canal.”
At the summit it was announced that the council remains hopeful that the Government will commit to supporting the reopening of the former Barrow Hill line which will connect Staveley, Barrow Hill, and Whittington to Chesterfield and Sheffield. Proposals for the re-opening of the rail line will, all being well, be submitted early next year.
A total of £1bn of investment is expected to be made in Staveley over the next 15 years, creating 3,500 new homes and 2,200 new jobs. Dr Bowen added: “We have two priorities – to make Chesterfield a thriving borough and improve the quality of life for local people.”
Chesterfield Borough Council is also pressing ahead with its plans to transform the area around Chesterfield train station. The multi-million-pound Station Masterplan, which includes demolition of the former Chesterfield Hotel, will ‘create a sense of arrival’ with modern landscaping and ‘land hungry carparks’ being converted into multi-storey carparks to free up land for residential, commercial, and light industrial development.
Demolition of the Chesterfield Hotel will begin in spring next year with detailed plans for redevelopment of the site still to be confirmed.
2022 looks set to be a formative year for the town, with a number of high-quality office developments – One Waterside Place, The Glass Yard and the Enterprise Centre set to be completed. Construction is also expected to begin on Summit @PEAK, phase one of the low carbon / net zero all year leisure, education, wellness, and entertainment gateway resort.
Speaking at the Summit, Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Managing Director of Bolsterstone Group, which is developing the 60-acre Chesterfield Waterside scheme, said: “The pandemic has brought about changes in the requirements for office space. Businesses want good quality, sustainable office space with environmental and social governance being a key consideration. Once again, Chesterfield is ahead of the curve with the modern, quality office developments already under construction which will enable the town to attract investors, create jobs and new opportunities for local people.”
In addition to Dr Huw Bowen and Peter Swallow, the Summit also heard from representatives from the town’s public / private partnership – Blue Deer Developments, Lomas Mitchell Architects, Whittam Cox Architects, Devonshire Property Group Limited and Derbyshire County Council – which are working together to ensure Chesterfield meets its ambitions.
Jillian Mitchell of Lomas Mitchell Architects, and Vice-Chair of Destination Chesterfield’s Property and Construction Group, commented: “Nationally, we are on the precipice of a time of seismic change in property design and Chesterfield is ahead of the game on this. The town’s commitment to sustainable construction through private/public collaboration is an opportunity for Chesterfield to lead on nationally.”
Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, added: “I am very pleased at the wide range of construction projects going ahead across the borough right now. All these developments represent new jobs and opportunities for local people, especially those looking to start their careers.
“Making sure that Chesterfield residents benefit from local economic growth is a key priority for us and our partners. A great example of this is the mentoring support provided by Chesterfield Property and Construction Group, which helps ensure that local people get the jobs that are coming to Chesterfield – including those created during the construction phase of projects, as well as opportunities within the businesses that relocate and grow here.
“It is a very exciting time for Chesterfield, which has been made possible by the hard work and commitment that the council and its partners have put in over many years.”
Mansfield energy supplier collapses
Entice Energy, which comprises both Entice Energy Supply Limited and Simply Your Energy Limited, are to cease trading.
Based in Mansfield, Entice Energy supplies around 5,400 domestic customers.
In recent weeks there has been an unprecedented increase in global gas prices which is putting financial pressure on suppliers, seeing many go bust.
Hinckley-based Avro Energy entered administration in October, preceded by the collapse of Nottingham electricity and gas supplier, ENSTROGA.
Customers of Entice Energy will be contacted by their new supplier, which will be chosen by Ofgem.
Neil Lawrence, director of retail at Ofgem, said: “Ofgem’s number one priority is to protect customers. We know this is a worrying time for many people and news of a supplier going out of business can be unsettling.
“I want to reassure affected customers that they do not need to worry: under our safety net we’ll make sure your energy supplies continue. Ofgem will choose a new supplier for you and while we are doing this our advice is to wait until we appoint a new supplier and do not switch in the meantime. You can rely on your energy supply as normal. We will update you when we have chosen a new supplier, who will then get in touch about your tariff.
“Any customer concerned about paying their energy bill should contact their supplier to access the range of support that is available.”
Leicester wholesaler expands to new premises following rapid growth in vape and CBD
Rapid growth in the twin markets of vaping and cannabis oil has seen UK and international retailer JM Wholesale move to major new premises in Leicester.
Having outgrown its original city centre premises, the company has taken over 50,000 square foot premises in Whetstone, on the city’s fringe.
The site will include offices and warehouses, as well as a clean room, production facilities, a showroom and a conference room, in a six-figure investment by JM Wholesale on the fit-out.
Logie Rajan, CEO of JM Wholesale, said the new premises will last the company for another decade as he predicted ongoing growth for the business.
For now, the warehouse and offices will house 40 staff covering management, operations and product research and design. However the move also coincides with a recruitment drive which will see JM Wholesale take on a further 30 staff over coming months.
Logie said: “This move reflects our rapid expansion and our growth to take our position as one of the most prominent wholesalers in our industry.
“Specialists in business-to-business supplies, we are carving out a unique position in the vaping and CBD market.
“It’s an exciting time for everyone at the company and, on an individual note, I’m delighted to be able to supply employment and career development opportunities at a time when we’re all recovering from a difficult period in our professional and personal lives.”
Figures from Statista suggest that in 2019, the vape market in the United Kingdom generated a revenue of an estimated 2.8 billion US dollars, a figure which is set to rise to roughly 3.9 billion US dollars in 2023.
CBD use in the UK, meanwhile, has skyrocketed. In 2018, only around 250,000 Britons reported using CBD products. This was a time when the local market was largely unregulated, and CBD oil was all lumped under the label of “cannabis oil”.
Fast forward three short years, and the grass has grown immensely greener. The UK’s CBD market is currently the second largest in the world, surpassing other countries where CBD has been legal for longer. In 2020, 8.4 million people had consumed CBD products, or planned to.
Logie said: “We now have all the facilities necessary to become the leader in our field, with lab testing facilities and the ability to carry out cutting-edge research and development.
“So as the CBD and vape industry continues to grow, as the public loses its inhibitions about the products we serve and as CBD use in particular becomes a more accepted method of treating medical and mental health problems, we’re in a great position to expand further.”
