UK consumers prepare to spend £21 billion this festive season
One in four consumers in the UK intend to spend more this festive season, with an average £428 spend per person up from £384 last year, according to PwC’s festive predictions research. The increase, which is seen across all age ranges and regions, means a total spend of £21 billion on presents and celebrations, a 12% increase on 2020.
The increased spend is driven in part by more people planning to spend Christmas with extended family, leading to more gifting opportunities, more celebratory food and drink and more Christmas socialising. Meanwhile, recent price inflation means people expect they will need to spend more.
Following an unsurprising but significant shift towards online shopping in the past year, online will be the big winner again this Christmas. Millennials remain the most active online shopping age group and over 55% of consumers in the Midlands also say they plan to buy online. The convenience of click and collect services, as more workers return to the office, has also driven online spend.
Overall two thirds, 67%, of Christmas spending in the UK will be online, edging closer to the 83% online spend over Black Friday, an event that has been predominantly an online phenomenon in the UK in recent years. This shift has been exacerbated by famous high street brands closing high street stores and embracing an online presence.
The first two weeks of December will again be the busiest for Christmas shopping but up to a quarter of Midlands consumers (16% in the East Midlands and 25% in the West Midlands) will have bought most of their presents by the end of November, earlier than we have seen in previous years. Concerns over stock levels, delivery times and further impacts of Covid are forcing consumers to shop earlier than usual to avoid disappointment.
Black Friday
After waning in popularity over the past five years Black Friday is back on this year with an estimated £9 billion to be spent during the shopping event. A quarter of Midlands consumers are definitely going to buy in this year’s Black Friday sales, while the vast majority are interested or may buy, showing a marked resurgence ahead of 2019 levels.
Interestingly, Black Friday sales are not driven by early Christmas shopping with consumers instead buying for themselves, especially men, where 74% will buy for themselves. The majority of shoppers will buy less than a quarter of Christmas presents during Black Friday, with a mere 3% using the event to buy all their gifts.
Sarah Phillips, Midlands Consumer Markets Leader at PwC, said: “Christmas this year may not be completely back to normal but consumers are determined to make it a good one and many are prepared to spend up to 20% more than last year. Spending habits will be more traditional with a focus on food and drink, Christmas dinner and stocking fillers as opposed to homewares and toys. Concerns over stock availability is also driving a desire to shop early this festive period.
“Black Friday is back with a bang and it’s clear that there has been a resurgence in the number of people looking to participate in the event, with men spending more and hoping to grab a bargain. Retailers will want to take advantage of the renewed interest in the event, but they will look to balance delighting customers with good value, stock availability and profitability ahead of the important Christmas trading period.
“We know consumers are looking to spend significantly online – for both Christmas and Black Friday – so retailers need to think about how they can get the best from that scenario. Early shopping offers retailers the opportunity to reduce delivery costs and pressures, manage demand to reduce the cost of seasonal workers, control pricing to protect margins, and offer certainty of delivery to consumers.”
Loram UK lands multi-million-pound deal with Network Rail
Loram UK, the Derby-based rail and rolling stock maintenance specialists, has secured a multi-million-pound deal with Network Rail to repurpose at least 250 side tipper ballast wagons.
The work will involve removing the tipper element of the wagons to create reusable and far more versatile non-tipping static containers.
Loram UK and Network Rail have worked together on maintenance and infrastructure programmes before, and Andrew Watson, Loram UK’s International Business Development Director, said the programme would further strengthen that relationship.
He said: “The availability of wagons generally is an issue so to be able to repurpose 250 provides much greater flexibility for Network Rail. It’s a project we’re very excited to be involved in and allows us to expand our horizons.
“We are always looking at diversifying and this allows us to not only carry out the work, but manage the logistics regards collecting the wagons, the processes around the repurposing and sending them back to Network Rail.”
The two-year repurposing programme will be done in Derby, where Loram has its UK base, and will help secure around 35 jobs for the duration, along with 20 others across the supply chain.
The design of the new ballast boxes, integration and modifications are being carried out by global testing and certification company TUV Rheinland Risktec Solutions, which has a UK base on Pride Park in Derby.
Laura May, business development manager, said: “We are especially excited about this project because of the local, collaborative opportunity it presents working with Loram, who are a stone’s throw away from our offices in Derby.
“We support the mission behind the project of repurposing the wagons and improving the renewal of the infrastructure of our railway. People of all levels of skillset will be utilised in supporting this project from our apprentice to our principle consultant, so there is great opportunity across the board.”
East Midlands businesses face serious funding problems unless RLS and CBILS rules amended warns banking expert
Many East Midlands businesses could face major refinancing problems in the latter half of 2022 if the Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS) is not extended beyond the summer and banks continue to refuse to transfer outstanding CBILS when companies refinance, a banking expert is warning.
Mark Huddlestone, banking & finance director with Azets, is calling upon the Government and British Business Bank to extend the RLS further to the end of 2022 and to insist that lenders accept CBILS transferred under the RLS scheme.
RLS is scheduled to end on 30 June 2022 whilst the CBILS scheme ceased in March 2021. Many banks currently require any outstanding CBILS to be repaid before they will consider refinancing applications.
“The current arrangements mean that it is going to be extremely difficult for businesses with outstanding CBILS or RLS funding to secure continued financial support into the second half of 2022 if not before,” said Mark Huddlestone.
“Businesses funding requirements can change quickly, and lenders appetite for risk and funding strategies also change, so the market for refinancing needs to be as accessible as possible.
“The CBILS and RLS schemes helped protect countless businesses and jobs, but there is a risk that these rigid rules could start creating extensive problems for those same businesses saved by the schemes.
“Fortunately, a handful of lenders are now considering using the RLS to replace a CBILS facility, but that is only of any value if the RLS scheme is extended for a significant period, ideally to the end of 2022.”
Mark Huddlestone concluded by encouraging businesses concerned about their CBILS and RLS arrangements to seek early advice.
“The recent Budget announcement of an RLS extension to 30 June 2022 is not enough. Hopefully the government and British Business Bank will see the merit of a solid extension to the end of 2022 and insist that CBILS can be rolled over with any refinancing.”
Recognition for Sills & Betteridge Litigator
Head of Clinical Negligence Louise Bush has recently been accepted as a Senior Litigator of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL). This highly respected accreditation is awarded to practitioners who demonstrate a range of key competencies and a real desire to always achieve the very best outcomes for their clients. Stephen Wilson the firm’s Senior Partner and APIL Fellow, says “Louise should be very proud to have achieved this accreditation. She works tirelessly to help her clients, many of whom have been through extremely distressing circumstances. Her passion, tenacity and technical excellence are second to none”. Louise says “I am delighted to have been awarded this accreditation by APIL, having been a member and supporter of their values on behalf of injured people for almost 25 years. The accreditation reinforces my commitment, passion and empathy to help anyone that finds themselves requiring assistance, often in tragic and life-changing circumstances.” Louise qualified as a Solicitor in 1998 in Manchester and relocated to Lincolnshire in 2002. Although she has always worked on behalf of injured people, in 2009 she began to specialise exclusively in Claimant Clinical Negligence work. Louise joined Sills & Betteridge in January 2016 as a Partner and Head of the department. She handles cases for Claimants in all aspects of Clinical Negligence, working hard to assist both adults and children, as well as with families who have lost relatives due to Fatal Medical Accidents. This often includes liaising with HM Coroner to include assisting with Inquest representation.
Developer acquires historic Derby site for new industrial units
Morgan Industrial Properties Limited (MIP) have acquired the former Ewart Chain site in Shaftesbury Street, Derby with plans to undertake a significant redevelopment of the five-acre employment site, creating new industrial units and jobs for the city.
MIP are a property development company based in Alfreton Road, Derby specialising in the development of commercial property in the industrial and office sectors. They have developed numerous strategic sites in Derbyshire including the Northedge Business Park in Alfreton Road and Outrams Wharf Business Park in Little Eaton.
The former Ewart Chain site comprises some five-acres of employment land accessed off Shaftesbury Street, an established location close to the Sir Francis Ley industrial estate. The site is situated just off the arterial Osmaston Road (A515) with a quick connection to the outer ring road (A5111). The site also has the benefit of connection to the railway.
The site will provide some 90,000 sq ft of new-build industrial floor space to the market available on a leasehold basis. A single unit of 90,000 sq ft with a railway connection can be provided; or smaller units will be available starting at 2,500 sq ft. Each unit will have the benefit of car parking, overhead tracked loading door access and three-phase electricity.
David Powell, commercial property manager at MIP, says: “We are delighted to have acquired another strategic employment site in Derby in an established industrial location. The site will create a significant number of jobs and provide more high-quality industrial units to the market for local and national businesses.”
David Brown, director at David Brown Commercial, says: “The site could provide a range of different sized units for business, industrial and storage users.
“The quality of MIP’s units is consistently high and I anticipate strong levels of interest from businesses wanting to upgrade, grow or relocate. I am delighted that this redevelopment means that the former Ewart Chain site will continue to provide employment opportunities for the city of Derby.”
Derby payroll firm acquires pensions bureau
A Derby payroll firm has acquired an award winning pensions bureau.
Pride Park-based RollPay have completed the successful acquisition of Tailored Auto Enrolment in Devon for an undisclosed sum.
The acquisition will create several new jobs including apprenticeships in the company’s own payroll academy supporting local academics looking for a career in payroll and accounting.
Matthew Duro, Managing Director of RollPay, said: “RollPay have been offering a very strong payroll and auto enrolment service for many years now. We have a very diverse customer base servicing thousands of clients all over the UK. We’re keen to continue our expansion by adding new financial solutions that add value to our loyal client base.
“Tailored Auto Enrolment share our passion for dedicated customer service and delivering excellence so were a perfect fit. Existing and new clients alike can take advantage of having more services all under one roof with a single point of contact following the same vision.
“I’m excited to welcome Tailored Auto Enrolment and the team to the group and look forward to working with them.”
SureScreen Diagnostics named Derbyshire Business of the Year
SureScreen Diagnostics, which has supplied millions of Covid-19 lateral flow tests to British people during the pandemic, has been crowned the Derbyshire Business of the Year by East Midlands Chamber.
The Derby-based company picked up four awards in total at the Derbyshire Business Awards on Friday 12 November, also including Excellence in International Trade, Excellence in Innovation and the Outstanding Growth Award.
It has grown from a workforce of 50 employees to 450 over the past 18 months as it has scaled up production of its rapid antigen tests, which diagnose whether an individual has Covid-19 with 98% accuracy.
These have been shipped to about 40 countries and the UK Government ordered 22 million units, while antibody tests have also been supplied to 53 countries – leading to SureScreen planning to build extra manufacturing capacity that could create another 1,000 jobs in future.
The Derbyshire Business Awards, held in partnership with headline sponsor Mazars, recognised winners across 13 categories, ranging from Business Improvement Through Technology and Environmental Impact Award within an organisation to individual honours for Entrepreneur of the Year and Apprentice of the Year. There were new categories this year for Collaboration Project of the Year and Excellence in Innovation.
Finalists, chosen by a judging panel of the Chamber’s senior leadership and board of directors, as well as sponsors, discovered their fate during a gala dinner attended by 350 people at Derbyshire County Cricket Club – marking a return for face-to-face celebrations after being held virtually last year.
Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “There has been so much to celebrate within our business community despite a challenging 18 months and these awards have showcased some of the incredible companies that call our region home.
“As the economic recovery continues, and new opportunities present themselves in a new era of global trade and sustainable business, these are just the kinds of organisations we should be highlighting when we’re shouting about everything the East Midlands has to offer. We know it’s a great place to do business and these are living proof.
“We received so many high-calibre applications, which demonstrated how the pandemic hasn’t been a period in which we have just stood still. Instead, the time afforded for reflection has led to many companies seeking out new opportunities, innovating and driving themselves forward.
“While last year offered us a different kind of experience in a virtual awards ceremony, it was great to be back holding such a landmark event for the Derbyshire business calendar in person once more. Once again, we are so thankful to our sponsors for making this event so successful.”
The Derbyshire Business Awards – one of three awards hosted by the Chamber, with others in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire to follow – were hosted by British-Gambian broadcast journalist Haddy Ndure and featured entertainment by Turner and McHugh, a female duo who joined forces after featuring on BBC singing competition The Voice.
A raffle was held to raise funds for East Midlands Chamber president Eileen Richards MBE’s three chosen charities this year – Chesterfield Samaritans, Help the Homeless Leicester and Nottinghamshire Hospice.
Eileen, who owns Leicester-based ER Recruitment, gave a speech in which she highlighted the national importance of the new Museum of Making, regeneration projects like the Becketwell scheme currently underway, and the potential impacts of Derby being selected as a UK Capital of Culture for 2025 and the home of Great British Railways.
Commenting on the awards, she added: “During my year as president, I’ve been privileged to witness some of the amazing success stories that don’t always receive the wider recognition they ought to, so I’m thrilled to see some of these come to the fore at the Chamber’s Business Awards.
“The Derbyshire Business Awards has shone the spotlight on some well-deserving winners but I’d also like to congratulate the finalists for their outstanding entries too as we had some really strong competition across many categories this year.
“SureScreen Diagnostics is a very worthy winner of the Derbyshire Business of the Year and I’ve been in awe of the growth it has experienced over the past 18 months while also playing a pivotal role in the fight against Covid-19 both in the UK and overseas.”
Winners of Derbyshire Business Awards
Business Improvement Through Technology – Sponsored by Purpose Media Winner Futures Housing Group Finalists Healthy Stuff Penny Hydraulics Scenariio Thompson Tree Services Midlands Community Impact Award – Sponsored by University of Derby Winner Fortem Solutions Finalists Griffith Foods Liniar MVIS Resilient World Solutions Outstanding Growth Award – Sponsored by Amazon Winner SureScreen Diagnostics Finalists Fibre Tec Solutions Professional Heating Solutions Project D Sky Recruitment Solutions Environmental Impact Award – Sponsored by Futures Housing Group Winner Derby City Council – DE-Carbonise Project Finalists Devtank Griffith Foods Liniar MVIS Commitment to People Development Award – Sponsored by 2020 Training Winner Peak Indicators Finalists AIM Commercial Services Aztec Oils Nelsons Purpose Media Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by Derby College Group Winner Lisa Scarboro – Futures Housing Group Finalists Keenan Gregory – Futures Housing Group Amelia Burton – Griffith Foods Mia Cooper – Joined Up Careers Derbyshire Tom Sharratt – Neuways Entrepreneur of the Year – Sponsored by Ryley Wealth Management Winner Max Vaughan – White Peak Distillery Finalists William Crooks – Cawarden Adam Bamford – Colleague Box Peter Ellse – Cosy Direct Jillian Thomas – Future Life Wealth Management Education and Business Partnership Award – Sponsored by RDS Global Winner Dronfield Heritage Trust Finalists Access Training (East Midlands) Derby College Group Embark Federation REAL Education Excellence in Customer Service – Sponsored by Aston Lark Winner UK Asbestos Training Association Finalists Anoki MaryJanes Catering Purpose Media The Accountancy Recruitment Group UK Asbestos Training Association Excellence in International Trade – Sponsored by HSBC Winner SureScreen Diagnostics Finalists Atlas Copco Medical Aztec Oils Cathelco Graphoidal Developments Small Business of the Year – Sponsored by Begbies Traynor Winner Project D Finalists Peak Indicators The Input Group Think3 Thompson Tree Services Midlands Excellence in Innovation – Sponsored by Rolls-Royce Winner SureScreen Diagnostics Finalists HSG Liniar Scenariio Excellence in Collaboration – Sponsored by HSBC Winner Derby Market Place Finalists Derbyshire Voluntary Action Penguin PR with Colleague Box and Vibrant Accountancy Safe and Sound The Swap Shop Business of the Year – Sponsored by Mazars SureScreen DiagnosticsBathroom supplier expands into Derby
Trade supplier, Clifton Trade Bathrooms, has expanded into Derby, taking occupation of 5,812 sq ft of a new build development at Eagle Park.
Clifton Trade Bathrooms is a supplier of tiles fittings, adhesives, and silicones for bathroom fitters. Moving to Derby seemed like the logical step for the firm, with many of their showrooms being based in the Midlands and Northern England.
Eagle Park is in an established area of Derby with nearby occupiers such as Screwfix, Howdens, Jewsons, Andrew Page and City Electrical Factors.
Occupying a spacious unit, this property is completed to an open plan shell specification, ready to receive the tenant’s fit out. The units provide a tracked loading door, ample loading space and allocated parking.
Graham Bancroft, partner at BB&J Commercial and agent responsible for the unit sold, said: “The letting to Clifton Trade Bathrooms provided my client with another strong covenant in their property portfolio. This was the tenant’s 24th unit and we were delighted to welcome them to the Eagle Park site, and we believe that they will be a great success.”
Robust first half and further acquisition for Ideagen
Nottinghamshire software provider, Ideagen PLC, has made a further acquisition, swooping for CompliancePath – a UK and US-based leader in software validation and assurance, focused predominantly on the healthcare and life science sectors.
The news came as Ideagen provided an update on trading for the six months to 31 October 2021.
The business said its performance in the first half of the year was in line with expectations and demonstrates a continuing growth in high-quality recurring revenues.
Ideagen expects to report total revenue for the first half up 33% at approximately £38.8 million (H1 2020: £29.2 million). Recurring revenue recognised in the period grew by 41% to £34.2 million, representing 88% of total revenues (H1 2020: 83%).
Total revenue grew organically at 6% (H1 2020: -2%), whilst organic recurring revenue growth was 10% (H1 2020: 10%) driven by continued strong customer retention rates as well as new business wins.
Adjusted EBITDA is expected to increase by 32% to approximately £13.2 million (H1 2020: £10.0 million).
Ben Dorks, Chief Executive Officer of Ideagen, said: “Ideagen delivered a robust performance in the first six months, which not only reflects the strength of our business model and the merits of SaaS, but also the investment in our people, our products, and our customers.
“Since the first half ended, I am pleased to have completed four acquisitions with significant synergy opportunity and welcome these products and teams to the Group. The Group continues to generate strong organic growth while executing on our strategy of acquiring businesses that extend our leadership in compliance software for regulated industries.
“Ideagen enters the second half of the year in a great position, confident of delivering on its expectations for the year and the considerable opportunity continuing our current M&A plus organic growth strategy that lies ahead.”
Manufacturing industry to receive a big boost towards reaching zero carbon with new project
The UK manufacturing industry is set to receive a big boost towards reaching zero carbon with the creation of a new project aimed at siphoning the knowledge of the country’s leading social science experts.
Loughborough’s Professor Jan Godsell will co-direct a new network that will encourage academics to research the social and economic factors that will help UK manufacturing achieve ‘net zero’ by 2050.
Prof Godsell and Professor Jill MacBryde, of the University of Strathclyde, will lead the £4m InterAct initiative – a project funded by the UKRI’s £147m Made Smarter Innovation programme.
The network is a call to arms for academics from the social sciences to support the innovation and distribution of digital technologies that bolster the UK economy while also bringing it into line with national environmental targets.
The 38-month programme is due to end in December 2024.
Alongside Prof Godsell and Prof MacBryde, the programme will also be supported by a Network Management Team and a core research team from Loughborough, Strathclyde and Sheffield universities.
Prof Godsell, Dean of Loughborough’s School of Business and Economics, said: “Looking to the future, our aspirations for InterAct is a community with clear added-value for all where stakeholder groups want to engage and be part of the Made Smarter Network Plus.
“We will embed diversity and inclusivity. Diversity of thought will bring benefits of multiple perspectives. Inclusivity will help us to embrace and collaborate with existing research groupings, rather than compete with them.
“Participation will be based on expertise, not status, and we will seek to develop people at all stages of their careers.
“Our vision of success would be that the InterAct is seen as a partner of choice; easy to work with, welcoming, and professional.
“Ultimately, we would like to be a one-stop-shop that curates existing and emerging knowledge and capabilities (research and education) and showcases leading practice.”
Prof MacBryde added: “Our long-term vision is to build a strong, vibrant, interdisciplinary community to support UK manufacturing in the adoption and development of digital technologies that will result in a stronger, more resilient, manufacturing base. We know that technology alone is not enough.
“We need to harness the knowledge of people and society to really reap the full benefits that technology can bring. Whilst there are clear advantages of this network for the economy, manufacturers and technology providers, there are also benefits for the academic communities.
“Collaborative working, new challenges and contexts will open up new avenues for world-leading research.”
There are five key elements to the InterActive programme:
- A Commissioned research programme will provide the opportunity to curate, augment and amplify insights from the ESS to support the diffusion and adoption of IDTs. 5 different funding mechanisms have been adopted to broaden the appeal of the programme and increase participation. These include systematic reviews, small projects, a sandpit, Early Career Researcher (ECR) Fellowship programme, and an impact acceleration fund resulting in 18 interdisciplinary projects.
- A Knowledge exchange programme is critical to the diffusion of ideas from the ESS to the policymakers, manufacturers and IDT providers who could benefit from the adoption of IDTs. The comprehensive programme includes a range of activities that amplify the core research programme (international webinars, discovery days, annual conference), provide education and insights (impact workshops, insight days, summer school), support academic publication (special tracks, journal special issue) and enable and amplify the diffusion of ideas (website and curation platform, mentoring programme, access to Emerald impact services).
- The Core research programme complements the commissioned research programme base by addressing more systemic problems that require a longer term and more in-depth research. It has the additional benefit of providing a common purpose to galvanise the team. Future-focused it considers the future of manufacturing ecosystems (Prof. Jan Godsell and Dr Alok Choudray, Loughborough), future of work (Prof. Jill MacBryde and Prof. Colin Lindsay, Strathclyde) and the future of the economy (Prof. Vania Sena and Prof. Philip McCann, Sheffield).
- An Impact acceleration programme. There are lots of ESS insights currently in existence, that are not in a form that is easily accessible to policymakers, manufacturers, and IDT providers. Researchers often lack the time and skills to turn their work into more accessible outputs. An impact acceleration programme has the dual benefit of building impact capacity within the ESS community whilst making the insights more accessible to end-users.
- A Storytelling fellowship programme. The ability to use storytelling as a methodology and form of dissemination is a key research skill for economic and social scientists. The storytelling fellowship programme has the dual benefits of building storytelling capacity within the ESS whilst using stories to make insights more accessible to the end users, the network and society at large.
Skill shortages threaten to derail optimism around ‘levelling-up’
UK business leaders are optimistic that the Government’s levelling-up agenda can realistically be delivered but the so-called ‘skills gap’ is proving a challenge for the regions outside of London and the South East, according to new research from accountancy and business advisory firm, BDO.
The survey of 500 leaders of medium-sized businesses across England and Scotland, reveals that almost all respondents (94%) believe the Government will deliver on its levelling-up promises in the next decade. More than half (54%) say that this could realistically be achieved within the next three years.
However, despite optimism around the Government’s agenda, access to skilled people may be a threat to the growth of regional businesses. All those surveyed reported some form of staff shortages, with a third saying that their biggest recruitment challenge is a lack of available talent in their region.
Looking at the comparison throughout the UK, those worst affected by regional skills shortages are outside of London and the South East and areas heavily reliant on the manufacturing sector.
More than a third of manufacturing businesses nationwide cited staff shortages as the number one issue affecting their ability to operate at normal levels, with 40% of manufacturers unable to fill their apprenticeship positions.
In a bid to reduce the so-called ‘skills gap’ a £3.8bn investment in skills and education was announced as part of the recent Budget and spending review, including £170m allocated to funding apprenticeships.
The Chancellor also announced that £1.7bn of the £4.8bn levelling-up fund has been allocated to more than 100 small-scale infrastructure projects throughout the UK. These include a ‘growth zone’ in Derbyshire, the redevelopment of Leicester train station and transport investments in Liverpool, Plymouth, Newcastle and Nottingham.
Ed Dwan, partner at BDO, said: “After experiencing a period of great uncertainty, it is pleasing to see that business leaders from across the country are optimistic that real progress on the ‘levelling-up’ agenda will happen in the not too distant future.
“The investment in shovel-ready projects announced as part of the levelling-up fund will be a welcome boost to those areas that need them the most. However, it is clear there is more to levelling-up than just transport and infrastructure, and the Government must not overlook this.
“Skills and staff shortages are being reported across the board and remain a large barrier to the growth of many businesses, particularly of those in some in the regions outside of London and the South East.
“The newly announced £3.8bn skills investment from the Government is crucial in order to ensure the skills gap doesn’t widen, but there is no quick fix. As businesses navigate complex challenges post-Brexit and pandemic, the Government must listen to their needs and implement long-term policies that will have an impact nationwide in order to truly ‘level-up’ the UK.”
| Region | % citing a lack of available talent in their region |
| South West |
53% |
| Thames Valley |
47% |
| West Midlands |
41% |
| Yorkshire and the Humber |
40% |
| East Anglia |
39% |
| East Midlands |
37% |
| Central South |
33% |
| North East |
30% |
| South East |
24% |
| Greater London |
23% |
| North West |
22% |
Further delays hit new Daventry cinema
The opening of Daventry’s new cinema has been put back again following delays to remedial work being carried out by the project’s main contractor.
Willmott Dixon have made a number of attempts to remedy defects related to a ceiling support system affecting all four auditoriums. Their latest works are due to conclude during November, but these delays have prevented the Arc Cinema completing their own fit out in time for a Christmas opening.
The remedial work – which must be completed before The Arc Cinema can install their state-of-the-art digital laser projectors and screens, immersive surround sound systems, and leather recliner seats – is being carried out at no extra cost to West Northamptonshire Council or the operator.
Much of the other work on the £12.5m Mulberry Place development is largely complete, including the cinema’s foyer, the two restaurant units, and the new public square with decorative fountains. Operators for the restaurants are also lined up.
Councillor Lizzy Bowen – Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth on WNC – said: “This is a really exciting project that will deliver a first-class leisure destination, so it’s very frustrating that it won’t open for Christmas as we had hoped.
“Please be assured we are engaging with Willmott Dixon on a regular basis to get the remedial work completed as quickly as possible, so that our partners at The Arc Cinema can complete their fit-out.
“The work that The Arc Cinema have carried out inside the building so far is really impressive and, once finished, this will be a fabulous leisure facility that the people of Daventry and the surrounding area can really be proud of.
“I know there is a lot of anticipation around this development, and I would like to thank everyone for bearing with us as we get closer to completion. We’re just as eager for it to open as you are, and I for one can’t wait to settle down to watch a great movie at this wonderful new cinema.”
New multi-million pound vehicle test track set to attract global interest
A Government minister has visited a new multi-million pound vehicle test track being built inside a Victorian railway tunnel in West Northamptonshire.
Minister for Business and Industry Lee Rowley was at the Catesby Aerodynamic Research Facility to see the progress on this unique project as it nears completion.
The facility, near the village of Charwelton, is a previously disused Victorian railway tunnel which has been transformed into a unique indoor world class aerodynamic vehicle testing centre.
The almost 3km-long and perfectly straight tunnel is more accurate and efficient than a wind tunnel and will give the UK a unique proposition in automotive and race car development, which is attracting global interest.
The project has been led by Aero Research Partners (ARP) with construction firm Stepnell designing and building the unique scheme.
The delivery of the project was made possible through a partnership approach, which involved West Northamptonshire Council. The Council bought the tunnel from the Department for Transport and it is now leased to ARP.
The project also received £4.2 million of investment from the Government’s Local Growth Fund, secured through the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP).
Work on site got underway in January 2018 and is now in its final stages, with ARP undertaking commissioning and trials before Stepnell returns to lay the final asphalt layer so vehicle testing can get underway.
Derbyshire firm shows its support for the UK armed forces as it picks up a silver employers award
A Swadlincote company has strengthened its pledge to help support current and ex-service personnel after it was officially recognised for the work it does to recognise the contributions made by Britain’s armed forces and provide employment for veterans.
MTMS, which provides depot maintenance services for the rail and transport industry, was this week awarded the Silver Defence Employer Recognition Scheme for its ongoing commitment to upholding the values of the Armed Forces Covenant.
The company previously held the bronze award but has taken another step further by introducing a host of new measures, including offering an extra five days unpaid leave for any employees who might be called away with the Territorial Army or the UK’s other reserve forces.
It also advertises itself as a pro-military veteran employer, has pledged to give careers advice to young people attending their local army, air force or navy cadet units and also offers a free counselling service to ex-military staff who might be suffering from anxiety or need advice on overcoming other life or career issues.
MTMS, which employs 35 people and is based in Marquis Drive, was handed its silver award by Kirstie Lawrence, deputy regional employer engagement director for the East Midlands, and is now aiming to get its gold award some time during the next 12 months.
The firm currently employs three former servicemen, including Andy Tarrant, who is now a compliance and quality assurance advisor but previously served as a Royal Engineer before leaving the army in 2003.
He is also a mentor for Buildforce, which is an organisation set up to help service leavers make the transition to the civilian world.
He said: “Making the transition from life in the military to civvy street can be very difficult for many people because of the change in the way of life, the type of situations you work in and a change in status.
“Having a company that promotes itself as service leaver-friendly by displaying the silver award is a huge benefit because it shows that they understand the issues that military personnel face, whether they have just left the forces or are a reservist.”
Malcom Prentice, Managing Director of MTMS, said: “At this time of year we take time to recognise the sacrifices of Britain’s Armed Forces but at MTMS we recognise that our servicemen and women put their lives on the line to protect us 365 days of the year.
“It’s only right that we repay that by offering them the opportunities they deserve when they leave or, if they are a reservist, the extra support they need to fulfil their duty.
“In return we have benefitted greatly from the former service personnel that we have employed. They leave the forces with excellent qualifications and plenty of transferrable skills, and they’ve got a really good work ethic too.”
Communication across branches: how to ensure your teams get all the information they need
Communication between teams is crucial to create good collaboration and make sure effective work is done. Business leaders should do all in their power to enable that good communication across multiple branches and offices. There are many ways to do this, and management should lead by example.
Business leaders should take a holistic approach to communication across branches and teams. They should consider the bigger picture for the business and consider all areas of their organisation. This article will explore some of the most effective ways to improve communication between staff in multiple locations.
Choose One Central Communication Platform
Often business leaders are tempted to try out multiple communication platforms for various uses. This can lead to an excessive number of communication tools which can, in turn, lead to poor communication.
It is best to choose one platform and make sure that all teams in the business use it. For instance, communication platforms like Slack allow direct messaging between individuals as well as group communications. This can be a great way to ensure communication and avoid having too many platforms for staff to choose from.
Create A Feedback Culture
Feedback is crucial to help staff and management improve and progress. All people in a business can benefit from feedback, from entry-level staff to CEOs. Creating a culture of feedback can guarantee that this powerful tool is utilised often. After completing projects, it is a good idea to host a meeting to assess how the project went, what could be improved on and what was successful.
Business leaders should single out employees who have done good work and praise them in front of others. If providing feedback on how individual employees could improve, it is best to do so in private. Leaders should avoid criticising employees in front of their peers as this can lead to mistrust in management.
Utilise Video Conferencing Technology
When ensuring communication between teams in multiple locations, it can be beneficial to use video conferencing technology. This allows teams to communicate in real-time where face to face time isn’t achievable. It may help to implement weekly cross-team video conferences to ensure that everyone can discuss the company goals and projects and ensure they are all on the same page.
Use Cloud Storage
Cloud storage can be an excellent way to ensure that all teams have the documents and information they need to do their work correctly. This can be particularly beneficial if your business deals with a lot of paperwork. Business leaders should make sure that teams scan all hard copies to upload to the cloud, allowing staff in all locations access. Management should ensure that the cloud storage they use is appropriate, offers all the services they need and can easily host the amount of documentation they use.
Set Company-Wide Goals
Having company-wide goals can be a great way to guarantee that all team members are working on the same page. Business leaders should be clear in their plans for the business and take the time to update all employees on what these goals are regularly.
Having clear, bigger-picture goals to work towards can help employees feel more confident in their roles and check that they know what they need to do to contribute to the company’s success. When discussing the company goals, business leaders should highlight the importance of communication.
Make Files Easy To Share
In addition to cloud storage, the documents your business uses should be easy to share. Sometimes employees will need to share documents via email or through communications platforms, so they must know how to make larger documents more manageable to work with. Adobe offers excellent guides to help users learn how to compress a PDF file which can be invaluable for employees who need to share documents regularly. Business leaders should teach their staff to understand the ways to turn larger documents into more manageable sizes.
Host Social Activities Outside Work
Ensuring your employees can connect outside of work is a great way to help foster stronger workplace bonds. The more comfortable employees feel with one another, the more likely they are to reach out at work when they need help or information. Business leaders should consider hosting regular social events such as drinks after work on Fridays, company retreats and business lunches.
Team lunches can be a great way to fit socialising into the typical working day. If your offices are spread across a larger area, leaders should consider hosting quarterly get-togethers for meals or team-building exercises. Leaders could also encourage staff to create company-wide clubs or societies so that employees with similar interests can bond outside of work.
Lead By Example
Business leaders should show their staff a good example by acting in the way they expect their staff to behave. A good way to show your commitment to creating a healthy communication culture at work can be to have an open-door policy. This allows employees face time with management to air concerns or offer suggestions.
Use Project Management Tools
Project management tools can be an excellent way to keep track of the various work and projects being done at any given time. It can also be an excellent way for employees to track their own work and identify who they need to collaborate with to get their job done. Business leaders should look into the various available tools and ensure that the one they choose will be beneficial for the type of work their business carries out.
Reward Collaboration
Rewarding good collaboration and communication can be a great way to encourage the behaviours you want to see in a business. Reward systems can be implemented that allow employees to give points to other employees when they help them out or do good work. Over time these points can be built up and redeemed by the employee into rewards such as vouchers or gifts. This can be an excellent way to encourage collaboration between employees and help staff feel valued.
Choose The Right Leaders
The leaders in a business make all the difference in ensuring a healthy culture of communication. When hiring or promoting employees to leadership roles, choosing people who make effective communication a priority is crucial. Interview processes should include questions about communication style and how a prospective leader will boost communication across various teams.
Hire The Best People
Hiring the right employees, to begin with, can make a huge difference in ensuring effective collaboration. Business leaders should make their company attractive to the best talent by offering a competitive salary, attractive conditions and a positive work environment. There should also be clear progression paths for employees of every level.
Final Thoughts
Ensuring effective communication across multiple branches can be a real challenge for business leaders. It is crucial to confirm that all areas of the business are considered and that employees have the tools and knowledge they need to communicate effectively. Encouraging healthy social interactions among employees can also be invaluable.
Management should lead by example and show junior staff the type of behaviours they expect to see. Offering employees training in communication can also be an excellent way to improve collaboration across the board.
Proposals submitted to demolish Domestic & General offices for major student scheme
Plans to demolish an office building in Nottingham, to make way for student accommodation, have been submitted to the city council.
The plans for Chaddesden House, at 77 Talbot Street, come from McLaren Property (Nottingham) Limited.
The building currently hosts the offices of Domestic & General, which will move to new premises on Station Street in late 2022.
A design statement says: “The vision for this proposal is to create a high quality purpose built student accommodation scheme with external courtyards and landscaping, which sits well within the conservation areas well as within its more immediate context.
The new development is to provide 318 student beds over 10 levels, as well as communal facilities. A mix of 1 bed self contained studio apartments and ensuite cluster bedrooms, with clusters ranging from 4-8 beds, would be created.
“Refurbishment of the existing building was considered at an early stage but unfortunately was not found to be viable.
“Instead the existing building will be demolished in order to make way for this new development.”
Safety tech startup Tended receives £2.4m funding boost
Lincolnshire safety technology startup Tended has secured £2.4m in investment to further propel its growth, bringing the company’s total funding to £4.4m.
The funding was led by existing investor Blackfinch Ventures, with participation from early-stage European venture capital firm Basinghall Partners, UKRI, and a number of industry-specific angel investors.
Founded in 2017 by Leo Scott Smith, Tended creates wearable safety solutions that are used across industries, including construction, manufacturing, utilities, and logistics to improve employee safety and site efficiency.
The start-up already counts industry leaders, such as Siemens, Rolls-Royce, Network Rail, Unilever and Babcock, as its customers, helping them to improve their occupational safety.
Tended’s CEO and founder, Leo Scott Smith, said: “Every company has its own unique set of safety challenges. Interventions such as training and processes only go so far to improve safety. We’re helping companies uncover and understand the underlying influences of unsafe actions and provide the resources to help them change those behaviours
“We aim to help companies achieve sustainable change to promote a safer workplace and positive employee experience. The team has been working hard on product development and thanks to investors like Basinghall, we’re one step closer to making sure loved ones return home from dangerous working environments at the end of the day.”
Ginette Oebel, founding partner at Basinghall Partners, said: “Tended is an inspiring company with a vision to significantly improve safety in workplaces using precision and science-based tools. Basinghall is delighted to support Tended on its journey and also to make Tended’s solutions accessible to our Industry Partners.”
Foresight invests £750k into AI software solutions provider
Foresight Group, a listed private equity and infrastructure investment manager, has made a £749,000 growth capital investment into The Modular Analytics Company Limited (TMAC), using equity finance from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) as part of a c.£1.5 million funding round.
Founded in 2018 by Jimmy Hosang and Sean Northam, TMAC is a rapidly growing contact centre software solutions company. With significant operations across the Midlands, TMAC’s proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning software drives efficiency, reduces costs and improves results for large contact centres primarily in the insurance, retail and banking sectors.
This funding round supports the company’s growth plans, allowing it to focus on developing its software as a solution platform, as well as make key senior hires as they consolidate their East Midlands base.
Jordan Lavender, investment manager at Foresight, said: “We are delighted to be supporting TMAC on its next stage of growth. With digital transformation projects becoming more widespread in organisations, TMAC is well placed to take advantage of this flourishing market. The team have extensive experience in this sector and I am pleased they have selected Foresight as their partner for the next exciting phase of their journey.”
Commenting on the investment, Jimmy Hosang, CEO and co-founder of TMAC, said: “I’d like to thank the British Business Bank, Foresight Group and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority in supporting us in our vision to create a market leading AI company that the regions can be proud of.
“This investment will allow TMAC to invest in our products and create numerous jobs across the Midlands and Greater Manchester which are both high quality and diverse in nature, including speech analytics consultants, data engineers, product and UX specialists and B2B marketeers.”
Plans in for 49 homes and extensive flood alleviation scheme in Northamptonshire
Terra has submitted a Full Planning Application to West Northamptonshire District Council for 49 new homes, provision for a community hall, and 4,000 cubic metres of water storage ponds.
The 4.2ha (10.4-acre) site is located off Farndon Road, in the rural village of Woodford Halse, Daventry.
Located between Daventry and Banbury, close to Hinton – the largest village in the Parish of Woodford cum Membris – the area has been affected by flooding during the past 10 years. In November 2012, there were four areas within the village where flooding occurred and 10 properties flooded internally.
A Flood Investigation Report by Northamptonshire County Council recommends extensive water alleviation measures. The development of new dwellings is required to fund the works, which will intercept surface water from the stream and manage its slow release.
The plans for the site propose two Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) to be created either side of a low density development of 49 two, three and four-bedroom houses and two-bedroom bungalows. The home designs reflect the traditional architectural styles found within the village.
A site for a new community facility to potentially replace the Parish’s Memorial Hall is also proposed, including designated parking provision. New tree and native hedgerow planting, Public Open Space and footpath links will deliver additional benefits. The architect for the scheme is Birmingham-based UMAA Architecture Ltd.
James O’Shea, Managing Director of Terra, said: “Roads, gardens and homes in Woodford Halse and Hinton have been affected by flooding. This can hamper the ability of Emergency Services to access properties, as well as causing havoc to daily life. There is a real need for a robust, permanent water alleviation scheme, which this quality scheme of family houses and bungalows can be the enabler for.
“Within the Daventry area, there is also a chronic shortage of new homes, especially in the rural villages. This much-needed development could enable local people to move into a modern, economical new home without needing to leave the area. We have already carried out consultation work and look forward to working alongside Officers, Councillors and additional consultees while the planning application is being considered.”
Furnished office expansion for Connect Derby
Connect Derby, the managed workspace provider, has extended its furnished office offering following the success of a pilot scheme at its Friar Gate Studios headquarters.
Just two months after it was launched, the furnished offices at Friar Gate Studios on Ford Street achieved 89% occupancy with tenants including recruitment specialists EMBS and lettings agency Monkey v Owl.
Now furnished offices are being introduced at Connect Derby’s other managed workspaces at the iHub innovation centre, Sadler Bridge Studios, Riverside Chambers, Marble Hall, and Kings Chambers.
The Covid-secure offices will be available to rent on a short-term basis of up to six-months, and will be equipped with desks, chairs, storage units, phone lines and high-speed broadband. Some offices also have a breakfast bar, sofas, tub chairs, coffee tables, plants, and artwork.
Furnished offices have been introduced at Connect Derby in response to the changing workplace environment and increasing demand from businesses for a short-term letting arrangement as they reassess the impact of the pandemic on their operations.
Commenting on the expansion of the furnished office offer, Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby, said: “Our initial pilot scheme at Friar Gate Studios was a huge success, providing businesses with the breathing space they need to consider their future accommodation needs.
“Since it was launched in 2014, Connect Derby have been pioneers of the managed workspace sector in the region. We hope the expansion of these highly quality furnished offices will encourage more people back into the city centre.
“We look forward to welcoming new businesses to Connect Derby and helping them to gain a competitive advantage in this new era of work.”
