Environment Agency water company inspections across the Midlands set to increase as new staff arrive in post
The first 18 environment officers specifically focussed on water company regulation have started work across the East and West Midlands. By the end of the year a further 29 people will have joined the new water industry Enforcement team focused on the Midlands and Severn Trent Water.
These new staff are in addition to existing local teams which will continue to contribute to the regulation of Severn Trent Water.
Across the country the new Environment Agency staff will ramp up water company inspections, enforcement and regulation. The move is part of the national Water Industry Regulation Transformation programme that will see up to 500 new and experienced staff recruited across the country.
Together, the new recruits will enable water company inspections to increase to 4,000 by the end of March 2025,10,000 in 2025/6 and 11,500 in 2026/27.
The EA is already conducting the largest ever criminal investigation into potential widespread non-compliance by water and sewerage companies at thousands of sewage treatment works. Since 2015, the EA has concluded 63 prosecutions against water and sewerage companies securing fines of over £151 million.
Geoff Craig, Water Industry Regulation Manager for the Midlands, said:
“We share the public’s frustration about the levels of sewage in our waterways. Water company performance is not good enough and we are committed to cracking down on non-compliance.
“More boots on the ground is a significant element of how we are improving the way we regulate the water sector. Nationally, over the next three years, we’re spending £15.8 million on improving water company enforcement and investing around £15 million on enhancing our digital systems and tools to help identify the cause of issues, not just the symptoms.
“Taking this action will allow us to bring about a change in performance from the water industry that we all want to see.”
Midland Wealth Solutions Relocates To Sadler Bridge Studios
Independent financial planning experts, Midland Wealth Solutions, have relocated to new offices at Sadler Bridge Studios, part of the Connect Derby portfolio of managed workspaces.
Midland Wealth Solutions was founded in 2016 by David Bradley and has expanded to become a trusted name in the financial services sector in the Midlands, London, and the South East.
The company provides independent advice to individuals, families, and businesses across a range of areas primarily focussing on lifestyle financial planning which often leads to advice on investments, savings, pensions, tax planning, and financial protection.
Daviid and his team previously occupied a shared office space on St Mary’s Gate in the city and their relocation was driven by the need for a more professional environment that would support the firm’s expansion and cater for its growing client base.
They checked out a number of managed workspaces across the city, but Sadler Bridge Studios came out on top, thanks to its central location, close to shops and car parking, and its high specification office space and complementary facilities, including meeting rooms and in-house café, RASK.
Commenting on joining Sadler Bridge Studios, David Bradley, director of Midland Wealth Solutions, said:
“We’d been on the lookout for a new office in Derby city centre for a while to support our expanding client base.
“We considered several locations, but Sadler Bridge Studios stood out due to its central location and facilities, especially the in-house café, meeting rooms and super-fast broadband.
“The facilities available here are already making a huge difference. The dedicated meeting rooms are perfect for client presentations, and the reception services and post handling are efficient and professional.”
Nottinghamshire businesswoman named Black Businessperson of the Year
After more than a decade of inking incredible tattoo designs to people across the UK, Nottingham’s Sarah Louise Powell has been named Black Businessperson of the Year by the Black Achievers Awards.
With a fast-growing business, beloved by its many clients, Sarah has enjoyed rapid success since opening her studio in 2022, after completing residencies alongside other leading tattoo artists across the city.
Taking the plunge she has gone on to create a successful business, which is attracting attention from peers and customers alike, who have fallen in love with her incredible work.
Recently featured as part of a specialist exhibition at the National Maritime Museum in Cornwall, called Reclaiming the Narrative, Sarah’s work has led her to achieve national fame, with her work now followed by more than 11,000 on social media.
Passionate to pass on her expertise to others, Sarah recently shared her knowledge to students at Nottingham Trent International College, who were enthralled by her experiences and knowledge.
The success of her studio and her drive to help other entrepreneurs was recognised by the judges at these prestigious awards, which saw dozens of entries from across the Midlands.
Speaking about her win at the Black Achievers gala event, Sarah said: “It is an overwhelming honour to be recognised for all of my accomplishments as a business owner.
“I cannot thank everyone around me enough for the support and love they have shown me over the years. This achievement would not have been possible without my family, friends, mentors and clients who have helped me create a successful business.”
Lincolnshire eco waste shop supporting UK’s ambitions
Ahead of COP 29 next week, The Green Life Pantry in Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, has taken measures to make sure it is one of the small businesses helping to drive progress in the UK’s journey to Net Zero.
The zero waste eco store, which has been running since 2019, provides residents with an opportunity to stock up on day-to-day items in a more eco-friendly way by using ‘bring your own’ containers or paper bags. This includes dry goods, such as baking supplies, dried fruit, loose tea and coffee beans, as well as environmentally conscious replacement products such as wash detergents, shampoo and soaps.
Jenny Salvidge, founder of The Green Life Pantry, came up with the idea as a way of helping her community become cost effective, eco-logical and less reliant on plastic. After leaving full-time-employment, Jenny sought out a Start-Up Loan of £12,000 via programme partner Norfolk & Waveney Enterprise Services to help launch the business.
Jenny Salvidge, founder of The Green Life Pantry: “The Start Up Loan was pivotal in helping me to launch The Green Life Pantry and in turn, allowing me to support a community of eco-conscious people throughout Lincolnshire.
“I would certainly encourage other businesses to consider what steps they can take to become more sustainable, no matter how small they may be.”
Richard Bearman, Managing Director, Small Business Lending at the British Business Bank said: “We are immensely proud to support the entrepreneurial spirit within communities that traditionally face barriers to financing. It is our firm belief that by providing access to financing, we are not only fostering innovation but also empowering individuals to create sustainable enterprises that contribute positively to our economy and society.
The Green Life Pantry exemplifies our commitment to supporting sustainability-focused businesses. Jenny has now established a thriving, eco-conscious business, demonstrating the transformative impact of the Start Up Loans programme.”
Brackley Property Developments unveils new £6.25m light industrial scheme in Leicester
A vacant former housing depot in Leicester has been transformed with the development of a new £6.25 million light industrial scheme.
Commercial property developer, Brackley Property Developments, has completed the construction of Blackbird Industrial Park, which comprises more than 30,000 sq ft of new light industrial units at the site on Blackbird Road, on behalf of Leicester City Council.
The scheme comprises four new and environmentally sustainable buildings which are subdivided to provide 21 high quality small units for start-ups and growing businesses, meeting a regional demand for commercial and industrial workspace.
Units are EPC A-rated and range in size from 750 sq ft – 2,500 sq ft. Features include roof-mounted solar panels, super insulation and low-energy smart lighting, and the site provides on-site parking, EV charging and bicycle storage facilities.
The brownfield site was previously home to the Ian Marlow Centre, a former housing depot used by Leicester City Council, which included vacant office, workshop and storage buildings.
The scheme was financed by the government’s Levelling Up Fund following the city council’s successful bid for £19.4million of new investment in 2021 to support the growth of workspaces in Leicester.
BPD won the remit from the council to redevelop the site, following a competitive tender. Wilten Construction was the main contractor and the professional team included Summers Inman LLP, Stephen George + Partners, BSP and BWB Consulting.
Leicester Business Festival 2024 officially launches
The Leicester Business Festival (LBF) 2024 officially kicked off on Monday, November 4, celebrating its 10 year milestone and the region’s creative and collaborative business community.
The opening event was held at the brand new Blackbird Industrial Park, situated on the site of a former housing depot on Blackbird Road. This state-of-the-art development features four buildings that offer over 30,000 square feet of light industrial workspace across 21 units, designed for local start-ups and growing businesses.
With a strong emphasis on sustainability, all the buildings include low carbon, energy-efficient features such as roof-mounted solar panels, excellent insulation, and smart lighting, along with electric vehicle charging stations and secure bicycle storage. The units will be available for lease starting in winter 2024, ranging in size from 750 to 2,500 square feet.
The festival’s opening highlighted Leicester’s recognition as the fifth most creative city in the UK. City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby underscored the importance of the festival and shared exciting upcoming initiatives, including a creative industry strategy launching on November 15 during the festival and exposed ambitious redevelopment plans for the city centre, such as a £22 million upgrade of the railway station and enhancements to the Leicester Waterside area.
Rajiv Popat, ITV news reporter, hosted the event, bringing together local businesses, entrepreneurs and industry leaders to showcase innovation, creativity and share insights. During the event, Rajiv interviewed Milan Gosai from Paani Bottles, a Leicester-based company that produces handcrafted copper water bottles. Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, Paani Bottles combines traditional Ayurvedic practices with modern health benefits, such as improved digestion and antibacterial properties. Each bottle is made from over 99% pure copper, supports local artisans, and helps reduce plastic waste, appealing to customers who value authentic and sustainable products.
Nottingham Venues’ commitment to people recognised with award win
The quality of Nottingham Venues training, professional development and support for its 290 team members has been recognised at this years East Midlands Chamber of Commerce Nottingham Business Awards.
Nottingham Venues, the collection of hospitality destinations located on the University of Nottingham’s campuses, won the Commitment To People Development Award at the awards ceremony on Friday 1 November at The Nottingham Belfry.
The Commitment to People Development Award recognises organisations demonstrating a firm commitment to people development and the implementation and promotion of a learning and development culture. It also considers how employee wellbeing is supported and how this culture contributes to the business’ overall success.
The judges acknowledged the widespread professional development and leadership programmes Nottingham Venues has established, along with its commitment to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of its staff.
Stephanie Moss-Pearce, Director of Marketing at Nottingham Venues comments: “Our people reflect us, as a business, and the value we place on them. We want to ensure that our team have opportunities to develop in their careers and are supported, so we are delighted that our work has been recognised by The East Midlands Chamber.
“Our commitment to our people is having a hugely positive impact on our business. The past year has been our best yet, both financially and in terms of business growth and internal promotions, staff engagement and positive guest feedback, all thanks to our dedicated team.”
“Our focus on our people has been the biggest factor in driving our business success. Our people create our organisational culture which impacts on the atmosphere we create for our guests. Having satisfied guests brings repeat business and our teams’ excellent service builds our reputation, creating positive reviews, which drive our success.”
Connexin completes first stage of significant Project Gigabit contract
UK-based smart technology and digital provider Connexin has successfully completed the first stage of its Project Gigabit contract for the provision of hyperfast broadband to over 34,000 rural homes in Nottinghamshire and West Lincolnshire.
The £58 million contract, awarded in January 2024 by the UK government, will see Connexin roll out lightning-fast, reliable broadband to rural communities throughout Nottinghamshire and West Lincolnshire. The rollout is part of Project Gigabit, a government-funded programme to enable hard-to-reach communities to access fast, reliable gigabit-capable broadband.
Connexin will soon move onto the build stage, which will see the first premises connected by early 2025.
Connexin worked closely with the government, Nottinghamshire County Council and Lincolnshire County Council to efficiently complete stage one of the project on time and under budget.
Furqan Alamgir, CEO at Connexin, said:
“As a company driven to improve lives through digital innovation, Connexin is delighted to be working with BDUK on bringing Ultrafast Connectivity to these hard-to-reach areas. This fibre network will not only offer significantly faster broadband speeds but will serve as a backbone for many other services to truly digitally enable rural Nottinghamshire and West Lincolnshire.“
Phoebe Smith, Managing Director at PATRIZIA, said:
“We’re proud of Connexin’s approach to this partnership and pleased to be moving the project into the next stage. We are excited to be partnering with Connexin and the UK government to provide much needed access to faster and more reliable broadband services to the rural communities in Nottinghamshire and West Lincolnshire.”
As part of the contract, over 34,000 rural properties in hard-to-reach areas such as Kirkby in Ashfield, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Annesley, Wragby and Market Rasen will undergo a major digital upgrade with the introduction of Connexin’s full fibre to the premise (FTTP) broadband infrastructure. Residents and businesses will be able to benefit from gigabit-capable speeds.
Over a million homes, businesses and public buildings – mostly based in hard-to-reach locations – are now able to tap into lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband as a direct result of UK Government investment in network upgrades.
Workplace Wellbeing Timebomb – 83% of professionals have experienced poor mental health at work
83% of professionals state they’ve experienced mental ill health at work in the past 12 months – with more than a quarter encountering it ‘regularly’.
Robert Walters’ survey of 3,000 professionals across the UK & Ireland recently revealed increasing numbers of professionals experiencing poor mental health at work, despite employers’ best efforts to enhance wellbeing offerings like employee wellbeing programmes e.g. mental health support (71%), Cycle-to-work schemes (65%), Healthcare vouchers (48%) and free or discounted gym memberships (43%).
A survey by Ipsos indicated that mental health has now overtaken cancer and obesity, to become the most common health problem Britons worry about.
In the UK, around £138bn is lost every year due to workplace sickness.
Habiba Khatoon, Director of Robert Walters Midlands: “While it’s encouraging to see that many employers have been ramping up their wellbeing benefits – the figures speak for themselves, efforts are still falling short when it comes to meaningfully supporting professional’s wellbeing.
“With past aspersions of the UK adopting a ‘sicknote culture’ its important employers can not only empathise with, but adequately support their employee’s wellbeing to avoid footing the cost of increased employee absences.”
Demand for wellbeing interventions
29% of all UK professionals consider employee wellbeing programmes the most important wellbeing & lifestyle benefit when they’re considering a job offer. Increasing to two-fifths (43%) of HR professionals and 31% of those working within General Management.
Interestingly – a third of C-Suite professionals state the same, selecting wellbeing programmes over travel & retail discounts, healthcare vouchers and free/discounted gym memberships.
Habiba adds: “Professionals are coming forward to demand that their employers do more to support their wellbeing at work – this isn’t an issue that’s limited to a specific industry or job-level. But the jury is out on whether the steps employers are then taking to heed their demands are having the desired effect.”
Are wellbeing benefits a box-ticking exercise?
Almost three-quarters of companies now offer employee wellbeing programmes. However, less than a fifth of professionals claim to have actually accessed the mental health support provided by their employer in the past 8 months.
When asked why they hadn’t, 58% stated that these types of benefits feel more like a ‘box-ticking exercise’ rather than provide any meaningful support – with a further 29% stating the services they’ve been offered need to be improved.
Habiba comments: “Employee wellbeing programs usually involve things like mental health / mindful apps, physical health checks and supplements – whilst these interventions can be useful, they put a plaster on the real cause of mental ill health – which can be something as simple as increased stress or professionals feeling overworked.”
Employer efforts must be recentred
A worrying 67% of UK professionals don’t think their employer is doing enough to meaningfully promote employee wellbeing – whilst almost two-fifths of senior leaders feel their increased spending on wellbeing benefits is going by largely unnoticed.
Habiba concludes: “There is no overnight solution for improving mental health. But employers must be dedicated to the creating a culture of open discussion and empathy in their workplace. This means adopting strategies such as mindful work practices e.g. respecting workhours and holidays, encouraging regular breaks and offering regular check-ins for employees.
“Those businesses who dedicate themselves to going the extra mile in supporting their staff’s mental health and wellbeing now, will reap the rewards of increased employee loyalty for years to come.”
East Midlands skills champion reaches national final
Former apprentice Charlie Gresswell will represent the East Midlands in the grand final of the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards in London later this month (27th November).
Charlie, who is 23 and works in the food industry, was crowned East Midlands Skills Champion in the regional heat of the awards in October.
The regional award is in recognition of her outstanding work to promote apprenticeships. Charlie is the Apprentice Chair of the East Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (EMAAN).
“It was fantastic to win the regional award and I’m really looking forward to representing the East Midlands at the national awards, which will be a very special occasion,” said Charlie.
The Employer Chair of EMAAN, Charlotte Nicholls, said: “Charlie is an excellent advocate for apprenticeships. She proactively goes above and beyond her normal duties to promote the benefits of apprenticeships and skills. Her passion inspires others.”
Charlie works for SGS as a Technical Assistant in the Food & Nutrition team. Previously, she completed a three-year Technical degree apprenticeship course with Samworth Brothers and Sheffield Hallam University.
Her role as Apprentice Chair of EMAAN includes supporting a number of apprenticeship ambassadors, organising/hosting meetings, running projects and helping to ensure the smooth running of the network.
“I was originally inspired to find out more about apprenticeships after an ambassador came to my school to explain the benefits and what was involved,” said Charlie.
“It feels great to now give something back and help to champion apprenticeships so other people can reap the benefits too. To receive this recognition is amazing and I hope I can make the East Midlands network proud in the national final.”
