Production to stop at Leicestershire stilton specialist
Arla Foods have confirmed production at a Leicestershire dairy could stop.
The business, which runs Melton Mowbray’s Tuxford and Tebbutt Creamery, is proposing to stop production at the site that has operated for nearly 250 years.
Arla Foods is now entering a period of consultation with the stilton specialist’s colleagues. The site employs around 60 people.
It follows a strategic operational review announced in January, following a decline of the speciality cheese market in the UK. At the time Arla Foods said it was looking for possible buyers.
Streets Chartered Accountants covers election concerns, trivial benefits and more in new news roundup
Streets Chartered Accountants covers election concerns, trivial benefits, and more in its latest monthly news roundup.
What might businesses want from the next government?
The wait is over and we now have a date for a general election, the 4th July. Whilst many will have been pressing for and wanting an election, how many of us have considered why or what we really want from the next government? Whilst individuals will no doubt have their own thoughts and asks, these invariably will be unique to them. When it comes to businesses there is probably a more collective thought or ask. Read More
Employment, workforce and skills election special
This special episode of The Streets Sessions, with guests Anita Wynne, CEO of Beststart Human Resources, and Taj Rahil, Partner and employment law specialist with leading law practice Fladgate LLP, focuses on the election and what the main party manifestos have in store for employers and employees, as well as addressing workforce skills shortages and managing migration. Listen Now
Small perks, big impact: keeping your team happy
In today’s competitive business landscape, finding and retaining great staff can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. But did you know that something as simple as trivial benefits can make a significant difference? Trivial benefits are small perks that don’t attract tax. Think coffee vouchers, seasonal gifts or a team lunch. These little tokens of appreciation can work wonders for morale and loyalty across all industries. Read More
Bloodstock industry benefits from Streets Bloodstock’s new Taxation Guide for 2024
Streets are excited to announce the publication of the 2024 Bloodstock Tax Guide, in association with The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association. This specialist guide has been produced in response to the members of the association seeking advice and guidance on the specific tax implications and treatments for those involved in the sector and in particular breeders. This new guide supersedes the Horseman’s Group guide for bloodstock taxation advice. Read More
Banking & Finance services for clients – business funding options available
There are numerous reasons why many clients are using Streets’ Banking and Finance services. Their dedicated in-house team are easy to access, work with your accountants and are situated within Streets offices providing an expert knowledge in all areas of finance. Like your accountant they always have the client’s and their businesses’ best interests at heart. Whatever your funding requirements are it pays to engage with experts to support you, who have access to whole of market to secure the right funding solution for your business needs. Read More
HMRC wrongly refund voluntary Class 2 National Insurance payments
This incorrect refunding may have significant effect on many individuals in the future when the time comes to receive their state pension and other contributory benefits. Each year, Class 2 National Insurance is collected via self assessment returns and payments transferred through self assessment to each individual’s National Insurance record by HMRC. However, all Class 2 contributions need to be paid by 31 January for the contributions to be accepted by HMRC systems. Read More
Latest equity funding round sees Nottinghamshire crowd and public safety tech company achieve £10m valuation
Halo, the public safety and security software, which was used at the coronation for King Charles III and the state funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, has secured further equity funding via crowdfunding platform Crowdcube.
This now takes the crowd safety and security operations tech platform to a £10 million valuation.
The public safety and security technology, which was the recent recipient of a King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation, was oversubscribed in its maiden crowdfunding investment call, achieving 198% of its target raise. Halo Solutions secured a total of £489,610 from 188 equity investors on the Crowdcube trading platform, taking the total number of investors in the company to 220.
The Halo System provides a public safety, security and incident response platform that streamlines all aspects of crowd safety, incident management, security and operations into one place. It protects over 3 million people per day on average.
It is used at some of the world’s biggest and most prestigious events, venues and stadiums including the Eurovision Song Contest, FIFA World Cup fan zones in Qatar, the Miami F1 Grand Prix, Silverstone’s British Grand Prix and Moto GP.
It has also protected fans at some of the UK’s biggest entertainment events, from Notting Hill Carnival and Glastonbury to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Halo was also used at the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and the state funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
The global market for incident and emergency management alone was valued at $121.4 billion in 2022 and is forecast to exceed $163 billion in 2027. Halo has also forecast 340% revenue growth in FY23 and has a client retention rate of 93%.
Now employing 16 people, Halo Solutions was founded in 2018 by CEO Lloyd Major, a former national counter terrorism police officer, crowd safety and event security adviser with more than 20 years of policing experience, including police training and public order command at major sporting events.
He was also the first operational police planner in the UK to obtain a Master’s degree in Emergency Planning and Management, developing a totally new process for threat assessment at public events, which became national policing policy.
Commenting on the recent investment round, Halo Solutions founder and CEO Lloyd Major said: “We are absolutely delighted with the response from our maiden funding round with Crowdcube and thrilled to welcome on board our new investors on this exciting next phase of our journey.
“The capital raise will enable us to continue our development funding of the software with more client-led features whilst also helping to fund marketing campaigns into new territories and power up our global expansion into America, Europe and the Middle East.”
Midven, one of Halo’s main investment partners, has also strengthened its further investment into the tech company to support its global growth and expansion.
Surjit Kooner, investment director of Midven, said: “Midven, a part of Future Planet Capital, is delighted to be able to further support Halo Solutions in their latest fundraising round. The progress Halo have made to date is testament to the dedication of Lloyd and the broader team.
“The funds raised will play a pivotal role in the next stage of Halo’s growth, enabling them to expand the product range of their lifesaving crowd and security software, enter new territories, and enhance their marketing efforts.”
Rolls-Royce SMR signs Armed Forces Covenant
Rolls-Royce SMR Chief Executive Chris Cholerton has signed the Armed Forces Covenant as part of the organisation’s continued commitment to supporting those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families.
He said: “Rolls-Royce SMR is proud to be an armed forces-friendly organisation and signing the covenant reaffirms our commitment to Service personnel, veterans and military families. We are committed to attracting a diverse workforce to the Rolls-Royce SMR business and welcome the breadth of skills, knowledge, and experience that those who have contributed to the armed forces can bring.”
With More than 700 employees, its continued commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is one of Rolls-Royce SMR’s greatest strengths – an important part of maintaining that diversity is supporting the employment of veterans and Service spouses and partners.
As part of its social value work, and commitment to ensuring entrants are supported in joining the nuclear sector, Rolls-Royce SMR already offers additional flexibility for service personnel and their families, along with career transition support and extensive ongoing development opportunities.
Linda Costello, Rolls-Royce SMR Director of Internal Audit, said: “As a Trustee of The Poppy Factory – a charity which supports wounded, injured and sick veterans into meaningful employment – I’m delighted to see Rolls-Royce SMR signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant. Veterans, their partners, and existing service personnel can offer employers a range of valuable skills and experience which will enhance our diversity and provide access to a wealth of talent.”
The Rolls-Royce SMR is the first nuclear power station to be designed and built in the UK for over a generation and offers a radically different approach to delivering new nuclear power. Each ‘factory-built’ nuclear power station will provide enough low-carbon electricity to power a million homes for more than 60 years and will create thousands of long-term, high-skilled jobs.
Nottinghamshire solar farm could create 460 new jobs
Around 460 jobs could be created if plans for a new Nottinghamshire solar park are approved.
The proposed Great North Road Solar Park, near Newark, would create enough clean energy to power every home in the county.
Developer Elements Green states that around 400 roles would be created during the construction phase, with a further 60 needed permanently once it is operational.
“The benefits of the Great North Road Solar Park aren’t just limited to cheaper bills and greener energy,” said Mark Noone, head of UK development.
“There will be hundreds of secure well-paid jobs created during construction and the project’s legacy would include scores of skilled positions once the site is operational.
“Over half of those will be engineering roles, but there will also be a need for admin and support staff, and there will be plenty of chances for these roles to be filled locally.
“These will be good jobs, which are permanent and pay a proper wage. And much like the Great North Road Solar Park, we believe they will make a positive contribution to the lives of families across the area.
“The skills and training opportunities on offer to local people will form part of a separate announcement to follow in the coming months.”
According to Mark, an initial public consultation staged earlier this year revealed “pleasing” levels of support for the development which would be built north of the town.
Almost half of the respondents either backed the development or could support it in an amended form.
If approved it would see around 1.5m solar panels erected to produce cleaner energy, which would play a significant role in hitting the UK Government’s Solar PV target of 70GW constructed by 2050.
Locally, it would lead to a greener Nottinghamshire – with substantially less carbon emitted into the atmosphere each year.
Additionally, around £1m-a-year in grant funding would be made available to the local community via the NG+ scheme, helping community projects that have a focus on areas such as education, food security, energy efficiency, wellbeing and the environment.
Mark added: “Whilst the Great North Road Solar Park is still currently a proposal, the benefits it could bring to this area – be it jobs, community funding and cleaner energy – are huge.
“And this all signals our intent to make a permanent and positive economic difference to the area through Great North Road Solar Park.”
Shoe Zone subject of cyber security incident
Leicester-headquartered Shoe Zone has been the subject of a cyber incident which has resulted in unauthorised access to certain online systems and data.
On becoming aware of the incident, the company said it enacted its established IT security protocols and took immediate steps to stop the unauthorised access to its systems and data.
Specialist, third party consultants have been engaged to investigate the nature and extent of the incident, and to implement the incident response plan. Reports have also been made to the Information Commissioner’s Office and the National Cyber Security Centre.
Actions taken have ensured that the company’s website remains operational and the company continues to trade with its customers and suppliers.
The business noted: “Shoe Zone takes the issue of data security extremely seriously, and any affected individuals will be notified as appropriate and in accordance with applicable regulations.”
At this stage, any financial impact resulting from the incident is not expected to be material.
East Midlands rises to one of UK’s most confident regions in June
Business confidence in the East Midlands rose six points during June to 46%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
Companies in the East Midlands reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up two points at 42%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up nine points to 50%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 46% (vs. 40% in May).
A net balance of 45% of businesses in the region also expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up 24 points on last month.
Looking ahead to the next six months, East Midlands firms identified their top target areas for growth as introducing new technology (42%), investing in their teams, for example through training (37%) and entering new markets (33%).
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
National picture
Overall UK business confidence fell nine points in June to a net balance of 41%. However, this was consistent with levels seen during Q1 2024, before the sharp rise in May, and remained above the long-term average (28%).
While businesses reported lower confidence in both their own trading prospects, down 10 points to 44%, and the economy, down seven points to 39%, both remained robust.
The East Midlands was the third most confident UK nation or region in June, after Yorkshire and the Humber (48%) and the North East of England (47%).
Sector insights
Results across the sectors were mixed in June as three of the four sectors saw a decline in trading prospects. Construction fell 16 points to 42% and there were other notable decreases in retail (down 14 points to 35%) and services (down 11 points to 46%). Manufacturing however, bucked this trend, increasing by two points to 51%.
Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “It’s great to see East Midlands business confidence continue to grow, and now sit above the national average.
“Our region’s businesses are setting out clear growth plans – from hiring staff to introducing new technology. Delivering these plans will, in many cases, require fresh investment. We’ll continue to be by their side, providing both financial backing and guidance to help them get the most out of the steps they’re taking.”
Celebrate successes in the property and construction industry at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
A long-standing celebration of the region’s property and construction industry, the East Midlands Bricks Awards will return on Thursday 3rd October for the next instalment of the prestigious event.
Attracting leaders from across the region, the awards are the perfect way for firms to raise their profile and promote the work they are completing, and with nominations open until Thursday 5th September, now is the ideal time to prepare your entries.
Take this opportunity to showcase exceptional new commercial and residential developments, those demonstrating a leading position in sustainability and design excellence; gain recognition as outstanding developers, architects, contractors, and agents, as well as for significant deals; and ensure efforts in corporate social responsibility are rewarded, from eco initiatives to charity work, to social value schemes.
To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Award categories include:
Tickets can now be booked for the 2024 awards event, click here to secure yours.
Taking place in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground on Thursday 3rd October, from 4:30pm – 7:30pm, connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region.
Attendees will also hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire.
Dress code is standard business attire.
Thanks to our sponsors:
- Most active agent
- Commercial development of the year
- Responsible business of the year
- Residential development of the year
- Developer of the year
- Deal of the year
- Architects of the year
- Excellence in design
- Sustainable development of the year
- Contractor of the year
- Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, with the winner, and recipient of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, selected from those nominated for the event’s other awards)
Nominations end Thursday 5th September, with winners revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 3rd October at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening of celebration and networking with property and construction professionals from across the East Midlands.
Tickets can now be booked for the 2024 awards event, click here to secure yours.
Taking place in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground on Thursday 3rd October, from 4:30pm – 7:30pm, connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region.
Attendees will also hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire.
Dress code is standard business attire.
Thanks to our sponsors:
To be held at:
Chesterfield manufacturers encouraged to inspire future talent as 10 years of innovative scheme celebrated
Businesses are gearing up to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Made in Chesterfield initiative, which brings together schools and local firms to close skills gaps in the town.
Designed to spark interest in manufacturing, engineering, and construction careers among young people, the campaign offers a unique opportunity for businesses in those key sectors to inspire the future workforce.
Destination Chesterfield is seeking companies to participate in this year’s Made in Chesterfield scheme. By engaging with school pupils, your business can offer firsthand insights into the exciting career paths within these crucial sectors.
Celebrating a decade of partnership and collaboration, the Made in Chesterfield campaign will run throughout October 2024.
Organised by Destination Chesterfield and Direct Education Business Partnership, and supported by Chesterfield College Group, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire North Careers Hub, MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd, and NatWest, the campaign has a proven track record of success.
Since 2014, over 3,500 students have explored career opportunities in the area’s manufacturing, engineering, and construction sectors.
Chesterfield College Group, the project’s headline sponsor, has witnessed a surge in students enrolling in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) subjects, underscoring the campaign’s significant impact.
Julie Richards OBE, CEO of Chesterfield College Group, shared: “Supporting Made in Chesterfield aligns with our mission to connect students with employers, providing inspiration and creating opportunities for successful careers.
“Our Engineering, Manufacturing, and Science Centre and involvement in the town’s new Construction Skills Hub highlight our dedication to providing the best career opportunities for young people in engineering and construction.”
Ivan Fomin, Director at MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield Board Member, emphasised the importance of the initiative: “With an ageing workforce creating a skills gap in manufacturing, it’s crucial to cultivate new talent. These tours and interactions give young people invaluable insights into the promising careers in STEM fields.”
Clare Talati, CEO of Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP), added: “We are thrilled to continue supporting Made in Chesterfield, facilitating connections between employers and young people. This initiative provides meaningful experiences, raising awareness of local opportunities and helping employers meet potential future employees.”
Administrators appointed at controversial Leicester life insurance broker
Adam Stephens and Kevin Ley of Evelyn Partners LLP have been appointed as joint administrators of controversial life insurance broker Dead Happy.
Leicester-based Dead Happy was founded in 2013 and grew to a revenue of £2.5m by 2023, with more than 25,000 active customer policies.
The administrators are working with the underwriting insurers to ensure that all customer policies transfer back to the insurers with minimal interruption to customers. As part of this process the business will continue to trade on a limited basis, with certain employees kept on to assist the administrators with their work.
Adam Stephens, partner at Evelyn Partners and joint administrator of Dead Happy, said: “We are pleased to be able to assist with ensuring a continuity of insurance provision for all customers as the business is wound down.
“Evelyn Partners has been working with the Dead Happy management team and major stakeholders to enable a smooth transition for customers.
“We thank Dead Happy management for their support in this process and look forward to concluding the process with a positive outcome.”
The news follows provocative marketing tactics at the firm, with public outrage at the beginning of 2023 over an ad featuring serial murderer, Harold Shipman.
Dead Happy included a picture of Shipman in social media ads with the overlaying text: “LIFE INSURANCE … Because you never know who your doctor might be.”
Shipman is estimated to have murdered between 215 and 260 of his patients.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) upheld complaints against the business, saying in a statement that the adverts “trivialised and made light of the murders committed by Harold Shipman, such that they were likely to cause both serious and widespread offence to those who saw them.”
