E-commerce sales boost hack you NEED to know!
If you manage a website that sells products directly and wish you could generate more sales, you’re not alone. Lots of brand and e-commerce websites are in the same position – struggling to drive more traffic to the site, or convince enough of the existing website visitors to buy.
In this article, we’ll explain how you can create a snowball effect sales boost for your brand or e-commerce website – a positive feedback loop that not only converts many more visitors into customers, but also continually brings in more and more organic website traffic, greatly increasing the number of opportunities for sales conversions to occur.
Last chance to secure tickets for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
With the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 taking place TOMORROW (Thursday 3 October), there are limited seats left at the event.
Property and construction professionals will be gathering in the Derek Randall Suite at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, where Business Link will be recognising and celebrating those behind the changing landscape of our region.
The event starts at 4.30pm and concludes at 7.30pm and tickets are available here.
Make use of this opportunity to network with leaders of property and construction businesses from across the East Midlands.
Complimentary drinks and nibbles will be served on arrival. Dress code is standard business attire. The event will also feature Paul Southby as keynote speaker.
Paul is a partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema in Nottingham’s Lace Market, and a longstanding trustee of environmental charity Clean Rivers Trust. He is chair of Nottingham Partners, a group of businesses that supports the work of the local inward investment agency, Invest in Nottingham, and a board member and past chair of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Limited. Paul is also a former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire (2022/23).
Attend the glittering awards ceremony to see who takes home the title of Contractor of the Year, Developer of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Sustainable Development of the Year, Deal of the Year, Most Active Agents of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, Responsible Business and of course Overall Winner.
East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
When: Thursday 3rd October 2024, 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Where: The Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground
Keynote speaker: Paul Southby, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire
Dress code: Standard business attire
Tickets: Available at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/east-midlands-bricks-awards-2024-tickets-902294566337?aff=oddtdtcreator
Thanks to our sponsors:
Shortlist for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
Architects of the Year – sponsored by Mather Jamie IMA Architects Design Haus Architecture Matthew Montague Architects Commercial Development of the Year – sponsored by Global HSE Group Brackley Property Developments – The Dock Extension, Leicester Pick Everard – Nottingham Central Library G F Tomlinson – The Air and Space Institute, Newark Contractor of the Year – sponsored by EMEC Ecology Cawarden Clegg Construction Winvic Deal of the Year – sponsored by Tutum Consulting heb Surveyors – The Oaks, Mansfield FI Real Estate Management – The Quad, Chesterfield Freeths – Former Boots factory site, Beeston Developer of the Year – sponsored by IMA Architects Vistry Group East Midlands Indurent Wavensmere Homes Excellence in Design – sponsored by Cawarden G F Tomlinson – The Air and Space Institute, Newark Design Haus – Musters Road Distinctive Developments – Woodwell and Meadow Barn Most Active Agent – sponsored by Roy Geddes Bricks Rigby & Co FHP Property Consultants Salloway Property Consultants Residential Development of the Year – sponsored by Devello Distinctive Developments – Woodwell and Meadow Barn Phoenix Brickwork UK LTD – IQ Nelson Court Chevin Homes – Chevin Close Responsible Business – sponsored by Press for Attention PR Stepnell Ltd Cawarden Cora Sustainable Development of the Year – sponsored by Viridis Building Services Ltd CPMG – Sir Peter Rubin Centre for Veterinary Education Henry Brothers Construction Ltd – Alfreton Park School Keepmoat – Gedling Green The Overall Winner, sponsored by Blueprint Interiors, will also be announced at the ceremony, who will be awarded a year of marketing/publicity with Business Link worth £20,000.
To be held at:
Senior managers to benefit from return of government-funded programme at Nottingham Business School
Senior managers looking to boost the performance, resilience and long-term growth of their business can benefit from the return of a government-funded programme at Nottingham Business School (NBS) this winter.
The 12-week Help to Grow: Management course supports small and medium-sized businesses and takes place entirely online to allow participants to complete it alongside full-time work.
It is delivered by experts at NBS, part of Nottingham Trent University, which is in the 1% of business schools worldwide to hold triple accreditation for excellence. The programme is worth £7,500 but is 90% funded by the Government.
The course covers key areas such as digital adoption, vision and values, building a brand, organisational design, employee engagement, and creating and implementing growth plans.
It includes facilitated online sessions, practical and interactive workshops, one-to-one mentor support, peer networking, and access to the regional and national Help to Grow alumni programme.
NBS has delivered the programme since 2021, engaging 260 business leaders from 230 SMEs across the East Midlands and covering a range of sectors from construction and manufacturing to solicitors and digital marketing agencies, hospitality and leisure to beauty and wellness.
Tony Phelps, managing director of medical and cleanroom consumables manufacturer, Helapet, used Help to Grow: Management to broaden his understanding of sales and marketing, improve employee retention and progression, and give him the knowledge to delve deeper into the company financial accounts.
He said: “The return on investment is multiple fold with all the information I got from the course in addition to the mentoring and networking opportunities. The delivery, support and co-ordination from Nottingham Business School was fantastic.”
Henna Shah, managing director of Attock Network Products, specialist suppliers to the networking industry, said: “The most beneficial part of the programme for me was that there are so many different modules covered, from finance and marketing to people.
“So, for me, it’s about identifying the gaps in my own knowledge and the business. Doing the course has highlighted the areas of improvement that we need to work on. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to take it up.”
NBS holds Small Business Charter status, a national accreditation awarded to business schools which excel in supporting small businesses, student enterprise, and the local economy. Over the last two years it has engaged hundreds of SMEs and their employees through its UpScaler, Small Business Leadership, and Women in Leadership programmes.
Professor Lynn Oxborrow, programme director at NBS, said: “We have been delivering Help to Grow: Management in the East Midlands for several years now and have witnessed the tangible benefits to the participants and their businesses.
“The course is designed to help them develop a tailored business growth plan to increase productivity, grow revenue, and take their business to the next level.
“Alongside this, we know that they also benefit from the knowledge of their experienced mentors and course leaders, and the opportunity to network and discuss ideas with local peers who are often facing similar challenges.”
The next cohort, which begins on Thursday 21 November, is now open for applications. Business must have between 5-249 employees and have been operating for at least a year to be eligible.
John Pye footballers push to reclaim Charity Shield in Baby Loss Awareness fundraising match
Nottingham-based John Pye & Sons is preparing to field what it hopes is its best ever team for an annual Charity Shield Football match, with the goal of regaining the winners title to take the lead in games won since the Forever Stars charity fundraiser began in 2022.
With the teams currently tied at one win each, this year’s Charity Shield – at Wollaton Football Club on Sunday 13th October – has all the makings of a highly competitive game, says John Pye’s Head of Client Account Management UK & Europe, Tom Fishwick: “With each team having one victory under their belt, everything is up for grabs this year.
“The 2022 and 2023 matches were both fantastic, and while Forever Stars does have some strong players, I am confident we’ve got a great team this year. It’s a tough result to call, but I predict a 4-2 win for John Pye!”
The Forever Stars Charity Shield is one of several highlights of the charity’s packed programme of fundraising events marking Baby Loss Awareness Week (BLAW), an annual event, now in its 22nd year, which runs from the 9th to the 15th October.
Tom comments: “Baby Loss Awareness Week is incredibly important, providing an opportunity to bring people together as a community. It offers a safe and supportive space for anyone affected by pregnancy and baby loss to share their experiences and find comfort in knowing they are not alone.
“As such, Baby Loss Awareness Week is an important week of the year for Forever Stars, and we thought a football match between Forever Stars and John Pye would be an excellent way to bring people together while supporting the cause.
“I, along with many others at John Pye, have a long-standing connection with Wollaton Football Club and they generously provide their pitch and clubhouse free of charge for the Charity Shield.
“The main event is the football match and this kicks-off off at 1pm. Alongside, there will be plenty of fun activities for families, including raffles, food stalls, and penalty shootouts, making it a great day out for everyone!
“Ultimately, the day is all about raising awareness of baby loss and money for Forever Stars – the two matches to date have raised a combined £7000 total, and we hope to boost this already incredible total amount in 2024.”
Michelle and Richard Daniels created Forever Stars in May 2014 following the stillbirth of their daughter Emily on 19 December 2013. The charity is dedicated to supporting families living in Nottingham and the East Midlands who have suffered a stillbirth or infant loss.
All funds raised by Forever Stars during BLAW will go towards its 10th birthday campaign project, Supporting 1 in 4. Richard explains: “Ward A23 at Nottingham’s Queens Medical Centre is where around 10 families per day visit when they are having a miscarriage.
“The demands on the ward are huge but the resources for families are very limited, so we want to completely revamp their treatment rooms, garden and waiting room, as part of our 10 year anniversary, to reinforce our core values of supporting local baby loss families from hospital through to the community.”
Tom adds: “Although John Pye & Sons now operates throughout the UK, we are proud to be a Nottingham-based company, with our Head Office located in the city. Social value is at the core of our business, and we actively support numerous charities both in Nottingham and across the country.
“Forever Stars is one of our chosen charities, and is a remarkable local organization. The story behind its founding is deeply heartbreaking, but what Richard and Michelle have built, driven by their tragic loss, is truly inspiring. We are honored to support their incredible work in any way we can.”
“I thoroughly enjoy supporting Forever Stars, and the activities during BLAW are always brilliant,” he adds. “Since the partnership started my John Pye colleagues and I have supported various activities, from helping paint one of the rooms at the Serenity Centre at QMC, to volunteering at the Forever Stars Serenity Garden, donating raffle prizes and supporting the events during BLAW.
“Our team have got to know Richard, Michelle and the Forever Stars’ army of volunteers, and listened to their personal stories, the heartbreak they have gone through, and how they have turned this into a positive. The whole Forever Stars are inspiring, and it’s an honor to be able to play a small part in helping raise awareness and funding.”
Forever Stars’ full programme of events for BLAW 2024 is:
- Wednesday 9th October – Chasing Stars Quiz Night, Wollaton Sports Association
- Thursday 10th October – Cake Sale, Forever Stars Serenity Centre, QMC Nottingham
- Friday 11th October – Pink & Blue Day, and One Step at a Time 26-mile fundraising walk
- Saturday 12th October – Siblings Workshops and Plant a Pink or Blue Flower
- Sunday 13th October – Charity Shield with John Pye, Wollaton Sports Association
- Monday 14th October – Make Lemonade Comedy Night, Wellbeck Hall
- Tuesday 15th October – Wave of Light; light a candle at 7pm
Rolls-Royce wins shortlisting to provide UK’s next-generation nuclear power
Rolls-Royce SMR has been shortlisted in the Government’s competition to select and contract providers of Small Modular Reactor technology.
The announcement by Great British Nuclear names Rolls-Royce SMR – alongside three international SMR vendors – and confirms that Rolls-Royce SMR will be invited to negotiate with GBN on the deployment of UK units.
Chris Cholerton, Rolls-Royce SMR CEO, said: “Rolls-Royce SMR is the UK’s only SMR company and is already 18 months ahead of competitors in the regulatory approvals process. Today’s news that we will progress to formal negotiation with GBN will help us to maintain this important first-mover advantage.
“Rolls-Royce SMR has been chosen by the Czech Republic to deploy a fleet of SMRs and is in the final two in Sweden’s SMR selection process. Success in the UK will further strengthen our position as the leading SMR company and ensure the UK is able to capitalise on this transformational opportunity for the domestic supply chain.”
The Czech Republic announcement came only days before the UK Government decision, and t’s said that reaching a successful outcome in the GBN selection process, at pace, will enable immediate investment in the UK supply chain, create jobs and deliver the long-term energy secure and low-carbon future that the country needs.
Yorkshire consulting engineers win projects in Chesterfield and Worksop
Projects in Chesterfield and Worksop are amongst contracts won by Leeds-based Dudleys Consulting Engineers to provide structural and civil engineering support for four new care homes.
The new contracts, which also include Bradford and Durham, follow similar care home and retirement living projects for Torsion Care in Shipley, Bingley, Brighouse, Sleaford, Lincoln, and York for which Dudleys provided full engineering consultancy support.
Torsion Care is also poised to deliver a new 72-bedroom care home in Chesterfield after securing planning consent subject to conditions. Dudleys is supporting the redevelopment of the former Walton Works, including Grade II listed mill buildings for the care home alongside new housing.
Works are also due to commence on site next month in Worksop where Torsion is building a new 70-bed care home within the expanding development at Gatefold Toll Bar in Worksop. Dudleys is delivering full civil and structural engineering support, working alongside Watson Batty Architects which is designing the scheme.
John Currie, MD at Torsion Projects, said: “It is a pleasure to appoint Dudleys on our next roll out of schemes. Their support and expertise from inception through to completion on multiply projects at the same time allow Torsion Projects to maintain its growth plan and deliver exceptional schemes on programme.”
Paul Brownlow, Director at Dudleys, said: “Our team is highly skilled in working with challenging brownfield sites that need varying levels of remediation from historic use or local environmental impact and we admire Torsions commitment to rejuvenating often difficult sites to provide much needed new community focused facilities.”
Torsion Care is a part of Torsion Group, a privately owned independent company focused on developing residential, student living, care homes and retirement living apartments. With a pipeline of more than 5,000 units in the UK, Torsion Care delivers modern care homes, assisted living, and extra care facilities for operators across the UK. Torsion Care offers a complete turn of key service from finding land, obtaining planning permission, and constructing care facilities in a partnering approach with operators and investors.
Businesses benefit from Harborough Rural Grant Scheme
Businesses across the Harborough district have benefitted from the Harborough Rural Grant Scheme.
The scheme launched in June 2023, with grants available between £5,000 to £20,000, under four categories including Innovate and Grow, Rural Tourism, Farm Business Diversification and Green Technology.
Langton Brewery in Thorpe Langton has used its grant for innovation and growth to open a new fermenting hall. This expansion has allowed the brewery to significantly increase its production capacity, enabling them to meet growing demand and diversify their range of craft beers. It has also enabled the business to create new employment opportunities within the community.
Fox’s Furrows campground at Houghton on the Hill has introduced a new boutique cabin for holiday lets, providing a luxurious retreat in a serene rural setting. With a second cabin due to be installed shortly, this project promises to boost rural tourism and create an attractive destination for visitors seeking a countryside escape.
Little Cobblers has transformed its offering with a new outdoor play area since being awarded a grant for rural tourism. This development enhances the cafe as a destination for families, offering a safe and enjoyable space for children to play while their parents enjoy the cafe’s local produce.
A business to receive funding for green technology is Pennbury Farm in Great Glen which has installed solar panels on one of its buildings. This move towards renewable energy is helping the farm cut its carbon footprint and reduce energy costs.
The Harborough Rural Grant Scheme is administered by Harborough District Council and supports businesses to diversify, innovate and grow. A total of £350,000 has been allocated to this project which has been funded by the Rural England Prosperity Fund under the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Cllr Jo Asher, Cabinet lead for Culture, Leisure, Economy and Tourism, said: “We are thrilled to see the positive impact these projects are having on our rural communities. All four businesses have each demonstrated remarkable dedication to growth, innovation, and sustainability, and their success sets an inspiring example for others to follow.”
The scheme is still open for applications until Thursday 31 October 2024.
Family fortunes – Time For You appoints Emma Stawarz to strengthen franchisee support
Time For You, the Northampton-based domestic cleaning franchise, has appointed Emma Stawarz as its new Operational Support Manager.
With a successful track record as a Time For You franchisee, Emma brings invaluable experience and insight to this role, where she will focus on providing enhanced support to the company’s growing network of franchisees.
Emma Stawarz’s connection to Time For You is both personal and professional.
As a successful franchisee herself, Emma has firsthand knowledge of the challenges and rewards that come with running a Time For You franchise. Her new role as Operational Support Manager allows her to leverage that experience to provide guidance and operational support to franchisees across the UK.
Emma’s role will see her working closely with franchisees to ensure they receive the operational backing and resources they need to continue growing their businesses and providing excellent service to their clients.
“I’m incredibly excited to take on this new role,” said Emma.
“Having run my own franchise, I understand the unique journey that franchisees go through and look forward to using my experience to support them in every way possible, ensuring they have the tools and resources to succeed.”
As the wife of Managing Director Sam Stawarz, Emma’s appointment further reinforces the family-centered ethos that has defined Time For You since its inception in 1997. The business has always placed a strong emphasis on supporting its franchisees as part of its extended family, and Emma’s role is key to maintaining and strengthening that connection.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Emma to the operational team,” said Sam Stawarz. “Her experience as a franchisee and her passion for helping others succeed make her the perfect fit for this role and of course, she has a unique understanding of our core family business values.”
As Time For You continues to grow, with over 220 franchises nationwide and increasing demand for domestic cleaning services, Emma’s role will be critical in maintaining operational excellence. Her main focus will be to ensure that franchisees receive consistent, high-quality support to help them grow their businesses and provide reliable services.
“I’m committed to helping our franchisees reach their full potential,” added Emma. “I’ve been in their shoes, and I know what’s needed to run a successful franchise. My goal is to provide them with the operational guidance and resources they need to thrive in this competitive market.”
Property consultancy makes 24 promotions across East Midlands
A property consultancy has announced 24 promotions across the East Midlands following a strong period of success for the firm.
Fisher German has promoted staff based at its offices in Ashby, Market Harborough and Newark across several areas of the business.
In Ashby, Joanne Ziemelis and Mary McKenzie have been promoted to associate partners, while Abigail Hicklin, Maisy Moseley and Robyn Dearden have been promoted to associates.
Flo Gilman and Henry Mawhood have become senior surveyors, John Nicol and Victoria Heath have progressed to senior planners, Kay Smith has been promoted to senior architect and Rachel Lumsden to senior administrator.
Amanda Davies has been named head of people operations, Eleanor Saunders-Brant has been promoted to head of people experience and Laura Taylor has progressed to head of marketing, while Trish Wilkins has become senior talent acquisition manager and Laura Jane Taylor is now senior marketing manager.
Finally, Rob Griffiths has been promoted to finance manager, Jo Inwood to senior talent coordinator and Charlie Pook to senior systems administrator, while Dominik Michalski has become a developer and Hugh Gilmore a project manager.
In Market Harborough, Matthew Trembath has been promoted to senior associate, and James Butlin has become a senior surveyor, while in Newark, Alex Morrison has been promoted to associate.
The promotions are among 53 that Fisher German has made across all areas of the business as part of its ongoing growth.
They come after a successful 12 months for the firm which has seen it expand and relocate its offices in London and Birmingham and invest in an extensive refurbishment project at its Manchester office as it looks to strengthen its city-centre presence.
Fisher German has seen its national headcount almost double since 2017, with 806 staff members now based across its network of 26 offices.
The firm has made the latest promotions as part of its ‘Grow’ career progression framework which gives employees a clear pathway to advance within the business.
Richard Benson, Senior Partner at Fisher German, said: “This round of promotions sees more than 50 colleagues move up within the business in recognition of their hard work and consistent high performance.
“The promotions span the whole firm, with representation from all divisions and recognition for those who have been with us for anywhere from one year to 20 plus.
“Our Grow career progression framework provides colleagues with clarity on the competencies and behaviours expected at each level, aligned to our strategy and values, which has helped more people take ownership of their careers and set attainable goals.
“I would like to congratulate all of those who have been promoted for their continued hard work and support as we continue to build a more diverse and dynamic multi-disciplinary property consultancy.
“It is an exciting time for the business as we continue to invest in both our people and our premises, and we look forward to further strengthening our presence in the market going forward.”
New Director joins Board of East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster
Cyber security specialist Rob Kneller has become the third Director of the East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster.
He joins Dr Ismini Vasileiou and David Nicholls in leading the Community Interest Company, which supports regional economic growth by helping organisations to protect their digital assets from cyber threats.
Rob has spent more than 15 years in the cyber security industry and is currently the Director of KIT365 Ltd, a Cyber Security Managed Service Provider and Consultants.
He is vastly experienced in assessing organisations for Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certification and is also a Cyber Scheme Team Member (CSTM), Cyber Essentials Plus Lead Assessor, and NCSC-approved Cyber Advisor.
Rob joins EMCSC in committing to help organisations of all sizes achieve robust cyber security. He provides practical solutions to cyber security challenges faced by businesses today.
“My approach is to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences and businesses looking to improve their cyber security posture,” Rob said.
“Getting involved with EMCSC is a great way to raise awareness of cyber security across the East Midlands and the UK.
“In meeting new people from diverse fields – both in and out of the cyber security sector – I will be looking to share insights and ideas, offer advice to both the private and public sectors, and widen my own understanding of how cyber security contributes to the improvement of people’s lives.”
EMCSC was founded by Dr Ismini Vasileiou, Associate Professor in Information Systems at De Montfort University, in 2023.
Its purpose is to develop opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, sharing of best practice, and identification of opportunity. Fellow Director David Nicholls is Managing Director and founder of Leicestershire-based IT company Better-IT.
Dr Vasileiou said: “It’s fantastic that someone of Rob’s experience has joined Dave and I and we are really pleased to have him on board for some of the big plans we have in the pipeline for the next 12 months.”
EMCSC works across public and private sectors, as well as academia, promoting business cyber-resilience and cyber security careers, with partners including the national UKC3 cyber cluster network and the Cyber Resilience Centre for the East Midlands.
