Yorkshire-headquartered group continues expansion with purchase of East Midlands insurance broker

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Yorkshire-headquartered group continues expansion with purchase of East Midlands insurance broker
Yorkshire-headquartered insurance broker group JMG Group has acquired Northampton business Astute Insurance Solutions for an undisclosed sum.
Leeds-based JMG Group, a Top 50 UK insurance broker, employs over 230 staff across 13 businesses from 11 offices throughout the UK. The acquisition of Astute Insurance Solutions takes JMG Group’s total acquisitions to six in just over a year and creates a hub in the East Midlands from which the group plans to expand further. Astute Insurance was established in 2009 by directors Ian Mahony and Andy Baggott who bring an existing team of experienced insurance professionals to the JMG Group. The £6.5m gross written premium business provides a range of insurance broking services for corporate clients across Northamptonshire and throughout the whole of the UK. Ian and Andy retain a stake in the business. Nick Houghton, JMG Group CEO, says: “This acquisition gives us a strong foothold in the Northampton area that we will use to develop other acquisitions. We are very selective about the businesses we invest in, with the people and culture top of the list when it comes to diligence. Ian and Andy have a great business and are a perfect fit for our Group. We are delighted to welcome them to the team.” Ian Mahony, who has 34 years’ experience in the insurance industry, explains what the acquisition means for the business: “Our business is built on strong client relationships and growth through referrals. Astute Insurance will continue to provide the same client care provided by the same experienced team. “The acquisition and the support gained from being part of a wider group will help propel us to the next level and give us greater security and strength in the marketplace which will ultimately benefit all our clients and our team.” JM Glendinning underwent an MBO led by Group CEO Nick Houghton in November 2020, with private equity backing from growth investor Synova. The Group plans to double in size, through organic and acquisitive growth, over the next 12 months.

Government reveals largest-ever R &D budget – worth almost £39.8bn

Steve Fisher
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Government reveals largest-ever R &D budget – worth almost £39.8bn
The largest-ever research and development budget – worth £39.8 billion and to cover the next three years – has been allocated across the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s partner organisations, the government has confirmed. The Spending Review committed record levels of investment in the UK’s world-leading research base, with annual R&Dspending set to increase by £5bn to £20bn by 2024-2025 – a 33% increase in spending over the current parliament by 2024-2025. These investments will contribute to the new cross-government approach on research and development, helping to deliver strategic advantage in science and technology, work alongside industry to leverage private investment, and deliver prosperity, security and resilience this century. In turn, the investment will support priorities that are key to the UK’s prosperity, from tackling climate change to levelling up opportunities across the country, enabling investment in new technologies from clean tech to AI, where the UK has a strong competitive advantage globally and industrial strength at home. Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “For too long, R&D spending in the UK has trailed behind our neighbours – and in this country, science and business have existed in separate spheres. I am adamant that this must change. Now is the moment to unleash British science, technology and innovation to rise to the challenges of the 21st century.

“My department’s £39.8 billion R&D budget – the largest ever R&D budget committed so far – will be deployed and specifically targeted to strengthen Britain’s comparative advantages, supporting the best ideas to become the best commercial innovations, and securing the UK’s position as a science superpower.

“This includes full funding for EU programmes, for which £6.8 billion has been allocated to support the UK’s association with Horizon Europe, Euratom Research & Training, and Fusion for Energy. If the UK is unable to associate to Horizon Europe, the funding allocated to Horizon association will go to UK government R&D programmes, including those to support new international partnerships.” A significant proportion of the budget has been allocated to UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), which will receive over £25bn across the next three years, reaching over £8.8bn in 2024-2025, its highest ever level and over £1 billion more than in 2021-2022. This will include an increase in funding for core Innovate UK programmes by 66% to £1.1bn in 2024-2025, helping connect companies to the capital, skills and connections they need to innovate and grow. The UK Space Agency’s budget will also grow to over £600m by 2024-2025, recognising the fact that our world-leading space sector adds nearly £16bn to UK GDP while underpinning complementary parts of the economy including finance, logistics and agriculture. This is equivalent to a real terms increase of 14%.

Lincolnshire councils urge residents to offer accommodation to support Ukrainian refugees

Steve Fisher
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Lincolnshire councils urge residents to offer accommodation to support Ukrainian refugees

Lincolnshire councils are encouraging those who can, to step forward with an offer of accommodation and help in supporting the resettlement of Ukrainian refugees into the County.

Following the government’s announcement of its ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme through which people are asked to provide homes or a spare room rent-free for as a long as they can, any willing hosts can now register to take in refugees at www.gov.uk There will be a process of vetting, security checks and matching offers of accommodation against the refugee families and individuals with an expectation of the accommodation being for a minimum of six months. Hosts will be paid £350 a month per resettlement group. While precise details of the visa process and sponsorship scheme are awaited, it is clear that under the scheme, Ukrainians who are matched and housed with a UK ‘sponsor’ will be granted leave to remain for three years. They will be able to work, claim benefits and access public services in that time. All current details about the scheme are available on the government website and any further local specifics will be posted on each Lincolnshire councils’ local websites. Additionally, working in partnership with all Lincolnshire councils, the Lincolnshire Community Foundation has launched an appeal dedicated to supporting those arriving in the county. This Local Welcome Fund which will help to meet additional costs and provisions required by the refugee families and their hosts, such as to access transport, broadband and digital resources, access to leisure facilities, vouchers for toys etc. It is at: www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/LincolnshireCF-Ukraine Committed to jointly contributing in every way they can in supporting the resettlement of Ukrainian refugees, the Leaders of Lincolnshire’s district, city, borough and county councils said: “The tragedy unfolding in Ukraine is on a terrible scale and it is heart-breaking to see families having to flee their own country with few possessions and little means of support. We know that, as it always has, Lincolnshire will extend a warm and generous welcome to displaced Ukrainians and that both as individuals and communities we will do whatever is needed locally to help with this humanitarian crisis. “We encourage anyone who has the capacity to open up their homes or make available their properties to do so, in order that we can offer safety and sanctuary to those in need. “Additionally for everyone who can, to respond through financial help and generosity of goodwill to ensure that when our guests do arrive they can be provided with everything they need in order to settle, feel safe and rebuild their lives as best they can. “Working together, and in partnership with other public bodies, charities and organisations, there is a lot of positive work going on as we stand ready to respond in every way we can.” Already 50-or-so offers of accommodation have been made, offers which will now be redirected to the government site. Announcing the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme, Housing Secretary Michael Gove Mr Gove said that he anticipated tens of thousands of Ukrainians might be taken in by UK families with the first arrivals within a week. In a later phase of the scheme, organisations such as charities and churches will also be able to sponsor refugees, with details to follow.
  • There is a further programme through which Ukrainians resident in the UK, or UK-residents can take in family members fleeing from Ukraine. Details at www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-ukraine-family-scheme-visa
  • For an overview on ways to help, see: www.gov.uk/government/news/ukraine-what-you-can-do-to-help
  • Working together through a local charity or faith group, communities can collaborate as ‘community sponsors’. For detail email: communitysponsorship@homeoffice.gov.uk
  • Private landlords, businesses and property owners willing to offer up homes in Lincolnshire for those seeking sanctuary are invited to email LincsResettlementPartnership@n-kesteven.gov.uk
  • Donations of money are encouraged to organisations or community groups that demonstrate an understanding of community needs, safe and legal working practices, and systems of accountability. These include:
    • https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/LincolnshireCF-Ukraine
    • Disaster Emergency Committee website
    • British Red Cross: Humanitarian aid in Ukraine website
    • MSF Doctors Without Borders website

Cawarden extends sponsorship deal with Burton Albion

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Cawarden extends sponsorship deal with Burton Albion
Burton Albion’s scoreboard sponsor Cawarden has agreed to extend its sponsorship deal for the 2022/23 season. Cawarden began partnering with Burton Albion during the 2020/21 season with the firm’s branding on the scoreboard as well as featuring in the programme and on PA announcements. The initial deal was for two seasons and now the partnership will continue with the addition of a player sponsorship package. Burton Albion chairman Ben Robinson said: “We have enjoyed a very successful partnership with William and Juliet Crooks from Cawarden, who started their sponsorship in the middle of the pandemic when the games were behind closed doors. “Cawarden is a fantastic family business, and we are now able to showcase their sponsorship to our fans in the ground as well as those who see the branding on our TV broadcasts and iFollow streaming service. “I want to thank them for their continued support, and we are delighted to be working with them again next season.” Cawarden is a family-owned and operated specialist contractor with over 35 years’ experience in project delivery and has a rich history of successfully delivering demolition, land remediation and earthworks projects across the UK and these activities remain the firm’s core business. Cawarden can also offer a range of services that can be tailored to clients’ requirements fulfilling a one-off service or integrated ‘destruction to construction’ solution – resulting in value-engineering, programme efficiencies and value for money. William Crooks said: “It’s great to be able to continue our partnership with Burton Albion, which is a family club which offers businesses a fantastic opportunity to harness the powerful brand of a League One football club. “I want to thank chairman Ben Robinson for welcoming us and ensuring that the partnership goes from strength to strength.”

Planning application submitted for new Derby Business School

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Planning application submitted for new Derby Business School

A planning application for a new Derby Business School has been submitted by the University of Derby, bringing its plans to grow its presence within the city centre a step closer.

The proposed development is set to be built on land adjacent to the University’s One Friar Gate Square building in the city centre.

  Projected to be the study base for more than 6,000 students by 2030, the plan is to create a central hub providing students, researchers, academics and the wider business community with access to research and development, expertise, key facilities, and learning and networking opportunities. The Business School will kick start the University’s recently-announced City Masterplan – the vision for how it intends to develop its city centre footprint and improve connectivity between its sites. If approved, construction is due to commence in November 2022, with the building set to open in September 2024.
Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Derby, said: “An immense amount of hard work and consideration has gone into our plans for the Business School, and we are confident that this application reflects not only our ambitions, but those of our local stakeholders who have shared their views and ideas throughout the consultation period. “Through the launch of our City Masterplan we have clearly set out our long-term commitment to supporting the city’s ongoing regeneration and growth, as well as enhancing its overall vibrancy and appeal as a place where people want to study, live and work. The Business School has a key part to play in this and we are excited to see our plans come to fruition.” The new building is proposed to be net zero carbon in construction and operation, in line with the University’s sustainability strategies and its low carbon expertise and research agenda. It will feature innovative teaching and learning spaces including a virtual reality suite, stock market trading room, creative labs and makerspaces. Alongside this, the building will be a technology-enabled smart campus and be used as a living lab for research projects from across the University and industry. Professor Kamil Omoteso, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dean for the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences, said: “We recognise the importance of having a central location for our Derby Business School and understand this is crucial to help further develop collaboration between our students, business community and academics. “Not only will the Business School provide our students with an outstanding learning environment, it will put a wealth of knowledge, research and innovation within easier reach of those who could really benefit from that expertise.” Working with architects Stride Treglown, the University announced its vision for the new Derby Business School in May 2021 and held a public consultation on the plans in December 2021. Cora Kwiatkowski, head of universities at Stride Treglown, said: “We are delighted to be involved in the design of the state-of-the-art, future-focused Derby Business School. This will be the first building of the University’s ambitious City Masterplan and will provide a focal point for Derby’s business community. “The net zero carbon building is designed with a strong focus on wellbeing and biodiversity, and we’re proud to say that it’s set to become the most sustainable building on campus, supporting the University’s vision to become carbon neutral. “We’d like to thank the client team and stakeholders who worked closely with us to create innovative, real-world learning facilities and a variety of collaborative spaces, which will bring students, staff and businesses together to make valuable connections.” In addition to the Derby Business School and City Masterplan, the University has also recently launched the University of Derby Regional Economic Observatory, an independent initiative designed to work with local businesses and engage with people and communities to build a robust evidence base and produce analysis to inform economic and social policy.

Fancy a Tesla? – How to electrify your marketing with referrals: Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR

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Fancy a Tesla? – How to electrify your marketing with referrals: Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR
Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR and the PR and Communications Ambassador for the IoD in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, considers costs in marketing. Which would you rather have: a brand-new Tesla…or cold hard cash? That was the question my mentor Nigel Botterill asked me last week when a letter arrived in the post (it was also a digital campaign). It made me pay attention because it interrupted my thoughts. A free car or £30,000 in cash? I mean, seriously, what would I rather have and how in the name of Elon would I get the choice? I read on. You see, Nigel and his team had done some research. Scrap that, a LOT of research. They discovered that it costs them just under £100 in marketing to get a new member into Nigel’s Entrepreneurs Circle. I’ve been part of this for a few years now and I am the local ambassador for Nottingham. I host monthly events that help small business owners get better at their marketing or as Nigel likes to simplify things, “getting and keeping customers.” Nigel explained: “What this means is that we had to pay the folks at Facebook and Google £100 in ads to generate the leads we needed to get a new member.” Now, I know that they added thousands of members last year so they are not playing or thinking small here. “I’ve had an epiphany,” Nigel explained to me. “If we’re paying Zuckerberg £100 every time a new member joins, why not pay someone we actually know, like and trust?” So he’s made it simple, if I refer someone, as I often do, Nigel and his team will send me £100 once they become a paying member. Simples. They have even given the new member a month free to trial it because they know that on average, they will hit the retention numbers they need to drive their growth. Note this, they know their numbers. Far too many people see marketing as a cost, not an investment and spend way too much time trying to get customers on the cheap. Well, guess what you get when you try this…cheap leads. Now, throw in a Tesla and it gets very interesting. You see, as soon as they’ve taken their free “test drive” and signed up, they get entered into a prize draw for a Tesla, as do I! The car is drawn when they get 500 entries so the chances seem pretty good. Now, I’m not writing about this to drive referrals or entries for my benefit, although it wouldn’t hurt to have the choice of £30,000 or a new Tesla! It also wouldn’t hurt you as an ambitious business owner to click my link to find out more and to take the free test drive! I am walking you through the thinking here because I know most people simply do not think like this. They do not know what they are willing to spend to get a new customer. Because at the end of the day, no matter how much fairy dust and jargon we sprinkle over marketing, it is just about buying customers. I buy my customers via my time on my own PR, content marketing, social media, speaking opportunities, sponsored columns, and events. It is all just marketing. The difference between how Nigel and I look at it (other than a few noughts!) and the way most people look at it is this urge to do it as cheaply as possible and with their eyes wide shut! There’s no need to give away a Tesla but at least know your numbers. I might invest in a Corgi Tesla set now…watch this space. PS you can find out more about this campaign HERE.   A former business journalist, Greg Simpson is the author of The Small Business Guide to PR and has been recognised as one of the UK’s top 5 PR consultants, having set up Press for Attention PR in 2008. He has worked for FTSE 100 firms, charities and start-ups and conducted press conferences with Sir Richard Branson and James Caan. His background ensures a deep understanding of every facet of a successful PR campaign – from a journalist’s, client’s, and consultant’s perspective.

Historic bus operator providing vital service for Peak District residents secures funding

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Historic bus operator providing vital service for Peak District residents secures funding
Historic bus operator Hulleys of Baslow has received a £100,000 loan from NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance, managed by Mercia and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, to protect its vital service for Peak District residents. The COVID-19 pandemic saw a severe reduction in passenger numbers across the entire public transport sector. Despite the challenging circumstances, Hulleys of Baslow continued to maintain its much-needed bus service in the Peak District and neighbouring areas throughout the pandemic which has meant that Peak District school children and key workers have had access to public transport. Hulleys of Baslow has also facilitated access to remote areas of the Peak District for tourists from surrounding urban areas such as Manchester and Sheffield once restrictions were lifted. The company will use this loan to prepare for the Spring/Summer season of 2022 when passenger numbers are anticipated to increase. Andy Tyas, investment manager at Mercia, said: “We are delighted to support Hulleys of Baslow with our investment. The pandemic has had a significant impact on passenger numbers, but throughout, the management and staff of this long established company have worked incredibly hard to provide vital and much needed bus services enabling passengers to continue to travel to work, local schools and, when allowed, local tourist and leisure facilities. As the restrictions continue to ease gradually it is expected that passenger numbers will return to pre-pandemic levels.” Alf Crofts, owner of Hulleys of Baslow, said: “During the COVID pandemic, we retained remote rural services to help kids get into schools, people to work and the elderly to their doctors’ appointments and shopping. This loan from Mercia – NPIF Debt Finance allows us to continue that work during a difficult time. “We’re in a much healthier position now, coming out of the pandemic, and things are set to improve so we can build on what we’ve got and grow, going forward.”

CECA Midlands appoints new regional director

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CECA Midlands appoints new regional director
Civil engineering firms across the Midlands have a new voice to represent them – at a key time for the industry. Lorraine Gregory has been appointed as the new regional director for the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) for the Midlands, succeeding Dawn Karakatsanis, who has held the post for four-and-a-half years. CECA Midlands supports its members – including everything from the biggest civil engineering and construction firms in the region through to smaller, niche contractors – with training, networking and up-to-the-minute information. The organisation also provides a voice for members to key decision-makers, including Central Government, both directly and through the national CECA office in London. Lorraine, who has joined from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), said she had a tough act to follow but would build on the foundations that have been laid by Dawn and the CECA Midlands Council. Lorraine said: “I love this industry and I love the Midlands so this is the perfect role for me and I will give companies – no matter how big or small – my everything to ensure this sector continues to thrive in our region. “I appreciate I have very big boots to fill as Dawn leaves but she has also put the foundations in place for us to build the organisation and to ensure the civil engineering industry keeps on growing. “These remain very unpredictable and unprecedented times for all of us. It has created new issues for the sector and also exacerbated others. “Skills and recruitment are not new issues, but the events of recent years such as Covid and Brexit have created an even bigger headache for businesses. The free training support we provide to members is invaluable but there is also work to do in attracting more people into civil engineering. “With record investment in the infrastructure sector, there is work to be done in investing and upskilling the current workforce, that’s something that I really want to develop with members. How can we work together to not only attract more recruits but also retain them? “I know what an amazing industry this is and the contribution it makes both to the economy and to society and it’s vitally important that we both convey that message but continuing to improve the culture in the industry when it comes to everything from mental health support through to diversity. Progress has been made but there is still work to be done. “Net zero is another issue that is extremely topical and it is one that the industry is going to have to address while, at the same time, ensuring that current problems such as the availability of materials and rising fuel costs are also firmly on the agenda. “For our region to grow, new and improved infrastructure and new buildings are absolutely at the heart of that, and it can only be achieved thanks to the work of our civil engineering businesses. “So, I am very much looking forward to taking on this new role and delivering for all of our companies across the Midlands region.” CECA Midlands will now be overseen by Lorraine as regional director, three council directors from member companies and a further 13 council members. CECA Midlands chairman Nigel Drew said: “We are delighted to welcome Lorraine Gregory as our new regional director at what is a vital time for our industry, our region and, indeed, the country. “We would also like to pay thanks to Dawn for the incredible work she has done during a period of great uncertainty for everyone.”

North Northamptonshire bids to become new HQ for Great British Railways

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North Northamptonshire bids to become new HQ for Great British Railways
North Northamptonshire Council is to submit a bid to Government to become the new national home of railways. The authority wants the area to host the headquarters of Great British Railways (GBR) – a new public body in charge of the UK’s train services. As part of the government’s commitment to level-up the UK, the new GBR HQ will be based outside of London and bring a number of high-skilled jobs to the winning location. More details of the operation will be confirmed at a later date. North Northamptonshire with its well-connected central location, railway heritage and commitment to the levelling up agenda, is thought by the council to be a strong candidate. After assessing the options, the council intends to put forward the Station Island site adjacent to Wellingborough Station on the Midland Mainline as a potential location for the HQ. Strengths of the site include its strategic scale, its availability with many services already in place and its close proximity to the new Stanton Cross development, which offers leisure and other facilities. There is also potential to reuse the former ‘Roundhouse’ engine shed which has a strong rail heritage. Discussions to put forward the bid also have the support of Stanton Cross Developments LLP which is the key landowner and principal developer of Stanton Cross. Cllr Graham Lawman, the council’s Executive member for Highways, Travel and Assets, said: “This is tremendously exciting for North Northamptonshire and I’m delighted to be supporting this bid to Government to become the HQ for Great British Railways. “We have an excellent strategic position nationally and the Wellingborough site would be the perfect fit for such an operation, having a long history as a hub and sidings for the railway in addition to the opportunities afforded by the Station Island employment site within the Stanton Cross development.” Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council, said: “Being host to the headquarters of this new organisation would be a tremendous boost to the area and I’m committed to working as hard as possible to make this a reality. Not only would North Northants benefit from such a project but equally our area has a tremendous amount to offer GBR.” Chris Tompkins, pre-construction director on behalf of Stanton Cross Developments LLP, said: “We are delighted to support North Northamptonshire Council in their expression of interest and promote the restored former railway siding as a potential home for the HQ for GBR. Located immediately adjacent to the listed Wellingborough Rail Station there is fantastic potential to build on the site’s rail heritage.” The Government recently launched the competition to find a location based outside of London for GBR. The organisation will manage the country’s rail infrastructure and set timetables and ticket prices. The council will submit an expression of interest to Government by 16 March as a first step in the selection process.

Mansfield selected for pilot to shape design of neighbourhoods

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Mansfield selected for pilot to shape design of neighbourhoods

Residents in Mansfield will lead the way in shaping the future design of their neighbourhoods under a trailblazing new design programme.

As part of the government’s plans to level up for communities across the country, Mansfield has been awarded £120,000 to help residents set their own standards for design in their local area, which could include architecture, building materials, standards for sustainability and street layout. Under the proposals, Mansfield District Council will develop a design code focused on regenerating Mansfield Town centre, delivering homes, new opportunities for economic growth and improving public spaces. Design codes are a collection of design principles that will guide local areas to deliver more beautiful, sustainable and liveable places and communities – such as specifying the use of local building materials or deciding the layout of streets. Housing Minister Rt Hon Stuart Andrew MP said: “We want to give local people, including those in Mansfield, power over what their neighbourhoods look like and make sure all new developments enhance their surroundings and preserve local character and identity. “Whether that’s choosing red brick for new buildings in our industrial heartland cities or choosing to set standards for sustainability for newbuild homes, our Pathfinder Programme will help turn visions of greener, more beautiful homes and places into standards which developers adhere to.” Cllr Stuart Richardson, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Growth, said: “We welcome today’s announcement that Mansfield District Council will be receiving £120,000 in Government funding to help us draw up new and more detailed planning guidance for developers who are seeking to bring new schemes to the town centre. “This guidance will help to set parameters for developers in terms of the look and scale of new buildings, the contribution they make to the wider area and the quality of public open space and it will ultimately drive up the quality of any new buildings planned for the town centre. “As per the commitment in the Local Plan, the council would always have made sure that this guidance was drawn up but this Design Code Pathfinders funding will enable us to do this more quickly and with the aid of design experts who advise central government. “This will help to support the ambitions of our emerging Town Centre Masterplan by guiding redevelopments schemes that are likely to emerge from this once-in-a-generation opportunity to re-imagine and adapt our town centre to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.” The design codes produced by areas such as Mansfield, will then be used as examples that communities across the country can draw on to produce their own, with support from the Office for Place. The Design Code Pathfinder Programme, in line with the missions set out in the Levelling Up White Paper, will empower communities to demand the creation of development they can be proud of, with many projects focusing on regeneration of neighbourhoods and town centres. The 25 areas, which will share £3 million funding, will produce design codes that will shape new development to deliver thriving town centres, green infrastructure, new walking and cycle routes. The National Model Design Code (NMDC), published last year, will help guide selected local councils and neighbourhood planning groups on important design features such as street character, building type and layout, and use of public space. Last year, the Office for Place supported 14 councils and communities to set standards for design in their area, using the National Model Design Code.
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