Renewables experts let Nottingham unit
Go-ahead given for more than 200 new modular homes at Nottingham’s Alliance Boots campus
Manufacturers report rise in output, but decline expected to resume next quarter
- Manufacturing output volumes rose in the three months to November (balance of +18%, from -4% in the three months to October), the first increase since the three months to July 2022. However, output is expected to fall in the three months to February (-10%).
- Output increased in 9 out of 17 sectors in the three months to November. The increase in output reported this quarter was largely driven by the food, drink & tobacco, motor vehicles and transport equipment, and chemicals sectors.
- Total order books were reported as below “normal” in November, and to a similar extent to October (balance of -5% from -4%). Export orders were also seen as below normal, but to a lesser extent than last month (-7% from -14%). Nonetheless, both total and export order books remained above their long-run averages (-13% and -18% respectively).
- Expectations for average selling price inflation for the next three months remained at a broadly similar level to last month (+47% from +46%), although this remains comfortably below the multi-decade highs seen earlier in the year (+80% in March). Expectations for selling price inflation remained well above the long-run average (+6%).
- Stocks of finished goods were seen as broadly adequate in November, to a similar degree as in October (+5% from +7%).
Nearly a third of East Midlands employers have seen an increase in staff sickness
Almost one-third of employers in the East Midlands have seen an increase in staff sickness absence, according to a new survey.
Workplace expert, Acas, commissioned YouGov to ask employers in September if they had seen any changes to the number of employees being off sick compared to 12 months ago.
The poll found that for the East Midlands:
- 31% of employers had seen an increase in sickness absence
- 1% had seen a decrease
- Nearly two-thirds (60%) said the number of staff taking sickness absence had stayed roughly the same
- 8% didn’t know.
Acas East Midlands director Dwinder Virk said: “East Midlands businesses are seeing an increase in the number of employees absent through sickness, and they may be impacted by increases in flu or COVID cases, or the effects of long COVID.
“When employees are unwell, it is important that businesses have a clear absence policy to reassure them about their rights and to ensure the business stays on an even keel.
“Effective handling of sickness absences at work can also provide clarity for employers and employees, and help avoid potential disputes.”
Acas advises that employers should have an absence policy in place that is clear about what is expected from both employers and employees if staff need time off work.
An absence policy should include:
- How to report absences and keep in touch. This includes who the employee should contact and when;
- What support is available for staff during absences and when they return to work;
- When the employee needs to get a fit note;
- How much the employee will be paid and for how long; and
- What to do if someone needs time off for reasons related to a disability.
Final unit snapped up at new industrial development
The final unit has been sold at Wymeswold Business Quarter, where 95 local jobs will be created when construction is completed on the site.
The unit has been sold to Fleet Auction Group.
Adjoining the existing Wymeswold Industrial Estate, Wymeswold Business Quarter, Prestwold is a new industrial development which will be completed in early 2023 to provide 20 purpose-built new build industrial units, ranging in size from 1,900 sq ft to 12,000 sq ft.
With all units now sold or let, over 95 local jobs have been created. This will benefit the local economy and help to reduce the commuting times of those who work at the business park – as most of the business owners and their employees live within a 5 mile radius. The developer, The Prince Group, has included a number of incentives to further reduce the environmental impact of the development, including a green travel plan, ride to work scheme and free bus passes.
The development has been built on land that is part of The Prestwold Estate, which is managed by Loughborough-based specialist land development and property consultancy Mather Jamie.
Acting as their strategic land adviser, Mather Jamie initiated the idea to create Wymeswold Business Quarter and acted as project manager to assist The Prestwold Estate and The Prince Group to obtain planning permission, commission construction and then promote the units for sale or lease.
The site forms part of the old Officer’s Mess from the WW2 Wymeswold Airfield. The developers have plans to name some of the buildings after some important figures that were stationed at the airfield during the War.
Geoff Prince, Managing Director from the Prince Group, said: “We have a long standing relationship with Mather Jamie and always value their advice and guidance which on this occasion has helped The Prince Group deliver and create something that will benefit businesses and create local employment.”
A second phase development at Wymeswold Business Quarter is now proposed which will create 21 units and 80-100 more local employment opportunities. Mather Jamie, along with consultants Pegasus Group, Golby & Luck and Gordon White Hood, are currently project managing the planning application for this second phase. If approved, construction on the next wave of units will begin in Q2 2023 and will be available to let/buy early in Q1 2024.
Hamish Byers, associate director, Mather Jamie, said: “The speed in which all units have been occupied shows the success of the development and that there is definitely a demand for industrial units within a rural community and when carefully planned these facilities can positively impact local communities and the environment.
“My clients, the Prestwold Estate, are committed to developing opportunities which benefit the local community and as long standing owners and employers in the local area, it was very important for them to deliver a scheme of high quality and maximising local opportunities.”
As part of the first and second phases of the development, the Estate are trying to minimise the environmental impact and provide additional benefits. Throughout 2022 the Estate has planted over 450 trees and have plans to develop and enhance the natural environment further over the coming years.
LLEP to recruit new Chief Executive
A new Chief Executive is being recruited to lead Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) as it continues to work with partners to drive sustainable economic growth.
The LLEP Board is recruiting an “influential strategic leader” to manage the LLEP, looking purposefully at both delivery of vital services and long-term sustainability. The successful candidate will also be tasked with shaping and reforming current activities while exploring new ways of generating future funding.
Directors decided at a recent Board meeting that it is an appropriate time to appoint to the role vacated by Mandip Rai earlier this year.
Leicester City Council, the LLEP’s accountable body, has now started a recruitment process in conjunction with co-chairs Anil Majithia and Andy Reed OBE.
Sue Tilley has been working under the interim title head of LLEP since Mr Rai left the organisation in March 2022. She has undertaken additional responsibilities relating to management of LLEP staff, support to the Board, and external promotion of the organisation with partners.
The interim role was formed in response to external uncertainty as integration of LEPs into local authorities was proposed as part of County Deal devolution.
Agreement between local partners and Government has yet to be reached in relation to devolution in Leicester and Leicestershire. Therefore, the LLEP Board has decided that a more permanent leadership solution is required.
Mr Majithia said: “We are grateful to Sue for accepting additional leadership responsibilities earlier this year and her work with directors and officers in recent months as we continue to deliver projects on the priorities of our Economic Growth Strategy.
“However, it’s clear that it could be some time yet before a clear picture emerges on local devolution, therefore a more permanent LLEP leadership solution is required.”
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