Agricultural Growth Zone created to support Lincolnshire and Rutland

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Agricultural Growth Zone created to support Lincolnshire and Rutland

An Agricultural Growth Zone has been created to support Lincolnshire and Rutland’s agricultural sector.

The Ag Zone was announced at the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s annual conference and will unite the work at Bishop Burton College’s Showground Campus, the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, the Lincoln Institute of Agricultural Technology (LIAT), Barclays Eagle Farm Lab and the cluster of agritech companies now being established on the Riseholme Campus. It will create a centre to support agriculture and a skills pipeline to attract the next generation into the industry, from schools engagement through further and higher education and on to postgraduate education and continuing professional development for the farming industry. The Ag Zone will continue the growth of collaborative research which has attracted over £60m of investment to the area since 2016 and supported the establishment of new agritech businesses such as Fruitcast and Agaricus Robots, both created at Riseholme in 2021. The long-term aim is to link the cluster of skills, innovation and business support to a network of commercial demonstration farms across Lincolnshire to trial new technologies. The Ag Zone will also work to secure additional investment to help farmers adopt new technologies, helping to ensure that Lincolnshire farms have the support they need to secure this new investment. “Greater Lincolnshire has the UK’s leading agricultural sector underpinning the food economy in the UK Food Valley where there are over 75,000 people employed in farming, food processing and distribution,” said Sarah Louise Fairburn, deputy chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP and chair of its Food Board. “Our farms produce over £2 billion of crops and livestock, 11% of the English total, with particular strengths in fresh vegetables where we have 30% of English production, as well 20% of the sugar beet, 19% of the poultry and 19% of the ornamental crops in England. “But we know the agriculture sector is changing rapidly as the food chain reacts to pressures created by the pandemic, conflict in Europe, the cost of living crisis and policy changes. “It is vital we help the industry adopt new technology and skills, support investment in the industry and address long-term challenges such as climate change. By bringing the key organisations together who work on this in Lincolnshire we will help our farmers and support the continued growth of the agritech sector through the work of the Ag Zone.” Councillor Colin Davie, executive councillor for economic development, environment and planning at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “‘The Ag Zone is the next big development in the UK Food Valley and comes at a time of great change in our farming industry. We are determined to ensure that farmers across Lincolnshire have the tools needed to succeed, including the tenants on our county farms. I look forward to supporting the Ag Zone in helping our farms to access the support which will enable them to thrive.” Councillor Owen Bierley, leader of West Lindsey District Council, said: “West Lindsey is keen to support the growth of agritech and is pleased to be working with partners on the A15 corridor north of Lincoln as they establish the Ag Zone. “We want to create a highly skilled, dynamic economy along the A15 corridor and see agritech and the sustainable growth of farming as being essential to this mission. Building on the developments we have already seen at Bishop Burton and on the University’s Riseholme Campus is a key part of our vision and we will do everything we can to support the momentum of this cluster.” Professor Simon Pearson, director of the Lincoln Institute for Agricultural Technology at the University of Lincoln, said: “The university is delighted to be supporting the Ag Zone. At LIAT we have been pioneering technologies ranging from agricultural robotics and digital systems to soil management and energy systems. “We are also developing a cluster of agritech businesses on our Riseholme Campus and are keen to see this continue to grow with support from organisations such as Barclays Eagle Lab. Working with our partners in the Ag Zone will ensure we can help support the adoption of technology across the farming industry.” Bill Meredith, principal of Bishop Burton College, said: “Bishop Burton is the leading provider of training for the next generation of farmers in the region and at our Showground Campus we focus on precision agriculture and the way in which technology is transforming our industry. “We look forward to working with our partners in the Ag Zone to ensure we provide a complete skills package to meet future industry needs.” Andrew Buckley, chairman of the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, said: “The Agricultural Society is keen to support the Ag Zone as it builds on the work we do with schools, farmers and the wider community to promote the agricultural industry as a dynamic and progressive sector of the economy. Through our educational and events programmes we look forward to working with our partners to deliver outreach across the community.” Lisa Bagley, head of the Barclays Eagle Farm Lab, said: “Barclays Eagle Farm Lab is one of a network of Eagle Labs across the UK, but the only one which focuses on agritech. Our partnership with the University of Lincoln ensures that the companies we support have access to farms and workshops to develop their technology, as well as links to business start-up and growth support. “Working with our partners in the Ag Zone we will continue to offer a national service to link agricultural innovators to the farming industry and the support they need to grow and flourish.”

Made in Chesterfield festival returns to connect manufacturing and engineering businesses with next generation of employees

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Made in Chesterfield festival returns to connect manufacturing and engineering businesses with next generation of employees

The annual Made in Chesterfield festival, which aims to get more local young people interested in careers in businesses operating in the town’s engineering, manufacturing, property and construction businesses, has returned for the eighth consecutive year.

Co-ordinated by Destination Chesterfield and Direct Education Business Partnership and sponsored by the Chesterfield College Group, the 2022 Made in Chesterfield festival was officially launched at Chesterfield College.

Speaking at the event, Reece Berry (20), Software Engineer Apprentice at Weightron Bilancia and a former pupil of St Mary’s Catholic High School, said: “Young people need to be aware of apprenticeship opportunities in the engineering and manufacturing sector. They offer brilliant careers for young people.

“I chose to go down the apprenticeship route as I was passionate about IT and software development. I had the option to go to university, but I wanted to work in a real, live environment to gain a mixture of skills that would benefit me in multiple ways. “Weightron Bilanciai is providing me with the training, support and skills I require to undertake the challenge of becoming a highly skilled software engineer and developer, this has given me the chance to explore and learn areas of IT I never knew about.”

During the four-week festival, which runs until Friday 2 December, young people from Chesterfield’s secondary schools will be introduced to the varied science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) careers available in local businesses through a number of workplace visits and events.

Performance vehicle specialist Scooby Clinic, engineering business MSE Hiller and manufacturer United Cast Bar are amongst a number of businesses who are inviting young people to their workplaces during the campaign.

The annual festival is playing a key role in helping address the technical skills shortage amongst businesses locally. According to the UK Commission for Employment & Skills, 43 per cent of STEM vacancies nationally are hard to fill, mainly because of a shortage of applicants with the required skills and experience.

Since launching in 2014, Made in Chesterfield has introduced more than 3,500 young people to the jobs and careers available within local businesses operating in the STEM sector.

Ivan Fomin, Managing Director at MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering in the borough, commented on being part of the annual initiative: “It’s fantastic for us to be able to showcase our industry and business to young people and encourage them to consider a career path that may not have been on their mind beforehand.

“We have been involved with Made in Chesterfield since the campaign began and it has helped us attract young people into the business in both apprenticeship roles and work experience placements.

“Each year, Made in Chesterfield makes a real difference to local businesses, education providers and young people. I am delighted to see it return once again.”

Julie Richards, principal and CEO of Chesterfield College Group, said: “It’s vitally important we continue our support for the Made in Chesterfield initiative. We are proud to play our part in the growth of engineering, science, technology and manufacturing locally.

“The increasing development of STEM in Chesterfield is something we have mirrored in our curriculum with investment in the latest technologies, such as 3D printing and augmented reality, all with a focus on sustainability.

“Partnering with initiatives such as Made in Chesterfield and working with local employers and schools, our core focus is to provide a clear, aspirational pathway for the next generation of local workforce be that through full time study, apprenticeships, T-Levels or higher education.

“Our mission of inspiring futures and changing lives is brought into clear focus through working with Made in Chesterfield and we are delighted to once again host this year’s launch event.”

Made in Chesterfield is delivered in association with the Chesterfield College Group and with support from Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire North Careers Hub, MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd, and NatWest.

What I learned from my latest Dragons’ Den meeting: By Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR

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What I learned from my latest Dragons’ Den meeting: By Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR
Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR, reflects on his recent meeting with Sara Davies. I’ve been busy meeting Dragons. Again. Hungry ones. I have a history with them actually. It stretches back at least a decade. I’ve helped one flag down a taxi at 1am on New Year’s Eve in the Canary Islands. I’ve been ignored in one’s Mayfair lair whilst standing five yards away for about seven excruciating minutes (I had an appointment – long story). I’ve discussed walking barefoot in the garden with another (a really nice Dragon) and ironically enough, chaired a press conference for the rude Dragon who ignored me a few months later. Oh, and my mum and stepdad were on Dragons’ Den too. So when I met Sara Davies recently and she told the story of how her PR guy got her on Strictly, I had to share the tale…or is it tail? You see, Sara LOVES Strictly. She was almost as excited to tell us (an audience of over 1,000 business owners) about that as she was about how she battled major legal challenges when starting out which threatened to kill her business right from the start. Or how she juggled a really tricky purchase and subsequent stock issue caused by a major retail partner as orders soared live on air. Spoiler alert…she just sold the lot thanks to HUGE enthusiasm for her product. Meanwhile, back on the sofa, there’s Sara a few years ago watching Strictly with her ”PR guy” mate, joking semi seriously about how to get on the show. Her PR guy wisely pointed out that whilst she was a successful entrepreneur already, her PR value in terms of star attraction wasn’t yet sufficient. They would need a strategy and Dragons’ Den might just be the answer. How did she get on that show then? Well, she asked. Or rather, her PR guy asked. It was a little more involved than a casual phone call but it boiled down to taking that first step and having a plan. This is how PR tends to work. I get a lot of people asking me to get them into the national media (which is fine) but they expect it to happen overnight. What they need is a campaign. A cunning plan. They need to prove their value to other reporters and generate trust, column inches and eyeballs elsewhere first, as they build up to national relevance. If you want to know how I’ve done it with three different clients this year, you know where I am. Enter the lair if you dare but be reassured that if you do, I won’t ignore you for seven minutes! 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. See this article in the November edition of East Midlands Business Link Magazine here.

Radiant completes sixth bolt-on acquisition

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Radiant completes sixth bolt-on acquisition

Radiant Financial Group, the wealth management consolidator with offices in Market Harborough, has completed its sixth acquisition since Apiary Capital’s investment in late 2020.

These six acquisitions bring total assets under management to over £1 billion.

The sixth acquisition, TWM Ltd, is a financial adviser based in the Midlands.

“We are passionate about client-centric advice and exceptional delivery and are delighted to welcome our six new firms to the Radiant family,” said Simon Cogman-Hellier, CEO of Radiant. “Their addition broadens our geographic coverage and increases the breadth of advice and products we offer our clients.”

Thomas Alldred, investment director at Apiary, added: “The Radiant management team have done a great job building momentum in acquiring high quality IFAs across the UK. We are proud of the Radiant platform that Simon and Peter have built and look forward to continuing to support its growth.”

Turnover rises at Totally in “challenging” operating environment

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Turnover rises at Totally in “challenging” operating environment
Turnover and profit are up at Totally, the Derby-based provider of healthcare services. According to unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2022, group turnover has risen 14.1% to £70.3 million, while gross profit was up 2.6% to £11.9 million and profit before tax sat at £1 million. During the period the business delivered services to approximately 1.25 million patients and was awarded extensions to 15 existing urgent care contracts amounting to £37 million in value. Bob Holt OBE, chairman, said: “We are pleased to report the group’s interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2022. “The operating environment has continued to be challenging for everyone in healthcare, and as the winter months approach, cases of COVID-19 and seasonal flu are, as expected, on the increase. This brings both opportunities and challenges for the group. Totally has a strong track record of managing services in difficult conditions and was established to support the NHS in the management of demand fluctuations just like this. “Our most recent acquisition, Pioneer Healthcare, is responding to significant levels of demand for outsourcing and Any Qualified Provider (AQP) services. Responding to this growth opportunity is a priority for the group. “We remain committed to the delivery of high-quality, responsive services that support our partners, the NHS and commissioners. The scale of the opportunity remains significant, with demand outstripping supply and waiting lists continuing to sit at all-time highs. We will continue to invest in our businesses and in new opportunities that enhance earnings opportunities and increase shareholder value. “I want to pass my ongoing thanks to our exceptional teams. Our people are our greatest asset, helping us respond quickly, professionally and with flexibility to the needs of our NHS commissioners.”

Joules reveals intention to appoint administrators

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Joules reveals intention to appoint administrators
Market Harborough-based lifestyle brand, Joules, is calling in administrators. It follows the company’s announcement that it was in advanced discussions with a number of strategic investors to provide a cornerstone investment in an equity raise process. The company also said it was in discussions regarding a bridge financing proposal in order to enable continued progress to be made with re-financing plans. These discussions however have not been successful and have terminated. As a result, Joules has resolved to file a notice of intention to appoint Will Wright, Ryan Grant and Chris Pole of Interpath Advisory Limited as administrators to the company and Joules Limited, and Will Wright and Ryan Grant to The Garden Trading Company Limited and Joules Developments Limited.

Joules has requested a suspension of trading in the company’s ordinary shares on AIM from today.

Frasers Group sets sights on Savile Row tailor

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Frasers Group sets sights on Savile Row tailor
Shirebrook-based Frasers Group is on the cusp of acquiring Savile Row tailor Gieves & Hawkes. According to Sky News, Frasers Group is in “advanced talks” to snap up the brand, which was put up for sale earlier this year following its owner’s slip into liquidation. The deal’s value has not been disclosed. It continues rapid expansion for Frasers Group, which has this year increased its investment in Hugo Boss, made an offer for Australian business MySale (for which it is nearing its takeover), and swooped for Missguided, I Saw It First, as well as Studio Retail Limited. Gieves and Hawkes is a luxury menswear retailer dating back to 1771.

Katapult named Derbyshire Business of the Year at East Midlands Chamber Business Awards

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Katapult named Derbyshire Business of the Year at East Midlands Chamber Business Awards
Katapult, a creative business that designs themed attractions and experiences for some of the biggest brands in the world, has been crowned the Derbyshire Business of the Year by East Midlands Chamber. The Derby-based company – which has worked with leisure industry leaders including Lego, Merlin Entertainments, Ferrari and Cartoon Network and Warner Bros – also won the Excellence in International Trade award at the Derbyshire Business Awards, which was held on Friday (11 November) in partnership with headline sponsor Mazars. Established in 2001 and employing 15 people, the company’s portfolio of work includes the Ferrari Experience in Orlando – featuring simulator rides, an e-sports adrenaline hub and dining experiences – and the DOTS immersive experience for children at 11 Legoland Discovery Centres across the world. Closer to home, it created an outdoor hospitality space in Derby market place during the pandemic. With a foothold in North America, it is now pursuing new opportunities in the Middle East. The Derbyshire Business Awards, held in partnership with headline sponsor Mazars, recognised East Midlands Chamber members across 13 categories, ranging from Excellence in Innovation and Environmental Impact at organisational level through to individual honours for Entrepreneur of the Year and Apprentice of the Year, in addition to the overall Business of the Year winner. Finalists, chosen by a judging panel of the Chamber’s senior leadership and board of directors, as well as sponsors, discovered their fate during a gala dinner attended by hundreds of people at Reach, in Pride Park, Derby. Scott Knowles, chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “The past few years have been challenging for our business community, and yet we continue to see so many shining examples of business success across our region. “It’s always important to celebrate these achievements and shout about the great things happening right here in Derbyshire. We know it is a fantastic place to do business and these organisations – many of which have worked together to maximise their impact within their sectors and communities – are doing a wonderful job. “Later this month, the Chamber will launch a Business Manifesto for Growth in the East Midlands and Beyond in Parliament that illustrates how our region is a Centre of Trading Excellence. Our Business Awards are full of companies that are living proof of this.” The Derbyshire Business Awards – one of three awards hosted by the Chamber, along with Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire – were hosted by comedian Patrick Monahan. A raffle was held to raise funds for East Midlands Chamber president Lindsey Williams’ three chosen charities this year – Focus, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and Treetops Hospice. Lindsey, chief executive of housing association Futures Housing Group, added: “Behind every nominee and winner whose name will go up in lights are people and organisations that are truly delivering for the region. Their achievements generate employment, wealth and opportunity not just for those directly connected, but for the wider community. “So I’m proud to see the Chamber yet again take the opportunity to bring us together and celebrate our top talent – for their success but also for what they bring to the East Midlands as a whole.”

Refresh for 200 Degrees with new recyclable packaging and coffee pods

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Refresh for 200 Degrees with new recyclable packaging and coffee pods

Coffee roaster 200 Degrees Coffee has revealed refreshed packaging, across its retail coffee bag ranges and wholesale packaging soon to follow, which are both 100% recyclable.

The new black and easy resealable coffee bags represent 200 Degrees’ core ‘House Beans’ such as Brazilian Love Affair. The white coffee bags showcase their ‘Guest Beans’, which are rotating single origin selections for those who are looking to experiment and discover new flavours from Africa, Asia and Central America.

Both designs feature wallpaper print, which has been inspired by 200 Degrees’ flagship and first coffee shop at Flying Horse Walk in Nottingham. The shop is housed in a 17th century coaching inn building, with Tudor-style leaves, berries and flowers incorporated into the design.

200 Degrees is also giving coffee lovers another way to enjoy its signature blends at home, with the launch of coffee pods – in partnership with coffee pod recycling service PodBack – which will be compatible with Nespresso original machines.

The coffee roasters will be a part of the PodBack scheme, which encourages consumers to bring their used pods back to the shop to be recycled as well as at designated areas such as supermarkets, shops and through local councils at home.

Commercial director Will Kenney said: “As we hit our milestone of ten years in business this year, we felt it was time to refresh our 200 Degrees packaging and create something that was not only 100% recyclable but also practical and contemporary.

“We wanted to provide customers with better accessible coffee to drink and enjoy at home, and also make the roast that people know and love more recognisable when coming into our shops.

“We’ve chosen distinctive designs to firstly pay homage to where we first started selling coffee and secondly to help break down some of the language barriers that often deter people from buying speciality coffee.

“As well as the new packaging, we have launched coffee pods as part of our offering. With technology changing and new machines entering the market, it felt like the natural next step for us to make great coffee at home both convenient and accessible to more people.

“We want people to feel at home at 200 Degrees, by enjoying the same favourite blend in our shops as they do in their own homes.”

Thrive gobbles up Custard Technical Services

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Thrive gobbles up Custard Technical Services
Thrive, a provider of cybersecurity and digital transformation managed services, has acquired Custard Technical Services, an IT support company based in Nottingham that specialises in managed services in the East Midlands and surrounding areas. The acquisition will enable clients of Custard, including manufacturers, charities, and insurance groups, to benefit from Thrive’s next-generation managed cybersecurity, Cloud services, and automation platform. Founded in 1996, Custard provides a comprehensive range of IT solutions including consultation, managed services, disaster recovery planning, IT security backup solutions, and ongoing software and hardware support and maintenance. “Custard is a customer-centric, no-nonsense IT support and security company that has an excellent track record of providing a superb IT experience to clients of all sizes for over two decades,” said Rob Stephenson, CEO of Thrive. “We’re excited to add Custard to our ever-expanding UK operations due to their incredible management team, dedicated employees and customers, as well as their attractive geographic location in Nottingham, which will open up the Birmingham, Manchester and Leicester markets for Thrive’s Managed Services & Cybersecurity offerings.” “Custard has always been committed to delivering reliable and flexible high standards of IT services to go above and beyond the needs of the customer,” said Chris Pass, CEO and co-founder of Custard Technical Services. “We are excited to join Thrive’s global roster and believe that our proven track record and our top-tier talented professionals will be an excellent complement to expand Thrive’s extensive NextGen portfolio of solutions.” Custard Technical Services is now the fifth acquisition by Thrive in 2022 and the second acquisition based outside of the US since 2021.
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