Two Nottinghamshire bosses on 1,700-mile Ukraine aid trip
The Managing Directors of two local firms are setting out this week to deliver thousands of pounds worth of aid to refugees fleeing Russian atrocities in Ukraine.
Property magnate Arran Bailey, of Nottingham-based ALB Group, and Rob Cassidy, of Mansfield-based New Century Windows, are driving five vans full of aid on a 1,700-mile trip to Poland before driving on to Hungary, buying supplies at Cash and Carries on Thursday after being inundated with donations through a GoFundMe campaign.
The pair have been appalled by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and were determined to help after seeing news footage of hundreds of thousands of people fleeing to neighbouring countries.
Originally the team had hoped to deliver the aid to Moldova, because they both felt the 230,000 refugees ending up there had been largely overlooked, but were unable to locate a refugee camp in Moldova to arrange delivery.
Rob and Arran launched their joint GoFundMe campaign last week, with a target of reaching £5,000 in cash donations. But within just 24 hours the campaign had raised £15,000, and almost topped £18,000 by Monday morning.
The team also had two very overwhelming donations from Stena Line, who donated the ferry crossing, and from Paul Smith, who have donated around 3,000 items of clothing.
All of the money donated is being used to purchase essential items such as toiletries, blankets, clothing, baby milk, nappies, food and torches. ALB and New Century Windows will be funding all fuel, tolls, accommodation and other expenses incurred on the trip from their own pockets.
Arran, whose projects closer to home include the acquisition of commercial units in Nottingham’s Bridlesmith Gate area with the aim of transforming it into the East Midlands’ answer to London’s Carnaby Street, said: “When Rob and I chatted about the awful situation in Ukraine, we both shared the view that we had a duty to help those poor civilians who have been forced out of their homes and their country.
“We hoped to raise £5,000 so we’ve been absolutely bowled over by the support and donations we’ve received that has seen our original target more than triple. This war has really tugged at people’s heart strings, and we are proud to be able to do something of value.
“These people need all the help they can get. We believe our aid delivery will go a long way towards helping those fleeing the conflict and providing some short-term relief from this appalling situation.”
Arran and Rob have this week been converting the GoFundMe cash donations into aid items, including towels, solar-powered phone chargers, sleeping bags, sleeping mats and cutlery.
They began their epic journey yesterday (March 17).
Arran added: “All funds raised will go directly to buying essential aid for refugees, so I’d urge anyone who’s able to help to make a donation, however large or small. It will all go to an extremely worthy cause.”
Last-minute donations can be made through Arran and Rob’s GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-for-civilian-refugees-fleeing-ukraine?qid=137fe116425106056e974d26ede12068.
Ukraine refugee appeal seeks support from Loughborough businesses
Loughborough’s Polish community is calling for businesses to support their appeal to help Ukrainian refugees.
The Polish Community Centre in Loughborough, which is co-ordinating the effort, says it needs underwear of all sizes and bedding including duvets, pillows and sheets to send to Poland for the refugees. All items must be new as second hand goods are not required.
The Polish Community Centre is open to receive donations on the following days:
- Friday (March 18) – 10am until 6pm
- Saturday (March 19) – 10am until 6pm
- Sunday (March 20) – 10am until 2pm
- Monday (March 21) – 10am until 6pm
- Tuesday (March 22) – 10am until 6pm
Ward makes plea to Chancellor to postpone rebated fuel tax for 12 months
On behalf of Derbyshire-based businesses operating nationally within the metal recycling, building, construction and demolition sectors, as well as many others, Donald Ward, operations director at metal recycling and waste management specialist, Ward, has written to the Right Hon, Rishi Sunak MP, the Chancellor of the Exchequer to leverage support in managing spiralling energy costs in the next budget.
The independent, fourth generation family business, which employs over 400 people and has an annual turnover of £200 million, has proposed that the changes UK Government is making to the taxation of red diesel, or rebated fuel, are postponed for at least 12 months. This they believe would offset additional challenges faced by businesses as we emerge from a global pandemic, an ongoing Brexit situation and the worldwide economic impact of sanctions on the former Soviet Union.
Under the existing plans, from 1st April 2022, it will no longer be permitted to use rebated red diesel in most types of plant, machinery, and construction equipment. Instead, all equipment must use diesel or biofuels, on which the full rate of duty has been paid. Businesses are expected to face cost increases of more than 140%, given the current price of diesel.
In the letter, Donald Ward, asks: “In the short term and given the threat nationwide to all businesses and the impact on wider industries, we are writing to request you implement an extension to the entitlement to use red diesel for 12 months or a time the energy markets have settled.
“If this implementation is not possible, could we suggest a phased approach as we are now in a completely different economic climate, and this could be disastrous for many waste and resource operators, construction and demolition businesses and result in unintended consequences impacting the environment, the wider economy and employment levels.”
In support of Ward’s plea, Rebecca Galley, Managing Director at hydraulic and industrial hose specialist, Hydroscand UK, added: “We sincerely hope this is taken note of. The business environment is like none seen before. The government should be doing everything possible to support businesses.”
Read the full letter here.
£1.7m Greater Lincolnshire Labour Market Support Fund launches
The Greater Lincolnshire LEP is launching a call for innovative projects to support jobs and the labour market – with £1.7m funding available.
The number of job vacancies in the UK is at all time high, and in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland there are vacancies across a whole range of different sectors, occupations and salaries. There are many reasons for this, and the LEP is launching a call for projects that is designed to test out activities to support filling vacancies.
Vacancies are particularly high in caring roles, driver occupations, machine operatives, the construction sector and a whole range of jobs within the visitor economy and food sector. The demand for labour in these areas is not new, but the combined impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, a desire for better work-life balance, and a reduction in migrant labour from EU has resulted in large increases.
Pat Doody, chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, said: “On behalf of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership I am pleased to launch the Greater Lincolnshire Labour Market Support Fund today. It is designed to test out new ways of supporting and growing talent within our area, and we are keen to see innovative proposals that support future economic growth and resilience.”
Any business, training provider or third-sector organisation in Greater Lincolnshire or Rutland is eligible to apply as long as the proposals do not duplicate existing activity and are innovative in new ways of addressing the challenge.
The fund is seeking to strengthen or address Greater Lincolnshire’s immediate labour market challenges. The LEP is keen for the fund to demonstrate direct short-term impact where possible, understanding that the fund is limited in what it can cover.
The closing date is 29 April 2022.
Known barriers to employment and categories that will be considered for funding are:
- Training, e.g. for specific occupations such as Large Goods Vehicle Training (LGV) or training that is more flexible than other funds allow
- Labour market attraction schemes, e.g. face-to-face jobs fairs, industry tasters, job related campaigns
- Specialist support for people out of work (over and above what is already available through Government funding and European Social Fund schemes)
- Specialist recruitment and retention support
- Purchase of equipment/capital investment/new technologies, e.g. to resolve requirement to labour-intensive roles
- Support to fill roles that have been continuously challenging to fill
- Other innovative or collaborative schemes, e.g. transport schemes, sustainable childcare schemes
- Consideration of the impact of Covid – how do we enable people to return to work ensuring that any mental health needs are addressed?
- Rural dimension is very important – are there technology interventions in social care that could be considered? Care, visitor economy and hospitality sectors are losing large numbers of staff to other sectors; what opportunities are there to rebalance this beyond offering higher salaries?
- Innovative schemes/structured approaches to help address vacancies in the interim, given that automation and planning for the future take time, e.g. food sector, loss of seasonal EU staff
- Ideas that help address retention of skills in key sectors, e.g. in the construction and manufacturing sector; many are picking and choosing their jobs in other regions (attraction of larger projects, higher salaries, etc)
- Initiatives such as wheels to work, bespoke demand-responsive transport options, understanding the seclusion of many of our rural communities
- Innovative ideas that might help attract back recently retired individuals, garnering knowledge and expertise
- Wage incentives will not be eligible
- Schemes must not duplicate something already funded or readily available and accessible
- The LEP is seeking schemes that are innovative and/or collaborative
- All projects must address labour shortages in the immediate or short term and focus on solutions that reduce the need for labour or fill job vacancies
- Schemes that will not result in addressing labour shortages by March 2026 will not be considered
- Where the proposal is for a capital asset, or for funds to train your own staff or recruit staff for your own business, match funding will be required
- Schemes that deliver training must result in people moving into job roles that would otherwise not have been filled within 60 days of the end of the intervention
- All project proposals must state clearly how outputs or outcomes will be measured and reported
- There is a maximum of £1.7m available in this scheme
- Scheme proposals can be capital or revenue or a combination of both
- Funding requests should be in excess of £200,000, although consideration will be given to proposals that seek £100,000 if there is a very strong case
- All funds must be spent by 31 December 2024, and outcomes delivered by 2025
Lloyds Bank appoints new regional director in the Midlands
Lloyds Bank has strengthened its support for businesses in the Midlands after appointing Dave Atkinson as new regional director.
Dave will oversee Lloyds Bank’s SME and Mid-Corporate operations across the Midlands and South Wales, having previously held the role between 2012 and 2014.
He arrives after spending three years as regional director of Lloyds Bank’s operations in the East of England. He brings 34 years of experience to the team, having started his career with Lloyds Bank in Birmingham in 1988.
Dave will also continue in his role as Lloyds Banking Group’s UK Head of Manufacturing and will use his expertise to support the region’s thriving manufacturing sector.
He recently authored the UK Manufacturing: From Now to Net Zero report, outlining the steps manufacturing firms can take to transition to net zero emissions. He hopes to use this guidance to help local firms move towards a greener future.
Dave also plans to build on the Bank’s long term strategic partnership and £10m sponsorship at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry. So far more than 2,500 apprentices, graduates and engineers have benefitted from been trained and upskilled at the centre over the last 7 years and it is on track to increase this to 3,500 over the next three years.
Dave Atkinson said: “It’s a hugely exciting time for businesses in the Midlands and I’m pleased to be back after eight years away. I’m hoping my joining the team will build on the knowledge and expertise we already have to help businesses in the region prosper and support them on their journey to net-zero.
“The next few months won’t be without challenges, but there will also be significant opportunities. We will be by the side of local business to offer the tailored support they need to make the most of these and continue their growth.”
Andrew Connors, regional head of corporate and institutional coverage for the Midlands at Lloyds Bank, said: “It’s great that Dave is returning to his roots and our team in the Midlands and I’m looking forward to working alongside him again.
“Our combined regional knowledge and expertise will mean we can provide the best possible guidance to help businesses of all sizes grow, whether they’re looking to access finance to support investment plans or improve their cash management strategies to help strengthen their balance sheets.
“Dave will also bring valuable insight to help our customers and ourselves achieve our sustainability goals and will play a vital role in our efforts to support local communities, which will remain a priority.”
“Strong 2021 performance” sees return to pre-tax profit and revenue surge at Eurocell
Revenue and pre-tax profit have jumped at Eurocell, the manufacturer, distributor and recycler of window, door and roofline PVC building products, following “continued successful deployment of commercial strategies supported by strong underlying demand in end markets.”
According to preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2021, revenue grew to £343.1m, up from £257.9m in 2020 and £279.1m in 2019.
Meanwhile, Eurocell posted a pre-tax profit of £27.0m for 2021, rebounding from a loss of £1.5m in 2020, and increasing from a pre-tax profit of £22.7m in 2019.
During 2021 the company opened 12 new branches, resulting in a total estate of 219 sites.
Mark Kelly, Chief Executive of Eurocell plc, said: “We entered 2021 well placed to take advantage of the continued recovery in our markets. A very good sales performance has been underpinned by the success of our commercial strategies and high levels of demand in the RMI market, and we are very pleased to report good profit growth and a return to the payment of dividends.
“We expect supply chain constraints to ease over the coming months, and the actions we took last year have ensured we have the resources necessary to operate efficiently and support our growth aspirations for revenue and margins.
“The RMI sector remains robust, new build continues to grow and customer demand levels are good. With operating constraints resolved, our focus for 2022 will be on delivering improved returns from our strong sales growth.
“Notwithstanding the events in Ukraine and the attendant macroeconomic uncertainties, the year has started well, with sales volumes to the end of February up 6% on 2021. We therefore continue to see good potential to outperform our markets and deliver further progress.”
Work begins with textiles companies to reimagine sector
More than 30 textiles companies were at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) to hear how the university will support their businesses to innovate.
Earlier this year, Leicester’s garment sector received £500,000 from the Government’s Community Renewal Fund which is split between Leicester City Council, DMU and Fashion-Enter to offer co-ordinated support to textiles manufacturers and textiles workers.
As part of the programme, DMU will be working with companies to develop growth plans, innovation strategies and look at how they can shift their processes to be more sustainable.
“It’s about how we can support our local industry through our technology, our facilities and also our expertise in fashion and textiles,” explained Dr Claire Lerpiniere, Associate Professor in Textile Design, who was one of the event hosts.
“DMU has a longstanding tradition of supporting Leicester’s textile industries and we’re keen to explore how we can work with these companies.”
Companies were taken on tours of the facilities at DMU’s Vijay Patel Building which is home to the latest industry-standard equipment and had the chance for 1-1 sessions with business and textiles academics to help them identify areas for growth, funding opportunities and new business models.
DMU will also be mapping all the textiles activity in the city from companies and dye houses to brands.
Professor Rachel Granger, DMU’s Professor of Urban Economies, said the research team will be visiting the companies to see the sites before working with the owners on bespoke business plans.
She said: “Within eight weeks, we are hoping that we’ll be able to see what the innovations look like for each individual business.”
Vinay Sidar, of embroidery specialists SidCo Textiles, said: “The event has been brilliant. It has been very informative and I think it’s good to get everyone together and work out how we can move forward together as an industry.”
Fashion-Enter, which opened a new HQ in Highfields, Leicester, is running classes to upskill technicians and share best practice.
The funding award is part of an overall £3milllion package secured by Leicester City Council from the Community Renewal Fund, with four further projects also benefitting, including schemes to support people into employment, provide English lessons for speakers of other languages, help women in business and provide mentoring and digital support to businesses.
First phase completed at Wingfield Court with all units sold/let
Phase one of Wingfield Court, Clay Cross, Chesterfield has reached completion with all three units sold/let.
The new occupiers include Stanwood Engineering Ltd, DK Europe Ltd and Highlight Crafts Ltd. The first phase of units extends to approximately 12,700 sq ft across the three units and all units were under offer prior to completion of the build.
Planning has just been granted for the second phase of units at Wingfield Court, which will bring forward a further sixteen units ranging from 1,900 sq ft up to 12,000 sq ft, with the ability to combine units.
David Roe of Coney Green Developments said: “I am very pleased to have completed phase 1 of Wingfield Court. We continue to receive strong levels of interest for the scheme and we look forward to delivering more units, which will create both employment and economic growth for the local area.”
Chris Proctor, associate director of FHP Property Consultants, said: “Following the success of over 100,000 sq ft developed on Railway View Business Park in Clay Cross on behalf of the same client, it is fantastic to continue this momentum on Wingfield Court.
“We now turn our focus to Phase 2 and we already have a number of units on the development under offer, but we do invite further interest in the scheme and we would be delighted to speak to both local and national occupiers.”
John Jarman of Knight Frank said: “There continues to be a severe shortage of small to medium sized units across the region. Our enquiry levels are running significantly ahead of pre-covid levels with approx. 50% of all enquiries received for units up to 10,000 sq ft.
“The first phase has been a huge success and the second phase will provide further much needed space to fulfil the occupier demand that we are seeing. The scheme will be built to a high specification and provides flexibility to suit industrial, manufacturing and warehouse uses.”
Administrators sell Capital Cooling assets, saving 14 jobs
The joint administrators of Beheren Limited have sold certain assets of the company to a subsidiary of TEFCOLD Group.
Chris Pole and Sarah Collins from Interpath Advisory were appointed joint administrators to Beheren Limited, which traded as Capital Cooling, on 24 February 2022. The company provided refrigeration solutions to the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, with a warehouse and distribution facility based in Kettering and a head office function based in Livingston.
TEFCOLD Group has acquired certain assets including stock, trademarks, domain names, fixed assets, and the goodwill of Capital Cooling from the administrators.
The transaction sees a total of 14 members of staff transfer to the buyer.
The TEFCOLD Group is a European commercial refrigeration company with a turnover of more than €120 million, 130 employees, and warehouses in 4 countries. TEFCOLD (UK), which was previously known as Interlevin Refrigeration, has more than 40 employees and has its local head office in Castle Donington where its premises includes warehouse and office space altogether covering more than 100,000 square feet.
Chris Pole, Managing Director at Interpath Advisory and joint administrator, said: “We are pleased to have concluded this transaction which ensures continuity of service for Capital Cooling’s customers and importantly, safeguards a number of jobs. We would like to thank customers, suppliers and staff for their support throughout the administration process.”
Toyota Manufacturing UK Charitable Trust supports Safe and Sound
The Toyota Manufacturing UK Charitable Trust has donated nearly £2,000 to Derby-based charity Safe and Sound to support their work with children, young people and families whose lives are affected by exploitation.
The donation will go towards the charity’s expanded youth work programme which includes a wide range of positive activities.
Tim Freeman, trustee for the Charitable Trust and Deputy Managing Director at Toyota Manufacturing UK, said “It is a privilege to be able to support the fantastic work of local charities such as Safe and Sound despite what has been a particularly challenging year for us all. At Toyota, it is important to us to be able to contribute to our local communities in this way.”
Safe and Sound fundraising and marketing officer Lucy Orme was invited to speak at the presentation event.
She said: “We are extremely grateful to the Toyota Manufacturing UK Charitable Trust for their support again this year.
“This donation will be put into our youthwork programme which provides a wide range of positive activities for the children and young people that we work with whose lives have been affected by child exploitation.”
