EMR launches personalised real-time Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp service for customers
East Midlands Railway (EMR) customers can now access customised travel information after the company launched its new messenger service.
EMR Messenger provides customers with personalised journey updates, including details of real-time disruption, alternative travel routes and busyness alerts, all delivered via the popular Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp channels.
Customers can opt-in to the service on either channel by visiting the live journey information page on EMR’s website and clicking ‘Keep Me Updated’ or alternatively by searching for EMR directly on Facebook Messenger.
Personalised WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger alerts will then keep customers fully informed about their journey, including:
Real-time messaging, disruption alerts, alternative routes, platform changes, and delay repay messaging.
Journey planning and routing around disruption and predicted issues in real-time.
Busyness alerts, based on unique forecast demand data proven to be scientifically accurate by the University of Birmingham.
Journey watch: the option to select regular journeys and sign up for ‘push only’ updates, meaning customers will be informed if anything might affect their journey.
Customers using the service on Facebook Messenger will also be able to access extra information, including:
Now & Next: a snapshot of the journey, on demand, including current arrival times, interchange details and multi-modal information all in one place.
Last mile support: welcome message before arriving at their destination offering onward journey support via all available transport modes (bus, e-scooters, taxi, walking, and cycling).
Customer service support: quick access to EMR’s customer service team and station facilities information.
EMR Messenger is powered by revolutionary AI and data prediction technology developed by Midlands-based company Zipabout who has pioneered the use of personalised information services for rail passengers across the UK.
The service will provide EMR with unprecedented insight into the way people use its network, enabling the planning of smarter journeys.
Neil Grabham, Customer Services Director at East Midlands Railway, said: “We are always looking at better ways to keep our customers up-to-date with the latest travel information when they take a journey with us.
“This new service will enable customers to take control and get personalised details tailored to their needs, making sure they only get the information that is relevant and important to them.”
Alex Froom, Chief Executive of Zipabout, said: “Real-time information tailored to each individual is essential to improve customer experience and confidence when travelling by rail, and EMR Messenger delivers that straight to the hands of passengers. No need for yet another travel app, just personalised support at the right time and through the channels they trust.”
University of Northampton partners with fruit manufacturer to battle plastics pollution
A new partnership has been forged to find solutions to what the United Nations has called the “disastrous” way plastic is used in farming.
In a report released in December 2021, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization says there is “irrefutable” evidence of the need for better management of the millions of tonnes of plastics used in the food and farming system each year.
Now the University of Northampton has teamed up with prepared fruit manufacturer Blue Skies and retailer Waitrose & Partners to launch a research and development hub that will find ground-breaking solutions to sustainability challenges, with its first focus being on environmentally-friendly alternatives to plastics.
The Fresh Produce Impact Hub (FRESHPPACT) will bring together retailers, manufacturers and agribusinesses rooted in developing or emerging economies, and work with research partners to rapidly evaluate, test and adopt the most ground-breaking solutions.
The University of Northampton’s Centre for Sustainable Business Practices will co-ordinate and project manage the initiatives that come through FRESHPPACT – focusing initially on the use of plastic in farming (agricultural mulch), packaging and workwear.
Chair of Centre, Professor Amin Hosseinian-Far, said: “Agriculture and the food industry must move away from the omnipresent use of plastic for the good of the planet. For example, thousands of tonnes of agricultural plastic often can’t be recycled as it becomes contaminated by soil ends up being burned or buried.
“For all of these problems, we are confident there are solutions – and assembling the partners and projects that will drive FRESHPPACT is a huge leap forward.”
FRESHPPACT is inviting any organisation – including but not limited to retailers, fresh produce companies, research organisations (including universities) and solutions providers – to register their interest in submitting possible projects.
County push for more sustainable development plans
Lincolnshire County Council are continuing to press for more suitable and sustainable energy production to be included in the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan.
On Monday, 28 February, at a meeting of the Central Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee, Cllr Colin Davie will put forward amendments to three policies being proposed as part of the Local Plan.
Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for strategic planning at the county council, said: “To enable a sustainable future for our communities we are keen to enable a mix of green energy production across Lincolnshire.
“Large wind turbines are not the right solution in Lincolnshire and we are pushing partners to find other options including more solar production on our less productive land, as well as on buildings.”
Land classification work from the county council, shows approximately 6,900 acres of Grade 4 (‘poor’) land in Central Lincolnshire, which would be enough to accommodate the required solar energy capacity.
Cllr Davie added: “Lincolnshire needs homes that people can afford to heat as well as to buy so I want to see more sustainable houses being built.
“The current proposals see some areas excluded from an ambition to build better quality homes – I’m determined that all communities deserve better.
“As such I will propose that the policy is amended to include all new homes being built in Central Lincolnshire to meet higher standards of energy efficiency.
“Today (Monday), I will be encouraging district councillors to join me in seeking a solution that is right for Lincolnshire, by supporting the amendments I will be putting forward to the committee.”
Specialist land development and property consultancy raises £55,471 for three charities
Specialist land development and property consultancy, Mather Jamie has raised £55,471 on behalf of three local charities.
The fundraising campaign started in February 2021 as part of several planned activities to commemorate the company’s 30th anniversary. The original goal was to raise £30,000 which would be split equally between Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People, LOROS and homeless charity OneRoof Leicester.
After a year of fundraising, which involved many events organised by employees and with generous support from clients and professional contacts, the final total being donated is £55,471.
Many unusual challenges were completed. Events included relay teams tackling the infamous Leicester Round – a walk of 100 miles through some of the best loved locations around Leicestershire including Foxton Locks, Bosworth Battlefield, and Burrough Hill. Alex Reid undertook an epic feat of cycling the equivalent of 13 of the highest peaks and best-known mountains around the world on his mountain bike. There was also a top gear style ‘bangers and cash’ race which culminated in drag racing bangers around the track at Prestwold Hall. Other activities included cake sales and curry luncheon clubs.
Mather Jamie also paid £5,000 to sponsor a rocket as part of the LOROS Rocket Round Leicester initiatives. The rocket was later auctioned off to raise even more money for LOROS.
Commenting on the achievement, Robert Cole, Mather Jamie Managing Director, said: “When we embarked on this campaign our goal was to simply help our chosen charities through the most challenging period in all of our lives by fundraising.
“However, the more we came to understand the great work each does for their community, the more people embraced the campaign and wanted to get involved. Consequently, the grand total smashed our expectations. We are extremely grateful to our staff and to our clients for their support both financially and morally as now the charities will be able to deliver more vital services to those in need.”
The total raised online was £37,266 and this was topped up with many generous cheque payments from clients direct to Mather Jamie, as well as a donation of £15,000 from Mather Jamie themselves, bringing the overall total being donated to each charity to £18,490.
Lincolnshire fulfilment firm set for growth following acquisition
Rookery Farm in Holbeach St Johns, a specialist picking and packing firm for the horticulture industry, has been acquired by Sarah Raven Ltd. as part of the business’s growth plan and in response to increased demand.
Previously an arable farm, and in the Robinson family for over 100 years, Rookery Farm in South Lincolnshire is renowned for its growing, packing and despatching services to the horticultural industry. David and Elaine Robinson have built up the family-owned business over the past 20 years and, now with a team of over 50 permanent staff, will continue to run the business for the Sarah Raven Group.
The Sarah Raven brand was first established in 1999 and is now a market-leader in the consumer gardening industry, providing a range of seeds, seedlings, plants, and gardening and floristry kits.
Lou Farman, CEO at Sarah Raven, said: “We are excited to cement our long-standing partnership with Rookery Farm who has been our principal plant grower and handled our plant fulfilment for many years. This acquisition gives us the ability to increase capacity and will enable us to achieve our longer-term growth plans. The excellent Rookery Farm team will continue to manage the day-to-day business, and we look forward to continuing our successful partnership.”
The acquisition of Rookery Farm comes as the Sarah Raven brand has seen significant growth in the previous two years. Bringing Rookery Farm under its operation will allow the brand to continue to grow and maximise the opportunity a growing market presents. To accommodate this anticipated expansion, Sarah Raven has plans to increase the size of the workforce at Rookery Farm and expand its operational site in due course.
David Robinson, previous owner of Rookery Farm, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to be part of the Sarah Raven Group, who we have worked so closely with over the last 13 years. This will allow us to continue to expand, both in terms of growing and fulfilment, and also as a key employer in the Spalding area.
“Our focus has been to raise and despatch plants with a continued emphasis on sustainability, reducing waste and recycling our water. We are looking forward to more opportunities in the future. Rookery Farm will continue with its policy of working with local suppliers, having spent over £3m with local companies in 2021.”
Councillor Nick Worth, South Holland District Council deputy leader and portfolio holder for people, places, economy, said: “This is a great move for everyone involved, and for the wider district of South Holland, and should bring significant investment into the area whilst seeing one of our many thriving horticultural businesses continue to grow.
“We have worked closely with Rookery Farm for many years now, to support them and provide help and advice as they have developed as a business. I look forward to us continuing this partnership as they move into this exciting new chapter with the Sarah Raven Group, helping to put some of the great work that takes place in South Holland on the map.”
US toy brand lands in the East Midlands
Lovevery, the early childhood brand, has invested in the UK, opening a logistics centre in the East Midlands.
The expansion and investment into the UK sees its first local fulfilment centre open at Magna Park Lutterworth, as a part of the expansion plan by supply chain expert, Bleckmann, who provides end-to-end logistics solutions for retail and lifestyle brands, such as Lovevery.
The move by startup, Lovevery, to join other recognisable brands at Bleckmann including Gymshark, follows its successful US $100m Series C raise, announced last October.
To date, all Lovevery product shipments into the UK have been processed via its European HQ, based in the Netherlands, which at times became challenging, due to Brexit and COVID-19. The strategic move to shift all UK orders via Bleckmann will improve delivery times and keep shipping costs localised, and any Brexit related limitations which have caused delays and additional costs to date, to a minimum.
Jessica Rolph, co-founder of Lovevery, said: “Our early learning program has become an essential resource for parents in 30 markets worldwide. Our goal is to keep expanding, creating new products that serve children all over the word for more years of their early development. Our long-term vision is to support every part of the parenting experience throughout early childhood. We want to be truly accessible to as many families as possible.”
County council recruitment event aims to fill more than 50 jobs
More than 50 jobs are on offer at Leicestershire County Council in the authority’s highways, transport and waste management teams – and jobseekers are invited to a recruitment event to find out more.
The council is seeking to recruit to a variety of posts including HGV drivers, highways workers, waste site advisors, tree surgeons and transport officers.
There are also trainee and graduate schemes, apprenticeships and numerous casual vacancies waiting to be filled.
Anyone interested is invited to a recruitment event at County Hall in Glenfield between 11am and 4pm on Thursday March 3.”In line with the national picture, we are experiencing significant problems recruiting to some vacancies and we are hoping that our recruitment event will attract new staff. Our event is being run in partnership with Reed and we are specifically looking to generate interest in roles across highways and transport as well as our waste operation.
Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, cabinet member for highways and transport said: “We are looking at not only getting good candidates into the departments, but also increasing diversity across the workforce. I would urge anyone looking for a new job to come along to our recruitment event and find out more about the roles we have on offer
Visitors will have the chance to talk to staff already doing the jobs, ask questions and get a real feel for the roles. There will be the opportunity to see how employees could progress in their chosen field and what training is on offer.
Those interested in agency work can meet the council’s recruitment partners Reed and local recruitment agencies specialising in a variety of temporary roles including driving.
Free parking is available in the visitor’s car park and anyone attending is asked to report to main reception on arrival.
Some of the benefits of working for the Leicestershire County Council are:
- 24 days annual leave a year (five days extra after 5 years continuous service)
- 8 public holidays a year
- Flexible working
- Training and development opportunities
- Access to continuous professional development
- Working groups for LGBT staff, disabled workers, carers and a black workers group
Refrigeration solutions provider appoints administrators
A company that provides 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, has entered administration.
Chris Pole and Sarah Collins from Interpath Advisory were appointed as joint administrators of Beheren Limited, trading as Capital Cooling, on 24 February 2022.
The company had recently experienced significant trading difficulties, with high shipping costs compounding ongoing pressure on sales and margins, leading to cash flow difficulties.
As a result of these issues, the company undertook a process to explore investment options. However, a solvent solution could not be found and ultimately it was concluded that it was in the best interests of the creditors for the company to be placed into administration.
The company employed 42 members of staff. Immediately following their appointment, the joint administrators made a number of redundancies.
Chris Pole, Managing Director at Interpath Advisory and joint administrator, said: “Our immediate priority is to assist those members of staff who have been impacted by redundancy, providing them with the support they need to make claims to the Redundancy Payments Office.
“We will also be exploring options for the sale of the business, and would invite interested parties to contact us as soon as possible.”
Businesses urged to consider Chesterfield Market Hall
The Market Hall in Chesterfield is home to a wealth of businesses and is based in the heart of Chesterfield, and even more businesses are being offered the opportunity to be based there too.
Chesterfield Borough Council has a number of options available for local retailers looking for a new location for their business, whether they are looking for a short-term trading solution or a longer-term base.
There is currently a pop-up shop offer available to new traders who would like to be based inside the Market Hall. The pop-up offer is £60 per week and the stall can be held for a maximum of three months, with no minimum term.
After the maximum of three months at the pop-up rate the tenant will be offered the opportunity to remain (conditional to signing up to a full lease at the full rate for that stall).
As part of the package, Chesterfield Borough Council also offers access to free business support for pre-start businesses or businesses in their first year through the Vision Derbyshire Scheme. The Vision Derbyshire Business Start-Up and Business Support Grant Scheme is open to people who live in Derbyshire who are starting their own business or have recently set up a business in the last year.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “A team of local expert business advisers at Vision Derbyshire are in place to offer free advice and support so this could have huge benefits for your future business planning.
“Council officers can also discuss access to the Digital High Street Campaign for businesses that are eligible which could allow you to develop a website equipped with the latest forms of payment and consider options such as “click and collect” if you do not have this set up already.”
Each of the stalls inside the Market Hall can also be rented on a permanent let basis also, the start dates for this can be negotiated at the enquiry stage.
For more established businesses, there are currently two larger external shops on the outside of the Market Hall available for permanent lease also.
Sneinton office and storage space sold to Nottingham Mencap
Nottingham Mencap has snapped up Clarence Street in Sneinton. The property comprises two buildings which have been combined and are set over three floors.
The premises is located just off Carlton Road in Sneinton, approximately 1 mile north east of Nottingham City Centre, close to the Motorpoint Arena, measuring 5,806ft².
The building was previously used by the 3D Group UK for storage, manufacturing and distribution on the ground floor and offices/meeting rooms on the first and second floors alongside staff welfare facilities throughout.
Nottingham Mencap, the purchasers, are a self-funded Nottinghamshire charity which was founded in 1950 by a small group of parents who united to establish the right for their disabled children to live independent lives and have the same opportunities as everyone else.
Helping those living with learning difficulties and autism Nottingham Mencap provide a supportive and welcoming space within their community to enable them to develop and maintain relationships and develop skills needed to live healthy, safe and fulfilling lives.
Anthony Barrowcliffe of FHP said: “When I first met the 3D Group UK and they showed me around the property it blew me away in terms of internal fit out, specification, quality and the high standard of finishings throughout.
“No expense was spared in what they thought was their forever home. Every inch of the building was utilised and bursting at the seams and reluctantly the 3D Group UK were having to relocate due to their incredible expansion and outgrowing this space.
“Nottingham Mencap is a wonderful charity and I was so pleased that terms could be agreed to allow the 3D Group UK to move into their much bigger new unit, and for Nottingham Mencap to move into Clarence Street which met their needs and support their expansion.
“This was a great transaction to be involved with, in an area I am very active in and believe is up and coming for industrial, office and residential property.”
