LATEST ARTICLES

UK firms maintain diversity goals despite US policy shift

April Lara
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UK firms maintain diversity goals despite US policy shift

According to Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders, UK businesses are expected to continue supporting diversity and inclusion initiatives despite US companies scaling back similar efforts.

Madders stated that British firms have their “own approach” to equality and are unlikely to follow the US trend, where companies like Google, Meta, Amazon, and McDonald’s have rolled back diversity programmes. The shift in the US came after Donald Trump’s election victory and executive orders that eliminated federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.

In contrast, UK firms such as Deloitte and Barclays reaffirmed their commitment to diversity. Apple shareholders also rejected a proposal that aligned with Trump’s stance on workplace DEI initiatives.

Meanwhile, the UK government has introduced an Employment Rights Bill to enhance worker protections, including for pregnant employees and new mothers, while making flexible work the default. However, new hires will face a nine-month probation before gaining unfair dismissal protections, addressing business concerns over “day 1” employment rights.

Boston stores shut down over criminal activity

April Lara
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Boston stores shut down over criminal activity

Three retail businesses in Boston—Sky Store (34 High Street), Bode (92 High Street), and Boston Food Store (10 Red Lion Street)—have been issued Closure Orders following evidence of criminal activity. The orders, granted by Boston Magistrates’ Court on February 25, fall under Section 80 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and will remain in effect for three months.

During this period, access to the premises is restricted to utility workers, postal services, and emergency personnel. Authorities have warned that any unauthorized entry could result in fines or imprisonment.

Lincolnshire Police and Trading Standards gathered intelligence through community reports and proactive enforcement efforts. Further extensions may be sought if criminal activity is expected to continue. Officials are also working with landlords to establish long-term solutions, with potential investigations into those receiving rent from illicit operations.

Authorities urge the public to report any breaches of the Closure Orders, which are in place until May 24, 2025.

Chesterfield businesses face higher costs as council raises taxes and fees

April Lara
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Chesterfield businesses face higher costs as council raises taxes and fees

Chesterfield Borough Council has approved a 2.99% council tax hike and new fees that will impact local businesses.

The tax increase, along with a 2.7% rise in rents, follows a £4 million budget shortfall. Businesses will see higher costs through increased charges for town centre parking, waste collection, and venue rentals. The council is also cutting support for public advice services and closing the Visitor Information Centre.

Officials warn of continued financial challenges, with potential further hikes in 2026-27 if government funding remains uncertain. Businesses reliant on council services should prepare for rising expenses.

Peak District campsite to build events barn after fire

April Lara
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Peak District campsite to build events barn after fire

Hartington Hills, a Peak District campsite, has received planning approval to construct a new events barn following a fire in June 2024 that destroyed key infrastructure and a holiday cottage.

The approved plans allow the new barn to host events and workshops, a long-term goal for the business. Construction has begun on critical infrastructure, including heating and water systems, with the complete build set for completion by spring 2026. The first workshops and events are expected to occur in the summer.

Hartington Hills, established in 2011 and located near Buxton, plans to collaborate with local artisans, educators, and businesses to develop event programming.

EU revises green rules to ease business burden

April Lara
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The European Union is adjusting its environmental regulations to reduce business compliance costs while maintaining its commitment to decarbonisation. The move follows pressure from industry leaders and major economies like France and Germany, which have raised concerns over high energy costs and regulatory burdens.

The European Commission introduced a “Clean Industrial Deal” to cut red tape, lower electricity taxes, and refine corporate sustainability reporting requirements. Under the proposed changes, large companies would report on supply chain impacts every five years instead of annually, and the reporting threshold would increase from firms with 250 employees to those with over 1,000.

Despite the adjustments, the EU reaffirmed its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 and its target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. However, the revisions face opposition from environmental groups and some lawmakers, who argue that scaling back regulations could undermine sustainability efforts. The proposals require approval from EU member states and the European Parliament.

Pinelog welcomes new production manager

Tess Egginton
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Pinelog welcomes new production manager
Chesterfield-based Pinelog, a manufacturer of luxury timber lodges, has appointed Darrell Fisher as production manager. Darrell brings 34 years of experience in the holiday homes, lodges, and motorhome sectors to his new role, having previously worked with the Swift Group Ltd, one of the UK’s largest leisure vehicle manufacturers. Beginning his career as an apprentice cabinet maker, Darrell has gained experience across the industry, from hands-on craftsmanship to strategic leadership, culminating in his role as senior production manager at Swift. “The stars aligned at just the right time,” Darrell explained. “I’d been thinking about a change for a while, and when I saw the role and spoke with Craig Morrison, Pinelog’s Operations Director, I knew it was the perfect fit. The scope of the role and the company’s vision for growth made it an easy decision.” Darrell’s scope of work includes overseeing the transition from design to production, driving continuous improvement across manufacturing processes at the company’s Chesterfield site, managing delivery and installation, and ensuring exceptional customer satisfaction. Darrell will assist with Pinelog’s journey to modernise and fine-tune its production processes. “I’m looking to introduce more contemporary techniques, strengthening the production team, and ensuring that Pinelog continues to exceed customer expectations as it grows,” explained Darrell. Nick Grayson, Group Chairman, commented on Darrell’s appointment: “We’re delighted to welcome Darrell to the team. His wealth of experience and process-driven mindset are exactly what we need to take our manufacturing capabilities to the next level. With Darrell onboard, we’re confident that Pinelog will continue to set the standard for luxury timber lodge production in the UK.”

Rolls-Royce reports strong 2024 results whilst “moving with pace and intensity”

Tess Egginton
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0
Rolls-Royce reports strong 2024 results whilst “moving with pace and intensity”
Rolls-Royce has reported “strong 2024 results” as it moves “with pace and intensity.” The Derby manufacturer saw underlying operating profit rise from £1.6bn in 2023 to £2.5bn in 2024, a 57% increase compared to the prior year, which Rolls-Royce notes was driven by its “strategic initiatives,” including commercial optimisation and cost efficiency benefits across the group. The business’s efficiency & simplification programme delivered over £350m of savings by the end of the year, with Rolls-Royce now expecting to deliver benefits of over £500m in 2025, above targets of £400m-£500m in 2027, and two years earlier than planned. The firm also delivered more than £550m of cumulative gross third-party cost savings in 2024 and expects to deliver in excess of £1bn by the end of 2025, helping to offset inflationary pressures. This is also two years earlier than previous targets of £1bn in 2027. For 2025 the company has shared expectations of £2.7bn-£2.9bn underlying operating profit, and has upgraded mid-term targets to include underlying operating profit of £3.6bn-£3.9bn. Tufan Erginbilgic, CEO, said: “Strong 2024 results build on our progress last year, as we transform Rolls-Royce into a high-performing, competitive, resilient, and growing business. All core divisions delivered significantly improved performance, despite a supply chain environment that remains challenging. “We are moving with pace and intensity. Based on our 2025 guidance, we now expect to deliver underlying operating profit and free cash flow within the target ranges set at our Capital Markets Day, two years earlier than planned. “Significantly improved performance and a stronger balance sheet gives us confidence to reinstate shareholder dividends and announce a £1bn share buyback in 2025. “Our upgraded mid-term targets include underlying operating profit of £3.6bn-£3.9bn and free cash flow of £4.2bn-£4.5bn. These mid-term targets are a milestone, not a destination, and we see strong growth prospects beyond the mid-term.”

Peak District National Park Authority approves restructure under unprecedented financial pressures

Tess Egginton
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0
Peak District National Park Authority approves restructure under unprecedented financial pressures
The Peak District National Park Authority has approved restructuring proposals driven by a need to reduce costs. The Authority is facing ongoing financial pressures due to a fixed government grant that does not take into account inflation and additional pressures such as the recent increase in Employers National Insurance Contributions, the rise in the minimum wage, the ending of the government’s rate relief scheme, and some external costs rising by as much as 150%. Overall the Authority has faced a real-terms cut of around 50% over the last ten years. The continual squeeze on funding has happened at the same time as those using the National Park have increased and expectations about what the National Park should be delivering for nature, climate and wellbeing are rising. It is only two years since the Authority last had to undertake a restructure programme. Those changes reduced senior management roles by more than half and combined several service areas whilst allowing for an investment in the Authority’s statutory planning function. However, since the last round of changes the Authority has faced unprecedented financial pressures whilst the core government grant remains flat. The changes approved include making efficiencies within important functions such as customer services and communications. There will be a reduction in the size and scope of work in the areas of community engagement, education and wellbeing, although alternative funding opportunities for priority projects are being pursued. With the ongoing support of a philanthropic donor, some transformational changes are also being proposed for the Authority’s Visitor and Cycle Hire Centres to ensure their long-term viability. Phil Mulligan, the Authority’s Chief Executive, said: “We are facing a very challenging financial landscape. The approved structure changes are extremely difficult and upsetting for everyone. “We are cutting or reducing some of our high profile and much valued programmes. None of us wanted to make these decisions but they cannot be avoided unless there is significantly better news from government on our funding.” The Authority has confirmed it is likely there will be a number of redundancies, which have been mitigated as much as possible through the consideration of voluntary redundancies. The restructure will enable Authority Members to agree next year’s budget at their meeting on 21 March.

Regeneration project delivers educational hub for Sutton-in-Ashfield

Tess Egginton
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0
Regeneration project delivers educational hub for Sutton-in-Ashfield
Multi-discipline contractor Miller Knight has transformed a vacant space at 9-11 Low Street, Sutton-in-Ashfield, delivering a future-proofed learning environment as part of a wider regeneration initiative across the East Midlands. In partnership with Ashfield District Council and the Academy Transformation Trust, the contractor was appointed to recast and reconfigure a long-standing empty retail space in Sutton-in-Ashfield into a dynamic educational hub. Aiming to reinvigorate the high street, this latest transformation project reveals an engaging educational hub for the students at the academy, while providing a useable, modern space serving the wider community, breathing new life into the town centre while supporting local initiatives and businesses. Dianne Holmes, head of curriculum strategy and partnerships at the academy, said: “Academy Transformation Trust Further Education College is delighted to be moving into this new facility with the aim of supporting lifelong learning and community activities to benefit the people of Sutton-in-Ashfield. “We hope that our approach to using a centrally located facility will encourage people to visit their town centre, supporting local businesses and positively impacting the regeneration of the town centre. “We are grateful for all the work that has taken place to make this project happen and would like to express particular thanks and recognition to Ashfield District Council, Kinver Solutions, Gleeds, and Miller Knight.” The project marks the third in a series of collaborations between Miller Knight and Ashfield District Council, forming part of the £6.3 million Future High Streets Fund initiative aimed at regenerating the town centre, creating new opportunities, and encouraging community engagement. Executive director for place at Ashfield District Council, John Bennett, said: “This project is another important step in our programme to revitalise Sutton town centre. Ashfield District Council is purchasing disused commercial properties in the town centre, renovating them and bringing them back into active use. “We are pleased to have worked with Miller Knight, who have carried out the works to a high standard and delighted to have ATTFE as tenants for 9-11 Low Street, bringing their valued services to even more local residents.” Site construction manager, Dave Swift at Miller Knight added: “We’re incredibly proud to have played a part in bringing this project to life. From the commencement of the works, we understood the importance of creating a modernised space that would serve as a foundation for growth. “Seeing the completed project and the response from the client and the community is incredibly rewarding and reinforces the trust Ashfield District Council have in us to deliver their vision.”

BRUSH forms power partnership with South Korean manufacturer

Tess Egginton
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0
BRUSH forms power partnership with South Korean manufacturer
Loughborough energy engineering solutions provider BRUSH Group has signed an exclusive partnership agreement with South Korea’s ILJIN Electric, a manufacturer of power generation, transmission, distribution equipment and power cables. The deal accelerates the expansion of BRUSH’s portfolio to meet the UK’s growing demand for medium and high voltage (36kV kilovolt) low-emission electrical switchgear, along with high-capacity (above 100MVA, megavolt ampere) power transformers for large-scale electrical energy transmission and distribution. The partnership opens new markets for ILJIN, which already has a strong presence in the USA and Middle East, as well as Korea. It also enables the firm to harness the full capability of its new state-of-the-art factory in Hwaseong-si Hongseong, opened in October 2024. As part of the arrangement, BRUSH will set up a new switchgear production line at its existing switchgear manufacturing facility in Blackwood, South Wales and train its experienced service team on the ILJIN product range. Nicolas Pitrat, CEO of BRUSH Group, said: “This exclusive deal with ILJIN is all about growth and increasing our ability to support the UK’s energy transition. It extends the BRUSH product range so we can meet the strong demand from power network operators for products that we do not design and manufacture ourselves. “ILJIN has an impressive track record in other parts of the world and we’re looking forward to bringing their outstanding products and expertise to the UK.” Soo Hwang, CEO of ILJIN Electric, said: “This is an exciting next step in the development of our worldwide business. “It allows us to tap into BRUSH’s vast experience of the UK’s energy network and enables us to combine our engineered products with their well-respected servicing capabilities, ensuring seamless product integration and lifecycle maintenance by BRUSH’s UK-based team.” ILJIN products are manufactured at the company’s advanced production facility in South Korea. Together, BRUSH and ILJIN will work in partnership to deliver innovative solutions for projects across the UK, including accelerating the development of an SF6-free switchgear solution.
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