Hundreds take part in workplace active travel challenge
Workplaces in Leicester & Leicestershire have been competing all month to see who can get the most staff to leave their cars at home – with a total of 82 employers and 550 participants taking up the challenge.
The Let’s Go – Betterpoints Workplace Challenge has invited anyone who travels to work to walk, run, wheel, ride or use public transport to help their team climb the leaderboard.
So far, the 550 participants have together clocked up more than 52,000 miles and almost 33,000 trips, with walking, cycling and taking the bus proving the most popular ways to get around without a car. It’s estimated that these active and sustainable journeys could have saved up to 11.8 tonnes of CO2 emissions and burned an estimated 3.7 million calories.
Workers taking part in the challenge have the chance to get rewarded for their efforts up to and including 31 March, with participants going into a prize draw to win prizes including an electric bike from Rutland Cycling, a FitBit, and £400 worth of outdoor gear.
One such worker is Jigna Dhorajia, who works for Leicester City Council. She said: “Because of BetterPoints and the encouragement and incentives offered, I started walking a lot and resumed cycling.
“This has had positive effects on my health and mindfulness. I can really see the health benefits. The rewards and incentives mean I’ve been able to get money off my food shopping, and I’ve also been able to treat myself with other vouchers in the app too.
“With the Let’s Go challenge it’s really made me rethink my car use. I’ve swapped many of my normal car journeys for walking and cycling instead. With rising fuel costs I’m filling up my car less and saving money, so it’s a win-win for me!”
Although the challenge is nearly over, anyone who fancies being rewarded for sustainable travel can still do so. Simply download the free Betterpoints app, register and then track your activities – such as walking or cycling to work or for leisure – to earn points and rewards.
Deputy city mayor for environment and transport Cllr Adam Clarke said: “It’s fantastic that 82 workplaces and 550 employees have been taking part in the challenge.
“We’re facing a climate emergency and it’s never been more important to think carefully about how we travel and whether car journeys are the best option for the environment, our health and the air quality in our city. This is a chance for people to try out different ways of getting around, discover the benefits of active travel, and get rewarded for doing so.”
The workplace challenge is being supported by a project called Choose How You Move Leicester and Leicestershire. This is a Department for Transport-funded programme to promote walking and cycling, supporting active travel across the city and county.
Independent Northamptonshire firm partners with international manufacturer to encourage sustainable mobility choices
An award-winning Northamptonshire-based electrical, plumbing, and heating business is supporting an international electrical vehicle charging point manufacturer to encourage the transition to sustainable mobility solutions.
RK Electrical Mechanical Services has become an approved installer of CITA EV’s acclaimed electric vehicle charging point. The manufacturer has recently been named a CES 2021 Innovation Awards Honouree thanks to its CITA Smart 7 Home EV Charge Point.
The CITA Smart 7 charger, a compact, high-performance home and workplace charging solution, will be installed by RK Electrical Mechanical Services at properties across the region.
Kye Bishop, RK Business General Manager, said: “We are delighted about becoming an approved installer of CITA EV’s innovative charging points and to help people and businesses to become more sustainable when it comes to transport. It is an exciting opportunity for us.
“We also believe that this partnership will deliver the added value of collaborative working where two companies complement each other extremely well.”
Ian Glasscock, CITA EV Business Development Manager, added: “This partnership means that we can proudly deliver our esteemed EV Chargers to our customers through a business we can trust.
“We are thrilled to be working with RK Electrical Mechanical services and are looking forward to our sustainable future together.”
Businesses must take a holistic view of diversity to truly embed real change, the McKenzie-Delis Review warns
While some of the UK’s biggest companies are increasing their focus on workforce diversity and inclusion, many have barely begun to embed real change on areas such as sexual orientation, race and disability, the McKenzie-Delis Review finds.
The annual review – conducted in partnership with IPSOS and supported through strategic partner KPMG – is the largest of its kind in the UK with 89 companies participating this year.
It measures 10 facets of workplace diversity and inclusion (D&I) beyond gender and ethnicity, helping companies assess sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, nationality, socioeconomic status, mental health and wellbeing, and parenthood.
First launched in 2020, this year’s review sheds light on the complex challenges facing employers post-pandemic. Encouragingly, the business case for D&I is recognised as being stronger than ever, with companies starting to actively track their progress to demonstrate if, and how, they are embedding change.
Leila McKenzie-Delis, CEO of D&I accelerator DIAL Global and Founder of the McKenzie-Delis Foundation, a charity committed to driving research and insight into workplace equality, said: “This year’s review showed some very encouraging aspects, and that UK plc is making progress, which we welcome. But when you break down each of the ten facets, it’s clear that there is still a long way to go.
“Firms are beginning to see that tracking and measuring D&I seriously, as they do every other aspect of their business, is imperative to ensuring strong business performance. Additionally, it means they will see their reputation among current and prospective employees, customers and shareholders improve.
“Some companies are already doing good things and are committed to measuring their progress. But there are others that haven’t done enough or even scratched the surface – particularly those businesses that still do not measure all the facets of D&I.
“Let us be in no doubt – the UK’s biggest companies have a responsibility to lead by example and we need to see more organisations blazing a trail to move the dial and lead the way. It’s an ongoing challenge, but one we are determined to tackle.”
The report also found that just a quarter of businesses have LGBTQ+ representation on their leadership team; ethnic minority representation in senior leadership positions remains low, and companies are still struggling to increase the representation of those living with disabilities.
A total of 89 businesses participated in this year’s McKenzie-Delis Review, making it the largest yet. Unilever, Diageo, Royal Mail, Boots, Co-op, Page Group, Marks & Spencer, Jaguar Land Rover, Network Rail, Britvic, O2 Virgin, Superdrug, Tate & Lyle and The FA, were among those that took part.
Bina Mehta, Co-chair of the McKenzie-Delis Review, and Chair of KPMG in the UK said: “Organisations that place inclusion, diversity and equity at the heart of their business strategy have a competitive advantage. They benefit from fresh thinking and different perspectives, which ultimately translates into better business outcomes – it’s good for business and it’s good for society.
“The McKenzie-Delis Review takes a much-needed holistic approach to inclusion, diversity and equity, placing a spotlight on the many facets of diversity – not just gender or ethnicity. The collection of quality workforce data may reveal uncomfortable truths but it’s the critical first step towards turning the dial on diversity. It’s only by embracing the uniqueness which comes from experience and background that open and inclusive cultures can truly become a reality.”
The key findings & recommendations:
The ten facets were ranked in order of how well they were monitored and addressed by UK firms, with nationality, religion, and mental health and wellbeing scoring highly.
- Mental health and wellbeing was ranked the top facet, with the survey finding four in five had a relevant strategy in place, and 93% were keen to support employees with access to quality care.
- However, among the lowest-ranked facets for UK employers was sexual orientation – rated tenth and even considered by some companies to still be a “taboo topic”. The report found that currently, a quarter of firms have LGBTQ+ representation on their leadership team, with less than 40% having approved an LGBTQ+ strategy in the past 12 months. A total of 37% of firms did not know if they had a member of the LGBTQ+ community in their senior leadership team.
- The key findings also included how one in three firms were actively looking to promote or hire staff with disabilities. It highlighted businesses’ “lack of understanding and appreciation of the unique skillset and experiences people with disabilities bring to the organisation”.
- On race, the report found that companies had generally performed poorly relative to other facets. Leadership teams and boards are still predominantly white, with two fifths having no ethnic minority representation whatsoever – and where there is ethnic minority diversity at the top, just 14% of senior leaders and 21% of board members are from an ethnic minority background.
63,000 sq ft industrial unit sold in Northampton
Property developer, SevenCapital, has agreed the sale on a 63,484 sq ft industrial and logistics unit in Northampton to global real estate investment company, Kennedy Wilson.
Situated at Pineham Business Park and within the ‘Golden Triangle of Logistics’, the unit, Seven60, neighbours big ticket occupiers including BMW, Sainsbury’s, Levi’s, Carlsberg, Royal Mail, Morrisons and The White Company.
With a 50 metre (minimum) service yard and floor loading capacity of 50kN/sq m, along with contemporary offices, Seven60 is home to global manufacturer, HellermannTyton, who signed a 10-year competitive lease without break in December 2021.
The announcement marks the final major milestone for SevenCapital following the sale of its additional 41,786 sq ft Seven40 building to global manufacturer and distributor, Conglom in July 2018.
Simon Dicken, senior director at SevenCapital, said: “Primely positioned in an established and well-regarded logistics and employment location, Seven60 offers market leading accommodation and unrivalled connectivity for servicing Northampton and the wider Midlands, East and South-East areas.
“With a well-established occupier already in place on a substantial lease term, Seven60 posed an attractive proposition for a prospective purchaser. Following strong interest in this unit, we’re delighted to have agreed this sale.”
Ben Blackwall, director at Atlas Real Estate, says: “The sale of this prime logistics asset righty generated strong competition from a number of UK Institutions and overseas investors. The sale concludes a very successful exit from this development for SevenCapital, which was the company’s first logistics development.”
The buyer was represented by DTRE.
Metal recycler offers employability support to young adults with learning disabilities
Local metal recycler EMR Lincoln, based on Beevor Street, has partnered with Linkage, a charity supporting people with learning disabilities.
Based in Lincolnshire, the charity offers high quality specialist education, care, employment and support services to people with learning disabilities. Their aim is to help the young people they support reach their full potential and do this by offering a number of services. From adult and employability skills, to sensory outreach and a children and families service, they have programmes to help young people as they grow and develop.
Through a donation offered by EMR Lincoln, Linkage will offer employability support sessions to young people between the ages of 18 and 25 years old. This programme helps individuals with CV writing as well as offering interview support skills.
Craig Wood, business development manager at EMR Lincoln, said: “Young people with learning disabilities are often excluded from the workforce due to a lack of support along the recruitment process. This is where Linkage play a vital role, supporting young people in the transition into independent living.
“In accessing Linkage’s employability scheme young people will not only gain new skills but also enhance their personal confidence, something that is vital to them finding career success. We look forward to working with the team at Linkage and witnessing the positive impact this partnership will have.”
Andrea Beer, head of fundraising and communications, added: “We are delighted and very proud that EMR has chosen Linkage Community Trust and especially the Lincoln Campus to benefit from their Young Futures Reimagined programme.
“Linkage is always keen to work with local companies who can provide support and opportunities for our students to gain work experience and fulfil their potential. We look forward to working with EMR and are grateful for their support towards enabling us to achieve our goals.”
Cellomatics strengthens senior management team
Nottingham-based contract research organisation (CRO) Cellomatics Biosciences has appointed Anand Krishna as senior director to oversee customer engagement and strategy and support its continued growth plans.
Anand brings over 25 years of executive leadership and field sales management experience in companies ranging from VC-funded dotcom start-ups, to managing sales across portfolios in tier 1 technology systems and operations integrators. His career has seen him lead and work with teams across the US, UK, Europe, India, and the Far East.
He now focuses on working with entrepreneurs across a diverse set of aspirational businesses to provide strategic support.
At Cellomatics, Anand will be a key member of the senior management team, overseeing customer care and management, sales, operations, and marketing.
Commenting on his appointment at Cellomatics, Anand said: “I have admired and followed Cellomatics from its foundation and I am delighted to be joining such a fast-growing and dynamic CRO.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity to work and learn from an energetic team of research scientists who play an active role in supporting the discovery and developments of treatments for diseases such as cancer, COPD and Alzheimer’s.
“The company is on an exciting growth trajectory, and my priority is to bring best practices and processes to the company to support the continued rapid growth.”
Cellomatics’ CEO and founder, Dr Shailendra Singh, adds: “We are on an ambitious growth curve which is fuelled by an increasing demand for our expertise in preclinical cell-based assay development in the oncology, respiratory, immunology, inflammation, and immuno-oncology therapeutic areas.
“As we grow, it is important to develop our infrastructure and bring in the expertise to support our commercial objectives. Anand’s wealth of experience in working with entrepreneurs will be an invaluable asset to Cellomatics, and I am delighted to welcome him to the team.”
10-unit Lutterworth project sold
Tungsten Properties, the industrial and warehouse developers, has sold all 10 units at its development project at Bilton Way in Lutterworth, Leicestershire to a variety of private investors and owner occupiers for £5.73 million.
Tungsten Park is in an established warehouse location and close to M1 junction 20. The units range from 2,500 sq ft to 4,000 sq ft.
The units have all been sold to companies which include County Ceramic Tiles and Bathrooms, MED Engineering and Media Duplication.
In addition, Screwfix has taken a lease on a unit which has then sold to an investor, which has resulted in all unit sales now completed.
Jenny Clarke, associate development director, Tungsten Properties, said: “All units were under offer before they were practically completed which demonstrated the current high demand in the area for small trade and industrial units by both businesses needing expansion space and property investors looking for well-built units with strong covenants. It is great to have completed another project to create jobs and opportunity and return to our investors.”
Philips Sutton and Wells McFarlane acted on behalf of Tungsten Properties.
NAHL returns to pre-tax profit while revenue declines
2021 was a “year of strategic progress” for NAHL, the marketing and services business focused on the UK consumer legal market, according to its CEO.
Final results for the year ended 31 December 2021 show that profit before tax increased to £0.2m, recovering from a £0.2m loss in 2020.
Revenue however decreased by 4.7% to £38.9m, from £40.9m in 2020, which the Kettering-based business says reflects the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on accident numbers.
James Saralis, CEO of NAHL, said: “2021 was a year of strategic progress for the Group despite the continued difficulties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. We progressed on our key objectives, increasing enquiries placed into NAL, reducing our reliance on joint-venture partnerships and growing our ongoing claims in NAL at year-end by 166%.
“In Critical Care, we increased revenues by 9% largely due to successful new business development initiatives, with Expert Witness volumes up 21% year on year. The Group achieved this while reducing net debt and remaining profitable.
“At year-end we had 7,918 ongoing claims in NAL, up from 2,975 claims at the end of 2020 which we expect to convert into £8.4m of future cash.
“With the last of the COVID-19 restrictions now having been lifted, we expect to see mobility levels across the UK improve and for this to result in a gradual increase in the number of accidents in our markets.
“Finally, I would like to thank our employees for their hard work, support and commitment. They faced many challenges during 2021, including having to adjust to the changing COVID-19 restrictions, and demonstrated their resilience and dedication to supporting our customers and each other.”
“Extremely challenging year” for Derby recruitment business
Derby-headquartered RTC Group, the AIM listed recruitment business, remains optimistic for the future after “an extremely challenging year” saw revenue and pre-tax profit decline.
According to audited results for the year ended 31 December 2021, group revenue sat at £77.7m, dipping from £81.4m in 2020.
Meanwhile the business posted a profit before tax of £114,000, down from £870,000 in 2020.
Commenting on the results, Andy Pendlebury, CEO, said: “RTC Group, like many other companies, had an extremely challenging year in 2021.
“The COVID pandemic continued to significantly impact client demand across many markets and where requirements for contract labour remained strong this was accompanied by higher operational costs to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our workforce; candidate reluctance to change employers/careers given these turbulent times and workers self-isolating increased both direct and indirect costs as programme and project continuity was heavily disrupted.
“In addition, the sudden and immediate demobilisation from Afghanistan due to the complete withdrawal in August of all American, United Kingdom and NATO troops curtailed a large contribution of revenue from our international business. Further, the implementation of changes to IR 35 in the private sector, which finally became legislation in April 2021, heavily impacted our white-collar contracting community.
“However, despite the untimely combination and cumulative effect of all these events, the majority of which were outside of the control of the Group, we still managed to trade, albeit marginally, in positive territory. Our balance sheet remains robust and free from long term debt or the effects of dilution, a fate which befell many shareholders of other traded recruitment businesses over the past couple of years, who raised equity at sub-optimal values in order to survive, and through the Board’s successful share option cancellation programme.
“Although for many reasons we are all naturally very disappointed with the way the year played out for us, and also mindful of the fact that there are still many geo-political events and micro-economic challenges threatening the domestic and international landscape, we believe our positioning across a broad range of markets, sectors and industries, give us every reason to be optimistic about our ability to deliver long term sustainable value to all our stakeholders.”
Derby’s Mortgage Advice Bureau swoops for Bolton business
Derby firm Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB) has agreed to acquire approximately 75% of Project Finland Topco Limited, or the “Fluent Money Group,” in a £73 million deal.
Bolton-headquartered Fluent is a technology enabled telephone advice mortgage broking platform with approximately 420 employees including 125 advisers across Mortgages (first charge mortgages), Secured Personal Loans (second charge mortgages), Later Life lending and Bridging Finance.
The acquisition will be funded from renewed and increased debt facilities, existing cash resources and the proceeds of a proposed placing of new ordinary shares in the company to raise £40 million.
Completion of the acquisition is not expected to occur before the second half of 2022.
Peter Brodnicki, founder and CEO of MAB, said: “We are very excited to partner with a like-minded management team and high growth intermediary that is a leader in centralised telephone mortgage advice.
“This acquisition is a perfect example of our strategy to invest in complementary businesses and platforms to help accelerate growth by broadening our proposition. MAB has targeted the fast-growing sector of national lead generation by using technology to link together its key Appointed Representatives and invested firms seamlessly.
“Combined, we expect that Fluent and MAB will be able to grow this new market share opportunity quickly and effectively, complementing the local/regional strategy delivered by the rest of MAB’s growing distribution.”
MAB has also entered into a shareholders’ agreement with founders/management who will be retaining 25% of the issued share capital of Fluent at completion. This also provides for a put and call option for MAB to acquire the remaining stake after 6 years at a valuation subject to performance criteria relating to future growth and profitability to align with MAB’s growth objectives. The total consideration for this put and call option and a put and call option over growth shares that will be issued in Fluent to the wider management team will be capped at £118m.
