- Over 400 high-quality electric tram-like buses by 2030, running on 25 Mainline services across city neighbourhoods, and five express Greenline commuter services linking six park and ride sites.
- Giving buses priority on key routes to ensure they run regularly and frequently, using tickets which can be used across different bus services, and featuring real-time bus information.
- Affordable bus fares with discounts for elderly, disabled, young and unemployed people and the ability for all travellers to get the ‘best fare’ on any journeys across the city.
- A comprehensive network of cycleways linking existing city centre routes to local neighbourhoods.
- Investment in the railway station to ensure good regional and national connections and to build on the £22m of funding recently secured to revamp the station.
Consultation launched on proposed Workplace Parking Levy in Leicester
People are being asked to give their views in a public consultation over a proposed Workplace Parking Levy (WPL) which could help fund a radical overhaul and long-term modernisation of Leicester’s public transport, cycling and walking networks.
Over the summer Leicester City Council carried out initial consultations into a possible scheme, and now more detailed plans for the WPL have been published.
An extensive 12-week public consultation has now been launched, giving people and employers the chance to find out more details about the proposed WPL and how it would work, and to comment on the scheme. It runs until March 13, 2022.
The WPL would be citywide and would play a vital role in bringing forward a comprehensive programme of transport improvements across Leicester.
The improvements are key to meeting tough environmental and air quality targets set by both the Government and the city council itself, as well as dealing with congestion and connecting new housing developments with sustainable transport.
Under the WPL, most employers with more than 10 spaces would pay £550 per space per year for a licence to provide car parking for their employees. The high number of small businesses in Leicester means that around nine out of 10 are too small to have to pay.
The income from a WPL could be around £95million over the first 10 years, and would enable the city council to match-fund with other grants to invest up to £450million. It would mean the council could plan for long-term transport investment rather than just relying on uncertain Government funds.
The WPL is designed to encourage people who travel into the city regularly for work to use alternatives to cars for their daily commute, while financing the improvements needed to ensure the city’s public transport, cycling and walking networks provide realistic alternatives to car travel.
Plans for a WPL were featured as part of the Council’s Draft Leicester Transport Plan 2021-2036, published in the summer, which sets out priorities in meeting the city’s transport needs over the next 15 years. Transport priorities a WPL would help fund include:
2022 Business Predictions: Heath Roberts, Operations Director at Axess Systems
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Heath Roberts, Operations Director at Denby-based Axess Systems, who shares his thoughts on remote working in 2022.
One of the best things about our industry is it gives us a real insight into how the world of work is evolving, through the demands of our clients.
Before Covid, our order book showed us that staff coming into the office on their daily commute and sitting at a desk was still set to be the norm for the vast majority of companies. This meant their IT needs were, by and large, focussed on the technology being consumed on their premises.
However, so much has changed over the past year and with the PM advising us to work from home again – if we can – remote working or, once restrictions ease, hybrid working, will continue in 2022.
There has been a huge rise in businesses implementing the remote working solutions we supply at Axess Systems, working with Citrix, Microsoft and Dell Technologies, to deliver a digital workspace which allows staff to securely work from anywhere, on any device and any network. And these enquiries will, I predict, increase further in 2022.
While initially we saw large organisations implement remote working systems, SMEs are now getting on board, finding that there are cost-effective options available for them too and, rather than spending thousands of pounds upfront on servers and storage, the company can pay for what it uses monthly.
This will be a big deal in 2022 and beyond. This is the future of work, whether or not the virus stays around, and we all need to start prepping now. Whatever the eventuality.
easyJet and Rolls-Royce to collaborate on future aviation sustainability research
easyJet and Rolls-Royce have confirmed they will be working together on research into industry-wide sustainability solutions for commercial aircraft.
The study, which will commence in January 2022 and run for up to two years, will seek to explore alternative energy and power solutions, including low carbon and zero-emission technologies, and their application for aircraft.
The study will include analysis of wider elements of the aviation energy and operational ecosystem, including fuel production, transportation, storage and handling.
The airline and engine manufacturer are working together to further develop knowledge of these topics in relation to both electrical and hydrogen-based power systems.
For further insight and understanding, both companies intend to involve a wide range of expertise, including energy providers, airports and aviation safety regulators.
David Morgan, director of flight operations, easyJet, said: “easyJet remains absolutely committed to sustainable flying and a zero-emissions future. We know that technology is a key driver to achieve our decarbonisation targets.
“Disruptive technologies such as electric and hydrogen propulsion show great potential for short-haul airlines like easyJet and we look forward to collaborating with Rolls-Royce to support bringing this technology to maturity as early as possible.”
Jason Ash, head of product development – large engines, Rolls-Royce, said: “We know that Sustainable Aviation Fuels already provide a drop-in solution, and so will have the most powerful impact on decarbonising aviation and achieving Net Zero by 2050.
“But we also want to better understand other forms of propulsion, energy and power and their potential benefits along with the challenges in operation. We look forward to working closely with easyJet to increase our understanding in these areas.”
New institute of technology will lead the UK’s digital and green revolution
Pandemic rattles East Midlands business confidence – again
The confidence and resilience of East Midlands businesses that held up well during the roller-coaster journey through 2021 is facing another dip over the impact of Covid this winter.
Grant Thornton UK LLP’s Business Outlook Tracker surveyed c.600 mid-market businesses every other month during a year that began in full lockdown and was followed by a gradual exit from restrictions up to ‘Freedom Day’ in July.
Optimism in the East Midlands about the country’s economic prospects averaged 72% over the year, matching the national average. One of the biggest dents in confidence was recorded in the penultimate survey, conducted in late September and early October, with 16% of businesses in the region describing themselves as ‘pessimistic’ about the future of the UK economy.
September’s panic buying and resulting fuel shortages also led to the year’s most marked setback in regional confidence, with 18% of businesses in the East Midlands saying they were ‘pessimistic’ about their ability to grow revenues.
The latest round of views were gathered during the initial outbreak of the Omicron variant, just prior to the announcement of the Government’s Plan B measures. Pessimism in the nation’s business landscape was evident, with more than a quarter (26%) of firms in the East Midlands being unwilling to express optimism in the UK economy.
Across the UK, confidence around revenue growth within businesses peaked in the summer, (with 83% expressing optimism) before plunging 17 percentage points to 66% by December. The East Midlands ended the year above the national average for the same metric at 82%, resurging from only 66% of businesses expressing optimism in the autumn.
Dave Hillan, partner and practice leader at Grant Thornton UK LLP in the Midlands, said: “It’s not an over exaggeration to say that 2021 has been a year like no other, and the twists and turns we’ve seen in our survey are testament to the rapidly changing landscape that businesses in the East Midlands have had to cope with.
“Unfortunately there’s still more on the horizon to be dealt with, ranging from COVID-19 restrictions, higher inflation levels and interest rates, supply chain shortages, labour concerns and rising costs.
“Many, especially in the tourism, retail and hospitality sectors, will be wondering what more can be thrown at them! However, we know that the East Midlands’ business leaders have proven themselves to be exceptionally resilient, agile and innovative since the first lockdown began and they will have a lot of valuable experience to draw on as they face the challenges of 2021.
“With the right government support and by leaning into the region’s many strengths we know that it won’t be long before businesses in the East Midlands are feeling optimistic again.”
First phase at Nottingham trade park fully let
The first phase of trade counter units at the Teal Trade Park scheme in Nottingham is now fully let with a line up which includes Screwfix, Howdens, Tool Station, Trent Valley Windows, Trent Vehicle Charging and PaintWell.
The final two units on the scheme are now under offer with details to be revealed shortly.
The second phase of the scheme is set to be completed in April 2022 and three of the units have already been pre-let.
The Teal Park scheme comprises two terraces of trade counter units which have prominence to the Colwick Loop Road and sits adjacent to the Persimmon Housing development which is due to deliver some 800 houses surrounding the scheme, alongside a new school, care home and Aldi Supermarket.
The completion of the Gedling Relief Road is anticipated for Spring 2022 which provides further accessibility to this location which will effectively form the eastern loop road of Nottingham.
Further units are set to be delivered in the Summer of 2022 where FHP and Phillips Sutton, acting on behalf of Northwood Urban Logistics, will be offering units from 9,000ft² to 35,000ft² for further trade, warehouse and industrial occupiers.
Iain Taylor, director at Northwood Investors, said: “We are very excited to have made our recent acquisition of Teal Park at a time when there is chronic lack of supply in the area. Teal Park is able to cater to a wide range of occupiers who will be able to adapt the units for a variety of uses.”
Mark Tomlinson, director at FHP, said: “We are delighted to have put together such a strong trade line up for this scheme within weeks of practical completion of the first phase and we look forward to working with further Tenants on the scheme in the early part of next year.
“With the amount of development going on in this locality and the new housing being delivered in the immediate location it isn’t surprising that we have brought forward such good levels of interest in the scheme to date.”
Brodie Faint of Phillips Sutton said: “We are very pleased to see the quality of occupier that the scheme has attracted, especially as we have been involved with this site from the initial acquisition. It is testament to the strength of the area, with new housing schemes, road infrastructure and now Teal Park contributing.
“With limited supply in Nottingham and the surrounding areas, we look forward to securing further complementary occupiers for the second phase which will be completed in April 2022.”
Innovative new skills research
Employer call to action to support innovative new skills research with new pilot being launched along side the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce.
For the purpose of this pilot we are seeking businesses in the following sectors to participate: Are you a manufacturing, logistics or sport & physical activity, employer based in #Leicester or #Leicestershire?
We want to hear from a range of people including frontline staff, operations and support staff, team leaders, managers, HR departments or learning and development professionals.
Working across the Leicester and Leicestershire area, the East Midlands Chamber and other partners are looking for employers of all sizes to support a data gathering project to help to share the future of skills training in the region. This is part of the government funded Local Skills Improvement Plan – one of just eight pilot projects taking place around the UK, putting local employers at the centre of skills provision, building stronger links with local colleges and training providers.
The success of this initiative is dependent on the willingness of employers to engage and participate in the completion of data gathering and workshop activity.
It will just take a couple of minutes of your time each day to take part, and you’ll be helping to make technical skills training more responsive to the needs of employers in our area.
If you’re interested in finding out more then we’d love to hear from you – please email lsip@emc-dnl.co.uk for more details!
Chamber website link: Leicestershire Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) – East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) (emc-dnl.co.uk)
Manufacturing activity strengthens, but stock adequacy hits another record low
UK manufacturing output growth in the quarter to December accelerated to its fastest pace since July, according to the latest monthly CBI Industrial Trends Survey.
The survey of 258 manufacturing firms saw output increasing in 15 out of 17 sub-sectors, with growth being mostly driven by the food, drink & tobacco and motor vehicles & transport equipment sub-sectors.
Total order books in December were judged to be ‘above normal’ to a similar extent to last month’s record high, while export orders were rated as broadly ‘normal’.
However, manufacturers’ inventory positions deteriorated further in December, with stock adequacy of finished goods worsening to a new record-low position for the second month in a row.
Respondents also said they expect price pressures to remain acute in the next three months.
Anna Leach, CBI deputy chief economist, said: “UK manufacturing demand remains strong, and output accelerated to meet this demand in December. However, behind the scenes, firms are battling pressures on a number of fronts.
“Stock adequacy of finished goods worsened to an all-time low for the second month in a row, and continued expectations for sharp price growth are a further challenge for the sector.
“The spread of the Omicron variant will have been a blow to business confidence. However, firms will welcome the Government’s decision to move from isolation to testing as a method of controlling the virus without unduly impacting their ability to operate.”
Tom Crotty, group director at INEOS and chair of the CBI Manufacturing Council, said: “While it is positive that manufacturing activity has remained strong, we have also seen a further worsening in stock adequacy of finished goods. At a time of continuing global supply chain difficulties, labour shortages and material shortages, the government should seek longer-term solutions that promote growth and investment in UK manufacturing.
“On Covid-19, the government must offer clear guidance in good time for manufacturers to continue operating safely as the country grapples with the Omicron emergency.”
Senior associate at Ashby property consultancy voted Midlands chair of key industry association
A senior associate at a property consultancy has been voted Midland’s chair of a key pipeline industry association.
Jenny Occleshaw, of Fisher German, has become the Midlands chair of the Pipeline Industries Guild (PIG), the only association worldwide to cater directly for the needs of the pipeline industry.
She was voted in at the association’s regional AGM, succeeding Rachel Bridge, also of Fisher German.
Jenny joined Midlands PIG in November 2015 as part of its Professional Development Network (PDN) for young professionals, becoming chair in 2019, before moving up to the main branch committee in 2020 as deputy chair and secretary.
She is set to focus on sustainability and achieving net zero during her tenure as chair, looking at how innovation, new technologies and sharing best practice can help achieve sustainability across the pipeline industry.
Jenny is an integral part of the infrastructure and sustainable energy planning team at Fisher German, and is based at the firm’s Ashby office, providing planning advice to corporate and private clients working in water, waste, gas, electricity and sustainable energy.
She said: “I am very pleased to be voted in as chair at what is an extremely exciting time for the industry.
“Fisher German has a strong connection with the Guild, with Rachel as outgoing Midlands Chair, planner Antonia Wyatt as the current PDN chair, and a number of PIG members across the firm.
“As we look forward to the net zero targets there needs to be a shift towards new ways of working in the pipeline industry to ensure there is sustainability throughout the supply chain and at every stage of a development.
“This includes everything from the materials we use to ensuring that the project itself is sustainable, taking into consideration new regulations around biodiversity net gain.
“We need to adapt across all areas and make use of new technologies and innovations to achieve net zero targets.
“The Guild is a fantastic platform for sharing knowledge, and I will be facilitating events and networking opportunities to ensure members can share ideas and best practice across their different disciplines.
“I am really looking forward to my new role and collaborating with members as we all work towards the same sustainability goals.”
Dates announced for Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2022
Following on from the success of Innovation Week in June this year, dates have been announced for 2022 with the focus on innovation due to spread across a fortnight to accommodate the wide range of events.
It has been announced that Leicestershire Innovation Festival will run from Monday, 14 February to Friday, 25 February 2022. The celebration of solving problems by thinking differently will be launched officially with an event at Space Park Leicester on Valentine’s Day and continue until Innovation Friday 12 days later. The Innovation Awards will take place on Thursday 24 February.
Dr Nik Kotecha OBE, Chair of Leicester Innovation Board, explained: “There are so many innovative ideas and projects in Leicestershire, which simply won’t all fit into five days. Last time we found that some events were competing against each other, so this year we would like our audience to have the opportunity and flexibility to see everything to be inspired to create their own innovation culture within their businesses.
“For the Innovation Festival we are inviting anyone who wants to share their innovations to organise an event and we will support by adding it to the official calendar and publicising it through the Business Gateway website and partners. This is a great opportunity for Leicestershire businesses to showcase their successes to a very wide and influential audience.”
The Innovation Festival is a partnership between Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership, Leicestershire’s three universities, Innovate UK Edge, Midlands Engine and the Business Gateway.
Sonia Baigent, Chair of the Business Gateway Board, added: “The launch event at Space Park Leicester will be focused specifically on encouraging innovation in our Manufacturing sector. However, during the Festival we expect to see innovation highlighted in lots of different sectors and applications such as automotive, food and drink, textiles, medicine, and lots more. Every business – big and small – benefits from innovation, and that’s part of our message.”
Any organisation that would like to organise an event for the Innovation Festival should email peter.allen@bizgateway.org.uk before Christmas.
Further information will be published shortly on the innovation pages of the Business Gateway website: www.bizgateway.org.uk
