£4.8m funding boost for Derbyshire solar energy business
Custom Solar, which specialises in the design, development, installation, and maintenance of commercial rooftop solar systems throughout the UK, has secured £4.8m in new lending from Virgin Money to accelerate its growth ambitions.
Based in Chesterfield, the business is behind the largest rooftop commercial installation in the country, fitting 21,000 solar panels at the Port of Hull, which will reduce carbon emissions by approximately 1,400 tonnes every year.
The success of this and other projects has opened up further growth opportunities and with financial support from Virgin Money, it’s giving the business flexibility to target bigger designs and installations across its corporate and public sector customers.
Custom Solar was founded in 2011 and over the last 10 years the team has grown to 30 people, who travel to customers all over the UK. With the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, it’s seeing an increase in customers moving towards sustainable business improvements and taking advantage of the incentives available when investing in renewable energy.
Gary Sucharewycz, Chief Executive Officer, Custom Solar, said “We are extremely pleased with the facility that will now be in place with Virgin Money. This will support and accelerate our ever-growing 200MW pipeline of solar projects that the company is securing. We wanted to match our growth and ambition for the future with a tangible financial facility that will accelerate our ability to complete projects at an expedient rate. This will not only be a benefit to our clientele but to our planet.”
Custom Solar scored highly on Virgin Money’s Sustainable Business Coach, a recently launched free app designed to help businesses be more sustainable by measuring, tracking and offering guidance on improving their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) credentials.
Gary said: “We were really pleased that the results of the Sustainable Business Coach demonstrated the high standards of our internal sustainability credentials. The Coach was really easy to use and enabled us to look at our own business, providing the encouragement that we are not only doing good by the work we do, but by the way we operate. We are committed to staying on top of our own carbon footprint.”
Virgin Money has committed to halving the carbon emissions across everything it finances by 2030.
David Burgess, Director, Business Network, at Virgin Money, said: “Renewable energy is a vital part of our energy sources and we want to support sustainable organisations to help them grow and thrive. Custom Solar has been on quite a journey since its inception, with notable commercial projects that have demonstrated what the team is capable of. We are looking forward to working with the business as it accelerates its growth strategy, offering the financial backing it needs to deliver and exceed its customers’ expectations.”
Custom Solar was advised by BHP Corporate Finance, with a team led by Partner, Kevin Davies, and Tim Brind, Director.
Kevin said: “We are delighted to have been able to support Custom Solar on this next step in its exciting development. It is a fantastic business that sits right at the heart of the current environmental narrative, supporting UK business in its drive for sustainable energy sources.”
Bridge Help launches Christmas fundraising appeal for Chesterfield Foodbank
With an ambitious new target, Bridge Help has launched its annual Christmas fundraising appeal for Chesterfield Foodbank.
Last year, the bridging loan company donated £1500 worth of food and toiletries to Chesterfield Foodbank. This year the company wants to do even better and is hoping to donate at least £2021 of goods to the local food bank.
Bridge Help is now appealing to the local business community to donate money or drop off donations of tinned goods, toiletries, nappies and luxuries, including biscuits, chocolates, crisps, mince pies and Christmas cakes and puddings at its offices on Old Brick Works Lane off Sheffield Road.
Bridge Help will match all donations before delivering to the Chesterfield Foodbank warehouse in Sheepbridge ahead of Christmas. Donations can be dropped off at the office until Wednesday 15 December.
The annual charity fundraising campaign is organised by Phoebe Sellars, a Business Development Manager at Bridge Help and also a trustee of Chesterfield Citizens Advice.
Phoebe explained: “Being a trustee of Chesterfield Citizens Advice I am aware of the financial hardship many people experience and working for Bridge Help I am in a position to do something practical that will help people in need over the Christmas period.
“Last year Chesterfield’s business community was incredibly generous enabling us to donate a total of £1500 of food and toiletries to Chesterfield Food Bank. We want to do even better this year and ensure that more people can enjoy Christmas.”
Roisin O’Gorman, Deputy Project Coordinator at Chesterfield Foodbank, added: “Since the start of the pandemic the Foodbank has provided food to over 9000 people, with a third of those sadly being children.
“With the end of the universal credit uplift, increased heating costs and the government furlough scheme ending, we anticipate that even more people will have to turn to foodbanks. We need donations now more than ever, so please consider donating to the foodbank. Your kind donations will enable us to keep supporting local people in crisis who cannot afford the basic essentials. No one should have to go hungry.”
Phoebe added: “The team and I will be working around tins, cartons of long-life milk, toothpaste and boxes of biscuits in the office for a few weeks, but it’s something we are all happy to do knowing what a difference the donation will make to so many people in the area this Christmas.”
Chesterfield Foodbank is part of The Trussell Trust, the UK’s largest network of food banks. Last December Chesterfield Foodbank fed 488 people in crisis.
To make a donation to the Bridge Help Chesterfield Foodbank Christmas appeal, contact Phoebe Sellars on 033 3303 4681 or email phoebe@bridgehelp.co.uk
Free money saving advice for Blaby businesses
Businesses in Blaby District will be able to benefit from free advice by a money-saving consultancy, in a project funded by Blaby District Council.
At a time when running costs are rising and financial pressures continue to be felt by small businesses, the Council has teamed up with Place Support Partnership, a consultancy who have worked with businesses across the country to identify money saving opportunities.
From card machine fees to gas, water, and electricity, the service will be completely free for any businesses who receive advice on reducing their running costs.
Funded by Welcome Back Funding, which the Council successfully bid for from Central Government and the European Regional Development Fund to support all businesses in the district, the move is part of Blaby District Council’s commitment to help its local centres recover following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Blaby District Council Leader, Councillor Terry Richardson, attended the launch with Alberto Costa, MP for South Leicestershire, and Rishi Rood, Managing Director of Place Support Partnership, at Blaby Town Centre-based Barry Botts Jewellers.
Councillor Sharon Coe, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing, Community Engagement and Business Support, said: “I am delighted to help launch this new service. It is still so important that we continue our support for small businesses in the district whilst they recover from the difficult 18 months we have all experienced.
“We hope that the support and advice given will see big financial savings for our local businesses and look forward to working with Place Support Partnership on this service.”
Alberto Costa, MP for South Leicestershire, said: “Small businesses are the backbone of our local and national economy, however the last 18 months or so has been particularly difficult for so many up and down the country, hence why I am very pleased to see that Blaby District Council are launching this new service to help support businesses in South Leicestershire.
“I am sure many will benefit from this new money saving advice service, and I should like to thank Blaby District Council for once again being proactive in supporting local businesses as we continue our recovery from the Covid pandemic.”
East Midlands is the UK’s least lonely region for business leaders
The East Midlands has the fewest business leaders currently experiencing loneliness, new research by law firm Shakespeare Martineau has revealed.
Bosses from the region also reported feeling the least alone during the coronavirus pandemic, with 57% saying they were not at all isolated – compared to other areas where up to 63% claimed feelings of loneliness or isolation.
One thousand senior decision-makers in UK businesses were surveyed by Censuswide on behalf of Shakespeare Martineau as part of its annual Ambition Index*.
More than a quarter of the region’s bosses also spoke about how nothing is holding them back as leaders.
Duncan James, partner and regional head of Shakespeare Martineau in the East Midlands, said: “It is really interesting to hear that senior decision-makers in our region felt the least lonely during Covid and it is positive to see this continue as we emerge from the pandemic. This continues to show what a great place to work the East Midlands is.”
When given a list of options of what could be holding them back as a leader, the majority of respondents (26%) selected nothing – the highest region in England. Maintaining a work-life balance and a shortage of time placed joint-second, with 21% selecting these options.
Only 10% of respondents chose confidence, making the East Midlands the region least affected by a lack of optimism.
Duncan said: “It is extremely positive to see bosses from the East Midlands currently feeling so confident and that there is nothing getting in the way of their leadership.
“Over the past three decades, the region has experienced many setbacks with major industries disappearing, which has negatively affected thousands of people in the East Midlands. They have already navigated many choppy waters, so are perhaps more used to economic disruption compared to other regions.
“Leaders have had to be confident in themselves in order to be successful and this optimism has paid off, with the region now boasting many major international players, British household brands and innovative start-ups.”
Almost 40% of East Midlands business leaders will be investing more in their business in 2022 than this past year. However, 29% of respondents say they are not planning to invest or hoping to grow their businesses at all.
IT (31%) and technology (29%) topped the list of resources bosses will be investing in, followed by talent and learning and development (21%), and product development (17%). Of those leaders who are wanting to grow their businesses, the majority (24%) say they plan on doing this via cash from directors. This was closely followed by organic growth and joint ventures (17%), and bank debt (16%).
Duncan said: “I suspect some leaders think that because interest rates are so low, growing via debt money is a much easier option than sharing ownership of a business or equity investment. However, there’s an argument for both and leaders should be thinking more openly – looking at the whole gambit of investment rather than simply what they are used to. It’s important for leaders to take advice from trusted advisors who can deliver professional counsel to ensure they are making the right decisions for their business to be successful.”
New robotics research centre will transform the relationship between people and technology in UK manufacturing
A new national robotics research centre will receive a share of £25m to improve collaborative technology and help businesses unlock the full potential of automated industrial manufacturing.
The Made Smarter Innovation Research Centre for Smart, Collaborative Industrial Robotics led by Loughborough University aims to advance smart manufacturing by eliminating barriers and accelerating widespread use of smart collaborative robotics technology to unlock the full potential of the UK industry in productivity, quality, and adaptability.
The centre will bring together a team of world-class experts from Loughborough University, Cranfield University, the University of Strathclyde, the University of Warwick, and the University of Bristol, with experience in manufacturing, engineering, digital technology, robotics, human-factors, verification and safety, law, psychology, systems engineering, metrology, and ICT.
It also comprises of key organisations across core UK industrial sectors including aerospace, automotive, agri-food, green energy, construction, and space.
Project lead Dr Niels Lohse, of Loughborough’s Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, said: “Automation increases productivity, safeguards manufacturing, creates and protects jobs.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for greater responsiveness and resilience. With disruptions to supply chains and workforce availability, collaborative robot sales more than doubled, but the UK remains significantly behind other highly industrialised nations.
“While there is a huge appetite for the benefits of industrial automation, its full potential remains untapped. The perceived and actual high initial investment cost for specialised, automation equipment is a significant barrier for wider adoption.
“The need for highly specialised skill sets limits the design, implementation, and maintenance of automation. Specialised equipment is often too inflexible particularly for SMEs with modifications being either too expensive or impractical. People and automation are separated by inflexible safety, regulatory, procedural, physical, and psychological barriers preventing effective collaboration.
“Bringing the automation community together will be essential for addressing the unique challenges faced by UK industry to unlock the full potential of their highly skilled workforce through automation and digital technology.”
The research centre will create a multi-disciplinary, cross-sectorial hub setting the national research agenda in smart, collaborative industrial robotics, and deliver the next generation of automated factories. It will focus both on fundamental research to seed new breakthrough technologies needed to make automation more responsive, collaborative, and safe as well as industry-initiated feasibility demonstration projects to raise awareness of emerging automation capabilities.
Dr Lohse added: “I am very excited that our centre has received the support from nearly 50 national and international organisations including SMEs, large end users, technology providers, systems integrators, and research organisations. Even before the centre has been officially launched, more companies are looking to join.”
Professor Rossiter, lead of the University of Bristol team, highlighted the critical need for seamless robotic integration: “Future manufacturing will enhance human workers with robotic technologies, from autonomous smart manipulation to soft robotic power suits.”
Professor Webb, the lead investigator from Cranfield University, commented: “We are really excited about this new collaboration which will further enhance our existing work on close collaboration between humans and robots to put human operators at the centre of such systems thus significantly increasing the impact of industrial robotics in the future workplace. Understanding the impact of robotics and co-working on the human operators is key to building a safe and secure workplace of the future.”
Professor Yan, the lead investigator from the University of Strathclyde, said: “Collaborative working among human operators, robots and other manufacturing machineries raises many research challenges. This distributed research centre will become a great enabler for investigating new ways of configuring and reconfiguring these ‘actors’ for different manufacturing tasks.
“It will be exciting to tackle the challenges faced by multiple sectors from both technological and legal perspectives and see the solutions we can produce. At the University of Strathclyde we are operators of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), which is part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVMC) and we look forward to collaborating with our industrial partners to devise these novel solutions.”
Professor Darek Ceglarek, who leads the University of Warwick team, stated: “I am delighted to be part of the Centre and look forward to working with our academic and industrial partners in accelerating adaptation of industrial robotic systems.
“We will emulate near-real production and product quality through our digital twin for high-fidelity validation to enable right-first-time and near-zero-defect manufacturing. The digital twin will be integrated with AR/VR and avatars embedded decision studio to facilitate new ways of working with industrial robotic systems.”
It is one of five university-led research centres which are being funded by UKRI and Made Smarter as part of a wider £300 million partnership between government, industry, Catapults, and academia led by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Innovation Strategy.
The key priority areas for research and innovation in the centre are:
- Collaboration: Robotic systems need better models of how people naturally interact with others to start truly collaborating with them and fully leverage their respective strength.
- Autonomy: Robots need to extend their sensory perception and autonomous cognition capabilities to effectively carry out increasingly complex tasks, deal with variations, and disruptive changes.
- Responsiveness: The process of designing, verifying, validating, deploying, and operating automation needs to become more accessible for a wider range of people and organisations.
- Acceptance: The societal, cultural, and economic impact of automation needs to be better explored to inform future policy, regulations, and education requirements.
Record year of revenue for Topps Tiles
Topps Tiles, the Leicester-based tile specialist, has returned to profit while witnessing a record year of revenue.
In unaudited annual financial results for the 53 weeks ended 2 October 2021 the company posted a pre-tax profit of £14.3m, up from a loss of £9.8m in the year prior.
Group revenue meanwhile reached £228m, growing from £192.8m.
Retail like-for-like sales were up 19.6% despite trade restrictions throughout Q2.
Rob Parker, Chief Executive, said: “Our full year results demonstrate the strength of our position as the UK’s leading tile specialist and the potential of the business when it has been able to trade without restriction.
“Despite significant disruption for a three month period, during which our stores were unable to welcome homeowners, we delivered record revenues for the year and made good progress towards our ‘1 in 5 by 2025’ market share goal.
“We believe this performance underlines the strength of our strategy and the success of new initiatives including the expansion of our value ranges and the introduction of innovative new products. The successful development of our digital offer during the year has been particularly pleasing and we have plans in place to expand this further in 2022.
“Trading in the initial weeks of the new financial year has been robust with two-year Retail like-for-like sales growth of 18.4%. While trading headwinds are likely to continue over the short term, we are confident in our strategy and our ability to deliver sustainable long term growth.”
Golden night for 38 of the most forces-friendly employers
Local authorities, educational establishments and commercial companies spanning IT, recruitment and building materials were among the organisations honoured for their outstanding support for the military last Thursday 25th November at a regional ceremony to recognise the 2021 winners of the national Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards.
Against the stunning backdrop of the Royal Armouries in Leeds, 38 organisations in total were recognised for the contribution they make to the Armed Forces community in an event jointly hosted by East Midlands RFCA, North West RFCA and the RFCA for Yorkshire and the Humber.
Winners ranged from small and medium-sized family companies to large organisations employing many thousands of people, such as the University of Derby and Aggregate Industries. What all of them had in common was brilliant HR practices that support staff that serve or have served in the military.
Minister for Defence People and Veterans, Leo Docherty, was guest speaker for the night and he said: “I would like to thank all the organisations who have proven their support for the defence community during such unprecedented and challenging times.
“The vast range of those recognised this year demonstrates how employing the Armed Forces community makes a truly positive and beneficial impact for all employers, regardless of size, sector or location.”
To win an award, all the organisations provide ten extra paid days leave for serving Reserves and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers so they can attend camps and training events. They must also have supportive policies in place for Veterans, Reserves and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, as well as the spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.
The awards were presented by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Ed Anderson, who said: “The military depends on great employers who truly understand the role of Reserves to the Armed Forces’ capability, as well as the vital part Cadet Force Adult Volunteers play in creating fantastic and often life-changing opportunities for thousands of young people in local communities. That’s why it is such an honour to present awards to these organisations who showcase the very best of employment practices when it comes to those who serve, and those who have served, and their families.”
The organisations in the East Midlands who won the prestigious award are:
Aggregate Industries, Leicestershire
Ashfield District Council, Nottinghamshire
Eagle Eye Innovations, Lincolnshire
Forces Cars Direct, Lincolnshire
Forces Solutions, Rutland
HZL Specialist Solutions Limited, Derbyshire
Lincoln College, Lincolnshire
Mercury Electronic Warfare, Lincolnshire
Shorterm Group, Derbyshire
TMS Support Solutions, Lincolnshire
University of Derby, Derbyshire
In addition, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust had their Gold Award re-validated after holding it for 5 years already.
Carol Cooper-Smith, CEO of Ashfield District Council, Nottinghamshire, commented: “Ashfield District Council prides itself on its support for our Armed Forces and we promote positive engagement with service personnel both inside and outside of the Council. We are therefore delighted to have been awarded a prestigious Gold Award by the MOD for our work and we will continue to strive to be an exemplar.”
Tim Stevens, Managing Director of SME Mercury EW and Defence Training Services, Lincolnshire, said: “We value the work of all members of the Armed Forces and recognise their commitment and the sacrifices that their families also make. As a small business, we are immensely proud that we recognise former serving members, members of the Reserves and spouses, as our employees. It is their skills, experience and continued professionalism that makes our business a success.”
Professor Kathryn Mitchell DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, commented: “I am delighted that the University of Derby has been awarded the Ministry of Defence’s highest badge of honour in recognition of our commitment to the Armed Forces community. At Derby, we are keen to attract service leavers as employees, and to encourage them to start new careers, education and training with us, recognising the outstanding transferable skills that Veterans bring that can be built on in a second career.”
Funding extension for Business Gateway means support for hundreds of local firms
A key source of support for Leicester and Leicestershire’s businesses will be able to reach nearly 200 more firms following a decision to extend its funding.
An additional £2million of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) money has been awarded to Leicester City Council and partners for the Growth Hub project – a service providing a one-stop shop for business support across the city and county as part of the Business Gateway Growth Hub service.
The funding award means businesses will now be able to get a share of additional grants totalling just over half a million pounds, and continued access to a range of business support services.
The service has received two rounds of ERDF funding since 2016 and the current £3.9m of ERDF funding was due to end in December 2021.
Leicester City Council is the accountable body for the current ERDF project and the additional £2m of funding means the programme will now be extended until June 2023, enabling it to provide continuing support to firms still recovering from the disruption to the their trading caused by Covid-19.
The Growth Hub services include:
- Professional business advisers to support businesses throughout their development, offering advice on issues including business planning, funding and growth
- A programme of business-related events and workshops/ seminars, covering a range of topics including reducing carbon emissions, becoming more innovative and adopting digital marketing
- A dedicated programme to accelerate the growth of businesses created from 2018 onwards
- Regular webinars on aspects of finance including where to find funding and how to apply for it successfully
- Referral of clients to complementary grant schemes such as the Digital Growth and ‘Scale-Up’ programmes
Outlook positive despite confidence dip among East Midlands firms
Business confidence in the East Midlands fell 13 points during November to 42%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
Companies in the East Midlands reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 11 points at 41%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 17 points to 42%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 42%.
The Business Barometer, which questions 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
A net balance of 17% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, down 26 points on last month.
Overall, UK business confidence was buoyant in November at 40%, down just three points on October’s reading of 43%. Both firms’ confidence in their own trading prospects and optimism in the economy remained comfortably in positive territory, each dipping just three points month-on-month to 39% and 41% respectively.
All UK nations and regions had positive confidence readings in November, with three regions – Wales, the East of England and South East – reporting an increase on October’s data.
Firms in London (down two points to 63%) remained the most confident for the third month in a row, followed by the North East (down 16 points to 45%), the West Midlands (down eight points to 42%) and East Midlands (down 13 points to 42%).
A net balance of 30% of firms across the UK reported plans to create new jobs in the next 12 months, with hiring intentions strongest in London (41%), Wales (37%) and the South West (37%).
Amanda Dorel, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Although confidence has dipped here in the East Midlands, it remains higher than the national average, and there are reasons to be optimistic. With the region’s strength in manufacturing, those in consumer-facing sectors like fashion will be looking forward to the opportunities created by the coming festive season.
“We’ll be by the side of local businesses to help them make the most of any opportunities that come their way.”
At a sector level, confidence slipped in manufacturing (42%), to its lowest since August, linked to the persistence of supply-chain disruptions, while it fell to a seven-month low of 28% in construction.
In contrast, the retail sector (45%) bucked the trend with a pickup in confidence, reflecting hopes for higher spending ahead as the festive period approaches. Services confidence (41%) fell slightly, with strong growth for financial & business services and communications offset by more downbeat responses from education, health and public administration.
Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Business confidence remains robust above the long-term average, but it dipped this month as economic optimism and trading prospects were affected by the persistence of rising costs and supply chain issues.
“Pay expectations remain elevated with a quarter of businesses anticipating rises of 3% or more in the next 12 months which will add to business costs, but it bodes well for staff facing into economic challenges.”
Service sector continues its recovery in the quarter to November, but costs see record growth
Optimism improved for firms across the service sector in the three months to November, according to the latest Service Sector Survey from the CBI – however cost growth in both sub-sectors continued to pick up, growing at the fastest pace since survey records began in 1998.
For business and professional services firms, sentiment about the business situation continued to improve in the quarter to November, albeit at a slower pace than in the preceding three months. Sentiment among consumer services companies improved markedly last quarter, following a deterioration in the three months to August.
Business volumes continued to grow at a strong pace across the service sector in the three months to November. However, there are signs of slowing growth, as business and professional services firms expect volumes growth to ease next quarter – while expectations within consumer services are for volumes to be unchanged.
Cost pressures are building with both consumer services and business and professional services seeing costs grow at the fastest pace in survey history – with firms in both sectors anticipating the pace to pick up even further next quarter, also the strongest expectations on record. As a result, selling price growth accelerated too, with expectations for significantly faster growth in the coming quarter for both sub-sectors.
Despite elevated cost pressures, profitability grew in both business and professional and consumer services, with the strongest growth since February 2018 for the latter. With strong price and cost growth expected to persist into the next quarter, expectations in both consumer services and business and professional services are for profits growth to stall in the three months to February.
Employment growth within business and professional services picked up in the three months to November, recording the fastest growth in more than six years. This pace of growth is expected to continue into next quarter. Consumer services also saw employment return to growth in the three months to November, following unchanged headcount in the previous quarter. This too is expected to continue at a similar rate in the three months to February.
Firms’ investment prospects have strengthened, as services firms expect to ramp up their spending plans over the next 12 months, particularly on IT. Respondents from the business and professional services sector reported the strongest investment intentions for vehicles, plant and machinery investment since 2016, and the for IT in more than 20 years. Consumer services firms expect to increase spending on land and buildings, as well as vehicles, plant and machinery – both the strongest expectations since 2017. Capital expenditure on IT is also tipped to remain strong for consumer services.
Charlotte Dendy, CBI Head of Economic Surveys and Data, said: “The service sector continued to report a strong recovery in the three months to November, with volumes, profits and employment all showing solid growth.
“However, record growth in costs is threatening to put a winter freeze on the service sector recovery next quarter. With firms’ cost growth expectations the strongest in survey history in both sub-sectors, businesses expect services profits growth to stall in the coming quarter.
“With Covid still a concern, with impacts for consumer confidence, together with cost and supply chain issues continuing to bite, a difficult winter lies ahead. It is therefore vital that the Government works with business to help address these challenges, ease cost and supply pressures, giving businesses the platform to ensure the recovery does not fizzle out before Christmas.”
