Green light for 71 new energy-efficient West Bridgford homes
Plans for 71 new homes on Abbey Road in West Bridgford have secured a unanimous Reserved Matters Approval from Rushcliffe Borough Council.
The no-gas housing development will sit on the Central Works Depot site, which was previously used primarily as the Borough Council’s depot for the storage of refuse freighters, vehicle maintenance and the storage of some recyclables.
Stagfield Group and Peveril Homes are behind the new scheme, which will include 21 affordable homes for Futures Housing Group.
The development, which is to feature energy systems and Smart living technology to assist homeowners to control their lifestyle and energy consumption, is estimated to deliver in excess of 50% CO2 reduction compared to building regulations, which is significantly higher than the enhanced standard target of 19% CO2 reduction for the scheme.
A supporting statement accompanying the submission said: “The design and layout is sympathetic to the existing locality yet creates a contemporary and high-quality new urban environment which encourages walking and cycling to local facilities.”
Miller Knight acquires headquarter building at Mansfield business park
FHP Property Consultants, on behalf of retained clients, have completed on the sale of 2A Sherwood Oaks Business Park in Mansfield to Miller Knight Resource Management Ltd.
The company, who also acquired the adjacent 2B property through FHP, have now secured a substantial 6,200 sq ft headquarter office building to expand their operations.
The property provides quality office accommodation over two floors, with the benefit of air conditioning and good levels of on-site car parking and several amenities in walking distance including the Golden Eagle public house, an ALDI supermarket and McDonald’s restaurant.
Thomas Szymkiw, of FHP’s Office Agency Department, said: “Miller Knight were keen to acquire this building for obvious reasons having already purchased the building next door previously through myself.
“I am therefore pleased that they have managed to secure the space required to expand their office operations on the same site – and wish them the very best of luck for the future.”
Derby manufacturer expands into neighbouring property
Tidyco, a producer of hose assemblies for the rail industry, has acquired an adjacent unit to house the expansion of its overhaul and refurbishment department.
In order to make the building fit for purpose, renovations have started with an official opening scheduled in November.
At the beginning of the year, the decision was made to acquire the adjacent space (Unit 6) of Tidyco’s existing location once the rental lease of the previous business was due to come to an end.
The purpose of this is to house the firm’s expansion of its overhaul and refurbishment of rolling stock components, which is managed and operated by the Tidyco Rail Division.
Rail Division Director, Paul Jacks, said: “Over the past few years we have worked tirelessly towards establishing an overhaul and refurb department within the rail division. We are starting to see our efforts pay off, which is why we needed to consider extending our premises. When we found out about the lease for the adjoining unit, it made perfect sense to move into there.”
James Tidy, Managing Director, said: “This really is a testament to the relentless determination of the rail division despite the incredibly difficult times brought about by the pandemic. I am immensely proud and optimistic of what they’ve achieved. This is a really exciting time for Tidyco.”
Smaller firms responsible for half of all UK greenhouse gas emissions from businesses
The British Business Bank has revealed that, based on its estimates, smaller businesses account for almost a third (30%) of all current UK greenhouse gas emissions (including emissions from households, industry and government) and around half (50%) of total emissions from UK businesses.
Its latest research report, Smaller businesses and the transition to net zero, highlights the potential collective influence of UK smaller businesses and the considerable contribution they could make to wider net zero objectives if they all made changes to reduce their carbon footprint.
The report, one of the most in-depth so far in this under-explored part of the market, incorporates results from fresh data via a bespoke, nationally representative survey of 1,200 smaller businesses, and analysis of public data sources.
Over three in four businesses (76%) are yet to implement comprehensive decarbonisation strategies, capabilities and actions, according to Bank estimates. One example of this is that just 3% of smaller businesses surveyed say they have measured their carbon footprint in the past five years and subsequently set an emissions reduction target.
The early stages of transition
There is limited proactivity from businesses to improve their own knowledge and capability, for example, with more than half (56%) in the survey saying they have taken no actions to change this.
However, when asked about physical actions, it is encouraging to see that the vast majority (94%) say they have taken at least one action to reduce their emissions, though they tended to be low-effort ones, such as installing a smart meter.
Overall, the most common motive for taking action, mentioned by just over half (51%) of businesses, was that it ‘made financial sense’, speaking to the need to align net zero and financial objectives for businesses in the transition.
The data reveals around half (52%) of smaller UK businesses fall within the ‘Carbon Complacent’ or ‘Carbon Exposed’ personas established by the Bank based on business characteristics, emissions intensity, actions and attitudes. Businesses falling under these personas are reactive or simply disengaged in their attitudes to cutting emissions and have ‘low carbon transition maturity’.
Awareness is mixed and attitudes split
More than half (57%) of smaller businesses have heard a lot, or a fair amount, about the government’s commitment to reach ‘net zero’ emissions by 2050, and the implications of climate change for their businesses (56%), establishing a strong base for further transition.
However, while nearly half (47%) of smaller businesses state reducing carbon emissions or environmental impacts is a high or very high priority over the next two years, 53% indicate they are not yet ready to prioritise decarbonisation. This split in attitudes demonstrates the need to raise awareness, balance the knowledge gap and ultimately help facilitate change.
Barriers are multiple, complex and business specific
The research found that smaller businesses identified more than twenty barriers preventing action on net zero, demonstrating the complexity in addressing the issues on a wide scale and the need for tailored approaches.
Some common themes have emerged, however – more than a third (35%) of smaller businesses cited costs as a barrier for reducing carbon emissions, particularly upfront capital costs (21%), followed by feasibility (32%), such as lack of control due to tenancy agreements or lack of an appropriate technology. Over one in ten (12%) said that lack of information was preventing them from action.
Finance as an enabler to net zero transition
So far, 11% of the smaller business population – equating to around 700,000 businesses in the UK – have accessed external finance, in the form of loans or equity, to support net zero actions. Looking forward, 22% of the UK smaller business population (equivalent to around 1.3 million businesses) – say they are prepared to access external finance to support net zero actions in the next five years.
Catherine Lewis La Torre, CEO, British Business Bank, said: “Smaller businesses will generally have lower individual carbon footprints than their larger counterparts, but by broadening their vision and committing to action they can collectively produce a significant overall impact.
“Action to mitigate the impacts of climate change is at tipping point, and it is crucial for smaller business owners to feel empowered, informed and supported in making the relevant steps to decarbonising their business if the UK is going to meet its wider net zero objectives by 2050.
“More than half of smaller businesses say they’re not ready to prioritise decarbonisation, so clearly more needs to be done.
“The Bank continues to strive to bridge the knowledge gap and work with its partners to improve smaller businesses’ access to the right finance to help them transition to net zero. We hope this report encourages business owners to review their business model, consider where changes can be made and to make the necessary investments to secure a sustainable future for their businesses.”
East Midlands commercial vehicle company secures £7.5m for fleet expansion
An East Midlands commercial vehicle rental company has secured a £7.5m asset finance loan from HSBC UK to help purchase a new fleet of 200 trucks, as demand for vehicles in the supply chain soars. The investment will create 20 full-time jobs across the East Midlands.
With operating depots in Leicester, Loughborough and Nottingham, Alltruck provides contract hire and rental vehicle services to over 250 SMEs across the UK. The company has used the funding to increase its fleet of commercial vehicles – which ranges from 3.5 tonne vans to 44 tonne tractor units – from 2,000 to 2,200 to help meet an increase in demand from its customers.
As part of the company’s ‘Journey to Zero’ initiative, the new investment includes 10 fully-electric vans which will enable Alltruck and its customers to become more eco-friendly. As well as creating 20 new jobs, the company hopes its expanded vehicle capacity will increase annual turnover by 10 per cent.
Paul Robinson, Managing Director of Alltruck, said: “We pride ourselves on having the trucks our customers need, when they need it – and it’s crucial we continue to support customers during this period of sustained pressure facing UK supply chains.”
Simon Woods, relationship director East Midlands corporate banking, HSBC UK, said: “This deal gives Alltruck the funding to realise its own growth ambitions, which include becoming more eco-friendly as well as playing an important role in boosting supply chain capacity. We were pleased to support Paul and the team and look forward to working with them closely as they continue to grow the business.”
Capital One submits plans for roof terrace at Nottingham HQ
Plans from Capital One to convert the existing flat roof areas of its HQ at Trent House, on Station Street, have been submitted to Nottingham City Council.
The credit card provider wants to create a new roof terrace space for employees as it looks to “introduce high quality external areas to supplement the internal spaces, bringing the benefits of wellbeing associated with landscaping and the outdoors,” according to a design statement.
A green wall would also be incorporated and the firm is looking to complete remodelling internally to provide conference space.
The project aims to provide:
• New open air hospitality/events areas on existing rooftop areas
• Covered events terrace area at main roof level, with extension of terrace areas to high-level plant deck roof
• Maximisation of green walls and planting
• Provision of new vertical access through the existing building, via new stair and platform lift from Level 02 accommodation
• A dedicated conference suite at the existing Level 02 Mezzanine level, with improved
vertical access
Business insolvencies at highest level since January 2020
The economic effects of the pandemic continue to impact heavily on local businesses as latest Government insolvency statistics highlight an increase in corporate insolvencies to their highest level since January 2020.
Monthly research by the Insolvency Service shows that the number of insolvent businesses in England and Wales increased by 7.2% in September to a total of 1,446, which is 55.8% higher than September 2020’s figure of 928 and approaching the pre-pandemic statistic of 1,515 for January of last year.
According to the Midlands branch of insolvency and restructuring body R3, the dramatic increase in corporate insolvencies compared to this time last year illustrates just how crucial the Government’s support has been in keeping businesses afloat and suggests that there may be a rocky road ahead for many now it has ended.
R3 Midlands Chair Eddie Williams, a partner at PwC in the East Midlands, said: “The monthly rise in corporate insolvencies was driven by Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidations, which have increased for the third consecutive month. Directors may be closing their businesses after deeming financial survival unlikely after 18 months of struggling through a pandemic.
“Despite the fact that businesses have benefitted from two months of restriction-free trading and the economic boost over the summer, conditions are still not back to where they were before Covid-19.
“Consumers are now more cautious about the state of the economy and the growing cost of living and are more wary about spending their money. With widespread supply chain disruption and significant wholesale energy price increases building up between September and October, there is likely to be little slack for vulnerable businesses.
“For those companies continuing to struggle, the sooner advice is sought from a qualified and reputable source, the more potential there is for a solution.”
Record growth continues at Boyds with expansion for Product Development team
Leading pharmaceutical and biotech product development consultancy Boyds has added two experienced product development experts to its team, amid growing demand for its specialist Product Development services from biotech and spinout businesses in the UK, Europe and the US.
Diane Shattock Ph.D., joins as Director of Product Development and Ian Hollingsworth M.Sc., as Associate Director of Product Development. Both are working alongside Boyds’ Vice President of Product Development, Nick Meyers Ph.D.
The hires are central to Boyds’ planned expansion of the Product Development team and its clear strategy of expansion into the US, specifically of its programme management and product development support to US-based clients via its expertise, support and guidance throughout the life-cycle of medicine development activities, from early-stage discovery to commercialisation.
Diane and Ian are the latest of 18 new starters since March, when Boyds embarked upon its current expansion. The consultancy has created the new roles to further enhance its expertise and also expand the business, in response to a 25% surge in turnover and sustained growth in demand for its services across the UK, Europe and the US.
The Product Development team works collaboratively with Boyds’ in-house regulatory affairs, clinical operations and medical teams to support clients from the earliest stages of drug development, through clinical trials towards product approval and launch, working closely with regulators in the UK, European and US.
With over 19 years’ experience in clinical drug development, Dr. Shattock is a Project Management Professional (PMP)-qualified programme director and before joining Boyds, was Project Lead at Freeline for its lead gene therapy programme in Fabry Disease, and Project Manager on its Haemophilia B programme.
Diane has a wealth of programme management experience from her work across many therapeutic areas and all phases of drug development, including as Global Project Manager at Takeda and leading a collaborative Phase I-stage programme for an antibody therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis for Eisai and Morphotek.
Ian Hollingsworth is PMP qualified, and has over 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. His career began as a research chemist at AstraZeneca before his move into project managing early-stage programmes. Ian has managed projects in production facilities as well as transnational drug development programmes, and most recently the UK initiative to establish Advanced Therapy Treatment Centres (ATTC) across the NHS.
Following their appointments, Boyds’ Nick Meyers said: “I am delighted that Diane and Ian have joined the group. As well as their scientific expertise, they bring a wealth of development and programme management experience from previous R&D roles across the sector, and importantly, provide us with a significantly increased capacity to support our clients and their programmes.”
Professor Alan Boyd, who founded the consultancy in 2005, adds: “Boyds is committed to supporting the development of medicines for patient benefit.
“The number of companies approaching us for support and guidance with taking their idea through the discovery and development pathway, has grown again this year, and in particular there has been significant surge in the number of biotech’s and spinouts seeking our expertise. Not only do we have the experts to deliver the relevant support and guidance to companies that don’t have the expertise or resource in-house with which to take their idea through the pathway from discovery to commercialisation, but we may also be able to help save them time and money, particularly when involved from an early stage.”
Last month (September) Boyds opened a US office in Pennsylvania, which is headed by Katy Rudnick, Vice President and Head of US Regulatory Affairs.
Since Boyds was established, the company has worked with companies across the globe to help them translate their ideas into medicines for the benefit of patients. The company’s global reputation for its work in advanced therapies has led to a steady increase in the number of companies approaching Boyds for this expertise, with over 60% of the company’s client base now in the US.
Newly published business book supports Uganda charity
Nottinghamshire businesswoman Louise Third is using the publication of her new book ‘PR ON A BEERMAT’ to support a charity working in the Teso region of northeast Uganda. She will donate £1 of every book sold to give assistance to the Teso Development Trust (TDT) in its relief and development activities.
PR ON A BEERMAT is a guide to public relations aimed at freelancers, entrepreneurs, and owner-managers of growing businesses.
The author draws from over 30 years as a business adviser and PR consultant. “I decided it was time to capture in print the advice I share through my mentoring and online workshops,” she says. “Everyone can do PR. It’s simple once you understand the basics, but it must be done well.”
Louise has worked closely with Mike Southon and Chris West, authors of The Beermat Entrepreneur (Pearson 2018). Chris comments: “Louise’s book is the perfect lesson plan for every small outfit seeking to get heard amid all the noise out there. It should be part of the desk-top clutter of any office; pick it up, scribble in the margins, have a go.”
Central to the book are the stories of smaller firms who use publicity to get noticed. Firms such as TEA REX teas, outdoor clothing company Alpkit, Tuneless Choir, retailer The Bottle Top and Lindhurst Engineering. Journalists from The Daily Express, The Times, the Daily Mail, and city paper Nottingham Post guide the reader about how to work with the media.
Given the increasing importance of online publicity, Louise drew on the expertise of the multi-award-winning digital marketing company, Hallam.
Tom Bestwick, Hallam’s Content Marketing & PR Consultant, says: “PR has changed significantly over the last few years and its importance to organic growth and visibility on search engines, like Google, has only increased. There’s a big opportunity right now for savvy small businesses and entrepreneurs when it comes to standing out digitally. I can’t thank Louise enough for giving me the opportunity to support her with the writing of PR ON A BEERMAT. I hope our readers will take some fundamental golden PR-shaped nuggets away that will help them, their business or venture, thrive online.”
Louise adds: “We have created a new website www.pronabeermat.co.uk to gather stories, comments and ideas from readers who are experimenting with PR. I want to hear from anyone whose experience we can share, or who might like to be interviewed for our podcasts. Seeing the lessons from the book come to life through thriving small businesses will make all our work worthwhile.”
Chris West will host an online webinar between 6 pm – 7 pm on Wednesday 10th November with Louise and guests who appear in the book. They will chat about how they have used PR in their companies and will answer audience questions.
Robinson wins ‘Best Custom Packaging Solutions Provider’ at Midlands Enterprise Awards
Robinson – the manufacturer specialising in value-added custom packaging – has been named ‘Best Custom Packaging Solutions Provider’ at the 2021 Midlands Enterprise Awards.
Now running for four consecutive years, the Midlands Enterprise programme is created to acknowledge and award those SMEs of all different sizes covering a range of businesses and industries that are based within the Midlands. The region is often described as the beating heart of the British industry and is a strong force in opening new avenues and business opportunities to most SMEs.
Dr Helene Roberts, CEO at Robinson, says: “We are thrilled to be named Best Custom Packaging Solutions Provider. With nearly 200 years within the industry, we have a wealth of knowledge and expertise to provide our customers with customised solutions that meet their packaging needs.
Roberts continues: “Being an independent business, it gives us the advantage of being highly adaptive and flexible, our in-house team can help develop sustainable packaging formats, introduce innovative features and designs, or refine functionality, to make sure our customers meet their goals.”
The awards are given solely on merit and are awarded to commend those most deserving for their ingenuity and hard work, distinguishing them from their competitors and proving them worthy of recognition.
Awards Coordinator Dean Taylor commented: “I am incredibly proud of all of the winners this year and would like to congratulate them on achieving so much. It has been a pleasure managing this programme and I wish all the winners the best of luck for their future endeavours!”
