Connected Data secures £600k
East Midlands-based venture, Connected Data, has secured private equity funding thanks to an investment round led by EMBA Investors Ltd (previously East Midlands Business Angels).
EMBA Investors Ltd is a network of UK and international business angels that has been investing in well managed innovative businesses and teams with strong growth potential for nearly 25 years.
Their decision to invest in Connected Data was driven by the company’s innovative and disruptive approach to debt management and its vision to transform the way debt is managed, enabling fairer, more positive outcomes for those in debt.
Tom Yardley, Managing Director of EMBA Investors Ltd, said: “Never has there been a more important time for organisations to focus on how they better address the growing levels of debt and ensure the fair treatment of those in debt. A more effective approach was sorely needed and the Connected Data model is answering that need.
“We were impressed by the experienced management team and their unique model, which promises a faster, easier, more connected approach than the market has seen before. Not only are they passionate that debt can be prevented and reduced across any organisation, they are already delivering results for major clients.
“The fact that they have also secured the support and partnership of ten of the UK’s leading data providers, demonstrates the strength and potential of their approach. We expect Connected Data’s approach will have a positive societal impact.”
Connected Data is currently working with customers in the water, energy, financial services and debt management sectors. This investment will enable Connected Data to grow its team and expand its portfolio into more sectors. It will also enable Connected Data to accelerate the further enhancement of its proprietary debt management data fabric.
Kirk Fletcher, CEO of Connected Data, says: “We are delighted and excited to have secured investment with EMBA Investors Ltd. They’ve been very effective to engage with and we believe they are the right investors for our business.
“They share our belief that debt prevention needs transforming and merits more focus across all organisations. This investment will be key to helping us accelerate our impact. We look forward to working closely with EMBA Investors Ltd and transforming the way debt is managed.”
£8.6m boost for Leicester’s Pilot House regeneration plans
Plans to redevelop a cluster of heritage buildings into a home for creative businesses in Leicester city centre have received a boost from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
The Government announced on Wednesday (27 Oct) that Leicester City Council’s bid for funding had been successful, with £8.6m allocated to the Pilot House regeneration project – that’s 75% of the total budget required for the scheme.
The news means that plans to refurbish the council-owned site on King Street into a hub for start-up and growing businesses can now go ahead, subject to planning permission.
Under the council’s proposals, Pilot House would be sensitively transformed to provide a central courtyard and atrium for shared use, a business zone for technical and digital businesses, and a co-working lounge.
Existing industrial features, including parquet flooring and exposed brick and beams, would be retained and a new entrance into the courtyard would be created from King Street.
The five separate but interconnected buildings on site would be transformed into 60,000 sq ft of high quality accommodation that would support around 250 new jobs.
City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “This project will transform a group of architecturally significant heritage buildings into a landmark destination that will become a source of pride for Leicester.
“Not only will it contribute to the wider regeneration of the Belvoir Street, Market Street and New Walk areas, and complement exciting new developments like the Gresham Building, but it will also create and support hundreds of high quality new jobs.
“I want to congratulate council officers, whose hard work and successful bids have helped attract millions of pounds for Leicester from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. This new investment will give a huge boost to the city’s growth and economic recovery.”
The Pilot House scheme would support training and skills development, including higher education programmes, meetings and events. It would be a permanent base for businesses of varying sizes, from graduate start-ups to established firms, and of varying types – including craft makers and design practices.
It would also provide the skilled roles that would encourage graduates from Leicester’s two universities to remain in the city when their studies are over.
Simon Bradbury, Pro Vice Chancellor, Dean, Faculty of Arts, Design and Humanities at De Montfort University, said: “De Montfort University is committed to working in partnership with the city to bring forward projects that provide opportunities for training and employment.
“We are delighted that Pilot House has been successful and will offer opportunities particularly for small and medium size businesses in the creative industries, including for our graduates. Working with the city we hope to bring partners in the Fashion and Heritage sector to Pilot House to support specialist training in these industries.”
Subject to planning permission, work could start on site in early 2023, with the building open for business from spring 2024.
The city council has committed £2.8m towards the £11.4m Pilot House project.
In total, Leicester City Council was successful in bidding for over £45.6million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. The money will fund three major projects that will support the city’s economic recovery and growth, and help create hundreds of new jobs.
Along with the £8.6m for Pilot House, the city council has been awarded £17.6m to transform the entrance to Leicester’s historic railway station, and £19.4m for three projects in and around Pioneer Park and Exploration Drive, complementing the University of Leicester’s Space Park development.
The Government’s Levelling Up Fund is designed to finance long-term, significant capital projects that create jobs, encourage new investment and enable businesses to grow.
Digital Ready for Work passport set to be unveiled following £30k donation
A digitised version of a ‘passport’ that helps young people prepare for the world of employment will launch this month thanks to a £30,000 donation by The Nottingham.
The ThinkForward charity’s Ready for Work (R4W) Passport app allows post-16s to evidence work-readiness in areas such as preparing a CV, interview practice, opening a bank account, volunteering experience and demonstrating email and telephone skills.
Young people who create an online R4W account can track their progress in those areas, as well as having access to the helpful careers support and resources available within The Nottingham’s Career Academy.
The R4W Passport will be further developed next year to include more external careers content and resources, the functionality to upload a CV to the platform and a passport completion certificate that can be used in job applications and interviews.
Lukas, 16, took part in a focus group that tested the app and provided feedback, and was impressed with what he experienced and the viability of the digital R4W Passport as a vehicle to employment.
He said: “The passport is easy to navigate and helps you have something to prepare you for higher education or your career, and to track your progress. It will help me prepare for the world of work because having an updated, good CV is really important too.”
Some of the young people involved in ThinkForward projects in Nottingham – all of whom will have access to the R4W passport soon – joined Progression Coaches and The Nottingham’s Head of People and Development, Anne Leivers, at a VIP event to celebrate the passport.
Held at the National Ice Centre, the home of the Nottingham Panthers ice hockey team, the group enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime chance to watch the Panthers players train and took part in a careers-based Q&A session with Director of Hockey Gui Doucet and club support staff.
Anne explained: “It was a really inspiring event and extremely valuable for the young people as it gave them a unique opportunity to ask questions and receive valuable, real-world, careers advice against the exciting and inspiring world of sport.
“We also discussed the digital Ready for Work passport that our donation has helped bring to life and it was fantastic to hear such enthusiasm for it.
“It’s been really well received and it’s great to hear that the young people who have helped to pilot it as well as those who will access it soon are excited about how it will aid their employment aims and ambitions, whatever career paths they ultimately decide to take.”
ThinkForward’s Development Manager Aimee Pickering added: “We’re really excited about the app, which will empower young people to take ownership of their Ready for Work passports – enabling them to see and track their progress.
“It will support young people as they prepare for the world of work and strengthen our digital capabilities as an organisation. Our partnership with The Nottingham is inspiring young people’s career goals. Events like the day at Panthers encourage young people to see how their skills can be applied to a range of work settings, such as through business roles within sport.”
Later this month the R4W Passport will be rolled out to 325 participants across the country involved in ThinkForward’s FutureMe and MoveForward programmes, ahead of being available to more young people in 2022 and beyond.
As well as facilitating the R4W Passport, The Nottingham’s £30,000 donation means 300 young people aged 13-18 taking part in ThinkForward’s five-year coaching programme in six secondary schools in Nottingham* can undertake R4W programme activities, including business mentoring and digital confidence sessions.
New appointment as Head of Finance joins expanding Jigsaw24
Leading B2B technology solutions provider Jigsaw24 has appointed the former Head of Product & Marketing Finance at Pentland Brands, Dave Bull, as its Head of Finance.
Jigsaw24 are specialists in IT services and solutions to customers across sectors including enterprise, education and media and broadcast. In this new role Dave will be responsible for helping the company improve their business and financial planning through their next phase of growth.
A University of Birmingham graduate, who later qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant, Dave worked in several different industries including soft drinks, aerospace and oil and gas, predominantly in finance roles focussing on business partnering, commercial finance, analysis and planning.
Most recently at Pentland, Dave worked as part of the Speedo brand leadership team as their Senior Finance Business Partner, with overall management of the brand’s financial performance and planning.
Later, as Head of Product & Marketing Finance, Dave worked across Pentland’s portfolio of sports, lifestyle and outdoor brands, which includes well known names such as Berghaus & Ellesse. In this role he had financial responsibility for the brand’s strategic planning, marketing investment and seasonal product range performance.
On his move to Jigsaw24 Dave said: “I’m delighted to be joining the company at such an exciting time. I know that finance will play a huge role in supporting Jigsaw24’s continued success and I’m looking forward to building upon the great finance structure already in place.
“Beyond the day-to-day management of the finance function, my key objective is to provide finance decision-support within the business to ensure we deliver long term profitable growth, with an emphasis on increased finance business partnering, strategic planning and performance analysis.”
Rob Hicking, CFO at Jigsaw24, said: “We have a fantastic platform for growth at Jigsaw24 and this new role is part of the next phase of development for our business.
“With a host of great opportunities and some exciting plans, it’s critical that we can support financial and commercial planning for the business and facilitate profitable, sustainable growth. Dave has a fantastic track record of helping businesses in this way and I’m delighted to welcome him to the Jigsaw24 team.”
Take steps towards net zero at Midlands Machinery Show
The environment is an ever-increasing consideration for farmers, with payments favouring practices to benefit wildlife, water and carbon sequestration. And visitors to the Midlands Machinery Show on 9-10 November can find out how to make steps towards net zero as well as the opportunities available.
NFU East Midlands is holding its annual environment conference entitled, ‘Carbon – opportunity, not problem’ on the first day of the Midlands Machinery Show. Covering a range of technical topics from carbon audits to practical sequestration options, the seminar programme is sure to provide something for everyone, says show manager Elizabeth Halsall. “It’s a great opportunity to hear from farmers taking active steps towards reducing their carbon footprint and quiz speakers on how to make net zero work on their own farm.”
NFU vice president Tom Bradshaw says: “The conference is taking place in the week of COP 26; we’re picking up the net zero challenge and exploring how we, as an industry, can lead the way in helping to get towards net zero.
“We need to improve our productivity to reduce our environmental footprint – and farmers need to be world leaders in terms of carbon footprint. Feeding the population is always going to have an impact, we’re never going to produce food without having any emissions whatsoever, but we need to minimise that impact.”
Carbon calculators can be the first step on the net zero road, and will be the focus of a seminar by NFU livestock advisor, Harriet Henrick. “Everyone’s net zero journey has to start somewhere, but for most that can seem pretty daunting in itself,” she says.
“I hope to do a bit of myth busting and talk people through what different calculators have to offer and which one might be right for you – depending on your available information and what you want out of it.” The main calculators being discussed will be the Cool Farm Tool, Farm Carbon Calculator and AgreCalc; these are all free and available to anyone, although she will touch on some paid for options.
“I believe there are options out there to meet most farmers’ needs, however, these calculators are constantly being updated to account for innovations and new technology in the industry. At the end of the day the volume of CO2 equivalent emitted per kg of product isn’t the most important part; highlighting areas where changes can be made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on farm is.”
Two farmers will also offer their perspectives on how the process towards net zero actually works on their livestock and arable farms, respectively.
Carbon offsetting could provide new income opportunities and is the subject of the final seminar by Bruno Gardner, managing director of NFU Enzero. “Net zero represents a fantastic opportunity for agriculture, with farmers and growers brilliantly placed to both contribute to and benefit from the transition,” says Mr Gardner.
“Investing in renewable energy makes increasingly good business sense and is a great way to reduce carbon emissions. Demand for carbon offsets looks set to grow, and agriculture could be well placed to meet this demand,” he adds “I’ll share our latest thinking on the potential opportunities for farmers, as well as the key risks and uncertainties they need to be aware of.”
Loughborough software provider acquires Derby firm
The Access Group, a provider of business management software to mid-market organisations, has acquired Isys, a Derby and Horsham-based organisation offering management software solutions designed to support a range of industries throughout waste management, aggregate and material sales to dairy and food services.Isys was founded in 1979 with the aim of providing administrative and back-office solutions across the sector, recently adding web and mobile solutions to its portfolio, to support its growing customer base.Brendan Flattery, Managing Director of Access ERP, said: “Access ERP already has a strong footprint in many emerging, high growth sectors in the UK such as construction, manufacturing and facilities management, offering industry-leading solutions supported with core business management software, serving over 9,000 Access customers across the UK, US, Australia and New Zealand.
“We’re keen to add new and innovative software solutions such as Isys to the Access portfolio, which are tailor-made to support the growth of key industry sectors. With its focus on waste management in the UK, Isys is a perfect fit for our growing ERP solution set. We are really excited to be welcoming the Isys team into the Access Group.”Richard Bowers, Managing Director, and Chris Kings, sales director, of Isys will be staying on at Access as members of the ERP leadership team.Richard said: “Joining Access gives Isys a new level of expertise in the provision of integrated software solutions, an acceleration of our product development and allows our customers the opportunity to explore an even wider range of business solutions from one provider.“My journey with Isys started over 27 years ago. I’m really excited to be joining Brendan and the team as part of the Access ERP business.”Chris said: “Becoming part of The Access Group gives Isys many exciting opportunities. Our clients will see increased investment and development that will see our products flourish.”
Leicestershire property consultancy awarded position on £500m government framework
An Ashby-headquartered property consultancy has been awarded a position on a £500m government framework.
Fisher German has been named as a supplier on the Crown Commercial Services (CCS) Estate Management Services (EMS) framework.
The four-year framework gives public sector organisations access to a simplified means of sourcing end-to-end property management services, from consultancy to disposal.
Fisher German, which has 26 offices across the UK, has been appointed to three lots, and will deliver services in:
· Agency and Lease Management
· Surveying and Strategic Advice
· Valuation and Compulsory Purchase Orders
It further builds on the firm’s work with the public sector after Fisher German was awarded a place on the previous CCS framework running from 2017 to 2021.
Fisher German partner, Guy Hemus, who is leading on the framework within the firm, said: “Our appointment to the latest Estate Management Services framework demonstrates our wide-ranging expertise across the property sector.
“It also reflects the high level of service delivered during the previous framework, and we are proud to once again be able to offer this to the public sector. We have an extremely strong service offering which covers a wide geographical spread and is backed by extensive local knowledge.
“Being part of the previous framework was highly beneficial to the business, and we now look forward to continuing to work with our existing public sector clients while also building on this and developing relationships with other public sector organisations.”
Midlands shortlist revealed for IoD Director of the Year Awards
The Institute of Directors (IoD) has revealed the names of the business leaders shortlisted in its Director of the Year Awards 2021 for the Midlands.
The finalists represent the full spectrum and diversity of business and industry, from young entrepreneurs to experienced public and private sector leaders.
The winners will be revealed on 4 November at awards ceremonies at the Space Centre, Leicester and Grand Hotel, Birmingham.
Gary Headland, chair of IoD East Midlands, said: “It is great to be back, running our awards across the whole of the Midlands. Given the challenges of the pandemic, innovation and entrepreneurship shines through in all of our finalists.”
The shortlist is:
East Midlands
Derbyshire
Rachel Hayward, Derby Swap Shop
Matt Carson, EMCRC
Alex Roberts, Forest Holidays
Leicestershire
John Fennell, Rotherwood Healthcare
Emma Hallam, Alex’s Wish
Ian McKellar, Quantum Meruit Credit Management Ltd T/A Overdue Invoices
Bushra Ali, Bushra Ali Solicitors
Mark Robinson and Andy Rudkin, Creative 62
Anita Baldwin and Anna Geary, Get Savvy Club
Julie Jordan-Spence, Jordan Motors Ltd
Zinthiya Ganeshpanchan, Zinthiya Trust
Maria Peggs, Vispera
Karen Cureton, Cureton Consulting
Natalie Allen, NS Property Solvers
Mike Osborne, Focal Business Group
Lincolnshire
Tom Marsden, Lincoln College Group
Kerrin Wilson, Lincolnshire Police
Toby Ealden, Zest Theatre
Naomi Watkins-Ligudzinska, NW Counselling Hub CIC
Matthew McKeown, The EBP
Joe Verde, PSP IT Design and Development
Sarah Fairburn, Greater Lincolnshire LEP
Northamptonshire
Ashish Kumar, Web Alliance
Barry Tong, Stephensons Online
Nottinghamshire
Philip Brooks-Stephenson, Backlit
Stephen Goddard and Philip Brooks-Stephenson, KuKu Connect
Stephen Goddard, KuKu Connect
Lee Marshall, Viridis Building Services
Justin Donne, Autistic Nottingham
Sue Liburd, Abstract
Louisa Hackford-Gentle, Autistic Nottingham
Sam Hallett, Enable Life/Enable Future
Stacey Green, Freedom Foundation CIC
Matthew Chesney, Backlit
Daniel James, Hickman James
Matthew Bacon, TCC Casemix
West Midlands
Jane Sommerville, Bower & Jones
Adam Kiani, Personal Trainer, trading as PT Academy
Lee Wilcox, Electric House
Shameem Kazmi, Birmingham County Football Association (supported by Britvic PLC)
Kamran Saleem, MotorServe UK
Dan Thombs, Bystronicuk
Danny Wilson, Thermaright Hire Solutions
Marisa Firkins, Safety Forward
Andrew Thompson, Groundwork West Midlands
Dale Parmenter, DPRG
New enterprise and training centre opens in Chesterfield
A new centre has opened in Loundsley Green providing start-up businesses in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire with work spaces, meeting rooms, expert coaching and advice.
‘The Green’ is run by Loundsley Green Community Trust (LGCT) who have been operating the adjacent community centre (previously a church) for over 10 years.
One of the free services being delivered during that time has been an Enterprise Coaching programme, helping people to get back into work through self-employment.
Over the years that has helped over 60 people to start new businesses. Around 3 years ago the Trust looked at the Old Vicarage which was unoccupied for most of the time, and saw in it the potential to grow its support for people looking to get back into work.
The team behind the new business support centre overcame several hurdles before its opening, however the space now includes a large training room, a smaller meeting room, and five individual workspaces for use by new businesses.
The downstairs meeting and training spaces have been used to provide employability training to young people, health and safety training for people looking to work in construction, first aid training and a variety of meetings of local organisations.
An important feature of The Green is the continued support that will be provided for people looking to start new businesses, and additional funding has been received from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust to deliver a programme of training and coaching through 2021-22.
New business gateway manager appointed
The Business Gateway for Leicester and Leicestershire has appointed Rachel York to the role of Manager, taking over from Jon Egley who previously held the role. Rachel, who joined the Business Gateway in early October, is originally from Leicester and still lives in the county.
Prior to her appointment, Rachel worked as an Executive Officer at De Montfort University, with responsibility for the strategic oversight of both the Research and Enterprise directorates. Whilst working at De Montfort she studied for an MBA which supported her interest in strategy and policy development within Higher Education.
Rachel also lived and worked in Alberta, Canada for several years, working at the University of Lethbridge as a Governance Officer where she supported the Board of Governors and the Secretariat office.
Commenting on her appointment, Rachel said: “I am excited to have joined the Business Gateway because it is such a positive organisation and offers so much. It really is a one stop shop for a Leicestershire business facing any kind of challenge or opportunity and our Business Advisers are always ready to help. Right now, we are providing support to the fashion sector, the advanced manufacturing sector and Start-up businesses that were stalled by COVID. We’re also supporting around 100 businesses to go green as well as promoting innovation as a way for businesses to thrive and grow. I look forward to supporting many more businesses in the coming months.”
Sonia Baigent, Chair of the Business Gateway Board, added: “I am very pleased to welcome Rachel to the Business Gateway. The connections she brings from her role at DMU and her knowledge of local networks will help the Business Gateway build strong connections which will further benefit local businesses in getting the support they need.”
