Barber shop hits ‘best apprentice employer’ list for third year

Stuart Pearcey
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Barber shop hits ‘best apprentice employer’ list for third year
Less Than Zero Barbers in Chesterfield has been recognised as one of the UK’s best apprentice employers, for the third year in a row. The company has been named in the Institute For Apprenticeships Top 50 SME employer list for the company’s commitment to its team. The list celebrates England’s outstanding SME apprenticeship employers, recognising their commitment to creating new apprenticeships, the diversity of their apprentices, and the number of apprentices who successfully achieve their apprenticeships. The rankings are produced annually by the Department for Education, in partnership with High Fliers Research, who independently assess and rank the nation’s top apprenticeship employers Martin Wallis-Keyworth the owner of Less Than Zero said: “We have always taken the formal training of new and existing staff extremely important and have always ensured people not only grow in the barbering skills but also in other skills such as training, assessing and teaching and have all those skills in the business to NVQ L5.” “We have formulated a strategy and business plan to expand the business further and this will be achieved by leveraging the amazing team we have and their new skill set and also will help us grow a larger talent pool to help in that expansion. We would be unable to this if it hadn’t been for the training and development of the team.” Caroline Larissey, Chief Executive National Hair and Beauty Federation added: “It’s fantastic to see one of our NHBF members being recognised in the Top 50 SME Employer list for the third consecutive year. Having previously worked alongside Martin in the trailblazer groups for the Barbering apprenticeship, I have first hand experience of his commitment to excellence and professional development. “Less Than Zero Barbers’ consistent appearance on this prestigious list is a testament to their unwavering dedication to team growth and the barbering profession as a whole. Their approach to investing in their staff’s skills, not just in barbering but also in training, assessing, and teaching, sets a remarkable example for our industry.”

Ashfield businesses encouraged to apply for grants of up to £30,000

Tess Egginton
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Ashfield businesses encouraged to apply for grants of up to £30,000
Growing and innovative businesses are being encouraged to apply for grants of up to £30,000 from Ashfield District Council. The grants can be used to create jobs or bring new products to market. Businesses can also use it to invest in new technologies, processes or measures to improve productivity, and support improvements to commercial premises including internal refurbishments and shop fronts. Funding is part of Ashfield District Council’s £3.2million UK Shared Prosperity Fund which has been channelled into three distinct business grant schemes:
  • Enterprise Development Grant – up to £6,000 or 75% of eligible project costs
  • Hucknall Shop Front Improvement Scheme – up to £9,600 or 80% of eligible project costs
  • Ashfield Accelerator Grant – up to £30,000 or 50% of eligible project costs
These grants are open to any existing small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) located within Ashfield. Businesses can apply for the funding up to 31 October 2024, and if successful grants will be awarded within 3-weeks of a full application being received. Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead Member for Growth, Regeneration and Local Planning, who approved the funding, said: “We are delighted to once again be in a position of encouraging local businesses to invest in Ashfield. “We are particularly keen to hear from enterprises that want to grow or expand, helping to create new jobs and invest in technology and processes for the future. Ashfield is a great place to do business, and we want to encourage more small and medium sized businesses to apply for these grants that can help unlock their full potential.”

Leveraging expertise is prescription as skin doctor meets the spin doctor

Tess Egginton
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Leveraging expertise is prescription as skin doctor meets the spin doctor

Nottingham-based thought leadership specialist, Press For Attention PR, has been retained by Eudai Clinic to bolster its reputation as a doctor-led medical aesthetics specialist. Eudai Clinic is based in Beeston, with clients across the UK and as far afield as the Channel Islands, seeking medically approved and accredited products and services to support healthier lifestyles, vitality and wellbeing. It is led by Doctor Dimitri Vichas (Dr Dimi), a Harley Street trained medical aesthetics specialist who studied at the University of Nottingham and still works within the NHS in the city. Eudai Clinic has been working with Press For Attention PR on safety campaigns as the warm weather entices sun seekers and has already benefited from national coverage after a controversial “DIY SPF” social media post was debunked and warned against by Dr Dimi. Press For Attention PR has been retained to leverage Eudai Clinic and Dr Dimi’s personal brand and champion the need for regulation of the industry, as founder Greg Simpson explains: “Pop on any popular social media platform or ask ‘Dr Google’ and there are some very misleading and downright dangerous pieces of content that get into the media. “It isn’t our job to police cyberspace but it is our job to help the media question such claims. There is a wider debate about regulation of the industry, which is crawling at a snail’s pace and that does not help those customers so for now, I am proud to be helping Dr Dimi to provide this critical advice and to offer balance and objectivity to the media.” Dr Dimi, who specialises in all areas of medical aesthetics and longevity and is fully licensed to provide and use medical grade products, said: “From the subtle artistry of dermal fillers to the transformative effects of micro-needling, our treatments are meticulously designed to address specific concerns, ensuring that every patient receives a bespoke experience tailored to their unique needs. “However, this is not the case across the board in our industry and as a doctor that is led by patient safety, we need to ensure the public knows the fact from the fiction. Some of it is harmless, it just won’t work, however bold the messaging or big the budgets. However, there is some advice that is simply dangerous and by working with Press For Attention PR I can be that trusted resource for an increasingly busy media that needs an expert opinion.”

Record first half for Journeo

Tess Egginton
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Record first half for Journeo

Journeo, a provider of information systems and technical services to transport operators and local authorities, has hailed a record first half.

According to a trading update for the six months ended 30 June 2024 (H1 2024), Journeo had a strong H1 2024, with total group revenue increasing by 17% to £25.6m and adjusted profit before tax increasing by 54% to £2.8m.

Looking ahead, revenue for the full year is expected to be approximately £50m, marginally ahead of current market expectations, with adjusted profit before tax expected to be £0.4m ahead at £4.8m.

Russ Singleton, Chief Executive of Journeo plc, said: “The record performance in H1 2024 and the uplift in sales order intake reflect the success of Journeo’s strategy to harness government-backed growth opportunities in the transport industry.

“There is increasing recognition by our target client base of our expertise in delivering leading-edge solutions that meet the challenges of increasing the number and quality of journeys using public transport.

“We continue to listen to our customers and invest in the research and development of future technologies and software, focusing on high performance, reliability, and sustainability.”

Council leader raises rail freight concerns to new government

Tess Egginton
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Council leader raises rail freight concerns to new government
Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council’s leader has written to the new Labour Secretary of Transport, Louise Haigh MP, and new Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, inviting them to meet to discuss a major rail freight scheme.
The controversial scheme, proposed for the outskirts of Hinckley, from developers Tritax Symmetry is earmarked for 650 acres of land outside Hinckley and close to Burbage Common. Previously, councillors and campaigners have raised concerns about the “permanent blight” this development would have on Burbage Common as well as the impact on residents and businesses with thousands of extra daily heavy good vehicle movements and an extra additional half a million vehicle movements per year the development is poised to generate in and around the area. Due to the size of the proposed development, it is classed as a ‘Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project’ with the planning decision due to be made by the Secretary of State for Transport after a recommendation made by the Planning Inspectorate. The Council leader’s letter sets out the concerns the Borough Council and residents have raised about the proposed scheme including:
  • Lack of meaningful community engagement and consultation on the proposals
  • Impact on Burbage Common and woods which he said would have a devastating impact on the common and people’s ability to enjoy the peaceful open space it provides.
  • The huge impact of the 30m high units proposed resulting in the loss of open countryside that separates the village from the motorway, blighting the landscape forever
  • The impact of the A47 link road proposed on the Green Wedge separating Hinckley/Burbage from Barwell and Earl Shilton
  • Major concerns over the traffic gridlocking local roads at peak times and particularly on the A5
  • The significant implications on the local highway network in the event of an incident on the M69
  • No confidence in the delivery of the proposed sustainable transport strategy, particularly for connecting Hinckley, Barwell and Earl Shilton employees to the development.
Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council leader, Councillor Stuart Bray said: “I see very little benefit in this scheme. There are no shortage of haulage and warehousing jobs in this part of Leicestershire and the impact of the noise, light and traffic on the surrounding towns and villages will be huge. “That’s why I’ve invited the new Deputy PM and the new Secretary of State for Transport to visit the area to discuss the proposals with us and see for themselves the major logistics developments in this area. “We would love to showcase the alternative exciting growth opportunities offered by our existing major logistics developments such as DPD’s UK and International hubs along with MIRA technology park and the new National Conservation and Science Centre at Twycross Zoo and demonstrate why the Rail Freight proposal is so unpopular with our local residents.”

Plans submitted for up to 95 new homes in Croft

Tess Egginton
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Plans submitted for up to 95 new homes in Croft
Bellway Strategic Land is seeking planning permission for up to 95 new homes in Croft. An outline planning application has been submitted to Blaby District Council for an 11-acre site at Croft Lodge Farm, off Broughton Road, to the south of the village. The application includes plans for 25 per cent affordable housing, with some properties to be provided under the Government’s First Homes scheme, whereby buyers who meet certain criteria can get between 30 and 50 per cent off the market value. If approved, the homes will be built by Bellway’s East Midlands housebuilding division, which is based in Leicester. The design for the site features a collection of energy-efficient new homes with electric vehicle charging points. The proposed development would include new footpaths into the centre of the village, a new bus stop on Broughton Road, land for nature and biodiversity enhancements, a children’s play area and a new entrance for the Sunday car boot market. Details of the financial contributions the developer will make towards local infrastructure and facilities, including the parish council’s proposed new village hall, would be confirmed as part of a planning agreement with the local authority. Bellway Strategic Land carried out a public consultation exercise in the village in April. This followed earlier engagement with Blaby District Council and Croft Parish Council. Feedback from the public consultation highlighted the desire for affordable new homes with eco-friendly features such as solar panels, the need for improved local facilities and the retention of the popular Sunday car boot market. Matt Smith, Strategic Land Manager at Bellway, said: “Blaby has a shortfall in its housing supply across the district and Croft is a sustainable village for a development of this size. “As part of the planning process, following pre-app consultation with the district council, we reached out to the parish council and local residents for their views on our plans. This valuable feedback has helped to shape the proposals to ensure there are meaningful benefits to the community. “We are proposing to deliver an attractive and sustainable development with green spaces at its heart. There will be landscaped open spaces including a children’s play area and existing trees will be retained to create a buffer to protect woodland to the south of the site. Additional land will be set aside for nature and new habitats to increase biodiversity. “We have worked closely with the planning team at Bellway East Midlands and their localised expertise made an important contribution to our proposals.”

Belper heritage building to be given new lease of life

Tess Egginton
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Belper heritage building to be given new lease of life
A local business owner has taken steps to purchase their own office accommodation in Belper town centre in one of the town’s most prominent heritage buildings. Martyn and Claire Jones, business owners of Claire’s School Solutions, currently occupy an office in Unity Mill House but have taken the opportunity to create their own modern office by renovating The Old School House. William Speed of Salloway Property Consultants, who acted on behalf of a private client, was encouraged to see the property being repurposed for an alternative use. “It’s great to see a heritage building such as The Old School House being repurposed to provide a different occupational use. “Heritage buildings such as this sometimes fall by the wayside and can blight a town centre, I have full faith in Martyn being able to bring this property back to life and making it a highlight of Belper town centre!” The Old School House, located on Green Lane in Belper, has been a long-established landmark building in the community since its original construction. Originally serving as an educational institution, the property has been repurposed over the years to include uses such as a restaurant, pub and bar. The property has not been consistently occupied for a number of years now with the new purchasers hoping to breathe a new lease of life into the building. Martyn and Claire Jones, the new owners, were delighted with the purchase and are looking forward to the project ahead: “We’re really excited to give a new lease of life to this prominent and historic building. “Our plans involve renovating the whole property to provide modern office accommodation. We will occupy part of the accommodation ourselves and the remaining office accommodation will be available to rent in the future.”

Forterra sees drop in revenue and profit in “challenging market conditions”

Tess Egginton
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Forterra sees drop in revenue and profit in “challenging market conditions”
With a dip in revenue and profit, Forterra, the manufacturer of clay and concrete building products, has hailed “a solid performance in the first half of 2024, despite a continuing backdrop of challenging market conditions.” For the six months ended 30 June 2024, group revenue stood at £162.1m, down from £183.2m in the same period of 2023. Meanwhile, the firm posted an adjusted profit before tax of £9.1m, dropping from £19.2m. It comes as UK brick industry despatches in the first half of the year are estimated to have fallen approximately 9% relative to the prior period, with Forterra’s own brick despatches in line with this. Moreover, competitive market conditions are restricting the business’s ability to implement its planned price increases.

Neil Ash, Chief Executive Officer, said: “The Group delivered a solid performance in the first half of 2024, despite a continuing backdrop of challenging market conditions. Decisive management actions assisted in producing a result in line with our expectations and a better than expected net debt position at the period end.

“We are encouraged by the new Government’s focus on significantly increasing housing supply which will clearly provide medium to long-term structural benefits for Forterra. 

“While the short-term outlook remains challenging, as we look further ahead the Group is well positioned to capitalise on the recovery of our key markets as it occurs.”

Games Workshop reports best results in its history

Tess Egginton
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Games Workshop reports best results in its history
Nottingham-based manufacturer of miniature wargames, Games Workshop has reported the best results in its history. According to the company’s annual report for the 53 week period to 2 June 2024, revenue soared to £525.7m, up from £470.8m in the year prior. Profit before tax, meanwhile, grew to £203m, up from £170.6m.

Kevin Rountree, CEO of Games Workshop said: “After a record year, we will continue to focus on the things in our control. We have a very clear strategy, which remains unchanged, a detailed operational plan for the year ahead and a great team to deliver it.

“I wish to thank our staff, customers, trade accounts and broader stakeholders for their ongoing support. Exciting times.”

Law firm chooses Derby for expansion

Tess Egginton
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Law firm chooses Derby for expansion
Fishers Solicitors has opened a new office in Derby’s Pride Park as part of its expansion plans across the East Midlands. The firm, which already has a number of Derby-based commercial and private clients, has moved into offices at Oberoi Business Hub and are already planning to take further space in line with their ongoing recruitment drive. Fishers Solicitors’ co-director and head of residential property, Amanda Payne, explained: “Having been established in Ashby for nearly 200 years and, with an office in Tamworth, we were looking for new locations in the East Midlands. “Derby was the natural choice. This is a thriving and growing city and we were particularly keen to be based in Pride Park which continues to attract a wide range of new and growing businesses which we can support through our commercial and private client services. “Oberoi Business Hub is also the ideal location as it is easily accessible, offers free parking for clients and has a range of further office accommodation to support our growth plans.” Oberoi Business Hub manager Jodie Brady continued: “Fishers Solicitors are the perfect fit for us – a growing professional services business who require a prestigious serviced office location and address with their sights set on growth.” Founder and Managing Director Kavita Oberoi OBE concluded: “We understand the legal world having supported a number of solicitors with our back office services including call handling so we are delighted to welcome Fishers Solicitors to the Oberoi business community.”
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