First East Midlands Combined County Authority Mayor elected
Claire Ward (Labour and Cooperative Party) has been elected as the first East Midlands Combined County Authority Mayor with 181,040 total votes.
The mayor will lead the new East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), which will have access to more than £4 billion of new investment in the region for skills, transport, housing and regeneration and net zero – with further investment likely to follow.
The vote has been hailed as an “historic moment” in the region’s future which can turn round decades of under-investment.
It also means decisions about key issues affecting the future of people, places and businesses across the East Midlands will now be taken here in the region rather than down in Westminster.
The £4 billion investment has been made possible by a landmark devolution deal which means government has handed back some of its powers to an East Midlands mayor and combined county authority.
The East Midlands Chamber reacted warmly to the appointment, with Chief Executive Scott Knowles saying: “I’d like to extend my congratulations to Claire Ward as she takes on this new role of Combined County Authority mayor. I look forward to sharing insight with Claire into the needs of businesses in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire as this new chapter for the two counties unfolds.
“I wish Claire every success as Combined County Authority mayor and at East Midlands Chamber we stand ready to work with Claire in highlighting the key issues facing businesses in the East Midlands. While there is plenty of growth potential in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, the skills gap and the need for reform in areas like transport are ever present, as are the prohibitive costs of doing business.”
Nikki Paterson, CBI Regional Director for the Midlands, said: “Congratulations to Claire Ward and Richard Parker on their election as East and West Midlands Mayors respectively. After a difficult few years for people and businesses across the Midlands, there’s really no time to waste in getting the local economy firing once again.
“Delivering jobs, opportunity and prosperity has to be at the very top of the new mayors’ ‘to do’ lists. That means pressing ahead with ambitious plans to modernise the local economy and bring high growth sectors to the area.
“Advancing plans to build a Gigafactory at the Coventry Airport site and continuing to support high growth potential sectors, like tech and advanced manufacturing, would be two significant steps to achieving that goal.
“With East Midlands Hydrogen also representing the UK’s largest inland hydrogen cluster, we need to see greater collaboration between the mayors’ office and industry leaders to ensure we can fully capitalise on this incredible driver of growth.”
D2N2 LEP Chair, Elizabeth Fagan, said: “I warmly congratulate Claire on her successful election as our new East Midlands Mayor. I’m truly confident that Claire, our new mayor, will champion the voice of our hard-working, successful businesses, from micro, to SMEs, to global corporates, and ensure a strong economic and inward investment strategy for low carbon economic growth, skills, transport and housing. Our time is now.”
FIFA partnership with Loughborough University paves way for turf testing
A partnership involving Loughborough University and football’s governing body is hoped to improve the durability, safety and performance of artificial pitches.
FIFA have this week issued new testing methods and introduced new testing devices which will be used to assess artificial playing surfaces in line with the highest industry standards.
The changes are the first since 2015 – when the FIFA Test Manual for Football Turf was last updated.
Prof. Steph Forrester from the University’s Sports Technology Institute said: “With the development in artificial pitches since the standards were last updated, it was important that we assess the move in technology and implement a new foundation for testing to take place.
“More and more football is being played every week and these artificial surfaces need to be able to handle it.
“As part of the FIFA Football Turf Technical Advisory Group, we’ve worked incredibly closely with FIFA and Labosport to finalise these new tests which looks to ensure pitch quality across the globe whilst developing new, safe and sustainable innovations and technologies.”
Work at the University led the development of a new advanced artificial athlete algorithm – providing a comprehensive insight into the surface’s performance by measuring peak shock absorption, peak deformation, and energy return – and a lighter and more advanced rotational traction athlete test – providing a deeper understanding of the surface’s rotational traction characteristics.
High-tech Lincolnshire agricultural initiatives win financial backing from Government
Two high-tech agricultural businesses in Lincolnshire have been offered funding from a national £7.5 million pot to support innovation and growth.
An automated blueberry harvesting project led by Eyre Trailers in Coningsby, in partnership with the University of Lincoln, and a daffodil harvesting scheme at C Wright and Son in Gedney have each been offered around £300,000 as a share of £1.84m awarded to 12 projects across the east of England.
The money has come from the new Launchpads programme managed by Innovate UK which offers small and medium enterprises (SMEs) grants from £25,000 to £300,000 for R&D and innovation projects that focus on agrifood.
The Eastern England Launchpad is being supported by the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils.
Ten other successful projects across the area include novel biological defences against aphids, enhancing the fibre content of food and drink products, enhancements in crop breeding, and creating new types of plant-based food packaging.
The objective of the Eyre Trailers automated blueberry harvesting project, which stands to secure £299,693, is to develop and demonstrate a fully automatic machine for harvesting blueberries, one of the UK’s most important soft fruit crops.
The proposed machine will be fully automatic and will feature new berry removal and bush gripper systems. It will be designed to remove berries from the bush by the use of innovative shaking systems and should be available for widescale deployment by UK growers next year.
Blueberries are now the second largest soft fruit sold in the UK, with the industry expanding to meet demand, but still only has a 7% share of the market.
“We’re very privileged to have been offered the grant and to be working with the University of Lincoln, and we’re looking forward to bringing the project to fruition,” said Bob Eyre from Eyre Trailers. “Without this grant it would be difficult to bring this product to market, so we’re really grateful.
“Blueberry harvesting is very labour-intensive as growers are completely reliant on hand-picking. Finding the workers to do it is difficult and expensive, so everybody is looking to reduce the labour costs and make the job more viable. Currently lots of fruit is left unpicked because the growers can’t find the labour for the harvest.
“By the end of the project we aim to be manufacturing a machine that’s fit for purpose and that satisfies the blueberry growers. It will be quite a big growth area for us and it could really rejuvenate our business.”
The daffodil harvesting project, which has been offered £299,985, is being led by Autopickr in Cambridge with Lincolnshire grower C Wright & Son as a partner.
Horticulture has traditionally offered growers high incomes from small areas of land, but the total land area used for horticulture has declined by 15% since 2020.
To combat shortages of labour and high labour costs the project will develop a multi-functional robotic platform capable of horticultural tasks that cannot be automated using simple machines like tractors or harvesters.
An asparagus harvester has already been developed and will launch in the next three years, and growers have highlighted the fact that flower production, specifically daffodils, is another promising area in which to develop robotic capabilities.
The daffodil picker will feature a sophisticated robotic arm, a platform weighing less than 45kg, and an artificial vision system to recognise picked flowers for the arm to collect and transport.
Success in this project will lower labour costs for English growers and reduce barriers to the growth of daffodil production, which is a lucrative export market for growers.
“We are very pleased to have received funding for this project,” said Adam Cunnington from C Wright & Son. “Labour is getting hard to come by and any method of automating our harvest has to be the way forward. We have every faith in the project delivering automation to a much needed harvest operation.”
83% of all website customers did this before buying…
Over the past six months, local video production company Glowfrog have been collaborating closely with White Knight Appliances to create product videos for each appliance showcased on their website, with the aim being not only to enhance SEO and drive traffic to the site, but also to increase sales conversions.
Mr Bulgacs, the director of White Knight Appliances, observed remarkable results following the implementation of these product videos.
“Having seen a significant uplift in sales after integrating the videos onto our website – indeed selling out of one particular fridge-freezer within just four days – we decided to monitor customer behaviour closely,” he explained.
“What we discovered was that a staggering 83% of all purchases were made by people who had viewed the corresponding product video. Combine this with the fact that sales increased so rapidly and I can only conclude that these product videos have been even more powerful than I’d hoped.”
This revelation underscores the profound impact that video marketing can have on consumer behaviour and purchasing decisions. Matt, director at Glowfrog, said: “We are delighted to see such tangible results for our client. This is yet another example of how video marketing can really help businesses to boost sales and enhance brand visibility.”
If you’re looking to increase sales on your website, Glowfrog Video Production can help you by producing outstanding and effective product videos.
Website: www.glowfrogvideo.com
Phone: 01332 492 465
Email: hello@glowfrogvideo.com
High street records fifth month of negative in-store sales
In-store sales fell by -1.7% in April, which is the fifth consecutive month of negative results, according to new data from BDO’s High Street Sales Tracker.
BDO’s data, which records sales across discretionary spend categories, highlighted that while overall sales, combining both online and in-store, remained flat at +0.4% in April, it was the performance of high street stores which brought the overall figure down.
This drop is primarily due to a significant fall in sales in the fashion sector, with in-stores sales down -8.3% compared to April 2023.
The fashion sector’s poor performance means that it has now recorded eight consecutive months of negative in-store sales.
The homewares sector also saw a negative in-store result, with sales down -1.5%. However, online sales provided a small boost, increasing +8.2% in April, bringing the homewares overall total to +1.8% year on year.
The lifestyle sector was the only category to record positive in-store and non-store sales figures last month, also recording +1.8% increase compared to 2023. In-store sales grew by +3.4% whilst non-store increased by +5.8%.
Sophie Michael, head of Retail and Wholesale at BDO, said: “This is yet another disappointing set of results for the retail sector. While an increase in online sales may offer a glimmer of hope, it’s clear that consumers are simply not spending their spare cash on the high street.
“The fashion sector will be particularly concerned by such a poor sales performance in the run up to summer. Unpredictable and unseasonably cold weather may have dampened the mood of shoppers who would usually be investing in their spring and summer wardrobe.”
Sophie continued: “The competition for the consumer purse has never been fiercer. With us recording a seventh consecutive month of negative or <1% growth for discretionary spend categories, retailers should be realistic in thinking this may not be a temporary trend.
“Those who want to succeed must acknowledge that the competition is not just with other retailers but with the hospitality, leisure and travel sectors, with many choosing ‘experiences’ over products. If sales continue to fall, it may mean we see more consolidation in the sector, more empty stores, and a real risk to a crucial part of the UK economy.”
MEC’s acoustic team bolstered with new associate
A new associate has been appointed at Midlands technical consultancy, MEC Consulting Group, enabling the firm’s Acoustic team to expand its services.
Martin Hamer joins MEC as associate acoustic consultant, bringing with him over two decades of experience, including most recently as a director of a specialist acoustic consultancy employing ten staff.
A full corporate member of the Institute of Acoustics (IOA), Martin has worked on hospitality, healthcare, education, commercial and residential developments across the UK. His appointment means MEC can now offer building acoustic design and compliance testing for developers, housebuilders and architects, complementing existing environmental-based services.
“I was attracted to the role with MEC because of their strong reputation in residential development and felt this aligned well with my skillset,” said Martin. “After conversations with Alex it became clear the company has entered an exciting new phase and there would be opportunities to support the growth of the acoustics side of the business.
“Part of my role is to manage and mentor our teams in Leicester and Birmingham, which have a wealth of talent, as well as bring in new professionals as our work increases. With the Midlands’ property sector especially active, I’m confident our building acoustic design service will positively support new build sites and conversion projects across the region,” adds Martin.
MEC’s Managing Director, Alex Bennett concludes: “Acoustics are a critical part of any development planning and early engagement with a specialist can significantly help streamline a project.
“As demand for our work in this field has increased, the timing was right to recruit an experienced professional who could not only immediately add value for our clients but could also act as a mentor for the next generation. Martin’s credentials made him the standout candidate and we’re delighted to welcome him to the team.”
Council successful in purchase of former B&M site as part of major transformation plans
Boston Borough Council have been successful in purchasing the former B&M site at the heart of the proposed Rosegarth Square development.
This strategic move empowers the Council to move forward with development proposals and bring forward the vision for the area utilising £14.8 million of Levelling Up funding.
The B&M store ceased operating a number of years ago and since then, the site has been earmarked for redevelopment. The area is an important part of the Council’s overall aspirations for the town centre regeneration.
Leader of Boston Borough Council, Cllr Anne Dorrian, said: “Improving the town centre is one of our top priorities and we are determined to push ahead to ensure our vision becomes a reality.
“Developing this large, derelict building is yet another piece in that transformation jigsaw. I am really pleased that we have been able to utilise government grant funding to purchase the former B&M site, and we have exciting ideas to ensure that the site makes a positive contribution to our town.”
New East Midlands legal firm hopes to break the mould
The owners of a new niche property and planning law firm hope to transform the market with a service that builds trusted partnerships while moving away from the traditional hourly billing model.
Experienced lawyers Shruti Trivedi and Iain Hibbert have launched Devello Group, a specialist planning and property development practice with offices in Nottingham and Lincoln.
The co-founders and friends, who have more than 40 years of legal experience jointly, have
previously led large teams in one of the East Midlands’ biggest law firms.
“It just felt the right time to strike out on our own and create a new kind of law firm – we want to do things differently in a holistic way and saw a gap for a niche service in the market,” said managing director Shruti, an experienced specialist planning solicitor in the public and private sectors.
“I have worked with Iain for almost a decade and we thought the time was right to pursue our shared vision of developing a new working model in our own practice. Our costs structure is very flexible to suit the needs of the client and the project, rather than simply billing time on an hourly rate basis.
“Every case will be priced according to the specialist knowledge and value we can deliver
following a discussion with the client about their and the case’s needs. Of course, time
recording cannot be avoided in situations such as court hearings, but our ethos is to always
work efficiently and effectively, focusing on the quality of our work and creating long-term
relationships.
“Our approach has been well received so far – clients have told us this flexible system is
refreshing. We want them to see us as part of their internal team and that our collaboration
and our bespoke advice is adding real value.”
As well as its niche law practice, Devello will offer a high-level strategic advisory service to
developers, landowners, promoters, investors and others in the planning and development
sectors. The team will be involved from the outset of a deal being negotiated to ensure that
legal constraints are considered. The team can also manage the entire project for the client
to ensure a smooth process.
The company has ambitious growth plans and wants to create numerous jobs over the next
two years, at its head office in Regent Street, Nottingham, and in Lincoln, where it has an
initial base at the Chamber of Commerce.
Iain, a property expert and Devello’s CEO, said he hoped the company’s model would
inspire change in the legal world.
“We know there are long-held traditional practices that people adhere to but it was important to us to free our team from the pressure of timesheets. We want to look after our people and create a genuinely close-knit team that works together to achieve the best results with our bespoke offering.
“We’re also ensuring that we’re technologically as advanced as possible to give information
quickly in an easily digestible way.
“We want to show clients and the wider industry that you can promote change for the good. We will have a strong client focus and agree a cost structure that suits both sides.”
Both Iain and Shruti were equity partners at their previous firm before setting out on their
own. Shruti, recognised as a ‘Leading Individual’ in the Legal 500, has expertise in drafting
and negotiating complex agreements, advising on strategic housing schemes nationally and
dealing with judicial review and statutory challenge procedures. Beyond her legal work, she
is also a trustee at young people’s charity Base 51 in Nottingham.
Iain has a background in residential and commercial development, commercial property
transactions and energy projects including offshore wind, solar and battery projects.
To find out more about Devello Group, visit their website here: https://devellogroup.co.uk/
Or contact them on 0115 704 2500 or via email: info@devellogroup.co.uk
Campaign launched by Nottinghamshire charity to build new community facility
A Nottinghamshire-based charity has launched its campaign to build a new facility in the city with a series of significant donations from local organisations.
The Marcellus Baz Foundation – which encompasses Switch Up and the Nottingham School of Boxing – announced its plans for a new building which will combine its community services at a launch event featuring long-time charity patrons Torvill and Dean.
The foundation’s current rented space is suffering from mould and damp, and recently had a portion of its ceiling collapse, rendering it unfit for purpose.
The campaign – named #BuildingPositiveFutures – initially hopes to raise £550,000 to unlock further funding, which will help towards the £4.15m build cost for the proposed new facility.
Fundraising was kickstarted on the night by a £100,000 donation from BNA Charitable Incorporated Organisation, and £50,000 from Experian, which organised the launch event hosted by Switch Up patron Darren Fletcher.
The TNT Sport broadcaster quizzed the duo on their legendary partnership ahead of the 40th anniversary of their gold medal-winning performance of Bolero at the Winter Olympics in Sarajevo.
The pair also spoke at length about their passion for supporting the charity, having been involved as patrons for nearly a decade.
Dean said: “Switch Up has created an environment that is a real family and gives purpose to children and young people who could very easily go off the rails if it wasn’t there. It’s a true community which was initially built around the boxing gym but is now so much more.”
Speaking as the campaign for the new building was announced, Marcellus Baz thanked the patrons for their support, and welcomed pledges from the audience in the room to kickstart the fundraising.
“Switch Up works on a five-pillar system which combines mentoring, education, employability and counselling with physical activity,” he said. “We give people the opportunities and lifelines that they need – we’re the last line stopping people from being imprisoned, committing serious crimes, carrying knives, getting involved in gangs or being radicalised.
“To do this, we need to have a sanctuary where children and young people can come and feel safe, secure and feel able to engage – we don’t have that at the moment. This new building will be that sanctuary, but we can only get there with everyone’s help.
“We’re asking people to pledge a donation, in-kind support or even just sharing the need and the opportunity with their network.”
Paul Simpson, trustee of BNA, said: “Switch Up is already making an incredible contribution to the communities in Nottingham and Mansfield. When we looked at the history behind Switch Up and the work that Marcellus Baz and his team have done to help prevent crime, improve behaviour at schools, help youngsters with their education and work with partners to help them find employment, we were very excited about the new Community Hub project in Nottingham.
“Having the new premises and resources will enable the Switch Up team to continue helping Nottingham’s children and young adults to develop and improve their mental and physical health and wellbeing. Having that direction will help the young people to build their self-confidence and pride through achievement.”
Richard Donovan, head of corporate responsibility at Experian, said: “The services provided by Switch Up in Nottingham are needed now, more than ever. As a local employer, Experian believes in the importance of helping people in Nottingham realise their potential and we are excited to see the opportunity to help larger numbers of young people that the new community hub will bring.”
To support the campaign, please visit justgiving.com/campaign/buildingpositivefutures
Appointment sees 3RS IT Solutions welcome one of the UK’s youngest company directors to its Board
IT consultancy, 3RS IT Solutions, has appointed Ethan Malvern to its Board of Directors.
Ethan joined the company as a 16-year-old infrastructure technician apprentice with Baltic Apprenticeships, and has swiftly risen through the ranks as a trusted and well-respected member of the team, serving as Service Team Leader and most recently, as Services Operations Manager.
Now aged 19, Ethan joins the company’s Board alongside Leila Souch and the company’s Managing Director and Founder, Steve Souch, making him one of the youngest company directors in the UK.
Ethan’s appointment marks the start of an important chapter for the business, which now employs four people in sites in Wellingborough and Nottingham. Together, the team has big plans for the company’s future including growth into new areas later this year.
Steve said: “We couldn’t be prouder of Ethan and everything he has achieved in the three years he has been working with us.
“When I first met him as a 16-year-old, he reminded me so much of myself at that age. He used his initiative to secure an interview with me and his enthusiasm just shone through.
“When I had to take time away from the business at the start of this year, Ethan stepped up without hesitation, dealing with everything from accounts to marketing, and I could see the team was in very safe hands.
“I was incredibly grateful to him for his support. He has come such a long way in a very short space of time, and he absolutely deserves his success.”
Ethan said: “I am thrilled to have been appointed as a director, it means a great deal to me personally to be recognised in this way. We have a great team at 3RS, including highly-skilled, professional engineers, who are trained to find the very best IT solutions possible. For our clients, it’s very much business as usual.
“My role will remain very much hands-on and I will still be available to support our clients in any way that I can – something I feel passionately about.”
