C-suite executives optimistic for a year of transformation and growth, but say more regulation needed on AI and sustainability

Tess Egginton
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C-suite executives optimistic for a year of transformation and growth, but say more regulation needed on AI and sustainability

Optimism and confidence are at their highest recorded by the Mazars C-suite barometer. 96% of UK C-suites say that their company grew in 2023, up from 87% the previous year, and in contrast to 89% globally. Furthermore, almost all (98%) predict growth in 2024, and 60% of these say this growth will come organically.

The major topic on the leadership agenda is transformation through IT and new technology as a top strategic priority. 87% of UK C-suite executives believe that generative AI will have an impact on their organisation, with more than half saying this will be a major impact.

More than two thirds say their organisation already uses AI for internal processes and/or products/services – although this is slightly lower than the three quarters globally. However, over half (57%) of UK C-suite executives express ethical concerns over AI, (although globally it’s 74%) and 92% are seeking more regulatory guidance.

Elisabeth Maxwell, Deputy CEO, said: “It is very encouraging to see such optimism among our UK clients for the year ahead despite the uncertain conditions that all businesses are facing. Companies are willing to put investment in again and there are exciting developments on the horizon for AI.

“The feedback that Mazars C-suite barometer has highlighted is that more clarity is needed from regulators to enable businesses to make the best of the opportunities provided by potentially transformational technology and to enable companies to quantify success in sustainability practices.”

Key areas of investment for the UK are customer acquisition and brand strategy/positioning, followed by sustainability initiatives. Compared to other leaders globally, those in the UK have a stronger focus on engaging government/regulators, and less on external growth opportunities. An overwhelming seven in ten thinks more government regulation is important.

Over half (56%) of UK C-suite executives say their organisation produces a sustainability report compared to 71% globally, and furthermore, the proportion of leaders in the UK who are budgeting for sustainability implementation and reporting is also down from 75% last year.

The reason for this is believed to be that for those in the UK producing or planning a report, understanding regulation is now twice as big a challenge than last year, making it the equal biggest challenge alongside data capture/quality. Many UK leaders feel they lack in-house expertise to tackle sustainability properly, compared to leaders globally, who are more concerned about coverage on climate and carbon.

Partner and member of the Mazars Group Executive Board, Mark Kennedy, said: “The high levels of optimism and renewed confidence among our respondents provide a good indicator of how businesses are likely to progress this year.

“In the face of volatility, the C-suite has demonstrated resilience and agility enabling them to continue investment and transform business while addressing the challenges and opportunities of emerging technology, expansion plans and the ESG agenda, setting their businesses up for sustainable growth.

“In what may be a bounce forward year for businesses, there will still be tough decisions to make, yet we can see an increasing consciousness and confidence in the priority areas that will secure sustainable economic growth in the global economy.”

International expansion is also a rising business priority both in the UK and globally. Many UK firms looking at international expansion in the year ahead said that the USA would be their top destination.

New clean energy substation proposed near Chesterfield

Tess Egginton
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New clean energy substation proposed near Chesterfield
National Grid is making changes to its network of electricity infrastructure that transports power around the country, in order to connect new sources of power generated from offshore wind and other low carbon sources to homes and businesses. The Great Grid Upgrade is said to be the largest overhaul of the grid in generations, playing a large part in the government’s plan to boost homegrown power, helping the UK switch to clean energy and make sure our electricity network is fit for the future, and carrying more clean, secure energy from where it’s generated to where it is needed. As part of the Brinsworth to High Marnham project, National Grid is proposing to build and operate a new 400 kV substation which will extend to the south of its existing substation site off Calow Lane in Cock Alley, near Chesterfield in Derbyshire. It is claimed the new substation, which forms a key part of The Great Grid Upgrade, will play an important role in building a more secure and resilient future energy system and provide the ability to transport cleaner energy from the North of England to homes and businesses across the Midlands and beyond, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The local community is invited to find out more about National Grid’s plans and provide their feedback online, at a webinar on Wednesday 1 May, and in-person on Friday 10 May and Saturday 11 May at Calow Community Centre. The Brinsworth to High Marnham project will support the UK’s net zero target by adding capacity to accommodate increasing power flows of energy generated in particular from offshore wind, in Scotland and North East England, which is expected to double within the next ten years, to areas of demand south to the Midlands and beyond. By reinforcing the network in the centre of the country, the project will facilitate the connection of more renewable and low carbon electricity, to allow clean green energy to be carried around the network. Leanne Evans, National Grid project director, said: “Demand for electricity is expected to rise as the way we power our homes, businesses and transport changes. As the nation moves towards net zero, the fossil fuels that once powered our economy will be replaced with sources of low-carbon electricity. “This project is one of several network upgrades designed to get greater capability out of the existing network; allowing more electricity to pass through the transmission network and help accelerate the connection of clean energy projects. “We want to hear the views of local communities near the proposed series of works and we encourage the Chesterfield community to participate. We value their input as we develop our plans and feedback from local communities and stakeholders will help inform and shape our proposals.” National Grid expect the proposed substation in Chesterfield to be operational in winter 2029.

Five promoted to head of department roles at accountancy firm

Stuart Pearcey
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Five promoted to head of department roles at accountancy firm
Accountancy BHP has created five heads of service positions to reflect the company’s ongoing growth. The appointments include Paul Winwood and Chris Neale as Heads of Audit, Andy Haigh as Head of Corporate Finance, Ellie Dignam as Head of Digital Finance, and Fletcher Adamowicz as Head of Tax. BHP has also announced 34 further promotions across its office network in Sheffield, Chesterfield, Leeds, York, and Cleckheaton. Felix Lee has been appointed Audit Director, while Oliver Watson and Patrick Simpson have been promoted to Audit Manager positions. Other manager promotions include Emily Jones (Audit – Not for Profit), Joseph Briggs, William Sykes, Luke Harrower (all Corporate Finance), and Jack Moore (Digital Finance). More promotions have been made across accountancy and management positions, which follow a further 79 made by BHP last autumn. BHP Chief People Officer Karen Arch said: “Congratulations to everyone who has deservedly received recognition for their continued commitment and success. “As a firm and a certified Great Place to Work, we’re passionate about developing our people and nurturing great talent, and these promotions reflect this.” Lisa Leighton, Joint CEO, said: “We have enjoyed a positive start to 2024 and these promotions evidence not only this but also our leading approach of being a supportive workplace that places the development and future success of our people at the forefront of everything we do. “It is especially pleasing to have created brand new ‘heads of’ roles for some of our main service line areas, which each have exciting plans and are central to our ongoing growth ambitions.”

Tapton Park Golf Course could have new leaseholder this summer

Stuart Pearcey
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Tapton Park Golf Course could have new leaseholder this summer
Tapton Park Golf Course could have a new operator by this summer now that Chesterfield Borough Council has selected Link Golf UK as its preferred bidder, and has started detailed negotiations. Councillor Jonathan Davies, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Tapton Park Golf Course is an important facility with fantastic potential in beautiful parkland. “In seeking a new operator to look after the courses and clubhouse, we set out several long-term objectives with the intention of retaining it as a pay-and-play course that is open to all. “Link Golf UK has proven expertise and experience of operating municipal golf courses. It has funding to invest in Tapton’s courses and clubhouse to maintain them to a high standard. It also offers a strong community outreach programme – and a commitment to work closely with the resident members’ club, which I know the members have welcomed. “We will now begin detailed negotiations to finalise the terms of the lease. If and when Link Golf UK is formally appointed, we will work with it to announce the change-over date and address any issues that may affect customers. We anticipate that this will happen this summer.” Tapton Park Golf Course has a full 18-hole course, 9-hole course, 6-hole pitch and putt course, a practice area, driving range, outbuildings, and a clubhouse. The course is built on parkland which was formerly part of the Tapton House estate. In a joint statement, Andrew Terry and Joe Jackson, Directors of Link Golf UK, said: “We’re incredibly excited about the opportunity to breathe new life into Tapton Park Golf Course, including the driving range and clubhouse. “Recognising its rich legacy we’re committed to maintaining its accessibility as a family-friendly venue. Our vision is to transform Tapton Park into a dynamic hub for family engagement, offering a range of activities that cater to all ages and skill levels. By incorporating the latest technology into the driving range and enhancing the overall experience, we aim to create a vibrant atmosphere where families can come together and enjoy quality time. We look forward to working closely with Chesterfield Borough Council and the resident members club to ensure a bright and prosperous future for this community asset.” John Pearson, Chair of Tapton Park Golf Club, said: “Based on our initial discussions with Link Golf UK I am very optimistic for the future of Tapton Park Golf Club. We are really looking forward to working with Andrew and Joe to preserve and enhance the existing golf facilities for the benefit of the club’s members, local residents and visitors.”

Bike ride in aid of Derbyshire charities seeks more cyclists from local businesses

Tess Egginton
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Bike ride in aid of Derbyshire charities seeks more cyclists from local businesses

Cyclists have been urged to sign up to a unique opportunity to pedal from the heart of England in Derby all the way to Skegness in aid of two much-loved children’s charities – with the option of a cool hydrogen bus ride back.

Nearly 80 cyclists have so far signed up for this year’s SkegVegas100, a charity bike ride from Derby to Skegness, which will take place on May 18.

Now organisers would love to hear from more cyclists, including teams from local businesses, who would like to take part.

Unusually for a charity ride, the organising team at Cosy Foundation have arranged for a hydrogen-powered bus from Toyota to ferry weary cyclists back from Skegness at the end of their 100-mile bike ride, should they wish.

Breakfast, snacks and lunch are also all being provided to help cyclists pedal their way to the coast, and a rolling mechanic service is being provided to help with any issues such as punctures en-route.

The ride will be setting off from Derby Arena, with free tea, coffee and parking provided to help riders be waved off in comfort.

Daniel Burton, of Derby Arena, said: “Derby Arena and Derby City Council are proud to support the Skegvegas bike ride for great local charities, please sign up and join in what has proven to be a great challenge for an even better cause!”

This year is the 11th year of the epic SkegVegas100 bike ride which is aiming to raise thousands of pounds for two highly valued children’s charities: Derby Kids’ Camp and the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre.

Both charities provide holidays for children who may not otherwise get a break, whether that is because of financial disadvantage, or other reasons such as caring for relatives.

Money raised through the event’s modest entry fee and any sponsorship is being split equally between the charities, and riders will be able to look round the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre in Skegness when they arrive at the Lincolnshire coastal resort, to gain a valuable insight into what the charity offers children who need a break.

Teams of riders who have so far signed up to take part have come from local businesses including Cosy Direct, Pennine Healthcare and Rolls-Royce, and they will be joining record-breaking cyclist Leigh Timmis who has agreed to take part in the ride, as well as The Earl of Burlington, William Cavendish.

Two riders who have signed up to take part this year are Ben Riggott, trust development lead at Embark Federation, and his wife Laila, head of people and culture at Cosy Direct.

Laila said: “I haven’t cycled in any serious way for years but I decided to give this year’s SkegVegas100 a go. Ben and I have been out on some great training rides, including a blustery but beautiful pedal down the Tissington Trail!

“I would really urge people to sign up and take part in the SkegVegas100. Getting stuck into the training has been very enjoyable and we are so lucky to live in beautiful Derbyshire where there are some amazing cycling trails to enjoy.

“As volunteers at Derby Kids’ Camp we know how important these holidays are for the children who come to us in the summer. This bike ride promises to be a brilliant day but more importantly, it will raise lots of money to help put smiles on the faces of Derbyshire children. It would be brilliant to see more riders join us on May 18 to make this a great ride-out for these two charities.

“The event is not a race – it’s an event. Please join us and make this year’s SkegVegas100 the best yet!”

Between them, Derby Kids’ Camp and The Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre have been giving free holidays to Derbyshire children in need of a break for nearly 175 years. Derby Kids’ Camp celebrated its 50th birthday in 2023 and has over the years welcomed around 15,000 children to enjoy a week’s camping including craft activities, climbing, swimming, before snuggling down for the night in tents with comfortable camp beds. Many of the children who go are living in poverty, have suffered a close bereavement or are finding social interaction difficult.

The Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre has been going since 1891 and provides five-day stays in Skegness which include days out, a fully-equipped games room, meals out, and, of course, a good old run around on the beach. Children are nominated to go through their school if it is felt that, due to financial hardship or other reasons, they may not otherwise get a break.

Anyone who would like to join this year’s SkegVegas 100, taking on the whole distance or as a relay with colleagues and friends, is asked to sign up to enter at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/skegvegas100-100-mile-charity-bike-ride-from-derby-to-skegness-tickets-862930156327

Samworth Brothers acquires sandwich firm

Tess Egginton
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Samworth Brothers acquires sandwich firm
Following the purchase of a minority stake in The Real Wrap Company in 2023, Samworth Brothers, the Leicestershire-based food manufacturer, has now acquired the remaining shares in the ready-made sandwich business. Samworth Brothers Group Chief Executive, Hugo Mahoney said: “Food To Go has been a tremendous success story for Samworth Brothers in recent years, and we believe the category is well-positioned for growth. “The Real Wrap Company is a dynamic, innovative young company that shares our values and focus on quality foods. “Real Wrap has great future potential, and the capability and scale of Samworth Brothers will help support further development for The Real Wrap Company business.” Jason Howell and Philippe Gill, The Real Wrap Company founders, said: “We are really excited about developing The Real Wrap Co business in the coming years and we are delighted to be supported by a like-minded partner in Samworth Brothers, to help us continue to do an amazing job for our customers, our people and our planet.” Members of the existing The Real Wrap Company management team will continue to lead the business, with a Samworth Brothers Group Executive Board member (Paul Davey) continuing to sit on The Real Wrap Company board.

Heating, cooling and ventilation firm opens 240,000 sq ft Daventry warehouse

Tess Egginton
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Heating, cooling and ventilation firm opens 240,000 sq ft Daventry warehouse
Daikin, which works in the heating, cooling and ventilation industry, has opened its new Midlands warehouse in Daventry, with its logistics partner GXO. Located in the heart of the UK logistics “golden triangle” in the Midlands, Daikin, together with GXO, have jointly invested over £4 million to consolidate their operations into one facility. The move provides a future-ready fit out of a 240,000-square-foot warehouse that will exclusively serve Daikin in the UK for all products and spares. The full transition from the current operation to the new warehouse will happen during the course of this year, providing over 75 new jobs for the local community. Sherin Hammad, Head of Operations at Daikin UK, said: “The opening of our new warehouse in Daventry is a great leap forward for Daikin in our ability to meet our customers’ needs and reduce the environmental impact when storing and delivering units and spares. The market for heat pumps and commercial HVAC products is growing fast, and as such, we must have the capability to keep up with this.” “We’re delighted to support Daikin’s growth in the UK,” said Clare Davies, Managing Director of GXO Direct. “Our flexible, scalable GXO Direct shared warehousing helped support Daikin’s growth to the stage where they are ready to move to their own warehouse solution. “This new dedicated facility provides them with the flexibility and space they need to continue their business growth. GXO Direct shared warehousing is particularly suited to helping companies, including those in the heating and ventilation sector, grow their operations in an efficient manner.” The Daventry warehouse provides Daikin the ability to scale up its operations, moving from several GXO Direct shared user warehouse sites, into one consolidated site. This relocation will support Daikin’s growth for many years to come.

Major milestone reached with topping out of National Rehabilitation Centre

Tess Egginton
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Major milestone reached with topping out of National Rehabilitation Centre
A significant milestone in the construction of the NHS National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) was reached this week. The £105m NRC programme is building a 70-bed, state-of-the-art and energy efficient new facility, run by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and part of the Government’s New Hospital Programme. Research, innovation and training will be led by academic partners the University of Nottingham and Loughborough University. IHP, a joint venture between VINCI Building and Sir Robert McAlpine, hosted a formal ‘Topping Out Ceremony’ at the Stanford Hall Rehabilitation Estate near Loughborough, marking the building reaching its highest level and the completion of the building’s frame. The NRC is due to open in 2025 and aims to transform clinical treatment for patients in the East Midlands, and set a new standard for research and innovation, and education and training in rehabilitation for the whole of the UK. The celebration was attended by key stakeholders including Sir Andrew McAlpine – partner at Sir Robert McAlpine on behalf of IHP, the Black Stork Charity, University of Nottingham, Loughborough University, and the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, located on the same estate. Pip Logan, Professor of Rehabilitation Research and Occupational Therapist at the School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, said: “The University of Nottingham’s partnership with the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) represents an essential part of our commitment to uplifting – through our world-leading experience in rehabilitation research and education – the health of the people in our region and across the UK. “It’s a pleasure to celebrate this great milestone in construction of the NRC and we look forward to utilising this fantastic new integrated facility. “Embedding our training courses in rehabilitation, alongside our research in robotics, physiology, mental health, rehab technology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, rehab medicine and rehab nursing, with patients, families, clinical professionals, and industry is vital for our institution and for developing world-class rehabilitation patient services.” Miriam Duffy, NRC Director, said: “We began this journey almost eight years ago in 2016, and so today’s milestone is testament to the teamwork and perseverance that have brought us to this point, which is another step towards opening our doors to patients in need of rehabilitation. “The NRC will not only serve as a centre rehabilitation excellence, but also as a symbol of hope for countless individuals and families across the country. We look forward to welcoming patients next year so we can help them start their own journey towards a better future with as much independence as possible.” Professor Mark Lewis, Loughborough University’s NRC lead and Dean of the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, said: “It is fantastic to see the progress being made on the construction of the National Rehabilitation Centre. “Loughborough University is proud to be a core partner for this state-of-the-art facility. We look forward to using our expert knowledge in research and innovation to help transform treatment and outcomes for patients, and to developing education and training programmes in rehabilitation that are truly world leading.”

HR failing to lead the way in gender inclusive job adverts

Tess Egginton
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HR failing to lead the way in gender inclusive job adverts
Despite being a women-dominated profession, the human resources industry is failing to set an example in attracting women to senior leadership roles due to job adverts containing masculine language and a lack of EDI and flexible working statements. Research by Nottingham Business School, part of Nottingham Trent University, with Newcastle University Business School, examined the wording of more than 150 adverts for HR roles, including occurrences of agentic traits or ‘getting ahead’ (masculine) and communal behaviours or ‘getting along’ (feminine). Findings show that as the HR role salary or title seniority increases, the proportion of words categorised as masculine – such as leadership, deliver and decision – in the job adverts increases. In contrast, adverts for entry level and junior roles, traditionally filled in HR departments by women, used a broader range of feminine words like support, responsibility and trusted. This finding suggests that leadership roles move away from the supportive nature of the profession and towards a focus on business acumen and patriarchal leadership, potentially hindering women’s representation at senior levels. Even in cases where senior‐level job adverts were expressed in neutral or feminine terms, there was limited or no mention of other factors that would encourage women applicants, such as EDI statements or promotion of work‐life balance. Such omissions could indicate that the ‘ideal’ candidate demonstrates male stereotypical characteristics, that is, not ‘burdened’ by family, and may reinforce existing stereotypes which deter women from applying to senior roles. Dr Maranda Ridgway, Associate Professor of People and Inclusion at Nottingham Business School, said: “Human resources is seen as the custodian and driver of equality and wellbeing practices, yet in senior-level job adverts these commitments appear tokenistic or ‘tick‐box’ rather than a reflection of the organisation’s culture. “The profession should be leading by example. Instead, the gendered language we found in job adverts is likely contributing to women’s underrepresentation in senior roles—even within a women‐dominated profession. “Urgent and careful attention needs to be paid to job adverts to reduce instances of hidden gender bias, and statements of equal opportunities and flexible working should be embedded in job adverts rather than mentioned cursorily.” The study also found that there is room for improvement in the representation of salary, with 8% of the adverts studied failing to detail the salary amount. With research showing that no explicit salary statement often results in women accepting lower wages, it is also recommended that specific wage details are included in all adverts. ‘Leading’ by example? Gendered language in Human Resource job adverts has been published in Human Resource Management Journal.

Government extends five-train lifeline to Alstom

Stuart Pearcey
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Government extends five-train lifeline to Alstom
Derby City Council leader Baggy Shanker says the Government has said five more Elizabeth Line trains are to be built in the city by Alstom. He writes: “We received a letter on Wednesday from the Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper MP in response to the letters I sent last week. Mr Harper has outlined in his response that a further five Elizabeth line trains have been approved in principle for manufacture at the Derby site. This is in addition to the five trains that were confirmed in March, will make a total of ten trains. “Alstom can now commit to the site in the short and long term, protecting valuable manufacturing and engineering jobs in our city. I’m especially pleased that Alstom has committed to basing the new global Adessia commuter train platform here in Derby – that’s a real win. “We will continue to press the Government to complete the deal and commit to keeping this industry alive in the city, especially for the 1300 jobs that are at risk. Without these orders and the promise of future support, we will lose train-making in the UK forever and put almost two centuries of local rail heritage at risk. “As a city, we’ll continue to work closely with our partners at Alstom and with the Secretary of State to bridge this gap and keep train making in Derby. The Government needs to ensure rail procurement is better planned in the future to avoid this feast and famine approach to train building in the UK. “I’d like to thank everyone in Team Derby who has come together to give their support on such a vital issue for the prosperity of our city.”
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