Skegness Gateway unveils £151m flood defence plan

Tess Egginton
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Skegness Gateway unveils £151m flood defence plan
The owners behind the landmark Skegness Gateway scheme have revealed a £151 million Flood Risk Resilience Fund (FRRF) as part of a raft of measures that will help defend the development and wider Skegness area from the impacts of flooding.
The plans, which have been collaboratively developed with East Lindsey District Council and the Environment Agency, have been more than 12 months in planning.
The news follows the approval of a Local Development Order (LDO) for the scheme in March, announced at an executive meeting of East Lindsey District Council in Horncastle.
Agreement was given on more than £300m in socio-economic benefits for the region, alongside new homes, jobs, a crematorium and supported living provision. A new TEC college was granted planning permission for the site in February 2023.
The unique FRRF scheme will operate via an ongoing management fee, associated with the 1,000 properties planned for the 336-acre site. A specialist estate management company will be formed alongside this, which will manage the financial model and take an active role in flood risk strategy on site.
A proportion of the money received from the Gateway properties will allow funding agreements to be setup between East Lindsey District Council (ELDC), the Environment Agency (EA) and other vested interest parties for ongoing defence management and flood risk reduction over the lifetime of the development.
Sue Bowser, of Croftmarsh, said: “The Gateway team take the issue of flooding very seriously. It’s one of the key reasons we have generated this funding, which contributes positively to schemes that maintain and mitigate against the risks posed by flooding and water management.
“We’ve worked hard to come up with a solution that not only protects our development, but also our wider home of Skegness, closely collaborating with the Environment Agency and East Lindsey District Council.
“Regenerating the area is hugely important to us as a fifth-generation family in the area, and we’re pleased to see the acceleration of a scheme that will bring new homes, jobs and greater prosperity to our region.”
According to the latest Climate Change Risk Assessment, an estimated 1.8m people are living in areas of the UK at significant risk of coastal, surface or river flooding.
In Skegness, the Gateway’s Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) identifies the coastline defending the project to be 13.8km, running from Burgh Sluice to the main drain outfall at Ingoldmells. Estimates from the Environment Agency put defence management for the next 100-year period, from Saltfleet to the Gibraltar Point coastline, as ranging between £15m per kilometre to £40m per kilometre.
The contribution enabled by the FRRF scheme could cover 27.0% of the defence management at the highest rate and 71.9% at the lowest rate, depending on the approach and measures taken to flood prevention efforts in the region.
Neil Sanderson, also of Croftmarsh, added: “We understand the flooding risks posed to coastal communities across the UK and want to be active in the role we can play in mitigation efforts.
“What we have here is a solution that is bespoke for our town, allowing regenerative efforts to flourish whilst contributing positively to flood defence strategies being undertaken by public sector organisations.”
As part of the Gateway’s flood prevention efforts, a series of flood education and evacuation programmes will also be undertaken by the estate management team, extending to new homeowners as well as the wider population of Skegness.
Raised ground and flood compensation areas are all part of the Gateway’s proposals, aiding flood prevention onsite.
Councillor Steve Kirk, East Lindsey District Council portfolio holder for coastal economy, said: “I am delighted we have been able to agree this significant investment and commitment to help protect this landmark development and the wider area from flooding for many years to come.
“The risk of flooding and the devastating impact it can have must always be taken extremely seriously, and working in partnership with transformational projects like this we can help make real improvements and additions that will safeguard Skegness and its residents and businesses for generations to come.”
Chris Baron, chair of Connected Coast, said: “It is great that this level of commitment is being made to support flood resilience as part of the Skegness Gateway. We have such a fantastic opportunity to invest and deliver transformational improvements for the area through all of our work, and doing this responsibly and respectfully of the environment is crucial.”

Frontier Software support HR Technologies UK

Tess Egginton
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Frontier Software support HR Technologies UK
Frontier Software is supporting HR Technologies UK at ExCel London on 17th and 18th April 2024. HR Technologies is the UK’s only technology focused event, with over 60 suppliers in the exhibition hall showcasing the latest in workplace technology. HR professionals can discover technology solutions to support their business. The event includes panel discussions, presentations, roundtables and networking opportunities with more than 20 keynote speakers. Delegates can also join one of the 70 free seminars in dedicated theatres, where industry leaders and solution providers share their expertise. HR has experienced a significant shift in their alignment with broader business strategy, and Frontier Software has remained focussed on the development of innovative technology to support that alignment. HR has come a long way from its administrative roots, adapting to a landscape driven by technology and helping to ensure a business can thrive in an increasingly competitive and complex world. The HR professional is integral to developing and implementing organisational strategies and is a key to driving innovation. An experienced and trusted provider, Frontier Software has been delivering software solutions to support HR professionals for over 40 years and has evolved and adapted in line with the complex demands of users. A comprehensive suite of fully integrated software modules, with highly configurable automation tools, ensure personalised employee interactions create the right balance for your organisation and your people. Real-time data is readily available for accurate and informed decision making and a ChatHR feature supports conversation style interactions between your employees and your HR database. Visit Frontier Software at HR Technologies to learn more about their proven HR and/or Payroll cloud-based solution, and outsourced payroll processing services for organisations of every size and sector.

Chamber names keynote speaker for annual dinner

Stuart Pearcey
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Chamber names keynote speaker for annual dinner
AI specialist Katie King is to be the keynote speaker at East Midlands Chamber’s annual dinner for 2024.  A member of the All-Parliamentary Group Taskforce on Artificial Intelligence, CEO of AI in Business and bestselling author, Katie King will share insight on embracing the potential of AI. The formal gala dinner, taking place on 20th June at Goosedale, Nottingham is open to businesses across the East Midlands and invites reflection on challenges faced over the last year and the opportunity to network. East Midlands Chamber Head of Commercial Events and Partnerships Trace Voss said: “It’s tremendously exciting to have Katie King confirmed as our keynote speaker at the biggest and most prestigious event in the Chamber’s calendar.  I’m sure Katie’s expertise in the field of AI and marketing will spark plenty of lively discussion amongst delegates. “Coupled with such a stunning venue and a fantastic three course dinner, the stage is set for what I think will be an inspiring evening. The three counties of the East Midlands come together with a wide range of industries and the discussions over an elegant black tie dinner are a perfect way to network.”  

Spin-out company secures funding boost to revolutionise power generation sector

Tess Egginton
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Spin-out company secures funding boost to revolutionise power generation sector
One-of-a-kind AI-driven software that can monitor the “health” of critical power plant components is being developed for sector use with the launch of a new spin-out company. MatAlytics Ltd is a University of Nottingham spin-out that has launched following participation in Innovate UK’s (IUK) ICURe programme to identify a market and build a business plan for CITRUS (Component Integrity and Technology Readiness Utilisation System) software, which has been developed over many years of research activity. A subsequent six-figure funding boost from IUK will now focus on commercialising the system, in partnership with Uniper UK, EDF France, and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) in the US. CITRUS aims to fill the current market gap to accurately monitor the structural integrity or “health” of in-service critical power plant components, in real-time. The system streams plant sensor data, such as temperatures and pressure, and combines advanced material modelling and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to convert this information into a live representation of accumulated component damage and remaining lifespan of the engineering components. This information offers plant operators the ability to make informed decisions to optimise the balance between commercial output and the longevity of the components, while simultaneously improving system efficiency, which will help reduce fuel consumption and emissions, and enhance plant safety. “Launching MatAlytics Ltd is the next exciting step towards commercialising a system that has been ten years in the making, and so I’m incredibly proud to be where we are today and of everyone who has been part of the journey,” said Christopher Hyde, CEO of MatAlytics Ltd and Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham. “Immediate component structural health feedback, based on live power plant operation, is something that operators have not had until now – and that’s the real-world solution we’re looking to provide with CITRUS. Now, this information will be available at the touch of a button.”
While the team will be focusing on the energy sector initially, they will be looking to expand into other industries once CITRUS has been established. “The possibilities are truly endless for software like ours, but we want to focus on one area at a time and grow from there,” said Benedikt Engel, CTO of MatAlytics Ltd. “We’re already in talks with several potential clients and this will only continue to ramp up in the coming months as MatAlytics Ltd makes itself known in the industry. “To be able to effectively have component ‘life bars’ that are constantly being updated in real-time, will truly revolutionise the way power plants can operate, and we’re thrilled to have been able to turn our research into reality and give CITRUS the platform it deserves.” Dan Hatfield, MatAlytics board chairman and investor, said: “The UK has been an early leader in the transition to renewable energy, creating challenges with intermittency and new patterns of demand for existing thermal power plant operators. “CITRUS can provide operators with ‘decision intelligence’ to plan, operate and maintain critical energy infrastructure in a new era of sustainability.”

“Exciting new chapter” for utility and land surveying company following sale

Tess Egginton
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0
“Exciting new chapter” for utility and land surveying company following sale
A “significant milestone” has been chalked up by the sale of Select Surveys to the LSBUD (LinesearchbeforeUdig) Group. Founded in 1996 and based in Kent, Select Surveys is a utility and land surveying company which specialises in limiting or eliminating risk for the design and planning of new or replacement mains and services in the utility industry. The company’s long-standing surveying expertise now complements LSBUD’s utility mapping data service. Based in Leicestershire and Warwickshire, LSBUD provides utility asset maps in response to over 15,000 enquiries every day, having become established as the UK’s leading safe digging service with a free-to-use online search facility which covers a sizeable majority of the country’s utility infrastructure. It can be used by anyone involved in construction, excavation, fencing, ditching and works likely to break ground of any scale, from a highway scheme to merely replacing a garden fence. Deme Cordell, Director of Select Surveys, said: “After more than two decades of dedicated efforts in building and nurturing Select Surveys into a leading entity within the geospatial industry, we are pleased to announce an exciting new chapter in our journey. “LSBUD is a company that shares our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of operatives and protecting buried infrastructure across the UK. “This transition marks a significant milestone for Select Surveys and our valued clients. We believe that aligning with LSBUD will not only enhance our capabilities but also open up new avenues for growth and innovation.
“Our collective focus remains steadfast on expanding and refining our business operations, thereby creating enriching opportunities for our exceptional team members and delivering enhanced services to our loyal clientele. “As we embark on this new phase of our evolution, we express our gratitude to all those who have contributed to our success thus far. We are confident this strategic partnership will propel Select Surveys to even greater heights while continuing to uphold the standards of excellence that have defined us over the years.” Richard Broome, Managing Director of LSBUD, added: “We are delighted to have completed this deal as part of a strategic plan to extend LSBUD’s offering. Our previous growth and development has been organic so this marks a step-change, a real statement of intent. It’s just the start of our plans to extend LSBUD’s role and reach. “With the combined experience and expertise of both companies, and working closely with our new Select colleagues, this new chapter will help solidify LSBUD’s place as the UK’s most comprehensive safe digging service.” Fabio Rambelli, KBS Corporate Associate Director, who oversaw the deal, wished all parties the very best in their future endeavours and thanked CooperBurnett LLP, the solicitors for Select Surveys, for their work during the transaction.

East Midlands accountancy firm makes trio of promotions

Tess Egginton
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East Midlands accountancy firm makes trio of promotions
Nottingham-based accountancy practice Page Kirk has made three promotions – recognising talent from within the firm. Tom Johnson becomes Manager of the Accounts and Audit Department, Matt Walton is promoted to Assistant Manager of the same department, and Josh Ruthven has been appointed as Assistant Manager of the Tax Department. Tom graduated in Accountancy and Finance before becoming a chartered accountant with Page Kirk. Through his diligent efforts and willingness to take on new challenges, he has earned the trust and respect of both clients and colleagues. As Manager, Tom will assume greater responsibility for the management of client accounts, the leadership of projects and providing strategic guidance. “I am truly honoured and thrilled that my efforts have been recognised by the Partners,” he says. “This firm is an incredible environment for ambitious individuals, where dedication and innovative thinking are truly valued.” His new Assistant Manager, Matt, joined Page Kirk with a Mathematics with Economics degree from Aston University. He has been involved in extensive networking and raising money for charity through Nottingham Chartered Accountants Student Society, as well as playing a significant role in the firm’s Audit activity. Matt reflected on his new appointment: “It is a testament to the support and encouragement I’ve received from my colleagues and mentors. I am truly honoured and excited to take on this new role.” Josh, who has been promoted in the Tax Department, qualified as an ICAEW chartered accountant last year and completed his chartered tax adviser qualification at the start of this year. “I am really happy about the direction my career is taking here at Page Kirk,” says Josh. “Since starting at the firm, I have always felt valued, frequently being given opportunity to prove myself, learn new skills and take on more demanding projects.” Page Kirk Senior Partner John Wallis said: “These promotions emphasise our firm’s commitment to recognising and nurturing talent from within. At Page Kirk, we prioritise a culture of growth and development, ensuring that our team members have the support and opportunities they need to thrive in their careers.”

Intoware welcomes new non-executive director

Tess Egginton
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Intoware welcomes new non-executive director
Nottingham-based workflow automation firm, Intoware, has appointed John Higgs as the newest member of its board of directors. With a distinguished career spanning over four decades in the technology sector, John brings a wealth of experience to the role of non-executive director (NED), with his professional journey including pivotal roles in sales and marketing at renowned technology corporations such as Cisco, Riverbed, and Realwear. His strategic acumen and leadership have also been instrumental in his successful tenures as a board member, advisor, and investor. “I am very pleased to join the dynamic team at Intoware,” said John, who divides his time between Asia and the UK. “The company’s impressive growth trajectory and its impact on the workflow automation landscape are remarkable. I look forward to contributing my expertise to further propel Intoware’s strategic initiatives and expansion.” Keith Tilley, CEO of Intoware, expressed his enthusiasm: “John’s appointment is a significant milestone for us. His commitment to innovation and excellence resonates with our core values. We are eager to integrate his insights into our strategic discussions and are excited about the future prospects this collaboration holds.” John joins an esteemed group of board members, including Peter Chambers (chairman), Greg Truman (NED), and Lee Maughan (CFO), each contributing their unique expertise to the company’s vision. In addition to his professional endeavours, Higgs is a dedicated philanthropist, actively involved with the Soi Dog Foundation for nearly two decades. The foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of animals in Asia, advocating for a world free of cruelty and homelessness. When not shaping the future of technology, Higgs indulges in his passion for music as an aspiring drummer, often found enjoying the rhythm of life amidst nature with his beloved rescue dogs.

How to save thousands on staff training

Tess Egginton
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How to save thousands on staff training
Local companies are turning more and more to training videos to streamline their staff onboarding process and increase efficiency. Glowfrog are the Midlands’ leading video production company and they have created training videos for several businesses throughout the region. Let’s explore how incorporating professional training videos can save you both time and money: Cost-effective solution Training new staff members can be a significant expense for businesses, particularly when considering the costs associated with hiring trainers, organising training sessions, and providing materials. By investing in training videos via an expert local production company such as Glowfrog, businesses can achieve substantial cost savings over the long term. Once created, these videos can be reused indefinitely, eliminating the need for repeated investments in training materials. Streamlined onboarding Traditional training methods often involve extensive time commitments from trainers and trainees alike. With training videos, however, new hires can access essential information at their own pace, reducing the need for lengthy orientation sessions and one-on-one training sessions. Efficient learning Visual content has been shown to enhance learning retention and engagement. Training videos leverage the power of visuals, animations, and demonstrations to deliver information in a compelling and memorable format. Expertise matters Glowfrog brings unparallelled expertise and creativity to every project. Their team of experienced professionals works closely with clients to understand your unique training needs and objectives, outputting effective and high quality training videos that you can use indefinitely to train new and existing staff. Ready to save? Invest in the future of your business with training videos from Glowfrog and unlock the full potential of your workforce. Visit: www.glowfrogvideo.com/training-video-production Email: hello@glowfrogvideo.com Phone: 01332 492 465

Don’t make offers worth sweet FA: by Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR

Tess Egginton
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Don’t make offers worth sweet FA: by Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR
Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR, reflects on a wasted marketing opportunity. As the final whistle blew, I let out a huge sigh of relief. Not euphoria. Sheer relief. Here’s why. Now, trigger warning, I’ve followed Manchester United for 36 years now. There’s nothing that will change that unless we reintegrate Mason Greenwood, so if either of these facts puts you off working with me, well, I’ll get over it. I actually remember the first goal that made me feel triumphant, it was Gordon Strachan bursting through against Liverpool in 1988. Our arch rivals to this day, whatever City might think! Why relief? Well, even the most rose-tinted of spectacle wearers would admit we’ve been pants all season. As the relief turned into a gradual sense of comfort, then joy, then finally, excitement (all in 10 seconds) my phone pinged! I assumed it would be my mates on the United WhatsApp group. No, it was a text. From…Manchester United. Had they been made aware of my punderful analysis on the group chat? Did they agree that Antony is a better LB than RW? Maybe they wanted to ask me to reconsider turning out for them after I bottled an invitation to play in front of the cameras that time. Trust me, this happened. Ask me about it! No, they were offering me, wait for it…£5 off membership for 2023/2024 season. Given I’m already a member this is smart timing marketing wise and normally I would be professionally tipping my United branded beanie hat to them BUT…£5! It’s pathetic. Not so much in terms of the discount, more the creativity. I’m already a customer, I was going to renew anyway, now was the perfect time to do something more creative and get me to buy something BIGGER. Why not give me a chance to renew AND get an upgrade? Or renew and buy a prize draw ticket for a VIP Match Day experience? You can never predict the score or whether you are going to win the game but you absolutely CAN have a range of options lined up to fire as soon as something is known. Man of The Match? Confirmed within seconds of the final whistle. Use that name as a code to access something special. The winning goal from the youngster Amad? You know he is in the squad, create a contingency, however unlikely, that if it is him who nabs the glory, that’s your code. This is a billion pound enterprise operating with a bargain basement marketing mentality. Did I renew? No. I went to the hospitality pages and scanned hopefully for semi final tickets. Hundreds of times more valuable to them than buying my £60 annual membership with a £5 offer. Have they spotted this or reached out given I’ve enquired before? No. Talk about missing an open goal!   A former business journalist, Greg Simpson is the author of The Small Business Guide to PR and has been recognised as one of the UK’s top 5 PR consultants, having set up Press for Attention PR in 2008.  He has worked for FTSE 100 firms, charities and start-ups and conducted press conferences with Sir Richard Branson and James Caan. His background ensures a deep understanding of every facet of a successful PR campaign – from a journalist’s, client’s, and consultant’s perspective. See this column in the April issue of East Midlands Business Link Magazine here.

Talent and Innovation Grants to help local businesses take advantage of university expertise

Tess Egginton
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Talent and Innovation Grants to help local businesses take advantage of university expertise
Nottingham-based businesses are being offered the chance to access the talent and expertise available through the two universities on their doorstep, as part of a programme of grants and support aimed at driving innovation, productivity and skills in the city. Under the Universities for Nottingham Civic Agreement, The University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University are working with Nottingham City Council to offer Talent Grants of up to £2,500 which can be used to subsidise the recruitment of a university graduate or student for a minimum of eight weeks. To qualify for one of the grants, businesses would need to demonstrate that the graduate/student project/role would be used to implement or improve technology or processes, enable the business to enter new markets, improve or implement new products or services, or focus on research and development projects. In addition, Innovation Vouchers of up to £5,000 will be offered to city businesses through the Universities for Nottingham Innovation Centres of Excellence, enabling them to access a range of technically-focussed support and consultancy leveraging research facilities and expertise from across the two universities. Support will be delivered through:
  • Food Innovation Centre: providing science and technology consultancy, new product or process development support for food and drink focussed businesses.
  • Chemistry Innovation Laboratory: providing analytical and product development support across chemistry and materials using and life sciences businesses.
  • Institute for Aerospace Technology: working across the aerospace supply chain.
  • Design Matter: providing professional sustainable product and packaging design consultancy.
Leading the project is Trevor Farren, Professor of Practice (Science and Innovation) in the University of Nottingham’s Faculty of Science. He said: “Nottingham is fortunate enough to be home to two universities which attract the brightest and best students from around the world and have innovation and discovery at the heart of their research activities. “This is a golden opportunity for businesses to access that talent and expertise to drive forward the success of their ventures, put them ahead of the competition and, ultimately, enhance the economic prosperity of our region.” Vicky Harvey, Employability Engagement Project Coordinator, Nottingham Trent University, said: “I’ve had the privilege of working within the employability team for over two years, witnessing first-hand the transformative impact that funded projects have on Nottingham’s economy. “Partnering with the University of Nottingham team fills me with excitement as we unite a wealth of expertise and world-class talent, poised to empower local businesses to thrive both now and in the future. “Innovation is a concept often misconstrued. While many associate it solely with technological breakthroughs, innovation encompasses a broad spectrum of creative ideas and their implementation, driving positive change and adding value. “From reimagining business models to refining marketing strategies and enhancing customer experiences, innovation spans diverse realms. This project stands as a beacon of support for numerous local businesses eager to advance their ideas and realise their potential.” The grants are available thanks to £8.6 million of UK Shared Prosperity Funding awarded to Nottingham City Council by the government’s Department for Levelling Up Housing & Communities.
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