Construction company builds its future at Oberoi Business Hub

Tess Egginton
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Construction company builds its future at Oberoi Business Hub
A Derby company, which specialises in refurbishing social housing properties across the East Midlands, has moved into serviced offices at Oberoi Business Hub in Pride Park to pave the way for future growth. Gratton Construction was launched in April 2022 by experienced surveying and construction professionals Jody Waldron and Kirsty Howard and has already secured several local authority and housing association clients across the region. With a proven track record for ensuring void or empty properties are ready for new tenants, the company is also in demand for its other services including disabled adaptations, roofing and ground works as well as fire improvement works. The offices at Oberoi Business Hub will house the current team of five with capacity to accommodate future growth. Operations director Kirsty Howard explained: “Our team, the tradespeople we work with and our clients are based across the East Midlands so we agreed that Pride Park was the most easily-accessible location for our first physical offices. “Pride Park is also a well-known and prestigious business address and is close to Ascot Drive where the vast majority of trade merchants are based. “We were very impressed with the flexibility and support provided by Oberoi Business Hub from plentiful parking and electric vehicle chargers to well-designed office space and social areas. “This is therefore the ideal place for us to take Gratton Construction to the next stage of our growth and development and we are excited for what the future holds.” Oberoi Business Hub founder and Managing Director Kavita Oberoi OBE continued: “Our goal is to provide high quality yet affordable business premises with a prestigious address and a wide range of services that facilitate growth and job creation in the local area.” Hub manager Jodie Brady concluded: “Flexibility is key for growing companies such as Gratton Construction and it is always gratifying to work with our customers at the start of their business journey to support them with their future plans.”

Nottingham Venues partners with Robin Hood Half Marathon

Tess Egginton
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Nottingham Venues partners with Robin Hood Half Marathon

Nottingham Venues has partnered with the Nottingham Robin Hood Half Marathon to be this year’s official Hotel Partner.

The partnership will see Nottingham Venues Jubilee Hotel and Conferences, located just off Derby Road, open its doors to runners and their families prior to and after the event, which takes place on Sunday 24 September.

The Jubilee Hotel and Conferences is set within 65 acres of lakeside grounds and located on the Jubilee Campus. The venue is on the marathon route, with runners passing by twice as they head out from Nottingham city centre to Wollaton Park and then on the way back. Its location makes it the perfect option for runners and their families.

The Spokes Café, located within the Jubilee Hotel and Conferences, will be open throughout the day and Nottingham Venues staff are also planning to set up a cheer station with refreshments outside the venue.

Nottingham Venues’ 4* Orchard Hotel, set within 300 acres of the University of Nottingham parkland, is also open to runners and their families throughout the weekend.

In addition to being the Hotel Partner, Nottingham Venues is also entering a team into this year’s Nottingham Post Corporate Challenge. The team is taking on the challenge to fundraise for Footprints Conductive Education Centre, the Nottingham based charity which transforms the lives of children living with mobility and communication difficulties across the East Midlands. People can support their fundraising efforts by visiting the Nottingham Venues’ Just Giving Page.

Stephanie Moss-Pearce, director of marketing at Nottingham Venues, says: “The Robin Hood Half Marathon draws thousands of people to Nottingham each year and we are delighted to partner with the event and welcome runners to our hotels. The Jubilee Hotel and Conferences is the perfect location for runners and their families who wish to support them. We plan to have lots of fun throughout the day, opening our doors to spectators and cheering on all the runners.

“As the route passes directly in front of the Jubilee Hotel and Conferences venue, we are planning on setting up a cheer station to help spur on runners as they complete the course. The training is intensifying for the runners in our corporate team, and we are aiming to raise as much money as possible to support the amazing work carried out by Footprints.”

Amy Spinks, fundraising manager for Footprints Conductive Education Centre, said: “We are delighted to have the support of Nottingham Venues and I hope that the training for race day is going well for all of their runners. The Robin Hood Marathon events are one of the key fundraising events in our calendar, bringing in a substantial amount of money for our charity. Every donation our charity receives is utilised and goes directly into improving the lives of the children and families we support.”

To announce the partnership, the Nottingham Venues team welcomed Team GB Paralympic Athlete and motivational speaker Richard Whitehead MBE to the Jubilee Hotel and Conferences. Richard, who is Charity Patron of Footprints Conductive Education Centre, will be starting this year’s Robin Hood Half Marathon. Through his foundation, The Richard Whitehead Foundation, Richard has inspired and supported thousands of disabled people to get active.

Nottingham Venues is a collection of independent venues specialising in meetings and events, set in the grounds of the University of Nottingham campus. All venues, including the East Midlands Conference Centre, the Jubilee Hotel and Conferences venue, Campus Venues and the 4* Orchard Eco Hotel were brought together under one brand in July 2022 with the aim of providing an unrivalled guest experience.

Loughborough University vision gives HGV drivers a better view of the road

Stuart Pearcey
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Loughborough University vision gives HGV drivers a better view of the road

Research by Loughborough University has led to the creation of a new European standard for HGV design which could help prevent hundreds of people from being killed or seriously injured each year.

Adopted by over 29 countries, including every EU member state and Japan, the legislation means all new HGV designs have to meet the Direct Vision Standard from 2026, and all HGVs from 2029.

This will require significant changes to existing HGV designs that improve the ability of drivers to see cyclists and pedestrians directly, instead of relying on the use of six mirrors. It represents 13 years’ work by the University’s Design Ergonomics Research Group into HGV driver vision and will vastly improve the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.

The first project looking at HGV driver vision by Loughborough, funded by the Department for Transport (DfT), was in 2010 and involved innovative techniques for modelling HGV blind spots. This led to further work, including a project in 2015 when Transport for London (TfL) commissioned a team from the University’s School of Design and Creative Arts, led by Dr Steve Summerskill with Professor Russell Marshall, Dr Abby Paterson and Anthony Eland, to explore the blind spot size found in 19 HGVs using their own CAD system, SAMMIE CAD.

Following this, research was carried out to define and test a Direct Vision Standard (DVS) for HGVs wanting to travel into and around London. Introduced in 2021, the standard defines minimum direct vision requirements, which if not met, result in six extra safety features being fitted to HGVs.

Dr Summerskill said: “For years we have been focussed on highlighting just how poor current HGV driver vision is and the risk it poses to vulnerable road users. Thanks to organisations such as TfL we were able to drive change in London, which has ultimately led to a new European standard.

“It is no exaggeration to say this change will save the lives of hundreds of cyclists and pedestrians. This series of projects highlights how UK academics have influenced policy around the world.”

One of the early adopters of the new DVS is Volta Trucks of Sweden. The company, which creates zero-tailpipe emission transport, has worked closely with Loughborough University to ensure its all-electric Volta Zero medium-duty truck provides the best-in-class safety features for drivers, pedestrians, and other road users.

Ian Collins, Chief Product Officer at Volta Trucks, said: “With the design of the Volta Zero we had the chance to start from a blank sheet of paper. We wanted to produce an electric vehicle, but we also wanted to address the safety issues that we see every day when HGVs are operating in built-up environments.

“In electrifying the vehicle, we were able to use a much more compact power source and free up space at the front of the vehicle. This has enabled us to bring the driver right down into the eye line of vulnerable road users.

“From the very start of the project to create the Volta Zero, we have been very much informed by Loughborough’s research. We are pleased to see that this is now being adopted as an industry standard across Europe.”

Dr Summerskill added: “It has been great to work with and support Volta Trucks. They have demonstrated just what a difference the new DVS makes to driver vision, and ultimately the safety of vulnerable road users.”

Wilko demise is a sad day for East Midlands, says Chamber director

Stuart Pearcey
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Wilko demise is a sad day for East Midlands, says Chamber director
The demise of Worksop-based Wilco is a sad say for a great institution, according to East Midlands Chamber director of partnerships David Pearson. He said Wilko has been a huge success story for the East Midlands, and his thoughts were with the 12,000 people whose livelihoods are affected. “Wilko has been a huge success story for the East Midlands, having opened its first store in Leicester 93 years ago. Its listing as the ninth largest company in Reach plc’s East Midlands Top 500 Companies 2023 reflected how it remained a relevant business. “But like many retailers it has faced a multitude of structural challenges amid the transition to online shopping and cost pressures. “Wilko’s enormous popularity with customers, which has been evident in many comments by the general public since last week’s news about its impending collapse, provides hope there is still an opportunity to save the company in some form. “More broadly, the demise of another staple of the high street offers further evidence to Government of the need to back businesses by ‘getting the basics right’, as we set out in our blueprint for economic growth, titled A Centre of Trading Excellence: A Business Manifesto for Growth in the East Midlands and Beyond. “Specifically, this means a full root-and-branch review of the broken business rates system – which currently severely hampers bricks-and-mortar retail – must be conducted during this Parliament, while outlining a long-term vision for business taxation in all forms would give companies the certainty to plan investments.”

D2N2 LEP looks for match funding for its £4m to start angel investment scheme

Stuart Pearcey
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D2N2 LEP looks for match funding for its £4m to start angel investment scheme
The D2N2 LEP is looking for an early stage investor to match £4m it has set aside to support investment in early-stage, start-up businesses between six months and two years old. The LEP wants to establish an early stage angel investment fund  to promote equity investment in a core client group where intervention is required to stimulate real opportunity. The LEP proposes a Limited Partnership fund structure for the Fund in order to deliver the investments. D2N2 is looking for a service provider who will be appointed to establish the Fund (including taking the role of General Partner of the Limited Partnership) and to be responsible for the day-to-day operation, decision-making and management of the Fund (the Fund Manager). The D2N2 partnership was established in 2010 to cover Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire to grow the area’s economy. It is one of the largest LEPs in England, with a population of more than two million people and with an economic output of over £50.5 billion GVA.

Shift in customer spending a top challenge for Midlands businesses

Tess Egginton
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Shift in customer spending a top challenge for Midlands businesses
A shift in customer spending is one of the biggest challenges facing Midlands businesses over the next six months, as the cost of living crisis continues to bite. According to BDO LLP’s bi-monthly Economic Engine survey of 500 mid-market businesses, more than half of regional companies (59%) said a decision by customers to cut back on spending is their biggest concern. Supply chain issues also continue to cause a significant headache for 31% of Midlands businesses, as problems such as delayed deliveries, stock shortages and cost increases, persist in the market. The survey by the accountancy and business advisory firm found that as purse strings tighten, businesses are having to explore ways to save money in the coming months. More than a third of Midlands businesses (36%) are reducing their energy usage as a way of cutting overheads, with 49% admitting that they are tapping into Government support schemes, such as the Energy Bills Discount Scheme and the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund, to ease the pressure. The knock-on effect of rising costs is that 38% of Midlands businesses are being forced to shelve expansion plans, such as eyeing international markets, as they attempt to balance the books. Kyla Bellingall, regional managing partner in the Midlands, said: “Customer spending habits have always dictated how many regional businesses approach day-to-day operations and longer term growth. “As the battle with inflation continues to impact all facets of the regional economy, Midlands companies are having to be laser focused on business priorities for the remainder of 2023, with debt financing and restructuring workforces at the top of the list for businesses. “What is reassuring to see is, despite the continued pressures facing businesses, growth ambitions remain firmly on the agenda, with 28% of Midlands companies looking to recruit more people with the right skills, as a way of meeting strategic aims.” However, according to BDO’s Economic Engine survey, Midlands businesses still believe the Government has a significant part to play in helping the regional economy to weather the ongoing storm. Bellingall added: “Midlands businesses recognise that in order to bring in the right talent there needs to be a concerted effort on the Government’s part to provide support around specific skills shortages facing certain market segments, whether that’s additional funding for apprenticeships, or more investment in education for specific roles. “Central to future success in the region is the ability for businesses to remain ambitious, focused on growth, and hungry for innovation. Unsurprisingly, 34% of Midlands businesses want the Government to offer more financial support to help them meet those specific aims. “Without more generous funding packages, replacing the likes of Horizon Europe, then regional businesses will continue to struggle in the face of ongoing pressures.”

BSP Consulting appointed on NHS Shared Business Services Framework Agreement

Tess Egginton
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BSP Consulting appointed on NHS Shared Business Services Framework Agreement

East Midlands-based civil and structural engineering company BSP Consulting has been named as a supplier on an NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) Framework Agreement.

BSP won a place on the Healthcare Planning, Construction Consultancy and Ancillary Services (HPCCAS) Framework Agreement to provide civil and structural engineering services.

The appointment opens up a pipeline of opportunities for the company, which has its headquarters in Nottingham and offices in Derby and Leicester.

BSP Managing Director Carl Hilton said: “This is great news for BSP Consulting. Over many years we have completed numerous projects, including new build hospitals and health centres and the re-modelling on many existing hospital sites to help to improve facilities and patient care.

“Being awarded a place on this NHS SBS Framework Agreement highlights our expertise in this field and gives us the opportunity to increase our work with hospitals and other healthcare operators in the future.”

BSP was previously on an NHS SBS Framework Agreement as a sub-consultant but has now been awarded a position in the company’s own right. The framework agreement runs for four years.

“We are currently on more than 20 framework agreements, which is providing a wealth of opportunities for the business – helping to cement our position as one of the largest independent civil and structural engineering companies in the East Midlands,” added Carl Hilton.

New commercial scheme set for central Lincoln

Tess Egginton
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New commercial scheme set for central Lincoln
Lincoln contractor, Stirlin, has revealed details for a new commercial scheme in central Lincoln. The scheme, Witham Enterprise Park, is planned to offer nine new industrial units with sizes starting from circa 956 sq ft, designed by Johnathan Roberts Architects and constructed by Stirlin. The 1.22-acre site, located off Newark Road, adjacent to the Esso fuel station and the River Witham, serves as a prime gateway into Lincoln City Centre. Split across three phases, Witham Enterprise Park will provide over 16,000 sq ft of employment space. Tony Lawton, Managing Director of Stirlin, says: “We’re delighted to collaborate with our joint venture partner to bring forward Witham Enterprise Park. The existing site will greatly benefit from a complete regeneration and there is a notable lack of sufficient contemporary industrial space within the city centre. “We are looking forward to delivering another fantastic project that will boost the county’s economic growth and support the local business base. With its excellent access to Lincoln City Centre and the A46, Witham Enterprise Park will act as the perfect hub for a variety of both local and national enterprises.” Jasper Caudwell, Chartered Surveyor at Pygott & Crone, says: “We are delighted to be named as sole agents on another one of Stirlin’s leading developments in Lincoln, Witham Enterprise Park. The scheme sits in an extremely attractive and strong strategic position located just off Newark Road and will fill a much-needed gap in the market for accessible, modern warehouse space. “The success of the scheme has already been proven by the early interest off-plan, with two units already under offer. We recommend interested parties to get in touch at the earliest to see how your business could benefit from being located at Witham Enterprise Park.” Site preparation works are underway, with construction due to commence imminently.

New plan to uplift skills for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire’s people and businesses launched

Tess Egginton
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New plan to uplift skills for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire’s people and businesses launched
A new localised strategy to arm people with the skills Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire’s businesses most urgently need to meet economic, technological, climate and social challenges has been published. The Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) is a UK Government Department for Education (DfE) project designed to place local employers at the heart of a specific region’s skills system. This means consulting with employers of all sizes and sectors to understand what skills, capabilities, qualifications, and attributes local companies need from their staff to meet growing productivity, tech, environmental and economic issues, and working with training providers to deliver the right range and calibre of courses. The LSIP for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire has been led and delivered by the local branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), due to their close but independent connections to local employers, stakeholders and training professionals. Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire’s new skills plan has found that while the area has enormous economic potential in manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, tourism, and technology, there are a range of skills and labour vulnerabilities in the counties that could threaten growth and productivity if not addressed. Work readiness, digital capabilities and navigating Net Zero opportunities were all found to be of concern among employers, while growing occupational gaps in construction, information and communication technologies, engineering and conservation particularly must be closed to maximise opportunities in service industries, infrastructure, energy security and industrial decarbonisation. The LSIP report outlines the needs of local businesses, especially in light of recent shifts in the workforce such as the impact of Covid lockdowns, remote working and changes to how young people gain exposure to the workplace. Local problems in recruiting skilled tutors in certain sectors has been highlighted as an urgent need to be tackled. Understanding how the area’s vast size – as well as having several areas of deprivation – create challenges for people accessing education and work factor into the plan. Evolutions in Artificial Intelligence, automation, and the pressures of adapting to climate change also shape the LSIP’s recommendations. The LSIP has put forward 18 actionable priorities that require local training providers, councils, trade bodies and other regional stakeholders to make changes before June 2025. The plan has been formally approved by the Secretary of State for Education The Rt Hon Gillian Keegan MP. Local lead for the LSIP and author of the approved report, Natalie Gasson-McKinley MBE, development manager for FSB, said: “I’m delighted that Government has granted approval and officially unveiled our strategy aimed at providing the local community with the precise skills required by businesses in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. “The LSIP encompasses both a structured methodology and a comprehensive blueprint, focusing on active engagement with employers. This approach ensures a thorough grasp of their critical skill deficiencies, challenges, and prospects, while aligning these requirements with local skills provision. It represents a bold stride towards the future, with the welfare of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire’s people and businesses at its core. “We are instigating reforms tailored to a workforce spanning generations. The task of catering to diverse generational needs and expectations across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire is undeniably challenging, yet it’s a challenge that we, alongside local training providers and stakeholders are eager to embrace. “A robust skills foundation in any locality is intimately tied to business efficiency and the well-being of individual employees. The opportunity to play a role in enhancing these vital facets has been truly rewarding. With the official release of the plan, I eagerly anticipate collaborating with our local educational institutions, independent training providers, governing bodies, skill development entities, and industry leaders to transform this vision into reality.” Following approval and publication of the LSIP, the Federation of Small Businesses can now continue to work with these stakeholders – as well as monitor and report progress – over the next two years.

Chesterfield firm wins packaging deal for Estee Lauda ranges

Stuart Pearcey
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Chesterfield firm wins packaging deal for Estee Lauda ranges
Chesterfield’s Robinson Paperbox Packaging has been commissioned to manufacture two promotional boxes for Estee Lauder’s premium haircare brand Aveda. Pierre-Alexandre Latimier – marketing assistant for Aveda EMEA said: “We have used Robinson Paperbox Packaging for a number of projects previously. Their pricing and service levels are one of the main reasons we chose them for this project. With demanding lead times to work to it’s great to have a supplier that can deliver on time and in full.” Jon Walker, new business development manager for Robinson Paperbox Packaging said: “These boxes were manufactured on our new SATE rigid box line which has been recently installed. This machine is the most advanced on the market and produces exceptional quality boxes”.
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