40 organisations pledge their support to Nottingham’s carbon neutral ambition
40 organisations in Nottingham have now pledged their commitment to helping the city become carbon neutral by 2028. Organisations of all sizes across a range of sectors have signed up to the ‘We Support’ campaign, including Boots, Tramlink, Romano’s Caterers, and both of the city’s universities.
Businesses in Nottingham contribute approximately 20% of the city’s carbon emissions. These emissions are included in the city’s carbon neutral target, so it is important that as many organisations as possible commit to creating a city-wide effort.
Tackling the climate crisis has a range of benefits for organisations and businesses. In addition to reduced bills through improving the energy efficiency of buildings, sustainability initiatives can also improve employee wellbeing and enhance resilience.
The ‘We Support’ campaign builds on the success that has been achieved on the sustainability agenda across the city thanks to the Nottingham Green Partnership which celebrated its 30th anniversary earlier in the year.
Cllr Sally Longford, portfolio holder for energy, environment and waste services, said: “It’s fantastic that so many organisations have pledged to support our ambition to be carbon neutral by 2028. Businesses in the city have a huge influence on our carbon emissions, whether it’s the organisation’s own carbon footprint or helping employees make greener choices.
“As we’ve seen in recent weeks, rapid action is needed to tackle the climate crisis. By coming together, organisations across the city can collaborate and support each other to reduce carbon emissions. I would like to encourage more organisations to pledge their support for CN28.”
Alison Sweeney, head of marketing for Tramlink who have pledged to back the We Support campaign, said: “Nottingham is leading the charge against climate change with its ambition to become carbon neutral by 2028, and we are proud to be a key part of that goal. The tram offers a green transport option for millions of passengers every year, helping to keep cars off the road and reduce emissions. As well as being powered by 100% renewable energy, we are also working with businesses and partners across the city to help with their sustainable travel plans.”
Giac Romano, owner of Romano’s Caterers, also a ‘We Support’ partner, said: “At Romano’s, we strongly want to achieve carbon neutrality which is why we’ve pledged our support to CN28. Our small steps will help slow down the consequences of climate change. We often see other companies follow our trends. If other companies copy what we do, they will also be contributing to the city’s efforts to reducing the environmental impact caused by global warming.”
To join the We Support campaign, organisations across the city can email their pledge with examples of how they’re reducing their carbon footprints to the City Council’s Carbon Neutral Policy Team.
Planning green light given to low-carbon council office at Top Wighay
A new, low-carbon money-saving council office has been given the green light to be built at the site of Top Wighay Farm near Hucknall.
It follows a meeting of the county council’s Planning and Rights of Way Committee (Tuesday 26 July), with councillors voting to approve the construction of the flagship building which will help the council save more than a million pounds each year.
The new building is a key component of the council’s ‘Investing in Nottinghamshire’ programme to reduce the number of council buildings from over 17 to 10, resulting in an annual saving of £1.35m for taxpayers and more resources for vital public services.
The Top Wighay office will also generate income by leasing space to other public sector organisations and small and medium-sized businesses.
The applicant, Nottinghamshire County Council, explained how the Top Wighay office is part of broader plans to build a sustainable village on the site, which already has outline planning permission.
These plans will bring 805 new homes and a new primary school and are estimated to create more than 1,000 new full-time jobs and boost the economy by more than £873 million over a decade.
Chairman of the County Council’s Planning and Rights of Way of Committee, Councillor Richard Butler, said: “After hearing all the evidence, the committee by a large majority approved planning permission for this new and exciting money-saving project at Top Wighay Farm.
“This project will create new, high skilled well-paid jobs for local people as well as providing fit-for-purpose accommodation for our adult and children and families staff including our customer service contact centre and multi-agency safeguarding hub.
“It is a vital part of our Investing in Nottinghamshire programme and will help the council reduce building expenditure, so freeing up significant extra revenue for our most important public services.”
Environmental and ecological benefits from the project were also discussed at the meeting, with more than 100 trees to be planted on-site.
The location was also seen as a major benefit with the Top Wighay/Linby area being in the heart of the county.
Councillor Butler said: “It is clear that the location is a key point as councillors discussed how services will be near the people who need them the most.”
Councillors also welcomed the news around the Trentbarton 141-bus service that the county council is running a tender exercise with local bus operators with the intention to fund a like for like service.
It is intended that the new operator will start the new service from 5 September 2022 so there will be no loss in service.
Councillor Butler added: “It was outlined during the meeting how transport links and facilities will create a smooth journey for people wanting to get to the new council office.
“This will include regular bus services and a direct pedestrian/cycle path to the A611 to provide speedy and easy access to the building
“The council’s hard work securing the continuation of the TrentBarton141-bus service was seen as an important part of connectivity to the Top Wighay site.”
Now that planning permission has been approved, work on the site is expected to start early next year.
None of the development will be on green belt land.
The Top Wighay council building will be delivered through the Arc Partnership on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council and is planned to open in late 2024.
Analysis highlights region’s public spending gap with rest of country
The East Midlands continues to receive the lowest levels of public funding in England, according to the Government’s latest figures – as two regional bodies call for a renewed focus on levelling up.
The region ranked either bottom or near the bottom for spending on transport, health, education and economic affairs – when adjudged per head of population – between 2016 and 2021.
East Midlands Chamber and East Midlands Councils analysed the Treasury’s latest public expenditure statistical analysis for 2021, which was published last week.
The report found there was a particular deficit in transport infrastructure spending at just 64.7% of the UK average for 2020/21, the joint lowest of any UK region or nation. If the East Midlands was funded at a level equivalent to the national average, it would have an extra £1.26bn per year to spend on transport.
Over the past 10 years, there has also been a growing gap in transport spend between the East and West Midlands, where spend has been rising. In 2016/17, the £217 per head spend on transport in the East Midlands was 67% of the £322 received by the West Midlands. By 2019/20, this had declined to 61% (£311 versus £506).
Although the gap closed to 79% in 2020/21, these figures are skewed by COVID-19 support and it is likely to widen again over the next decade as a result of building HS2 Phase 1 – which connects Birmingham to London – and initiatives delivered by the West Midlands Combined Authority.
Chris Hobson, director of policy and external affairs at East Midlands Chamber, said: “The fact that the East Midlands has consistently delivered GDP growth close to the UK average from very low levels of transport investment is testament to commitment and ingenuity of the thousands of SMEs that are the backbone of the region’s economy. But declining relative productivity means even this level of performance cannot be sustained.
“Although we have been promised an HS2 leg from Birmingham to East Midlands Parkway alongside other schemes such as Midland Main Line electrification, there has been near silence about progressing these programmes ever since the Integrated Rail Plan was published eight months ago.
“This analysis clearly shows why it’s important for the Government to invest more in our region – not just in transport but other key services such as health, education, economic development and social protection, where we also lag far behind every other region. For all the talk of levelling up, we’re yet to see any tangible proof of action.
“Despite the lack of backing, we have shown you get more bang for your buck by investing in our region. So imagine what we could achieve by really getting behind what we can offer.
“Devolving decision-making powers over how funding is spent to local areas will be an important step in the right direction, as the analysis also highlights how areas already equipped with these responsibilities are receiving more funding.
“With discussions underway about how this might look in the East Midlands under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, this is an important reminder that we must organise ourselves in a way so that it’s easy for Government to provide us with the funding we need to grow our local economy, productivity and wealth.”
Other key findings in the analysis included:
- The East Midlands – which comprises Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire – is a region of 4.87 million people and 367,000 businesses. Total output in 2019 was £130bn, equivalent to 5.9% of the region’s economy.
- The region’s 2022 employment rate of 76% is above the UK average of 75.6%, although median weekly earnings of £573 per week are below the national average of £611 per week
- 7% of the region’s workforce is in manufacturing, compared to 7.3% for the UK
- GDP growth in the East Midlands over the past 20 years has been better than most other regions before the impact of COVID-19, although the 1.8% annual growth is just below the UK average of 1.9%
- Productivity has remained below the UK average over the past 20 years – 85.4% of the national level in 2020 – and is declining in relative terms to the UK
Only 3 weeks left to make your nominations for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022!
With just three weeks remaining until nominations close for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, ensure to submit your entries for the annual celebration of the property and construction industry by 19 August!
Scheduled to take place on Thursday 15 September, the Bricks shine a light on the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of our region, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the East Midlands – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. We also highlight the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes.
The glittering awards ceremony revealing winners, at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, will also offer the perfect chance to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region. The event will additionally feature John Forkin MBE DL, Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby, as keynote speaker.
Nominations for the awards are open until Friday 19 August. To submit a business or development for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Thanks to our sponsors:
- Most active estate agent
- Commercial development of the year
- Responsible business of the year
- Residential development of the year
- Developer of the year
- Deal of the year
- Architects of the year
- Excellence in design
- Sustainable development of the year
- Contractor of the year
- Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, the winner will be selected from those nominated)
Book your tickets now
Tickets can now be booked for the awards event – click here to secure yours. The special awards evening and networking event will be held on 15 September 2022 in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge County Cricket Club from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. Connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks while applauding the exceptional companies and projects in our region. The event will also welcome award-winning mind reader, magician, and professional mentalist Looch, who will bewilder and astonish guests during the evening’s networking. Dress code is standard business attire.
To be held at:
Clegg Construction re-appointed to Scape’s Regional Construction Framework
Clegg Construction has been re-appointed to a leading construction framework designed to facilitate the delivery of high-quality construction services for public sector projects in the Midlands and East of England.
The company has been selected as one of eight contractors on the fourth generation of Scape’s Regional Construction Framework (RCF), which will see them delivering projects across Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Peterborough, and Suffolk in partnership with fellow construction professionals, RG Carter.
Procurement authority, Scape, has been helping the public sector create maximum social value for local communities through its national and regional frameworks since 2006.
This marks the continuation of a long-term partnership between Clegg and Scape, with Clegg having been appointed to the third generation of the framework in 2018, following the expiry of Scape’s East Midlands Property Alliance (empa) framework on which Clegg was also a selected contracting partner. The framework has continued to evolve with a view to providing clients with the most flexible, dynamic, and highly efficient route to market, with the value bands having increased from up to £2.5m to up to £7.5m.
Nottingham-based Clegg, who established an office in Cambridge in 2018 after being appointed to the third generation of the Scape framework, has delivered a raft of works across the East of England with highlights including the creation of the highly energy-efficient Cardea Community Pavilion in Peterborough as well as several schemes completed across live air bases in Suffolk.
Pre-construction director, Ross Crowcroft, said: “On behalf of the team at Clegg Construction, we are delighted to have been re-selected as a partner on Scape’s Regional Construction Framework (RCF).
“The newly defined value band of up to £7.5m is very exciting as it presents additional opportunities for Clegg to deliver high-quality, sustainable design, build and refurbishment schemes in partnership with new and existing clients across the East of England – supported by our dedicated regional office.”
The framework agreement, which begins on 26th August 2022 and will run for four years, will operate under a new parallel lotting structure to provide public sector clients with opportunities for early engagement with contracting partners prior to awarding a project.
In addition, the selection process can broaden procurement options for clients by incorporating contractors in adjacent geographical lots where appropriate.
As part of the agreement, a new ‘net-zero ready’ lifecycle feature will be implemented to support public sector sustainability goals in line with the government’s 2050 target.
Aligning with the government’s Procurement Policy Note 06/20 there will be a key focus on facilitating local economic impact and social value, using the industry-recognised TOMs (Themes, Outcomes and Measures) social value framework to measure and report on Clegg’s social value activities which will revolve around local spend, educational and skills development, as well as the provision of meaningful employment opportunities.
Nottingham Forest gets go-ahead for new stand and residential development
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Planning Committee has approved Nottingham Forest’s plans for amendments to The City Ground including a new stand increasing capacity and associated residential development.
Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council, Cllr Simon Robinson, said: “Both sides have shown commitment to get the application through and do the very best for the club, the supporters and Rushcliffe itself.
“We appreciate Nottingham Forest is a very keen partner of the council. They bring a huge amount of business right across the Borough. We’re absolutely delighted that this application has now been passed and we look forward to working with them going forward.”
The proposals consisted of a full planning application for the redevelopment of the Peter Taylor stand, including the demolition of existing buildings/structures, new public realm and car parking, and an outline planning application for up to 170 residential units.
The residential scheme, meanwhile, is to be housed in a 13 floor development with vehicle and cycle parking, commercial floor space, back of house and plant spaces, access and support facilities at the ground floor, additional vehicle parking and resident amenity space at first floor level followed by 11 levels of mixed sized residential units and roof top plant/terrace areas.
The stand redevelopment will see it replaced with a new three tier scheme, increasing capacity and enhancing facilities. The new stand’s primary uses include seating for spectators, players and match official facilities, media facilities, premium hospitality, conference facilities and staff accommodation.
A committee report said: “It is considered that the proposal would contribute towards the regeneration of the area through optimising the use of brownfield sites and by enhancing the local economy.
“It would also be an opportunity to improve the financial sustainability of NFFC, retaining its home in the Borough, which would maintain its heritage and identity and help secure and expand its existing community and sporting role in the region.
“The proposed new housing, commercial uses, and environmental improvements (in the form of a plaza) would add to this regeneration, provide housing choice, and help stimulate local economic activity.”
Ben Dorks, CEO of Nottingham-headquartered global software company Ideagen, Principal Club Partners of Nottingham Forest, sponsor of their Academy and women’s development squad and partner of the Nottingham Forest Community Trust, said: “Nottingham is an ambitious city, home to globally successful businesses, two world-renowned universities and now a top-flight club in one of the most televised leagues in the world.
“The development of the City Ground will mean Forest will have a stadium that matches that ambition and I for one can’t wait to see it, sit in it and celebrate three points in it.”
New contracts manager joins Blueprint Interiors
Workplace consultancy and commercial office interior fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors has appointed Paul Brown as a contracts manager.
Paul, who lives in Ripley, Derbyshire, has 23 years experience in the shopfitting industry and has managed a wide range of high-profile projects for various blue-chip clients. He also holds a CSCS licence and several NEBOSH general, construction and fire safety certificates.
In his new role, Paul will be responsible for organising the construction phase of all commercial office fit outs projects which the company is delivering. Since the beginning of 2022, Blueprint Interiors has won a number of high profile and high value projects from companies who wish to embrace hybrid working and want to adapt their workplaces according to the needs of the people using them.
Commenting on his new role Paul said: “This is a slight change of industry sector and is an exciting new challenge. I am looking forward to gaining the sense of achievement I get from successfully completing the fantastic looking and people orientated bespoke commercial office fit outs for which Blueprint Interiors is renown.”
Creative and commercial director, Chloe Sproston, added: “Our workplace consultancy process has always preceded our design recommendations. We are finding that this advice is now more important than ever as office managers seek ways to transform their largest overhead – their office space – into a place which attracts the very best talent and inspires them to work to their best ability. With Paul’s skills we will be able to ensure the construction phases continue to meet the highest standards.”
In his spare time, Paul enjoys cycling and getting outdoors with his partner and two young children.
Local business celebrates 20 years in tough times
Hydroscand is an international family-owned business, founded in 1969 in Stockholm, Sweden, providing solutions and services for hoses, fittings, and related products through a customer-driven organisation.
By 2002, Hydroscand was already a very well-established business in Scandinavia, owner, and founder, Björn Holmström had a long-standing relationship with Europower Hydraulics, having been their Swedish distributor in the early days of building Hydroscand there. The Europower business sold off its branch network. Björn Holmström acquired Europower’s branch in the UK.
Today Hydroscand is headquartered in the East Midlands and operates from nine branches in the UK with over 60 employees, serving customers in industries ranging from agriculture to construction to waste management. Its branches offer customers “while you wait” hose replacement. Three of them also operate as production centres, manufacturing hose assemblies for Equipment Manufacturers customers, including Sandiacre.
Its HoseExpress technicians have grown to 30 mobile hose workshops providing on site hose replacement and 3 HoseOnSite static containers kitted out with hose assembly machinery and stock to suit.
Rebecca Galley, Managing Director of Hydroscand UK, said: “Hydroscand has an ethos of being a family business with customer closeness at the top of our agenda in all our operations. I believe that is why the business has been around for more than 50 years, and 20 years so far in the UK. It has been a privilege to lead the UK team here for the past three years and as a team, we are looking forward to the next 20 years with energy and passion for what we do!”
To celebrate this exciting milestone, the business is holding customer open mornings at all its branches from 9am – 1pm on Friday 29th July. Join the firm at its Sandiacre HQ and branch in the morning. There will be exclusive anniversary deals for customers, a free bacon sandwich and a free gift with every purchase for customers.
More supported living homes planned for Notts
205 more ‘supported living’ placements could be created in Notts to help people with disabilities and complex needs live as independently as possible in the community.
The County Council will go out to the housing provider market to tender for eight different contracts between now and January 2023. The plans include up to 10 schemes of between six and 12 units within north Notts, mid Notts and south Notts, as well as two larger schemes in Worksop and an extra care scheme for older people in Hucknall.
There are already 190 supported living schemes throughout Nottinghamshire, providing independent living for 750 people. The Council is due to open a new scheme in Carlton in the autumn called Annear Place, which will offer short term support for 12 people.
Councillor Matt Barney, cabinet member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, said: “We want to help more people to live as independently as possible so they can be a part of their local community.
“Supported living can offer a great option for people with learning disabilities who are leaving home for the first time, as well as people with mental ill-health who have been discharged from hospital. Staff are on-hand if they need extra support and will help people develop the skills they need to eventually move into their own accommodation, such as preparing meals or managing their finances.”
East Midlands business confidence falls for second consecutive month
Business confidence in the East Midlands fell 11 points during July to 12%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
Companies in the region reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 12 points at 15%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 11 points to 8%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 12%.
East Midlands businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their offering with new products or services (46%), hiring new employees and investing in the development of their existing teams (39%) and diversifying into new markets (34%).
The Business Barometer, which questions 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
A net balance of 13% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, down three points on last month.
Overall UK business confidence fell three points during July to 25%. Firms’ outlook on their future trading prospects was up three points to 37%, but their optimism in the wider economy dropped nine points to 12%. The net balance of businesses planning to create new jobs also decreased, seven points to 21%.
Every UK region and nation reported a positive confidence reading in July, with four out of 11 recording a higher reading than last month. The East of England (up 15 points to 46%), West Midlands (up eight points to 38%) and Wales (up seven points to 30%) saw the biggest increases month-on-month, with the East of England now the most optimistic region overall.
Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “The region’s businesses are clearly feeling the heat from the ongoing challenges around rising costs, supply chain disruption and skills shortages. Despite this, it’s encouraging to see overall confidence among firms remain in positive territory, the latest sign of their resilience against the backdrop of uncertain trading conditions.
“In times like this, it’s more important than ever for businesses to keep a close eye on their working capital and to plan for any potential pinch points on the road ahead. We’ll be by their side to offer the necessary financial guidance and support to help them do this.”
Business confidence declined across all four of the sectors in July, reflecting lower optimism about the economy. Confidence within manufacturing declined the most this month (20%/-12), with firms citing moderating trading prospects and a notable drop in economic optimism, but also issues with inflation and supply bottlenecks. There were small falls in confidence for construction (28%/-2), retail (25%/-6) and services (24%/-1).
Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist for Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Business confidence declined this month, suggesting that economic headwinds are becoming more forceful. Despite this, firms’ assessment of their own trading prospects showed some resilience in the face of a challenging environment. Meanwhile, price pressures have shown no clear signs of a downward trend and there appears little sign yet that wage pressures are abating.”
