Furnley House Foundation FiveAthlon Challenge raises over £11,000 for local Leicestershire charities
From Wednesday 5th to Sunday 9th June, Chief Executive Officer Stefan Fura, Head of Culture Kevin Dunn and Protection Specialist Darren Bradbury, joined forces for the FiveAthlon Challenge. This event aimed to raise funds for three Leicestershire based charities.
The Inspiring FiveAthlon Challenge pushed the team to their limits, not just physically but also mentally.
Over five consecutive days and across five diverse locations, each team member took on their own rigorous activity: Stefan Fura swam 2km, Kevin ran 13.1 miles and Darren cycled 91 kilometres per day. During the challenging days, friends of Furnley House joined the team for various legs of the challenge, amplifying their efforts to maximise fundraising.
The Furnley House Foundation was born out of local financial adviser and mortgage broker Furnley House’s ambition to create opportunities and improve the lives of the local community.
The money raised from the Furnley House Foundation will support three charities that were selected during the 2023 Leicestershire Community Champions Awards and includes: Charity of the year winner – Steps Conductive Education Centre; and finalists Focus Charity and Heartwize.
Steps Conductive Education Centre is a registered charity supporting families with children who have special educational needs. Focus Charity supports vulnerable young people, many of whom are in mental health crisis. Heartwize delivers basic life support training which includes CPR using resuscitation dolls as well as teaching how to use a defibrillator.
Kevin Dunn, Head of Culture, said: “The FiveAthlon Challenge was an incredible experience that pushed us all to our limits. Knowing that our efforts will make a real difference for amazing causes is what really kept us going.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported us, whether by sponsoring, donating, spreading the word, providing butties or joining us for a leg of the challenge, your support made all the difference. Thank you!”
Appointment made to head up Midlands expansion of Cornerstone Commercial Finance
Finance industry professional John Maude has been appointed by Cornerstone Finance Group to lead the Commercial Finance business in the Midlands region.
John has been appointed Head of Commercial Finance (Midlands) to drive further expansion of the commercial lending business, where he’ll have responsibility for growing both the team and client base.
John has over 36 years of experience, where he has led teams within both the business and commercial banking fields and is looking forward to applying his skills to expand the Cornerstone client base and help Midlands-based businesses to secure lending to meet their business needs.
John said: “I am delighted to be joining the Cornerstone Finance Group with the remit of building the business and establishing the brand as the number one commercial broker in the Midlands.
“Businesses across the Midlands are striving for growth and Cornerstone has vast experience of working with such clients to offer bespoke advice whilst working together to find solutions that are right for them.”
John started his career at RBS, later becoming NatWest, where he held a number of roles and spent 30 years in leadership. He has recently held the role as Regional Managing Director, Midlands, South West & Wales, followed by the last 18 months as Head of Business Banking Portfolio Management.
John’s appointment will see Cornerstone Commercial Finance extend its reach from Wales and the south west of England into the Midlands area.
Commenting on his appointment, Cornerstone Commercial Finance Managing Director, Kevin Morgan said: “John’s appointment marks a significant milestone for the Cornerstone business, and we are delighted to have him on board to lead the expansion of the business in the Midlands.
“We have grown the business in Wales and the south west and are delighted that with John at the helm we can offer Midlands businesses a range of commercial lending solutions.
“John has a proven track record in financial management and business development that aligns with our strategy of providing bespoke solutions to our clients and we look forward to the valuable contributions he will make to the success of Cornerstone Finance Group and our clients.”
Sustainable and inclusive fleet management strategies
Managing a fleet efficiently is crucial for any business reliant on transportation. However, achieving this in a way that is both sustainable and inclusive can present unique challenges. Here are some practical strategies to help your business navigate these challenges and achieve a fleet that is not only efficient but also environmentally friendly and accessible to all.
Embrace Green Technology
One of the most impactful steps towards sustainable fleet management is the adoption of green technology. This can include electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid models that significantly reduce carbon emissions. While the initial investment might be higher, the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance costs are considerable. Moreover, as regulations around emissions tighten, having a green fleet can future-proof your business and ensure compliance with environmental standards.
Installing charging stations at your business premises is another step towards sustainability. Partnering with local authorities to access public charging infrastructure can also be beneficial. Incentives and grants are often available for businesses transitioning to electric vehicles, so take advantage of these opportunities to offset costs.
Regular Maintenance and Monitoring
Maintaining your fleet in top condition is essential for both sustainability and efficiency. Regular maintenance checks ensure that vehicles run smoothly and efficiently, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Implementing a robust monitoring system can help track vehicle performance and identify any issues early on.
Telematics systems can provide valuable data on driving habits, fuel consumption, and maintenance needs. This data allows for proactive maintenance, reducing downtime and extending the lifespan of your vehicles. Additionally, encouraging eco-friendly driving habits among your drivers, such as smooth acceleration and braking, can further enhance fuel efficiency.
Prioritise Accessibility
Inclusivity is another critical aspect of modern fleet management. Ensuring that your fleet includes vehicles that can accommodate passengers with disabilities not only broadens your customer base but also demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility. Reputable, long-established companies like Cab Direct offer wheelchair-accessible taxis, which can be a valuable addition to your fleet.
Having a mix of vehicles that cater to various needs ensures that you can provide services to a wider audience. This inclusivity can enhance your reputation and open up new business opportunities. Additionally, being known as a company that prioritises accessibility can build customer loyalty and trust.
Invest in Training and Development
Your drivers play a crucial role in the sustainability and efficiency of your fleet. Investing in regular training programs can ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to operate vehicles efficiently. Training should cover eco-driving techniques, safety practices, and the proper use of any new technologies or vehicles introduced to the fleet.
Moreover, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and encouraging feedback from your drivers can lead to innovative ideas for further enhancing fleet efficiency and sustainability. Recognising and rewarding good practices can also motivate drivers to maintain high standards.
Efficient Route Planning
Efficient route planning can significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Using route optimisation software can help identify the most efficient routes, taking into account factors such as traffic, road conditions, and delivery schedules. This not only saves time and fuel but also improves service delivery and customer satisfaction.
Real-time tracking and dynamic routing can further enhance efficiency. By responding to traffic changes or urgent delivery requests promptly, you can ensure that your fleet operates at maximum efficiency at all times.
Adopt a Circular Economy Approach
Adopting a circular economy approach in fleet management involves considering the entire lifecycle of your vehicles. This means planning for the reuse, refurbishment, or recycling of vehicles and their components at the end of their service life. Partnering with companies that offer vehicle recycling services can ensure that your old vehicles are disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
Furthermore, exploring options for using remanufactured parts for vehicle repairs can reduce costs and environmental impact. This approach not only supports sustainability but also promotes resource efficiency.
Engage with Stakeholders
Engaging with stakeholders, including employees, customers, and suppliers, is vital for successful sustainable and inclusive fleet management. Regular communication and collaboration can help identify areas for improvement and ensure that everyone is on board with your sustainability goals.
Customer feedback can provide insights into how your services are perceived and where there might be opportunities to enhance inclusivity or efficiency. Working closely with suppliers can also lead to better deals on green technology and maintenance services.
Measure and Report Progress
Finally, measuring and reporting your progress is crucial for continuous improvement. Set clear sustainability and inclusivity targets for your fleet and regularly review your performance against these goals. Transparency in reporting can build trust with stakeholders and demonstrate your commitment to these values.
Using performance indicators such as fuel consumption, emissions, maintenance costs, and customer satisfaction can provide a comprehensive view of your fleet’s performance. Regularly sharing these results with your team and stakeholders ensures accountability and helps drive ongoing improvements.
Achieving sustainable and inclusive fleet management requires a multifaceted approach that incorporates green technology, efficient practices, and a commitment to accessibility. By embracing these strategies, your business can enhance its operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and provide inclusive services to a broader customer base.
Investing in sustainability and inclusivity is not only beneficial for the environment and society but also positions your business as a leader in responsible and forward-thinking practices.
Engineering and groundworks contractor fined following HGV driver’s death
A Nottinghamshire-based engineering and groundworks contractor has been fined £233,000 for safety breaches after a 52-year old HGV driver was struck and killed by the mast of a piling rig at a house build site in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway.
On 21 January 2021, Gary Dobinson, who was employed by another company, visited the Hallmeadow development off Elm Road with his lorry to collect and transfer the piling rig owned by Van Elle Limited.
Tragically, as the mast of the rig was being lowered in preparation for its transportation, it suddenly collapsed and struck Mr Dobinson. Site workers and the emergency services raced to the scene to try to help him, but he sadly died from his injuries.
An investigation by Police Scotland and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that insufficient measures had been taken to maintain the piling rig in a safe condition prior to the incident. Specifically, the securing lug for one of the mast’s retaining pins was badly corroded and failed, allowing the pin to displace, causing the mast to topple.
Van Elle Limited, of Southwell Lane, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 5 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. The company was fined £233,000 at Dumfries Sheriff Court on 4 June 2024.
HSE inspector James Caren said: “All work equipment should be subject to suitable inspection and maintenance to ensure that it can be used without risk to the safety of those using it and those in the vicinity. Construction plant are exposed to harsh conditions and require effective inspection and maintenance regimes to avoid safety defects developing.
“The company should have had robust measures in place to maintain the piling rig so that it was structurally sound and could be operated safely.”
Northamptonshire trade counter and drive thru scheme fully let and sold
Tungsten Properties has secured occupiers and freehold sales for all seven of its trade counter units and one drive-thru at Tungsten Trade Park Brackley, Northamptonshire.
The new occupiers include Easy Bathrooms, Screwfix, Garage 59, DAR Group, Toolstation, Rapid Electrical, Rexel, and Costa Coffee.
All seven trade units and the drive thru have been sold either directly as occupier freehold sales, or as investments to a range of private investors.
The project, which commenced in Q3 2021 and reached practical completion in Q4 2022, was Tungsten’s second scheme to be delivered in JV with funder Euro Property Investments Limited.
Jeff Penman, Managing Director, Tungsten Properties, said: “Following a significant deterioration in the institutional investment market, we made the decision to separate the estate and sell as seven individual properties which resulted in the project performing ahead of business plan.
“The success of the scheme, despite challenging economic conditions post-completion, has led to further deals being agreed between Tungsten and EPIL at sites in Milton Keynes and High Wycombe.”
Ashleigh Hayes, associate development director, Tungsten Properties, added: “To have all units occupied and sold shows the strength of demand for trade counters in the thriving town of Brackley.
“We have a fantastic tenant line up and the occupiers will undoubtedly benefit from each other’s presence on the Park. This is evidenced by Costa which has already extended their lease, showing the strength of the trading position.”
Andrew Franck-Steier, Atlas Real Estate, said: “Tungsten Properties has built another excellent scheme in a prime location in the market town of Brackley which is experiencing significant expansion due to the delivery of new homes and its proximity to the A road and wider motorway network.
“The lettings to these key occupiers along with freehold investments have provided investors with long-term income.”
Carter Jonas and White Commercial were the appointed commercial agents whilst Atlas Real Estate advised on the investment sales.
Trading Standards officials probe retail pricing errors in Derby
In a crackdown on bad pricing, Derby City Council’s Trading Standards team have checked the prices of 5,000 products across 47 premises in a citywide sweep, and found 218 non-compliant prices, eight misleading offers and 30 incorrect pricings.
While many of the price discrepancies were small, if a major retailer sold items in large quantities then the detriment to the consumer would add up.
A spokesperson for Derby City Council said: “Our duty to protect consumers in Derby also stretches to their wallets. At a time where prices are high, it’s important that people are getting a fair deal on essential goods and are not being overcharged for them.
“These recent inspections may have only identified a few discrepancies at some stores but these can add up for consumers, especially during a cost of living crisis. We will continue to monitor pricing practices around the city and take action where necessary.”
These Derby findings reinforced a wider regional operation called Operation Londonite, which is being led by the Competition and Markets Authority, which conducted on-site inspections and looked at a sample of products – such as fresh fruit and vegetables and products on promotion. During inspections at some stores, the CMA found examples where the retailer was displaying inaccurate prices or failed to display prices at all for certain products. Failing to provide clear and accurate pricing information for products on sale is a breach of consumer law.
George Lusty, Interim Executive Director for Consumer Protection and Markets at the CMA, said: “We know how frustrating it can be when you get to the till only to find the price doesn’t match what was advertised. While lots of grocery retailers – particularly supermarkets – are complying with pricing rules, this needs to consistently be the case across all types of stores.
“It’s important that shoppers can make well-informed choices based on accurate information, especially at a time when lots of people are looking to save money. That’s why we are reminding businesses of the importance of complying with consumer law.”
What might businesses want from the next government? By James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants
James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, provides food for thought ahead of the general election.
The wait is over and we now have a date for a general election, the 4th July. Whilst many will have been pressing for and wanting an election, how many of us have considered why or what we really want from the next government? Whilst individuals will no doubt have their own thoughts and asks, these invariably will be unique to them. When it comes to businesses there is probably a more collective thought or ask.
Perhaps this might start with a government that provides greater stability, a sense of direction and vision for the future, one that has empathy for people and businesses alike, with the need for disruption and doing things differently being at the heart of addressing the challenges we face. That is opposed to internal politics and disruption we have seen over the term of this parliament, with infighting and a focus on themselves rather than the people they serve. There also feels like a need to demonstrate more in terms of good governance and embracing the Nolan principles of public life, which are around selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
For many in business there is a real quest for a more stable economy along with greater certainty and growth. With a greater sense of confidence and trust, optimism tends to follow along with the assurance and decision to make business investments and to drive change and growth.
It would seem that much of the challenge of the cost of living has rightly focused on individuals but we mustn’t forget that people run, manage and work in businesses. Therefore, businesses are also impacted both directly and indirectly by the cost of living and the cost of running a business. Certainly, businesses are keen to see costs come down and stay down, something which no doubt requires a continued focus on the likes of energy costs and overall supply chain management.
Rising costs over recent years, along with workforce and skills shortages, are certainly taking their toll on established, new and scale up enterprises. As such there needs to be a greater focus on improving productivity and for ensuring that our education system, from primary to tertiary and lifelong learning, is best placed to support the needs of our businesses.
Business leaders are also frustrated by poor infrastructure, not least the inability to travel efficiently and effectively around the country whether by road, rail or public transport – we would all benefit from investment in the same.
Whilst healthcare will be high on the list of issues campaigned about and will be on the minds of the electorate, we often overlook the impact on the workplace of people not being able to access and receive the health and welfare care and support they need. Certainly, many a business could benefit from a more robust, resilient and responsive care sector.
Though it may seem an age since the pandemic, we are still dealing with the fallout and there still seems a lot to be done to support communities affected and the lasting changes we face. In particular it seems that many of our vital third sector organisations and the social economy has been hard hit and one which, despite its key and vital role in society, is often overlooked.
We must also consider Brexit as we still seem to not have realised the supposed or otherwise benefits of our withdrawal from the EU. For some this will be around dealing with the challenges involved in trading with EU states, as well as the need to explore and realise new trading opportunities.
There is also the key issues of geo-political challenges and a real sense of unrest, war and conflict around the world. Nor too, global warming and the environment.
Whatever the outcome of the election, hopefully this has provided food for thought. Perhaps surprisingly there is little reference here to taxation and the need for tax reform or changes.
See this column in the June issue of East Midlands Business Link Magazine here.
Frontier Software support Festival of Work
Frontier Software support CIPD Festival of Work at ExCel London on 12th and 13th June 2024.
The Festival of Work, organised by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), returns for its sixth year bringing together the latest insights, trends, and innovations in HR, L&D, and internal communications. The event includes over 150 inspirational speakers and experts, sharing their knowledge and expertise on a wide range of topics, from employee experience, learning and development, to personal wellbeing.
The festival floor is a must-visit destination, with over 170 exhibitor stands showcasing the latest innovations, cutting-edge workplace technology, business management tools and services. Visitors can expect to gain valuable insights, network with peers and discover new solutions to drive business success. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills, stay up-to-date on industry trends, or find new corporate solutions, this event is not to be missed.
An experienced and trusted provider, Frontier Software has been delivering innovative HR software solutions for over 40 years. Their extensive product range is continually being developed to meet the complex demands of HR professionals. The Frontier Software comprehensive suite of integrated software modules is designed to provide personalised employee interactions, striking the perfect balance between organisational and individual needs. With highly configurable automation tools, you can tailor your HR processes to fit your unique business requirements.
Real-time data is always at your fingertips, empowering users to make informed and accurate decisions. Furthermore, the ChatHR feature enables seamless, conversational interactions between employees and your HR database, streamlining employee engagement and support.
Visit Frontier Software at the Festival of Work to learn more about HR and/or Payroll cloud-based solutions, and outsourced payroll processing services for organisations of every size and sector.
Boost morale at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
Placing the spotlight on the region’s property and construction industry, and offering a prime opportunity for networking, the prestigious East Midlands Bricks Awards will return on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground.
Nominations for the event are open, and now is the perfect time to make your submissions ahead of the deadline (Thursday 5th September).
Take this ideal opportunity to showcase projects, businesses and teams, reward their hard work, and bolster morale.
To nominate your (or another) business/development for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Tickets can now be booked for the 2024 awards event, click here to secure yours.
Taking place in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground on Thursday 3rd October, from 4:30pm – 7:30pm, connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region.
Attendees will also hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire.
Dress code is standard business attire.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Award categories include:
- Most active 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, with the winner, and recipient of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, selected from those nominated)
Nominations end Thursday 5th September
After winning Architects of the Year at last year’s event, Louise Jones, practice manager at Matthew Montague Architects, said: “We are delighted to win the Architects of the Year Award. 2023 is our 25th year in business and we are thrilled to receive this award in our milestone year. The event was well organised, well attended and thoroughly enjoyable.” Find out who last year’s winners were here.
To be held at:
Top business strategist joins Ashby-based property consultancy
A top business strategist with 25 years’ experience in change management and consultancy has been hired by a property firm as it embarks on a new phase of ambitious growth over the next five years.
Ben Southworth has joined Fisher German as its new Chief Operating Officer to drive the delivery of the firm’s growth strategy and to lead its shared services team as the company looks to consolidate its recent success of growing to have more than 800 employees across 26 offices.
He will work closely with the directors in Fisher German’s shared services division, which includes functions such as HR, IT, finance, marketing and communications, to deliver a clear and cohesive plan for the division to support the business’s operations and future growth plans.
Ben was part of the senior team that led the rescue and turnaround plan for the Co-op Group during its period of crisis in 2014, and has also worked for Deloitte, KPMG, and Accenture.
More recently, Ben oversaw the growth of start-up Place Capital Group, which advises local authorities and housing associations on the design and delivery of social housing. Within three years the business now employs over 50 people.
Ben said: “I’m very pleased to have joined a company like Fisher German, which is at a key juncture in its growth and is hungry to progress even further.
“With its many areas of expertise in agency, advisory services, infrastructure services, and property management, it will be important to ensure all areas of the business are working together towards a common goal while continuing to deliver an excellent service for our clients and winning new work.
“I think my range of experience both in management consultancy and change management – especially my recent work in the housing sector – will enable me to provide informed strategic and operational support to Fisher German as it continues on its upward curve.”
Andrew Bridge, Managing Partner at Fisher German, added: “Fisher German’s growth, both through organic means as well as acquisitions, has got the company to a stage where it is ready to take that next leap into a new era.
“Reflecting on our business plans for 2024-29, we need the correct structure and operational efficiencies in place to realise our ambitions. As such, we have appointed Ben to lead shared services as I focus on my other responsibilities to the Partnership, our clients and the wider firm.
“Ben’s track record in ensuring all parts of a business work harmoniously to deliver excellent results meant we felt he would be well-placed to help Fisher German do the same.
“After weathering the storm of the pandemic and the subsequent challenges of the property market to grow to our largest size, we’re looking forward to building on this success with Ben as our new COO.”
D2N2 LEP incorporated into new East Midlands Combined County Authority
Work to boost inclusive growth across the region has taken an important step forward this week following the incorporation of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) into the new East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).
The move sees around 20 LEP staff joining the EMCCA to support the work to improve the lives of everyone living and working in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and Derby and Derbyshire, through delivering improvements in transport, housing, skills and adult education and net zero.
Local enterprise partnerships were established across the country in 2010 with responsibilities for local economic development in their region. Now, as part of the devolution deal agreed with government that established EMCCA, the LEP’s board agreed that its functions would be incorporated into the EMCCA to deliver a unified approach to tackling the region’s challenges.
Mark Rogers, interim Chief Executive of EMCCA, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome LEP staff to the EMCCA. It’s an important step forward in growing organisational capacity and supporting our devolution journey that’s seen powers move from Westminster to the East Midlands where we can make the right decisions for the people we serve.
“The move means the expertise, knowledge and experience that supports business growth, investment opportunities and partnership working is in one place where we can make a real difference to our region.”
Will Morlidge, Chief Executive of D2N2 LEP, said: “I’m delighted that the LEP team is joining the Combined County Authority. We’re extremely proud of the work we’ve done over the last 13 years, but joining EMCCA means that across a whole range of issues we can do more, even bigger, even better things that support our region.”
The D2N2 Board, which provides strategic leadership for the LEP, will be in place until the end of this year.
One third of employees feel less engaged at work due to personal finance issues
A large-scale survey which examines UK employee engagement has found that a third of people are distracted at work due to their personal finances; they were also more likely to report unmanageable job stress.
The Engage for Success (EfS) UK Employee Engagement Survey 2023 received responses from more than 3,000 people. The annual survey, run in partnership with Nottingham Business School, part of Nottingham Trent University, began in 2022 to measure UK employee engagement levels following the pandemic.
The results of the survey are translated into an EFS Engagement Index score, which is calculated using three questions that assess satisfaction, advocacy, and loyalty. The latest results show a stagnation in engagement, with the score remaining at 62%. This suggests that UK employees are showing up but not fully engaged.
However, these scores were impacted by the actions of organisations. Respondents who agreed that senior leaders and managers adequately prioritised people issues showed significantly higher engagement scores.
They were more likely to hold positive views about their organisation’s culture, ethics, honesty, openness, and change management capabilities. Additionally, they felt their wellbeing, professional development, and psychological safety were valued.
In contrast, two in five respondents did not feel this way, leading to negative views of the organisation and higher levels of unmanageable job stress. This stress was notably seen among those experiencing issues due to cost of living, people with long term health issues and workers from the LGB+ community.
This was reflected in an EFS Engagement Index score of 55% from respondents who reported having no access to wellbeing resources, compared to those who reported having five or more wellbeing resources available achieving a score of 73%.
The survey also examined four key aspects of organisational practices – wellbeing, voice, learning and development, and social engagement – and revealed that the greater the number of practices offered in each aspect, the higher the EFS Engagement Index score. For example, respondents with no learning and development opportunities had an EFS Engagement Index score of 47%, while those with five or more opportunities scored 75%.
Dr Sarah Pass, senior lecturer in Human Resources Management at Nottingham Business School and Engage for Success advisory board member, said: “Along with emphasising the importance of employers offering their workers a full package of support, our findings revealed the critical role of line managers and workplace relationships in fostering and nurturing engagement levels.
“Line managers are the primary link between the employee and the employer, significantly influencing how employees perceive their work environment and their overall engagement.
“However, there are ongoing issues of training, accountability, and responsibility that are hindering the positive impact of line managers. Addressing these issues can help line managers better support their teams, leading to higher engagement levels and a more positive workplace culture.”
The report recommends that organisations must prioritise individual wellbeing, adopt a human-centered approach to employee experience, and re-evaluate organisational purpose.
Dr Pass added: “Investing in their workforce will help businesses build resilience during economic uncertainty and promote sustainable growth.”
David MacLeod OBE, co-founder of Engage for Success, said: “Given the challenges the UK now faces we must harness much more of the untapped potential in all our employees both in the public and private sectors. This research makes clear that we have much to do, but also that best practice already exists, offering us all a way forward to significantly improve organisational outcomes in all sectors of our economy.”
Nita Clarke OBE, director of the Involvement and Participation Association and co-founder Engage for Success, said: “Positive employee engagement must underpin every national effort to improve our productivity. This immensely valuable survey points to what works – but also indicates we have a long way to go.”
James Court-Smith, director at business analytics firm, Stillae, NTU Visiting Fellow, and Engage for Success board member, said: “How we feel about work affects how we show up there. The job itself, the wider career, our boss, and colleagues all impact our self-worth and our health, either positively or negatively.
“It should be no surprise that this has a direct impact on how productive we are, how much ownership we take and what discretionary effort we apply at work.
“Engagement offers an opportunity to measure and manage this dynamic, in order to boost organisational performance. The impact on performance is there regardless, employers can choose to seize the opportunity by working on engagement, or choose to ignore it, and leave attainable performance gains on the table.”
Nottingham Venues shortlisted for Best Venue at national awards
Nottingham Venues has been named as a finalist at the 2024 Conference and Events Awards.
The company, which operates a collection of hospitality destinations located on the University of Nottingham’s campuses – including the 4* Orchard Hotel & Restaurant, The East Midlands Conference Centre, the Jubilee Hotel and Conferences and Campus Venues – has been shortlisted in the Best Venue (500-1100 attendees Theatre Style) category.
The Conference and Events Awards are the event industry’s pinnacle of recognition. The annual awards celebrate and champion everyone involved in the events industry including conference and trade-show organisers, in-house events teams, event, PR & marketing agencies and the venues themselves.
Tom Waldron-Lynch, General Manager at Nottingham Venues, said: “We’re extremely excited to have made the shortlist for Best Venue over 500 attendees. We believe we are not just another venue as we offer an unparalleled guest experience, and this is such a boost for the whole team.
“Given the breadth of our offering, we provide good options for large-scale events and conferences, which makes our venues perfect for corporate events, weddings, academic conferences, sports camps, and faith-based gatherings, among others. We’re really looking forward to the awards ceremony in July.”
The Best Venue (500-1100 attendees Theatre Style) award is given to the Best Conference or Event Venue that caters for larger audiences of over 500. Judges will be looking for innovation, expertise and success in all areas including first-class interior design and facilities; flexible and versatile spaces to adapt to clients’ requirements; modern equipment and technology and superb acoustics; excellent customer service and support; competitive pricing and value for money and outstanding catering for event attendees.
The winners will be announced at the lunchtime Awards Ceremony at City Central at the HAC, London on Friday 5th July.
Two promotions made at East Midlands civil and structural engineering firm
East Midlands civil and structural engineering firm BSP Consulting has made internal promotions to create two new associate directors.
Civil engineer Carol Ell, who has a leadership role in BSP’s Leicester office, has been with the company 20 years next month.
Finance manager James Payne, who is based in the Nottingham office, working across the company, joined BSP from school in August 2001 and has held a variety of roles within the business.
BSP MD Carl Hilton said: “Both Carol and James have proven themselves to be very committed to BSP Consulting, with almost 43 years of service between them. They bring an energy and enthusiasm to the company which very much contributes to our success.
“I am pleased to announce that they have both earned a well-deserved promotion to associate director and congratulate them on their new appointments.”
£15.4m aerospace training facility opens in Newark
The Air and Space Institute (ASI) in Newark has now received its first intake of students. The £15.4m state-of-the-art facility provides world-class educational opportunities for future generations of the aerospace industry.
Procured through the Pagabo National Framework for Major Construction Works and delivered by Midlands-based contractor, G F Tomlinson, the new ASI facility provides a unique opportunity for students aged 16-18 to train for pilot, engineer and ground-crew roles in airlines, the military, airports and logistics companies across the UK and abroad.
The new three-storey college building constructed for Newark College, which is part of the Lincoln College Group, sits adjacent to the Newark and Sherwood District Council offices on the former Cattle Market and is only the second of its kind to be built in the UK.
The facility provides high tech training for the air and space industry, accommodating a full-sized Airbus A318 for enhanced hands-on teaching experience, alongside a double height entrance hall, large open space hangar, flight simulators, teaching zones, engineering workshops, lecture and seminar areas.
It is anticipated that the building blueprint could form a model for future establishments of this type, across other areas of the UK.
Introducing a full-sized commercial aeroplane into the building posed a number of complexities including ensuring the installation was successfully implemented within the tight tolerances of the building.
The initial brief was just a section of the fuselage to be placed into the building. Through collaborative innovation with the client and designers on how the plane would be supported on specially designed wheel mounts, the Airbus A318 was able to be installed as a whole unit, enhancing the learning experience for students.
G F Tomlinson sourced specialist advice from a private Flight Director who provided industry expertise to collaboratively assist with the permanent installation in the hangar. The aircraft was transported from the Air Salvage International base in Cirencester and travelled 110 miles by police escort to Newark.
Prior to arrival, reinforced concrete pads and beams were installed to strengthen the floor slab and a specialist hydraulic gantry was erected within the building to lift the fuselage from the low loader and temporarily suspend and support the aircraft mid-air.
Specially designed structural steel supporting systems were manufactured and installed to stabilise and take the weight of the aircraft, fixing it in its final position.
G F Tomlinson used BIM technology software from the conception of the scheme, to digitally map the complex build which comprised numerous articulated angles. Using world coordinate systems for its design and construction, the software allowed the contractor and client to work the design and use real time updates to navigate through all fundamental stages towards completion.
This software helped ensure the plane installation could be completed accurately, with tolerances down to millimetres.
Sustainability was an integral part of the project, with initiatives such as five air source heat pumps, two air handling units and three extracts incorporated within the building to reduce the overall energy building requirements.
During the project, 1140 car miles were driven using low-emission vehicles and G F Tomlinson sourced 92% local spend and 92% local labour within 40 miles of site. 135.53 tonnes of wood waste materials were rescued from the waste stream and 99.3% of site waste was recycled, aligning with the target of offsetting carbon during the project, in line with the Government’s Net Zero agenda.
G F Tomlinson provided £25,315,802 of Total Social Value opportunities for the local community, which was calculated using social impact software, Loop. This included organised site visits, regular newsletters and career talks with students from nearby schools. 228 hours of work experience placements, 948 apprentice hours and 723 local student engagements were provided.
Adrian Grocock, Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “It’s been an honour to turn Lincoln College Group’s vision into a reality, providing a world-class training facility for young people going into the aerospace industry.
“We worked closely with the client using the latest technology and specialist advice to ensure the seamless construction of the new campus building and the installation of the large commercial aircraft for educational purposes – consulting with third party experts to manage the transportation and stabilisation of the aircraft to its final fixed position.”
Councillor Matthew Spoors, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Development at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “This is a huge moment not just for Newark but the whole district. We now have an amazing world-class training centre right in the heart of our community which will be giving local students opportunities to pursue successful and inspiring careers like they’ve never had before.
“This goes beyond just education but will create exciting developments for our local community. It will provide employment opportunities and boost our local economy and will be home to over 200 students each year.
“It will directly create almost 40 new jobs for the area and importantly will create many more over the coming generations to those wanting to embark on careers and pathways into better skilled, well-paid jobs in the civil and military aviation industries.
“The ASI has all been made possible thanks to the successful Newark Town Board bid for £25m as part of the Government’s Towns Fund initiative in 2019 and it’s been great to see students already studying at the site after years of planning and construction.”
Tom Marsden, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at Lincoln College Group, said: “We are thrilled with the exceptional work done by G F Tomlinson and their team of contractors in constructing our new state-of-the-art facility.
“Their dedication and expertise have truly transformed the space into a cutting-edge hub for education and training that will benefit not only the students of Newark but also the entire surrounding region. We are excited to see the positive impact this facility will have on our community for years to come.”
David Llewellyn, head of construction and infrastructure at Pagabo Group, said: “Our goal is always to make procurement simple, effective and compliant, and this type of large-scale project is the perfect example of when a framework such as our Major Construction Works framework can come into its own.
“With numerous complexities to overcome, it’s important for clients to have access to both established suppliers as well as newer SMEs to offer innovative solutions that really work, while improving access to the types of sustainable solutions that were so important to this project.
“Sustainability and social value really are at the heart of effective future procurement, so it’s been brilliant to facilitate a project which also upholds these values at every touchpoint.”
Dains swoops for NHS VAT specialists
The Dains Group has acquired NHS VAT specialists, CRS VAT.
Founder Chris Silk has championed the decision to join the Dains group of businesses saying: “Having been established for 21 years, CRS VAT is delighted to join forces with Dains as we continue to grow our market share across the UK. With Dains’ support, we will be able to provide an enhanced service to our clients and connect to an incredible network of advisors across the group.”
Richard McNeilly, CEO of Dains, said: “What attracted Dains to CRS VAT is their commitment to technical excellence and client service; they stay abreast of NHS client needs and legislative changes to develop solutions to address client challenges.
“With a focus on the NHS, CRS VAT has become a leading VAT service provider for the sector, delivering increased VAT recovery and tailored advisory services. The team is a natural fit, complementing Dains’ expertise in providing services to the Public Sector following the acquisition of Opto Group in 2023.”
Nick Burrows, Managing Director of Opto Group, believes the move is perfect for clients and the CRS VAT team: “Our business is built on the quality of our people and our clients.
“Bringing CRS VAT into the group will allow us to leverage our combined expertise, to become the UK’s largest specialist public sector tax team, delivering high quality professional tax services to a complete range of public sector bodies. Investment from Dains will enable the business to continue to grow and provide enhanced career opportunities for our talented teams.”
Luke Kingston, Partner at Horizon Capital, said: “Richard and the team at Dains have now completed their eighth acquisition and we are delighted to have supported the group to this milestone. We share everyone’s enthusiasm for the significant opportunities created by bringing such likeminded businesses together.”
Dains were advised by DSW (financial and tax due diligence), Forward Corporate Finance (Financial Modelling) and CMS (Legal). CRS VAT were advised by Thrings (Legal).
Output growth quickens in the East Midlands, but demand softens in May
The headline NatWest East Midlands PMI® Business Activity Index – a seasonally adjusted index that measures the month-on-month change in the combined output of the region’s manufacturing and service sectors – posted at 52.3 in May, up from 51.2 in April, to signal a modest expansion in output at East Midlands private sector firms.
The upturn was linked to a further rise in new orders and a sustained improvement in demand conditions. The rate of growth in activity was the fastest for three months, albeit slightly slower than both the series and UK averages.
East Midlands private sector firms signalled a fifth successive monthly expansion in new business during May. Anecdotal evidence suggested the rise in new orders was due to sustained customer demand. That said, the pace of growth slowed to only a fractional rate, as some firms highlighted a sluggish sales environment.
The rate of increase in new orders was slower than both the long-run series trend and UK average.
May data signalled further upbeat expectations among East Midlands private sector firms. Companies stated that efforts to diversify revenue streams, greater advertising to bring in new clients and hopes of stronger demand conditions supported optimism. Nonetheless, the degree of confidence remained subdued in the context of the series’ history and was lower than the UK average.
East Midlands private sector firms indicated an eleventh consecutive monthly decrease in employment during May. The rate of decline quickened to the fastest since last November, but was only marginal overall. Redundancies and the non-replacement of voluntary leavers following subdued new order growth reportedly drove job shedding.
The fall in staffing numbers in the East Midlands contrasted with a slight rise seen at the UK level.
May data indicated a faster decrease in backlogs of work at East Midlands firms. The pace of contraction quickened to the sharpest since September 2023 and was strong overall. Moreover, the pace of decline was the second-strongest of the UK regions, slower than only Wales.
Companies noted that muted new order inflows allowed them to work through incomplete business successfully.
Average cost burdens faced by East Midlands firms rose further during May, as higher wage bills and raw material prices pushed up operating expenses. That said, the pace of cost inflation slowed to the weakest since November 2020 and was softer than the long-run series average.
The slower uptick in costs reflected the broader UK trend, however.
East Midlands private sector firms signalled a solid rise in selling prices midway through the second quarter. The rise in output charges was often driven by efforts to pass through higher costs to customers. The rate of charge inflation eased for the third month running, however, and was the slowest since January 2021.
With the exception of Yorkshire & Humber and the North West, the East Midlands saw the weakest rise in selling prices of the 12 monitored UK regions.
Dipesh Mistry, Chair of the NatWest Midlands and East of England Regional Board, said: “East Midlands firms saw a more positive development with regards to output midway through the second quarter, as business activity ticked up at a faster pace. Demand was persistent, with new orders rising further, albeit at a slower rate.
“Encouragingly for firms, cost pressures slackened somewhat from the highs seen throughout most of the last three-and-a-half years. Input prices rose at the slowest rate since November 2020. In a bid to remain competitive and boost sales, the pace of charge inflation also moderated.
“Despite a faster fall in employment following reduced pressure on capacity, private sector firms remained optimistic in the outlook for output over the next year. In fact, business confidence strengthened from April as firms sought to diversify revenue streams and broaden their customer bases.”
Build-to-rent development completes in Nottingham
Edmond de Rothschild Real Estate Investment Management (REIM) has completed its Lace Market Quarter build-to-rent development in Nottingham for its UK residential investment platform.
Located at 10 Short Hill, the development is a partial refurbishment of Grade II-listed buildings and a partial new build. It provides 117 studio, one and two-bed apartments for rent across four adjacent blocks, linked by a central, communal landscaped courtyard.
The unit mix along with 27 lower ground parking spaces meets the strong demand in the Nottingham market.
The development is managed and operated by Edmond de Rothschild REIM’s in-house private rental sector platform and builds on the success of Saffron Court, its first development in Nottingham.
James Whidborne, Head of residential fund management UK at Edmond de Rothschild REIM, said: “This is our second PRS project in Nottingham after Saffron Court, which reflects our enthusiasm for the city.
“Half of the population is under the age of 29, with very high graduate retention and a thriving biotech, life sciences and service sector industry. Demand for homes to rent is very high and we expect strong demand for our apartments.”
Zoe Innes, head of lettings, residential UK, at Edmond de Rothschild REIM, said: “We are very excited to launch the Lace Market Quarter, which due to its city centre location, the unique character within each of the flats and the quality of finish is already attracting young professionals.
“The unusual mix of charming period conversion apartments in the two listed buildings and the new build section with far-reaching views of the city combines with the benefits and convenience of build-to-rent living.”
Derbyshire pharmaceutical company raises £630,000
N4 Pharma, the specialist pharmaceutical company developing Nuvec, a novel delivery system for cancer treatments and vaccines, has raised £630,000.
It comes through a placing of 118,000,000 new ordinary shares of 0.4 pence each in the company, and a subscription of 8,000,000 new ordinary shares of 0.4 pence each, at an issue price of 0.5p per placing share and subscription share.
The net proceeds of the fundraise will be used to advance its three primary work streams whilst also providing working capital into 2025. Specifically:
● Based on the encouraging data obtained on the use of Nuvec for multiple delivery of siRNA and its oral work, the company will commence work with the University of Queensland for the proof of concept for a product to treat irritable bowel disease (IBD). The program will seek to demonstrate through in vitro and in vivo studies that dual loaded Nuvec in an oral capsule can reduce inflammation associated with IBD
● Subject to data from the ongoing work with SRI International Inc (SRI), continue to support further development work with SRI’s MGS technology whilst supporting the co-marketing of any resulting data to collaborators and commercial partners
● The increased funds will provide flexibility to further support Nanogenics in obtaining pre-IND Approval for ECP105 whilst in vivo work concludes and it awaits the result of its application for orphan designation status for ECP105 which, if granted, would potentially give seven years exclusivity in the USA on the product post authorisation
● In addition to the core work streams outlined above, all of which are expected to provide steady newsflow for the rest of the year, work will continue in the background to identify a distribution partner to supply Nuvec to Adeno-Associated virus (AAV) vector companies
● The Board will also look to potentially add additional director(s) with proven track records or contacts in the commercialisation and/or sale of products and IP in the pharmaceutical and biotech space
Nigel Theobald, Chief Executive Officer of the company, said: “We are pleased to have raised these funds in difficult market conditions for small caps. The money will underpin our work efforts whilst we look to move through key milestones and, we believe, value inflexion points, across our three main work streams during the rest of the year.
“In doing so, we hope to be able to co-market our combined technologies with SRI, complete a proof of concept for an oral IBD product and achieve orphan designation and pre IND approval for Nanogenics’ ECP105. All the while this work will be widening and strengthening our IP position across the company.“
Awards – banging my head against a “BRICKS” wall: by Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR
Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR, delves into the role of awards in marketing strategies.
Caution, the following information may dramatically improve your chances of winning an award but only if you use it.
The reason I say this is because I absolutely KNOW that awards are on umpteen marketing new year’s resolutions lists but all too often, come the mid-point of the year (now), nothing has been done! Why is this? Awards are one of the least used tactics in marketing and PR and I find this really interesting.
Seriously, who doesn’t fancy some industry recognition? Local, regional or even national profile? What about a motivated workforce that is proud to be a part of your success? Nevermind the major leverage an award win can give to the rest of your marketing – if you harness the dark arts of PR!
So why don’t more people enter awards? I suspect the main reason is time. However, you need to consider these as a major part of your marketing and PR campaign, not an afterthought. Sure, there is a bit of science to it and some art (the creative bit) but basically it comes down to reading the criteria CAREFULLY and then making it as easy as possible for the judges to consider your case.
Now is NOT the time for florid prose! Although…there is a place for this (warning, secret sauce alert). Ssssshhhh…it is right at the start. This is the bit the judges read first and tends to be the part they will read out IF you get to the final and you are waiting there, glass of wine in hand, as the names are read out.
So, if yours sounds like this: “We were established in 2002 to provide added value services to the Widget industry. Our commitment to SOMETHING or OTHER bland and jargon heavy issue and our inevitable PASSION (because nobody is going to say ‘APATHY’) for innovation is what lies at the heart of our success.” Stop. It. Right. NOW!
Can you imagine a judge reading that and thinking “whoa, we’ve got a live one! Let me get a coffee and settle in, there’s gold dust here.” You want this bit to sound like they are about to announce the best thing since sliced bread!
Try this: “20 years ago we discovered a problem. Not just a wrinkle. Not an inconvenience. We had unearthed one of the biggest issues to ever face our industry. If it could be overcome (and we thought it could), it would save Widget manufacturers across the globe millions in costs, whilst also massively reducing the impact on our environment. So, we got to work. Two decades on…we did what follows below and it changed EVERYTHING!”
Do you see the difference? You’d at least read the next para or two! You actually WANT to know what they did. Like all good marketing, awards are all about storytelling. Our clients see entering awards as part of their wider marketing strategy – they see the ROI. It is a fantastic way to gain objective third-party endorsement (a major goal of PR), great coverage and one of the best ways to foster employee and company relationships. People proudly point to articles in the press and say: “I work there.” Other highly-skilled people start thinking “maybe I should work there?”
So, start to think about what awards you might enter. They might be local, regional, national or industry based but you can bet that once you integrate them into your marketing, the effects can really make a difference. P.S. I am on the judging panel for “The Bricks” this year…you know how to get my attention now!
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 June issue of East Midlands Business Link Magazine here.
