Skills boost on the horizon for East Midlands SMES in 2023

0
A new poll of SMEs across the East Midlands reveals – while 2023 may be a challenging year – they still expect on average a 21% growth in revenue. The Skills Horizon barometer, launched by the Skills for Life campaign, asked 1,250 SMEs in England about their challenges and opportunities when it comes to skills and recruitment in the year ahead, and has found many are exploring the best ways to strengthen their workforce to achieve this growth. In the East Midlands specifically, it reveals 69% are planning to invest in upskilling their workforce, bolstering their capabilities for the year ahead. The Skills for Life campaign aims to help SMEs understand all the training and employment schemes available to them, including Apprenticeships, T Levels, Skills Bootcamps, HTQs and Multiply numeracy courses. Businesses who are considering hiring employees can access a range of government programmes offering work experience or upskilling existing staff, some of which offer financial incentives. This moment in the campaign follows last week’s National Apprenticeship Week, dedicated to celebrating apprenticeships and the newer introduction of T Levels to highlight their positive impact on communities, businesses, and the wider economy. Nearly half (45%) of SMEs in the East Midlands rank staffing challenges – such as recruitment and skills – amongst their top three concerns for 2023. However, over a quarter (27%) plan to invest in building digital skills within their company and nearly a third (31%) will encourage staff to engage in current or free training resources – such as Skills for Life Bootcamps. Many SMEs in the East Midlands are hoping this will help them tackle the challenges they face with recruitment and staffing in 2023, as they cite their top recruitment and staffing concern as retaining staff (50%). Over a quarter (27%) are seeking to hire from broad education routes such as apprentices and T Levels students. Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education Robert Halfon said: “Boosting skills in key sectors like digital, manufacturing and healthcare is essential to building a skills nation and the government is investing in resources and skills qualifications – spending over £3.8bn this Parliament. “This investment is being recognised by SMEs who are planning to invest in upskilling their workforce this year, and I would encourage businesses of all sizes follow suit. “Whether it’s through apprenticeships, T Levels or courses in essential numeracy and literacy skills, there are free and flexible ways for employers to tap into the highly skilled workforce they need to thrive.” Daniel Lewin of Lewin Electrical Services in Leicester, East Midlands says: “We have found working with T Level Students or entry level employees gives you a chance to work closely with them – teaching them the trade as well as the business as they are the future of the industry and trade.”

Warehouse expansion for refrigeration specialist

0
A Leicestershire-based refrigeration specialist is extending nationwide distribution with the launch of new warehouse premises at Castle Donington. East Midlands commercial property specialist Andrew + Ashwell has negotiated the lease of 17,633 sq ft to TEFCOLD UK, a long-established local supplier of commercial refrigeration, which already operates from two neighbouring warehouses. TEFCOLD (UK) is a trading name of Interlevin Refrigeration Ltd; part of The TEFCOLD Group and the UK’s largest wholesaler of commercial refrigeration. At the forefront of the industry since 1967, the company works closely with leading global manufacturers to source and develop new, innovative products. TEFCOLD (UK) imports and wholesales leading brands through a broad network of distributors. The Castle Donington site is centrally placed for fast road and air travel across the whole of the UK and Republic of Ireland. The new property is an end terrace unit of steel portal construction. Inside is a spacious warehouse, with a two storey, air-conditioned office block at the front providing a mix of open plan and enclosed accommodation, plus kitchen and toilets. There is a further works office in the warehouse. Outside is a loading forecourt, car parking for 16 vehicles, plus further parking at the perimeter of the yard. Kelvin Wilson, associate director at Andrew + Ashwell, said: “It’s always encouraging to see business expansion within the East Midlands. “This new letting underpins continuing demand for high quality accommodation across the region, since stock levels continue to remain low and we wish Interlevin Refrigeration Ltd the best of luck with their expansion plans. “Despite economic and energy market uncertainty, the current demand and supply imbalance within the industrial market consistently stimulates its stability after what has been a challenging three years.”

Housebuilder secures green light for 60 new homes in Bramcote

0
Keepmoat has secured planning approval for 60 new residential units for the Hulks Farm site in Bramcote following a unanimous decision from Broxtowe Borough Council. Plans for 60 three- and four-bedroom homes, as well as a portion of one-, two-, and three-bedroom affordable homes will be delivered on the derelict farmland off Sidings Lane and Coventry Lane in the picturesque suburban village of Bramcote in Nottinghamshire. Obtained from a private landowner, the site is currently occupied by old farm buildings and outhouses. Upon the completion, Keepmoat will carry out a period of remedial works prior to delivering the much-needed homes, the first of which are due to be available to buyers in December 2023. At the development, 30% of the homes will be allocated as affordable homes, of which 30% will be available under the government-backed First Homes scheme, that allows for local and key-worker first-time buyers to get onto the property ladder with homes available to them at a discounted price. As part of Keepmoat’s sustainable housing pledge, the 60 new energy-efficient homes have been designed to reduce carbon emissions by 31% and are complete with increased insulation and solar PV panels, with the addition of EV charging points, to encourage the use of electric vehicles. Plans for the development also include the retention of greenspaces that will result in a 27% net gain in biodiversity, as well as the regeneration of an existing tree-lined pond that will provide residents an attractive communal amenity space. Shaun Fielding, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat, said: “It’s with great pleasure that we can announce the planning approval of 60 new energy-efficient homes in Bramcote, with thanks to Broxtowe Borough Council. “As a housebuilder, we are aware of the need for modern, eco-friendly homes that are fit for the future, and with this development, we aim to deliver a collection of contemporary designed homes complete with all the latest in energy-preserving technology, in an idyllic semi-rural setting with access to the stunning greenspaces of the region.” Work on site at Hulks Farm is set to commence imminently, with the first homes due to complete in December 2023. The development will take around two years to complete.

Former site manager jailed for fraud after siphoning millions from Lincolnshire company

0
A former site manager has been jailed after using his position to siphon millions from a Lincolnshire-based metal recycling company. Garry Killick, 48, of Gleneagles Close in Stamford, appeared at Lincoln Crown Court where he was sentenced to three years and nine months for nine counts of fraud by abuse of position. From 2014 to July 2017, Killick used his authority as site manager to fraudulently divert funds totalling £2.2 million from the company by creating false customer records on bogus sales of scrap metal, paying others by way of cheque, bank transfer and PDQ (electronic transfer onto bank cards). During sentencing, Her Honourable Judge Sjolin Knight said: “You played a pivotal role in a £2.2 million fraud which went on for 2-3 years from which you received some direct personal benefit. “You’d worked your way up to a position of responsibility and abused this trust.” The officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Constable James Norton from the Economic Crime Unit (ECU), said: “Garry Killick was calculated in his offending, using his authority, and abusing the trust he had with the business to benefit financially.” Specialist Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Jonathan Kelleher, said: “Garry Killick abused his position as a trusted manager to take advantage of and defraud the business he was working for of more than £2.2 million. “The CPS works closely with police to bring fraudulent offenders like Killick to justice and we will be pursuing his ill-gotten gains through the Proceeds of Crime Act.”

Transport and logistics firm takes over 500,000 sq ft in Daventry

0
Prologis, the owner and developer of logistics real estate, has completed and leased two distribution centres at RFI DIRFT (Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal), adding over 514,000 sq ft of prime logistics real estate to the market. The two build-to-suit units, DC6 (232,302 sq ft) and DC7 (281,890 sq ft), have been leased to Warrens, part of Culina Group. Warrens, a transport and logistics provider, joins Stobart in expanding Culina Group’s presence at DIRFT. Classed as nationally significant infrastructure, DIRFT is home to many household brands, including some of the UK’s biggest retailers, such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Dunelm. The new build-to-suit units were designed by Stephen George + Partners and constructed by VolkerFitzpatrick. In line with Prologis’ commitment to meeting its global net zero in operation 2030 target, both DC6 and DC7 are BREEAM-rated “Excellent”, with an EPC A rating. The units are also carbon neutral in construction, certified by Planet Mark. This means that all of the carbon built into the structure during construction has been measured, reduced through proactive design and then mitigated. Together, the construction of DC6 and DC7 has delivered £5.4 million in social value, partly through the number of job opportunities created onsite. Speaking about the two new units, Tim Burn, development manager at Prologis UK, said: “DIRFT is our largest asset in the UK, and it is always rewarding to watch the site grow and develop. The two new units are prime examples of the state-of-the-art facilities that we deliver for our customers, and what better location to do it in than the UK’s largest multimodal park. “Culina Group is a longstanding Prologis customer, with Stobart, also part of the group, already operating out of DIRFT. We’re proud to welcome Warrens onsite and look forward to seeing the business further develop and grow.” Tom Middlemiss, Managing Director at Warrens, said: “Our two new distribution centres are symbolic of our growth ambitions. Being involved in their development from an early stage has allowed us to customise the design and fit-out to meet our exact needs for both today, and the future.” Andy Collinson, Capital Projects director at Culina Group, said: “Prologis Parks have always been a solid choice for our customers, and it’s great to see another Culina Group business expand its services at DIRFT. With easy access to major transportation lines, we are sure that Warrens will enjoy everything that the park has to offer.” Andrew Stoney, operations director at VolkerFitzpatrick, said: “Our latest completed project for Prologis UK and Warrens demonstrates the power of collaborative partnership, and is a testament to the ongoing relationship that VolkerFitzpatrick has with Prologis. It was a pleasure to recently host a group of NTU Built Environment students onsite to learn about the exacting standards we collectively work to.”

Tributes paid to former LLEP CEO Mandip Rai

0

Senior leaders from the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) have paid tribute to former Chief Executive Mandip Rai.

Mr Rai, who passed away over the weekend, served as CEO from 2016 to 2022. Prior to that, he was the LLEP’s Head of Strategy and Engagement.

Andy Reed OBE, LLEP Co-Chair, said: “I was saddened to hear the news over the weekend and, like all our Directors and Officers, my thoughts and prayers are with Mandip’s family at this difficult time.

“Mandip delivered much of the work done in establishing the LLEP before going on to grow its reach and impact as Chief Executive.

“He was a hugely valuable part of the LLEP team for many years and was greatly liked and admired by all who knew him.”

Anil Majithia, LLEP Co-Chair, said: “Mandip contributed a great deal to so much of the infrastructure and skills agenda we see in our region today.

“His career was spent bringing people together to achieve more for our area and his ability to do so successfully was testament to his approach and personality.

“Mandip was a kind and conscientious colleague to me and many others and I send my sincerest condolences to his family and friends.”

Sue Tilley, Head of LLEP, said: “Mandip did so much for me and other LLEP colleagues.

“He was a great source of support and encouragement, and we continue to work to his principles and vision.

“The team and I are all thinking of Mandip’s family at this very sad time.”

Kevin Harris, the former LLEP Chair, launched the LLEP’s Economic Growth Strategy alongside Mr Rai in December 2021.

Mr Harris, now the Chair of East Midlands Chamber, said: “Mandip dedicated his working life to helping the growth and development of our city and county.

“Leicester and Leicestershire have much to thank him for, especially in terms of the part he played in helping secure investment for major developments which will benefit not only this generation but many to come.

“It was a delight to work with Mandip in my time as Chair of the LLEP and I am grateful for the support and help he provided to me and many others.”

Mr Rai worked in economic policy, development, and regeneration for Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, Leicestershire County Council, and Leicester City Council before being appointed Head of LLEP in 2011.

After playing a key role in the formation of the partnership, he took responsibility for engaging local and national stakeholders, developing enterprise zones, and for delivering its Strategic Economic Plan.

Digital support helps increase footfall for Bassetlaw high street businesses

0
Ninety businesses in Bassetlaw have been given the digital tools and expertise needed to increase footfall and attract new customers via an innovative scheme. Support was offered by East Midlands Chamber under the Bassetlaw High Street Business Support Programme, which aimed to support high street businesses across the district to adapt to changing purchasing habits, such as a move towards online transactions. The businesses benefitted from one-to-one support from a high street adviser, and 78 of them received grant funding of up to £2,000 to help implement business improvement actions. East Midlands Chamber’s deputy chief executive Diane Beresford said: “The Bassetlaw High Street Business Support Programme has helped businesses to improve their digital skills and implement online trading that complement, rather than replace, their high street presence. “There are so many highly passionate business owners across the district who simply needed very practical support in boosting trade, for both the short and long term.” The project, which ran from January to June last year, was funded by Bassetlaw District Council via the Government’s Welcome Back Fund, supported by the European Regional Development Fund and delivered in partnership with the chamber of commerce for Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire. Councillor Jo White, cabinet member for regeneration at Bassetlaw District Council, added: “It is wonderful to see so many businesses in Bassetlaw benefitting from the Bassetlaw High Street Business Support Programme. “Purchasing habits have changed since Covid-19, with more people moving towards online transactions. The adoption of contemporary online trading methods will improve sales both now and in the future.”

New partner at Timms Solicitors

0
Family lawyer and Resolution-trained family mediator, Adrian Rose, has become a partner with Timms Solicitors which has offices in Derby’s Cathedral Quarter, Burton-upon-Trent, Swadlincote and Ashby. Adrian joins the leadership team of Fiona Moffat, Dee Khunkhuna and Jo Robinson having made such a positive impact on the work of the Family Law team with the development of mediation services for clients. Managing partner Fiona Moffat explained: “We are delighted that Adrian has become a partner with the firm and this promotion is well-deserved. “His expertise and his excellent reputation on family law matters and mediation services has greatly enhanced the fast-growing team and this timely and cost-effective resolution has had a hugely positive impact on clients during difficult times in their lives.” Adrian has worked exclusively in family law for almost thirty years and specialises in all areas of family law, including divorce and cohabitation, financial matters and disputes relating to children. His area of practice focusses on more complex and medium to high net worth financial cases, he has a particular interest in cases which involve pensions, businesses and farms, trusts, and property portfolios. He also advises in respect of wealth protection and relationship planning, dealing pre and post nuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements and declarations of trust. Adrian also has a wealth of experience of dealing with issues relating to arrangements for children, dealing with these in a practical and sympathetic manner. He advises clients of the realistic prospects of any application and ensures that the welfare of the child or children remains at the forefront throughout. In his spare time, Adrian enjoys the great outdoors, especially hill and mountain walking, gardening and horticulture as well as sport and is a long-time supporter of both Derby County Football Club and Leicester Tigers.

Business optimism flatlines as output and employment slump

0
Business optimism stagnated in January as output significantly declined and firms cut back on hiring staff, according to the latest Business Trends report from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO. For the third time in just six months, all four of the Indices tracked by the report – Output, Optimism, Employment and Inflation – fell simultaneously. BDO’s Output Index, which tracks economic growth, experienced a sharp decline for the fourth consecutive month, as a 3.45-point fall brought it down to 89.15, remaining well below the crucial 95-point threshold between expansion and contraction for the second consecutive month. This overall decline in output was driven largely by the Services Output Sub-Index which registered a 3.85-point dip in January as the cost-of-living crisis weakened consumer spending and demand across the services sector. This marks its lowest level since March 2021 when the economy was about to reopen following the third national lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dips in services productivity were also reflected in optimism across the sector. The Services Optimism Sub-Index fell by 0.23 points in response to inflationary pressures expected to heighten economic pressures facing businesses in the coming months. In contrast, January saw the Manufacturing Optimism Sub-index end nine consecutive months of decline, increasing by 0.25 points. Diminishing input price inflation slowed declines across manufacturing output for the first time in four months – bolstering business confidence across this sector. However, this turning point wasn’t enough to outweigh the net-pessimism across the services sector which led to an overall dip of 0.01-points in BDO’s Optimism Index to stand at a 91.88, remaining in negative territory for the fourth consecutive month. Responding to the net declines across Optimism and Output, BDO’s Employment Index fell to its lowest reading since December 2021. Weakened hiring intentions led to a drop of 1.02-points as firms expect to cut back on plans for recruitment in the months ahead. BDO’s Inflation Index witnessed a significant 3.75-point drop as it fell to 114.16, its lowest point since March 2022. The gradual easing of price pressures has marked a shift across the Input Inflation and Consumer Inflation indices driven by recent falls in wholesale energy prices. Despite this fall, inflationary pressures remain historically elevated. Kyla Bellingall, regional managing partner at BDO in the Midlands, said: “A net decline across the Optimism, Output and Employment Indices, coupled with historically high levels of inflation, suggests the outlook still remains bleak for businesses, with hiring intentions at their lowest levels in over a year and ever-increasing economic headwinds driving threats of a recession. “With a new Department for Business and Trade in place and a Spring Budget on the horizon, there is space in Government to consider how best to offer firms a helping hand. Businesses need the right support in place to ensure they can weather the challenges ahead and focus on continuing to drive the growth of the UK’s economy.”

Plans submitted for student accommodation at Nottingham office

0
Plans have been submitted to transform offices in Nottingham into student accommodation. Thiskey House, at 2 St James’s Terrace, would be converted into a 9-bed scheme if new proposals from DE74 PROPERTIES LTD are given the go-ahead.
A games room/cinema room are also planned for the listed, three storey building that dates back to the 1820’s. A design statement says: “The development utilises an existing developed site in a highly desirable location within Nottingham and the Castle Conservation Area of the city. “The current building is in need of maintenance work and the conversion back into a dwelling will give the listed property a new lease of life that we feel will not only benefit the end users with high quality accommodation but preserve the appearance on the street scene of a listed building within an established conservation area.”

New business centre set to transform vehicle workshop and former stables in Long Eaton

0
A vehicle workshop and former stables in Long Eaton are set to be transformed into a business centre, now that plans have been approved. The workshop and non-original additions to the building will be demolished to make way for the scheme, which would provide 14 studio units.
Erewash Borough Council are behind the proposals at Town Hall on Derby Road, which aim to allow for small/start-up businesses to thrive and make use of the vacant Grade II listed site. A design statement says that the conversion “will revitalise the spaces and bring the listed asset back up to its former prowess.”
32 full-time equivalent jobs are expected to be created at the development.

Decline in East Midlands business activity slows to softest since July 2022

0
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 47.3 in January, up from 45.4 in December. The latest data signalled a solid decline in business activity, albeit the slowest since last July. Lower output was often attributed to weak client demand and reduced customer spending amid strong inflationary pressures. A softer contraction meant East Midlands firms bucked the wider UK trend which pointed to a faster decline in activity. Private sector firms in the East Midlands recorded a further decline in new orders at the start of 2023. The fall in new business was solid overall and among the fastest of the 12 monitored UK regions, slower than only Scotland and Northern Ireland. Lower client demand was often linked to economic uncertainty and reduced customer spending amid strong inflation. Nonetheless, the rate of contraction eased to the softest since last July. Expectations regarding the outlook for output over the coming year across the East Midlands private sector strengthened in the opening month of the year. The degree of confidence picked up to the highest since May 2022, but remained weaker than the UK average. Nevertheless, greater positive sentiment was often attributed to planned investment and hopes of the acquisition of new customers and stronger client demand. Workforce numbers at East Midlands private sector firms expanded in January, following back-to-back contractions in November and December. Where a rise in employment was noted, firms linked this to efforts to expand capacity. That said, the rate of job creation was only fractional overall and well below the average for 2022. The UK average, however, signalled unchanged staffing numbers on the month. Data for the opening month of 2023 signalled another monthly contraction in the level of outstanding business at East Midlands private sector firms. The decrease in backlogs of work was commonly attributed to sufficient capacity to process incoming business. The rate of decline eased notably from that seen in December, but was quicker than the UK average. East Midlands private sector firms indicated another marked rise in input prices in January. The increase in cost burdens was reportedly due to greater fuel, energy, wage and material bills. The region saw the sharpest uptick in input costs of the 12 monitored UK areas, despite the rate of inflation softening for the second-month running to the slowest since April 2021. Private sector firms in the East Midlands recorded a further substantial increase in selling prices during January. The rate of charge inflation was quicker than the long-run series average and broadly in line with that seen across the UK as a whole. Anecdotal evidence stated that greater output charges stemmed from the pass-through of higher input costs to clients. That said, the pace of increase in selling prices was the slowest since August 2021.   Rashel Chowdhury, NatWest Midlands and East Regional Board, said: “2023 started in a muted tone across the East Midlands private sector as firms continued to record solid contractions in output and new business. High inflation squeezed customer spending further, with the region registering one of the fastest downturns in new orders of the 12 monitored UK areas. “Nevertheless, companies were buoyant in their expectations for future output, as business confidence strengthened. At the same time, firms registered renewed job creation, albeit only fractional overall. “Although inflationary pressures remained historically elevated and continued to place downward strain on demand conditions, rates of increase in costs and selling prices cooled in January. The ability to pass-through any cost savings to customers will likely provide hope to businesses of a pick-up in customer spending as the year progresses.”

Stilton producer gets share in £12m from Government to cut emissions and energy costs

Melton Mowbray’s Long Clawson Dairy is to get a share in £12m funding from the Government’s Industrial Energy Transformation Fund to help cut carbon emissions and energy costs. It’s one of 22 winning projects across England, Wales and Northern Ireland which will be able to clean up their industrial processes and improve their energy efficiency – benefiting industries including pharmaceuticals, steel, paper, and food and drink. Long Clawson has been making cheese for over a century, running over 31 farms in the Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire areas. The production of cheese is an energy intensive process involving both heating and cooling activities. Through IETF funding, the company has created a new thermal storage system, using revolutionary high temperature heat pumps to reduce overall energy by 27% and saving 34% carbon emissions, with the ambition of moving to a purely electrically powered in the long term. Iain Grant, Operations Director, Long Clawson Dairy, said: “The production of our Stilton cheese is an energy-intensive process involving both heating and cooling activities. With the investment in this project, it has enabled the dairy to take a more cost-effective approach to energy consumption, alongside a clear carbon emission reduction. This is a substantial investment for a business of our size, and would not have been possible without the support of the IETF grant funding.” It is estimated that industry is currently responsible for producing 16% of the UK’s emissions and will need to cut emissions by two thirds by 2035 in order for the UK to achieve its net zero target. This funding will play a crucial role in helping to clean up big-emitting industries as part of the UK’s green industrial revolution – decarbonising their industrial processes and reducing their reliance on expensive fossil fuels, such as gas, says Energy Minister Graham Stuart, the MP for Beverley and Holderness. He said: “Boosting the energy efficiency of industrial processes is a critical step not only in our transition to a lower-carbon economy, but also by helping businesses to cut their energy costs and protect valuable British jobs.

“That’s why the government has stepped in once again to support energy intensive industries, with a fresh funding round to unleash the next generation of green innovators who are re-shaping the way technology can reduce carbon emissions.”

So far, £34.8 million of funding has been awarded through the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund, which was first launched in June 2020.

Plans in to revive derelict brownfield site with student accommodation

0
Plans to revive a derelict brownfield site in Nottingham with student accommodation have been submitted to the city council. Cassidy Group are behind the proposals for 66-68 London Road, which occupies a prominent site within the Southside Regeneration Zone on the approach into the city centre. The site is partially occupied by an empty three storey Victorian commercial building. The remainder of the site has been cleared.
Planning permission was previously granted on the application site in 2019 for the development of 150 residential apartments. The new development largely reflects the existing permission in respect of layout, scale, appearance, landscaping and access. The new scheme however would provide 245 student bedspaces, across a mix of cluster bedrooms, studios, and accessible and premium studios. It would preserve the façade of the existing Victorian building and erect an adjoining part 3 part 8 storey building.

Home care provider to create 50 jobs after securing contract with Notts County Council

0
Your Home Care, a provider of home care services, has signed a contract with Nottinghamshire County Council to be an approved provider of home care in the Mansfield & Ashfield area. The agreement is initially for a 3.5-year term. With this new contract, Your Home Care plans to create 50 new jobs in the area over the next 12 months. “We are thrilled to have been selected as an approved provider of home care services in the Mansfield & Ashfield area,” said Paul Pitchford, director at Your Home Care. “This agreement is a testament to our commitment to providing high-quality care to those in need and is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of Your Home Care’s care staff,” added Scott Marsh, director and nominated individual.

Derby Football Hub ready for kick-off

Plans to progress the development of a proposed community grassroots football and sport hub on Derby Racecourse will be discussed at next week’s Cabinet meeting. The proposed Hub would seek to address the shortfall in the city’s football pitch provision and would include the development of three new full-size 3G football turf pitches (FTPs) on the site, as well as the refurbishment of an existing FTP and a new changing pavilion including a community café and meeting space. In addition to the improved pitch provision, the Hub development would include increased parking spaces as well as improved entry and exit to the site. Derby City Council’s Cabinet are looking to approve a total budget of £11.902m to enable the development to kick off, with funding proposed from the Council alongside a pending funding decision from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation. The pitch works would be delivered by a specialist contractor of the Football Foundation while the pavilion and car park aspects would be delivered by Alliance Leisure with plans for work to start onsite in Spring 2023. Will Gardner, Alliance Leisure business development manager, said: “We’re delighted to be coordinating this project that brings together lots of partners to provide a first-class facility for the local community.” Councillor Jerry Pearce, Derby City Council’s Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Public Spaces and Leisure, said: “This project is a worthy investment for the Council and will give our communities the grassroots football facilities they deserve. I’m very much looking forward to seeing the Football Hub take shape over the coming months.” A decision will be made on the plans at February’s Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 15 February.

UK narrowly avoided recession at end of 2022

0
The UK managed to narrowly avoid a recession at the end of last year, but that is unlikely to be the case in 2023, with both the Office for Budget Responsibility and the Bank of England forecasting a return to recession this year. ONS GDP data shows that GDP in Q4 2022 was flat, after a contraction in Q3, with weak trade offset by rising consumption and investment. As a result, the UK has recorded the fastest growth of any G7 economy in 2022 (4 per cent), while still being the only G7 economy not to have returned to its pre-pandemic size (down 0.8 per cent since Q4 2019). Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) policy chair Tina McKenzie said: “While it is positive that the UK has technically avoided a recession in the second half of last year, the news will come as cold comfort to many thousands of small businesses. “In particular, the 0.5% fall in GDP in December is a red flag showing the economy stalled at the end of 2022, just when small firms were hoping for a traditional festive boost. “Looking ahead, the IMF and the Bank of England both predict a contraction in the size of the UK’s economy this year, leaving small firms facing a long period without growth. Just next month, many small firms who fixed their energy bills last summer as prices rocketed are worried that they will see three- or four-fold increases when the Government’s Energy Bill Relief Scheme shuts down, making a number of them unviable. “Our headline Small Business Index confidence tracker fell deeper into negative territory in the last quarter of 2022, at -46 points – far lower than it was during the Omicron lockdown, and only just an improvement from the depth plumbed during the second national lockdown in the final quarter of 2020. “That’s why we’re greeting today’s news with a strong dose of caution. “Inflation is still a concern, and its effects will linger in the economy even once it falls back into a range we are more used to seeing. Interest rates remain high in the fight to curb inflation, with small businesses caught between elevated prices and greater debt costs. “On the plus side, financial markets are performing well, and the reopening of China’s economy will help improve general global economic conditions. “We want small firms to be in a position to take advantage of any improving economic conditions – and to create a groundswell of growth which will boost the overall economy. Setting them up for growth must be a key focus of the newly-created business and trade department, and we are looking to the Budget in mid-March to set out a positive agenda for small businesses and the self-employed. “Late payment must be tackled, to get small suppliers the funds they are due in a timely fashion. The day-one taxes – like business rates – that take a chunk out of budgets before small firms make a penny in turnover should be examined, while the VAT threshold should be increased to encourage revenue growth. “The cuts to R&D tax credits should be reversed, given the huge contribution to overall R&D made by small firms, and the Government’s own newly-reaffirmed focus on science and technology. More people should be helped to reskill and upskill, while bringing in Help to Green vouchers would allow small firms to cut their emissions and their energy bills, while boosting the economy. “We know what will help, and now need the Government to work with us and turn an economy with GDP in the doldrums into one galvanised by a dynamic and growing small business community.” Ben Jones, lead economist, CBI, said: “We may have avoided a technical recession late last year, but we probably won’t avoid one this year. While we expect that the downturn will be shallow, if we act now, we can make the recession even shorter than predicted. “All eyes are on the Chancellor’s March budget, when businesses will be looking for a bolder approach to tackling labour and skills shortages and falling business investment. In particular, firms will be looking for a permanent replacement to the super-deduction, as well as a focus on innovation and the green economy, to help boost economic growth in the years ahead.” James Smith, research director at the Resolution Foundation, said: “The UK avoided a rapid return to recession last year by the narrowest of margins. But it is not out of the woods yet, and families are still living through a living standards downturn. “The longer-term picture is more worrying, with the UK economy yet to return to its pre-pandemic size having suffered a prolonged period of weak growth since the financial crisis. “However, falling wholesale gas prices offer hope for households and the wider economy – with inflation on track to fall sharply later this year.”

Three arrested in suspected PPE fraud worth millions

0
Three people including a husband and wife have been arrested in a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation linked to international PPE fraud. Officers carried out searches at two properties in Loughborough and one in Lytham St Annes, where they made the arrests and seized a number of high value items, including a car, jewellery, watches and digital devices. Evidence of significant cash purchases was also recovered. The male, from Loughborough and in his fifties, is suspected of setting up a UK company solely for running a fraudulent scheme that would allow him to profit from PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) shortages during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. His wife is suspected of helping to launder the proceeds. Investigators believe the company brokered sale agreements to supply nitrile gloves to companies in the USA and Germany worth over $35 million. An upfront fee was paid to the UK company to cover initial costs and secure the contracts, but paid into a holding account being managed by a third party. The holding account provided assurances that funds paid in would only be released upon conditions of the contract being met. However, it is alleged that the couple were able to access and personally benefit from the initial sums paid without ever satisfying the sale terms. The third person arrested, a 39 year-old man, is suspected of aiding the scheme. Together the group may have defrauded the companies by almost £1.9 million pounds ($2.35 million). All three suspects remain in custody and interviews are ongoing. NCA Branch Commander Mick Pope said: “During the pandemic, both individuals and businesses were impacted by criminal opportunists. The NCA prioritised and tackled a range of serious organised crime threats, including fraud. “False business agreements that turn out to be fraud, damage the reputation of the UK and hurt our economy. “We continue to treat this as a priority area and thank Leicestershire Police for their ongoing support. Work is underway with law enforcement partners in the US and Germany to further this investigation.”

Developer appeals refusal of major Beeston mixed-use scheme

0
An appeal has been submitted to Broxtowe Borough Council after its planning committee refused proposals for a mixed-use scheme of student accommodation and commercial space in Beeston. The decision in July 2022 came despite the scheme being recommended for approval by the planning officer. The 419-student bed space scheme from Midlands-based developer Cassidy Group was planned for Station Road, next to the Arc Cinema. Cassidy previously said that the scheme at the edge of Beeston town centre would breathe new life into a derelict site and bring increased footfall and economic benefit to local retailers. They added that it would also free up much-needed housing in the town, currently occupied by students, for family homes. Detailing why the plans were refused, the planning committee noted that while it “applauded the applicant’s commitment to energy efficiency” there was “concern about the amenity of students living in the accommodation because the rooms were very small, and the intensity of occupation was too high for the size of the site.” It was also highlighted that there would be an impact on neighbour amenity because of the lack of car parking provided on the site and because the students would only be in occupation for part of the year. The design of the building was also considered to be “unimaginative and inappropriate as a gateway building to Beeston.” The refusal of the controversial development was praised by Beeston Civic Society, who, in response to the appeal, have set up a petition to uphold the decision. At time of writing, the petition, which is to be sent to the Planning Inspectorate, has 579 signatures.

New man appointed to lead HS2 in the Midlands and North

Sir Jonathan Thompson will be taking on the mantle of HS2 Ltd Chair and the responsibility of driving forward Europe’s largest infrastructure project in the north and Midlands. In his role, Sir Jonathan will be providing strategic leadership, oversight and accountability for the HS2 programme, ensuring it is delivered on time and in budget while continuing to create jobs, boost local economies and provide much-needed railway capacity. Sir Jonathan has previously served as the Permanent Secretary at both the Ministry of Defence and HMRC, as well as overseeing huge landmark moments HS2 has already achieved during his time as Deputy Chair, including providing 1,000 apprenticeships and the completion of the first mile of tunnels at Long Itchington Wood. Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “HS2 goes far beyond simply making journeys quicker. It is a world-leading project that is already having a huge impact by regenerating communities and creating tens of thousands of jobs across the country. Sir Jonathan said: “This monumental project has already achieved some incredible milestones and I’ve seen first-hand how it will transform not only journeys but the lives of people across the country. I look forward to working with our first-class stakeholders and partners in my new role, to ensure it this once in a lifetime opportunity fulfils its pioneering potential.” Also appointed is Elaine Holt, as Deputy Chair of the HS2 Ltd board. Elaine is an existing non-executive director and an expert in both transport and the service industries. She will support the Chair in leading the board.