Nottingham College secures £2.6m to fund decarbonisation initiatives

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Nottingham College secures £2.6m to fund decarbonisation initiatives
Nottingham College has been awarded a grant of over £2.6m, in a successful bid to fund decarbonisation and energy efficiency initiatives across its estate over the next two years.
The funding is from the Phase 3c of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, which is run by Salix. £2m will fund decarbonising work within the Adams Building in the Lace Market, and £660k is allocated towards Highfields, part of Nottingham Science Park. The college will use this funding to make important upgrades to the two campuses’ heating, ventilation systems and lighting, as well as to replace boilers, improve insulation and introduce other new measures to reduce water usage and reliance on other consumables. Nottingham College has pledged to become carbon neutral by 2030 as part of its ​‘Zero’ campaign, with this £2.6m project just one of the many initiatives designed to hit this target. Work will commence on the Adams project in autumn 2024 and take two years to complete the planned improvements, whilst the Highfields project works will begin in 2025 and are scheduled to last for one year, completed in 2026. The projects will play a vital role in bringing down the college’s overall carbon footprint over the next six years, and will further improve the study environment for students in both Adams and Highfields once complete. Janet Smith, Chief Executive and principal of Nottingham College, said: “We are really pleased to have been successful in our bid for this funding. As a college with a rich heritage and wide range of facilities across the city, this funding will help us on our journey to be carbon net zero by 2030. “The College’s Zero campaign has seen us make great strides over the past 12 months with a 30% reduction in our carbon footprint so far – but we know there is more to do.
“As an education and employment leader in our city we have a significant part to play in reducing the college’s impact on the environment. To highlight our commitment to this, sustainability is one of the key pillars of our new five-year strategy. “Nottingham is a city that is taking climate change seriously with the city aiming to be the first UK net zero city through the city council’s CN28 project. As such, funding like this is going to make an excellent contribution to that objective.”
Director of programmes at Salix, Ian Rodger, said: “Nottingham College has an ambitious carbon reduction strategy, and we are looking forward to supporting them to deliver this important Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme project.”

Graduate talent to support businesses in 2024 internship scheme

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Graduate talent to support businesses in 2024 internship scheme
The Graduate Internship Scheme offers employers across the UK the opportunity to host a Nottingham Trent University (NTU) graduate for a fully funded internship. For six weeks, NTU will cover the salary whilst businesses access new ideas, extra resource, and provide invaluable experience to NTU graduates from the Class of 2023.   Last year’s scheme was incredibly successful with over 295 internships taking place, and 94% of employers indicating they would take part in the scheme again. Salman Shaik – graduate employed by Mocean, said: “To businesses contemplating participation in the Graduate Internship Scheme, I would emphasise the mutually beneficial nature of the programme. By engaging with talented graduates, businesses can infuse fresh perspectives and innovative thinking into their operations while also nurturing a pipeline of potential future hires.” The Graduate Internship Scheme is open to organisations of any size or sector, offering a foundation for all businesses to build a sustainable recruitment pipeline. Taking part is a cost-effective way to explore how early careers talent can fit into an organisation. Many previous participants have used the scheme to explore how a graduate role can be embedded into their business, before extending the internship with the help of the NTU Employability team.  “Without Salman’s knowledge and skills, we wouldn’t have been able to complete the project… Salman played a vital role in the delivery of the project, and we soon realised that we needed to extend his time at Mocean,” said Siena Taylor, Events and Marketing Manager – Mocean – 2023 Graduate Internship Scheme employer. New for 2024 This year the Graduate Internship Scheme will run for six weeks, from Tuesday 13 August 2024. Graduates will be contracted to work 30 hours per week (working Tuesday to Friday), and their salary will be fully funded by NTU for this duration. Ahead of the internship, graduates will have completed an academy of professional and personal development workshops, equipping them with transferrable skills and demonstrating their commitment to accelerate their career development. Additionally this year, businesses in Nottingham City and Ashfield may be eligible for financial support to extend their internships. Get involved To learn more about the Graduate Internship Scheme contact Grad.Internship@ntu.ac.uk

Ofgem called upon to take action on standing charges paid by small firms

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Ofgem called upon to take action on standing charges paid by small firms
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called for the energy regulator Ofgem to take action on the standing charges paid by small businesses, many of whom have seen the daily fixed price they pay, regardless of usage levels, soar over recent months.
FSB has written to Ofgem’s Chief Executive Jonathan Brearley to draw his attention to the issue, and to recognise the “specific, negative impact standing charges are having on small firms,” the letter says. FSB’s correspondence follows on from a letter to Ofgem regarding standing charges from the Energy Secretary, Claire Coutinho MP, and the Minister for Affordability and Skills, Amanda Solloway MP, sent at the end of March, which highlighted that the Ministers wish to “ensure that bills are fair and affordable for all consumers.” The points raised by the Ministers’ letter about potential harms to energy customers apply to small businesses as well as households. FSB is asking Ofgem to investigate the impact of high standing charges for small business customers, with the issue made more pressing by the economic challenges small firms are facing at the moment. One small firm whose owner got in touch with FSB reported an increase in the business’s daily standing charge from 70.94p per day in July 2021 to 969.64p per day in September 2023 – over 13 times higher. Small businesses based in rural areas have been disproportionately affected by standing charge increases, which exacerbates the existing rural-urban divide and “[undermines] efforts to level up more remote parts of the UK,” FSB’s letter says. Standing charges are used to fund network infrastructure, operating costs, and policy costs for schemes such as the Warm Home Discount, but this can be difficult for small firms to comprehend. Business customers are not covered by the energy price cap for consumers and many small firms suspect that their costs have been hiked as a result. The Ministers’ letter makes the point that “the growing number of energy users striving to consume energy more efficiently and help towards achieving net zero see standing charges as a disincentive to doing so.” This is highly pertinent to small businesses, the majority of whom are keen to play their part in reducing carbon emissions, and underlines the need for greater transparency around what standing charges are actually used to fund. Ofgem has asked for views on standing charges via a Call for Input, to which FSB has responded. The cost of utilities continues to be cited as a major driver of increased costs for small businesses, with three in five small businesses (62.5%) reporting this in FSB’s Small Business Index for Q4 2023. FSB’s Policy Chair, Tina McKenzie, said: “We want Ofgem to do a thorough review of standing charges for businesses as well as consumers, for better transparency and to discern whether energy companies are behaving fairly towards their small firm clients. “Small business energy customers behave in a way more akin to consumers than big businesses, lacking the resources, the expertise and the buying power necessary to get the best possible deal out of their energy suppliers. However, they do not benefit from anything like the same level of protection as that rightly available to households, leaving them caught between two stools. “Many small businesses could be forgiven for suspecting that they have been seen as something of a soft target for price hikes in their standing charges, and they do not have a full picture of where the money they pay on a daily basis is going – something that needs to change. “Small firms were put through the wringer by the energy price crisis, which sadly spelled the end for many otherwise viable businesses who saw their utility bills become completely unmanageable. “The price increases which led to the crisis have thankfully eased off to an extent, but many thousands of small firms are now stuck on tariffs which are far higher than before, which is a leading driver of cost increases. “While it’s possible for most firms to cut their energy use – something which many did in response to spiralling bills – the standing charge must be paid day in, day out, so ensuring that small firms aren’t being fleeced is absolutely vital. “We’re very keen to hear what Ofgem’s next steps in this area will be, to ensure that small firms pay standing charges that are fair and transparent, no matter where they’re based.”

Tax take rises by almost 5% to £827.7bn in 23-24

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Tax take rises by almost 5% to £827.7bn in 23-24
New provisional figures show that the tax collected by HMRC in 23-24 reached £827.7bn, almost 5% higher than the previous year. The combined effects of inflation and fiscal drag contributed to income tax, CGT and national insurance contributions rising by £23.7bn during the year to a total of £466.5bn, a 5.4% rise over the previous year. Income tax receipts jumped 10% year-on-year to reach £273.3bn in 2023/24. PAYE income tax receipts grew by 11.4% year-on-year while receipts from income tax collected via self-assessment declined slightly by 1% year-on-year. However, employee NICs fell during the year to £60.9bn from £65bn last year, a decline of 6%. This reflects the cuts introduced in November 2022, as well the further reduction in January 2024. Business taxes and VAT also rose by £10.3bn and £9.5bn respectively, with corporation tax receipts rising by 11.6% year-on-year, reflecting the rise in the main rate of corporation tax which increased to 25% on 1 April 2023. The highest increases in percentage terms came from air passenger duty which rose 21% to £3.8bn during the year to the end of March. This reflects changes to the APD duty rate structure introduced in April 2023 and the continued bounceback in air travel following the pandemic. The most significant decline was in stamp taxes which reduced by 22% year-on-year. Stamp Duty Land Tax receipts dropped by 24% to £11.6bn in 23-24. Inheritance tax receipts rose by 5.8% year-on-year to £7.5bn. IHT receipts have risen steadily since 2019-20 when IHT pulled in £5.1bn. Paul Falvey, a tax partner from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO, said: “The combined effects of inflation and fiscal drag have played a role in driving up income tax receipts. It’s notable that the rise in receipts has been through PAYE rather than self assessment where receipts actually declined slightly this year. “This suggests that middle earning employees have borne much of the impact from the freezing of tax thresholds. It may also reflect a small decline in self employment during the period, possibly stemming from IR35 rules which have encouraged employers to put freelancers onto the payroll. “The decline in Stamp Duty Land Tax receipts during the year indicate the impact of comparatively high interest rates and the resulting decline in home buying by around 17%. Housing transactions in each quarter of 23-24 were down on the previous year. There are some suggestions of further cuts to Stamp Duty before the general election which will be of particular interest to first time buyers. “Fiscal drag and rising asset values have also played a role in the increase in IHT that we saw during the year. Many families will be exploring options to pass on wealth outside the IHT net.”

Manufacturing sentiment improves

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Manufacturing sentiment improves
Sentiment within the manufacturing sector improved in April and output expectations were the strongest for six months, according to the CBI’s latest quarterly Industrial Trends Survey. Output volumes were broadly stable in the three months to April, following strong declines in output over the first quarter of 2024. Manufacturers expect output to rise over the next three months, with expectations the strongest since October 2023. Average cost growth remained elevated compared to historical norms, with costs also expected to increase at a strong pace in the quarter to July. Domestic and export price inflation are expected to pick up slightly in the next three months. With demand uncertainty falling back, and concerns over the cost of financing diminishing, investment intentions for the year ahead improved relative to January. Manufacturers expect investment in buildings and plant & machinery to be stable over the year ahead, which marks a shift from the picture in January, when investment intentions sank to their weakest for three years. Moreover, spending on product & process innovation is now expected to increase over the year ahead. Anna Leach, CBI Deputy Chief Economist, said: “Conditions facing manufacturers have taken a turn for the better, with sentiment improving and expectations for future output growth their strongest in six months. “A softer labour market has eased concerns that skills and labour could constrain output and orders. Concerns about access to materials and components are also at their lowest since January 2020. These brighter conditions are supporting a more stable picture for investment over the year ahead. “With the recovery still to fully pick up steam, we need to see everyone laser focused on delivering the big reforms that will help manufacturers grow and invest. Full capital expensing, with the potential to extend this to leased and rented assets, can be a game changer that unlocks the incredible power of our manufacturing sector and drives economic growth.” The survey, based on the responses of 257 manufacturing firms, found:
  • Business sentiment rose in the quarter to April, having been broadly unchanged in the three months to January (balance of +9%, from -3% in January). Export optimism for the year ahead also rose moderately (+6%, from -20%). Both sentiment indicators had shown declining optimism in all but one quarter throughout 2022-23.
  • Output volumes were broadly unchanged in the quarter to April, after falling in March (balance of +3%, from -10% in the three months to March). Firms expect volumes to grow in the next three months (+11%).
  • Total new orders fell in April, but at a slower pace than in the previous quarter (balance of -6%, from -13% in January). Manufacturers expect orders to return to growth over the next three months (+8%).
  • Growth in average costs per unit of output rose strongly but at a slightly slower pace in the quarter to April (balance of +39%, from +43% in January; long run average of +18%). Cost growth is expected to remain elevated in the quarter to July (+42%).
  • Domestic selling prices increased over the three months to April (+10%, from +2% in January). Export price inflation decelerated from January (+9% from +14%, and now the weakest since January 2021). Both domestic and export price growth is expected to pick up in the next three months (+27% and +22%, respectively).
  • Investment intentions for the year ahead improved relative to January. Manufacturers expect to raise investment in product & process innovation (+15% from -5% in January, the strongest since the quarter to January 2022). Investment in training & retraining is expected to be broadly unchanged (+1% from +6%). Investment in tangibles is expected to be unchanged, including buildings (-3% from -29%) and plant & machinery (+2% from -15%), with the balances having recovered from three-year lows in January.
  • The main constraint on investment was uncertainty about demand (cited by 49% of manufacturers), followed by inadequate net return (36%), and a shortage of labour (+15%, the lowest in three years). Concerns around the cost of finance have retreated from a 33-year high (excluding the pandemic period) but remain double the long run average (11% from 22%).

Purpose Media to support major children’s charity

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Purpose Media to support major children’s charity
Marketing agency Purpose Media is supporting a charity which transforms the lives of thousands of disabled and disadvantaged young people in the UK. Variety, the Children’s Charity, has raised more than £300 million since it was established in 1949, providing practical assistance through wheelchair and specialist equipment grants, experiences on their Variety Great Days Out, fully accessible transport for schools in the form of their famous Sunshine Coaches, and work experience on their new Access Interns programme. Last year alone it came to the aid of more than 160,000 youngsters, with 143 wheelchair and equipment grants, 38 Sunshine Coaches and 31 Variety Great Days Out, where children could build confidence and make memories. Now digital marketing agency Purpose Media, based in South Normanton, Derbyshire, has teamed up with the charity as a media partner, helping it deliver two high-profile events aimed at raising significant funding to further the organisation’s work. The agency will provide video services for The Midlands PROPS Awards in Birmingham next month (May 2024) and The North West PROPS Awards in Manchester in October – both honouring outstanding achievements in the property industry. Purpose Media Head of Video Alistair Bullock said his team was delighted to be using its expertise to assist such a worthwhile cause. “These stunning events are already highlights of the UK charity calendar and have raised incredible sums,” he said. “We aim to further amplify that success and encourage even more people to support the work of this brilliant charity.” Purpose staff will produce video packages showcasing award sponsors and nominees to be shown during each event and will record interviews with winners, as well as compiling highlight reels. “Video is a great medium for helping audiences connect emotionally with a subject and will be the perfect vehicle to communicate the profound difference Variety makes to the lives of the people it works with,” Alistair added. Lyn Staunton, Variety’s Development Director, said Purpose Media’s expertise would help the charity develop an even wider reach, enabling it to assist even more disabled and disadvantaged children. “We want to give even more children the specialist equipment they need to transform their lives and to access experiences that otherwise they might never have,” she said. “This is our 75th anniversary and the year is going to be a big one. To have a company as well established and respected as Purpose Media on board is incredible and will really help further our ambitions.”

Blueprint Interiors drives wellbeing in design with workplace experience manager appointment

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Blueprint Interiors drives wellbeing in design with workplace experience manager appointment
Workplace consultants and commercial interior design specialists Blueprint Interiors have appointed Claire Lacey as workplace experience manager. Claire brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously worked as a personnel manager, kitchen and bathroom showroom manager and run her own interior design business for six years. In this newly created role at Blueprint Interiors, Claire will be responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the company’s busy office and showroom, Worklife Central. She will also assist Blueprint’s design, furniture, finance and contracts teams to deliver excellent customer service at every stage of the workplace design and fit out process. As workplace consultants, Blueprint Interiors supports its clients to achieve accreditations including the WELL Building Standard, which Claire will also be involved with to ensure requirements are met at Blueprint Interiors’ own office, as well as at client workplaces. Claire commented on her appointment: “I’m delighted to be joining Blueprint Interiors, a reputable company in my hometown that I’ve admired for several years. I’m passionate about creating inspiring and functional workspaces and I very much align with Blueprint’s focus on incorporating wellness principles into their designs.” Chloe Sproston, creative director at Blueprint Interiors, said: “Claire’s experience and enthusiasm for workplace design will be a valuable asset to our team. “Our work often involves guiding our clients at a time of wider business and cultural transformation, and we are committed to providing exceptional support throughout the entire process and beyond. Claire’s appointment underlines this commitment.” Claire is one of several new team members to join Blueprint Interiors so far this year, as well as a raft of internal promotions.

Pendragon’s new owner to slash hundreds of jobs

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Pendragon’s new owner to slash hundreds of jobs
The new owner of Nottingham-based car retailer Pendragon is set to cut hundred of jobs following the drop in supply of used vehicles post-pandemic, according to reports in the Financial Times. After a long bidding war, Lithia agreed to buy Pendragon’s dealerships and used car marketplace CarStore last year. Now, however, as noted by the Financial Times, staff have been told of plans to close CarStore. Around 250 roles could be lost across the UK if the plans go ahead, with most of these coming from the closure of 16 CarStore sites. Lithia is to start consultations with colleagues about potential redundancies.

How your East Midlands business can get the edge over the competition

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How your East Midlands business can get the edge over the competition
According to recent local reports, there’s good news and bad news for new businesses in the East Midlands. The bad is that the total number of new companies starting up in the area has decreased by over 7%, but the positive to this is that the overall number of new firms is still quite strong, despite UK-wide economic uncertainty.  At the same time, these new companies pose a challenge for any other startups or existing businesses looking to improve their performance, in that there’s more competition out there at a time when consumers don’t have as much disposable income. So looking at ways to give your company the edge over others, has never been more important. Here are a few ways you can go about this: Have a strong online presence You’d be hard-pressed to find a business today that doesn’t have a website and in many ways it’s now an expectation. As such, your firm’s website should reflect the quality of your goods or services. Plus, a strong website can also be an effective means of converting more ecommerce customers, so it’s worth investing in something quality, as it may well pay for itself as more users head to your site to make purchases.   Streamline internal processes If you’re looking to cut down on time-wasting and unnecessary expenses, you may also want to digitise some of your internal processes. Everything from automated payroll software to remote working and training portals, live chat customer services and much more can be found these days, each with the potential to bring invaluable efficiencies to your operations.  Make the most of your customer feedback They say “the customer is always right” and while that might not strictly be true in all aspects of business, what is certain is their feedback can be a useful tool to help you grow and improve. Consumer insights can give honest thoughts on what you’re doing well or where you could be doing better to convert or support them. So be sure to ask for their comments, whether it’s in-store, online or even as an email marketing competition. Partner with other firms Sticking with old adages – “if you can’t beat them, join them.” This of course won’t work in all sectors, but if used strategically, you can find another company to work with in a way that’s mutually beneficial. One example could be if you offer online marketing services, you could partner with a web development company to then promote the sites they build. Platforms like LinkedIn can be great for finding such connections in and around the area. Get recognition Another great way to differentiate yourself from others is to have awards and badges that show you’ve been recognised for the quality of your work or expertise in your sector. You may have to pay to enter these, and it can be an effort to put an entry or case study together, but the positive PR and the positive impact you can have on your brand could significantly increase your chances of converting customers.  Final thoughts To return to a key point mentioned above, today’s markets – whether in the East Midlands or further afield – are challenging, but it’s you that needs to rise to this challenge. So give some or all of the above some thought and be sure to try some out. The last thing you should do is rest on your laurels, as it’s more than likely your competitors will also be looking at how they can get the edge over you as well.

Private equity firm invests in replacement vehicle parts supplier

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Private equity firm invests in replacement vehicle parts supplier

Radial Equity Partners has invested in Rimmer Bros, a Lincolnshire-based supplier of replacement parts for UK marque vehicles, including Jaguar, Land Rover, MG, Mini, Rover and Triumph.

Founded in 1982, Rimmer Bros maintains a comprehensive product library of over 50,000 SKUs sold primarily on a direct-to-consumer basis. The company has approximately 80 employees working out of its operation in Lincoln.

Radial has simultaneously invested in Moss Motors, a U.S.-headquartered aftermarket supplier of parts for British cars, to form “a leading, global specialty supplier of restoration & replacement parts focused on British vehicle brands.”

Bill and Graham Rimmer, founders of Rimmer Bros, said: “The merger of these highly complementary businesses creates a global business with immense R&D, sourcing, marketing and distribution capabilities to better serve our loyal customers.”

“We are excited by the opportunity to carry on the great legacies of these two family-owned businesses,” said Jim McDonough, partner of Radial. “We are committed to continuing to provide leading service to customers as well as expanding the offering of parts solutions across existing British brands as well as new vehicle marques.”

New homes for rough sleepers funded by music open

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New homes for rough sleepers funded by music open

Former rough sleepers in Nottingham are about to make their home in new accommodation named in honour of local businessmen whose vision provided the funds to make the building possible.

At a ceremony on Monday 22 April the block of eight purpose-built flats in Hyson Green was officially named Akins House after George and Sean Akins – the directors of Nottingham-based live music promoter DHP Family.

Beginning in 2018 they masterminded the development of Beat The Streets – the annual one-day music festival dedicated to raising funds to support work with local rough sleepers by the charity Framework. Funds raised from tickets, bar sales and merchandising at each festival have been used in a variety of ways to house and support rough sleepers.

The £89,500 raised at Beat The Streets in January 2023 was essential in enabling the £1.4m building project to go ahead: the money completed the funding required for the project at a time when prices were rising steeply. It was the first time that Beat The Streets funds had been used to support a capital project.

Work began on the building last summer and has recently been completed. The flats will be occupied in the coming days, offering a permanent home with personalised support to help each resident live independently. This includes access to drug, alcohol and mental health support and employment guidance.

In addition to DHP’s support with the building cost, Framework corporate supporters at local Tesco stores have fundraised to contribute welcome packs to make each resident feel more at home.

Framework’s Deputy Chief Executive Claire McGonigle said: “The contribution of DHP Family to our work with rough sleepers in Nottingham since 2018 has been remarkable, vital and unprecedented.

“Never before has a private business supported our work in this way or to this extent. Nearly £500,000 has been raised through DHP’s award-winning music festival Beat The Streets. These funds have been used in a variety of ways and have helped to change hundreds of lives for the better.

“The Streets festival ensured that we had all the funds in place to proceed with the project for eight flats for former rough sleepers at Birkin Avenue. Without these funds the project could not have gone ahead.

“It is therefore fitting that the name of the new premises should celebrate the vision of DHP directors George and Sean Akins in creating Beat The Streets.

“In naming our new accommodation Akins House we are also paying tribute to the thousands of people who have bought into George and Sean’s vision for Beat The Streets over the years and played a part in making each year’s event such a special occasion – the staff at DHP; the hundreds of bands, solo artists, technicians, stewards and administrators who so generously give their time and talent; and the large and enthusiastic audiences who come along each year. Thank you to all of them.

“We are also most grateful for the core capital funding from the government’s Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme and for Nottingham City Council’s support for the project overall.”

Managing Director of DHP Family, George Akins, said: “Everyone at DHP is proud of the funds we have raised for Framework since starting Beat The Streets in 2018. Contributing towards permanent accommodation is a great achievement, and we’re very pleased to see the tangible difference the festival is making to the lives of local homeless people.

“With our total raised almost at £500,000 now, we look forward to continuing to support Framework’s important work. Thank you to all the artists, attendees and staff who have contributed time, effort, and money to make our fundraising so successful.”

In the five years since the first Beat The Streets festival in 2018 nearly £500,000 has been raised in total. In 2022 Beat The Streets received national recognition by winning the Sarah Nulty Community Impact Award at the UK Festival Awards.

Several hundred homeless people have received support which has been fully or partly funded through Beat The Streets. This has ranged from providing emergency shelter, urgent health assessments and periods in specialist supported housing, through to resettlement plans and permanent homes with personalised support.

This integrated approach aims to set people up for success and prevent them from falling back into the cycle of repeat homelessness.

Commenting on Tesco’s continued support, Darren Print, Store Manager at Tesco Toton Extra, said: “Stores across Nottingham and Derbyshire wanted to come together to support a single cause and the work of Framework really stood out to us.

“Through a series of fundraising activities and the hard work of colleagues and our generous customers we’ve been able to provide vital support for the great work Framework does. We’re incredibly proud to have helped and hope this will go some way towards making a difference to people’s lives.”

Midlands construction firms fear they won’t last the year

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Midlands construction firms fear they won’t last the year

Nearly two thirds of East Midlands and over a third of West Midlands construction firms are concerned they won’t be able to trade into 2025, according to a new report from business advisory firm FRP.

Of the senior decision makers surveyed across the Midlands construction sector, 64% of East Midlands firms and 38% of West Midlands firms aren’t confident that they will be able to trade through the next 12 months. The East Midlands are the most pessimistic part of the UK surveyed when it came to construction businesses’ prospects.

FRP’s data found that the regions’ businesses were finding it increasingly difficult to access funding, with a split field across the Midlands. While nearly two thirds (64%) of East Midlands businesses say they found it more difficult to secure necessary backing last year than the year before, only 38% of businesses in the West Midlands say the same.

Tax burdens were also a concern for businesses in both the East and West Midlands, with nearly half (48%) and half (50%) of firms, respectively, admitting they will struggle to pay their tax liabilities or any outstanding tax in full this year.

Meanwhile, 76% of East Midlands and 62% of West Midlands firms flag that political uncertainty in an election year is either causing them to delay investments or prompting clients to postpone commissioning new work.

East Midlands firms surveyed also say that factors such as supply chain disruption (18%) and the insolvency of sub-contractors or customers (18%) are likely to damage their prospects, while West Midlands firms cite factors like high interest rates (20%) and weak end-consumer demand (18%).

In response to the headwinds they face, a focus of East Midlands businesses will be renegotiating existing contracts (28% vs. 16% of West Midlands firms), while West Midlands firms will be looking to change suppliers to cheaper alternatives (36% vs. 22% of East Midlands firms).

Another split field across the Midlands was seen in revenue and profitability expectations. One in six (16%) East Midlands firms expect profitability to increase over the coming year, compared to last year, against 36% of West Midlands businesses that feel the same.

Similarly, just over one in nine (12%) East Midlands businesses expect to see revenue increase year-on-year, compared to 42% of their counterparts in the West.

Nathan Jones, Restructuring Advisory Partner at FRP in Leicester, said: “The results across the Midlands are concerning, but particularly so in the East.

“It’s possible that what we’re seeing here in terms of splits in trading optimism, and revenue and profitability expectations are the knock-on effects of the decision to cancel the eastern leg of HS2, which was particularly poorly received in the region.

“There are certainly a growing number of reasons for optimism, with green shoots beginning to show in the form of easing inflation and predicted interest rates cuts. Businesses in the region remain acutely aware of the threat of further supply chain disruption, however.

“Steps such as renegotiating contracts and shoring up local supply chains will be key for those looking to weather future headwinds.”

Across the UK, an average of 36% of firms surveyed say they lack confidence in their ability to trade over the next 12 months.

The North West (24%) follows the South West (20%) as the second-most optimistic construction sector, although still hosts a sizeable proportion of businesses fearing for their future, while the North East (45%) follows the East Midlands (64%) in reporting the largest proportion of firms pessimistic about their prospects.

New support launched in Midlands for youth entrepreneurship

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New support launched in Midlands for youth entrepreneurship

Youth charity The Prince’s Trust has today launched an extension of its Enterprise programme in partnership with LDC to help young entrepreneurs sustain and grow their businesses through the first three years of trading, recognising the important role they play in driving economic growth, fostering innovation and shaping the future of the UK economy.

The Prince’s Trust and LDC have worked together to design and develop Enterprise Advance; a comprehensive package of support designed to increase the help available to young entrepreneurs as they navigate the early years of running their business. It will launch in the Midlands before being rolled out across the UK over the coming months. 

Enterprise Advance is an extension of the charity’s existing Enterprise programme, which supports young people from all walks of life, including disadvantaged communities across the country, to launch their own businesses by equipping them with the confidence, skills and funding they need to do so.

LDC, the private equity investor that is part of Lloyds Banking Group, first partnered with The Prince’s Trust in 2019 to support the Enterprise programme and has so far helped almost 4,000 young people to turn their dreams into reality. 

However, while the majority of businesses launched through the Enterprise programme are still trading, focus groups with Trust-supported entrepreneurs who launched businesses in 2020/21 revealed that many felt they could unlock latent potential and better sustain the growth of their business if they had access to additional tools and support.

Help with finding and managing customers, digital marketing and accessing finance were cited as three of the most common challenges young business leaders face. 

Through Enterprise Advance, young entrepreneurs can access a designated mentor, structured business reviews to track progress against targets and ambition, workshops and networking opportunities.

It will help young entrepreneurs like Ruddington-based Olivia Swift. In 2019, Olivia launched her multi award-winning business, Lotus Maternity, which provides postnatal education, support and guidance to mothers and families. Olivia’s business also offers postnatal programmes for organisations to support colleagues, managers and new parents returning to work following parental leave.

Olivia said: “The Prince’s Trust has been with me throughout my entrepreneurial journey with Lotus Maternity. Sustaining my business and increasing the services I offer is crucial to its growth.

“Specialist support, networking and opportunities to access additional finance, all of which is offered as part of Enterprise Advance, is vital. It will make a real difference for many emerging businesses.”

David Bains, Partner and Head of East Midlands and East of England at LDC, said: “Young entrepreneurs play a vital role in the economy, both here in the East Midlands and across the UK.

“It’s crucial that we equip them with the necessary tools, skills and funding to grow and sustain their businesses. These individuals are driving innovation, progress and improvements in society, and they’re our next generation of business leaders.

“We have more than 40 years of experience in helping management teams across the UK to drive growth and realise their ambitions, and our partnership with The Prince’s Trust extends that commitment to young entrepreneurs from different backgrounds.

“Together with The Prince’s Trust, we’re creating a path for young business leaders that will empower them to contribute to the sustained growth of the UK economy.”

Jonathan Townsend, UK Chief Executive of The Prince’s Trust, added: “Since launching our Enterprise programme in 1983, we’ve supported more than 91,000 young entrepreneurs to kickstart their own businesses and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.

“Enterprise Advance takes the support we can offer even further – it’s a flexible, broad-ranging programme that will help young entrepreneurs to go on and grow their businesses in those crucial early years after launching.

“It wouldn’t have been possible without the support and expertise of LDC. They are one of our biggest supporters at The Prince’s Trust and together we’re excited to help more young entrepreneurs to maximise the potential of their businesses.”

Enterprise Advance is being funded through LDC’s multi-million-pound partnership with The Prince’s Trust and has been created with the support of an advisory board consisting of LDC’s employees over the last 12 months.

Two units under offer as plans submitted for Derbyshire business park

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Two units under offer as plans submitted for Derbyshire business park
The first two units have been placed under offer and a planning application has now been submitted for Foundry Business Park, a new development of industrial/warehouse units in Pinxton, Derbyshire. The development will provide 10 units totalling some 50,000ft2, all available on a freehold basis. The units range in size from 4,232ft² to approximately 20,000ft². Darran Severn, Director at FHP Property Consultants, says: “We are pleased to confirm that the first two units have been placed under offer on a build to suit basis, which is excellent news. In addition, a planning application has now been submitted for the first phase of units which will be available around Q2 2025. “There is a continued shortage of freehold industrial/warehouse units across the region, and as a result we are in discussions with a number of local occupiers who have expressed an interest in the site. Once the units start to take shape I would expect to see even more interest and further sales being agreed.”

£100k charity event kickstarts 2024 appeal

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£100k charity event kickstarts 2024 appeal
The 4th annual Three Bunkers Challenge event has kickstarted fundraising as the event aims to reach its £100,000 target. So far, £40,000 has been raised and there is space for one more team to take part. Established in 2020 by Elliot & Bev Cook from Simple Marketing Consultancy, which is based in Radcliffe on Trent, the ‘Three Bunkers Challenge’ is styled like the infamous three peaks mountain climbs, but involves 24 golfers playing 27 holes within 10 hours. Whilst only a moderately physical feat, the logistical challenge is high as all players start at 7am at Morley Hayes Golf Club, then travel to Charnwood Forest Golf Club and conclude at The Nottinghamshire Golf & Country Club, reaching three corners of the East Midlands counties of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire & Leicestershire, covering just over 70 miles. This year, the event takes place on Friday 24 May 2024 and so far involves teams from Actons Solicitors, BFY Group, Fiscal Engineers, MAF Finance Group, Shakespeare Martineau Solicitors and Simple Marketing Consultancy. Each person commits to raising at least £250 for their team using a dedicated fundraising link and mobile phone app. All money raised will be donated to the charity Big C Little C which was founded in 2019 by business entrepreneurs Andrew Springhall, from Breedon Electrical Fire & Security, and Colin Shaw, former Chairman of PKF Cooper Parry, who joined forces to create a charity that would encourage East Midlands businesses to organise events to raise money for Cancer Research, the NSPCC and other children related charities. Elliot Cook said: “A recent study by CRUK says that the rate of improvement in the number of people who survive cancer has slowed significantly stating that the rate of progress was five times faster in the 2000s than in the 2010s and that lack of sufficient funding for research is largely to blame.” He added: “Similarly, a child contacts the NSPCC Childline Help Services every 45 seconds and reported instances of abuse are also increasing, so events like this are crucial to helping these charities maintain funding to support research and care.” The organisers also welcome support via online donations or gifting prizes which can be auctioned during the prize presentation. So far fourballs from Nuneaton Golf Club & The Nottinghamshire have been gifted. The fundraising link is: https://givestar.io/ev/the-3-bunkers-challenge-2024

Modern Milkman delivers deal at Loughborough business park

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Modern Milkman delivers deal at Loughborough business park
Modern Milkman, the online grocery service, has expanded its East Midlands operations with a new storage and distribution hub. The fast-growing company has taken a lease on Unit A at Charnwood Business Park in Loughborough in a deal completed on behalf of a private landlord by Thomas Szymkiw, Head of Agency at NG Chartered Surveyors. Modern Milkman, which was founded in 2018, delivers milk and soft drinks in reusable glass bottles, as well as eggs, baked goods and more, connecting thousands of households to local farmers and suppliers in their community. In March, the fast-growing company expanded into the US with an acquisition. Thomas said: “Modern Milkman is a refreshingly modern company offering a traditional service – and we wish them well as they expand their business in the East Midlands. “Our landlord client has an excellent tenant in a company that is really going places. This is a win-win for everyone involved.”

Strike threatened at University of Lincoln as over 220 jobs put on the line

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Strike threatened at University of Lincoln as over 220 jobs put on the line
Staff at the University of Lincoln are poised to take a stand against “brutal cuts,” with a consultation over potential strike action having begun.
The cuts involve over 220 employees, including one in ten academic staff, according to University and College Union (UCU). Cuts include the phasing out of the fashion degree and ending specialist support for widening participation students in the foundation studies centre. The centre’s teaching team have been notified their jobs are at risk. Despite the most recent accounts showing that in 2022/23 the university ran a £3m operating surplus and had £46m in cash reserves, a directive was issued last week, underscoring the necessity to slash the budget by £30m by the end of the 2025 financial year, the UCU notes. Some cuts have already been made with modern languages provision being shut down and eight staff losing their jobs. UCU Lincoln acting chair Dr Rob Dean said: “It is simply impossible to slash so many jobs without severely impacting current students, future students and diminishing the university’s vital role as a cornerstone of regional education. “Furthermore, not only are many people in danger of losing their jobs, but we are also extremely concerned that those remaining will be left with unmanageable workloads. “Without a transparent assessment of past decisions and a commitment to accountability, there is a risk of perpetuating the same errors, endangering the institution’s future stability. “However, the impact of this extends beyond the confines of academia. The local economy will also be affected. In a small city like Lincoln the number of proposed cuts threaten to undermine the socioeconomic fabric of the region, exacerbating existing challenges and inequalities.”

Chesterfield IT support business acquires counterpart

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Chesterfield IT support business acquires counterpart
Central Technology, a Chesterfield-headquartered managed service provider (MSP), has acquired Leicestershire-based MSP, IT3000. The acquisition marks a strategic step forward for both organisations, positioning them to deliver greater value to their customers. Ian Snow, CEO of Central Technology, said: “We are delighted to welcome IT3000 to the Central Technology Group. Their approach, culture, and unwavering commitment to exceptional client experience align perfectly with our own values. “By joining forces, we aim to leverage both organisations’ expertise and experience to enhance our offerings and meet the evolving needs of our clients. “IT3000, known for its high-quality IT services, has been a trusted advisor for businesses since 2006. Their track record of reliability and customer satisfaction has made them a sought-after choice for organisations seeking responsive IT support and long-term strategic guidance.” Sam Walsh, Operations Director at IT3000, said: “Teaming up with Central Technology allows us to tap into their scale, expertise, and additional resources. Our commitment to empowering clients through technology remains steadfast. Whether it’s day-to-day IT support or strategic planning, we are dedicated to ensuring our clients’ businesses thrive.”

Rushton Hickman makes associate director promotion

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Rushton Hickman makes associate director promotion
Rushton Hickman have promoted Jade Martin to associate director. Having initially joined the company in August 2020 in an administrative role supporting the surveyors, Jade quickly progressed to undertaking a role within the property management section. Jade also began undertaking a Chartered Surveyor Apprenticeship through the University College of Estate Management. Jade Martin said: “I am truly honoured to be promoted to associate director and I am grateful for the amazing opportunities which have enabled me to develop, both personally and professionally. “Whilst I am thankful that my hard work and dedication have been recognised, I also feel lucky to be in a position where I can continue to learn from the best! This is a testament to Rushton Hickman as they provide the support, trust and guidance for their employees to progress. “I am excited to take on this new role and continue contributing to the success of our team.” Director at Rushton Hickman, Graham Bancroft, said: “It is amazing to see Jade progress through the ranks at the company from someone new to the industry to now an extremely talented and professional surveyor. “Jade’s success has come from her hard work and determination and she has now established herself a strong portfolio of clients who she provides an excellent professional service to. “Rushton Hickman prides itself on being a progressive company with a commitment to future talent and Jade epitomises all the values we look for and we are extremely proud of her and are delighted to acknowledge this with her promotion to associate director.”

Construction begins at Leicestershire’s first garden village

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Construction begins at Leicestershire’s first garden village
Construction has started at Leicestershire’s first Garden Village, Broadnook. Announcing the launch of construction, the developers have unveiled a new roadside billboard as well as the installation of Hollywood-style 9ft lettering made from corten steel. Raising a glass of locally grown Rothley sparkling wine was the Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Margaret Smidowicz, alongside James Wilson, Managing Director of Davidsons Homes, and Steve Keenan, Construction Director at Cora Homes. The creation of the new Garden Village includes plans for car-free zones, cycle paths, village square, community nursery and primary school, enterprise zones, allotments and open green spaces that will connect residents to the local landscape. The project is backed by an investment of £32.6 million – of which over £17 million is being invested into local schools – creating more than 1,900 homes ranging from one to five bedrooms. Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Margaret Smidowicz said: “The launch of Broadnook Garden Village is a defining moment for the Borough of Charnwood as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. “This thoughtful, innovative design offers a sense of ‘place’, encapsulating the heritage of the surrounding area but considers the long-term future for the new community as it develops. “I recall the many consultation meetings and I am genuinely delighted and privileged to be part of this special occasion, which will prove to be an investment that provides more than simply houses.” James Wilson, Managing Director of Davidsons Homes, said: “It is a privilege to be here, today, to officially launch the construction of Broadnook Garden Village – Leicestershire’s first Garden Village. Broadnook aims to bring the very best elements from all your favourite Charnwood villages into one purpose-built community.” Luke Simmons, Managing Director of Cora Homes, added: “We’re proud to be co-creating Broadnook Garden Village and in doing so establishing a modern, connected community that will offer residents exceptional homes set among landscaped green areas with open walkways to exercise and immerse in nature. “Broadnook will create local infrastructure, enterprise zones, community hubs and flexible working spaces – designed to meet the long-term needs of homeowners from today into the future. At Cora, we call it Creating Amazing Places.” Taking its name from a local ancient spinney that runs through the site, Broadnook promises tree lined walks, parks, allotments, wildflower meadows, play areas, landscaped garden spaces and sports pitches. More than 50 per cent of Broadnook Garden Village will be devoted to green spaces. Iain Pickering, Design Director at Davidsons Homes – and mastermind behind the reinvention of the Broadnook Garden Village concept – said: “We are creating Broadnook Garden Village without losing sight of how we all want to live: as part of a thriving community that feels modern and connected, yet firmly rooted in the beautiful nature that we are lucky enough to enjoy in Charnwood. “As a local resident myself, it was important that we not only took inspiration from the history of Charnwood’s villages, but also looked to the future.” He adds: “We have taken many of our design cues from the local Leicestershire landscape: our street signs take inspiration from our neighbours at Great Central Railway; our architecture takes careful reference from the beautiful, period house styles seen in Rothley, Quorn and Barrow upon Soar. “Our tree lined walk, which is an integral element of our design, passes a nod to Leicester’s historic New Walk. Broadnook is firmly – and proudly – Leicestershire born and bred.” Broadnook Garden Village will offer modern amenities, including plans for a community primary school, retail shops, care facilities and a new GP surgery. The village centre and amenities will, it is hoped, minimise the need for unnecessary use of a car within the Broadnook village. It is expected that the Garden Village’s first residents will be welcomed in autumn 2024.
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