- Engagement with minerals and logistics companies
- Bus service improvement plan actions (bus priority through the town and a mobility hub)
- Real-time travel information for key routes through the town to distribute traffic
- ‘Modeshift STARS’, a travel plan programme in which schools would seek to encourage sustainable travel for teachers, parents and pupils
Derbyshire County Council selects Leicester’s EarthSense for air quality monitoring
EarthSense has been selected by Derbyshire County Council to provide air quality monitoring in and around the town of Ashbourne.
The council will use a network of EarthSense Zephyr® monitors on lighting poles in Ashbourne, combined with EarthSense’s MappAir® modelling tool, to better understand levels of nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone and particulates in the town.
Pollution in the Buxton Road hill area of Ashbourne was formally designated a public health hazard requiring urgent action by central Government.
As part of that aim, Derbyshire County Council and Derbyshire Dales District Council will track air quality issues and develop an air quality action plan. A public consultation earlier in 2023 found the four most popular actions to tackle pollution in Ashbourne were:
Growth returns for UK economy
The UK economy returned to growth in January, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
UK GDP (gross domestic product), a key measure of economy growth, increased 0.2% in January, in line with expectations following a 0.1% fall in December.
The increase was supported by a pick up in construction activity (growing 1.1% quarter-on-quarter) and a stronger month for the services sector (increasing 0.2% quarter-on-quarter and acting as the largest contributor to the rise in GDP).
Production output, however, fell 0.2% quarter-on-quarter.
The modest growth comes after the UK fell into a recession.
Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said of the figures: “An increase in GDP is an encouraging start to the year, and one small firms will be relieved to see, as it raises hopes that we may be pulling out of the shallow recession declared following low levels of negative growth through the second half of 2023.
“It’s too early to celebrate with any great level of vigour, however, as small firms are certainly finding the going tough at the moment.
“The recent Budget contained some help for small firms, notably the raising of the VAT threshold from £85,000 to £90,000 and the cut to National Insurance contributions, but small firms hoped for more help with day-to-day costs.
“This isn’t just about existing businesses starting to turn to growth in 2024; this is about creating the conditions for people to set up in business for the very first time, the next generation of start-ups who will make up the ground we lost during the Covid years when the UK small business population contracted by 500,000, losing one in 10 of them.
“Our Small Business Index research has found particular cause for concern among hospitality and retail firms, which are trailing far behind the overall average in terms of confidence levels. Indeed, one in eight firms in the hospitality sector expect to close entirely in the next 12 months, nearly four times the rate for all businesses, which should be a huge wake-up call to the Government about the dangers facing many thousands of small businesses.
“Small businesses contribute an enormous amount to the economy, and a sustainable recovery will be built on their success and growth. Today’s news must be built on if it is not to turn into another false dawn for small firms.”
Red flags for East Midlands businesses as government forecasts economic growth
East Midlands businesses face a tough road ahead if they are to meet Britain’s 0.8% economic growth forecast for 2024, cited by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt this month (6/3/24) and based on latest projections from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).
Although the forecast is higher than the 0.7% highlighted in the OBR’s previous outlook, published last November, new research from the Midlands branch of the UK’s insolvency and restructuring body R3 indicates the extent of the struggle facing the region’s companies as they attempt to fight back from a pandemic and a 2023 slump into recession.
Based on an analysis of data from business intelligence provider Creditsafe, the R3 Midlands figures show that East Midlands insolvency-related activity – which includes liquidator and administrator appointments as well as creditors’ meetings – increased by 27.03% last month compared to January, and by 2.17% against 12 months previously in February 2023.
A further ‘red flag’ for the East Midlands economy is raised through a decrease in the number of start-up businesses in the region, which has fallen by 8.68% from 2,995 in January to 2,735 in February.
Additionally, the number of East Midlands companies with late payments on their books has continued to rise, from 23,194 in January to 23,307 last month.
R3 Midlands chair Stephen Rome, a partner at law firm Penningtons Manches Cooper in the region, said: “There are a number of forces hindering economic recovery, not just in the East Midlands, but throughout the UK.
“Some of them are due directly to the pandemic and the subsequent withdrawal of monetary support, but other factors include the war in Ukraine and a tightening of monetary policy to control inflation and the cost of borrowing.
“The uncertainty this is creating in the local business sector is significant, and it appears to be impacting on entrepreneurial prospects in the region as well as on the health of more established companies.
“It’s therefore vitally important for business owners to be cautious and keep a very careful eye on cashflow as the economy continues to challenge. If difficulties arise, it’s crucial to take professional advice as soon as possible.
“There is much which can be done to support local business owners if they decide to seek help early enough.”
Ilkeston furniture manufacturer receives £7.5m investment
Ilkeston-based The Belfield Group, manufacturers of upholstered furniture and home furnishings, has received a £7.5m investment from its principal stakeholders, NorthEdge LLP and Virgin Money.
The investment comes as part of a wider package of measures designed to support the business in completing its transformation plans for Westbridge, Tetrad, Belfield Home & Leisure and Clinchplain.
It will enable further investment in plant, equipment and system upgrades, modernisation of facilities and a faster roll-out of its people-first plans.
Tom Prestwich, Group MD, said: “This investment from NorthEdge and Virgin Money is great news for the Group, and for everyone at our Westbridge, Tetrad, Belfield Home & Leisure, and Clinchplain operations. We are proud of our heritage in design-led innovation and in the quality and craftmanship of our products.
“We have brilliant and talented people at the Group who have worked tirelessly through challenging market conditions to enhance the Group’s status as a people-first, customer experience-driven, design-led business and I can’t wait to work with them to deliver our future. Special thanks to NorthEdge and to Virgin Money for showing their support and confidence in us to deliver on our plans.”
Nicola McQuaid, Investment Director for NorthEdge LLP, said: “We are delighted to be investing in the Group at this time. The Group’s plans are very exciting and will deliver substantial strategic value to all stakeholders.
“Tom and his wider team have done a magnificent job to reposition the Group as a resilient business in a challenging market and we look forward to working with him and his team.”
Tracey Bailey, Senior Director, Virgin Money, said: “Virgin Money has enjoyed a long and successful relationship with the Belfield Group, and we are delighted to play our part in supporting the business at this exciting time.”
Plans submitted for 18-storey residential development in Nottingham
Plans for a new residential building, reaching to 18 storeys, on Queens Road in Nottingham City Centre have been submitted.
MRP Nottingham Ltd are behind the proposals, which represent Phase 2 of the wider redevelopment of the former 1-4 Queen’s Road site. Phase 1 comprises a 406 bed student accommodation building currently under construction.
The new plans are for a hybrid residential development, comprising Build to Rent (BtR) and shared apartments. The building will be positioned to the south of the brownfield site, forming a central courtyard to be shared by both the Phase 1 student accommodation building and the proposed Phase 2 residential building.
The development would contain 274 dwellings (a mix of build-to-rent studios, 1 bed, 2 bed, and 3 bed apartments, and shared 4 and 5 bed apartments) as well as a range of amenity spaces, including co-working space, meeting rooms, a cafe, landscaped roof terrace, and sky lounges.
A planning statement submitted to Nottingham City Council says the scheme “will redevelop an underutilised site for residential use and add to the choice of housing available in the city centre. The proposed development will preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the Station Conservation Area and improve the wider street scene.”
Innovation Awards finalists meet competition sponsors
This year’s Leicestershire Innovation Awards shortlisted businesses have joined sponsors and other guests at De Montfort University for a pre-awards event.
The awards are this year being led by the LLEP Business Gateway Growth Hub for the first time. Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL, Chair of the LLEP Innovation Board, congratulated entrants for reaching the final shortlist. He said: “Everyone reaching the shortlist has, in fact, already succeeded. The standard of entries has been so high this year – competition has been incredibly strong.
“Our finalists have all demonstrated exceptional achievement, commercial impact, technical excellence, and creativity – all underpinned by an innovative mindset.
“Our entrepreneurial community throughout Leicestershire is driving growth through innovation, creating jobs and strengthening our economy – we have much to celebrate together.”
Phoebe Dawson, Chief Exec of the Leicester and Leicestershire Economic Partnership noted that innovative thinking was required from the Growth Hub itself as it took the lead on the awards for the first time late last year.
She said: “We worked with partners and sponsors to secure the event for 2024, build a whole new nomination platform, and secure a record haul of nominees. The finalists from those nominees are here tonight and it’s great to meet face-to-face.”
Phoebe described the Business Gateway Growth Hub’s work in supporting innovative small businesses over recent years, with gains in productivity made across a host of sectors. “The Growth Hub will continue joining up the dots for local businesses needing support as the LLEP transitions into a new structure over coming months.”
Lincoln tech business makes acquisition as part of growth strategy
Bluecube Cloud Services Limited has acquired Techbox Managed IT Services Limited as part of its business growth strategy as it evolves from a communications provider to MSP (managed service provider).
Bluecube was founded 15 years ago, initially to provide mobile phone services for business, as well as broadband and telephony. The communications side of the business evolved and Bluecube became a key provider of hosted telephony, unified communications, mobile and internet connectivity services.
Last year the business entered into the IT sector and the acquisition of Techbox Managed IT Services adds momentum to this growth.
In a statement on the acquisition, Managing Director Paul Reames said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the Techbox team and a diverse base of business and education sector clients to add to our growing customer base.
“The merging of the Techbox and Bluecube skill sets demonstrates our commitment to bringing further new talent into the business as we strive to become a leading MSP.”
Techbox was founded in 2018 by Andy Fellows, who becomes Head of IT Services at Bluecube as part of the acquisition deal. Andy and his team have more than 20 years of experience in the IT industry supporting clients in the education and SMB sectors.
As part of the acquisition Bluecube has taken new and larger offices in Lincoln to make room for the new team.
Derby HR & employment company recruits new head of client services
A HR & employment company has continued its growth by adding an experienced head of client services to its ranks.
Derby-based Precept has welcomed Mark Honeybell to the team. Mark has previously worked for Flint Bishop, Knights and TDX Group, where he was client services excellence manager.
His appointment brings the number of members at the Mansfield Road business – part of the Barron McCann group of companies – to seven.
Mark, who is also commanding officer in a voluntary role with Derbyshire Army Cadets, said: “I am delighted to have joined the team at Precept.
“I have been admiring them from afar for a while now and I like their ethos and what they stand for; they offer no-nonsense HR & Employment Law services and genuinely care about the people they work with.”
Mark has known Precept director and co-owner Rob Tice for more than 10 years; the pair worked together at Flint Bishop in 2010.
“The position I held at Flint Bishop was very similar to the one I’ll be doing at Precept,” said Mark.
“My job at Flints was to grow the business and Rob trusted me to just get on with it; we worked well together, and it will be great to rekindle that relationship at Precept.
“My job at Precept is to get to know the clients and to nurture the relationship. It’s a very important job and I’m looking forward to understanding more about Precept’s clients and what they’re about.”
Mark spent more than five years in the Army. A former cadet himself, Mark looks after 950 young people as Commandant with Derbyshire Army Cadets.
It is a big commitment, but one that Mark relishes. He said: “I have a team of 160 people and we are governed and guided by the British Army.
“My main responsibilities include leading and overseeing the delivery of people activities across the organisation and attracting new volunteers.
“We cover a huge area of Derbyshire and aim to give these young people – many whom are from disadvantaged backgrounds – opportunities to grow themselves during trips to incredible places. In the past, we’ve taken cadets to Cyprus and the base camp of Mount Everest. It’s hugely rewarding.”
Director and co-owner Rob Tice said: “We have gone through a huge period of growth over the last 18 months at Precept and we are delighted to welcome Mark to the team; we are now one of the largest HR & Employment Law teams in the East Midlands.
“Mark brings with him a wealth of experience and we are looking forward to another busy year at Precept.”
Rolls-Royce SMR welcomes international agreement between UK and Poland
Rolls-Royce SMR has welcomed the agreement between Polish industrial group Industria and UK-based Chiltern Vital Group to collaborate on international projects to deliver low-carbon energy using Rolls-Royce SMR technology.
In 2023, after working with Rolls-Royce SMR for over two years, Industria selected Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactor technology to fulfil the zero-emission energy goals of the Central Hydrogen Cluster in Poland and as part of their plans to produce 50,000 tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen every year.
CVG, a leading UK multi-sector project developer, was recently confirmed as the preferred bidder for the acquisition of the Gloucester Science & Technology Park from South Gloucestershire & Stroud College.
With its partners – including Western Gateway, SGSC, University of Bristol, Vital Energi and Rolls Royce SMR – CVG intends to create a world-first net zero and nuclear technologies campus. This will be the first step towards a ‘net zero super cluster’ investment zone, encouraging the roll out of Rolls- Royce SMRs alongside an array of net zero technologies.
Alan Woods, Rolls-Royce SMR’s Director of Strategy and Business Development, said: “This is an extremely positive step forward for Rolls-Royce SMR and we are delighted to see two of our close partners agree to collaborate on their efforts to bring our technology to fruition.
“This is an exciting development. Both CVG and Industria are highly capable organisations, able to deliver low-carbon energy projects powered by Rolls-Royce SMRs. This announcement further opens the opportunity for CVG to support and enable Great British Nuclear (GBN) to deliver innovative technology by the early to mid-2030s.”
The site, next to the former Berkeley Magnox nuclear power station on the banks of the River Severn, was home to the Berkeley Laboratories and has been at the forefront of science and nuclear technology for over 40 years. Berkeley and nearby Oldbury were already amongst several prioritised sites across England and Wales which have the potential to host multiple Rolls-Royce SMR power plants.
After being shortlisted at the end of 2023, Rolls-Royce SMR is committed to progressing through the GBN technology selection process. Being announced as a successful bidder, later this year, will allow immediate investment in the UK supply chain. Each Rolls-Royce SMR can power a million UK homes for 60 years – supplying clean, affordable electricity for generations to come while supporting thousands of long-term, highly skilled jobs.
The Rolls-Royce SMR design is progressing well through the Generic Design Assessment process by the UK nuclear industry’s independent regulators and is two years ahead of any other SMR inEuropean regulatory assessment.
Well known Chaddesden business under new ownership
One of Chaddesden’s best known businesses is under new ownership after a member of staff bought the firm saving it from closure.
Carpenter Myles Hayhurst, 31, had been working for Castle Blinds, in Nottingham Road, for three years when its owners decided to put it up for sale after running the store for 26 years.
Myles, who previously worked as a precision carpenter making bespoke home furniture, has pledged to take the firm into its third decade by continuing to offer a wide range of tailormade blinds, shutters and curtains to homes and businesses in Derbyshire.He has retained all nine members of staff at the firm and already secured contracts with a number of big clients most recently replacing the blinds in the Lund Pavilion at Derbyshire County Cricket Club.
He said: “Castle Blinds has been a long-standing fixture in Chaddesden for decades and has sold and fitted thousands of blinds, most of which were made in our workshop.“Our products are really high standard and reasonably priced, so I know we have potential to be on the high street for another 26 years – there is potential to double our turnover in no time at all.
“My background in carpentry means I have an attention to detail that is deeply engrained – I measure everything to the millimetre and I’m swift of foot; all potential customers receive their quote within 24 hours.”
The firm has forged collaborations with Peveril Interiors and Floorcraft and has provided curtains and blinds for companies including Rolls-Royce, Bower and Kirkland, Mitie, JCB and Trent Barton.Most of the curtains and blinds are made on site at the shop, which is an Aladdin’s cave of fabrics, or in the purpose-built shed at the back of the store.
Myles, who attended Chellaston School, added: “I will be forever grateful to the previous owners Peter and Teresa for the opportunity they have given me and I fully intend to continue their hard work across the East Midlands.
“We have some customers who have been coming to the shop for years because they know we make everything on site and so can be really bespoke, plus we offer that personalised service.
“Olive and Karen in the shop have a combined experience of 24 years so they know our products really well. We ensure a perfect fit and believe we’re the best in the region at what we do.”
Melton Mowbray industrial investment sold
FHP have completed the sale of four income producing industrial units in the centre of Melton Mowbray to Kindale Limited, who were represented by Toby Yates of Yates Real Estate Ltd.
The industrial units, totalling 27,024 sq ft and let to a Signage Company, a Drama and Dance group and a Motorcycle Retailer and Repair Shop, were owned by Lidl who had acquired the property for possible expansion of their adjacent store some years ago.
David Hargreaves, who acted for Lidl in the marketing and subsequent sale, said: “The 4 units provide 27,000 sq ft of accommodation and currently deliver an income of just £51,000 per annum. Two of the leases have expired with the tenant wanting a new lease and therefore there is scope to grow the income to £100,000+ per annum.
“Industrial investments are in great demand and, as expected, we had strong interest resulting in a sale following ‘Best Bids’ to Bedfordshire based Kindale Limited at just over £1 million, showing an initial yield of circa 4.70% and a reversionary yield of circa 9.00%.”
Kindale is a privately owned property company that specialise in acquiring hands-on asset management type properties with opportunities to add value, and so this parade of industrial units was ideal.
Toby Yates of Yates Real Estate acted for Kindale with David Hargreaves of FHP acting for the vendor, Lidl.
East Midlands business activity growth quickens to fastest since April 2022
The headline NatWest East Midlands PMI® Business Activity Index – a seasonally adjusted index that measures the month-on-month change in the combined output of the region’s manufacturing and service sectors – posted at 54.2 in February, up notably from 51.6 in January, to signal a solid expansion in output at firms in the East Midlands.
The rate of growth was the sharpest since April 2022, with companies highlighting that stronger client demand and increased investment helped spur the accelerated rise in activity. Moreover, of the 12 monitored UK regions, only London saw a steeper upturn in output.
East Midlands private sector firms recorded a second successive monthly increase in new orders during February. The rate of growth quickened to a solid pace that was the fastest in almost two years. The expansion was sharper than both the long-run series and UK averages. Anecdotal evidence suggested that the upturn was linked to stronger client demand and the acquisition of new customers.
February data signalled more upbeat expectations regarding the outlook for output at East Midlands companies. The degree of confidence picked up notably to the highest since January 2022. Stronger business confidence was attributed to investment in new product and service lines, increased marketing and hopes of further upticks in new business.
Staffing numbers at East Midlands firms continued to decline during February, with job shedding gaining pace. Although only marginal, the rate of contraction in employment was the fastest for three months and contrasted with the UK average which pointed to a fractional rise in workforce numbers.
Lower employment was in part due to the non-replacement of voluntary leavers due to cost considerations.
Private sector firms in the East Midlands recorded a further drop in the level of incomplete business midway through the first quarter. The pace of decline quickened from January and was moderate overall. Businesses noted sufficient capacity to process incoming new work.
The fall in backlogs of work was driven by manufacturers who registered a sharp decrease in work-in-hand.
Input prices faced by East Midlands firms increased at a marked pace during February, with the rate of inflation ticking higher. The uptick in cost burdens was the joint-fastest since September 2023 and broadly in line with the UK average.
Higher input prices were linked to additional shipping and transportation costs, alongside increased supplier charges.
East Midlands businesses registered a faster uptick in output charges during February. The rise in selling prices was steep overall and accelerated notably from January to post above the series average. Anecdotal evidence commonly stated that higher output prices were due to the pass-through of greater costs to customers.
The pace of charge inflation was slightly softer than the UK average, however.
Rashel Chowdhury, NatWest Midlands and East Regional Board, said: “East Midlands firms saw a further improvement in the health of the private sector during February, as rates of output and new order growth accelerated. Moreover, the region was one of the strongest performers across the UK.
“More robust client demand spurred the sharpest rise in new business for almost two years. Firms remained conscious of cost pressures, however, as this, alongside sufficient capacity to process incoming orders, led to a further fall in employment. Jobs were shed at the sharpest pace since last November.
“Lower employment was not indicative of weaker business confidence in the year-ahead outlook, as optimism strengthened to the highest since early-2022. Greater sentiment was expressed despite renewed upwards momentum in rates of inflation. Transportation and shipping costs continued to be a key driver of increases in expenses, which were in turn passed through to clients where possible.”
IT firm owner gears up for busy year of fundraising
The owner of an IT firm is gearing up for a busy year of fundraising for local charities that includes a family fun run and an epic bike ride to Skegness.
Lee Jepson, founder of L.E.A.D. IT Services and a former Noel-Baker Academy pupil, will cycle the 100 miles from Derby to the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre in Lincolnshire, raising vital funds for the charity that, last year, provided 360 children from the county with a five-day seaside stay.
Money raised from the bike ride will, for 2024 – the 10th anniversary of the ‘SkegVegas’ trip – be split between the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre and Derby Kids’ Camp; a volunteer-led charity committed to providing free holidays for the city and county’s most deserving young children.
Lee is also preparing for the Derby 10k Family Fun Run – part of the annual race around the city – which will be sponsored by L.E.A.D. IT Services.
He said: “The Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre holds a special place in my heart, as the charity provided me with a seaside break when I was younger.
“I will be volunteering this year with Derby Kids Camp, too, so the 10th anniversary of the much-loved SkegVegas bike ride, which will raise funds for both charities, proved an ideal opportunity to take part.”
L.E.A.D. IT Services provide IT solutions to businesses and schools across the UK. They currently work with 70% of Derby schools – including growing multi-academy trusts including Embark Federation and Reach2 Academy – and have recently moved into new premises, on Pride Park.
In the past, L.E.A.D. IT Services have sponsored the England Dodgeball Team and Derby-based Mickleover FC Girls.
They currently sponsor Notts County Ladies FC and, in 2019, they supported the Project Zao Schools Football Tournament, which saw junior teams in the East Midlands compete for the ‘Community Engagement Champions Cup’.
Organised by the Derby East Safer Neighbourhood team, the aim of the tournament was to educate youngsters about knife crime.
Lincolnshire business lands £300k grant to develop crypto platform
Lincolnshire-based company, Recap, a provider of crypto tax calculation services, is poised for significant expansion following its recent Innovate UK grant win.This milestone achievement marks a pivotal moment in Recap’s journey to revolutionise crypto asset management, with the £300k grant fueling the development of a pioneering, privacy-focused collaborative crypto tax and client due diligence platform tailored for accountants and professional services.Driving this initiative forward, Recap has brought together a consortium of industry experts – namely pioneers in source of fund analytics, Hoptrail, and top UK crypto specialist accountancy firms Andersen LLP and Wright Vigar – also headquartered in Lincoln.Together, they will enhance the platform’s capabilities to seamlessly track and process crypto asset transactions while ensuring trusted source of fund checks during customer onboarding.Speaking about the grant application success, Daniel Howitt, CEO and co-founder of Recap said: “This grant is a testament to our dedication to innovation and our commitment to addressing the evolving needs of the Crypto industry.“We are immensely proud to lead this project alongside esteemed colleagues and partners Andersen LLP, Wright Vigar and Hoptrail, who bring unparalleled expertise in accountancy, tax services and anti-money laundering compliance, respectively. “As HMRC urges crypto holders to disclose gains, it’s been a pleasure to assemble this team of ‘Crypto Tax Avengers’ to make the first steps towards revolutionising crypto asset management and equip accountancy firms with the cutting-edge tools they need to best serve their clients and remain compliant.
“With the support of Innovate UK and our esteemed collaborators, Recap is poised to lead the charge as the go-to solution provider for crypto tax and client due diligence.”Funding a 12-month project – already underway – the Innovate UK grant win represents a significant investment in Recap’s growth trajectory, with plans for its team of five to expand significantly over the next year, with multiple new hires in the pipeline.Playing a key role in the expansion of Lincoln’s digital hub, Recap’s ambitious drive to become the go-to provider for cryptocurrency accounting software is set to help boost the city’s economic landscape – drawing more fintech and digital asset experts to the area.Daniel added: “This investment is not just financial: it represents the confidence and support we’ve garnered from Innovate UK – a testament to our dedication to innovation, and the strategic vision we have for Recap and the future of crypto and digital asset management.“Moreover, our ambitious drive to become the top provider for cryptocurrency accounting software aligns with our hopes of contributing to the economic growth of Lincoln. By fostering innovation and job creation, we aim to make a lasting impact on the city’s financial standing.”
East Midlands Chamber at Westminster to present growth manifesto for the region to government
Improvements to taxation, infrastructure, skills alongside reform of the planning system are among key asks that will be handed to the UK government and MPs today in a new manifesto from East Midlands Chamber.
Under the proposals taxation and regulation would see reforms to make them simpler, transport would benefit from electrification of the Midland Main Line and upgrades to key road networks, while acceleration of full-fibre broadband roll-out across the East Midlands would boost digital growth.
The document also identifies the ‘Big Opportunity’ for the East Midlands – to develop the region as a centre for the future of energy production, storage and provision.
Hosted by Nigel Mills MP, co-Chair of the East Midlands All Party Parliamentary Group, alongside East Midlands Chamber President Stuart Dawkins and Chair of the Board Kevin Harris, and with a delegation of regional business leaders in attendance, the event at 13.00 today in Westminster will mark the official launch of the Manifesto for Growth 2024.
Speaking ahead of the Westminster launch, East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive, Scott Knowles, said: “This document is the culmination of in depth engagement with our members.
“It builds upon our core themes of Innovation, Infrastructure, International trade and Investment, making specific recommendations in four areas: Skills reform for the reality of today’s workforce; Transport and infrastructure that is fit for purpose; Developing a taxation and regulation regime that is aligned with a long-term vision for the country; and how we fix the broken planning system.
“We’re also really excited to be presenting our Big Opportunity, to create a centre for the future of energy production, storage and provision in the East Midlands. We’ve already had some exciting recent developments in this space, including the STEP fusion plant development in West Burton, the Freeport’s ambitions for the Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station site and the work Rolls-Royce are doing on Small Modular Nuclear Reactors.
“A vision of the future where the East Midlands is exporting the products, processes and people that can deliver Net Zero is absolutely possible, and it’s essential that we get the right policy support from Government to unlock that opportunity.”
Chris Hobson, the Chamber’s Director of Policy & Insight, added: “We might not know when a General Election will be called, but it’s a certainty that it will at some point in the next ten months. With economic growth still precarious after several disruptive years, it’s a critical time to release this Manifesto that outlines the things businesses have told us they need for those that live and work in the East Midlands to be successful.
“This isn’t a zero sum game. If we get this right we all win. And the policy environment in which we operate is a key enabler to helping us get this right. Whoever is leading the country, businesses themselves will continue to do what they’ve always done: looking to develop opportunities, open new markets and maximise the materials they have and circumstances they are in to be successful.”
Some of the key asks in the Manifesto for Growth 2024 include:
- Business rates: Full review of the system
- Tax and regulation: Simplify the R&D tax credits system
- Skills: Incentives for businesses that invest in staff training
- Infrastructure: Speed up rollout of full-fibre Broadband
- Planning: Let the private sector plug gaps on council staffing
- Transport: Full electrification of the Midland Main Line commitment, reinstatement of direct rail links between Coventry and Leicester and improvements to the A50/A500 and A46 corridors.
Clowes Developments employees vote to fundraise for Derbyshire Mind
2024 marks a new chapter for the Derbyshire-based property group, Clowes Developments, as they implement their new charitable giving policy.
Historically, donations and support for initiatives have always been done on an ad-hoc basis, however, this year in line with the group’s wider Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, leaders have taken the opportunity to formalise the way they give back to the community.
For the first time, employees were invited to nominate charities close to their hearts. Nominations were then shortlisted to ensure the suggested charities align with the group’s values, employees then voted for their preferred charity.
For the financial period, 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025, the group have elected Derbyshire Mind as the beneficiary of their charitable fundraising initiatives.
Thomas Clowes, Managing Director, Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd, said: “As we celebrate 60 years in business this year, it feels poignant to formalise the way we give back to our community. This is something we’ve done since my father set up the business in 1964.
“As we evolve our business with ESG in the forefront of our minds, our charitable initiatives remain a priority. Mind has always been a charity that’s been on my radar as Mental health affects so many people in so many ways. Whilst the charity was chosen by our employees, I am personally pleased to be supporting this charity for the next year.”
Derbyshire Mind is the local independent mental health charity within the national Mind network. Their focus is on improving mental health and wellbeing for people across Derby and Derbyshire. They provide a range of community mental wellbeing services designed to support local people with mental health problems as well as the wider population.
Laura Mitchell, Marketing & Fundraising Co-ordinator, Derbyshire Mind, added: “I’m delighted that Derbyshire Mind have been chosen as the Charity of the Year for Clowes Developments.
“We use our fundraised income to deliver a range of services, including our mental wellbeing services and projects, these are all designed to boost mood, reduce loneliness and isolation, and create connections between people to support good mental health. The money raised will make a big difference to our work.
“Derbyshire Mind’s vision is for everyone in Derbyshire to have good mental wellbeing and to live their best life. We’re excited to be working in partnership with Clowes Developments and look forward to seeing how the partnership develops over the next year.”
Clowes have several fundraising events planned throughout the year with the first being a charity golf day, sponsored by Leicestershire-based design company, Carve. ‘ProperTee’ will be held on Friday 3rd May at Brailsford Golf Course. The 12-hole course will host 12 teams of 4 made up of businesses from the property sector.
Following a welcome breakfast at the course’s clubhouse, Acorns, teams will head out to play a Texas scramble format off a shotgun start. Following the competition there will be a prize giving ceremony with a top prize worth £500 donated by FHP. Interested parties are invited to contact lucy.bloor@clowes.co.uk.
It isn’t the first time Clowes have supported Derbyshire Mind. In 2023, the group match donated funds raised at a live music event organised by The Hairy Dog. As well as committing to donate all fundraising activities to Derbyshire Mind for the next financial year, Clowes have been announced as headline sponsor for the Derby County Community Trust Black and White Ball which is taking place on Thursday 11th July.
Clowes Developments will also be taking part in Mental Health Awareness Week from the 13th-19th May. The group’s Marketing Assistant, Lucy Bloor, will be posting a mental health awareness campaign every day across their various social media platforms.
On the 17th September, Clowes will be officially celebrating their 60th anniversary with employees and to mark the occasion staff will wear blue for Derbyshire Mind. In November, members of the Clowes team will be taking part in the ‘Mental Elf’ fun run at Elvaston Castle.
Midlands Connect highlights benefits from linking cities by rail
A new report by Midlands Connect has highlighted ‘massive’ benefits to universities throughout the region if the rail link between Coventry, Leicester, Nottingham is delivered, with academics saying it would support growth at the universities and help collaboration.
The report chronicles a series of in-depth interviews with senior managers and academics at five major universities who all welcomed the proposals and saw benefits to their institution, staff and student recruitment.
Alongside this report consumer research conducted by Censuswide for Midands Connect shows that 85% of students surveyed struggled to get to or from university because of delayed trains or missed train connections. Nearly 78% believed a stronger local rail network in the Midlands would have made their university a more appealing option and 72% would be more likely to travel by rail more if local services were more frequent, faster, and involved less changes.
This research highlights the impact of better rail connections could make. Currently, just 3% of trips between Coventry and Leicester are made by train; compared to 30% of journeys made between Coventry and Birmingham and average speeds for trains between Coventry and Leicester are currently around 30mph, compared to average speeds of over 100mph for trains from Coventry to London.
The scheme could bring benefits of over £170million to the local economy and journey times along the route will be cut significantly, with trips from Coventry to Leicester falling from 54 to as low as 30 minutes, with trips from Coventry to Nottingham falling to below 60 minutes. Loughborough and East Midlands Parkway could also have new, direct and more frequent links to Coventry.
William Rossiter, Nottingham Trent University said: “I think investment in the rail corridor between Coventry, Leicester and Nottingham would facilitate growth at the university. Without a doubt, it would facilitate the kind of cross university collaborations that are increasingly essential if you’re going to attract public funding for research.
“Connectivity does make a difference to the to the quality of the student experience.
“We tend to operate on quite large catchment areas, particularly for academic staff because of the need to fill roles that are very specialized. I would argue for universities, intra and interregional transport connectivity is more important than the average employer.
“While transport connections are important for students, it is also critical in supporting research collaboration across different institutions.”
Managed hosting and data centre services firm expands in Nottingham
Following increased demand for managed hosting and data centre services, CWCS Managed Hosting has acquired a 9,300 sq ft building in Nottingham to increase the company’s data centre footprint.
Headquartered in Nottingham, with locations throughout the UK and USA, CWCS provides 24/7/365 enterprise-grade infrastructure for mission critical data systems, websites and applications through a choice of cloud, bare metal, dedicated servers, and colocation services.
The acquisition of the new site follows extensive research and the data centre is due to be online in 2024. The announcement forms part of CWCS’s strategy to support growing demand from existing and new customers, as well as supporting the growth for current and future acquisitions.
Karl Mendez, Managing Director of CWCS Managed Hosting, said: “In the last three years, we have embarked on an ambitious growth strategy to expand our portfolio of services through company acquisitions.
“There’s an increasing demand for hosted solutions, especially private cloud and server colocation where customers want their data in a redundant and secure data centre facility with technicians available 24/7, and that’s exactly what we can offer.
“Opening a new data centre in Nottingham significantly increases our capacity to offer flexible options comprising of cloud hosting, dedicated server hosting, and colocation services.
“Above all, it ensures we can continue to meet the individual needs of our customers and positions us as a partner in mission critical data hosting.”
Giles Davis, Partner at chartered surveyors, Geo Hallam & Sons, acted as the agent to find premises for the state-of-the-art facility. Giles said: “The search to find a suitable facility was a challenging brief, given the nature of the CWCS business.
“We looked for premises that were well located and could be stripped back with planning permission. The building we’ve secured is an ideal canvas for CWCS to fit out with their new data centre and associated offices. We wish the team every success.”
Mark Tomlinson, Director at FHP, who acted for the sellers in the sale, said: “The lack of industrial freehold opportunities could have prevented CWCS from achieving its expansion, but by working with Giles Davis at Geo Hallam we’ve been able to solve the problem by putting forward a building they can repurpose, securing a sale for our client, and helping CWCS achieve its vision.
“We are delighted to have completed this deal with them and wish CWCS every success with its expansion.”
Saint-Gobain PAM UK reveals plans to close Leicestershire factory
Saint-Gobain PAM UK has revealed plans to close its Holwell factory in Melton Mowbray.
It puts 161 staff members at risk of redundancy, according to reports in the Construction Enquirer, as the firm looks to move the manufacturing of access covers and gratings products to its factory in Blénod, France. A period of consultation is now underway with employees and the GMB union. A closure of the factory is not expected until the end of the year.
Alan Gwilliam, Managing Director of Saint-Gobain PAM UK, said the factory had become uncompetitive after contending with Brexit, Covid and cost increases over the last few years, and despite efforts from the Holwell team.
Meanwhile the French factory has recently been invested in to minimise the carbon intensity of production, resulting in a significant reduction in the carbon emissions related to products.
Theatre refurbishment gets the go-ahead
At Planning Committee this week, Ashfield District Council approved the plans for the refurbishment of Sutton Community Academy’s Theatre.
Ashfield District Council secured the funding to upgrade the theatre, which will be rebranded and opened to the public as Cornerstone Theatre, as part of their £6.27m Future High Streets Fund.
The Council are working with Sutton Community Academy on the plans for the project. As part of the improvement work the theatre will be completely renovated and reconfigured to create a new multifunctional community space that will accommodate a wider range of high-quality performances and acts.
The new theatre will allow residents and visitors to watch professional theatre performances, cinematic experiences, music and comedy nights, as well as other community uses.
Following the approval of the planning application, work is expected to start in summer 2024, with a finish date of early 2025.
Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead for Growth, Regeneration, and Local Planning, said: “This project will help us achieve our goals of creating a vibrant and safe night-time economy in Ashfield. As the new Planetarium will connect young people to space and raise their aspirations, Cornerstone Theatre will ignite their creativity and imagination.
“We are so proud to be investing in arts and culture, to allow more people of all backgrounds, young and old, in Ashfield and beyond to experience the magic of cinema, live theatre and music in an easy to access place.
“All our regeneration projects, funded through over £100million external investment, have the common aim – to create an Ashfield that is a great place to live, work, play, study and visit.”
Simon Martin, Vice Principal at ATTFE, said: “ATTFE is hugely excited to be involved in the inception and the future running of the Cornerstone facility.
“Sutton-in-Ashfield and the surrounding area has long needed investment in and opportunities for cultural experiences of all sorts, and Cornerstone will provide these for the direct communities, neighbourhoods, and families that we serve.”
New dressing rooms and a green room, toilets – including a changing places room, foyer and box office will be created to accommodate the improved theatre.
Inside the theatre itself the auditorium will be completely refurbished with new flooring, ceiling, acoustic wall treatments and doors. A new retractable seating system will provide seating, and specialist lighting will also be installed. Considerations are being made to ensure the theatre will be an accessible space for staff, performers, and the audience.
