A Nottingham consultancy has been appointed a Framework Agreement Supplier by the NHS Shared Business Services. Dice Consulting Engineers has been named as a supplier on NHS Shared Business Services’ Healthcare Planning, Construction Consultancy and Ancillary Services (HPCCAS) framework agreement. The consultancy has been named on Lot 3, Civil & Structural Engineering, and will be offering civil and structural engineering services. They’ll also be able to provide the public sector with their in-house pre-planning services which covers areas including flood risk, geotechnical investigations, air quality, and acoustics. The framework runs from the 14th August 2023 until the 13th August 2027 and is open to local authorities, emergency services, higher education, NHS, and the wider public sector. NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) was created in 2004 to deliver corporate services to the NHS and ease the pressure on NHS employees, patients, and suppliers while providing taxpayers with value for money. They manage over 40 framework agreements which cover a wide range of clinical and corporate goods and services. Commenting on the agreement, director, Wayne Oakes said: “This has been a primary target for the business. We revisited our entire business strategy at the start of 2022 to shift our focus away from private developer led projects and focus more towards public sector opportunities. “We identified this NHS SBS Framework as our number one priority to enable us to secure public sector projects in our own right. A large amount of work was undertaken behind the scenes to acquire various industry recognised accreditations in order to enable us to meet the requirements of the SQ stage of the bid. “As part of this process we also set about to complete our ISO 9001 and 14001 integrated management systems accreditations and recently achieved our Stage 1 assessment, with the Stage 2 assessment scheduled to be undertaken in December.” Director Jon Svikis believes the framework will help the consultancy develop pre-existing relationships and generate new opportunities and work streams through direct appointments with end clients, local authorities, NHS Trusts, and Higher Education providers. Jon said: “The team at Dice have successfully delivered a wide range of healthcare projects previously through the existing NHS SBS framework agreement, which includes backlog maintenance schemes, new hospital extensions, and Emergency departments just to name a few. The team also has extensive experience in the refurbishment of existing healthcare estates. “Some of the clients our team members have worked with include University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, North Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Trust, Kier Construction, Vinci Construction, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Our team has also delivered numerous projects with higher education providers using the framework. “The framework will help us get access to more healthcare projects. Dice currently works with various local authorities delivering numerous projects across the education, commercial, and leisure sectors.” Director and co-founder Raj Somal said: “This framework win is of huge importance to the business as it will enable us to continue with our sector diversification strategy. “We are eager to extend our engagement within the public sector due to the strategic advantages it offers for our business resilience and sector diversification.” He continues: “The public sector projects often provide a stable and predictable stream of work, which can act as a buffer during economic fluctuations and uncertainties in the private sector. This steady flow of projects enhances our overall business stability and minimises potential revenue volatility. “By establishing a stronger presence in the public sector, we not only fortify our business but also position ourselves for long-term growth and sustainability in a broader range of construction endeavours.”

Business Link can now reveal the shortlist for this year’s highly anticipated East Midlands Bricks Awards – THE event for Property & Construction in 2023. Showcasing the outstanding work of those behind the changing landscape of our region, the Bricks Awards features a diverse range of categories and a glittering awards ceremony that will host many of the region’s industry leaders. This event is also an ideal opportunity to celebrate and network with the very best in the business. The awards ceremony announcing the winners will take place on Thursday 28th September, at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. Book your place at the awards now to avoid disappointment! The event will begin at 4:30pm and continue until 7:30pm, with plenty of time for networking and celebrating. The occasion will additionally feature Mike Denby, Director of Inward Investment and Place Marketing at Leicester City Council, as keynote speaker. Complementary drinks and canapés will be served on arrival, sponsored by Nicholas Associates. Dress code is standard business dress.  

Shortlist for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023

Most Active Estate Agent – sponsored by OMS

BB&J Commercial

Mather Jamie

FHP   Commercial Development of the Year – sponsored by MKM

HBD – Power Park, Nottingham

Henry Brothers Construction – SportPark Pavilion 4, Loughborough

Bolsterstone Group Plc, Chesterfield Borough Council – One Waterside Place, Chesterfield   Responsible Business of the Year – sponsored by Press for Attention PR Cawarden G F Tomlinson Aspbury Planning Limited   Residential Development of the Year – sponsored by Sterling Commercial Finance

Phoenix Brickwork UK Ltd – St Marks student accommodation, Lincoln

Elms Developments – Elms Phase Two Ltd

St James Securities, Grainger – The Condor, Derby

  Deal of the Year – sponsored by Mather Jamie

Rushton Hickman Limited – Branston Locks deal

Bassi Group Nottingham Ltd – Job saving Pizza Hut takeover

Rigby & Co – Aida Factory deal

  Developer of the Year – sponsored by Ward

Chevin Homes

Clowes Developments

Brackley Property Developments

  Architects of the Year – sponsored by Blueprint Interiors

IMA Architects

Matthew Montague Architects

Influence Landscape Planning and Design

  Excellence in Design – sponsored by Cawarden

Chevin Homes – Amber Farm

Marchini Curran Associates – Phoenix cinema and art centre

Trident Construction Services – Lark Hill Retirement Village refurbishment

  Sustainable Development of the Year – sponsored by Viridis Building Services Ltd

HBD – Power Park, Nottingham

Henry Brothers Construction – SportPark Pavilion 4, Loughborough

Elms Developments – Elms Phase Two ltd

  Contractor of the Year – sponsored by RammSanderson Cawarden

EE Smith Contracts

Bowmer + Kirkland

  The Overall Winner, sponsored by Streets Chartered Accountants, will also be announced at the ceremony, who will be awarded a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.  

James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, considers the importance of family businesses focusing on fortitude. One of the key characteristics of many family businesses is their often-exceptional resilience to cope with the challenges faced. Whilst in the past such challenges may have included one-off situations, even a crisis, we now seem to have moved to a time where we appear to have a number of challenges affecting or impacting businesses. Whilst typically the quality or mindset of resilience might have served them in good stead in the past, perhaps it’s time now for family and owner managed businesses to focus more on fortitude. Being resilient, that is bouncing back or persevering, might be good in the short term, but perhaps fortitude, having the motivation, drive and determination to succeed might be better in the longer term. All businesses, including family ones, have and are dealing with the impact of recent and current events, be it Brexit, the pandemic or the conflict in Ukraine. We should really take into greater account and consideration the growing impact that environmental changes are having in terms of extreme weather conditions, floods and fires, which previously were rare and uncommon to now being more typically the norm and sadly an everyday occurrence. In light of these events businesses, like all of us, are seeing rising costs, pressures on cash and the cost of finance. Whilst household incomes are being squeezed, so too are business margins and working capital. Like many families, family businesses will no doubt be focusing on the finances, cutting their cloth accordingly and looking after the pennies, even make do and mend. A focus on maintaining margins, safeguarding working capital, effective debt collection is also bound to be given greater importance.  So too is any decision around any capital investment or new or re-financing. Perhaps though the area not being focused on is developing the motivational mindset, drive and determination not only to work through the situation but to come out of it stronger. A lack of focus could be down to too great a focus on the here and now, more the operational day to day challenges as opposed the medium to longer term strategy. Whilst a work ethic is commendable and can be often harnessed and shared by all, employees, managers and directors alike also need, even crave, a sense of direction and purpose along with a game plan. Such a plan need not be a long-winded business plan, it could and perhaps more ideally needs to be short with a clearly and easily communicated direction of travel to include strategic intent and vision along with measurable outcomes – even rewards. Ideally such a plan should inspire, even excite those charged with making it happen, creating goals and aspirations. As ever and not least in challenging times effective business communication is often key to success. This should not just be for the family members engaged in the business, it should include the wider workforce. Certainly, in times of uncertainty or change, there is a real danger communication becomes less or less effective. Given the challenges faced, perhaps it might be worth as a family business reviewing how the running of the business and decision-making affects or impacts you and the wider family. With growing pressures, it might be good to review individuals’ roles and responsibilities, when, where and how you consider or discuss the business. You may also want to consider the need for and benefit of seeking external advice, or taking on a Non-Exec Board member or Chair to draw on their knowledge and experience. Whilst previous generations may have weathered the storm and have been resilient, the pace of change along with the impact of more global events outside our control really do seem to point to family business owners needing to draw on their fortitude.   See this column in the September edition of East Midlands Business Link Magazine here.

The joint administrators of wilko have entered into an agreement for The Range to acquire the wilko brand, website and intellectual property. After a short period of transition, PwC expect online operations to recommence as the administration store trading programme concludes in early October. As part of the deal, 36 employees from wilko’s digital team have transferred over to The Range. Jane Steer, joint administrator, says: “Since our appointment, the feedback from customers and wider stakeholders during this challenging period has reinforced the fact that wilko remains a much loved and trusted brand within the UK. “This sale to The Range will ensure that the wilko name lives on under their ownership and we wish The Range every success.”

Finalists have been announced in the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Apprenticeship Awards, with 14 category awards are up for grabs to recognise the incredible apprenticeship network across the region.

• Advanced Apprentice of the Year: Alfie Wooldridge Derby City Council; Franchescia Davies Buxton & Leek College; Jordan Pirie Brookfield Community School; Olivia Scane HM Land Registry
• Higher Apprentice of the Year, Sponsored by Nottingham Trent University: Alison Liles The Gables Residential Care Home; Sarah Westwood BWB Consulting;
• Degree Apprentice of the Year, Sponsored by University of Nottingham; Arron Faulkner E.ON UK; Connell Parker E.ON UK; Holly Johnson Derby Homes Ltd; Mia Outram No7 Beauty Company; Stuart Rendall Continental Engineering Services
• Construction Apprentice of the Year: Avikaash Manon Derby Homes; Ben Wilcox BWB Consulting; Eddy Palethorpe Crawford & Co Surveyors; Lloyd Dabell Crawford & Co Surveyors; William Thompson Dalton Roofing
• Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year: To be announced
• Professional Services Apprentice of the Year: Eleanor Ancliffe Reach Separations; Jacob Whitty Crawford & Co Surveyors; Lloyd Dabell Crawford & Co Surveyors; Megan Tuohy Crawford & Co Surveyors.
• Health and Public Service Apprentice of the Year, Sponsored by Auto Windscreens: Holly Johnson Derby Homes Ltd; Jade Smith St Albans Medical centre; Poppie Staden Blythe House Hospice Care and Helen’s Trust.
• Technology and Digital Apprentice of the Year, Sponsored by Aim Qualifications Group: Arron Faulkner E.ON UK; Connell Parker E.ON UK; Hannah Jones Experian; James Bennington BWB ConsultingJames Cox Central Technology; Joe Hawksworth Althaus Digital.
• Mentor of the Year, Sponsored by Greatest Hits FM: Janet Quinlan-Jones Sort Legal; Kiera Bailey Reach Separations; Sarah Walker BWB Consulting; Sophie Bancroft – Employee Development Manager Derby Homes Limited; Waqas Matloob Althaus Digital.
• Diversity & Inclusion Award: Auto Windscreens; Broxtowe Borough Council;
• SME Employer of the Year: Sponsored by EMAAN; Crawford & Co Surveyors; Dalton Roofing; Project D; Sort Legal.
• Large Employer of the Year: Broxtowe Borough Council; BWB Consulting; Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Derby Homes Ltd; Experian; Motus Commercials; Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust;
• Training Provider/Programme of the Year: Althaus Digital; Auto Windscreens; JTL

East Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network are headline sponsors of the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Apprenticeship Awards with a special focus on the SME Employer of the Year award category, which is open to businesses with up to 249 employees but which offer an apprenticeship programme. The awards night is set to be held at The Village Hotel, Nottingham on Thursday 6th October.

Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR, reflects on Nike’s Lionesses kit fumble. Imagine being one of the preeminent football kit manufacturers on the planet and bagging the rights to produce the kit for the Lionesses ahead of the World Cup. A nation gripped by football with a women’s team that is on the verge of greatness after a glorious few years leading into the tournament. What an opportunity! Especially when one of the most high profile players in the side and indeed in the world will be front and centre as a goalkeeper – they always are, there are ALWAYS penalties at some point, a chance for a goalkeeper to make history and become an icon. Even better when that goalkeeper already has a positive media profile, plays for Manchester United and won the Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper last year. Talk about an open-goal and a shot at reflected glory! Or…you could be Nike, named for the “goddess of victory” if you like your mythology. If you are Nike, you can’t be bothered making it. Not worth it. Now, let’s be clear, England’s women just failed at the final hurdle BUT Nike fell at the very first when they decided against making a goalkeeper’s kit. Mary Earps was already a household-name for folk who follow women’s football even occasionally. Now, after a string of superb performances including saving a penalty in the final and the small matter of winning the “Golden Glove” award to go with her FIFA accolade from last year she is a bigger brand than ever. Her star is shining brightly. As for Nike, well, it is properly tarnished. Mary herself was refreshingly forthright about the mess when she was asked about it leading into the tournament: “I can’t really sugarcoat this any way so I’m not going to try, it’s hugely disappointing and very hurtful. For my own family, friends and loved ones not to be able to buy my shirt, they’re just going to come out and wear normal clothes. All my team-mates, they’ve ordered a lot of shirts for their friends and family, they’re talking at the dinner table ‘I wasn’t able to get this’ and I’m saying ‘I wasn’t able to get it at all’.” There have been renewed calls for Nike to start producing the shirt but they appear to not be heard so far. Here’s what Nike had to say: “Nike is committed to women’s football and we’re excited by the passion around this year’s tournament and the incredible win by the Lionesses to make it into the final. We are proudly offering the best of Nike innovation and services to our federation partners and hundreds of athletes. We hear and understand the desire for a retail version of a goalkeeper jersey and we are working towards solutions for future tournaments, in partnership with FIFA and the federations. The fact that there’s a conversation on this topic is testament to the continued passion and energy around the women’s game and we believe that’s encouraging.” Except if you are “hearing” it Nike, you are still ignoring it. Also, the “conversation” is pretty much one that is pointing the finger at you for failing to back the sport in the best way possible. Mary makes a great point about it not sitting well with her and tactfully makes it not about her but about the goalkeeping position and the game: “I know there’s a lot of people who have spent a tremendous amount of money on outfield shirts and then put ‘1 Earps’ on the back, which doesn’t sit well with me either. It’s a very scary message that’s being sent to goalkeepers worldwide that ‘you’re not important’. It’s something that I’ve been fighting behind closed doors. I’ve been desperately trying to find a solution with the FA and with Nike.” Not only goalkeepers, but women’s football. Let’s be blunt, this wouldn’t happen with Nike for the men’s team. There will be waffle about not setting precedents but maybe, just maybe, Nike should swallow their pride, take a bravery pill and their own advice and Just Do It. A former business journalist, Greg Simpson is the author of The Small Business Guide to PR and has been recognised as one of the UK’s top 5 PR consultants, having set up Press for Attention PR in 2008. He has worked for FTSE 100 firms, charities and start-ups and conducted press conferences with Sir Richard Branson and James Caan. His background ensures a deep understanding of every facet of a successful PR campaign – from a journalist’s, client’s, and consultant’s perspective.   See this column in the September edition of East Midlands Business Link Magazine here.