Three work colleagues take on non-stop 55-mile Derbyshire Heritage Way walk for lifesaving charity

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Three work colleagues take on non-stop 55-mile Derbyshire Heritage Way walk for lifesaving charity

Three work colleagues are challenging themselves to the max by taking on a non-stop 55-mile heritage walk through Derbyshire to raise money for St John Ambulance.

Married couple Claire and Tim Hollingshurst and their work colleague Rich Trevatt, who all work at science company Lubrizol’s UK headquarters in Hazelwood, will be walking all 55 miles of the Derwent Valley Heritage Way next month, without stopping.

The trio are going the distance in aid of St John Ambulance, named by Lubrizol as its UK-wide charity earlier this year.

Claire said: “I think everyone knows what amazing work St John Ambulance does in helping train people in first aid so they have the skills to save a life. Tim and I have done various challenges over the years but I do think this is our most daunting one yet!”

The trio will embark on their epic walk on June 3 at the Heritage Way’s starting point: Ladybower Reservoir.

Set up in 2002 by the Derwent Valley Trust, the trail follows the river Derwent all the way to its mouth in the heritage inland port of Shardlow. Along the way, Claire, Tim and Rich’s walk will take them through the Chatsworth estate, Matlock Bath, Darley Dale and Derby itself, which they are likely to be walking through as night falls.

Derek Latham, chair of the Derwent Valley Trust, said this was the first attempt of which he had heard, of people taking on the whole 55-mile route non-stop.

“I would like to think this is the first of many, and that Claire, Tim and Rich are setting an example for the future!” he said.

Claire and Tim are no stranger to sporting challenges having previously each run and jogged 1,000 miles in a year in aid of Mind, as well as completing 10,000 sit-ups and press-ups in a year, plus taking on notoriously tough challenges like the Yorkshire Three Peaks and Tough Mudder events. The pair ran, walked and cycled the equivalent distance between John O’Groats and Lands End, also for Mind.

Tim has also walked the West Highlands Way in the past while outdoors-lover Rich has traversed Hadrian’s wall.

But all three said despite these previous experiences they had never taken on so great a challenge as undertaking the 55-mile walk Heritage Way all in one go.

Tim said: “We did have to make it quite challenging for ourselves! It will be hard to carry our food and make sure that we have got enough energy to do it. Then there will be the pain of blisters to contend with.”

Claire and Tim are well acquainted with one section of the Heritage Way, having signed up as rangers last year when the Derwent Valley Trust appealed for volunteers to help maintain the route, which takes in much of Derbyshire’s industrial past. This involves them regularly walking section six of the walk, between Whatstandwell and Belper, making sure it is clear of brambles and signposts are clearly visible so that other walkers can enjoy the route.

Rich said: “I love history and what we’ll be following is that historical industry of Derbyshire: all the mills and mill towns. It will be a fascinating experience.”

So far the intrepid trio have raised more than £500 in sponsorship ahead of their epic walk. To donate, see www.justgiving.com/page/hollingshurst-heritage-way-st-john-ambulance

Claire said: “Charitable fundraising and volunteering are very important to us at Lubrizol so while I’m nervous about doing the Heritage Way, I’m proud to be doing our bit for St John Ambulance. We’ll be very visible as we’ll have the St John Ambulance colours flying behind us on ribbons and balloons! So if you see us tramping along over the weekend of June 3 and 4, feel free to give us a wave or even join us for a bit!”

Charlotte Guiver, director of fundraising at St John Ambulance, said: “We’re so grateful for the incredible fundraising efforts of the Lubrizol team. The money they have raised will make it possible for our volunteers to continue their lifesaving work in communities across the country. 

“We are all wishing the team luck on their epic hike – and St John will be cheering them on every step of the way.”

Lubrizol’s support for St John Ambulance comes after its previous two years’ support for Mind, during which time employees raised a phenomenal £28,282 through completing a variety of challenges.

Change is coming: adapting to the new era of hybrid work in the UK

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Change is coming: adapting to the new era of hybrid work in the UK
Change is coming, and it’s poised to redefine the work culture in the United Kingdom. As we embrace a post-pandemic world, businesses are finding themselves at the cusp of a seismic shift – the transition towards a hybrid work model. This blend of remote and on-site work arrangements offers unprecedented flexibility and adaptability. But how do we navigate this new terrain successfully? This article aims to guide UK businesses through the opportunities and challenges presented by hybrid work, providing essential insights to ensure a smooth and beneficial transition. Decoding the Benefits of Hybrid Work for UK Businesses As the hybrid work model blends remote and on-site work, it offers a unique combination of benefits. First, the flexibility can lead to increased employee satisfaction and productivity. Many employees value the ability to balance work commitments with personal responsibilities, and studies show that happy employees are more productive. Second, it reduces overhead costs, as less office space and resources are needed. Additionally, businesses aren’t confined to local talent – the hybrid model opens the door to a wider talent pool across the nation, or even globally. Preparing Your Business for the Transition to Hybrid Work Transitioning to a hybrid work model requires careful preparation. Start by analysing your business processes and determining which tasks can be performed remotely. Next, communicate clearly with your employees – their insights and concerns are crucial to designing a work model that suits everyone’s needs. Ensure they understand the rationale, the benefits, and the changes that the transition will entail. Also, the establishment of new policies will be necessary to address issues such as data security, employee availability, and performance measurement in the hybrid work context. Key Considerations in Designing a Hybrid Work Model Designing a hybrid work model requires strategic thinking. Key considerations include: Which roles are best suited for remote work, and which need in-office presence? How will collaboration and communication be facilitated between on-site and remote employees? How can a fair system be created to measure performance, irrespective of work location? Besides these, it’s crucial to maintain an inclusive work culture where every employee feels valued and integrated, regardless of their work arrangement. These considerations should form the backbone of your hybrid work strategy, ensuring that the model is customised to your business’s unique needs and challenges. Incorporating Technology for Efficient Hybrid Work Practices In the new age of hybrid work, technology is the cornerstone of efficiency. It’s important to equip your business with tools that facilitate communication, project management, and file sharing. Online platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams allow real-time collaboration and communication. Project management tools like Asana or Trello can help in task allocation and progress tracking. One often overlooked, but crucial aspect of remote work, is file management. Tools such as PDF compressor tools can be immensely beneficial. When sharing large documents or extensive reports, these tools compress PDF files without compromising their quality, making them easier to share and store. This ensures efficient use of storage space and bandwidth, while maintaining the integrity of your data. Investing in these technologies doesn’t just streamline hybrid work – it empowers your employees to perform their best, irrespective of their location. Remember, the goal is to create a cohesive digital workspace that mirrors the efficiency and collaboration of an office environment. How to Address Potential Challenges in Hybrid Working While hybrid work offers several benefits, it also presents unique challenges. Here’s how you can address them:
  1. Communication and Collaboration: In a hybrid model, maintaining clear and efficient communication can be a challenge. To address this, implement reliable digital communication tools and establish clear communication protocols.
  2. Isolation and Engagement: Remote employees might feel disconnected or less engaged. Regular virtual meetings, social activities, and digital recognition can help foster a sense of belonging and maintain engagement levels.
  3. Performance Measurement: Traditional methods of performance measurement may not work in a hybrid model. Develop clear, objective metrics for evaluating performance, focused more on results than physical presence.
  4. Data Security: With work happening beyond the office, maintaining data security becomes crucial. Invest in secure virtual private networks (VPNs), multi-factor authentication, and regular cybersecurity training for employees.
Addressing these challenges proactively can ensure a smooth transition to a hybrid work model and maintain the productivity and satisfaction of your workforce. Adapting Leadership and Management Styles for Hybrid Work The shift to hybrid work necessitates an evolution in leadership and management styles. Leaders need to cultivate trust, focusing more on results than on monitoring work hours or presence. Micro-management can erode trust and hamper productivity, while a results-driven approach can promote accountability and motivation. In this model, leaders need to be excellent communicators, ensuring that team members are aligned on goals, expectations, and deadlines. They should be adept at managing remote teams and comfortable using digital collaboration tools. Moreover, leaders should promote inclusivity, ensuring that all team members, whether on-site or remote, have equal access to opportunities and feel part of the team culture. This shift towards more empathetic, trust-based, and inclusive leadership can help businesses succeed in the hybrid work era. Promoting Employee Engagement and Well-being in a Hybrid Work Environment Promoting employee engagement and well-being is paramount in a hybrid work environment. Establish a strong communication strategy to keep employees informed, involved, and appreciated. Regular virtual team-building activities can foster a sense of camaraderie and engagement. Well-being initiatives are equally important. Encourage employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance, respecting their personal time and avoiding expectations of round-the-clock availability. Provide resources for mental health support, such as access to online counselling or mindfulness apps. Offering flexible working hours can also improve well-being, allowing employees to work at times when they are most productive. Maintaining a focus on employee engagement and well-being in your hybrid work strategy not only benefits employees, but also contributes to the success and resilience of your business in the long term. Final Thoughts Adapting to the new era of hybrid work in the UK is not just about embracing change—it’s about fostering a work environment that empowers employees, encourages productivity, and drives business success. As we navigate this new landscape, businesses must be willing to evolve, incorporating effective technology, addressing challenges head-on, adapting leadership styles, and prioritising employee engagement and well-being. The journey may seem daunting, but the destination—a flexible, resilient, and future-ready business—is undeniably worth it. Change is indeed coming, and it’s up to us to ensure that it leads to a more positive and productive world of work.

Grantham builder must pay £82,000 after illegal asbestos removal

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Grantham builder must pay £82,000 after illegal asbestos removal
A Grantham builder who hid asbestos near a Welbourn school after lying to customers about his qualifications to remove it is to hand over more than £82,000 he earned from dozens of jobs. Kent, south-east London, Surrey and Oxfordshire were among the places Lee Charles targeted with false paperwork to win high-value contracts. Last year he was given 12 months in prison, suspended for two years. Now, a court has decided 40-year-old Charles must pay up £82,100 in a proceeds of crime order. He used the company name Lincs Demolition Ltd for two years, claiming he was registered to remove asbestos – but he had no legal permit from the Environment Agency to do the work. He zig-zagged England to act out his crimes as far afield as Abingdon, Walsall, Wellingborough, and Worksop, including Barton-upon-Humber, Doncaster, Grantham, Lincoln, Market Rasen, Newark, Scunthorpe, Sleaford, and Spalding. Having duped customers, Charles stashed the waste asbestos in hired storage containers at Welbourn, 200m from a school and close to a Girl Guide centre. He told the owners of the storage space he wanted to keep tools there. When he failed to pay the rent on the containers, the owners forced the locks and were confronted with the dangerous contents.
Once exposed, Charles abandoned the storage containers, moving to an unpermitted waste site 16 miles away near Sleaford, where he continued to store asbestos unsafely, posing a risk to public health. Paul Salter, an environmental waste crime officer for the Environment Agency, said: “Lee Charles’ crimes were not just illegal, but dangerous. He has been ordered to pay back money, and this sends out a clear message to others who flout the law that waste crime doesn’t pay. “Not only do we use environmental law to prosecute offenders, but use proceeds of crime orders to ensure that criminals are deprived of the benefits of their illegal activity. “The Environment Agency supports legitimate business by disrupting and stopping the criminal element, backed up by the threat of tough enforcement, as in this case. “We continue to use intelligence-led approaches to target the most serious crimes and evaluate which interventions are most effective. “If you see or suspect waste crime is being committed, we urge you to report it immediately to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.” In March last year, Charles, of Caldicot Gardens, in Grantham, was convicted by Lincoln crown court after pleading guilty to two counts of operating a waste operation without a permit between 2017 and 2019, contrary to regulations 12, 38(1)(a) and 41(1)(a) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016. He also admitted two counts of keeping or disposing of controlled waste in a manner likely to cause pollution or harm, contrary to sections 33(1)(c), 33(6) and 157(1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. This week Lincoln Crown Court ordered Charles to pay £82,100 under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 following an Environment Agency investigation into the costs he avoided while working illegally.

West Lindsey launches grant programme to support businesses

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West Lindsey launches grant programme to support businesses
Businesses in West Lindsey have the opportunity to secure grants of up to £15,000 to help with diversification opportunities, improve commercial sustainability, and evolve green infrastructure. The grant scheme covers three principal areas – capital and revenue grant provision to support business sustainability, capital grants for non-agricultural farm diversification, and capital and revenue grants for agri-tech business development. Councillor Trevor Young, leader of West Lindsey District Council, said: “This programme will support West Lindsey businesses to take advantage of diversification opportunities, improve commercial sustainability and evolve green infrastructure. The transition to a low carbon economy and rural/green growth are reflected as key local priorities in the current West Lindsey Economic Recovery Plan and Sustainability, Climate Change and Environment Strategy.” Sally Grindrod-Smith, Director of Planning, Regeneration and Communities, said: “We are working closely with our grant administration partner NBV Enterprise Solutions Ltd, to offer grants to eligible businesses ranging from £1,000 to £15,000. “The grants – allocated on a first come, first served basis (on receipt of an eligible Expression of Interest) are intended to be flexible in order to respond to local business needs. The Council encourage all prospective applicants to fully review grant guidance, which can be found at: UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund Business Grants | West Lindsey District Council (west-lindsey.gov.uk), prior to submitting an Expression of Interest to ensure their project is eligible for funding.” The fund is due to close to new applicants in December next year, but may close earlier if all of the Council’s funding allocation is awarded. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and a component of its support for places across the UK. It provides £2.6 billion of capital and revenue funding for investment in local projects to be spent by March 2025. All areas of the UK will receive an allocation from the fund. The primary goal of UKSPF is to build pride in place and increase life chances across the UK. The Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) is a top-up to UKSPF, to be spent between April 2023 and March 2025. The fund supports activities that specifically address the particular challenges rural areas face. It is capital funding only and is complementary to funding used to support rural areas under the UKSPF.

Reconomy Group acquires Newark-based UK Waste Solutions

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Reconomy Group acquires Newark-based UK Waste Solutions
Reconomy Group, a global circular economy specialist providing sustainability technology, data and services to a broad range of industries, has acquired UK Waste Solutions Limited. UK Waste Solutions Limited has enjoyed significant growth in recent years and now has 3,500 customers. Headquartered in Newark, Nottinghamshire, UK Waste Solutions Limited are sustainability consultants and managers who specialise in supporting clients across the hospitality, distribution, transport, facilities management, manufacturing and construction sectors. Through its flagship Novati brand, it works with many well-known and highly respected brands, including Marston’s, Prezzo, Roadchef, Network Rail, CBRE and Birmingham Airport. The acquisition of this fast-growing, profitable business and the foremost independent waste broker in the UK includes all four of UK Waste Solution Limited’s primary brands (Novati, AMA, Click Waste UK and Evolution) and its 160 employees. It further strengthens Reconomy’s market-leading position in the commercial waste sector as the biggest technology-enabled, outsourced resource management solution in the UK. UK Waste Solution Limited’s offering across a broad range of sectors and industries is highly complementary to Reconomy’s existing business, deepening its capabilities and footprint within this vertical to better service new and existing clients. The transaction follows the acquisition of Denmark-based green-tech business Combineering in February this year. Reconomy Group recorded revenues of over £1 billion through FY 2022 across its 30 offices worldwide and is one of the UK’s largest and fastest-growing businesses operating in the circular economy, waste management and sustainability sectors. Guy Wakeley, Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to welcome the UK Waste Solutions Limited team to Reconomy Group. It is a great fit with our business due to our shared commitment to developing closed loop solutions that will accelerate the shift towards a more circular economy. The transaction is consistent with our ambitious plans to grow both organically and through further acquisitions in the UK and around the world.” Michael Benton, Managing Director of Recycle Division at Reconomy Group, said: “UK Waste Solutions Limited has a track record of delivering an excellent outsourced service and will be a valuable addition to the Recycle Division at Reconomy Group. “Its customer-led approach aligns perfectly with our values and deepens our capabilities. It increases our joint offering in the commercial, industrial and construction industry to deliver economic and environmental benefits for businesses, providing an unrivalled, added-value outsourced alternative.” Max Kanda, Managing Director at UK Waste Solutions Limited, said: “Reconomy Group’s commitment to innovation in the circular economy and well-established footprint across the UK market will strengthen our combined growth, as we will be able to offer a wider range of services to our joint customer base. “We are excited to become part of one of the UK’s largest and fastest growing companies at a critical period for meeting the challenges of resource scarcity through technology- and data-led closed loop solutions as the adoption of the circular economy becomes increasingly central to how we do business globally.”

73% of manufacturers predict an increase in sales turnover by Autumn 2023, despite economic challenges

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73% of manufacturers predict an increase in sales turnover by Autumn 2023, despite economic challenges
Manufacturing CEOs, directors and managers reveal the industry’s future growth and investment priorities in the latest UK Manufacturing Barometer by SWMAS (The South West Manufacturing Advisory Service). Whilst firms reported that supply chain price changes (89%) and energy costs (82%) are causing the greatest negative impacts for manufacturing businesses, the number of firms struggling with inflation has reduced by 4% compared to last quarter’s findings, indicating early signs of relief. Manufacturers are taking action to address rising costs by implementing process efficiency improvements (66%) and considering the use of different suppliers (61%). As a direct cause of rising supply chain costs, 17% of manufacturers plan to bring production back in-house. Despite these ongoing challenges, the manufacturing industry’s investment plans are optimistic. More than half (52%) of respondents are experiencing increased levels of trade compared to their pre-covid position. Furthermore, 44% of manufacturing organisations have experienced an increase in sales turnover in the past six months, with 74% predicting a further increase in sales turnover over the next six months. Nick Golding, Managing Director of SWMAS, says: “The increased optimism around future sales is positive. However, with firms continuing to invest in inventory to buffer challenges with supply chains, and a third of respondents indicating customer orders are being delayed or starting to be cancelled, companies need support to ensure that planned future investments are not constrained as a result of cash being tied up in inventory which is then affected by order cancellations or delays.” When looking at skills shortages, 72% of manufacturers agree the lack of suitably skilled staff is still causing a negative impact to business, resulting in a shift in priorities to invest in employee training and upskilling, as reported by 68% of firms. Nick continues: “With increasing calls for an industrial strategy for manufacturing, support for the sector is needed to respond to increasing international competition. “With the US launching the inflation Reduction Act and the EU responding with subsidy support for growth sectors such as green technologies, the government needs to support manufacturing to avoid the UK missing out on these huge opportunities for growth. “Many SME companies are part of global supply chains, but with the majority of firms focused on the domestic market, it is vital that the UK attracts major investors for these future growth industries to support the wider manufacturing sector. “The government is repeatedly talking about Advanced Manufacturing as a subset of the sector, but this does not recognise the significant capabilities and investments that SMEs are making in automation, digitisation and systems, to create advanced manufacturing production systems. “Advanced Manufacturing is not a subset of the manufacturing sector as a whole, but is underpinned by a growth mindset of the leaders of manufacturing firms who invest in the latest technology to remain competitive. “The latest figures show that the majority of firms (52%) are looking to increase capital investment in the next six months – and anything that can be done to provide support to a sector which is vital for both domestic security and supply can only be a good thing. “Previous Barometer surveys have repeatedly highlighted that the number one request for support is a government-backed manufacturing scheme to recognise the industry and help drive this forward. It would be a good start to recognise the investments being made and treat these firms as advanced manufacturers. “Support from government could help in terms of changing the mindset towards the industry, supporting attraction of staff into the sector and driving further economic growth through increased confidence in UK manufacturing.”

GGTech levels up with NUEL acquisition

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GGTech levels up with NUEL acquisition
NUEL, the Nottingham-based organiser of Amazon UNIVERSITY Esports, has been acquired by esports company GGTech Entertainment. The strategic acquisition will see NUEL become the office for GGTech’s operations in the UK & Ireland, increasing its core activities in university esports as well as planning and delivering an array of grassroots esports and gaming activities. NUEL will continue operating under its name but with an increased focus on player-facing brands associated with each project – for example UNIVERSITY Esports. The senior leadership at NUEL will also remain with the company, with founder Josh Williams leading GGTech’s global UNIVERSITY Esports program. David Jackson will continue as Managing Director of NUEL, and Peter Cole will continue as head of product. A board of directors has been created which will oversee NUEL’s operations – this board will include GGTech senior management as well as Josh Williams and David Jackson. NUEL now has direct access to the resources and expertise of GGTech, which has experience of delivering top-tier events on a global scale. As a result, the company can deliver more and better experiences for players in the region, as well as offer more opportunities for early career professionals trying to make their way in the industry. With a solid track record of delivering grassroots esports activities, the acquisition provides NUEL with the potential to not only grow in the UK & Ireland, but also make a valuable contribution to GGTech’s global activities. NUEL and GGTech have collaborated extensively in recent years, including work on Amazon UNIVERSITY Esports in the UK and Ireland, and the Amazon UNIVERSITY Esports Masters, the marquee international university esports competition in Europe. Together, the two companies are closely aligned and share similar visions to support grassroot esports and build gaming communities. Staff and students involved with NUEL have already had opportunities to work on GGTech’s international projects – including travelling out to GGTech’s facilities in Alicante to work on some of GGTech’s flagship events such as the TFT Dragonlands Championship – and this move will further expand these opportunities and facilitate progression for staff and players. José Parilla, CEO and founder of GG Tech, says: “As a company, we’re continuously looking for ways to develop and expand our services around the world. Partnering with NUEL enables us to not only enhance experiences for players and staff, but also share our commitment and excitement for the esports industry across the UK.” “Since we began in 2010, our mission has been to widen access to esports and create memorable experiences for players, as well as providing meaningful opportunities for people to further their careers,” said NUEL founder Josh Williams. “We have been working with GGTech for years now, they share our commitment to these goals, and I’m excited for us to embark on this new stage in our journey as part of GGTech.”

Derbyshire employee raises over £1,800 for the Teenage Cancer Trust in memory of much-loved cousin

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Derbyshire employee raises over £1,800 for the Teenage Cancer Trust in memory of much-loved cousin

A 25-year-old Derbyshire company employee with very little running experience took on the challenge of the London Marathon in aid of a highly valued teenage cancer charity, in memory of her cousin who died at only 15 years old.

Georgina Gilbert is a product manager at chemistry company Lubrizol at its UK headquarters in Hazelwood. The London marathon was her first ever race, with Georgina going from beginner runner to taking on the prestigious event in the space of a few months.

Georgina was inspired to take on the huge challenge to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust, which was one of the charities which supported her family through the illness of her cousin Emily, who sadly passed away aged just 15 in December 2021, from complications of a rare condition – only months after she had been diagnosed.

Georgina said: “Emily received treatment on the Teenage Cancer Trust ward at the Leicester Royal Infirmary. The charity provided a comfortable space, resources and support for the whole family.

“Emily was able to benefit from the support in many practical ways. The charity supplied Leicester Royal Infirmary with a purpose-built ward for 13 -24 year olds. The room that Emily was able to use as an inpatient and a day patient was equipped with comfortable soft furniture, TV and gaming facilities. They also provided laptops and Wi-Fi specifically for the teenagers on the ward. “It’s impossible to comprehend how very poorly a young person can become very quickly until it happens to your family. Every step of the way Emily’s parents and siblings were supported to make what was an awful time so much easier for them. “Life probably will never be the same now Emily has gone. You see these stories in the news about young people getting ill, you never really expect it to happen to your family.”

Georgina entered the ballot for the London Marathon after the passing of Emily and was amazed to have won a place having done very little running, much less enter any race.

She said: “Originally when I entered for a ballot place, I wasn’t expecting to get a spot – friends persuaded me to put my name in. When I found out I had been selected for a ballot place I knew I had to do it. It was an amazing opportunity that not many get the chance to do.

“I hadn’t done any running previously. This was the first race I’d entered. I followed a 16-week training programme and I’d dedicate my weekends to running, plus two runs during the week. The training was difficult but I knew it would be worth it.

“It was a massive commitment to train for something like that. Days when I am in the office I commute from Leicester to Derby – a two hour round trip. There were times when I would get home and not want to run, but you have to. It does teach you about discipline.  

“It was an amazing experience. It’s definitely something I won’t forget. It was really hard, but so worth it when I passed the finish line. Family and friends came down and were cheering me on, which really got me through it to be honest! I’m really proud of myself. It proves that if you put your mind to something, you can do anything. You can go from beginner to running a marathon.”

Georgina said she has been very grateful for the support from Lubrizol in providing a generous donation to her run for the Teenage Cancer Trust, through its charities and communities committee, as well as from Lubrizol colleagues, many of whom have sponsored her too.

She said: “I’m very grateful for Lubrizol’s support. It was a really inspiring day. It really put things into perspective for me that everyone has tough things they are dealing with. Reading the media can be very negative but in reality, there are a lot of very kind people out there.”

Claire Hollingshurst, from Lubrizol’s charities and communities committee, said: “Georgina’s achievement in completing the London marathon for such a very worthy cause is completely inspiring, especially as she was only a beginner runner at the start of her training. We were very proud to be able to support her donation through our charities committee.”

Georgina has raised nearly £2,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Donations to her fundraising are still open via this link: 2023tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/georgina-gilbert

‘All change: The Castle Line’ – major Nottingham to Lincoln rail plans revealed

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‘All change: The Castle Line’ – major Nottingham to Lincoln rail plans revealed
Today (Thursday 25 May) marks the launch of plans to boost speeds along the Nottingham to Lincoln rail corridor. Midlands Connect is submitting a Strategic Outline Business Case to The Department for Transport, calling for an £18m investment to improve journey times. A report titled ‘All change: The Castle Line’, details proposals to make train travel more attractive, reduce car dependence and benefit the local economies. Currently just 10 per cent of journeys between Nottingham and Lincoln are taken by rail, but if these plans get the go ahead, trains will increase from predominantly 50mph to 75mph throughout the route. CEO of Midlands Connect, Maria Machancoses, said: “This is an important connection between two major urban areas, and our plans for investment represent the first step in encouraging more passengers to use the trains. “We recognise the need to make train travel more attractive and help people transition to sustainable transport. “Our purpose is to create a fairer, greener and stronger Midlands. Faster connections between our towns and cities will bring a boost to the area for all the residents, businesses and visitors.” Karl McCartney, MP for Lincoln, said: “I’m pleased to see these plans being submitted, improving train travel times will inevitably benefit both Lincoln and the entire Greater Lincoln area. I look forward to seeing this scheme progress.” The plans have been developed with the support of Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham City Council, Lincolnshire County Council and the Local Enterprise Partnerships. Network Rail and local train operator East Midlands Railway (EMR) are also key stakeholders in the process. Midlands Connect recommends proposed milestones for work to start in April 2026, and complete in Summer 2028.

Deal struck for prime Derby riverside site

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Deal struck for prime Derby riverside site

Wavensmere Homes has struck a deal for one of the final plots of development land within the newly revitalised Cathedral Quarter in Derby city centre. The Birmingham-headquartered housebuilder has exchanged contracts for the vacant site – located off Full Street – with Wilson Bowden Developments.

The site was initially earmarked for an office development of up to 100,000 sq ft, but it will now be brought forward by Wavensmere Homes for an apartment scheme, benefiting from a vibrant location along the River Derwent, with views of the 16th Century Derby Cathedral and its 212 ft tower. Also lying adjacent to the site is the Museum of Making at the restored Derby Silk Mill, which re-opened to the public in 2021.

Phase One of Wilson Bowden’s Full Street development includes; the refurbishment of the Riverside Chambers office complex; delivery of 46 new apartments at Number One Cathedral Green; and a Premier Inn hotel. A planning application for the next addition to the multi-million-pound Cathedral Quarter will be submitted by Wavensmere Homes and Wilson Bowden, in consultation with Derby City Council and a range of stakeholders.

James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “This site is one of the best located within Derby city centre, with rich views of the Cathedral Quarter and the River Derwent. Derby is a walkable city, and the significant investment in the public realm has seen it become a vibrant and cosmopolitan place to live, work, and visit.

“There is an increasingly strong appetite for city living here, and the development of this vacant site will transform a local eyesore into a high quality, architecturally designed building that adds significant value to this prized and popular part of the city. We look forward to working up our plans over the coming months.”

Wavensmere Homes will incorporate the latest green energy features into the design for the new homes, to enable a high EPC rating to be targeted. The development proposals will also be compliant with the new Part L building regulations. The designs for the Full Street site will promote sustainable development through the use of low carbon materials, modern methods of construction, and renewable energy generation.

Henry Henson, development manager for Wilson Bowden Developments, said: “We have selected to partner with Wavensmere Homes, as the team has a strong understanding and track record of the requirements of Derby’s city residential market. We are very proud of the cluster of new buildings we have delivered within the Cathedral Quarter over recent years and look forward to working with Wavensmere Homes on the plans for this project, which will complete the jigsaw of this prime Derby city centre location.”

Hike in liquidation debts a warning for East Midlands businesses

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Hike in liquidation debts a warning for East Midlands businesses

A sharp month-on-month hike in the number of debts held by East Midlands companies in liquidation should sound alarm bells for the region’s business owners.

The warning follows research from the Midlands branch of R3, the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body, which shows that the quantity of debts owed by liquidated firms in the region shot up by almost a fifth (18%) last month [April 2023].

R3 Midland’s figures, which are based on an analysis of data from business intelligence provider Creditsafe, also show that the number of late payments to East Midlands companies remains high at 23,744, although this April statistic is a marginal 0.54% decrease on the previous month’s figure of 23,872.

The current challenging trading conditions also appear to be affecting entrepreneurial spirit in the region, with the level of start-up businesses in the East Midlands falling by 16.7% in April to 2,335 from 2,803 in March.

R3 Midlands chair Stephen Rome, a director at law firm Thursfields in the region, said: “The huge challenges of our volatile business economy are impacting heavily on the region’s companies, which means it’s imperative for business owners to monitor their finances carefully and plan for all eventualities.

“It’s crucial that at the first sign of significant cash flow difficulties, relevant professional advice is taken. When R3’s members are called in to help early enough, there is a significant amount which can be done to rescue and support local businesses beyond traditional insolvency solutions.

“It can be helpful to know that R3 members offer a free initial consultation to those who are looking for support and wish to explore their options.”

Derbyshire industrial investment property sold

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Derbyshire industrial investment property sold

Commercial property consultancy Burley Browne has completed the off-market sale of an industrial investment property in Derbyshire.

A 40,000 sq ft modern industrial/warehouse unit adjacent to Hearthcote Road, Swadlincote, has been acquired by a private property investment company. 

The transaction involved a sale and leaseback to Burley Browne’s unnamed client at an agreed sale price in excess of £3 million, reflecting a net initial yield of approximately 7.7% after costs. 

The property includes a warehouse which benefits from an eaves height of 8.5 metres with two level access loading doors. It incorporates a reception area leading on to a boardroom and showroom. To the first floor there are additional offices with a personnel lift. It sits within a total site area extending to 2.04 acres with ample parking together with a yard which is accessed via a secure barrier entry system.

Ben Nicholson, senior associate director at Burley Browne, said: “We are thrilled to have been able to secure the sale and leaseback of these well-presented premises on behalf of our client. 

“Following receipt of instructions, we commenced off-market negotiations with parties during a difficult and uncertain economic period in the last quarter of 2022. Despite the uncertainty, this sale clearly demonstrates that the market remains buoyant and that industrial warehouse investment opportunities still command confidence, generating competing bids from potential buyers. 

“We are delighted that we were able to secure completion of the sale in a well-managed time frame to avoid any disruption to our client’s business operation.”

Final teams confirmed for epic football final in support of UK emergency services

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Final teams confirmed for epic football final in support of UK emergency services
After a second successful season, the 2023 Motor Source Emergency Services Football League finals are to take place on Sunday 4th June 2023 at Broadhurst Park Stadium, home of FC United of Manchester. With 96 teams taking part this season across three competitions including Women’s League, Men’s Open Age League and Veteran’s League, it has been an exciting season for all. After a combined total of over 400 hours of football played through 270 games and over 850 goals scored, through to the celebrated finals day are: Women’s Final – West Midlands Police Vs London Fire Men’s Open Age – North Wales Police Vs Thames Valley Police Men’s Vets – London Fire Vs Met Police The Motor Source ESFL was set up in 2019 by two Detective Constables who work for West Yorkshire Police, Andy Smurthwaite and Pete Overton, with the aim to bring together the police service, the fire service, the NHS and the prison service in a competitive UK wide league and the only league of its kind in the UK! It was during the duo’s involvement in the running of the West Yorkshire Police Team that they realised how limited fixtures were and the difficulties in arranging games. Each of the respective Emergency Services have their own competition but surprisingly there were none that brought the 999 community together. From here the idea of the Emergency Services Football League was born! Founder Pete Overton said: “Our original aim of the Emergency Services Football League was to help improve the health and wellbeing of those individuals serving in the UK’s emergency services.” Title sponsors of the league, Motor Source Group offer new car discounts for Emergency Services personnel, saving them on average £6,019 each on their new cars, and have been supporting the ESFL from its initial days. CEO Steve Thornton said: “It is well documented that Emergency Services professions, although rewarding, are highly stressful roles with significant risks associated with their undertaking, and so when we heard about the aims and benefits of the ESFL we knew instantly that we wanted to help and support.” The Motor Source ESFL Final matches will be played on Sunday 4th June at Broadhurst Stadium, and will welcome supporters of the teams taking part as well as the local community from in and around Manchester. Everyone is welcome! Ladies ESFL Final, 12:00 kick off Mens Open Age ESFL Final, 15:30 kick off Mens Veterans ESFL Final, 19:00 kick off Tickets are just £5 for adults and £2.50 for children under 16 and you can watch all three final matches included in your ticket! Get your tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/MotorSourceESFLFinal  

Multi-utility services provider secures £7m facility to support working capital and future growth

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Multi-utility services provider secures £7m facility to support working capital and future growth
OakNorth Bank has provided a £7m working capital facility to TriConnex and eSmart Networks to support working capital and future growth. Previously part of AIM listed Nexus Infrastructure plc, TriConnex is a provider of multi-utility services, including electricity, water, gas, fibre and EV charging, and eSmart Networks, and is a fully accredited Independent Connections Provider, delivering the decarbonisation of the UK transport and energy systems. Established in 2011 and with offices in Essex, Leicester and Bristol, TriConnex works closely with residential developers and SME housebuilders to offer end-to-end multi-utility solutions. Recently launching their new Grid Dynamix Service, TriConnex are further set to support developers in finding, capturing, and keeping the electrical connections they require for their live project pipelines. Also founded by experienced business leader, Mike Morris, eSmart Networks design, supply, and install EV charging infrastructure, including grid connections, charger installations, civil engineering components, and battery storage solutions. In addition, the business connects solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources to the electricity network, whilst also designing and building the on-site high-voltage electrical infrastructure required to get these renewable energies to the grid. Both companies were acquired in February 2023 by FitzWalter Capital, the global private investment firm, from Nexus Infrastructure plc. Alan Martin, Chief Financial Officer at TriConnex and eSmart Networks, said: “TriConnex and eSmart Networks have built-up very strong reputations within the UK’s utility industry. The recent acquisition by FitzWalter Capital is a testament to the two businesses and their successes over recent years. We were drawn to OakNorth as we required a specialist lender with experience in the sector and one that could provide us with a credit line that fitted our specific needs.” Stuart Blair, director of debt finance at OakNorth Bank, added: “This transaction presented us with an opportunity to support both TriConnex and eSmart Networks alongside a successful equity fund to enhance their future growth plans. With the UK’s utility market set for significant growth over the coming years, driven by the government-led Review of Electricity Market Arrangements, both TriConnex and eSmart Networks are in a perfect position to capitalise on this tailwind.”

Local businesspeople become ambassadors for Safe and Sound

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Local businesspeople become ambassadors for Safe and Sound
Derbyshire’s specialist child exploitation charity, Safe and Sound, has recruited more local people to help raise awareness of the dangers facing vulnerable children and young people. Entrepreneurs Persha Ward and Nadia Jane Asamoah as well as University of Derby lecturer Bev Crighton and marketing specialist Claire Morrison have become official ambassadors for the charity. Mother-of-two Persha Ward runs her own business administration business S&A Management and was supported by Safe and Sound as a teenager. Nadia Jane Asamoah runs Nadia Jane Performing Arts in Green Lane, and Derby, where hundreds of young people – boys and girls – have trained over the years in a wide range of dance and performing arts disciplines. As well as lecturing in Business Management at the University of Derby, Bev Crighton is currently employability lead in the education department at Derby County in the Community Trust (DCCT) as well as deputy chair of Erewash Partnership and an active member of the DCFC women’s board. And Claire Morrison helped Safe and Sound raise its social media presence whilst previously working for digital marketing agency, Creationz. They join the existing team of ambassadors: Derbyshire actor Molly Windsor, local business woman Amanda Strong and child exploitation survivor Louise Murphy-Fairclough. Safe and Sound Chief Executive Tracy Harrison said: “Our ambassadors have an important role in our work to raise awareness of the dangers facing children and young people both online and in our local communities. “Talking about child sexual exploitation is not an easy conversation but our ambassadors doing an incredible job to spread the word about the issue and the work of Safe and Sound in their own networks. “We are extremely grateful for their support and I also hope that raised awareness will also encourage more groups, businesses and individuals to support our Butterfly Appeal so that we can further expand the range of support available for young people across Derbyshire and their families.” Nadia Jane Asamoah continued: “Our dance and performing arts school is one big family and many of the young people feel able to talk to me about things that are happening at home or at school. Parents also confide in me about any concerns for their own children’s wellbeing. “We have so much synergy with Safe and Sound and I jumped at the chance to become an Ambassador. As well as raising awareness, it is good to have access to an established network of professionals who can offer additional support to young people that we come in contact with if needed.” Bev Crighton added: “I firmly believe that everyone – but particularly those in education and business leadership – need to understand the issues that affect our local communities and know about the support that is available. “Having been an active member of the local business community for many years, I hope that more people will feel comfortable to engage in talking about these issues so that, together, we can make even further inroads into creating a greater understanding of the dangers that face children and young people.” And Persha Ward, who was groomed as a teenager, concluded: “The support I had from Safe and Sound was amazing. They helped to open my eyes to what was going on, taught me to respect myself and gave me the support and strength to realise that I deserved better. “I have been determined that my experiences as a teenager would not define my whole life. When I was 13 I didn’t think I was worth anything and certainly would not have thought that I could have gone on to have two wonderful children and my own business. Those days were a chapter in my life and now I have turned that page. “My message to young people – whatever their experiences – is therefore to listen to the people who can help – which in my case was Safe and Sound.”

Swedish group acquires Northamptonshire compressed air distributor

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Swedish group acquires Northamptonshire compressed air distributor
Northamptonshire-based Maziak Compressor Services, a distributor of air compressors, nitrogen generators and process cooling equipment as well as related services and support, has been acquired by Atlas Copco.
Maziak, which was founded in 1958 and employs 40 people, will continue to operate as a stand-alone company within the Atlas Copco Compressors UK division of Atlas Copco UK Holdings Ltd, under the Maziak brand name and the current senior management team, for the foreseeable future. James Maziak said: “I’d like to thank all the amazing people inside and outside the Maziak business, for their support over the last 32 years as we have built such a successful business on the foundations laid by my mother and father. “Becoming part of Atlas Copco Compressors UK, with its focus on interaction, innovation and commitment, will propel the business forward to deliver even more for our people, our customers and the environment.” Founded in Stockholm, Sweden 150 years ago, Atlas Copco is a global market leader in compressed air solutions and has been present in the UK for over 100 years. They offer a broad range of air compressors, air blowers, industrial gas generators, vacuum pumps, process cooling solutions and related services.

Notts County Cricket Club launches initiative to reduce carbon emissions at Trent Bridge

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Notts County Cricket Club launches initiative to reduce carbon emissions at Trent Bridge
Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club has partnered with sustainable cup specialist Event Cup Solutions to provide the most environmentally responsible reusable cup solution at Trent Bridge this season. Event Cup Solutions, the company behind the ONE Planet ONE Chance® Reusable Cup System, will provide the ground with its unique solution for the 2023 season, enabling the club to reduce their carbon footprint further.The ONE Planet ONE Chance® Reusable Cup System encourages spectators to return their cups to specialist bins located throughout the stadium, ready for Event Cup Solutions’ on-site team to collect, prepare and return to the company’s state-of- the-art wash facility in West Bromwich, where they are put through a specialist wash and drying process preparing them for the next match. Michael Temple, commercial director at Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, said: “As a venue of considerable size, and with another busy summer ahead, we’re fully aware of our responsibility to minimise our environmental impact – and it’s a responsibility we’re determined to rise to. “This year, we’ll welcome hundreds of thousands of cricket-lovers through our gates once more, and we’re sure that our members and supporters will share our desire to stage our sporting summer as sustainably as possible. “The ONE Planet ONE Chance® Reusable Cup System will allow us to dramatically reduce our plastic usage, without compromising the first-rate matchday experience that we have become known for.” John Reeves, director of Event Cup Solutions, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Nottinghamshire CCC has embraced the concept of our ONE Planet ONE Chance® Reusable Cup System and committed to rolling it out throughout Trent Bridge over the coming months.  “We estimate the club will use in excess of 400,000 cups over the course of the 2023 season. Our aim is to make it easy for visitors to return the cups by providing collection bins which will be positioned in easily accessible and visible areas of the venue.  “We hope this is the beginning of a strong partnership with the club. We’ve enjoyed excellent results within the football, rugby, horse racing and motor sports sectors, and it’s fantastic to have Nottinghamshire CCC leading the way within the cricket world.”

Leicestershire-headquartered building materials supplier snaps up Telford firm

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Leicestershire-headquartered building materials supplier snaps up Telford firm
Leicestershire-headquartered building materials supplier, Aggregate Industries, a member of the Holcim Group, has further bolstered its operations with the acquisition of Besblock Ltd., a supplier of precast materials to the Midlands construction industry. The acquisition of Telford-based Besblock will see Aggregate Industries expand upon its existing products with the introduction of a range of technically niche and sustainable building blocks, and enable closer working relationships with large and medium sized housebuilders across the Midlands. The acquisition will also provide further growth opportunities outside of the region. Through its two manufacturing facilities in Telford, Besblock currently produces around 1.7 million m² building blocks per year, equating to approximately 250kT. Its products include the industry-leading Star Performer block, a sustainable and multi-purpose on-site solution, with recycled aggregates and 24 % less material than a solid block. The business has strong sustainability credentials, with its fleet of lorries one of the most efficient in the country and with the recent installation of a new 1.65MW biomass boiler and renewable energy system, which will see the business become carbon neutral when operational. Dragan Maksimovic, CEO of Aggregate Industries UK, said: “The acquisition of Besblock Ltd is an important milestone in our journey as we strive to become the UK’s leading supplier of sustainable construction materials and solutions. “Besblock has invested heavily in sustainability in recent years and its market-leading product range has strong synergies with our own. We’re delighted to be able to enhance our products and capabilities with the acquisition of this progressive and market-leading business.” Andrew Huxley, Managing Director at Besblock Ltd., said: “We’re incredibly proud of what we have achieved as a business in the last 50 years; particularly of the investments we have made in sustainable solutions, both in terms of products and practices. We’re excited to continue to expand the business and continue our sustainability journey with the support of Aggregate Industries.”

Streets Chartered Accountants prepares for its charity golf day, new roles, sponsorships, and more

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Streets Chartered Accountants prepares for its charity golf day, new roles, sponsorships, and more

Metal recycling specialist makes duo of new appointments

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Metal recycling specialist makes duo of new appointments
Midlands-based metal recycling and waste management specialist, Ward, has made two new additions to its commercial team with the appointment of Mick Roots as national construction manager and Kieron Shanks in the newly-created role of senior bid-manager. These two new hires underpin Ward’s commitment to continuous investment to meet the needs of its ever-expanding customer base while realising the firm’s ambitious growth targets. Both appointments will be based at Ward’s head office, Donald Ward House in Ilkeston, where they will join the commercial team, reporting into Heather Foo, head of Purchasing (Metals) and Sales (Waste). Working within the waste team, Mick brings 25 years of sector experience and will be responsible for developing Ward’s customer base of key national and regional tier 1 construction contractors. Establishing strong working relationships and identifying opportunities against project pipelines will be a main focus, as well as working in partnership with customers to identify requirements and align with Ward’s offering. Kieron brings nine years of bid management experience to the business and will be responsible for increasing bidding capabilities and driving the bid function for Ward’s entire offering, supporting growth through the tender process. Following on the back of its Queen’s Award for Excellence in International Trade success last year, Ward has already implemented several strategies to meet its future aspirations, including refurbishing its processing operations at Ilkeston, implementing site improvements across its nationwide locations, expanding its FORS Gold accredited vehicle fleet and developing its teams through training, development and recruitment. Heather Foo, head of Purchasing (Metals) and Sales (Waste), said: “It is great to have Mick on board to further enhance the waste team and the wider business. His experience and passion shines through and we are very pleased to have him as part of the Ward family. “The business is equally thrilled to welcome Kieron to the team, who will have a key role in expanding the business through the bid process. This is a new role for Ward and one that will see the business grow through focusing on winning work through tenders. With Kieron’s experience, knowledge and enthusiasm, we are excited to see this develop.”
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