A range of new business support programmes that aim to provide advice and funding for both established and start-up businesses has been launched in Chesterfield.

Chesterfield Borough Council and East Midlands Chamber launched the support projects at an event at Chesterfield Football Club’s SMH Group Stadium on Thursday 7 December.

The Chesterfield Accelerator initiative, which will be run by East Midlands Chamber but funded by Chesterfield Borough Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), includes a dedicated local business advisor, access to a range of courses and workshops on a variety of topics which are free for local businesses to attend.

Chesterfield Borough Council has also launched a new business grant scheme funded through the UKSPF. The grants are open to any business based in Chesterfield and can be used to support initiatives designed to help the business grow.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and cabinet member for economic growth, said: “We are an ambitious borough with our sights firmly set on growing the local economy to create new jobs and improve the quality of life for our residents.

“We recognise the importance of working closely with local businesses to deliver growth. Our business support packages aim to help businesses in any sector and of any size to realise their potential. From providing tailored business advice to business grants and hosting workshops, there is a wide range of support available.

“I encourage any business owner in Chesterfield to look closely at the support we can provide and to get in touch with us as soon as possible to access these business support programmes.”

The Chesterfield Accelerator is one of 16 Accelerator programmes being run by the Chamber across the East Midlands. The programme includes access to a dedicated business advisor who can provide advice on a wide range of issues relevant to businesses.

It also includes access to training workshops designed to support development in areas like digital skills; a subsidy for a 12-week executive leadership programme; support to apply for grant funding; networking sessions; vouchers for specialist consultancy programmes; and energy saving audits.

Diane Beresford, Deputy Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “It was standing room only at today’s launch event, such is the interest of local businesses in the new Chesterfield Accelerator project, decarbonisation grants and the business grants on offer from the Council.

“The Chamber and Council have a great track record of partnering on such initiatives, including on the Chesterfield Digital High Street Project which brought much-needed footfall to the town’s high street businesses. We’re now looking forward to reaching a much wider range of sectors to give businesses the skills and resources they need to build in the most robust way for the future.”

As well as the Chesterfield Accelerator, businesses in Chesterfield can access the new grant scheme that could provide 80% of the cost of investments designed to help a business grow or expand. This could include the cost of new equipment – for instance a local café could apply for new machinery that would help expand their menu. These grants are only available for a limited time, and businesses are advised to apply as soon as possible.

Green business grants are also available to help businesses to reduce their carbon footprint.

It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.  It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years. Here we speak to Nikki Wills, co-director of Wills Consultants. Without a doubt the biggest trends for recruitment in 2024 are going to be – Artificial Intelligence (AI), hybrid working and DEI. AI is already embedded in the recruitment industry and next year will be about understanding its limitations. While AI automation is streamlining recruitment processes across the world, it cannot replace an experienced consultant’s soft skills such as negotiation, relationship building, and emotional intelligence. We are already spotting AI produced CVs so recruiters and HR functions will need to read between the lines as this advanced technology outpaces legislation. Embracing this technology will no doubt offer you reward, but it is still not a replacement for the human touch. Hybrid working will see a scaling back as employers seek to build and enhance their workplace culture. It will still be sought after, however, with a focus on employee health and wellbeing, work futurists see the lone worker missing out on the employee experience. This becomes extremely import when recruiting and offering the most attractive packages. We are now able to source from a global talent pool and employers are being held to very high standards. Offers of flexible hours and bonuses are not going to be the only attractions candidates are looking for. Your DEI policies and strategies will be scrutinised so get them in order and continue to deliver on any promises you make. The social economic climate has seen cause for retirees to return to work. Part time roles will be sought after as businesses capitalise in the benefits that a multigenerational workforce can bring.

The number of green jobs advertised in the East Midlands has fallen from the record levels recorded in 2022, finds PwC’s latest Green Jobs Barometer.

There were 13,057 green opportunities advertised in the region in 2023, compared to over 20,500 in 2022, a 36.1% decrease. Green jobs accounted for 2.15% of total overall roles in the region in 2023, decreasing slightly from 2.17% in 2022.

While the barometer found a 22.4% increase in the number of green jobs advertised in the public administration and defence; compulsory social security sector, this was offset by reductions in other sectors including manufacturing (-50.4%) and construction (50.6%).  The barometer results come during a challenging economic time which has seen the number of total advertised roles in the UK fall by 29%, while the number of green jobs fell by 26%.

Alex Hudson, Market Senior Partner for PwC East Midlands, said: “We report the latest PwC Green Jobs Barometer with a backdrop of economic challenges and a cooling labour market in 2023. While overall adverts for climate related roles have decreased in the East Midlands, green jobs still make up 2.15% of employment opportunities in the region, showing that the sector is resilient.

“Green jobs represent the future of work and demand for these types of roles and skills will grow in demand over the next decade, driven by the green agenda and the UK’s commitment to Net Zero. Employers in the East Midlands have an opportunity to innovate and consider how their operations can become greener, particularly in the manufacturing sector that represents a high proportion of the East Midlands economy.

“There are also new emerging industries such as CleanTech, which includes renewable energy or electric vehicles as an example, where demand for skills is expected to increase. Embracing new, greener technologies and investing in skills will provide benefits for business operations and more employment opportunities in the region, as well as making the East Midlands more sustainable.”

Overall, PwC’s Green Jobs Barometer, now in its third year, has identified for the first time that green jobs tend to be higher quality jobs, reflecting both higher levels of pay and greater levels of job satisfaction compared to non-green roles.

The higher level of pay is not simply a reflection of the skills required; the Barometer has also detected a pay premium for many entry level jobs, with 60% of occupations commanding a 23% pay premium on average for entry level green roles.

The Barometer also highlighted that green jobs tend to require longer working hours and are slightly more likely than non-green roles to be based on temporary employment contracts.

Commenting on the UK’s Green Jobs Barometer results, Carl Sizer, Head of Regions and Platforms at PwC, said: “Green jobs are a good proxy for the greening of the economy. That green jobs account for a growing proportion of the jobs market is encouraging, but we need to see a significant increase in new green jobs to meet net zero goals. A drop in the number of advertised roles is concerning given the scale of what needs to be achieved.

“It’s more important than ever to ensure that the transition towards a low-carbon economy brings workers and communities with it. Our research also points to the benefits of green jobs for workers, with better pay and job satisfaction, but highlights different sectors and regions that stand to be affected differently. Concerted effort will be needed to spread the benefits of green jobs and a green economy.”

Green jobs concentrated in white collar and skilled professions

New analysis in this year’s Barometer reveals that on a range of measures, access to green jobs remains unevenlyspread by background, undercutting the opportunity for a competitive and equitable green job market.

• Compared to the labour market overall, green jobs tend to be concentrated in “white collar” roles and require a higher level of education at degree level or equivalent. This is especially true in the regions which have seen the strongest performance of green jobs; in Scotland, London and the South East almost 40% of green jobs advertised require a university degree or equivalent experience.

• Workers from Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds are underrepresented in green roles compared to their share of the labour market overall. For example in London, where workers from these communities account for 36% of the workforce they account for only 30% of workers in green jobs.

• A significant proportion of the rise in green jobs has been driven by roles requiring a background in science, technology and maths (STEM), subjects that are well-known to traditionally under-represent women.

Lynne Baber, Sustainability Leader at PwC UK, added: “Improving access to green jobs will help ensure that the opportunities are evenly spread. It will also help mitigate against the risks of companies struggling to fill green roles.

“If managed correctly, the green economy can help tackle long-standing inequalities in society by equipping workers with the skills and tools to access the green opportunities of the future.

“But it will require cross-sector and regional collaboration, expanding opportunities to diverse populations and creating jobs that are closer to local communities – for example nature positive jobs as without nature there can be no net zero.”

A new operator is being sought for Sinfin Golf Course. The course has been run by Sheffield City Trust, under a lease agreement with Derby City Council, since 2015. The trust has indicated it wishes to surrender its lease in 2024 and, as a result, the Council is looking for a new operator. HMH Golf and Leisure, a specialist golf course agent, has been engaged to market the facility and advise the Council on the terms of a new lease to be agreed with the new tenant. Sinfin Golf Course is an established business which features an 18-hole parkland golf course, a 6-hole footgolf course/academy course, practice area, practice putting green, pavilion clubhouse and greenkeeping complex, plus car parking. The site also includes Cotton Farmhouse, situated close to the clubhouse. Offers including or excluding the farmhouse will be considered. HMH Golf and Leisure will market Sinfin Golf Course, but the final decision on a new operator will be taken by the Council’s Cabinet. It is anticipated that the new operator will sign up for a minimum 25-year lease. Bids will be evaluated on how well interested operators are able to show their ability to meet the Council’s objectives to:

• Deliver a sustainable annual rent for the property
• Secure capital investment in the existing and new facilities
• Give flexibility over the future use of the property (providing such use can run alongside golf)
• Encourage increased participation in golf
• Work with Derby Golf Club with the joint aim of promoting golf for the enjoyment and benefit of all
• Encourage additional community outreach programmes
• Ensure the maintenance of the non-golfing areas of the property to protect and conserve the natural environment and ecological character of the land.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Culture and Tourism, who also represents Sinfin and Osmaston as a ward councillor, said: “We’ve long known that Sinfin Golf Course is a wonderful facility. With the co-operation of Derby Golf Club, we are seeking an experienced operator to look after the course and clubhouse, and ensure it is preserved for the benefit of people in Derby. “The course’s popularity is evident, with over 32,000 rounds of golf played annually. This firm foundation means the right operator could establish a successful revenue stream, safeguarding the facility’s long-term attractiveness and financial sustainability. “The chosen operator will need to ensure the facility remains inclusive for all sections of the community, work in close partnership with Derby Golf Club and keep the courses and clubhouse to a high standard.” Mick O’Hanlon, chairman of Derby Golf Club, said: “We’re looking forward to meeting the new operator of Sinfin Golf Couse. It will be a great opportunity to build on the existing success of the facility and develop opportunities to improve our members’ experience.”

It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.  It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years. Here we speak to Parm Bhangal, Managing Director at Bhangals Construction Consultants. Following a busy market and a lot of investment post Covid, I believe that 2024 will be much quieter year in the construction industry than we have been used to in recent years. Interest rates and the cost of borrowing has gone up significantly, which has meant some developers and homeowners looking to do bigger projects have been temporarily forced out of the market. The dramatic increase in interest rates over the last year has seen a huge impact on the property market, which in turn affects the construction industry. And because the sector is quietening, I anticipate that labour costs will continue to fall, gradually. Builders and contractors are likely to need to work harder to secure contracts and look at their price points in order to lock in longer term projects. Many tradespeople will be forced to bring prices down in order to compete and guarantee security. Lately, we have seen materials prices begin to fall too as supply catches up with demand and I think that trend will continue as we go into next year. Construction and property require such huge investment that it is currently seen as too great a risk for many. Anyone wary of the current climate is likely to hold off on investing until there is more positivity in the market.

James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, reflects on the importance of recognising colleagues during the festive season. On the run up to Christmas many business directors, owners and managers will hopefully have or be looking at potentially sharing in the festive spirit through making gifts to their staff and/or even having a Christmas party. A bit like family and friends gifting, the nature or choice of a gift will mostly likely be based on what might have been given in the past, even the same gift each year along with affordability of the same. To a great extent when it comes to businesses the decision as to what they give their staff may in part be pre-determined by the tax treatment of any gifts. Certainly HMRC have made this easier, in that gifts made to employees up to the value of £50 will not be subject to any tax consequences. Perhaps then there is no surprise that often the choice of gift is a store or merchandising voucher to the value of £50. Such an approach is not to be sniffed at as it is an easy decision for a choice of gift in terms of the employer’s choice and employees’ preference. Typically, as the festive season approaches many will be enjoying the annual staff Christmas party. Again, the HMRC have made an exemption and a generous one at that. Providing a number of criteria are met, a spend of up to £150 per head can be made on the Christmas party. Such spend is exempt from both Income Tax and National Insurance and the fun doesn’t stop there! The £150 per head also applies to all attendees, so partners and spouses can be included. The festive season all too often comes and goes in a flash, even though you wouldn’t think it on the run up to the big day. Whilst the thought and goodwill of a seasonal gift and party will bring a glow to hopefully all, the time of year is also one when we reflect or give more time to think of others. As we go from Christmas to the New Year our thoughts invariably turn to the year ahead and perhaps then to thinking about what else we could do to acknowledge, reward, praise and even support team members. Such an approach doesn’t necessarily have to come at a cost or be determined by the tax implications. At Christmas it can be the case, that we rack our brain to come up with a gift for a relative or friend that we don’t see or really know that well, when really what they would have valued better was some of your time and interest in them. Perhaps then we can all look to 2024 to take time out to not only think what we could do to support our colleagues but also show we really value them. Something that may involve us taking more time for them, doing something specific or personable, even unique, to thank and support them. With busy lives and the rapid pace of life there is a real danger, that a bit like Christmas, when we buy a present it will do with little thought just to tick another off the gift list, we don’t give enough thought and time to recognise the importance and value of our colleagues. See this column in the December issue of East Midlands Business Link Magazine here.

Law firm Freeths has advised EG Group on the sale of its 218 KFC franchise restaurants across the UK and Ireland to Yum! Brands’ KFC Division. Expected to complete in the first half of 2024, this transaction is part of the global retailer’s successful portfolio optimisation strategy and continued progress towards putting in place sustainable growth and innovation. Founded by Issa brothers in 2001, EG Group is a British retailer which operates filling stations, convenience stores and fast-food restaurants across Europe, the United States and Australia. The Freeths legal team was led by Real Estate Partner Atiyya Khaliq, supported by Managing Associates Zac Clayton and Michaela Mason, Associate Samuel De La Bertauche and Legal Assistant Poppy Hinton. It comes just weeks after Freeths advised on the completion of EG Group’s £2.07bn sale of its UK operations to Asda. Commenting on the deal, Atiyya Khaliq said: “As a valued client, it’s great to see EG Group’s corporate sustainability strategy coming to life. This deal is an important step in securing growth across the UK and Ireland and it demonstrates the strength of our team’s retail sector expertise. I look forward to continuing working with EG Group on the next stage of its exciting journey.” EG Group continues to operate in the USA, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium and the UK, including its wholly owned bakery business, Cooplands, as well as franchise businesses with the Starbucks, Subway, Greggs, Sbarro, Chaiiwala and Cinnabon brands.

Expanding Derby retail and leisure destination, Derbion, has announced another year of significant growth with over £5.2 million invested into the centre by retailers through new lettings, store upsizes and refurbishments.

Across the year, 13 new brands have opened their doors at Derbion including three new restaurants in the recently refurbished Food Terrace, which is now fully let following a £2m investment by the centre. Chi, Tortilla and Villa Express have completed the line-up of food and drink operators which also features Popeyes, KFC and Burger & Sauce. Subway and GDK have also invested in their presence at Derbion through a refit and relocation.

Derbion has continued to expand its breadth of retailers this year, welcoming global cosmetics retailer Rituals and lifestyle brand MINISO alongside travel operator TUI and iconic fragrance company Yankee Candle. Local fashion retailer, 1NE., is the latest independent to open at Derbion as a result of the centre’s Hatch initiative, which supports small business owners to take their brand to the next level.

Alongside new lettings, over £3 million has been invested by existing retailers through refurbishments and store upsizes. Luxury watch and jewellery retailer, Goldsmiths, has revamped its showroom, extending its footprint by 1,000 sq ft to showcase a wider range of big-name brands, and will open a second store before Christmas featuring Breiting, Tudor and Omega. Renowned jeweller Beaverbrooks has increased its store to 1,628 sq ft, introducing a new standalone TAG Heuer boutique.

The centre’s longer-term development potential took a step forward in 2023 with planning permission granted for the Derbion Masterplan, subject to approval by the Secretary of State. The Masterplan is an ambitious framework for the next 10 years and beyond designed to support the existing retail and leisure centre and its significant position in Derby city centre. Proposals include new homes and commercial uses alongside public spaces and walkable streets to integrate these sites with the rest of Derby City Centre and improve connections with the River Derwent.

Managing Director at Derbion, Beth McDonald, said: “Since we transferred to new independent ownership in 2021 we have successfully delivered a strong leasing strategy that has transformed the centre with a wide range of leading retail and leisure brands, and this year has been no exception.

“We continue to broaden our offer for customers through new and exciting openings and expanded stores in addition to playing an important role in our wider community and the city of Derby.

“Our Derbion Cares charitable initiatives have included our hugely popular school uniform swap shop, designed to support families across Derbyshire with the rising cost of uniforms.

“This year we have also continued our sponsorship of the flagship running event, the Derbion Ramathon, alongside supporting the fantastic Museum of the Moon at Derby Cathedral, all helping to bring wider footfall to the city centre.

“Leasing momentum continues into 2024 and we’re looking forward to announcing our next phase of lettings in the new year.”

Residents across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Nottingham will get the chance to vote for the first-ever East Midlands Mayor next May, after councils gave the go-ahead to devolution for the region. Yesterday (Thursday 7 December), Derbyshire County Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council and Nottingham City Council each approved plans to create the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), which will come into existence next Spring. EMCCA is set to bring in around £4 billion of funding for the region, alongside devolved powers for transport, skills and adult education, housing, the environment and economic development. Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, said: “Our shared vision is for the 2.2 million people who live and work in the heart of the country to be better connected and more prosperous – addressing years of historically low investment in our region. “Devolution brings much more control over our own area. Rather than many major decisions being made for us in London, local people would have a say in the region’s priorities. This is just the start and more benefits and funding are already starting to flow – such as the Government’s recent announcement of £1.5 billion local transport funding for the new East Midlands Mayor. “The creation of a new mayoral combined county authority will unlock the benefits of the East Midlands devolution deal and bring improved public services and a brighter future for our residents.” Ben Bradley MP, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “I am proud we have taken this final and definitive step to bring the necessary powers and funds needed to improve the lives of the people of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Devolved powers will result in better life outcomes for everyone; more investment in skills and jobs, and more control to deliver improved public transport. “It will give the East Midlands a platform and powers to bring lasting benefits and change lives for generations.” Baggy Shanker, Leader of Derby City Council, said: “I welcome this milestone moment for the city of Derby and the wider region. The East Midlands Combined County Authority is set to bring much-needed investment into our area and is the only way to get any additional funding, after years of austerity. “The ambition is for our region to – rightfully – be on an equal footing with the likes of Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, so I am encouraging the residents of Derby to have their say on how the devolved powers and funding should be used next May.” David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “Nottingham has today taken a significant step towards an East Midlands Combined Authority. The extra funding this deal will bring will make a huge difference to the region. People in Nottingham will see real benefits with more investment in jobs, training and housing. It is vital that we continue to work closely with our neighbouring councils on this. “For too long, Nottingham has not had the investment it needs and deserves, and this deal will start to address this. It also brings significant powers from the Government into the region, giving us more control and allowing us to make better, more local decisions.” Plans for East Midlands devolution are similar to those already in place in other mayoral regions, like the West Midlands and Greater Manchester. The East Midlands devolution deal, agreed with Government ministers last summer, would see Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Nottingham benefit from a £1.14 billion investment fund. Other areas with devolution deals have been able to make their funding go even further and have greater impact by leveraging significant private sector investment. A public consultation on East Midlands devolution, carried out between November 2022 and January 2023, showed strong support for the plans among local residents, businesses and community groups. In October, the Government announced around £1.5 billion in transport funding for the East Midlands Mayor. Thanks to devolution plans, the East Midlands has also been invited to establish an ‘Investment Zone’, which will attract £160 million of support over ten years, with tax incentives for businesses that will help boost economic growth right across the region. It is estimated that the East Midlands Investment Zone will unlock hundreds of millions of pounds in private investment, creating thousands of jobs right across the region. Government will continue to work with the proposed East Midlands Mayoral County Combined Authority (EMCCA) and other partners to co-develop the plans for the East Midlands Investment Zone, including priority development sites and specific interventions to drive cluster growth, ahead of final confirmation of the plans. £18 million has already been awarded to the area during devolution negotiations, which is being spent on improving local housing, transport and skills provision. Further investment for the region would also be provided through annual Whitehall budgets and spending reviews. All four councils have now agreed to the creation of East Midlands Combined County Authority and the legal regulations around creating this new authority. The Government will now need take the deal before Parliament, as this is first of a new type of combined authority and it requires new legislation. If the legislation is passed in the coming weeks it would come into force by March 2024, meaning the EMCCA will officially come into existence. The inaugural election for East Midlands Mayor will take place on 2 May 2024.

A new package of support has been secured for Mansfield businesses following the launch of a new scheme.

Nottingham-headquartered Phenna Group, whose aim is to invest in and partner with selected niche, independent Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) companies that serve a variety of sectors, has made its 15th deal of 2023, and its 4th in food and health sciences. Formed in 1993 by vets Rob Jones and Pete Eville, Leeds-based Eville & Jones (E&J) is a provider of veterinary, compliance and public health solutions to the food industry. Its UK-wide team of nearly 1,000 professionals delivers audit, verification, inspection and compliance services in the fields of animal health, public health, food safety and animal welfare. E&J works with various government departments across the UK to safeguard animal welfare within abattoirs and ensure that meat is safe to enter the food chain. E&J is also the country’s largest provider of Export Health Certification services to the private sector, enabling the export of Products of Animal Origin. Charles Hartwell, CEO of Eville & Jones, said: “My team and I are hugely excited to join Phenna Group. Our business has grown steadily over recent years and I believe with Phenna’s support, that can continue and allow us to expand more rapidly into complimentary services and geographical areas. “Since our first interaction with Paul and his team, the process has run smoothly and they have acted with great integrity and professionalism throughout. I’m confident in our ambitious future growth strategy and look forward to working with the Phenna Team to deliver it.” Paul Barry, Group CEO of Phenna Group, added: “I am delighted to welcome Charles and his team to Phenna Group. The addition of Eville & Jones really augments our fast growing Food & Health Sciences platform. “By headcount, this is our largest deal to date and their experienced team creates a UK wide footprint of experts, that we hope to leverage into new adjacent services into the future. E&J provide a critical service to the UK food industry and I’m proud to have them join Phenna Group. I look forward to working with Charles and his team to help them deliver their exciting growth plans.” Phenna Group was advised by Avonhurst and RSM. Eville & Jones was advised by Blacks Solicitors, Parsons Chartered Accountants, and Claritas Tax. The deal follows hot on the heels of Phenna Group’s acquisition of CEIMIC Life Sciences Testing Group.