Derbyshire science company raises more than £20,000 for Macmillan

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Derbyshire science company raises more than £20,000 for Macmillan

Derbyshire science company employees have been thanked by cancer charity Macmillan after raising more than £20,000 – and they are still going strong!  

Lubrizol, which has a UK technical centre at Hazelwood near Duffield, has now donated £20,951.16 to the cancer charity having been raising funds since 2008. 

The science company is dedicated to giving back to the community and to charity, supporting a different cause every two years. Macmillan has previously been the company’s chosen charity with £11,300.72 raised between 2015 and 2016.  

Lubrizol employees have also been popping the kettle on and putting their baking skills to good use by holding Macmillan’s famous coffee mornings in September each year to raise extra funds which contributed to the mammoth total. 

The amount is enough to pay for a Macmillan nurse for 616 hours – around 25 days; take 355 support line calls or provide 104 cancer patients with a grant to help ease the additional financial pressures caused by a diagnosis.  

Hannah Lumb-Smith, Macmillan’s relationship fundraising manager, said: “It’s thanks to the dedication and generosity of people and companies like Lubrizol that we can continue to do whatever it takes to support people with cancer and their families. 

“This money could pay for a nurse for 616 hours to help people living with cancer and their families receive essential medical, practical and emotional support. These nurses coordinate care services and advise patients on clinical and practical issues.  

“Or it could fund our helpline which allows our teams to answer questions about cancer types and treatments or provide clinical, practical, emotional and financial support. We are also there if someone just wants to talk. 

“There are also grants available which can be a lifeline for families to help ease the financial pressures that come with a cancer diagnosis, such as increased energy and water bills, cost of travel to and from hospital, home adaptations or pay for a wig for someone who has lost their hair due to the treatment.  

“We would like to thank Lubrizol for its continued support. This has helped us to support so many families battling cancer in so many different ways.”  

More than three million people are living with cancer in the UK and this figure is set to rise to four million by 2030, according to figures from Macmillan. The charity provides vital cancer services, research and campaigns to achieve better cancer care. 

Claire Hollingshurst, from Lubrizol’s charities and communities committee, said: “Our charitable work with Macmillan is very important to us and we are proud of how much we have raised to help the charity continue supporting people with cancer and their families.  

“Everyone is affected by cancer in some way – whether they have received a diagnosis or someone close to them has.   

“It is charities like Macmillan that are there when patients need them most, offering the professional help and support they need. It is a lifeline for so many families and it is wonderful to see how far this money will go towards helping so many people. 

“We will be carrying on holding regular coffee mornings as I know what an important charity Macmillan is within our Lubrizol community.”

Team of the Year award for IP lawyers helping small businesses

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Team of the Year award for IP lawyers helping small businesses

The Intellectual Property team from Nottingham Law School’s teaching law firm, NLS Legal, has been crowned Team of the Year 2024 at the Nottinghamshire Law Society Awards for its work supporting small businesses with complex legal matters.  

The award recognises consistent, outstanding performance, requiring firms to demonstrate evidence of a growing reputation or maintaining their standing as a leader in their field, their dedication to clients, the value they add to the business or organisation, and/or the contribution they make to the legal community. 

The four-person IP team at NLS Legal is supported by student volunteers and offers free advice to individuals, sole traders and start-ups, addressing an unmet legal need in the community.  

It acts across trademarks, designs and copyright, providing support on contentious and non-contentious matters, and is the only team in England and Wales providing IP advice and representation on a completely pro-bono basis.  

In the past 12 months, the team of lawyers and students have assisted 27 clients across 45 matters, including supporting small businesses and start ups in successful legal challenges against much larger organisations, covering issues such as trademark applications and branding disputes.  

It has also developed and run 20 public education sessions to more than 180 attendees with the aim of increasing awareness of IP amongst local businesses and individuals. 

Working as part of the service, 39 Nottingham Law School students have gained volunteering experience in IP, giving them valuable insight into a competitive field and enhancing their employability skills. Several volunteers have received job offers to train as IP lawyers. 

Head of NLS Legal, Laura Pinkney, said: “All the lawyers involved in our IP team balance the service alongside either academic commitments or supporting other services within the firm – yet they still provide an invaluable service to their clients, helping them to navigate a very complex field of law.”  

Executive dean of Nottingham Law School, Jenny Chapman, said: “The team has a growing reputation for its IP pro bono work without which many clients would have been unable to withstand the pressure from much larger opponents. We know from client feedback that the impact of the team’s work on the local community has been significant.” 

As a not-for-profit teaching law firm with charitable status, NLS Legal was the UK’s first law firm fully integrated into a law school when it obtained an ABS (Alternative Business Structure) licence in 2015. It is currently the only firm in the UK operating in this way. 

Supervised by a small team of experienced lawyers, Nottingham Law School students support members of the local community with free legal advice on a range of areas, including employment, family, housing, business, civil litigation, intellectual property, special educational needs and disability, welfare benefits, and victims’ rights. NLS Legal also delivers public legal education sessions to raise awareness of legal rights and responsibilities. 

Unexpected fall in corporate insolvencies

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Unexpected fall in corporate insolvencies

A significant month-on-month fall in the number of corporate insolvencies in England and Wales is an additional sign that economic conditions are starting to improve and revenues may increase this year.

This is according to the Midlands branch of the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body R3 and comes on the back of lower inflation, expected interest rate cuts and latest figures published by the Insolvency Service which show that corporate insolvencies decreased by 16.6% in March to a total of 1,815 compared to February’s total of 2,177.

The government figures also show a decrease of 17.2% against March 2023’s figure of 2,193, and a fall of 2.2% in comparison with March 2022’s total of 1,856.

R3 Midlands chair Stephen Rome, a partner at local law firm Penningtons Manches Cooper, said: “The biggest driver of the monthly and yearly fall in corporate insolvency numbers is a reduction in Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidations. However, it should be noted that numbers for this process and overall levels of corporate insolvency are still higher than they were pre-pandemic.

“High costs and constrained spending have continued to hit businesses hard in the first three months of 2024. But while the trading climate is a challenging one, there are signs that directors expect revenues to increase this year, suggesting the mood among much of the local business community is becoming more positive.

“It remains to be seen, however, whether inflation will fall quickly enough to benefit businesses, and whether the hoped-for increases in income will outstrip potential rises in costs and wages.

“Importantly, directors need to be alert to any indications of business distress and act on them promptly. Cashflow issues, increases in stock, and problems paying taxes or invoices are all signs to watch out for. The sooner these are acted upon and professional advice sought, the greater chance there is of the situation improving.”

New chair named for East Midlands Institute of Technology

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New chair named for East Midlands Institute of Technology
A new chairperson has been appointed to lead the East Midlands Institute of Technology board. Martin Rigley was confirmed as the new chair of East Midlands IoT at its latest board meeting and will also become one of its directors. He replaces Baroness Nicky Morgan, who stepped down in February (2024). The East Midlands IoT is an innovative partnership between Loughborough College, Derby College Group, Loughborough University and the University of Derby. From September 2024 it will begin delivering technical education for students – from T-Levels through to postgraduate education – with training and qualifications in engineering, digital skills and professional construction. EMIoT will focus on skills for a greener economy, future energy and leadership in those fields. As a former Chief Executive and Managing Director of Notts-based engineering innovation firm Lindhurst Engineering, past chair of Nottingham City Council N2 Skills & Employment Board, and current business leadership coach and mentor; Martin will bring a wealth of both business experience and technical skills development knowledge to his position as chair. He said: “I am honoured to have been appointed as chair of the East Midlands Institute of Technology. “The employment opportunities the rapid growth in technology presents is a challenge for the UK and in particular the East Midlands, with its strong focus on engineering and manufacturing jobs. The links between higher-level skills in the technology field and their positive impact on social mobility very much appealed to my personal values.” Rachel Quinn, executive director of the East Midlands IoT, added: “Martin has the solid background in business and the technical skills sector we were looking for, to help the East Midlands Institute of Technology further develop its courses offer; in a way which engages both prospective students and new industrial partners. “The East Midlands IoT has already begun making a name for itself as the ‘go to’ for technical skills training in the region. Martin’s know-how will be a key asset for us, as we move towards welcoming the first cohort of students to our Derby and Loughborough sites in September 2024.”

Former trainee returns to professional services firm to bolster tax dispute offer for Midlands clients

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Former trainee returns to professional services firm to bolster tax dispute offer for Midlands clients

A former KPMG UK trainee has returned to the firm as a director to help support tax dispute clients across the Midlands and beyond.

Vicky Topps, who returns after 14 years, has taken on the role as director in KPMG Law’s Tax Disputes team, and plans to use the knowledge and skills spent working at HMRC to help a wide range of firms of all shapes and sizes.

Her most recent role at HMRC saw Vicky acting as deputy director overseeing the Large Business Midlands region, looking after the compliance affairs of 340 of the UK’s top 2000 businesses.

This work ranged from listed entities and household names to large privately owned groups, including utilities companies, breweries, pharma companies, construction companies, transport and logistics.

She said: “I was interested in working as part of a multidisciplinary team, which includes some dispute people with tax backgrounds, but also those with legal skills, and who have together been recognised for being ahead of the pack.

“The team are committed to growing the practice in early dispute resolution and advocating alternative dispute resolution as a tool to resolve issues through our mediators here.”

She thinks these approaches will help KPMG Law clients get to certainty and resolution without tying up resources, and “hopefully come up with an outcome that’s compliant and allows streamlining and fast tracking.”

Football promotions across the East Midlands set to boost economy

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Football promotions across the East Midlands set to boost economy
Leicester City’s return to the Premier League and Derby County’s rise to the Sky Bet Championship are set to positively impact the economy in each city, says East Midlands Chamber.

The promotions follow celebrations at the weekend for Chesterfield FC’s recent return to the English Football League and Mansfield Town going up to League One. 

East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “These promotions showcase the sheer talent we have at our clubs across the East Midlands. Four football teams celebrating simultaneously is just fantastic for this region. “I send my warmest congratulations to the outstanding players, coaches, managers and staff – everyone that backs and supports their club week in, week out. “There were jubilant scenes in Chesterfield and Mansfield at the weekend as they celebrated. To then see Derby County promoted to the Sky Bet Championship and Leicester return to the Premier League capped off a superb weekend for sport in the East Midlands. “The injection the economy gets when a football club is promoted cannot be underestimated. We can expect increased ticket and merchandise sales at all four clubs, but then the wider economy and supply chains benefit too. “You get increased hotel occupancy and the whole hospitality sector gets buoyed as crowds flock to restaurants and food outlets. The feelgood factor encourages spending, while being in higher leagues gains recognition on a bigger stage, including overseas.  That can only be good for the economy.”

Listed Midlands companies record nine profit warnings in Q1 2024 – an 80% year-on-year increase

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Listed Midlands companies record nine profit warnings in Q1 2024 – an 80% year-on-year increase

Listed companies in the Midlands issued nine profit warnings in Q1 2024, an increase of 80% on the same period in 2023 – and the highest number of warnings since Q4 2022, according to the latest EY-Parthenon Profit Warnings Report.

Nationally, in Q1 2024, the number of profit warnings issued by UK listed companies fell 7% year-on-year to 70 and dropped slightly from Q4 2023, when 77 warnings were issued. Despite the quarterly fall in warnings, the number of companies warning for the first time in 12 months reached its highest level since Q1 2022, with 61% of companies in Q1 2024 issuing a ‘new’ warning.

By the end of the first quarter of 2024, 39 companies had issued three or more warnings over the last 12 months, with just over a fifth of these companies delisting – or in the process of doing so – due to insolvency or acquisition.

Contract cancellations and delays were cited as the main reason for warnings by 29% of companies, whilst higher costs and weaker consumer confidence each accounted for 17% of warnings in Q1 2024.

Companies within the Midlands operating in Consumer Discretionary FTSE sectors continued to issue the highest number of warnings (five), making up 56% of the region’s total warnings. This is an increase of two (66%) on the final quarter (October – December) of 2023.

Dan Hurd, Turnaround and Restructuring Strategy Partner at EY-Parthenon in the Midlands, said: “While the UK economy is predicted to see a subdued level of growth in 2024, high interest rates, energy, supply chain and labour costs in addition to persistent inflation, continue to impact businesses in the region.

“As a result of these pressures, many consumer facing companies within the Midlands continued to experience weaker performance in Q1 2024 as the prolonged cost-of-living crisis further impacted consumer spending in many areas.

“While inflation is forecast to fall as the year progresses, growth for many companies may remain slow and steady, so it’s critical that boards look at ways to stimulate demand whilst remaining focused on costs and working capital to build resilience and safeguard against any future economic or geopolitical shocks.”

Jo Robinson, EY-Parthenon Partner and UK&I Turnaround and Restructuring Strategy Leader, said: “Macro-economic pressures, while less intense, have not relented in 2024 and the full impact of interest rate increases is yet to be felt by many businesses. Larger companies and sectors such as luxury goods, which typically show resilience in economic downturns, are now starting to feel these pressures build.

“The data in EY’s latest Profit Warnings report underlines how integral swift action is to preserve value. Whilst the green shoots of recovery can be seen, companies cannot afford to ignore the warning signs and rely on economic resurgence, particularly as we continue to navigate through an unprecedented period of uncertainty with forthcoming global elections and geopolitical risks still high on the agenda.

“Although this looks like an economically easier year on paper, companies still need to be scenario planning as the macro-economic pressures we have seen over recent years are far from over.”

FTSE Consumer Discretionary sector accounted for a third of all warnings in Q1 2024

Companies within FTSE Consumer Discretionary sectors continued to issue the most profit warnings (24) in Q1 2024, accounting for 34% of all warnings during the period. The biggest growth in warnings has come in the FTSE Personal Goods sector, where over 50% of the sector warned in Q1 2024 alone, as earnings pressure spread further into the luxury goods sector.

The FTSE Industrial Support Services sector, which encompasses business service providers, industrial suppliers, and recruitment companies, issued nine warnings in Q1 2024 and 18 warnings in the last six months, more than the whole of 2022, with the sector significantly impacted by falling business spending and recruitment, rising costs, and cancelled or amended contracts.

Companies in financial services sectors reported 11 warnings in Q1, which is the highest number since the pandemic, and before that, the Global Financial Crisis in 2008. The increase in warnings indicates challenges facing pockets of the financial industry, namely certain lenders exposed to auto finance and some parts of the wealth and asset management industry.

A high level of warnings was also seen across FTSE Retailers (7), FTSE Household Goods and Home Construction (5), FTSE Personal Goods (5) and FTSE Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology and Marijuana Producers (5).

‘Golden Triangle’ warehouse sold to US investor

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‘Golden Triangle’ warehouse sold to US investor

A warehousing and distribution hub at Kettering Venture Park has been sold to a US-based investor for £7.9 million.

Watling Real Estate secured a sale of the property on behalf of Rajnesh Mittal and Philip Armstrong of FRP Advisory, who were appointed as administrators of Knights of Old Ltd in September 2023.

The property has been acquired by Cabot Properties, a private US-based conglomerate which invests in and develops logistics sites in strategic locations across the globe.

The two freehold units at 2300 & 2350 Kettering Venture Park, totalling 118,337 sq ft on an 8.11 acre site, sit within the ‘Golden Triangle’, adjacent to Junction 9 of the A14, with direct links to the national motorway network and ports to the east.

The UK’s ‘Golden Triangle’ is considered the premier distribution location in the UK due to its accessibility, with approximately 90% of the population within four hours’ drive time.

It has attracted a high concentration of retailers, distribution and third-party logistics companies.

Ben Holyhead, an associate in the Birmingham office of Watling Real Estate, said: “We received considerable interest in the property from all segments of the market, including occupiers, investors and developers.

“The property’s strategic location and excellent distribution specification made it an attractive proposition. We are pleased to have secured a strong price for the property for the benefit of the administration.”

The administrators were advised by law firm Gateley Legal and Mayer Brown and Savills acted for Cabot Properties.

Frasers Group acquires intellectual property assets of fashion retailer following fall into administration

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Frasers Group acquires intellectual property assets of fashion retailer following fall into administration

Shirebrook-based retail giant Frasers Group has reached an agreement with the joint administrators of online fashion retailer Matches to acquire certain intellectual property assets.

The transaction was completed following a marketing process by the joint administrators. Under the terms of the transaction Frasers Group has granted a licence that allows the administrators to sell the stock Matches holds through a period of continued trading.

Frasers Group acquired the Matches business, which had been loss making in recent years, at the end of 2023 in a £52m deal. At the time it said the acquisition would be an opportunity to further develop Frasers’ Elevation Strategy and strengthen its luxury offering. By March, however, Matches had been put into administration, with Frasers Group saying it consistently missed its business plan targets and continued to make material losses. At the time Frasers Group told the London Stock Exchange: “Whilst MATCHES’ management team has tried to try to find a way to stabilise the business, it has become clear that too much change would be required to restructure it, and the continued funding requirements would be far in excess of amounts that the Group considers to be viable. “In light of this, Frasers has been informed that the directors of MATCHES have taken the decision to put the MATCHES group into administration. Frasers remains committed to the luxury market and its brand partners.”

East Midlands business confidence holds steady in April

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East Midlands business confidence holds steady in April

Business confidence in the East Midlands remained stable at 35% during April, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. 

Companies in the East Midlands reported slightly lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down three points at 34%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up three points to 36%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 35% (the same reading as in March). 

Businesses in the East Midlands identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as investing in their team, including hiring new staff and investing in training (37%), evolving their offering with new products or services (37%) and introducing new technology (32%).  

A net balance of 49% of businesses in the region also expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up 22 points on last month.  

The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.  

National picture 

Overall UK business confidence held steady at 42% in April, the same level as recorded in March and February.   

While firms’ confidence in their own prospects dipped marginally by four points to 45%, their confidence in the economy rose by four points to 39%. Meanwhile, the net balance of companies planning to increase staff levels over the coming 12 months climbed six points to 33%.   

The East of England was the most confident UK nation or region in April (56%), followed by Wales (51%) and the North East (46%).   

Sector insights 

Businesses in the manufacturing sector reported increased confidence this month, recording an increased score of 45% (up four points) which is the highest level for three months. Similarly, confidence among firms in the services sector (42%) and construction (41%) also improved, largely driven by greater economic optimism.  

In retail, confidence pulled back slightly from last month’s strong showing to 40%, illustrating that confidence in this sector remains fragile. Retail is also more liable to be impacted by external factors other sectors do not face into, such as the poor weather. 

Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Although confidence remained flat this month, East Midlands businesses are still demonstrating positivity, with more firms looking to increase staff levels alongside active plans to grow their offerings to staff. 

“We know from our conversations with local businesses that the ambition and drive is there to carve out new routes to growth, and the region’s £1.4bn devolution deal, which will see the appointment of the first ever mayor for the East Midlands Combined County Authority, will only create more exciting expansion opportunities.” 

Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “We are beginning to see a consistent trend emerge from our Barometer results in recent months. Businesses are feeling increasingly confident about the economy, coinciding with falling inflation and hopes that interest rates will start to fall this year.  

“There continues to be a mixed picture among the regions, with the biggest rises seen in Wales and the South West. The strongest confidence was reported in the East of England, with confidence rising for the third consecutive month. Confidence in the North East eased slightly but remained strong in April.   

“The second quarter of 2024 has started brightly for businesses, and we are seeing firms expressing greater confidence in an enduring economic recovery.” 

Chesterfield warehouse sold to local business

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Chesterfield warehouse sold to local business
FHP Property Consultants have sold Units 1 and 2 Whittington Way in Chesterfield to Valve & Process Solutions Ltd, an existing Chesterfield occupier seeking larger premises. Valve & Process Solutions specialises in the specification and supply of flow control equipment such as Valves, Actuators, Switchboxes, Positioners, Solenoids and Ancillary Equipment to the process industry. The modern warehouse provides 12,536ft2 of accommodation across two units. Darran Severn of FHP Property Consultants said: “I am delighted that after high levels of interest we could secure a buyer for this property. “There remains little space to buy on the market of any size throughout the region and as a result we were able to place this property under offer within a week of placing it on the market. As a result we achieved the guide price which is an excellent result for our clients.”

Just two days to go before East Midlands makes historic decision on who will lead £4bn investment in region’s economic future

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Just two days to go before East Midlands makes historic decision on who will lead £4bn investment in region’s economic future
People across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire are just days away from a decision that will determine how billions of pounds is invested in the regional economy. Voters from across Derbyshire, Derby, Nottinghamshire and Nottingham will elect the first-ever East Midlands mayor on Thursday 2 May. The mayor will lead the new East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), which will have access to more than £4 billion of new investment in the region for skills, transport, housing and regeneration and net zero – with further investment likely to follow. The vote has been hailed as an “historic moment’ in the region’s future which can turn round decades of under-investment. It also means decisions about key issues affecting the future of people, places and businesses across the East Midlands will now be taken here in the region rather than down in Westminster. Mark Rogers, the interim Chief Executive of the EMCCA, said: “It’s absolutely vital that people across all of the East Midlands’ businesses and communities go to the polls on 2 May. This is their region, their mayor and their vote – and it’s going to have a major impact on their future. “For people across Derbyshire, Derby, Nottinghamshire and Nottingham, this is a genuinely historic moment. For the first time, they will have regional control so that decisions about major issues can be taken in a way that suits regional needs rather than a one-size-fits-all national policy. “By voting for a mayor, they will also have an elected figurehead who can speak up for the East Midlands nationally, and be at the top table to help secure a fair share of funding in the future. “If you look across the region, you can see huge potential for progress all the way from communities to businesses. With a mayor and a combined authority, we will be able to tailor the way we invest so that it makes the most of those opportunities.” The £4 billion investment has been made possible by a landmark devolution deal which means government has handed back some of its powers to an East Midlands mayor and combined county authority. This means the East Midlands will now be on the same level as the West Midlands, Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire, where elected mayors and combined authorities have secured substantial investment. The EMCCA is a new organisation which will have only a small team supporting its work. It is being funded by government and will not take money away from existing council budgets. While existing councils are set up to deliver specific local services in defined areas, EMCCA will focus on major strategic issues across the whole region. Decision-making will be led by the elected mayor, and will be based on four key priorities: · Skills and adult education – working with the region’s employers and skills providers to ensure people develop skills that enable them to access fulfilling careers. · Homes – working with local authorities, landowners, developers and housing providers to create affordable, good quality homes and retrofit existing homes to make them more environmentally sustainable. · Transport – working with local and national transport providers to improve infrastructure and services in a way that best serves the region’s needs. · Net zero – invest in new forms of clean energy and develop a clear path for the region to achieve net zero. Mark Rogers added: “This is a huge opportunity for people and businesses all over the East Midlands to make the most of regional control and shape their destiny. Instead of these big decisions being made down in Whitehall, they’ll be made here by people who know the region, and understand its challenges and how to exploit its many opportunities. “Voting for a mayor on 2 May is only the start. With more than £4 billion of funding available, it means the mayor and EMCCA can kick-start progress, attract further investment from business and government, and drive improvement in issues that matter to everyone. “This is all about making the most of new powers handed back to the region. The biggest power of all lies with voters, and I urge people to make their choice by voting in the East Midlands Mayoral election on 2 May.” EMCCA has been made possible by a partnership between Derbyshire County Council, Derby City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council.

BSP Consulting appointed on £6.6m housing provider framework

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BSP Consulting appointed on £6.6m housing provider framework

East Midlands-based civil and structural engineer BSP Consulting has been appointed onto the (Longhurst Group) Keystone Developments (LG) Limited Professional Services and Consultancy Framework.

The company has been successfully appointed on three lots relating to civil and structural engineering for new build residential schemes, new build extra care facilities and refurbishment projects.

BSP Consulting MD Carl Hilton said: “We are very pleased that BSP Consulting has been appointed onto the (Longhurst Group) Keystone Developments (LG) Limited Professional Services and Consultancy Framework.

“The company has wide experience of working with housing providers across the Midlands and beyond, including Longhurst and Nottingham Community Housing Association who can both access this framework.

“As one of the leading independent civil and structural engineering companies in the East Midlands, BSP Consulting is currently on numerous frameworks and we are proud to have been appointed to this latest one, which highlights our expertise in the affordable housing and extra care sectors and opens up an additional pipeline of opportunities for us.”

Keystone Developments is part of Longhurst Group which is one of the largest housing groups in the Midlands and East of England, owning and managing more than 24,000 homes and delivering a wide range of care and support, specialist housing and home ownership services.

The four-year framework can be accessed by a number of organisations including Longhurst Group, Nottingham Community Housing Association, Tuntum Housing Association, Lace Housing, Norton Housing and Support, YMCA Derbyshire, Lincolnshire Housing Partnership, Lincolnshire YMCA, Framework Housing Association, Lincolnshire Rural Housing Association and YMCA Robin Hood Group.

BSP Consulting, based in Oxford Street, Nottingham, and with offices in Derby and Leicester, was successful in its application to be appointed to all three civil and structural engineering lots.

Drinks company fined after employee loses finger

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Drinks company fined after employee loses finger
A drinks company has been fined £14,000 after a man’s finger was amputated after being caught in bottling machinery. Daniel Richardson, then 32, assisted a colleague who was encountering problems with a bottle capping machine at the plant in Wigston, Leicestershire on 17 January 2022. Mr Richardson, from Leicester, was able to reach into the machine and into the capper unit to remove the jammed part at which point the capper head descended onto his finger, amputating the tip. Attempts were made at Leicester Royal Infirmary to re-attach the tip of the finger – this proved unsuccessful, and it was subsequently necessary to amputate his finger between the first and second knuckle. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Sourcing International Limited, trading as Drinks Chef, failed to properly guard against access to dangerous parts of machinery – in this instance fixed guarding had been removed and the machine was frequently used without it. Additionally, an interlock device which should function to isolate the power and stop the machine when protective doors / guards were opened elsewhere on the machine was inoperable and so access to moving parts of machinery was further possible. Sourcing International Limited t/a Drinks Chef, of Unit A1 Bowbridge Works, Chartwell Drive, Wigston, pleaded guilty to contravening a requirement of Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. The company was fined £14,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,175.79 at a hearing at Loughborough Magistrates Court on 24 April 2024. After the hearing, HSE inspector Rebecca Gibson said: “This tragic incident highlights the duty on employers to ensure machinery, and other work equipment, is safe for use. Suitable guards would render dangerous parts of machinery inaccessible during normal use and would have avoided this serious injury to Mr Richardson.” This prosecution was supported by HSE enforcement lawyer Sam Crockett.

Nottingham Business School joins world top 1% with ‘triple crown’ accreditation

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Nottingham Business School joins world top 1% with ‘triple crown’ accreditation

Nottingham Business School (NBS) has joined the 1% of business schools in the world to hold triple accreditation for excellence after receiving a global mark of recognition for its MBA and Masters courses from the Association of MBAs (AMBA). 

NBS, part of Nottingham Trent University, already holds AACSB and EQUIS accreditation, two of the most important marks of quality in business education, and is now one of only 129 universities across the globe to have been awarded all three. 

Its latest accolade from AMBA demonstrates that NBS has met the highest standards in teaching, learning and curriculum design, career development and employability, and student, alumni and employer interaction.  

AMBA only accredits programmes from the top 2% of business schools in five continents and limits the number of institutions to 300.  

The assessment also led to Business Graduates Association (BGA) accreditation, which recognises positive impact, responsible management, and lifelong learning. 

An international expert panel visited NBS to examine its MBA, Executive MBA and new Global Executive MBA programmes, along with its MSc Finance course as an example of the School’s Masters offer.   

The assessors particularly noted the significant experience of the NBS faculty and its supportive working environment, as well as the School’s achievement of ‘consistently exceeding student expectations in the delivery of a very positive student experience’. 

The report also highlighted the quality of NBS’ new multimillion-pound Postgraduate Centre, which was purposely designed to accommodate its collaborative teaching style and includes a hub for MBA alumni. 

Executive Dean of Nottingham Business School, Professor Baback Yazdani, said: “Achieving triple crown accreditation is the highest benchmark of international excellence for business schools. It is not only further worldwide recognition for NBS as an institution, but also for our graduates who will be considered top talent by employers.  

“It also demonstrates the commitment of everyone within NBS to delivering innovative, personalised and effective leadership education to our students, so they become globally responsible citizens who can make a lasting and positive impact on the world.” 

Water efficiency funding launched for Midlands businesses

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Water efficiency funding launched for Midlands businesses
A project has been launched that will see 100 business sites across a large portion of the Midlands undergo free water efficiency audits and improvements. The partnership is between water retailer, Business Stream, and the water wholesaler for the region, Severn Trent, and is funded by the latter’s £566m Green Recovery Programme. Each site chosen as part of the pilot will receive up to £1,250 to cover the full cost of the audit and installation of water efficient devices including taps and showers. Major national and regional companies are signed up to the initiative, including Boots, Greggs, Lloyds Bank, Next and Network Rail – and Business Stream is now urging SMEs to come forward to benefit from the scheme. Tom Abel, Director of Sales at Business Stream, said: “We know that water can sometimes be overlooked in favour of other areas to improve business sustainability. And yet, by reducing water use businesses stand to save a significant amount of money as well as generate environmental savings. “By removing any upfront costs we have a great opportunity through this initiative to help businesses realise the benefits water efficiency can deliver. We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Severn Trent on this project and hope it will pave the way for similar initiatives across the country.” Kelsey Martin, Workstream Manager at Severn Trent, said: “The last few years have been tough on businesses, and we want to help. That’s why we’re offering free water audits and water saving solutions, alongside Business Stream. “The audits will be able to help detect and resolve issues that could be costing a business money – a leaky loo, for example, can waste up to 400 litres of water every day, meaning businesses can be wasting money on water that they’re not actually using, so we’re delighted to be able on hand to help through our Green Recovery.”

Businesses invited to have their say in new Gedling Business Support Network

Tess Egginton
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Businesses invited to have their say in new Gedling Business Support Network

Businesses local to Gedling or trading in and around Gedling are to be offered new support following the establishment of the new Gedling Business Support Network.

The new Network will be launched on Friday, 10 May at the Richard Herrod Centre in Carlton. It is being funded by Gedling Borough Council’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by East Midlands Chamber.

Its aim is to enable local businesses to work together, learn new skills and stay up to date on relevant local, regional and national support.

As well as presentations from the Council and its partners on the fully funded business advice, training and consultancy on offer, the launch event will be highly interactive. Businesses will be invited to participate in practical exercises to share their challenges and to tell the stakeholders present exactly where they need the new Network to help.

Gedling Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Growth and Economy Jenny Hollingsworth said: “I really look forward to meeting and hearing from local businesses and hope many, from in and around Gedling, are able to attend. “It is of particular relevance to businesses who want to grow Gedling’s reputation as a place to do business and explore opportunities to work with other local businesses.” East Midlands Chamber Deputy Chief Executive Diane Beresford said: “We’ve put together a series of interactive exercises to really drill down to what’s keeping Gedling businesses awake at night and how the Chamber and Council can address those issues, both through the Network and through support delivered through the Gedling Accelerator project and our routes into national programmes.”

Nottingham MedTech company raises £9.2m

Tess Egginton
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Nottingham MedTech company raises £9.2m

Locate Bio, the Nottingham-based MedTech company, has successfully completed an oversubscribed £9.2 million funding round from both new investors and existing investors, Mercia Ventures and BGF. The proceeds will fund a clinical study of LDGraft, a bone graft substitute for spinal fusion.

This funding and the clinical trial known as RESTORE (A Randomized Study of LDGraft in Single Level Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion) marks a significant milestone in the company’s mission to relieve suffering and restore the quality of life for millions of patients suffering from debilitating orthopaedic conditions worldwide.

Locate Bio combines decades of research in advanced drug delivery systems and utilises a proprietary protein encapsulation method to deliver a powerful therapeutic protein called rhBMP-2. This is combined with an osteoconductive scaffold in LDGraft, which received a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) breakthrough device designation in 2023.

CEO John von Benecke said: “This oversubscribed funding round underscores the significant investor confidence in the company’s vision and the potential of LDGraft to become the most relied-on bone graft substitute globally.”

“With the rapidly ageing global population, there is an urgent need for products that address chronic, progressive, and debilitating back pain,” added von Benecke. “With a design inspired by nature for a more biomimetic approach to the release of rhBMP-2, we are incredibly excited about the potential of LDGraft. The RESTORE clinical trial is an important step towards realising that ambition.”

Jonathan Earl, investor at BGF, said: “Locate Bio has demonstrated significant progress in its drive towards developing innovative solutions that address a wide range of musculoskeletal needs. Their approach represents a significant breakthrough in this field and we look forward to providing continued support for the business as it moves through clinical trials and towards regulatory approval.”

Alex Gwyther, investor at Mercia Ventures, said: “We have long believed in Locate Bio’s mission to develop next generation orthobiologics that can transform patients’ lives. We are pleased to see both the progress in the technology and the world-class team that the company has brought together.”

Frasers Group to commence new share buyback programme

Tess Egginton
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Frasers Group to commence new share buyback programme

Shirebrook-based Frasers Group is set to commence a new share buyback programme with Jefferies International Limited. 

The aggregate purchase price of all shares acquired will be no greater than £80m.

The maximum number of shares that may be purchased will be 10,000,000 ordinary shares.

The purpose of the programme is to reduce the share capital of the company.

The shares repurchased by the company will be held in treasury pending cancellation or re-issue.

Yorkshire law firm acquired by Castle Donnington counterpart

Tess Egginton
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Yorkshire law firm acquired by Castle Donnington counterpart
A Yorkshire law firm has been acquired by a Castle Donnington-based counterpart, creating a 60 plus-strong workforce and paving the way for future expansion. WLR Law has purchased commercial, media, and sports law expert Front Row Legal (FRL) for an undisclosed fee. Claire Dibb, WLR group CFO – who has worked with several legal firms in Yorkshire and across the UK, providing commercial financial management & CFO leadership to both SME & corporate clients – will be part of the Board of Directors, to help drive future growth. Richard Cramer, FRL Managing Director, says: “This seamless integration of our expertise and resources is a remarkable opportunity to elevate our client offerings and tap into WLR Law’s vast resources. “I’m thrilled to embark on this journey which will set new benchmarks for legal services in our focused sectors – further refining our approach to meet the evolving needs of our clients with even greater precision and care.” Richard adds: “The new combined workforce will be around 60 – greatly enhancing the scope of services we can offer. We’re always looking to recruit quality professionals, and I’m confident this acquisition is just the start of an ongoing expansion plan to create additional jobs in the coming years.” Martin Collins, WLR Law principal MD and board director, says: “This merger is a celebration of shared values and our unwavering commitment to client success. Together we’re perfectly poised to drive further innovation in the way legal advice is delivered, improving the impact and accessibility for our clients.”
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