- Assess the level and treatment of potential profits.
- Attempt to reduce the overall potential tax liability.
- Review capital expenditure and maximise the use of tax allowances.
- Consider tax efficient remuneration and pension contributions for directors/owners.
- Consider bonuses for staff and directors (actual payment may be made up to 9 months after the year-end).
- Consider the basis for profit extraction including dividend payments.
- Review directors’ loan accounts and act on these as necessary.
- Consider and influence the timings of transactions.
- Review and consider catching up with revenue expenditure (e.g. maintenance, mileage claims, etc.).
Could you and your business get greater value from your year-end? By James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants
James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, helps you gain more value from your year-end.
Not to be confused with the tax year-end, which is 5 April each year, the year-end date for your business is specific to you. The largest proportions of businesses tend to opt for either a 31 December or 31 March year-end.
Typically, most businesses, when it comes to their year-end, will focus primarily on finance and financial reporting, with directors, owners, and shareholders keen to know the financial outcome. Those charged with financial reporting will both be considering the preparation of financial statements as well as any potential financial year-end planning. This for many is often a task carried out hand in hand with their external accountants or auditors and tends to be a process which aims to:
ONYX awarded inaugural Made in the UK, Sold to the World Award
Nottingham-based ONYX Insight has been recognised by the UK government’s Department for International Trade for its export strategy.
Recognised in the digital category, ONYX was awarded an inaugural ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ award. The company demonstrated how its innovative technology is used to help the wind industry work better and smarter, accelerating the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.
ONYX Insight’s CEO Bruce Hall received the award from Thulani Simbani, International Trade Adviser for English Regions – The Midlands, Department for Business and Trade, at the company’s headquarters on the University of Nottingham campus.
ONYX Insight provides expert data monitoring and engineering consultancy services to those in the wind industry across the globe, in addition to research and development into new technologies and products worldwide.
Bruce Hall, CEO, ONYX Insight, said: “This award is a great recognition of how ONYX Insight, an SME headquartered in Nottingham, has created a world-leading predictive maintenance solution that is used by six out of the top 10 OEMs in the wind industry around the globe. A technology solution with an engineering approach that is lowering the cost of energy, making wind energy more efficient and affordable for the world.”
New designer joins Blueprint Interiors
Workplace consultants and office fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors has appointed Maninder LLoyla Lupton as a project designer.
Maninder, who lives in Derby, holds a BSC in Interior Architectural Design and has been working freelance since 2016. She has been involved in many projects ranging from conceptual ideas right through to detailed design planning for the commercial fit-out of offices, hospitality and retail venues.
Initially, she will be providing maternity cover and will be working alongside the Blueprint team to understand their client needs and translate them into creative yet functional workspaces that inspire people to be motivated at work.
The company, which is based in Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, recently celebrated its 22nd anniversary and so far in 2023 has completed a number of high profile office fit out projects for the region’s top 200 companies. These included Melton Building Society, Worldline, Horiba Mira and Gleeds. Their HQ called WorkLife Central has recently undergone refurbishment to showcase the latest workplace design trends, furniture, tech and well-being aesthetics.
Commenting on her new role Maninder said: “Most workplaces in the UK (post covid) have had to consider a much needed shake up. There is no doubt in my mind that Blueprint Interiors can help businesses embrace this need for change.
“They place a lot of importance on wellbeing and understand that creating the right environment for an evolving workforce can make it an enjoyable and productive space. Now I get to enjoy working from WorkLife Central myself, it is evident that everyone here knows what they are talking about.”
In her spare time Maninder is a huge foodie so loves trying new flavours and cooking. Travelling also makes her happy and she enjoys getting lost in a new city or town with a camera. She has also volunteered with two charities in Mexico for 5 months, living with a Mexican family and is a 3rd degree black belt in kickboxing.
The Access Group acquires ResDiary to extend hospitality proposition
Access Hospitality, part of the Loughborough-headquartered Access Group, has acquired ResDiary, a provider of bookings and table management software to clients in the hospitality sector, with a particular focus on European and ANZ markets.
ResDiary’s booking and table management platform supports over 9,000 venues by maximising reservations, reducing no-shows and unlocking venue potential. The acquisition will expand the suite of products that Access Hospitality offers operators of hospitality venues, who will benefit from a greater range of solutions that best suits their bookings and table management requirements.
Henry Seddon, Managing Director of Access Hospitality, said: “We are delighted to add ResDiary to the Access Hospitality division. As well as enabling us to offer customers a greater range of tailored products to best suit their requirements, the acquisition will enable us to expand into new territories and introduce our suite of connected solutions to new customers, given ResDiary’s strength in European and ANZ markets.
“We have been particularly impressed with the strength and experience of the ResDiary management team and look forward to welcoming our new colleagues into the Access Group.”
Colin Winning, CEO of ResDiary, said: “We are thrilled to become part of Access Hospitality, a division of The Access Group. The expertise and resources of The Access Group will undoubtedly fuel our collective success and empower us with a broader range of solutions with which to offer our customers. We look forward to the opportunities and achievements ahead as we embark on this transformative new chapter together.”
Shadow Skills and Further Education Minister visits UK’s first Nuclear Skills Facility in Derby
Toby Perkins MP, Shadow Minister for Skills and Further Education, has toured the Nuclear Skills Academy in Derby, the UK’s first dedicated facility for training the next generation of nuclear engineers.
The Academy, which welcomed its first apprentices in September 2022, was established by Rolls-Royce, the University of Derby and industry partners including Derby City Council, Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (NAMRC), and the National College for Nuclear.
The Academy will create a dedicated pipeline of talent to support the United Kingdom’s submarine fleet, and the new AUKUS submarine for the Australian Royal Navy. The power and propulsion for the current fleet is manufactured by Rolls-Royce from its Raynesway facility in Derby.
Toby Perkins, Member of Parliament for Chesterfield, toured the Nuclear Skills Academy and met with apprentices who are currently enrolled at the Academy. During his visit, he also participated in a roundtable discussion with representatives from the University, Rolls-Royce and University Alliance – of which the University is a member – on plans for building the UK’s future workforce.
Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “The University has played a key leading role in the development of the Nuclear Skills Academy, and we are delighted with its success to date.
“Through our apprenticeship delivery, we are producing a pipeline of outstanding graduates and engineering technicians, who are ready to meet regional and national skills needs now and in the future. By working in close partnership with industry and responding to their needs, we have together created a highly effective model that can help address the UK’s nuclear skills challenge.”
Toby Perkins MP, Shadow Minister for Skills and Further Education, said: “It was wonderful to visit the Nuclear Skills Academy today and take a tour of the facility. It was great to meet some of the apprentices at the site and to discuss with staff their future plans for apprenticeships and skills.”
Lee Warren, Engineering & Technology Director at Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd, said: “As a former apprentice myself, I know how valuable it is to learn and develop through both education and on-the-job training. As we come to the end of our first academic year at the Nuclear Skills Academy, I have been delighted by the passion, commitment and proficiency of our apprentices. Their enthusiasm is contagious and I look forward to what the next academic year will bring.”
Vanessa Wilson, Chief Executive of University Alliance, said: “The Nuclear Skills Academy is one of the best examples of how University Alliance members like the University of Derby are working with industry to deliver high-level skills for the future.
“The world is changing faster than ever. We will need high-level skills, research and innovation to build a thriving green economy and healthy society for the future. It is essential that government takes a long-term strategic view of the knowledge and skills we need as a country, and works closely with universities, industry and employers to meet those needs and enable the path to innovation and opportunity.”
Earlier this year, the University of Derby and Rolls-Royce won the ‘Employer & Training Provider Partnership Award’ at the UK Nuclear Skills Awards 2023, in recognition of the strong partnership working between the two organisations on the Nuclear Skills Academy.
Ratcliffe on Soar power station site granted planning permission to fast-track investment
The Ratcliffe on Soar power station site has received Local Development Order (LDO) planning permission status that could fast-track new investment, green industry and business projects and potentially create thousands of permanent highly-skilled jobs.
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Full Council meeting passed a vote in favour of the order at a meeting yesterday (July 13).
The power station, owned by international energy company Uniper, will close at the end of September 2024 in line with government policy to end coal-fired power generation.
The LDO could now increase the speed at which planning processes could be progressed for a range of modern industrial uses and the vision for the site sets out guiding principles by which any development could be brought forward, including:
- A zero-carbon technology and energy hub for the East Midlands
- Highly skilled, well-paid jobs
- Modern industry and business uses, served by on-site sustainable energy generation and storage
- Advanced manufacturing and low-carbon energy production, for example to produce electric car batteries
- A hub for research, development, and innovation, through links with universities, business support organisations and established industry.
The Access Group expands hotel sector offerings with acquisition
Access Hospitality, part of Loughborough-headquartered Access Group, has acquired Guestline, a hotel distribution and operations platform provider.
Guestline’s cloud software platform supports over 2,900 venues in 23 countries, through its end-to-end distribution, property management and guest experience system.
The acquisition presents an opportunity for Access to expand the range of products that it is able to offer hotel operators.
Henry Seddon, Managing Director of Access Hospitality, said: “We are delighted to welcome Guestline to the Access Group. As well as enhancing our ability to serve the requirements of hotel customers through the provision of a tailored product that fulfils their operational needs, the acquisition will enable us to expand into new territories, given Guestline’s strength in European and international markets.
“We have been particularly impressed with the strength and experience of the Guestline management team and look forward to welcoming our new colleagues into the Access Group.”
Andrew McGregor, CEO of Guestline, said: “Guestline and Access are a natural fit and we are very excited to be joining the Group. The combined Group’s cloud software solution will provide the most comprehensive set of capabilities in the market, making a real difference to hoteliers across the globe.
“We look forward to working together to expand further into our existing European and Asia Pacific markets which offer very significant growth opportunities.”
Karsten Langer, Riverside Europe managing partner, added: “The sale of Guestline marks the sixth exit achieved by the Riverside Europe team over the past 18 months, and again demonstrates our ability to support leading mid-market businesses through organic and inorganic growth initiatives.
“Despite the challenges of Brexit and Covid-19, Guestline’s revenue and earnings more than doubled during our investment period.”
County Council votes through plans to move civic and democratic base
Nottinghamshire County Council has voted to move its civic and democratic base to a new building near Hucknall to bring long-term savings for the taxpayer and environment.
The decision comes off the back of a review which has found that it is no longer practical to keep the building, which opened in 1946, as the Council’s main base in the long-term, as it will be too expensive to maintain and improve to meet the Council’s environmental ambitions. With the rise of home working, the building also is now too large for the Council’s needs.
County Hall costs more than £1.7m to operate and maintain each year and requires essential maintenance costing more than £30m over the next 12 years, with up to a further £28m needed to bring the building up to modern environmental standards.
The Council’s new low carbon, all-electric office near Hucknall, which has already had full planning permission, will be the new home of the council’s civic, democratic and leadership functions after being approved at yesterday’s Full Council meeting (13 July).
Construction will start later this year and should be completed by winter 2024/25. The building is also earmarked to be the new home of two key council front line services, the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) for vulnerable children and adults, and the council’s customer service centre, which handles all public enquiries.
Nottinghamshire County Council Leader, Councillor Ben Bradley, MP explains: “County Hall is an old building which is too expensive to operate and maintain and would cost tens of millions of taxpayers’ money to make it viable for the future, which we of course can’t justify. We want to spend that money on public services, not on running office buildings.
“We are looking to the future. This move will help ensure that we have sustainable finances, and also mean that the decision-making function of this Council is based in the very heart of our county. That will help to bring jobs, skills and investment into the Hucknall area.
“It’s still too early to comment on the future of County Hall, but we will be speaking to our staff and partners about all the options for the future. Being an iconic Nottinghamshire landmark with a riverside location along the Trent, makes it a very attractive site. But whatever happens, its heritage will be respected.”
Nottinghamshire County Councillor Keith Girling, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Asset Management, said: “We have to make this decision and investment now to save taxpayers’ money in the long run.
“Like other councils in the county and the region, we are faced with a decision to leave a building which has been synonymous with the Council for many decades but is no longer fit for purpose.
“County Hall is often only around a third full, so it is not being used to its full potential, with many of our staff continuing to work productively from home which adheres to our hybrid model of working.
“We have looked into all the options and none of our current buildings have the potential to host a public meeting space or facilities needed for our democratic and civic functions.
“We already had plans for new, low carbon buildings near Hucknall for front-line services, so it makes sense to update the designs to also accommodate a wider civic function ahead of these offices being built.
“We will continue to have a major base in West Bridgford as we have no plans to move out of Trent Bridge House.”
Due to inflation, rising costs in the construction industry and additional design costs to potentially incorporate the civic and democratic function, the office building near Hucknall is now estimated to cost £18.3m.
Councillor Keith Girling added: “This project is good value. We will save significant sums on running costs in the new building compared with County Hall, and, of course, by looking at future options for County Hall, we’ll save more than £50m in maintenance and refurbishment costs.”
The new building will be all-electric and built to standards which will rank the building within the top 10 per cent of new UK (non-domestic) buildings in terms of environmental sustainability.
Thanks to a low carbon design, high insulation levels and heat absorbing features, heating bills will be kept as low as possible. This design will also help keep the building cool in the warmer months, so no air-conditioning will be installed. Rooftop solar panels will also help generate electricity.
These plans are part of a wider buildings’ programme which aims to save taxpayers’ money by creating more carbon-neutral council buildings, generating income by leasing older buildings with higher running-costs and co-locating with other public organisations.
The new office is being designed and managed by Arc Partnership and delivered through Arc’s construction partner, Balfour Beatty.
Food manufacturer starts consultation on closure of Melton Mowbray facility
Samworth Brothers’ plant-based Revolution Kitchen site in Melton Mowbray could be set to close.
The food manufacturer has entered into a consultation with employees regarding its plans to shutter the facility as Revolution Kitchen continues to make significant losses.
According to reports in The Grocer, a declining market has been highlighted as a reason for the consultation, which comes as several other suppliers exit the category.
Almost 170 employees would be affected.
In a statement Samworth Brothers noted that no decisions have yet been made. In the event of a closure, the business hopes opportunities will be available for a number staff at its other Leicestershire sites.
East Midlands’ SMEs to have their say in flagship The Future of the High Street survey
Small businesses in the East Midlands are being invited to have their say on the future of the high street, by taking part in a UK-wide survey by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) on issues such as business rate relief, public transport and parking, access to cash and street cleaning.
The findings will be analysed, and recommendations then submitted to national, regional and local government to help the region’s high streets to flourish into the future. The survey will run from 13 July to the 27 July and can be found at https://www.fsbbigvoice.co.uk/FSBHighStreetsSurvey
FSB development manager, Natalie Gasson-McKinley MBE, said: “I encourage all small businesses in the East Midlands to spare a few minutes to take part in the FSB Future of the High Street survey.
“High streets are essential for small businesses, providing a platform for commerce and a sense of community pride, as well as opportunities for social interaction, events, and cultural activities.
“Sustainable high streets are key to a flourishing region and the surrounding areas. The more responses we get from businesses across the East Midlands, the better their specific views can underpin recommendations.”
The public highly values small businesses on the high street, according to recent research by FSB and Public First; a majority of respondents said that small businesses were more important than large businesses for the following categories: keeping traditional craft and skills alive (78%), pride in local communities (76%), providing unique services and products (72%), and growing the local economy (57%).
Previous policy research by FSB has been central to understanding small business experience and perceptions of high streets and the policies impacting them. An FSB policy report Streets Ahead (March 2020) highlighted small business experiences of the high street before the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey found that at least 33% per cent of businesses in East Midlands were operated on or next to their local high street, representing a significant and important section of the region’s small business sector.
East Midlands leaders hopeful of potential impact of Investment Zones
As we approach one year since Investment Zones were first announced by then-chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng in the Autumn ‘mini-budget’, mid-market business leaders in the East Midlands are encouraged by the blueprint for what it could mean for the selected regions.
In Grant Thornton’s latest Business Outlook Tracker survey, over half of business leaders in the East Midlands (56%) said that they believe the introduction of Investment Zones will help towards the government’s Levelling Up agenda.
A significant number of respondents also said that being located within one of the Zones would help support the local region, with factors such as job creation and skills development (62%) and 72% said being located within an Investment Zone would be beneficial to local businesses in the area.
Investment Zones provide a number of financial incentives to local businesses in the area and a clear majority (62%) of East Midlands business leaders believe that these incentives, such as Stamp Duty Land Tax relief and 100% Business Rates relief, are focused on the right areas to encourage business investment. Additionally, over half (63%) also believe that being located within an Investment Zone would encourage businesses to stay within the local area.
However, the survey also revealed that business leaders in the East Midlands believe that the twelve proposed locations are not completely adequate, with 60% of business leaders believing that there should be more Investment Zones located in other areas in the UK.
Currently, eight of the twelve proposed Investment Zones will be in England with at least one of the remaining four in each of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Eight have already been shortlisted in England, including the East Midlands.
James Brown, practice leader for Grant Thornton UK LLP in the East Midlands, said: “It is great to see that businesses across the East Midlands are welcoming our region being one of the chosen locations for an Investment Zone. Together, with the creation of a new Mayoral Combined Authority, these mechanisms will help our region take greater control of its own destiny and overcome some of the issues that have held back growth in recent history.
“For example, we can achieve so much more by fostering better cross-sector working practices. We hope that this new Investment Zone will enable greater collaboration between our forward-thinking businesses and our six brilliant universities, helping us to deliver a stronger regional economy and support the creation of a talented workforce fit for the industries of the future.
“Our region is blessed to have Nottingham – which is becoming a real leader in low-carbon technologies – yet it is vital that businesses throughout the entire East Midlands region feel the benefit of the Investment Zone, and at Grant Thornton we look forward to working with businesses of all sizes across the six East Midlands counties to ensure every opportunity is seized upon.”
New Lubbesthorpe local centre and care home gains planning permission
Developer Charterpoint, in a joint venture with landowner, The Drummond Trust, has received planning permission to build a new local centre and a 66-bed care home at New Lubbesthorpe, a new community in Blaby, Leicestershire.The mixed-use development features a two-storey local centre which will house a Sainsbury’s Local store and four additional units for retail, including a café/bistro on the ground floor. The first floor will be occupied by Forest House Medical Centre.The scheme also includes a 66-bedroom luxury care home to be built over two and three storeys, which will be delivered by senior living specialist Charterpoint.
Now Blaby District Council has approved the detailed designs for the scheme – giving the green light for the development of both the care home and New Lubbesthorpe Local Centre, which is the first retail scheme for the new community.The local centre and care home – designed by Franklin Ellis Architects – will complete the development of the Tay Road feature square that also includes New Lubbesthorpe Primary School.Charterpoint MD Giles Nursey said: “We are delighted to have received planning permission for this scheme which will deliver New Lubbesthorpe’s first local centre and a state-of-the-art care home for the community.
“New Lubbesthorpe is an exciting, vibrant community set in a great countryside location just 20 minutes from Leicester city centre and ten minutes from Fosse Park Retail Centre. Our scheme, in conjunction with the Drummond Trust, will bring much-needed new local facilities to the development.”
New Lubbesthorpe will eventually feature more than 4,000 new homes.
Martin Ward, development agent for the Drummond Trust, said: “The Drummond Trust welcomes the granting of planning permission, the culmination of many years work by the Trust and our development partners Charterpoint, which will enable delivery of much-needed facilities for this growing and vibrant community.”
It is expected that work will begin on site later this year for the new local centre and the care home now that full planning permission has been granted.
Nominate the region’s Most Active Estate Agents for the prestigious East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
Property and construction leaders from across the region will descend on Trent Bridge Cricket Ground on Thursday 28 September for East Midlands Business Link’s Bricks Awards.
The prestigious annual event recognises development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools.
With nominations open until Thursday 31 August, and 10 categories available to enter, ensure to take this opportunity to shine a light on your projects and team, reward their hard work, and boost morale.
One of this year’s categories is Most Active Estate Agent, which can be entered here.
The winner of this category will be the Estate Agents who has had the biggest impact on the commercial property sector over the last 12 months, whether that be in deals done, quality of any given deal, or excellent customer service.
Last year the award was won by specialist land development and property consultancy Mather Jamie. Amy Biddell, director at Mather Jamie, said: “Apparently this category had so many entries that whittling it down to the three finalists was really hard to do, but we were told that we were chosen as the outright winner because of our impressive track record of supporting clients to maximise the value of their property assets for the longest timeframe.
“Judges were also impressed by our commitment to the community, particularly our fundraising efforts during our 30th anniversary year when over £55,000 was raised for local charities. It would not be right to accept this award without giving credit to everyone in our commercial, development and agricultural teams who have worked so hard to make this award win possible by providing a high level of strategic land development advice as well as rural and commercial agency and property management services.”
Runners up included OMEETO and BB&J Commercial.
This year’s Most Active Estate Agent award will be sponsored by OMS. Speaking with Business Link, a spokesperson for OMS said: “OMS are delighted to be sponsoring the Bricks Awards again this year, an annual East Midlands event.
“It is wonderful to see and hear about all of the nominations within the awards and how they have made a great impact on the area with their work and projects completed and we are proud to be a part of it.”
Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 28 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region.
Other award categories open for entry include: Commercial Development of the Year, Contractor of the Year, Responsible Business of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Developer of the Year, Deal of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, and Sustainable Development of the Year. All entry forms can be accessed here.
The Overall Winner award will also be presented at the event. This award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated. The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 will also receive a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
To be held at:
Submit your nominations for Most Active Estate Agent here before entries close on Thursday 31 August.
Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 28 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region.
Other award categories open for entry include: Commercial Development of the Year, Contractor of the Year, Responsible Business of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Developer of the Year, Deal of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, and Sustainable Development of the Year. All entry forms can be accessed here.
The Overall Winner award will also be presented at the event. This award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated. The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 will also receive a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
Book your tickets now
Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 – click here to secure yours. The special awards evening and networking event will be held on Thursday 28 September 2023 in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. Connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region, and hear from Mike Denby, Director of Inward Investment and Place Marketing at Leicester City Council, our keynote speaker. Dress code is standard business attire. Thanks to our sponsors:
To be held at:
A window pane in the you know what… by Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR
Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR, speaks on missed opportunities.
I blame George Formby. I’ve done this before (sorry George) but I’m afraid it’s happened again. Just this morning.
A few years back, I wrote about a chap doing a job at my neighbour’s who was “trying to earn an honest bob” – cue capering about with a ukelele.
Now it is not often one gets to quote George Formby in a column about PR and Marketing, but I did then and I will do so again now because I hope it gets you thinking.
I needed a regular window cleaner but there was never anyone advertising these services in or around our village. I also needed some guttering looking at.
So imagine my joy when I spot a chap up his ladders next door doing that exact thing. I waited until he was safe and shouted up to him, mere feet from the ground at the time.
Greg: “Could you pop over and look at mine after you’re finished there?”
Formby: “I probably can but I might have to shoot off.”
Greg: “Ah, do you have a business card?”
Formby: “No.”
Greg: “Er, can I take a mobile number and I’ll drop you a text then?”
Formby: “Tell you what. I’ll come over now.”
Now, I didn’t expect him to abandon one job or really want him to at that stage, but he was a lovely chap and we soon got chatting. He was actually a window cleaner, but he adds gutter cleaning to his services as he already has the ladders out. Excellent work George!
If we look at his marketing in terms of the 4 Ps – Product, Place, Price and Promotion, he’s really struggling with the latter as he has no card, no branded van, no local advertising or website, no social media channels, not even a branded t-shirt but he has the Product/s.
He also has the Place as he told me he has a very fixed radius which he moves around to keep things fresh. When I asked him about Price, my initial thought was that he was actually TOO CHEAP which made me worry about quality, safety and reliability a bit but it wasn’t going to cost me much to trial him so that has opened up a prospective client for him.
So we agreed he’d pop over once a month and he’d send me his BACS details so we could set it all up. That WAS a smart move. He gets a regular guaranteed job and gets paid on time, no delays and I get a feeling of certainty.
As he went back next door he suggested I could tackle some of my patio areas with a pressure washer – “it’s what I use.” Well…I COULD but maybe HE could charge me more and do that for me too whilst he’s over? I decided to ‘leave that on the table’ as they say in sales but he didn’t bite, probably because he was halfway up a ladder again next door.
I wonder, how many of you miss opportunities to diversify your offering or make it easier to buy from you as you are too focused on doing the day-job ‘stuff’ and not looking at the marketing? By the way, he never sent me the BACS details.
Fast forward to today and I have just cancelled my old window cleaner at my new place because lovely though he was, he insisted on cash in hand and never told me when we was coming. The cash and his decisions around HMRC are his business, that isn’t what put me off. The issue was his lack of reliability and making it really hard to actually do business with him.
I wanted him to come MORE often, he wants to come when it suits him and expects me to have £25 to hand in cash. I’ve now replaced him with a chap who is more expensive and insists on a direct debit. This makes things easier for me, so the deal was done. Remember, it’s not all about the money.
A former business journalist, Greg Simpson is the author of The Small Business Guide to PR and has been recognised as one of the UK’s top 5 PR consultants, having set up Press for Attention PR in 2008.
He has worked for FTSE 100 firms, charities and start-ups and conducted press conferences with Sir Richard Branson and James Caan. His background ensures a deep understanding of every facet of a successful PR campaign – from a journalist’s, client’s, and consultant’s perspective.
See this column in the July edition of East Midlands Business Link Magazine here.
Independent review points to benefits of Rolls-Royce SMR technology
An independent report by Aurora Energy has shown the wide-ranging benefits that a fleet of Rolls-Royce Small Modular Power plants can deliver as part of the UK’s efforts to strengthen energy security, lower household bills and reach net-zero targets through the 2030s.
Alastair Evans, Rolls-Royce SMR’s Government and Corporate Affairs Director, said: “Rolls-Royce SMR’s unique ‘factory-built’ solution brings innovation to the design and delivery of nuclear power plants, to reduce risk and increase delivery certainty.
“This is an enlightening report that clearly shows how, with a commitment from Government to deploy a fleet of small modular reactors, we can make a hugely positive impact on security of supply, decarbonisation and the cost of energy.”
Amid fresh concerns around gas and electricity price rises, and with researchers expecting prices to remain above their pre-crisis levels until the late 2030’s, the Aurora research revealed that a fleet of SMRs would lower wholesale power prices and almost remove the need to build new gas fired power stations.
Working alongside existing intermittent renewables, SMRs would provide consistent low-carbon energy, significantly reducing exposure to the volatility in supply and cost of imported gas. The UK Government has a target to make the power sector net zero by 2035. However, the Committee on Climate Change has highlighted that, on the current rate of progress, the UK will miss this. This gap would be closed significantly by the rollout of Rolls-Royce SMRs throughout the 2030s.
Rolls-Royce SMR is making progress through the independent regulatory Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process to secure consent for their technology to operate in the UK.
Cameron Homes builds new village hall for local community in Breedon on the Hill
Homebuilder, Cameron Homes, has built a new £500,000 village hall for the Breedon on the Hill Parish Council creating a central hub for the local community, alongside its new development of 52 homes.
This month, the village hall was officially handed over by representatives from Cameron Homes including Adrian Harrison, the development’s site manager and the Breedon on the Hill Parish Chairman, Ray Morris.
The village hall is located within the Cameron Homes Highwoods Green development, which includes 52 four and five bedroom homes. This is the first purpose built facility in the parish, enabling them to host free activities, run local initiatives and provide a central hub for charities, families, and the community to use.
With sustainable living in mind, facilities at the village hall have been futureproofed to ensure low running costs and high levels of environmentally friendly innovation, including heat pumps, solar panels, and underfloor heating.
Adrian Harrison, site manager at the Cameron Homes Highwoods Green development, said: “Cameron Homes has been working with the local parish council and community for several years whilst building has taken place at the development in Breedon on the Hill, with recent activity including the Platinum Jubilee and coronation events in the village. We’re delighted to now hand over the village hall and provide them with a purpose-built space in the centre of Breedon on the Hill.
“At Cameron Homes, and the Tara Group by extension, all developments are centred around the community and building positive environments. This new village hall will allow local people, groups, and charities to come together, host events and enjoy a fantastic modern space.”
Ray Morris, Local District Councillor and Breedon on the Hill Parish Chairman, added: “We are truly grateful for the generosity and hard work shown by Cameron Homes in the lead-up to the hand over. The hall has been built to an exceptional standard, with amenities that will be utilised by the parish far into the future.”
The Highwoods Green development is set to be completed this month.
High street opening for growing business
Long Eaton-based More Than Loft Ladders has opened its first High Street premises to raise the profile of the specialist services it offers locally and to provide a base for its UK-wide franchise.
More Than Loft Ladders in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire is now headed up by Kelly Hobbs whilst her husband, entrepreneur Liam Hobbs, is focusing on expanding the franchise network. Both are now based in the High Street, Long Eaton.
Mr Hobbs said: “These are exciting times for More Than Loft Ladders both in this area and across the franchise network.
“Kelly is committed to expanding the business serving Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire and the High Street premises will be a useful shop window for customers to see for themselves the quality of the work that we do and the advantages of opening up loft space both for extra room and storage in people’s homes.
“The location in Long Eaton with easy motorway access will be ideal for our growing franchise network across the UK who we regularly welcome here for training and support sessions.”
Kelly Hobbs continued that loft storage conversions was a growing market with homeowners keen to put wasted space at the top of their homes to good use either for storage or, for example, a hobby space.
“We have built our reputation over the years by offering the full service and, as the name suggests – we are more than a loft ladder company.
“Although this is obviously an important feature, we also install hatches, part or full loft boarding insultation, lighting and smoke alarms to transform dark and forgotten lofts into usable space.
“It also makes financial sense to insulate a loft rather than see money on heating bills literally fly through the roof.
“Furthermore, the volatile mortgage market also means that many people are more likely to expand the living space they have now at an affordable price rather than moving and taking on bigger payments.”
Major expansion progresses for Chesterfield cold storage provider
Magnavale, the providers of temperature-controlled storage, has made significant progress on the construction of a new extension at its Chesterfield cold storage facility.
The provider of temperature-controlled storage solutions is currently working on numerous projects that aim to reshape the cold storage sector, creating sustainable storage solutions.
Following a recent announcement of the company’s £130m development at Easton, Grantham, and the significant expansion at its site in Holmewood, Chesterfield, Magnavale is making significant strides towards its Net Zero goals.
Since breaking ground earlier this year, the project at Magnavale’s Chesterfield facility has reached several important milestones, bringing the UK project closer to the expected completion date of late 2024.
Site excavation on the new facility has been successfully completed, and the concrete foundations have been poured. Over the course of the summer, Magnavale’s team will shift its focus towards the steelwork construction of the cold store.
On completion, the expansion will add a significant 25,000 pallet positions to the cold store’s existing capacity of 40,000, bringing the total pallet capacity of the facility to 65,000. This will make it one of the largest cold stores in the area.
This expansion will not only accommodate the increasing volumes of Magnavale’s existing customers but also open doors to new customers wanting to utilise Magnavale’s temperature-controlled facilities and value-added services.
The facility features one of the most comprehensive portfolios of value-added services, encompassing, blast freezing, microwave up-tempering and contract packing.
Trading in line with expectations at Dr. Martens
Dr. Martens has started its new financial year with trading in line with expectations.
The Northamptonshire shoe brand has seen “very good growth” in both EMEA and APAC, with “continued strength in retail as traffic recovers post covid,” and good ecommerce growth.
Wholesale revenues, however, were lower year-on-year. Dr. Martens said this includes the impact of the strategic decisions to reduce EMEA etailer supply and cease sales to the China distributor ahead of the contract end.
Meanwhile, Americas revenues were lower year-on-year, driven by wholesale, in line with expectations. The company noted: “Addressing our performance in this region remains our number one priority for FY24. In Americas DTC, the actions we’re taking are progressing to plan, and we continue to expect that it will take until the second half to see a meaningful improvement here.”
Funding won to unlock support for local business
Four Derby organisations have won Government funding to deliver tailor-made programmes of support for local businesses.
East Midlands Chamber, Marketing Derby, the University of Derby and the Council’s Employment and Skills team will each benefit from a share of £2.3m from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). Their combined programmes aim to create 600 jobs and bring significant investment to the city over the next two years.
Back in March a range of experienced support providers responded to the Council’s open call for applications to deliver bespoke projects to help businesses grow and advance. Applicants were assessed on agreed criteria, including value for money, proposed outcomes and relevant experience of successfully delivering local support previously.
The process called on stakeholders and partners including local businesses to outline the most pressing local challenges and asked for their thoughts on projects and initiatives that could address them. This identified four priority areas:
- Early years (£345k) – Programmes to enable entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses in their first years in Derby
- Sector opportunities (£1.13m) – Programmes that champion innovation in product, process or service delivery, enabling companies to develop
- Inward investment (£600k) – A marketing programme to bring new key sector companies or to support new external investment into the city
- Recruitment and skills (£300k) – Funding for supporting roles that help with recruitment and skills provision and growth and scale-up advice
