Tech executives remain confident to continue digital investment, finds new report

Steve Fisher
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Tech executives remain confident to continue digital investment, finds new report

Despite the challenging economic landscape, businesses are accelerating their investment in digital, according to the findings of a new KPMG global technology survey.

The survey of 2,200 tech executives, including 100 in the UK, has highlighted that despite rising costs, economic uncertainty, geopolitical turmoil, and a global talent challenge – businesses are advancing their digital transformation journeys and plan to invest heavily in the next few years.

Sixty-seven percent of those surveyed globally expect to embrace emerging technology platforms in the next two years. Other headline findings from UK respondents to the survey by KPMG include:

  • 79 percent say their organisations are currently migrating strategic workloads to the cloud.
  • Over the next 12 months, customer and user experience is the key focus area of investment for 52 percent.
  • 74 percent believe that technology debts do not inhibit their firm’s future IT investments and are in fact, pivotal for their organisations to grow and evolve.

Ian West, head of technology and alliances at KPMG UK said: “The findings from our new survey indicate that despite global headwinds, businesses still see it as critical to invest in new and emerging technologies to drive transformation and growth in their businesses.”

Businesses are already making plans to embrace the technologies of the future

Organisations are poised to invest heavily in emerging technology and digital transformation, despite tense operating conditions. Survey respondents expressed a bold vision for what they could do across a broad expanse of new technologies: crypto, the metaverse, Web3, NFTs, quantum computing, VR/AR, 5G, and edge computing.

In the next 6-12 months 39 percent of UK respondents said that they plan to invest in cryptocurrencies, whereas in the next 1-2 years, 43 percent plan to invest in VR/AR technologies, followed by Web3 with 42 percent of UK respondents planning to invest. Looking more long-term, 47 percent of UK respondents are planning to invest in NFTs and the Metaverse in the next 3-5 years.

Over two-thirds (70 percent) of UK respondents indicated that they plan to outsource and/or partner with technology companies to build and deploy Metaverse and Web3 technologies. The majority of UK firms (54 percent) are waiting to invest in the Metaverse, with the primary trigger being when the technologies are more developed and more widely adopted.

“A revolution of emerging technology is set to unfold over the next several years. Proficiency in new and emerging technologies will be paramount to defending market share by enhancing customer experience and business resilience,” said Paul Henninger, head of data, AI and emerging technologies at KPMG UK. “Successful businesses of 2022 and beyond will be digital to the core.”

“While many companies remain hesitant to adopt some of these emerging technologies in their infancy, 2024 looks poised to be an inflection point for new technology acceptance.  And after five years, it will be the rare company that has not invested in every one of these tools that—while are still in the early days—look poised to reshape the business world,” Henninger added.

Amplifying customer centricity is the primary goal for investing in enterprise technology according to 51 percent (45 percent globally) of UK survey respondents.

Businesses planning to invest the most in customer experience, AI and Machine Learning 

Over the next 12 months, customer and user experience is the key focus area of investment for 52 percent of respondents in the UK (57 percent globally). This is closely followed by AI and machine learning at 48 percent. However, there is a shift expected in the next three years with AI and machine learning becoming the topmost priority for UK firms.

Henninger said: “As the amount of data accessible to businesses grows, adoption of AI and machine learning does too as businesses look at the best ways of processing and learning as much as they can from the data at their fingertips. Establishing a platform that can make data truly useful is central to improving customer experience and business efficiency.” 

Companies report high digital confidence and returns

The survey found that respondents are upbeat about what their business will achieve through transformation. Specifically, 68 percent of UK respondents (66 percent globally) say their organisations are very or extremely effective in using digital to support their businesses.

Meanwhile, nearly every single respondent reports a positive impact on profitability or performance from digital transformation over the past 24 months and a notable number are making serious gains. One in five respondents (20 percent) say their efforts have achieved profitability or performance increases of 11 percent or higher.

West said: “Digital transformation is less of a differentiator than it was. Nearly all organisations achieved some form of return from digital transformation in the last two years. It’s important to make sure that the success achieved so far doesn’t breed perfectionism that stifles innovation.”

“Digital investment and transformation strategies must always continue to adapt to new conditions and opportunities, or digital leadership won’t last long,” added Ian.

Enterprises are investing heavily in cloud, but face cultural resistance

Businesses of every size and sector are accelerating their move to the cloud to enhance the speed, agility, security and value of their IT investments.

79 percent of UK respondents say their organisations are currently migrating strategic workloads to the cloud. The benefits of cloud transformation are being seen by those businesses with 76 percent (80 percent globally), being satisfied or highly satisfied with the success of their cloud transformation programmes.

However, one of the top challenges being faced by respondents is cultural resistance to cloud migration, with this being faced by 35 percent of UK respondents in their cloud journeys.

“Most respondents are well into their cloud journey but there is still much to do. Satisfaction with cloud transformation to-date is largely positive, but value realisation has taken the form of cost reduction and efficiency gains and these don’t result from a pure technology shift. Rather, organisations need to focus on their ‘ways of working’ as they reach critical scale in their cloud journey,” said Priya Raju, director, cloud transformation – financial services at KPMG UK.

Raju added that tomorrow’s businesses will operate primarily on cloud infrastructure.
“As more companies transform with cloud at their core, the next competitive challenge will be accelerating migration, scaling up platforms, and maximising value of cloud,” she said.

Technology investment seen as pivotal for growth and evolution

Despite the global headwinds that businesses are having to navigate, there is a positive future outlook for technological investments and advancements. 74 percent of UK respondents believe that technology debts do not inhibit their firm’s future IT investments and are in fact, pivotal for their organisations to grow and evolve.

West added, “Businesses are understanding the importance of using technologies to retain customers and improve their market share. Technology looks to be an area of investment that will stay a priority because of the benefits it can have throughout an entire organisation; it is absolutely central to growth. Businesses must now look at how they can innovate and lead the way. The future will be won by businesses that find new ways to push the envelope with digital.”

 

Deloitte Midlands M&A team complete eight deals in six months

Michael Fisher
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Deloitte Midlands M&A team complete eight deals in six months
The M&A Lead Advisory team at Deloitte Midlands has reported a successful six months in which it completed eight significant deals across a range of sectors including industrials, manufacturing, and technology. Over half of the transactions involving overseas investors and buyers, including European finance provider Kartesia’s investment into the Darwin Group and the acquisition of global manufacturer Uni-Pol by high precision components manufacturer Doncasters. The team also completed a number of deals in the technology sector including Livingbridge’s investment in automotive retail software group CitNOW; the sale of geospatial mapping specialist GeoSLAM to US digital solutions group FARO Technologies, and advising the management team of advertising technology business Blis Group on the sale of the company to LDC. Whilst completing eight deals in six months was an exceptional result given current economic and geo-political uncertainty, the Midlands M&A Lead Advisory team is confident that mid-market deal activity will be robust and has invested in new talent to support and sustain future growth with the appointment of three new team members. An experienced manager and two new graduates will join the now 15-strong team of transaction specialists, which provide corporate finance advice to a range of clients including corporates, owner managers, management teams and private equity investors. Darren Boocock, partner and head of Deloitte Midlands M&A team, said: “We are delighted to have advised a range of fantastic clients to successfully complete important deals at a challenging time. Transactions invariably involve unexpected issues and clients look to experienced advisers, with an intimate knowledge of their sector, who can provide solutions and work closely with them to help deliver on their strategic objectives, whether that is value-enhancing acquisitions, raising funds to grow or more general planning for the future. “The expansion of our M&A Lead Advisory team across the Midlands will allow us to continue to support our clients with their most critical and strategically important decisions, and reaffirms our unwavering commitment to both Midlands’ economy and investment in future talent.”

Morley Hayes plays host to international training programme

Michael Fisher
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0
Morley Hayes plays host to international training programme
Award-winning Derbyshire hotel and golf complex, Morley Hayes has just played host to delegates from 13 different nations who visited the region for a special equipment training event. The four-day event was organised by Dennis Mowers and Sisis Equipment and attracted distributors from across the world who came to Morley Hayes to learn more about the Dennis and Sisis range of cylinder mowers and grounds maintenance equipment. Dennis Mowers and Sisis Equipment are both part of the Howardson Group, a leading British manufacturer, which supply professional grounds maintenance equipment to groundsmen, greenkeepers and gardeners across the globe. Delegates travelled to Derbyshire from as far afield as Australia, Mexico, Oman, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Columbia, South Africa, North America, Italy, Denmark and Iceland. Around 36 distributors attended each day of the training programme and were able to see demonstrations of the latest Dennis and Sisis equipment. The nine-hole Tower golf course was also used to demonstrate the key daily maintenance of an active golf course. During their down time, delegates enjoyed Morley Hayes’s extensive golf facilities, which also includes its championship length 18-hole Manor Course and a 17-bay all-weather floodlit driving range. They also dined in a private room within Morley Hayes’ Rooster Bar and held BBQs during their stay. Commenting on being selected to host the training programme, Andrew Allsop, managing director at Morley Hayes said: “We were delighted to have been chosen to host the training programme for Dennis Mowers and Sisis Equipment. The programme is considered a prestige event of the grass and turfing calendar and it was a pleasure to host our global visitors and give them a taste of Morley Hayes and Derbyshire.” Toby Clarke, international business director of Howardson, added: “Every year we stage a training programme for a group of distributors and this year’s was our biggest event to date. “Morley Hayes was the perfect venue and provided a great opportunity to get worldwide distributors together in one place to demonstrate our latest equipment. A lot of great networking and learning took place over our four day stay in Derbyshire. “Thanks go to Robert and Andrew Allsop and all the staff at Morley Hayes for providing us with the facilities and support to deliver this type of training. The quality of the hotel and the staff are absolutely first class and we wouldn’t go anywhere else now.” Morley Hayes is set in the stunning Derbyshire countryside overlooking parkland golf courses. It boasts a luxury four star, 32-bedroom hotel and a choice of three restaurants, including the award-winning two AA rosette Dovecote restaurant, Roosters and Spike Bar. Golf facilities include a championship length 18-hole Manor course, 9-hole Tower course, a newly refurbished 17 bay, all weather floodlit driving range, golf pavilion and a highly respected Golf Academy.

Local businessman plans nationwide expansion following franchise buy-out

Michael Fisher
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Local businessman plans nationwide expansion following franchise buy-out
A Long Eaton entrepreneur has bought the national franchise that he joined as a start-up business nine years ago with ambitious plans for UK-wide expansion. Liam Hobbs was the second franchise holder of More Than Loft Ladders when he took on the Nottinghamshire area in 2013. Since then, he has built up his business and added the Derbyshire and South Yorkshire areas, and now employs nine people at the Meadow Lane site – operating six vans across the area. The company, which has won several awards for customer service and feedback, will continue to provide loft storage conversions for homeowners across the three counties under the leadership of his Mr Hobbs’ wife, Kelly. Meanwhile, Mr Hobbs will support the seven More Than Loft Ladders franchise holders who cover a wide area from Liverpool to Northampton and he plans to expand the network with an enhanced package of business support. Mr Hobbs explained: “I have learnt a great deal about running and growing a business in the past nine years and I now want to focus my efforts on supporting the current and future More Than Loft Ladders franchise owners across the UK to achieve their goals. “We are developing enhanced support packages ranging from accounting to marketing that will be available to franchise holders and I will be actively recruiting hard working and ambitious tradespeople who are keen to take the plunge and start their own business supported by us. “I have also learnt how to deal personally with juggling business and family life and am keen to support other franchise holders on a personal level to ensure their mental wellbeing.” He 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. “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. “As a franchise business, 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. “With a solid reputation and growing customer demand, I am confident that our growth plans will be achieved, and I look forward to providing personal and practical support to the franchise holders across the UK.”

Hucknall manufacturer welcomes slice of £700m funding towards sustainable aviation

Steve Fisher
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Hucknall manufacturer welcomes slice of £700m funding towards sustainable aviation
ITP Aero, the Hucknall-based aviation propulsion manufacturer welcomes the decision of the European Union’s Clean Aviation programme to proceed with over €700m of funding for 20 aviation research and innovation programmes from across the industry. Following the evaluation of first Call for Proposals, a proportion of this funding, subject to successful completion of grant preparation, will enable ITP Aero and partners, to carry out ground-breaking research that will accelerate sustainable propulsion and decarbonisation research.
The Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking is the European Union’s leading research and innovation programme for transforming aviation towards a sustainable and climate neutral future. The four projects in which ITP Aero participates (HEAVEN, HE-ART, CAVENDISH and TheMa4HERA) will focus on three main technology pillars: Ultra-efficient aeronautical architectures to address short and medium haul needs with innovative gas turbine configurations to help reduce emissions. Hybrid and electric architectures by promoting research into new hybrid electric engine architectures and their integration. Disruptive technologies for hydrogen-powered aircraft. To enable aircraft and engines to exploit the potential of hydrogen as an alternative fuel. The four Clean Aviation programme projects in which ITP Aero participates are in addition to the ENGRT (EU Next Generation Rotorcraft Technologies) project of the European Defence Funds (EDF) awarded on July 2022.  The ENGRT project will focus on the next generation EU military rotorcrafts. The project will include the analysis of future needs, key future rotorcraft features and capabilities, alternative rotorcraft platforms, flight demonstrators and simulators. The project will also produce a military rotorcraft technology roadmap, strategies for modularity and manufacturing, life-cycle analysis and maintenance concepts. Erlantz Cristobal, Executive Director of Technology and Engineering at ITP Aero, said: “ITP Aero is focused in spearheading the transition towards sustainable propulsion systems and this milestone will build on our existing know-how to help accelerate technological breakthroughs in line with our commitment to be a carbon neutral company in 2050″.  

Midlands businesses hit with highest level of late payments

Michael Fisher
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0
Midlands businesses hit with highest level of late payments
Latest monthly research from the local branch of national insolvency and restructuring trade body R3 reveals that the Midlands is the UK region with the highest number of companies with late payments outside Greater London. R3’s figures for September, which are based on an analysis of data from business intelligence provider Creditsafe, show that 78,601 Midlands companies had invoices on their books last month which were overdue for payment. The R3 research also indicates that local entrepreneurs are becoming more cautious, with the number of East Midlands start-up companies falling to 2030 in September from 2279 in August. In the West Midlands, the number of start-ups in September decreased to 5032 from August’s figure of 5726. R3 Midlands Chair Eddie Williams, a partner at PwC in the East Midlands, said: “This research indicates the negative impact of the current economic climate on local businesses. “Trading conditions are proving to be extremely challenging, not least because we are heading into the winter with rising supply and energy costs on top of a market which is still recovering from the effects of the pandemic. “For those business owners with significant concerns about their situation, the sooner professional advice is sought, the more opportunities may be available for finding the best possible outcome. Many R3 members offer a free initial consultation to those who are looking for such help and want to explore their options.”

The merger of two leading accountancy practices is a welcome boost to Colchester and the surrounding area

Michael Fisher
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0
The merger of two leading accountancy practices is a welcome boost to Colchester and the surrounding area
Streets Chartered Accountants, a top 40 UK accountancy practice, is delighted to announce the founding of Streets Whittles Chartered Accountants. The announcement follows the merger of the Colchester and Mersea island practice of Whittles with Streets Chartered Accountants, a mid-tier multi regional practice. When asked about the merger, Rachel Skells the lead partner for Whittles, said: “This merger is a great match, both in terms of client focus and cultural fit and we are very much looking forward to working with, and getting to know, our new colleagues. “Myself and my fellow partners made the decision to merge the firm with Streets because we believe it is in the best interests for all concerned. In terms of size, a three-partner firm has the benefits of a boutique firm but also a number of underlying challenges. Now that Whittles is part of a wider thriving practice, we can confidently promise greater continuity of service to our clients and greatly improved career prospects for our team. “We also believe our clients may potentially benefit in that the combined firm will also be able to offer a wider range of services including areas of specialist corporate and private client tax planning, international advice and personal financial planning.” Commenting on the merger and what it means to Streets, the firm’s Managing Partner, Paul Tutin, said: “With Streets’ existing offices across the East of England, including Cambridge and Newmarket and further south in Stevenage and London, we have been looking to establish a presence in Essex. “Whilst we considered opening a new office in the county, we really wanted to join up with another liked minded firm. We were therefore delighted to enter into a conversation with the Whittles partners, Rachel Skells, Michael Greene and Dan Insley. Very early on in our discussion it was clear that we shared by the same vision and values for the profession and for supporting our clients. This certainly made the process of merging much easier, even enjoyable. A great start to our new future together.” “By coming together both Whittles and ourselves will be able to capitalise on our respective expertise and will be better placed to grow and develop to support the needs of both existing and future clients. We also feel that the merger brings exciting opportunities for our team members and for new recruits who can join a progressive and expanding practice. With Streets Whittles offices in Colchester and Mersea, we now have 19 offices from Manchester in the north to Brighton in the south. “Whilst many large firms have moved to more regional models, Streets remains committed to and focused on looking after clients that live, work and operate businesses in the local area. This approach is very much at the heart of our strategic focus for growth, which is likely to include further mergers of likeminded firms. Our aspiration is to become a top 20 UK practice by 2030.”

550 Nottingham City Council assets could come under hammer

Steve Fisher
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0
550 Nottingham City Council assets could come under hammer
Nottingham City Council is looking to review 550 of its assets by the end of next year with a view to selling them and raising much needed funds to pay off its debts. The council headed off intervention by Government commissioners when it managed to reduce its 1.2 billion debt by £200 m although an Improvement and Assurance Board (IAB) now oversees council improvements and has been given a targeted list of requirements to fulfil. Cllr David Mellen, City Council Leader, believes that selling property and land no longer required by the council is just “one of the ways” it could fill its coffers, stating that such an approach is necessary “at a time when our Government grant is drastically reduced and we are unable to borrow due to the involvement of the Improvement and Assurance Board.” The independent board has been working with the council to help develop and implement a medium-term financial plan. It became even more closely involved in September after the Government decided against appointing commissioners to take over certain decision-making functions at the council. The updated financial plan is to be discussed at a full city council meeting on Monday (October 31) along with documents revealing the cost of the IAB’s findings and continued oversights by the council.

Luxury Derbyshire housebuilder announces new eco development

Steve Fisher
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0
Luxury Derbyshire housebuilder announces new eco development
Woodall Homes has announced a gated development of nine luxury homes in Derbyshire. Nine two and three-bedroom detached bungalows will be available at the development on Newbold Road, boasting fully-fitted kitchens, luxury bathroom suites, landscaped gardens and all powered by Wondrwall, a world-leading intelligent home automation and heating system coupled with renewable energy generating solar panels and battery storage. As well as allowing users to control all aspects of the homes heating, lighting and security through the Wondrwall app, this complete home energy management system also utilises artificial intelligence and self-learning technology to adapt to the occupant’s daily routine and preferences. Automatically minimising energy bills and the environmental impact of the home by reducing demand and only using the energy that is required at its lowest possible cost and carbon intensity. David Wood, Managing Director at Woodall Homes, said: “We are delighted to announce our new development, The Shrubberies, complete with Wondrwall technology in each home. “Sustainability should be at the forefront of the build process for every developer, and we are proud to deliver an eco-development of this standard.”

Architects reveal designs for firm’s new HQ

Steve Fisher
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0
Architects reveal designs for firm’s new HQ
Matthew Montague Architects has submitted plans for the refurbishment of the headquarters of a growing Derbyshire IT firm. Proposals have been lodged with Chesterfield Borough Council for a comprehensive revamp of Old Birdholme House, in Derby Road, Chesterfield. The building is the HQ of CCS Media, a technology and supplies reseller, which has been based in Chesterfield since it was established almost 40 years ago. The company, which delivers IT solutions and services to organisations across the UK, is understood to be the largest independent employer in Chesterfield. Matthew Montague Architects was instructed by the firm to prepare a detailed scheme for the sensitive alteration and refurbishment of the Grade II-listed Old Birdholme House, parts of which date back to the late 17th century.
According to Matthew Montague Architects, heritage reports state the building was originally a dwelling and later a mansion house. It said there is still evidence of this as the present-day offices are “quite cellular in nature, with various small spaces, rooms and offices”. The firm said its proposals seek to “strike a balance between functionality and form, creative design and fulfilling the needs of the business while retaining original architectural details and finishes”. Matthew Montague said: “The time, costs and complexity involved in altering and upgrading a Grade II-listed building should not be underestimated. “You can’t cut corners with listed buildings. This project will be a significant investment for CCS Media.” A decision on the planning application is expected early next year.

Morley Hayes backs air ambulance charity

Steve Fisher
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0
Morley Hayes backs air ambulance charity
Hotel, restaurant and golf complex Morley Hayes has raised cash for a local air ambulance charity from a series of fundraising events. The complex, in Main Road, Morley, adopted the Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Rutland Air Ambulance Service as its official charity for 2021. The pandemic meant it was unable to host as many fundraising events as normal. However, over the past 12 months, Morley Hayes has since raised £1,500 for the charity from three separate fundraisers.
Andrew Allsop, managing director of Morley Hayes, said: “Because of the pandemic, fundraising over the last 12 months has been a challenge, but we’re pleased some of our events were able to go ahead and we have been able to raise £1,500 for this vital local charity. “The Air Ambulance Service provides life-saving support to people in need of urgent medical care and it’s important they continue to receive donations like this, so they can continue the vital work they do.”

Midlands businesses hit with late payments high

Michael Fisher
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0
Midlands businesses hit with late payments high
Latest monthly research from the local branch of national insolvency and restructuring trade body R3 reveals that the Midlands is the UK region with the highest number of companies with late payments outside Greater London. R3’s figures for September, which are based on an analysis of data from business intelligence provider Creditsafe, show that 78,601 Midlands companies had invoices on their books last month which were overdue for payment. The R3 research also indicates that local entrepreneurs are becoming more cautious, with the number of East Midlands start-up companies falling to 2030 in September from 2279 in August. In the West Midlands, the number of start-ups in September decreased to 5032 from August’s figure of 5726. R3 Midlands Chair Eddie Williams, a partner at PwC in the East Midlands, said: “This research indicates the negative impact of the current economic climate on local businesses. “Trading conditions are proving to be extremely challenging, not least because we are heading into the winter with rising supply and energy costs on top of a market which is still recovering from the effects of the pandemic. “For those business owners with significant concerns about their situation, the sooner professional advice is sought, the more opportunities may be available for finding the best possible outcome. Many R3 members offer a free initial consultation to those who are looking for such help and want to explore their options.”

University to reopen winter shelter for Nottingham’s homeless community

Steve Fisher
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0
University to reopen winter shelter for Nottingham’s homeless community
The University of Nottingham will offer support to Nottingham’s homeless community again this winter by reopening its shelter on University Park.
Partnering with Nottingham-based homelessness charity Emmanuel House Support Centre, the charity will offer short-term emergency accommodation for up to 27 people per night, from Monday 17th October until April 2023. 24-hour support will also be provided in an unused university building, ensuring there are fewer people sleeping on the streets of Nottingham. Denis Tully, CEO at Emmanuel House, said: “As we enter our second season working with the university, we are delighted to be benefitting from their generous offer of accommodation at a cost-neutral rate. Denis Tully, CEO at Emmanuel House said:”The Winter Shelter will provide what we anticipate as much-needed respite accommodation for people who would otherwise rough sleep during the coldest and wettest months of the year. “Staff along with volunteers have been working hard to get everything in place in the venue on the University of Nottingham campus.  The Winter Shelter is not an end in itself, but a means of supporting people into more permanent accommodation solutions.” Ashley Roberts, Head of Campus Services at the University of Nottingham, is leading the project. He said: “It’s fantastic to be able to work with Emmanuel House again this year and put an otherwise empty property to good use. “Last winter it was great to see the university community coming together to support the charity, with lots of donations and volunteers offering their time to help in the shelter. I’m sure our staff and students will get behind Emmanuel House once again this winter and make it a successful partnership.” The university is able to offer accommodation to Emmanuel House at a cost-neutral rate and will be working with the charity to support people in searching for jobs, finding permanent accommodation and accessing other services. University of Nottingham Students’ Union Community Officer Daisy Forster said: “It’s amazing to see the university helping the community in such an active way, especially when it is such an important time to give back. Daisy Forster University of Nottingham Students union said: “Students are a remarkable asset to the city, and I really hope to get many of them involved with volunteering at the shelter.”
Last year’s Winter Shelter, which was open between November 2021 and March 2022, provided 2067 nights’ protection for 72 people. 37 of these people were supported into longer-term secure accommodation, equaling an average of 3.5 people a week.
Emmanuel House has operated a Winter Shelter in community halls around Nottingham since 2006. They have gradually become a key service for homeless people over winter. Over the past 12 years, the Winter Shelter has provided emergency accommodation for 1621 people, of which 952 were supported in finding long-term accommodation.

East Mids law firm sponsors next gen of sporting super stars

Michael Fisher
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0
East Mids law firm sponsors next gen of sporting super stars
Law firm Nelsons has sponsored the shirts for a successful childrens’ multi-sports club based in Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, where children are encouraged to join in, try something new, and potentially become the region’s next sporting super star.  Run by Sam Clements, Clements Multisports is an after school and holiday club provision for children of all ages. It includes popular sports such as football, tennis, and gymnastics as well as activities they may not have the chance to play otherwise, such as volleyball, dodgeball, and archery, potentially sparking an interest that they will carry with them for life.  Sam Clements said: “I’d like to say a massive thank you to Nelsons for sponsoring the shirts. It means the children can enjoy their activities in a great uniform that represents them as a team which not only means a lot to them, but to me also.  “In the year since I started running the club, I’ve seen the kids try new things, grow in confidence, and most importantly have fun. The goal is to give more youngsters an outlet to potentially find a new passion, and it helps them get outside too.”  Sam gained experience in running a multisport club by working for a similar organisation before starting his own business. He now has clubs at eight different schools as well as holding regular holiday camps, exercise classes at local care homes, and foundation classes at nurseries. He is also accredited by The Princes’ Trust.  Alice Rees, partner in the corporate team at Nelsons, said: “The club was looking for a local sponsor to help fund the shirts, which help foster a sense of pride and teamwork among the children who take part.    Supporting our local communities is an important part of Nelsons’ culture and clubs such as Sam’s do so much for the next generation. It is great to be able to support them and the kids look brilliant in the tops.”  

University link-up will give skills and jobs boost to students

Steve Fisher
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0
University link-up will give skills and jobs boost to students
A new partnership between Redrow and Nottingham Trent University will put students in the front row for industry placements and future employment. It will also create opportunities for special lectures, site visits and financial support. In a three-year deal with the university’s School of Architecture, Design and Built Environment, we have committed to a range of opportunities including: · Special bursaries to support disadvantaged students taking on unpaid work experience and to help with cost of the job interview process. · Site visits and access to materials and resources · Provision of guest lecturers and inspirational speakers on subjects including construction, master planning and health & safety. · The chance for students to gain first-hand exposure and valuable experience on live projects. · In-curriculum projects within the university’s BSc (Hons) construction management degree, including access to our materials and real-world challenges. · Two graduate internships with the homebuilder guaranteed per annum. · Priority access to our graduate vacancies and industrial sandwich placement opportunities for third year students. · Various Redrow-sponsored awards to be presented during the annual award ceremonies Announcing the partnership, our director of human resources Karen Jones said:“Both Redrow and Nottingham Trent university share a culture of excellence coupled with a strong commitment to supporting social mobility, so finalising this agreement has been a real pleasure. “Our group chief executive Matthew Pratt studied at Nottingham Trent University, so the partnership also cements a long-standing relationship. It will bring very real and long-lasting benefits to students, enriching their education and providing excellent opportunities for social and economic progression within their early careers.” We have been creating high quality homes and thriving communities across England and Wales for almost 50 years and we are particularly proud of our reputation for inspiring the next generation to build. Around 15% of our current workforce are trainees, including those on various graduate training programmes, undergraduate placements, apprenticeships and other vocational training courses. Adding Nottingham Trent University to our list of illustrious academic partners is a natural progression for us. With 3,000 students within the School of Architecture, Design and Built Environment, the Nottingham-based university has a worldwide reputation for excellence and is a provider of industry-accredited learning. Research shows that 90% of NTU architecture, building and planning graduates who enter employment are in a high-skilled role within 15 months of completing their studies. Indeed, quite a few of those former students are already employed by us, including George Brown, a technical coordinator in London. George completed a degree in construction management at NTU, including a sandwich year spent in our technical department. He joined us after graduating in July 2021 and is still with us three years on. “I’ve been very lucky to experience both of these organisations. Nottingham Trent is a great university, it offers practical courses which suited my skills, we were supported from start to finish and we had the opportunity to get vast amounts of industry experience alongside our studies. “The placement year with Redrow London gave me valuable real-world experience, which assisted me in completing my degree and a wealth of contacts, which ended up helping me complete my dissertation. Now in my full-time Redrow role I work on a wide range of different projects, have seen all aspects of construction and am still learning new things every day. “I’m really excited to hear about the new partnership. It will give NTU students a head-start in a very tough and competitive environment.” Another Nottingham Trent construction management graduate is Obi Ebizie, now an assistant site manager within our Lancashire division after successfully completing our graduate training programme in 2021. Obi welcomed the news, saying: “This partnership will be great for both sides. The support from Redrow for all of its employees, graduates and placements is unmatched, so students will be exposed to a wide range of skills, knowledge, experience and support. At the same time, the university’s reputation for quality teaching and a technical bias means that Redrow will get first pick of some exceptional talent.” Andrew Knight, Executive Dean of Architecture and the Built Environment at Nottingham Trent University, said: “Working with industry is critical to the health of our courses and the graduate opportunities available. I’m delighted that Redrow will be partnering with us to create a talent pipeline for its forward-thinking organisation.” Nottingham Trent University was the first higher education establishment to sign the social mobility pledge and has recently been awarded winner of ‘Outstanding Support for Students’ at the Times Higher Education Awards. The new partnership between us and Nottingham Trent University will commence at the start of the 2022/23 academic year.

Exhibition lifts lid of multi-million-pound Market Hall revamp

Steve Fisher
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Exhibition lifts lid of multi-million-pound Market Hall revamp
A public exhibition giving an insight into the multi-million-pound restoration of Derby’s historic Market Hall is now open. The Grade II-listed building is currently being turned into an attractive retail and leisure destination, which will host a wide range of community and commercial activities once it reopens in 2024. In August, Derby City Council announced that the first phase of work to transform the Victorian building, which first opened in 1866, was complete. Work has now since started on the second phase, which focuses on refurbishing the interior and developing the exterior public space at Osnabruck Square – a key entrance to the building. People can now see what has been done so far when they visit Derby City Lab, in St James Street, which is hosting an exhibition by Lathams and Wates Construction offering a sneak peak of the project. John Forkin, managing director of Marketing Derby, said: “The Market Hall is a beautiful 19th century building, lovingly restored, and we really welcome visitors to the City Lab to get a sneak preview of the work being done. “When it reopens, it should be one of the city’s main attractions and content will need to reflect the needs of the 21st century customer.” Lathams, which is leading on the design of the new-look building, and building contractor Wates, which has vast experience of heritage restoration projects, are both working with the city council to deliver the scheme. Up until Friday 4 November, representatives from both companies will be at the City Lab to give visitors an insight into the work being carried out and discuss all aspects of the project. In a statement, Lathams said: “This is a rare opportunity to learn about the recent programme of conservation repairs to safeguard the building, and the work being done to transform it into an attractive and flexible market hall and events space. “Everyone is welcome to come and find out what’s happening, and to see the drawings, visuals and videos on display.” The City Lab is open Tuesdays and Fridays 10am to 2pm, Wednesdays 12noon to 4pm and Thursdays 2pm to 6pm. Lathams and Wates are also inviting Bondholders to a special drinks reception, which will take place at the City Lab on Thursday 3 November, from 5pm, where they will be able to learn more about the project. To confirm attendance please e-mail a.cullen@lathams.uk.com.

Lincolnshire power station chosen for UK first by adding hydrogen to gas supply

Steve Fisher
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Lincolnshire power station chosen for UK first by adding hydrogen to gas supply
Centrica Business Solutions is to start injecting hydrogen into its gas peaking plant in North Lincolnshire as part of a UK first trial with HiiROC aimed at better understanding the role of hydrogen in power production. The 12-month trial will be part funded by a grant from the Net Zero Technology Centre, which has given 20 projects a total of £8m through its Open Innovation Programme. Each is aimed at developing technology which could reduce emissions offshore, accelerate clean energy production and enable the delivery of the UK’s net zero ambitions. The 49MW gas fired plant at Brigg is designed to meet demand during peak times or when generation from renewables is low, typically operating for less than three hours a day. It’s anticipated that during the trial, getting under way later next year, no more than three per cent of the gas mix could be hydrogen, increasing to 20% incrementally after the project. Longer term, the vision is to move towards 100% hydrogen and to deploy similar technology across all gas-fired peaking plant. HiiROC’s proprietary technology converts biomethane, flare gas or natural gas into clean hydrogen and carbon black, through an innovative Thermal Plasma Electrolysis process. This results in a low carbon, or potentially negative carbon, ‘emerald hydrogen’. Because the byproduct comes in the form of a valuable, solid, pure carbon it can be easily captured and used in applications ranging from tyres, rubbers and toners, and in new use cases like building materials and even as a soil enhancer. Greg McKenna, MD of Centrica Business Solutions, said: “Gas still plays a huge role in maintaining a secure, stable supply of power in the UK, with around 40 per cent of our power coming from natural gas. So, it’s vital that we find ways to reduce the carbon intensity of gas plants like that at Brigg.” Alexander Stafford MP, Chair of the Hydrogen All Party Parliamentary Group, said: “This is the first time hydrogen will be used within a grid connected gas fired power plant in the UK, making this trial an important step forward towards realising the role hydrogen can play in decarbonising our energy system. It is an exciting milestone that will help accelerate the transition to a hydrogen economy and its role in achieving Net Zero. The All Party Parliamentary Group on Hydrogen will be following the progress of this trial keenly.” Tim Davies, HiiROC’s CEO, said: “This exciting project with Centrica and the NZTC at the Brigg facility will be a first step on the journey to enable the decarbonisation of gas peaking plants. With the continued and crucial rollout of renewable energy generation, intermittency of power supply is a key issue, and the programme we are developing with Centrica will explore routes to address intermittency without generating CO2 emissions.”

Manufacturers report fall in output, but remain optimistic for coming quarter

Steve Fisher
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Manufacturers report fall in output, but remain optimistic for coming quarter
UK manufacturers reported a further fall in output in the three months to October, but expect production to pick up in the coming quarter, according to the CBI’s latest quarterly Industrial Trends Survey. However, with costs growth remaining exceptionally strong and the share of firms citing worries about access to skilled labour reaching a 49-year high, business sentiment fell for a fourth consecutive quarter, and at the fastest rate since the early days of the covid pandemic. CBI Lead Economist Alpesh Paleja said:“It’s a tough time for manufacturers. Price pressures remain acute, availability of materials is still a big issue – and it is 49 years since manufacturing firms were this worried about being able to find workers with the skills they need. It’s really no surprise that sentiment has deteriorated further. “Action to address the skills challenge is critical for the sector’s future prospects. Urgent reform to add flexibility to the Apprenticeship Levy would be an important first step for the new Prime Minister, which can rebuild confidence for manufacturers and restore momentum to their investment and growth ambitions.”

Ongo raises much needed funds for charity

Steve Fisher
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Ongo raises much needed funds for charity
Ongo, the Lincolnshire based housing provider, held a Wear it Pink day recently to help raise much needed cash for Breast Cancer Now. In 2019 Breast Cancer Now and Breast Cancer Care merged together. It is now the UK’s largest comprehensive charity supporting this condition. Their aim is that by 2050, everyone who develops the disease will live and receive the support they need to live well. Ongo always likes to be involved with various charities from sharing information to raising money for them. Most recently 13 Ongo colleagues took part in the 10-mile Glow walk, which helped raise money for Lindsey Lodge. Wendy Wolfe, Customer Experience Manager said “I thought it was important to do this event to give support for those people living with breast cancer. “It’s something very close to my heart after going through this personally, along with other colleagues from Ongo and it really is life changing, not only for the individual affected but also their families/friends. “I’d like to thank everyone whose helped with promotion, donated prizes, baked cakes or just taken part in some way. “It’s so important to continue supporting these kinds of events and we couldn’t have done it without everyone’s involvement. “We are fortunate to work for an organisation who are fully supportive with various charities, and we see colleagues regularly taking part in different events throughout the year to help raise funds” To find out more about the charity, go to: https://breastcancernow.org/information-support

Local Authorities in limbo following investment zones uncertainty, says experts

Steve Fisher
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Local Authorities in limbo following investment zones uncertainty, says experts
Local authorities are hoping the rush to pursue investment zone status has not been a wasted effort following the changes at number 10, according to Commercial property experts, LSH. With the future of Liz Truss’ much feted investment zones (IZs) now hanging in the balance following the Prime Minister’s resignation, local authorities have been left wondering whether a boost to their development ambitions will ever arrive. Upon their announcement last month, IZs were met with considerable enthusiasm by local authorities. According to research from property consultancy, Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH), some 41 authorities in England have, to date, formally confirmed an expression of interest to host IZs, with many more expected to follow suit. The expressions of interest for IZ status to date cover over 220 development sites, regeneration areas and growth corridors, alongside vital new infrastructure including ports, green energy production, innovation parks, industrial and commercial space. To date just two authorities have rejected the notion of IZs outright, with Oxfordshire County Council and Shropshire Council deciding not to pursue opportunities further. Dr Steve Norris, head of Planning, Regeneration + Infrastructure (PR+I) at LSH, said: “Though the notion of tax incentives to encourage development is nothing new, the decentralised, locally-led nature of IZs could help “turbo-charge” investment. This view appears to be shared by authorities, many of which have been quick to throw their hat in the ring in a bid to accelerate regeneration initiatives. “Opportunities for local government to secure greater fiscal autonomy and prioritised access to funding are few and far between and not to be passed up lightly. But in a bid to attract new funding, authorities must be mindful of displacing investment from more complex sites, especially in town centres. The Thatcher government’s Enterprise Zones (EZs) in the 1980’s remain a stark illustration of the laws of unintended consequences, as they helped fuel the growth of regional shopping centres, displacing investment and economic activity from many UK towns and cities, and some are still struggling with the consequences 30 years on”. Though no limit to the number, scope and duration of IZs has been announced to date, given the volume of proposals, it is likely that those that are more ready to deliver and have demonstrated the greatest economic impact, will be given priority and taken through to detailed delivery planning stage. The precise number of zones will depend on these factors, as well as their overall geographical spread and the costs of the programme, in the context of the government’s fluctuating fiscal plan.
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