Derby-based law firm Right Legal Group has been named ‘Will Writing Organisation of the Year’ at the National Paralegal Awards 2022. The event, which took place on Saturday 22 September at The Grand Hotel in Birmingham, saw the law firm nominated for three awards. On top of taking home the win for Will Writing Organisation, Right Legal Group were highly commended for the ‘Best Law Firm – Paralegal Development’, and its legal advisor Olivia Haleem was named a finalist for ‘Best Will Writing Paralegal’. Carrie Caladine, managing director at Right Legal Group, said: “We are thrilled to announce that, after much anticipation, Right Legal Group was awarded Will writing organisation of the year 2022. “As a law firm specialising in Wills and Probate, we are committed to changing the way that people think about making a Will, preserving memories not just money. “To be recognised for this and rewarded for our unique offering in the private client field, through our RightWill service, fills us with immense pride. We cannot thank those enough who were involved in celebrating the awards and championing what we do at Right Legal Group.” Within the last year, Right Legal Group has heavily expanded its Training Academy and is now responsible for training around 30 new advisors each quarter, providing them with the knowledge, support and skills they need, in order to keep more families together with the RightWill service. Carrie added: “We cast our nets far and wide when looking for people to join our business and we are proud to be able to give professionals a start to their career through our accredited training programmes. “We are very passionate about ‘growing our own’ people and cannot wait to see what’s in store for our Paralegals as they develop further along the advisor journey.”

Derby Arena is to stage one of the UK’s biggest careers events, which aims to encourage the next generation of technicians in science, technology and the creative arts. TechxFest is due to be held at the arena in March, with more than 100 companies and organisations, including Rolls-Royce and the University of Derby, expected to attend. It is being organised by TALENT, a transformation programme designed to promote opportunities for technical skills, roles and careers, in partnership with the university and Derby North MP Amanda Solloway, who launched the Research England funded project. Around 500 school children in years nine and 10 are expected to attend TechxFest where employers will exhibit alongside practical demonstrations bringing technical skills to life. Mrs Solloway said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be involved with TechxFest, which looks set to be one of the biggest careers events of its kind, here in Derby, the birthplace and home of science and innovation. “It is vital to inspire the next generation of technicians whose ingenuity, creativity and determination will help shape our society. “These skilled professionals are needed in almost every industry, and it is today’s young people that will help ensure our changing world develops for the better. “TechxFest promises to connect that burgeoning talent with the very best educators and the leading industries, harnessing their potential and building an exciting new generation of technical talent.” Mark Jefferies, chief of university research liaison at Rolls-Royce, said: “Technical expertise and a strong, diverse cohort of talent are essential to Rolls-Royce’s success. “We’re delighted to be supporting TechxFest – a unique event in collaboration with the University of Nottingham and the University of Derby that focuses on technical roles and careers. “We’re particularly thrilled it is being hosted here in the Midlands and we look forward to meeting our potential technical talent of the future.” TechxFest is due to take place at Derby Arena on 2 March, from 9.30am to 3pm. For more information visit here.

UK consumer confidence fell for the fifth consecutive quarter in Q3 2022, falling by one percentage point to a historically low -20%, according to Deloitte’s latest Consumer Tracker. Spending power also remains significantly strained, as consumer sentiment around levels of debt also reached the lowest levels on record, at -17%; two percentage points below Q2 2022. The Deloitte Consumer Tracker is based on responses from 3,226 UK consumers aged 18+ between 17th and 18th September. Overall consumer confidence has fallen to its lowest level since the tracker began in Q3 2011. Consumers cut back to curb costs Both essential and non-essential spend declined for a second consecutive quarter in Q3, decreasing by two and one percentage points respectively, indicating that consumers are cutting back across all areas. 30% of consumers said they are now spending less, up from 21% at the start of the year. Of these consumers, 58% said they are spending less specifically to save money. Céline Fenech, consumer insight lead at Deloitte, commented: “Consumers are making conscious efforts to cut-back on all spending. With rising food prices and personal finances coming under further pressure from higher energy bills, we are seeing a contraction in consumer demand.” Consumers highlight several actions they are taking to combat rising costs. This includes 57% who are reducing their home energy consumption, 40% who are spending less on clothes and shoes, and 22% of respondents who have ended, or intend to end, an entertainment subscription. Consumers turn their hand to selling, and shop the second-hand market Growing interest in the second-hand market saw one in five consumers selling items on resale platforms in Q3. 16% of consumers bought more second-hand or refurbished items in Q3, more than twice the 7% that did so in Q3 2020. Fenech added: “Whilst we are seeing consumers reducing their overall spend, some are also trying to boost their income by reselling items they no longer need or use via reselling platforms. The demand is clearly there as we are also seeing more consumers interested in buying second-hand items, as a way to save.” Consumers stay home to reduce leisure spend Two in five (39%) consumers said they are spending less on going out and on leisure activities as a way to save money. As a result, net spend across leisure fell quarter-on-quarter by two percentage points, to -12%, in Q3 as consumers eat out less and limit their visits to coffee shops, pubs and bars, and to culture and entertainment venues. One exception, attending sports events, was the only area of leisure to see a quarter-on-quarter improvement. This follows a busy period of sporting events; many of which having returned to full-scale audiences again. Simon Oaten, partner for hospitality and leisure at Deloitte, said: “The hospitality industry has been one of the hardest-hit in recent years. As consumers assess their budgets amidst rising costs, many are having to prioritise the essentials, directing spend away from discretionary categories, including leisure. Many hospitality businesses are already feeling the effects of lower footfall, whilst also having to counteract rising running costs themselves.” Consumers indicated that they will spend even less on leisure in Q4 2022, with intended net spend down across every leisure category, at a time when 59% of consumers believe they will have less money to spend for the Christmas period. Oaten concluded: “For the hospitality industry, a reduction in typical festivities or diversion of these to home will almost certainly take the shine off the ‘golden quarter’. Businesses may want to adapt to hosting smaller groups or catering, once again, for more take-home entertainment.” Consumers remain pessimistic on state of the economy Consumer sentiment towards the state of the UK economy remains low, at -80%, and at similar levels last seen in Q1 2020 at the start of the UK’s COVID-19 outbreak. Coupled with declining sentiment around job opportunities and career progression, down two percentage points, and sentiment on job security remaining flat, quarter-on-quarter, consumers are reflecting concerns around job prospects by adopting more recessionary spending behaviours. This comes at a time when CFOs of the UK’s largest firms attach a 78% probability to the UK falling into recession in the next 12 months. Ian Stewart, chief economist at Deloitte, commented: “High inflation has driven consumer sentiment sharply lower this year despite a red hot labour market. Now consumers are starting to worry about the outlook for jobs. With inflation elevated, interest rates on the rise and the labour market starting to cool the squeeze on spending is likely to intensify.”

White Peak Distillery has announced it has started selling its whisky in Europe after announcing the release of its latest spirit. Derbyshire’s first ever single malt whisky distillery has recently released a second expression of its Small Batch Wire Works Whisky, after receiving top industry awards for the previous batch over the summer. It is a limited-edition distillery and trade release, with just over 4,200 bottles being made available. But as well as the UK, the Small Batch releases will also be available in both Germany and Italy. White Peak Distillery was founded in 2016 by husband-and-wife team Max and Claire Vaughan. Since launching, the business has won numerous awards, not only for its whisky but also for its distillery visitor experiences and, more recently, the Wire Works Whisky packaging. Max said: “Driving Wire Works Whisky into the international market for the first time is really exciting and hopefully the start of another part of our business. “We are delighted to be working with new partners in Germany and Italy to help us build the brand in Europe and share our passion and whiskies with those outside of the UK.”

Reacting to the announcement of the new Prime Minister, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “We would like to congratulate Rishi Sunak on his appointment as Prime Minister. “The political and economic uncertainty of the past few months has been hugely damaging to British business confidence and must now come to an end. “The new Prime Minister must be a steady hand on the tiller to see the economy through the challenging conditions ahead. “This means setting out fully costed plans to deal with the big issues facing businesses; soaring energy bills, labour shortages, spiralling inflation, and climbing interest rates. “We cannot afford to see any more flip-flopping on policies – the UK’s businesses need a sustainable, long-term economic plan they can believe in. “The BCC is writing to the Prime Minister to set out the action needed to tackle the main challenges facing business. It is vital we see progress made in these areas to keep doors open and promote investment. “Firstly, the Government must provide more certainty on the energy support package for businesses and quickly communicate how the system will work from April. Firms need to know what support to expect in the medium and long term. “Secondly, they must fix the extremely tight labour market. Without the skilled people to do the jobs businesses need, the economy will stagnate. “Thirdly, to grow the economy, Government must set out a strategy to boost our international trade and exports. “People run businesses and businesses rely on people. The new administration must grasp that the cost of living and cost of doing business crises are two sides of the same coin. “We need a clear long-term vision of how the new Prime Minister will deal with the challenges ahead and create the business conditions that allow firms, and the communities that rely on them, to thrive.”

Boots is recruiting for over 10,000 seasonal roles in its stores, warehouses and operations this festive period. The roles will be available across a wide variety of areas to cater to all job-seekers keen to find work in the run up to the holidays, and will include:

• Over 6,500 Christmas Customer Assistant roles, where team members will be responsible for helping customers to find the items they need and ensuring shoppers receive the excellent customer experience that they expect from Boots.

• Up to 3,000 roles at the Boots Beeston and Burton-on-Trent distribution centres, including Warehouse Operatives and Picker Packers who play a crucial part in keeping the gears turning smoothly for in-store and boots.com orders.

• 2,000 roles for in-store Customer Operations Assistants – with team members helping to pick and pack deliveries as well as supporting day-to-day store operations – acting as the important link between the shop floor and distribution of Boots deliveries.

Donna Hodgins, Head of Recruitment at Boots, said: “Team members who join our business over the festive period are always truly valued members of store and distribution centre teams, providing crucial support for our stores and customers alike.  We’re looking to recruit a diverse range of team members that represent the communities we serve every year. “Our roles are perfect opportunities for anyone looking to explore career paths in the retail industry to gain valuable work experience that could potentially lead to a permanent position in future. Provided you have a passion for customer service and being a team player, everyone is welcome at Boots – something that is evident in our range of recruitment accreditations, from Age Inclusive and Menopause Friendly to being a Disability Confident Employer.” New joiners will benefit from Boots’ extensive range of team member benefits. This includes a market competitive hourly rate and access to the generous Boots team member discount scheme. Boots has recently enhanced the scheme for all team members to support with the rising cost of living, offering up to 45% off all Boots own brand products until at least January 2023. This covers over 6,300 products, including the new Boots everyday range, which features great quality essentials from 50p (28p with discount). Many roles are already hiring, giving successful applicants a long lead time to help them acclimatise to their role before the busy Christmas period. Boots also recently announced 2022 would be the most affordable Christmas ever, with an extensive programme of deals and its widest range of gifts for every budget this fetsive season. T

Timms Solicitors, which has offices in Derby, Burton, Ashby and Swadlincote, have been hailed the Midlands Solicitor Firm of the Year in the British Wills and Probate Awards. The Wills and Probate team from Timms were presented with the prestigious award at the 5th annual gala event in Birmingham in recognition of all round excellence, client engagement, technology transformation, commitment to staff development and providing an outstanding service to the local community. Managing Partner Fiona Moffat said: “We are delighted that the Wills and Probate team have been recognised with this prestigious award. “We have been serving our community and clients from our High Street bases for more than 130 years and, under the leadership of Jo Robinson, our established team has gone from strength to strength. “  We are committed to investing in all of our staff and as a result we are able to provide an exceptional service to our clients.” Head of Department Jo Robinson added: “I am particularly delighted that the award has highlighted how the team has gone above and beyond to support clients and our wider local communities. “We are often asked to host informal sessions to raise awareness and highlight the importance of planning for later life or the unexpected. “The judges were also particularly complimentary about our commitment to embracing new technologies to improve internal and external communications and processes as well as our efforts to assist other solicitor firms and accountants by sharing best practice. “Our focus moving forwards is to continue to develop and grow the department, maintain our current high standard of work, and for each fee earner to develop their own specialism. We seek to broaden our contentious probate department as this is a rapidly growing area of work.”