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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Whittam Cox retains place in UK’s top 50 architects list
Whittam Cox Architects has secured a place in the Top 50 UK Architects and Top 150 UK Consultants rankings for the seventh consecutive year.
Over 300 firms took part in the annual consultant survey by leading industry publication ‘Building Magazine’. The publication has ranked the practice as 80 out of all the firms who made the top 150, which includes Architects, Surveyors, Project Managers, and Engineers.
The firm has also secured a spot at number 40 in the UK’s Top Architects, reinforcing the fact that Whittam Cox Architects is one of UK’s largest practices, servicing clients and projects nationwide.
Whilst the report raises concerns about key issues such as the impact of Brexit, Ukraine and recruitment and what this could mean for the industry, the company remains positive as it continues to work with high profile clients on significant urban residential schemes, particularly Build-to-Rent projects across the UK as well as continued growth with retail frameworks and in the logistics sector.
Commenting on the milestone Board Director Nick Riley said: “We are delighted to be recognised again by Building for the seventh consecutive year; we see this as an endorsement of our employees’ commitment to delivering tangible value and the very best outcomes for our clients.
Looking ahead we know we can’t be complacent; it’s essential we remain progressive by being ambitious, agile and responsive through continued times of political and market uncertainty.”
Whittam Cox Architects is also involved with Chesterfield’s Property and Construction Group, which brings together businesses working across the sector in our town.
Board Director Andy Dabbs currently chairs the group, working alongside Destination Chesterfield to host networking events, forums and drive forward further investment in the area.
Whittam Cox Architects supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
End the turmoil and focus on policies for prosperity, small firms tell new PM
“I congratulate Rishi Sunak on becoming Prime Minister. The focus must now be on stabilising the economy, delivering the promised support for small firms on energy bills and cutting National Insurance, and on securing growth and prosperity in the medium and long term.
“The political turmoil at Westminster must end, and attention switch to the real world in which small businesses and the self-employed are being hammered by soaring costs, falling revenues, and diminishing availability of affordable finance.
“With recessionary pressures acute for small firms, pro-business measures will be needed to secure prosperity in the medium and long term. That includes the right tax and regulatory framework, including keeping pre-profit taxes such as Business Rates and National Insurance as low as possible.
“Policies should also support improving broadband and local road infrastructure, housebuilding, and labour supply.
“Soaring energy bills have been uppermost in the minds of many small business owners in recent months. The promised energy support package for small business owners must be delivered swiftly, followed by a plan for what happens after the initial six months of support which takes a realistic view on the inherently vulnerable position that smaller firms find themselves in when dealing with energy suppliers.
“In the last two years the UK’s small business community shrank by half a million. While the reversal of the hike in national insurance is welcome, it’s a bitter blow to the directors of small companies paid through dividends to be excluded from this. These hard-working entrepreneurs were left out of Covid financial support and now face this tax rise, in many cases alongside a jump in Corporation Tax.
“At a time of pressure on public finances, the new Prime Minister could take the opportunity to improve cashflow for vast numbers of small firms without a cost to taxpayers – and that is through action to tackle poor payment practices in supply chains. Late payment of invoices – often by bigger businesses to their smaller suppliers – leads to the shutdown of 50,000 businesses a year. Over the last three months more than half (54%) of small firms have been the victim of late payments.
“There’s an easy win for the Government and small businesses here if ministers double down on blacklisting big business offenders from winning taxpayer-funded contracts; as well as making audit committees of big firms directly responsible for their company’s payment practices.
“Small business entrepreneurs are resilient and innovative, but the current headwinds are gale-force. For small firms to drive economic recovery and future prosperity, they need a pro-small business environment in which to operate and grow.”
BHW Partner appointed Deputy District Judge
Paul Davis, Partner and Head of Litigation at Leicester based BHW Solicitors, has been appointed as a Deputy District Judge on the Midlands Circuit. Paul will be sitting as a Judge 2-3 days a month, alongside his busy litigation practice at BHW.
Paul qualified as a solicitor in 2012 and specialises in commercial litigation, property litigation and contentious probate. He became Head of Litigation at BHW in 2019 and since then has overseen a rapid expansion of the Litigation Department, which has become one of the most respected teams in the region. The department’s work was recognised by the leading independent law firm guide, the Legal 500, for the first time earlier this year.
Commenting on his appointment, Paul said: “I am delighted to get through the very competitive process and be appointed as a Deputy District Judge, which involved numerous challenging tests in a selection process that lasted over 12 months.
I look forward to carrying out this important work alongside my job as a solicitor at BHW”.
Deputy District Judges are appointed by the Lord Chief Justice after a fair and open competition administered by the Judicial Appointments Commission. Applicants must have a minimum of 5 years appropriate legal experience, such as a practising barrister, solicitor or legal executive.
Deputy District Judges sit in the County Courts and District Registries of the High Court for around 30 sittings a year. Paul will sit within the Civil Jurisdiction where he will preside over a wide range of disputes such as possession claims, contractual disputes and insolvency proceedings.
Appointments are for four year renewable terms until the statutory retirement age of 75.
