- John Conlon, highly regarded for his expertise in child law, representing children, parents and family members along with 20 years experience in family law.
- Alison McGowan is a member of the Law Society Children Panel and the Association of Lawyers for Children, she specialises in complex court proceedings, including care, private law children matters, special guardianship and adoption.
- Hannah Bell, specialises in representing parents in arranging contact orders, residency and guardianship along with supporting parents and family members where the Local Authority has issued care proceedings or commenced pre-proceedings.
Six new appointments at Lincolnshire law firm
Six new people have joined the Lincoln office of rapidly-expending law firm Pepperells.
Joining the Pepperells Lincoln team are:
Hot Topic – WestBridge Tax Director Tom Moore responds to Chancellors Spring Statement
Business Link Magazine catches up with WestBridge Tax Director Tom Moore over the tax changes announced in the Spring Statement.
“Is that it?”, one opposition MP was heard to call out in the House of Commons, just as Chancellor Rishi Sunak delivered the last of his key announcements. The comment was probably a reaction to the relative paucity of help offered to those struggling with the cost of living but might also reflect the thoughts of those in the accountancy and tax professions.
There were a few changes of note.
A change to National Insurance Contributions (NICs) increases both the ‘Primary Threshold’ for Class 1 NICs and the ‘Lower Profits Limit’ for Class 4 NICs from 6 July 2022, aligning them with the personal allowance for income tax which is set at £12,570 per annum. The intention is that these thresholds will remain aligned. That provides both a welcome simplification and a tax saving of up to £330 per annum for those affected.
The ‘Employment Allowance’ will rise from £4,000 to £5,000 from April 2022. This means eligible businesses and charities will be able to claim a greater reduction on the NICs they pay and, from the 2023 to 2024 tax year onwards, their Health and Social Care Levy liabilities.
A time-limited zero-rate of VAT for the installation of certain types of energy-saving materials was announced. The zero-rate will be available for a period of 5 years and will then revert to the 5% reduced rate of VAT.
Rates of Fuel Duty will be reduced for 12 months. This includes cutting rates for diesel and unleaded and leaded petrol by 5 pence per litre. The cut will translate into a reduction in the cost at the pumps of around 6p per litre meaning that the cost of filling the average tank will fall by an estimated £3.30.
The Chancellor also signalled forthcoming reforms aimed at encouraging businesses to invest more in capital spending, provision of high-quality employee training and research and development. There was also the headline announcement of a proposed reduction of the basic rate of income tax to 19% in two years’ time.
Should we have expected more? Probably not.
In the early months of the year speculation concerning tax changes invariably runs rife and the fortune-telling skills of tax professionals are tested by clients and journalists– normally to the point of failure.
Until 2016, the March Budget represented the single most significant statement of tax changes. Since 2017, we have had a ‘Spring Statement’ and a Budget in the late Autumn. Those not paying close attention would be forgiven for being a little confused. We had grown accustomed to both events being, in effect, ‘Budgets’ with both containing a raft of tax changes in broadly equal measure.
Technically – and until relatively recently – only the ‘Budget’ was where the Government announced tax changes. The ‘Budget’ told us how the Government was going to raise money and the ‘Statement’ (whether Spring or Autumn) told us how that money was going to be spent.
If the Spring Statement seemed a little short on announcements that may only be a return to the traditional roles of ‘Budget’ and ‘Statement’ (even if the calendar has changed). As a self-confessed failure at prediction, I for one, would welcome that.
Buckles Solicitors announced as Nottingham City Business Club headline sponsor
Buckles Solicitors LLP has officially been announced as the new headline sponsor of Nottingham City Business Club.
Nottingham City Business Club (NCBC) is the oldest business networking club outside of London and will celebrate its one hundredth year in 2024. Keen to establish a headline sponsor, NCBC has agreed a deal with Nottingham-based Buckles Solicitors – a regular attendee of the club’s events and former headline sponsor from 2017 to 2020 – to resume its position as headline sponsor.
NCBC’s membership is currently made up of 80 individual businesses with each member having the opportunity to attend 10 in-person lunches per year at Nottingham’s Park Plaza Hotel, alongside a range of social events and an annual charity golf day.
Buckles Solicitors is a well-established and expanding law firm with offices in Nottingham, Stamford, Cambridge, Peterborough, London, Paris and Milan. Its team of legal specialists deliver a comprehensive range of legal services to businesses and individuals in the UK and internationally across various sectors, with particular expertise in planning and environmental law, construction and engineering, rail, employment, company and commercial law, commercial disputes and dispute resolution, together with private client wealth preservation and estate planning services. The firm also remains committed to supporting family businesses and entrepreneurs.
In 2015, Buckles was awarded LawNet’s “Law Firm of the Year” award and the firm was complimented for its exemplary client and employee care, clear strategic direction and sustained financial performance.
Nigel Rowlson, President of Nottingham City Business Club and Managing Director of The Dairy Creative Agency, is delighted to welcome Buckles on board once again as the club’s headline sponsor and sees this as a great opportunity for both parties.
“As face-to-face events resume and our one hundredth anniversary nears, having Buckles on board again is great news for the club.”
“We really want to drive success for NCBC not just in the short-term, but the long-term too – and welcoming Buckles back as our headline sponsor really adds value to our events. Likewise, this is a great opportunity for Buckles to raise its profile further and engage with Nottingham’s business community,”
He continues, “One of my main aims when I became president was to increase the number of members and engage with a growing number of local speakers at our events. The pandemic meant that we lost some of our member base but we’re now increasing our numbers rapidly again and we’re excited to have a number of great local entrepreneurs as guest speakers this season – including Tesla, East Midlands Airport, Doughnotts and DHP Family/Rock City”
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the team at Buckles for agreeing to be our main sponsor again and I’m looking forward to us forming a long and healthy partnership.”
James Coppinger, Partner and Head of Nottingham office at Buckles Solicitors, commented on the company’s decision to renew its sponsorship of NCBC this year.
“Given our proven track record of assisting businesses in Nottingham and across the region, and our long-standing links with NCBC, we’re delighted to have this role within the network. The monthly lunches and networking events are always very well organised and the range of speakers the club attracts is inspirational. It’s great for us to be involved once again!”
Deadline for making Tax Digital just 48 hours away
VAT-registered businesses have until Friday this week to complete preparations for Making Tax Digital for VAT.
HMRC says MTD helps taxpayers get their tax returns right by reducing common mistakes as well as saving time managing their tax affairs and is a key part of the overall digitalisation of UK tax.
Evidence shows MTD is succeeding in its central aims of reducing errors, while also making it faster to prepare and submit returns, and boosting productivity for businesses. New research, conducted by HMRC and peer reviewed by independent academics, shows MTD is likely to have generated increased revenue through reducing errors in both 2019 and 2020.
Nearly 1.6 million taxpayers had joined MTD for VAT as of December 2021, with more than 11 million returns successfully submitted. Around a third of VAT-registered businesses with taxable turnover below £85,000 have voluntarily signed up to MTD for VAT ahead of April 2022, and thousands more are signing up each week.
VAT-registered businesses that have not yet signed up to MTD for VAT should do so now. All VAT-registered businesses must use MTD for VAT for their first VAT return starting on or after 1 April 2022. Businesses should use the time left to choose the software that is right for them, whether that is one of the simple free options available, or a more advanced product for those with more complex affairs.
Lucy Frazer, HM Treasury’s Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said: “Businesses using MTD are saving time on their tax affairs, streamlining their processes and boosting their productivity as a result. Our first move towards a modern, digital tax service – MTD makes it easier for businesses to get their tax right first time.
“There is a range of support and information available for those that need it – including accessible online content such as YouTube videos, GOV.UK help pages and HMRC’s Extra Support service.”
Businesses could be compounding current skills shortage says new report
Businesses will continue to lose skilled workers if they continue to disregard the significance of how menopause symptoms such as joint pain, hot flushes, memory loss, fatigue and anxiety, can dramatically impact performance in the workplace, according to a new report.
According to Irwin Mitchell, this lack of action is compounding the current skills shortage and it will make it more difficult to attract new employees. Lawyers also warn that it could result in businesses facing costly discrimination claims in the future.
The study of 1,025 HR decision makers working across British businesses found that only one in five employers consider menopausal symptoms during the performance reviews of female staff. This is despite it being widely accepted that the effects of the menopause can be debilitating for a woman’s physical and psychological wellbeing. Symptoms have a huge impact on a women’s confidence in work, lead to periods of absence and, in some case resignations. The survey also found that only 13% of organisations that had a high representation of women in their workforce had a menopausal policy.
According to Irwin Mitchell, this lack of action is compounding the current skills shortage and it will make it more difficult to attract new employees. Lawyers also warn that it could result in businesses facing costly discrimination claims in the future.
Partner Jenny Arrowsmith said: “These are disappointing results and when you consider menopause is an issue affecting the fastest-growing demographic in the UK, namely women aged 50-64, it’s clear businesses must do more.
“It’s about time that menopause is openly discussed as a health and work issue and for employers to demonstrate that they take it seriously. Establishing a menopause policy is a simple and valuable starting point.
“Not only does a menopause policy help promote positive change within an organisation, it sets a framework for evidencing how it will approach conversations about the menopause, what support affected employees can expect to receive, and where they can access additional help. In doing so, it reduces the risk of costly disputes.
“There has been a significant rise in the number of employment tribunals where menopause is mentioned over the last two to three years and as awareness of this issue grows, we expect to see complaints increase further. Our survey demonstrates that there is a considerable amount of work still to do. This risk will increase if additional legal protection is given to those who have significant menopausal symptoms, which is something the Women and Equalities Committee are considering.
“Organisations that have woken up to the issue and are aware of the challenges that women face when going through the menopause are in a much stronger place to attract and retain colleagues who are often at the peak of their experience and have many more productive years ahead of them.”
A survey by menopause specialist Dr Louise Newson found that 99% of respondents said their perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms had led to a negative impact on their careers, with more than a third calling the impact ‘significant’. Almost 20% were off more than eight weeks and half of this group resigned or took early retirement.
She said: “I am saddened yet unsurprised by the findings of the Irwin Mitchell survey. The themes that highlight the challenges and inequalities perimenopausal and menopausal women face at work continuously reoccur in research and I have found similar findings through my own. It is the responsibility of organisations to create a menopause confident environment and the evidence suggests that those who do, retain talent and empower both their female and male employees.”
Fit for Business series launched to help upskill business owners and entrepreneurs
Business Lincolnshire is partnering with CDI Alliance to produce a new podcast series going live today.
The Fit for Business series will focus on upskilling current business owners and those who are thinking about starting their own company.
Sessions will span everything from the name of your business, legal structures, how to create a business plan, and much more. Guy Lewis, co-director at the CDI Alliance and the podcast’s host, is passionate about helping SMEs become more profitable by using technology. The bi-weekly series will feature a different guest each week, specialising in a particular subject area.
Guy says: “With the podcast, we want people to be able to absorb the knowledge and information we’re featuring in a way and at a time that suits them. We want it to get them to a position where they feel they need more than this, and from there we’d encourage them to reach out to us, to go to a masterclass, or ask questions of the advisors pertinent to their particular businesses.
He added: “We want to help businesses get the information they want, and get them to their next stage, whatever that may look like.”
The Fit for Business podcast will be available anywhere you stream your podcasts.
Multiple high-level promotions at Leading architects
Watson Batty Architects, which has offices in Loughborough and Leeds, has made four high-level promotions.
Robert Jagger has been promoted to Associate Director with a remit to grow the already established residential and specialist living sector portfolio at Watson Batty. Robert has over 16 years’ in-depth experience in both sectors and will work closely with registered providers, contractors, and local authorities to deliver innovative design solutions. He will also continue to lead on maintaining standards across the practice including Revit software and BIM Level 2 compliance.
Rob Cundy has been promoted to Associate and will assist in developing business across higher education whilst helping to mentor younger architects through qualifications and career path development. Rob has over 22 years’ industry experience working with both private and public sectors and has designed complex projects for Durham, Newcastle, and Leeds Beckett Universities
Gemma Bottomley is also promoted to Associate, primarily working across the specialist living sector and helping to develop the interior design service at Watson Batty. Gemma, who has 14 years multi sector experience, will also lead on dementia design compliance across the practice and is developing schemes towards gold standard University of Stirling Dementia Design Accreditation.
David Whalley also becomes an Associate, further developing the large-scale master planning expertise at Watson Batty. With 22 years’ industry experience focused on the living and specialist living sectors, David will help grow the PRS and student residential sectors and ensure that the practice is at the forefront of fast-moving technological advancements in the industry. He is also part of the practices’ sustainability taskforce in response to the climate crisis and commitment to the RIBA Climate Challenge.
Watson Batty Architects employs a team of 35 across studios in Leeds and Loughborough, and expects to surpass its £2.8m turnover targets by around 7% by April year end.
MD Peter White said: “These well-deserved promotions represent the future of Watson Batty and have proved themselves to be at the forefront of design innovation and aspiring leaders in their respective sectors.
“With a strong business pipeline and robust and incentivised team in place, we are pushing forward with a business priority on sustainability as we face the urgency of the Climate Crisis. We have established a sustainability taskforce to address this and to guide our clients on how to design and deliver buildings on the journey to net zero. Our principles look to drive change within the industry in sustainability as well as fire safety, modern methods of construction and inclusive design.”
Zero vat rating introduced on energy-saving materials
The Chancellor is to zero VAT rate on energy-saving materials and installation in a bid to help families cut their energy costs and make improvements in decarbonising their homes.
The Solar Trade Association has welcomed the move, which will last for five years starting from tomorrow.
Chris Hewett, Solar Energy UK’s Chief Executive says: “Solar Energy UK is delighted to see VAT reduced on solar and other energy saving materials for residential use, after many years of calling for this. It is common sense for the Treasury to be encouraging greater uptake of all zero carbon technologies in the face of an energy security crisis and climate emergency. It will be seen as a real endorsement of solar, as well as improving the pay back for many consumers who may be on the fence.”
“Reducing the VAT rate on energy-saving materials and installation would help families cut their energy costs permanently and afford improvements towards decarbonising their homes” he said.
The Spring Statement highlights: “To help households improve energy efficiency and keep energy costs down – as well as supporting the UK’s long-term Net Zero ambitions – the government is extending the VAT relief available for the installation of energy saving materials (ESMs).
Taking advantage of Brexit freedoms, the government will include additional technologies and remove the complex eligibility conditions, reversing a Court of Justice of the European Union ruling that unnecessarily restricted the application of the relief. The government will also increase the relief further by introducing a time-limited zero rate for the installation of ESMs. A typical family having rooftop solar panels installed will save more than £1,000 in total on installation, and then £300 annually on their energy bills”.
UK education sector first as Netherfield-based Findel secures £18m sustainability-linked loan facility
Educational resources supplier Findel has secured what is believed to be the UK education supplies sector’s first sustainability-linked loan facility from lender Santander UK.
The Netherfield-based company will use the £18m facility to support its medium-term growth plans whilst driving its environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments.
The company’s origins as an educational resources supplier can be traced back to 1817. Today, Findel’s brands and websites offer more than 32,000 products to educators and parents based in the UK and overseas with the business exporting to 130 countries.
The company is backed by private equity firm Endless, which supported a management buy-out in April 2021.
To qualify as a sustainability-linked loan, Findel has made specific annual commitments regarding improving its carbon footprint and making its products sustainable, or sustainably improved, with a focus on removing single use plastics.
In addition, the company has committed to supporting an increasing number of its employees to engage in charity or community activities and improving its supply chain ESG audits for suppliers operating in higher risk global markets.
Findel’s progress against these commitments will be independently monitored by a third-party sustainability-linked loan assurance provider.
Dependent upon Findel’s performance against these improving annual commitments, the interest rate on the Santander UK debt facility could go up or down over its six-year term.
Any savings in interest costs made from Findel hitting its ESG targets will then be donated to support relevant community programmes and charitable causes.
Findel Chief Executive, Chris Mahady, said: “In many respects, Findel has been an ESG-focused business since it was founded because of the dedication we have always had to education, care and helping children learn and develop.
“Being able to secure what both we and Santander UK believe to be the UK education supplies sector’s first sustainability-linked loan facility is something we are very proud of.
“It will ensure we further embed ESG at the heart of Findel, enable us to lead by example as a sustainable and responsible business in the markets we serve and invest in new products and services for the benefit of educators and parents worldwide.”
Chris Thomas, Santander’s director, structured finance, financial sponsors, said: “Findel is a leading player in the educational supplies market. We are delighted to provide funding to support this next important phase of its growth strategy which is the first Sustainable Linked Lending facility to be provided by Santander UK’s Financial Sponsors team.”
Wendy Whewell, Santander UK’s head ESG & climate change, added: “It has been a pleasure working with Findel on this transaction. In our discussions with the management team, it is clear that sustainability is built into its ethos. Its stretching and ambitious targets will build on the work it has already undertaken and its commitment to collaborate with all its stakeholders to ensure that they will all be on a just transition to net zero.”
In addition to its distribution centre and offices in Netherfield, the company has its headquarters in Hyde, Greater Manchester, and employs around 300 people in total.
Findel was supported on the transaction by Richard Siddall and Louise O’Sullivan from PwC debt advisory and Phil Scott and Laura Swift from law firm Walker Morris. Financial due diligence was undertaken by Dan Rosinke and Nikolai Naidoo at Grant Thornton. Santander was advised by Matthew Christmas and Noori Goffar at law firm DLA Piper.
Partner at Derbyshire firm of accountants puts away his calculator at 84
A partner at a Derbyshire firm of accountants is putting away his calculator and retiring – at the tender age of 84.
Brian Sutton of Moorgreen, near Eastwood, retires on Thursday (March 31) from Mabe Allen, who have offices in Derby, Ilkeston and Ripley. Brian began cutting his hours down at the age of 70, latterly doing two days a week, but now he is definitely finishing work.
His career started when he was articled to the Nottingham firm of Taft, Baldock and Winstanley. He qualified in 1959, staying for a couple more years.
He was then employed by Fuller, Worboys and Co in Ripley as a chartered accountant, rising to become senior partner before the company merged with Mabe Allen in the 1990s when Brian moved to the Ilkeston office.
At one time the Ripley company did the accounts for pop group Paper Lace before they became famous.
While most people retire at 65 Brian still helped people with their books and tax matters. ”I continued working because I enjoyed it and meeting clients,” he said. “I have been very lucky with good health and I’m proud to say that I have only ever had two half-days off sick through illness in 60 years.”
A keen sportsman, Brian played tennis, squash and badminton until he was 60 when he took up golf. “I still enjoy playing a round of golf over 18 holes twice a week,” he said.
Now he is preparing to spend more time with the green grass in his garden. “I’m now going to get on with some of the jobs that have built up over the years and treat myself and my wife Karen to more holidays,” he added.
Mabe Allen managing partner Kevin Slack said: “Brian has been very committed, particularly giving dedicated service to all his clients and good sound advice over the years as well as helping the practice to grow. Sixty years service is exemplary and all his colleagues wish him well.”
Stepping up at the firm is tax director Stephen Foulkes (49) from Ripley, who has spent more than 30 years at the firm.
He started at the company’s Ripley office as an accounting apprentice in September 1988 as a 16-year-old straight from Ripley Mill Hill School. He has spent his time at the office in Derby Road until moving to the headquarters on Osmaston Road, Derby, four years ago.
He becomes tax partner on April 1. “It’s daunting but I’m delighted,” he said. “To have those dedicated years of service with the firm recognised in this way is great.”
Until recently he was chair for five years of the East Midlands branch of the Chartered Institute of Taxation. He has also been treasurer for 10 years of the Nottingham, Derby, and Lincoln Society of Chartered Accountants.
But away from balancing the books he is a dab hand at tinkling the ivories as a semi-professional organist performing at concerts across the country.
“When I visited Blackpool Tower as a six-year-old and saw the world-famous Wurlitzer organ was when I got the bug,” he said. “I have since had the privilege of playing the organ on a few occasions. “Rising up from the floor of the stage as people often see on television while playing is an incredible feeling.”
Bespoke joinery manufacturer expands into 30,000ft² warehouse
FHP Property Consultants, on behalf of private clients, have let Unit 1 Birch Park, Giltbrook, Nottingham to Curve Craft Ltd.
The business has a reputation within the high-end KBB furniture manufacturing sector as a leading supplier of bespoke curved doors and curved accessories.
The business is currently going through a period of expansion and have agreed terms for a lease on 32,448ft² of space at Birch Park.
Paul Murray, Managing Director of Curve Craft, said: “When we contacted Chris Proctor at FHP Property, he became very proactive in finding a suitable number of premises for us to view and evaluate. Due to outgrowing our current premises, in less than 5 years, we needed to find somewhere with more longevity and space to expand further. Birch Park offers this in abundance.”
Chris Proctor, associate director of FHP Property Consultants, said: “It has been a pleasure agreeing this deal with Paul and seeing his business expand into over 30,000ft² of space. Demand for warehousing within this size range remains strong with buildings going under offer quickly and a number of active requirements in the marketplace from good quality businesses.”
Hundreds take part in workplace active travel challenge
Workplaces in Leicester & Leicestershire have been competing all month to see who can get the most staff to leave their cars at home – with a total of 82 employers and 550 participants taking up the challenge.
The Let’s Go – Betterpoints Workplace Challenge has invited anyone who travels to work to walk, run, wheel, ride or use public transport to help their team climb the leaderboard.
So far, the 550 participants have together clocked up more than 52,000 miles and almost 33,000 trips, with walking, cycling and taking the bus proving the most popular ways to get around without a car. It’s estimated that these active and sustainable journeys could have saved up to 11.8 tonnes of CO2 emissions and burned an estimated 3.7 million calories.
Workers taking part in the challenge have the chance to get rewarded for their efforts up to and including 31 March, with participants going into a prize draw to win prizes including an electric bike from Rutland Cycling, a FitBit, and £400 worth of outdoor gear.
One such worker is Jigna Dhorajia, who works for Leicester City Council. She said: “Because of BetterPoints and the encouragement and incentives offered, I started walking a lot and resumed cycling.
“This has had positive effects on my health and mindfulness. I can really see the health benefits. The rewards and incentives mean I’ve been able to get money off my food shopping, and I’ve also been able to treat myself with other vouchers in the app too.
“With the Let’s Go challenge it’s really made me rethink my car use. I’ve swapped many of my normal car journeys for walking and cycling instead. With rising fuel costs I’m filling up my car less and saving money, so it’s a win-win for me!”
Although the challenge is nearly over, anyone who fancies being rewarded for sustainable travel can still do so. Simply download the free Betterpoints app, register and then track your activities – such as walking or cycling to work or for leisure – to earn points and rewards.
Deputy city mayor for environment and transport Cllr Adam Clarke said: “It’s fantastic that 82 workplaces and 550 employees have been taking part in the challenge.
“We’re facing a climate emergency and it’s never been more important to think carefully about how we travel and whether car journeys are the best option for the environment, our health and the air quality in our city. This is a chance for people to try out different ways of getting around, discover the benefits of active travel, and get rewarded for doing so.”
The workplace challenge is being supported by a project called Choose How You Move Leicester and Leicestershire. This is a Department for Transport-funded programme to promote walking and cycling, supporting active travel across the city and county.
Independent Northamptonshire firm partners with international manufacturer to encourage sustainable mobility choices
An award-winning Northamptonshire-based electrical, plumbing, and heating business is supporting an international electrical vehicle charging point manufacturer to encourage the transition to sustainable mobility solutions.
RK Electrical Mechanical Services has become an approved installer of CITA EV’s acclaimed electric vehicle charging point. The manufacturer has recently been named a CES 2021 Innovation Awards Honouree thanks to its CITA Smart 7 Home EV Charge Point.
The CITA Smart 7 charger, a compact, high-performance home and workplace charging solution, will be installed by RK Electrical Mechanical Services at properties across the region.
Kye Bishop, RK Business General Manager, said: “We are delighted about becoming an approved installer of CITA EV’s innovative charging points and to help people and businesses to become more sustainable when it comes to transport. It is an exciting opportunity for us.
“We also believe that this partnership will deliver the added value of collaborative working where two companies complement each other extremely well.”
Ian Glasscock, CITA EV Business Development Manager, added: “This partnership means that we can proudly deliver our esteemed EV Chargers to our customers through a business we can trust.
“We are thrilled to be working with RK Electrical Mechanical services and are looking forward to our sustainable future together.”
Businesses must take a holistic view of diversity to truly embed real change, the McKenzie-Delis Review warns
While some of the UK’s biggest companies are increasing their focus on workforce diversity and inclusion, many have barely begun to embed real change on areas such as sexual orientation, race and disability, the McKenzie-Delis Review finds.
The annual review – conducted in partnership with IPSOS and supported through strategic partner KPMG – is the largest of its kind in the UK with 89 companies participating this year.
It measures 10 facets of workplace diversity and inclusion (D&I) beyond gender and ethnicity, helping companies assess sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, nationality, socioeconomic status, mental health and wellbeing, and parenthood.
First launched in 2020, this year’s review sheds light on the complex challenges facing employers post-pandemic. Encouragingly, the business case for D&I is recognised as being stronger than ever, with companies starting to actively track their progress to demonstrate if, and how, they are embedding change.
Leila McKenzie-Delis, CEO of D&I accelerator DIAL Global and Founder of the McKenzie-Delis Foundation, a charity committed to driving research and insight into workplace equality, said: “This year’s review showed some very encouraging aspects, and that UK plc is making progress, which we welcome. But when you break down each of the ten facets, it’s clear that there is still a long way to go.
“Firms are beginning to see that tracking and measuring D&I seriously, as they do every other aspect of their business, is imperative to ensuring strong business performance. Additionally, it means they will see their reputation among current and prospective employees, customers and shareholders improve.
“Some companies are already doing good things and are committed to measuring their progress. But there are others that haven’t done enough or even scratched the surface – particularly those businesses that still do not measure all the facets of D&I.
“Let us be in no doubt – the UK’s biggest companies have a responsibility to lead by example and we need to see more organisations blazing a trail to move the dial and lead the way. It’s an ongoing challenge, but one we are determined to tackle.”
The report also found that just a quarter of businesses have LGBTQ+ representation on their leadership team; ethnic minority representation in senior leadership positions remains low, and companies are still struggling to increase the representation of those living with disabilities.
A total of 89 businesses participated in this year’s McKenzie-Delis Review, making it the largest yet. Unilever, Diageo, Royal Mail, Boots, Co-op, Page Group, Marks & Spencer, Jaguar Land Rover, Network Rail, Britvic, O2 Virgin, Superdrug, Tate & Lyle and The FA, were among those that took part.
Bina Mehta, Co-chair of the McKenzie-Delis Review, and Chair of KPMG in the UK said: “Organisations that place inclusion, diversity and equity at the heart of their business strategy have a competitive advantage. They benefit from fresh thinking and different perspectives, which ultimately translates into better business outcomes – it’s good for business and it’s good for society.
“The McKenzie-Delis Review takes a much-needed holistic approach to inclusion, diversity and equity, placing a spotlight on the many facets of diversity – not just gender or ethnicity. The collection of quality workforce data may reveal uncomfortable truths but it’s the critical first step towards turning the dial on diversity. It’s only by embracing the uniqueness which comes from experience and background that open and inclusive cultures can truly become a reality.”
The key findings & recommendations:
The ten facets were ranked in order of how well they were monitored and addressed by UK firms, with nationality, religion, and mental health and wellbeing scoring highly.
- Mental health and wellbeing was ranked the top facet, with the survey finding four in five had a relevant strategy in place, and 93% were keen to support employees with access to quality care.
- However, among the lowest-ranked facets for UK employers was sexual orientation – rated tenth and even considered by some companies to still be a “taboo topic”. The report found that currently, a quarter of firms have LGBTQ+ representation on their leadership team, with less than 40% having approved an LGBTQ+ strategy in the past 12 months. A total of 37% of firms did not know if they had a member of the LGBTQ+ community in their senior leadership team.
- The key findings also included how one in three firms were actively looking to promote or hire staff with disabilities. It highlighted businesses’ “lack of understanding and appreciation of the unique skillset and experiences people with disabilities bring to the organisation”.
- On race, the report found that companies had generally performed poorly relative to other facets. Leadership teams and boards are still predominantly white, with two fifths having no ethnic minority representation whatsoever – and where there is ethnic minority diversity at the top, just 14% of senior leaders and 21% of board members are from an ethnic minority background.
63,000 sq ft industrial unit sold in Northampton
Property developer, SevenCapital, has agreed the sale on a 63,484 sq ft industrial and logistics unit in Northampton to global real estate investment company, Kennedy Wilson.
Situated at Pineham Business Park and within the ‘Golden Triangle of Logistics’, the unit, Seven60, neighbours big ticket occupiers including BMW, Sainsbury’s, Levi’s, Carlsberg, Royal Mail, Morrisons and The White Company.
With a 50 metre (minimum) service yard and floor loading capacity of 50kN/sq m, along with contemporary offices, Seven60 is home to global manufacturer, HellermannTyton, who signed a 10-year competitive lease without break in December 2021.
The announcement marks the final major milestone for SevenCapital following the sale of its additional 41,786 sq ft Seven40 building to global manufacturer and distributor, Conglom in July 2018.
Simon Dicken, senior director at SevenCapital, said: “Primely positioned in an established and well-regarded logistics and employment location, Seven60 offers market leading accommodation and unrivalled connectivity for servicing Northampton and the wider Midlands, East and South-East areas.
“With a well-established occupier already in place on a substantial lease term, Seven60 posed an attractive proposition for a prospective purchaser. Following strong interest in this unit, we’re delighted to have agreed this sale.”
Ben Blackwall, director at Atlas Real Estate, says: “The sale of this prime logistics asset righty generated strong competition from a number of UK Institutions and overseas investors. The sale concludes a very successful exit from this development for SevenCapital, which was the company’s first logistics development.”
The buyer was represented by DTRE.
Metal recycler offers employability support to young adults with learning disabilities
Local metal recycler EMR Lincoln, based on Beevor Street, has partnered with Linkage, a charity supporting people with learning disabilities.
Based in Lincolnshire, the charity offers high quality specialist education, care, employment and support services to people with learning disabilities. Their aim is to help the young people they support reach their full potential and do this by offering a number of services. From adult and employability skills, to sensory outreach and a children and families service, they have programmes to help young people as they grow and develop.
Through a donation offered by EMR Lincoln, Linkage will offer employability support sessions to young people between the ages of 18 and 25 years old. This programme helps individuals with CV writing as well as offering interview support skills.
Craig Wood, business development manager at EMR Lincoln, said: “Young people with learning disabilities are often excluded from the workforce due to a lack of support along the recruitment process. This is where Linkage play a vital role, supporting young people in the transition into independent living.
“In accessing Linkage’s employability scheme young people will not only gain new skills but also enhance their personal confidence, something that is vital to them finding career success. We look forward to working with the team at Linkage and witnessing the positive impact this partnership will have.”
Andrea Beer, head of fundraising and communications, added: “We are delighted and very proud that EMR has chosen Linkage Community Trust and especially the Lincoln Campus to benefit from their Young Futures Reimagined programme.
“Linkage is always keen to work with local companies who can provide support and opportunities for our students to gain work experience and fulfil their potential. We look forward to working with EMR and are grateful for their support towards enabling us to achieve our goals.”
Cellomatics strengthens senior management team
Nottingham-based contract research organisation (CRO) Cellomatics Biosciences has appointed Anand Krishna as senior director to oversee customer engagement and strategy and support its continued growth plans.
Anand brings over 25 years of executive leadership and field sales management experience in companies ranging from VC-funded dotcom start-ups, to managing sales across portfolios in tier 1 technology systems and operations integrators. His career has seen him lead and work with teams across the US, UK, Europe, India, and the Far East.
He now focuses on working with entrepreneurs across a diverse set of aspirational businesses to provide strategic support.
At Cellomatics, Anand will be a key member of the senior management team, overseeing customer care and management, sales, operations, and marketing.
Commenting on his appointment at Cellomatics, Anand said: “I have admired and followed Cellomatics from its foundation and I am delighted to be joining such a fast-growing and dynamic CRO.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity to work and learn from an energetic team of research scientists who play an active role in supporting the discovery and developments of treatments for diseases such as cancer, COPD and Alzheimer’s.
“The company is on an exciting growth trajectory, and my priority is to bring best practices and processes to the company to support the continued rapid growth.”
Cellomatics’ CEO and founder, Dr Shailendra Singh, adds: “We are on an ambitious growth curve which is fuelled by an increasing demand for our expertise in preclinical cell-based assay development in the oncology, respiratory, immunology, inflammation, and immuno-oncology therapeutic areas.
“As we grow, it is important to develop our infrastructure and bring in the expertise to support our commercial objectives. Anand’s wealth of experience in working with entrepreneurs will be an invaluable asset to Cellomatics, and I am delighted to welcome him to the team.”
10-unit Lutterworth project sold
Tungsten Properties, the industrial and warehouse developers, has sold all 10 units at its development project at Bilton Way in Lutterworth, Leicestershire to a variety of private investors and owner occupiers for £5.73 million.
Tungsten Park is in an established warehouse location and close to M1 junction 20. The units range from 2,500 sq ft to 4,000 sq ft.
The units have all been sold to companies which include County Ceramic Tiles and Bathrooms, MED Engineering and Media Duplication.
In addition, Screwfix has taken a lease on a unit which has then sold to an investor, which has resulted in all unit sales now completed.
Jenny Clarke, associate development director, Tungsten Properties, said: “All units were under offer before they were practically completed which demonstrated the current high demand in the area for small trade and industrial units by both businesses needing expansion space and property investors looking for well-built units with strong covenants. It is great to have completed another project to create jobs and opportunity and return to our investors.”
Philips Sutton and Wells McFarlane acted on behalf of Tungsten Properties.
NAHL returns to pre-tax profit while revenue declines
2021 was a “year of strategic progress” for NAHL, the marketing and services business focused on the UK consumer legal market, according to its CEO.
Final results for the year ended 31 December 2021 show that profit before tax increased to £0.2m, recovering from a £0.2m loss in 2020.
Revenue however decreased by 4.7% to £38.9m, from £40.9m in 2020, which the Kettering-based business says reflects the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on accident numbers.
James Saralis, CEO of NAHL, said: “2021 was a year of strategic progress for the Group despite the continued difficulties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. We progressed on our key objectives, increasing enquiries placed into NAL, reducing our reliance on joint-venture partnerships and growing our ongoing claims in NAL at year-end by 166%.
“In Critical Care, we increased revenues by 9% largely due to successful new business development initiatives, with Expert Witness volumes up 21% year on year. The Group achieved this while reducing net debt and remaining profitable.
“At year-end we had 7,918 ongoing claims in NAL, up from 2,975 claims at the end of 2020 which we expect to convert into £8.4m of future cash.
“With the last of the COVID-19 restrictions now having been lifted, we expect to see mobility levels across the UK improve and for this to result in a gradual increase in the number of accidents in our markets.
“Finally, I would like to thank our employees for their hard work, support and commitment. They faced many challenges during 2021, including having to adjust to the changing COVID-19 restrictions, and demonstrated their resilience and dedication to supporting our customers and each other.”
“Extremely challenging year” for Derby recruitment business
Derby-headquartered RTC Group, the AIM listed recruitment business, remains optimistic for the future after “an extremely challenging year” saw revenue and pre-tax profit decline.
According to audited results for the year ended 31 December 2021, group revenue sat at £77.7m, dipping from £81.4m in 2020.
Meanwhile the business posted a profit before tax of £114,000, down from £870,000 in 2020.
Commenting on the results, Andy Pendlebury, CEO, said: “RTC Group, like many other companies, had an extremely challenging year in 2021.
“The COVID pandemic continued to significantly impact client demand across many markets and where requirements for contract labour remained strong this was accompanied by higher operational costs to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our workforce; candidate reluctance to change employers/careers given these turbulent times and workers self-isolating increased both direct and indirect costs as programme and project continuity was heavily disrupted.
“In addition, the sudden and immediate demobilisation from Afghanistan due to the complete withdrawal in August of all American, United Kingdom and NATO troops curtailed a large contribution of revenue from our international business. Further, the implementation of changes to IR 35 in the private sector, which finally became legislation in April 2021, heavily impacted our white-collar contracting community.
“However, despite the untimely combination and cumulative effect of all these events, the majority of which were outside of the control of the Group, we still managed to trade, albeit marginally, in positive territory. Our balance sheet remains robust and free from long term debt or the effects of dilution, a fate which befell many shareholders of other traded recruitment businesses over the past couple of years, who raised equity at sub-optimal values in order to survive, and through the Board’s successful share option cancellation programme.
“Although for many reasons we are all naturally very disappointed with the way the year played out for us, and also mindful of the fact that there are still many geo-political events and micro-economic challenges threatening the domestic and international landscape, we believe our positioning across a broad range of markets, sectors and industries, give us every reason to be optimistic about our ability to deliver long term sustainable value to all our stakeholders.”
