Businesses sign up to start wildflower planting project
A campaign to bring more wildflowers and biodiversity to Lincoln while reducing carbon is launching this month.
Launched by Lincoln-based My Square Metre, Plant it Forward will see local businesses pledging to plant one square metre of wildflowers on behalf of a business of their choice, with that business then doing the same to pass it forward, and so on.
My Square Metre is the first of its kind online carbon offsetting calculator, which identifies often overlooked daily carbon-producing activities, and offsets through wildflower planting.
With an aim for Plant it Forward to reach 2,000 square metres of wildflowers, My Square Metre is hoping that through the interest and support of local businesses, Lincoln will be taking a step closer to a net zero carbon future as well as creating new habitats and boosting biodiversity.
In Britain, 97% of wildflower meadows have been lost since the second world war and 53% of native plants have been lost in the last 20 years due to human impacts. Meadow loss leads to a reduction in pollinators which are essential in food production.
When a square metre of wildflowers is planted through My Square Metre, the land is managed and protected for at least 30 years and the wildflowers will feed 24 bees each year for those 30 years. In addition, using wildflower planting to offset carbon is highly effective as they sequest carbon within the first year of planting, in comparison to tree planting which can take years to sequester.
To launch Plant it Forward, Lincoln business EcomeOne has committed to being the first company to sign up and will be passing the ‘wildflower baton’ on to Eagle Eye Innovations.
Ed Crowther, founder of My Square Metre, said: “The aim of Plant it Forward is to create meaningful change together, in an easily accessible, affordable and fun way. The cost of planting one square metre of wildflowers through My Square Metre is £10 plus vat, and the impact on our environment is considerable.
“Lincoln and Lincolnshire, like all areas of the country, have seen an extreme reduction in its habitats and biodiversity, as well as the increase in carbon production over the last 20 years. The Plant it Forward campaign is to target this through collaboration – bringing businesses together to make a difference.
“The team and I hope this is the start of a long-standing initiative that will continue to run, helping to build a better future for Lincoln. Big thanks to EcomeOne and Eagle Eye Innovations on getting us started!”
Carrianne Dukes at EcomeOne said: “We are gifting square meters of wildflowers to our clients to support them in their sustainability journey. This allows us to showcase our commitment to helping the planet, while building relationships in a sustainable and meaningful way.”
The target of 2,000 square metres will bring: 6 Tonnes of Co2 sequestered, 1m wildflowers, 24,000 bees every year for 30 years, 285 butterfly pairs, enough insects to feed 10 small birds, 400+ mice and voles and a home for hundreds of different species above and below ground.
Bassetlaw businesses welcome support to cut carbon footprint
A Bassetlaw micro-brewery is among 23 businesses to have received funding and support to cut their carbon footprint and boost their environmental credentials.
Welbeck Abbey Brewery is among those to have benefitted from a Decarbonisation Audit and Grant that has been made possible by funding from the UK Government, distributed by Bassetlaw District Council.
The brewery has used its funding to install a new copper kettle and burner, which has helped reduce its carbon emissions by over 11.6 tonnes of CO2 equivalent a year, equal to the average emissions of 11 passengers on a return flight from Paris to New York.
Claire Monk from Welbeck Abbey Brewery said: “Environmental sustainability has been high on the agenda at Welbeck Abbey Brewery for over a decade. However, in recent years we have made a further push to really reduce our carbon footprint.
“The biggest yet most rewarding project has just come to fruition by replacing a 40-year-old brewing kettle with a custom built one. We are delighted to have had both the technical advice and financial support of Bassetlaw District Council through their grant scheme, without which we may not have gone ahead with the replacement.”
Other businesses have successfully completed decarbonisation works such as installing energy efficient lighting, solar panels, or insulation after receiving grants of up to £5k from the council.
It followed a paid for audit which looked at ways businesses in the district could become more sustainable as well as identifying financial savings.
Cllr Charles Adams, Cabinet Member for Business and Skills and Ward Member for Welbeck, said: “It is great to see a local business being supported to grow and innovate through our funding. I look forward to seeing how Welbeck Abbey Brewery continues to develop and expand over the coming decade.”
Forty-five businesses have completed the energy audit with the rest expected to receive their carbon emission cutting grants in the coming months.
Cllr Darrell Pulk, Cabinet Member for Environment and Energy, said: “These Decarbonisation grants are making a real difference to businesses as not only do they help to cut carbon emissions they also save costs, a win, win scenario.
“Our Vision 2040 is for Bassetlaw to become the greenest, most sustainable district to live and work and this will help improve building efficiency for many local businesses.”
Decarbonisation grants worth a total of £60k, split over 12 businesses, are still up for grabs for micro and small businesses who are looking to introduce energy efficient measures, with funding coming from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Extra funding secured for specialist, supported housing scheme
Blaby District Council is investing an extra £57,835 to secure the future of a specialist, supported housing scheme.
At the recent Full Council meeting, it was agreed to release the funding for the project at Grove Road in Blaby village.
The 15 one-bed apartments scheme is being delivered by housing association Norton Housing and Support, and Nottingham Community Housing Association. It will provide much-needed homes for adults with mental health needs.
Together with Homes England the Council had already partially grant funded the scheme with a contribution of £75,000 approved in January 2022.
Construction was progressing well until January 2024 when work ceased due to the developer going out of business.
A new developer has been found but extra costs are involved, requiring all partners to help meet the deficit of £173,505.
Councillor Terry Richardson, Leader of Blaby District Council, said: “It was unfortunate problems beyond our control have arisen with this scheme but I am delighted that members are unanimously committed to the project and voted to make the necessary funds available.
“We recognise there is a lack of this type of supported accommodation available in the District. There are currently 101 single people on the Council’s housing register who have a diagnosed mental health condition. This makes up 33% of all applications from single people. These flats will help meet this need.”
The apartments will be let at social rent and owned and managed by Norton Housing and Support. The Leicestershire-based charity and registered housing association supports adults with mental health needs and women at risk of homelessness.
A housing officer will help residents maintain their tenancy and live as independently as possible. Advice and signposting will be available on life issues such as health, education, employment, grants and benefits.
Councillor Les Phillimore, Blaby District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community, Housing and Environmental Services, said: “We are committed to continuing to support this new housing project. It will provide specialist accommodation for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.”
The apartments are Norton’s first new build scheme.
Devolution bid eyed for the South Midlands
North and West Northamptonshire Councils have partnered with four other authorities in the South Midlands on an expression of interest to Government toward devolution.
Government announced in July that devolution would be a central strand for boosting economic growth inviting local leaders to identify regional partnerships which could benefit from enhanced powers in areas such as transport, housing, skills and employment.
Councils in Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes and North and West Northamptonshire have successfully worked together for many years as part of the Central Area Growth Board, more recently becoming the South Midlands Authorities (SMA). They have worked jointly on a submission to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
As well as enhanced powers, a devolution deal could also leverage in millions of pounds of future investment into the area.
Following on from the expression of interest, government will produce a framework which will provide more detail on how and when devolution could become a reality and what the specific benefits could be for the SMA.
Cllr Adam Brown, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council, said: “Working with our neighbours demonstrates to Government that we have the will and the means to manage greater resources more locally.
“During the first three years of our two new councils, we have demonstrated time and again that we can work together for the benefit of our residents.
“This latest step offers us the opportunity to extend that direct partnership link with our neighbours to the south.”
Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council, said: “This is an exciting step forward on working collaboratively with neighbouring unitary councils on how we can create the conditions to bring increased prosperity to our region.
“This is a very exciting time and the move towards devolution fits perfectly with our Big 50 aspirations to create a proactive, proud and prosperous area for all of our residents.”
Both North and West Northamptonshire Councils, along with the other four SMA authorities, have already approved the establishment of a Joint Committee governance model for the area as part of their South Midlands Authorities management of the former Local Enterprise Partnership functions.
The new governance model replaces the current Central Area Growth Board and in particular its decision-making powers.
Leicester Business Festival to mark 10th year
Celebrating a decade of success, the LBF 2024 line-up has been revealed, featuring over 70 events – now open for free booking on the Leicester Business Festival website.
Running from November 4 to 15 this milestone festival will deliver two weeks of insights from experts across sectors such as creative and digital, professional services, hospitality, education, and more. With topics ranging from AI and entrepreneurship to inclusive workplace strategies, this year’s LBF promises something for every business professional.
Key sessions include:
- Business Owners Masterclass: From ‘No’ to ‘Yes’ (Mon 4 Nov, 10-11am) – Insider tips on improving your chances of securing business loans.
- New Government, New Tax Rates (Mon 4 Nov, 2:30 – 4:30pm) – Explore how new Labour Government policies will impact SMEs.
- Entrepreneurship Day (Tue 5 Nov, 11am – 12:30pm) – A TEDx-style event from DMU featuring inspiring speakers.
- Leveraging AI: A ‘How To’ Guide (Thu 7 Nov, 8:30 – 10:30am) – Learn practical AI applications that can drive growth in your business.
- OMG! I’m starting a business but don’t know where to begin… (Thu 7 Nov, 10am – 12pm) – For aspiring entrepreneurs to engage with a panel of experienced business owners and experts.
- The music diet: business benefits (Thu 7 Nov, 3:30pm – 5pm) – Discover how music and evolutionary science can improve business performance and well-being.
- Sales Geek: How to Sell on Amazon (Tue 12 Nov, 1:15 – 4pm) – Expert guidance on launching and optimizing Amazon sales strategies.
- Bills, Beers, and Bowling (Tue 12 Nov, 6- 8pm) – Bring a copy of your latest energy bill and join the award-winning Assured Energy at Lane 7 for hospitality.
- Pitch Perfect with Barclays Demo Directory (Thu 14 Nov, 10am – 12pm) – Sharpen your pitching skills to thrive in a competitive marketplace.
- Neurodiversity in the Workplace (Fri 15 Nov, 12 – 1:30pm) – A workshop to empower teams to better support neurodiversity.
Henry Group strikes a decade of platinum success
Henry Group Ltd has once again had its excellence acknowledged, having been awarded Platinum Standard at the Deloitte Best Managed Companies Awards 2024 for the 10th consecutive year.
The Deloitte Best Managed Companies Awards celebrate organisational excellence and leadership across various industries, recognising those businesses that go above and beyond to foster sustainable growth, create a positive impact on their communities, and build long-term value.
With the Midlands office of Henry Brothers Construction based in Nottingham and further offices across Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Henry Group is a leading construction company, specialising in delivering innovative and high-quality projects across various sectors including education, healthcare, defence and commercial developments.
Speaking of this achievement, Ian Henry, CR Director of Henry Brothers, said: “Requalifying at Platinum Standard for the 10th consecutive year is a remarkable achievement and testament to our unwavering commitment to our people, planet, and the places we serve.
“At Henry Group, we believe in being Altogether Stronger, striving not only to consistently deliver the highest standards of service but also to make a lasting, positive impact on the environment and our communities.
“This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to driving meaningful change and consistently pursuing excellence in everything we do.”
Earlier this year, Henry Brothers received a King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development, further cementing its position as a responsible business that strives to minimise its environmental impact while maximising positive social and business outcomes.
Ian added: “Henry Group is honoured to have received this accolade, and we look forward to continuing to deliver the best results for every client, every time.”
Estama appointed as the new property manager for Britannia Shopping Centre
Estama has secured a significant asset under its growing portfolio, with Panther Securities PLC appointing the property management company to oversee the Britannia Shopping Centre in Hinckley, Leicestershire.
The 85,000 sq ft indoor retail hub, the only one of its kind in the town, is home to a diverse blend of national and independent retailers, including prominent brands such as Poundstretcher, Boots, Peacocks, and Greggs.
This appointment marks Estama’s continued rapid expansion in the retail management sector.
“We are thrilled to announce that Estama has been appointed by Panther Securities PLC to manage the Britannia Shopping Centre in Hinckley,” said George Grimes, Director & Head of Property Management at Estama.
“The centre, with its mix of retailers and its status as the town’s only indoor retail offering, holds significant potential.
“While the retail sector continues to face challenges, we see an excellent opportunity to work with Panther to drive positive change and enhance the centre’s performance,” he added.
Panther Securities PLC, a prominent player in the property sector, expressed confidence in the partnership with Estama.
Richard Swan BSc(Hons) MRICS, Joint Head of Property at Panther, said: “We are excited to see how the asset evolves with Estama’s expert management.
“Their early recommendations and proactive initiatives have already impressed us, and we look forward to further developing the Britannia Shopping Centre with their guidance,” he added.
E-commerce sales boost hack you NEED to know!
If you manage a website that sells products directly and wish you could generate more sales, you’re not alone. Lots of brand and e-commerce websites are in the same position – struggling to drive more traffic to the site, or convince enough of the existing website visitors to buy.
In this article, we’ll explain how you can create a snowball effect sales boost for your brand or e-commerce website – a positive feedback loop that not only converts many more visitors into customers, but also continually brings in more and more organic website traffic, greatly increasing the number of opportunities for sales conversions to occur.
Last chance to secure tickets for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
With the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 taking place TOMORROW (Thursday 3 October), there are limited seats left at the event.
Property and construction professionals will be gathering in the Derek Randall Suite at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, where Business Link will be recognising and celebrating those behind the changing landscape of our region.
The event starts at 4.30pm and concludes at 7.30pm and tickets are available here.
Make use of this opportunity to network with leaders of property and construction businesses from across the East Midlands.
Complimentary drinks and nibbles will be served on arrival. Dress code is standard business attire. The event will also feature Paul Southby as keynote speaker.
Paul is a partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema in Nottingham’s Lace Market, and a longstanding trustee of environmental charity Clean Rivers Trust. He is chair of Nottingham Partners, a group of businesses that supports the work of the local inward investment agency, Invest in Nottingham, and a board member and past chair of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Limited. Paul is also a former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire (2022/23).
Attend the glittering awards ceremony to see who takes home the title of Contractor of the Year, Developer of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Sustainable Development of the Year, Deal of the Year, Most Active Agents of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, Responsible Business and of course Overall Winner.
East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
When: Thursday 3rd October 2024, 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Where: The Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground
Keynote speaker: Paul Southby, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire
Dress code: Standard business attire
Tickets: Available at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/east-midlands-bricks-awards-2024-tickets-902294566337?aff=oddtdtcreator
Thanks to our sponsors:
Shortlist for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
Architects of the Year – sponsored by Mather Jamie IMA Architects Design Haus Architecture Matthew Montague Architects Commercial Development of the Year – sponsored by Global HSE Group Brackley Property Developments – The Dock Extension, Leicester Pick Everard – Nottingham Central Library G F Tomlinson – The Air and Space Institute, Newark Contractor of the Year – sponsored by EMEC Ecology Cawarden Clegg Construction Winvic Deal of the Year – sponsored by Tutum Consulting heb Surveyors – The Oaks, Mansfield FI Real Estate Management – The Quad, Chesterfield Freeths – Former Boots factory site, Beeston Developer of the Year – sponsored by IMA Architects Vistry Group East Midlands Indurent Wavensmere Homes Excellence in Design – sponsored by Cawarden G F Tomlinson – The Air and Space Institute, Newark Design Haus – Musters Road Distinctive Developments – Woodwell and Meadow Barn Most Active Agent – sponsored by Roy Geddes Bricks Rigby & Co FHP Property Consultants Salloway Property Consultants Residential Development of the Year – sponsored by Devello Distinctive Developments – Woodwell and Meadow Barn Phoenix Brickwork UK LTD – IQ Nelson Court Chevin Homes – Chevin Close Responsible Business – sponsored by Press for Attention PR Stepnell Ltd Cawarden Cora Sustainable Development of the Year – sponsored by Viridis Building Services Ltd CPMG – Sir Peter Rubin Centre for Veterinary Education Henry Brothers Construction Ltd – Alfreton Park School Keepmoat – Gedling Green The Overall Winner, sponsored by Blueprint Interiors, will also be announced at the ceremony, who will be awarded a year of marketing/publicity with Business Link worth £20,000.
To be held at:
Senior managers to benefit from return of government-funded programme at Nottingham Business School
Senior managers looking to boost the performance, resilience and long-term growth of their business can benefit from the return of a government-funded programme at Nottingham Business School (NBS) this winter.
The 12-week Help to Grow: Management course supports small and medium-sized businesses and takes place entirely online to allow participants to complete it alongside full-time work.
It is delivered by experts at NBS, part of Nottingham Trent University, which is in the 1% of business schools worldwide to hold triple accreditation for excellence. The programme is worth £7,500 but is 90% funded by the Government.
The course covers key areas such as digital adoption, vision and values, building a brand, organisational design, employee engagement, and creating and implementing growth plans.
It includes facilitated online sessions, practical and interactive workshops, one-to-one mentor support, peer networking, and access to the regional and national Help to Grow alumni programme.
NBS has delivered the programme since 2021, engaging 260 business leaders from 230 SMEs across the East Midlands and covering a range of sectors from construction and manufacturing to solicitors and digital marketing agencies, hospitality and leisure to beauty and wellness.
Tony Phelps, managing director of medical and cleanroom consumables manufacturer, Helapet, used Help to Grow: Management to broaden his understanding of sales and marketing, improve employee retention and progression, and give him the knowledge to delve deeper into the company financial accounts.
He said: “The return on investment is multiple fold with all the information I got from the course in addition to the mentoring and networking opportunities. The delivery, support and co-ordination from Nottingham Business School was fantastic.”
Henna Shah, managing director of Attock Network Products, specialist suppliers to the networking industry, said: “The most beneficial part of the programme for me was that there are so many different modules covered, from finance and marketing to people.
“So, for me, it’s about identifying the gaps in my own knowledge and the business. Doing the course has highlighted the areas of improvement that we need to work on. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to take it up.”
NBS holds Small Business Charter status, a national accreditation awarded to business schools which excel in supporting small businesses, student enterprise, and the local economy. Over the last two years it has engaged hundreds of SMEs and their employees through its UpScaler, Small Business Leadership, and Women in Leadership programmes.
Professor Lynn Oxborrow, programme director at NBS, said: “We have been delivering Help to Grow: Management in the East Midlands for several years now and have witnessed the tangible benefits to the participants and their businesses.
“The course is designed to help them develop a tailored business growth plan to increase productivity, grow revenue, and take their business to the next level.
“Alongside this, we know that they also benefit from the knowledge of their experienced mentors and course leaders, and the opportunity to network and discuss ideas with local peers who are often facing similar challenges.”
The next cohort, which begins on Thursday 21 November, is now open for applications. Business must have between 5-249 employees and have been operating for at least a year to be eligible.
John Pye footballers push to reclaim Charity Shield in Baby Loss Awareness fundraising match
Nottingham-based John Pye & Sons is preparing to field what it hopes is its best ever team for an annual Charity Shield Football match, with the goal of regaining the winners title to take the lead in games won since the Forever Stars charity fundraiser began in 2022.
With the teams currently tied at one win each, this year’s Charity Shield – at Wollaton Football Club on Sunday 13th October – has all the makings of a highly competitive game, says John Pye’s Head of Client Account Management UK & Europe, Tom Fishwick: “With each team having one victory under their belt, everything is up for grabs this year.
“The 2022 and 2023 matches were both fantastic, and while Forever Stars does have some strong players, I am confident we’ve got a great team this year. It’s a tough result to call, but I predict a 4-2 win for John Pye!”
The Forever Stars Charity Shield is one of several highlights of the charity’s packed programme of fundraising events marking Baby Loss Awareness Week (BLAW), an annual event, now in its 22nd year, which runs from the 9th to the 15th October.
Tom comments: “Baby Loss Awareness Week is incredibly important, providing an opportunity to bring people together as a community. It offers a safe and supportive space for anyone affected by pregnancy and baby loss to share their experiences and find comfort in knowing they are not alone.
“As such, Baby Loss Awareness Week is an important week of the year for Forever Stars, and we thought a football match between Forever Stars and John Pye would be an excellent way to bring people together while supporting the cause.
“I, along with many others at John Pye, have a long-standing connection with Wollaton Football Club and they generously provide their pitch and clubhouse free of charge for the Charity Shield.
“The main event is the football match and this kicks-off off at 1pm. Alongside, there will be plenty of fun activities for families, including raffles, food stalls, and penalty shootouts, making it a great day out for everyone!
“Ultimately, the day is all about raising awareness of baby loss and money for Forever Stars – the two matches to date have raised a combined £7000 total, and we hope to boost this already incredible total amount in 2024.”
Michelle and Richard Daniels created Forever Stars in May 2014 following the stillbirth of their daughter Emily on 19 December 2013. The charity is dedicated to supporting families living in Nottingham and the East Midlands who have suffered a stillbirth or infant loss.
All funds raised by Forever Stars during BLAW will go towards its 10th birthday campaign project, Supporting 1 in 4. Richard explains: “Ward A23 at Nottingham’s Queens Medical Centre is where around 10 families per day visit when they are having a miscarriage.
“The demands on the ward are huge but the resources for families are very limited, so we want to completely revamp their treatment rooms, garden and waiting room, as part of our 10 year anniversary, to reinforce our core values of supporting local baby loss families from hospital through to the community.”
Tom adds: “Although John Pye & Sons now operates throughout the UK, we are proud to be a Nottingham-based company, with our Head Office located in the city. Social value is at the core of our business, and we actively support numerous charities both in Nottingham and across the country.
“Forever Stars is one of our chosen charities, and is a remarkable local organization. The story behind its founding is deeply heartbreaking, but what Richard and Michelle have built, driven by their tragic loss, is truly inspiring. We are honored to support their incredible work in any way we can.”
“I thoroughly enjoy supporting Forever Stars, and the activities during BLAW are always brilliant,” he adds. “Since the partnership started my John Pye colleagues and I have supported various activities, from helping paint one of the rooms at the Serenity Centre at QMC, to volunteering at the Forever Stars Serenity Garden, donating raffle prizes and supporting the events during BLAW.
“Our team have got to know Richard, Michelle and the Forever Stars’ army of volunteers, and listened to their personal stories, the heartbreak they have gone through, and how they have turned this into a positive. The whole Forever Stars are inspiring, and it’s an honor to be able to play a small part in helping raise awareness and funding.”
Forever Stars’ full programme of events for BLAW 2024 is:
- Wednesday 9th October – Chasing Stars Quiz Night, Wollaton Sports Association
- Thursday 10th October – Cake Sale, Forever Stars Serenity Centre, QMC Nottingham
- Friday 11th October – Pink & Blue Day, and One Step at a Time 26-mile fundraising walk
- Saturday 12th October – Siblings Workshops and Plant a Pink or Blue Flower
- Sunday 13th October – Charity Shield with John Pye, Wollaton Sports Association
- Monday 14th October – Make Lemonade Comedy Night, Wellbeck Hall
- Tuesday 15th October – Wave of Light; light a candle at 7pm
Rolls-Royce wins shortlisting to provide UK’s next-generation nuclear power
Rolls-Royce SMR has been shortlisted in the Government’s competition to select and contract providers of Small Modular Reactor technology.
The announcement by Great British Nuclear names Rolls-Royce SMR – alongside three international SMR vendors – and confirms that Rolls-Royce SMR will be invited to negotiate with GBN on the deployment of UK units.
Chris Cholerton, Rolls-Royce SMR CEO, said: “Rolls-Royce SMR is the UK’s only SMR company and is already 18 months ahead of competitors in the regulatory approvals process. Today’s news that we will progress to formal negotiation with GBN will help us to maintain this important first-mover advantage.
“Rolls-Royce SMR has been chosen by the Czech Republic to deploy a fleet of SMRs and is in the final two in Sweden’s SMR selection process. Success in the UK will further strengthen our position as the leading SMR company and ensure the UK is able to capitalise on this transformational opportunity for the domestic supply chain.”
The Czech Republic announcement came only days before the UK Government decision, and t’s said that reaching a successful outcome in the GBN selection process, at pace, will enable immediate investment in the UK supply chain, create jobs and deliver the long-term energy secure and low-carbon future that the country needs.
Yorkshire consulting engineers win projects in Chesterfield and Worksop
Projects in Chesterfield and Worksop are amongst contracts won by Leeds-based Dudleys Consulting Engineers to provide structural and civil engineering support for four new care homes.
The new contracts, which also include Bradford and Durham, follow similar care home and retirement living projects for Torsion Care in Shipley, Bingley, Brighouse, Sleaford, Lincoln, and York for which Dudleys provided full engineering consultancy support.
Torsion Care is also poised to deliver a new 72-bedroom care home in Chesterfield after securing planning consent subject to conditions. Dudleys is supporting the redevelopment of the former Walton Works, including Grade II listed mill buildings for the care home alongside new housing.
Works are also due to commence on site next month in Worksop where Torsion is building a new 70-bed care home within the expanding development at Gatefold Toll Bar in Worksop. Dudleys is delivering full civil and structural engineering support, working alongside Watson Batty Architects which is designing the scheme.
John Currie, MD at Torsion Projects, said: “It is a pleasure to appoint Dudleys on our next roll out of schemes. Their support and expertise from inception through to completion on multiply projects at the same time allow Torsion Projects to maintain its growth plan and deliver exceptional schemes on programme.”
Paul Brownlow, Director at Dudleys, said: “Our team is highly skilled in working with challenging brownfield sites that need varying levels of remediation from historic use or local environmental impact and we admire Torsions commitment to rejuvenating often difficult sites to provide much needed new community focused facilities.”
Torsion Care is a part of Torsion Group, a privately owned independent company focused on developing residential, student living, care homes and retirement living apartments. With a pipeline of more than 5,000 units in the UK, Torsion Care delivers modern care homes, assisted living, and extra care facilities for operators across the UK. Torsion Care offers a complete turn of key service from finding land, obtaining planning permission, and constructing care facilities in a partnering approach with operators and investors.
Businesses benefit from Harborough Rural Grant Scheme
Businesses across the Harborough district have benefitted from the Harborough Rural Grant Scheme.
The scheme launched in June 2023, with grants available between £5,000 to £20,000, under four categories including Innovate and Grow, Rural Tourism, Farm Business Diversification and Green Technology.
Langton Brewery in Thorpe Langton has used its grant for innovation and growth to open a new fermenting hall. This expansion has allowed the brewery to significantly increase its production capacity, enabling them to meet growing demand and diversify their range of craft beers. It has also enabled the business to create new employment opportunities within the community.
Fox’s Furrows campground at Houghton on the Hill has introduced a new boutique cabin for holiday lets, providing a luxurious retreat in a serene rural setting. With a second cabin due to be installed shortly, this project promises to boost rural tourism and create an attractive destination for visitors seeking a countryside escape.
Little Cobblers has transformed its offering with a new outdoor play area since being awarded a grant for rural tourism. This development enhances the cafe as a destination for families, offering a safe and enjoyable space for children to play while their parents enjoy the cafe’s local produce.
A business to receive funding for green technology is Pennbury Farm in Great Glen which has installed solar panels on one of its buildings. This move towards renewable energy is helping the farm cut its carbon footprint and reduce energy costs.
The Harborough Rural Grant Scheme is administered by Harborough District Council and supports businesses to diversify, innovate and grow. A total of £350,000 has been allocated to this project which has been funded by the Rural England Prosperity Fund under the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Cllr Jo Asher, Cabinet lead for Culture, Leisure, Economy and Tourism, said: “We are thrilled to see the positive impact these projects are having on our rural communities. All four businesses have each demonstrated remarkable dedication to growth, innovation, and sustainability, and their success sets an inspiring example for others to follow.”
The scheme is still open for applications until Thursday 31 October 2024.
Family fortunes – Time For You appoints Emma Stawarz to strengthen franchisee support
Time For You, the Northampton-based domestic cleaning franchise, has appointed Emma Stawarz as its new Operational Support Manager.
With a successful track record as a Time For You franchisee, Emma brings invaluable experience and insight to this role, where she will focus on providing enhanced support to the company’s growing network of franchisees.
Emma Stawarz’s connection to Time For You is both personal and professional.
As a successful franchisee herself, Emma has firsthand knowledge of the challenges and rewards that come with running a Time For You franchise. Her new role as Operational Support Manager allows her to leverage that experience to provide guidance and operational support to franchisees across the UK.
Emma’s role will see her working closely with franchisees to ensure they receive the operational backing and resources they need to continue growing their businesses and providing excellent service to their clients.
“I’m incredibly excited to take on this new role,” said Emma.
“Having run my own franchise, I understand the unique journey that franchisees go through and look forward to using my experience to support them in every way possible, ensuring they have the tools and resources to succeed.”
As the wife of Managing Director Sam Stawarz, Emma’s appointment further reinforces the family-centered ethos that has defined Time For You since its inception in 1997. The business has always placed a strong emphasis on supporting its franchisees as part of its extended family, and Emma’s role is key to maintaining and strengthening that connection.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Emma to the operational team,” said Sam Stawarz. “Her experience as a franchisee and her passion for helping others succeed make her the perfect fit for this role and of course, she has a unique understanding of our core family business values.”
As Time For You continues to grow, with over 220 franchises nationwide and increasing demand for domestic cleaning services, Emma’s role will be critical in maintaining operational excellence. Her main focus will be to ensure that franchisees receive consistent, high-quality support to help them grow their businesses and provide reliable services.
“I’m committed to helping our franchisees reach their full potential,” added Emma. “I’ve been in their shoes, and I know what’s needed to run a successful franchise. My goal is to provide them with the operational guidance and resources they need to thrive in this competitive market.”
Property consultancy makes 24 promotions across East Midlands
A property consultancy has announced 24 promotions across the East Midlands following a strong period of success for the firm.
Fisher German has promoted staff based at its offices in Ashby, Market Harborough and Newark across several areas of the business.
In Ashby, Joanne Ziemelis and Mary McKenzie have been promoted to associate partners, while Abigail Hicklin, Maisy Moseley and Robyn Dearden have been promoted to associates.
Flo Gilman and Henry Mawhood have become senior surveyors, John Nicol and Victoria Heath have progressed to senior planners, Kay Smith has been promoted to senior architect and Rachel Lumsden to senior administrator.
Amanda Davies has been named head of people operations, Eleanor Saunders-Brant has been promoted to head of people experience and Laura Taylor has progressed to head of marketing, while Trish Wilkins has become senior talent acquisition manager and Laura Jane Taylor is now senior marketing manager.
Finally, Rob Griffiths has been promoted to finance manager, Jo Inwood to senior talent coordinator and Charlie Pook to senior systems administrator, while Dominik Michalski has become a developer and Hugh Gilmore a project manager.
In Market Harborough, Matthew Trembath has been promoted to senior associate, and James Butlin has become a senior surveyor, while in Newark, Alex Morrison has been promoted to associate.
The promotions are among 53 that Fisher German has made across all areas of the business as part of its ongoing growth.
They come after a successful 12 months for the firm which has seen it expand and relocate its offices in London and Birmingham and invest in an extensive refurbishment project at its Manchester office as it looks to strengthen its city-centre presence.
Fisher German has seen its national headcount almost double since 2017, with 806 staff members now based across its network of 26 offices.
The firm has made the latest promotions as part of its ‘Grow’ career progression framework which gives employees a clear pathway to advance within the business.
Richard Benson, Senior Partner at Fisher German, said: “This round of promotions sees more than 50 colleagues move up within the business in recognition of their hard work and consistent high performance.
“The promotions span the whole firm, with representation from all divisions and recognition for those who have been with us for anywhere from one year to 20 plus.
“Our Grow career progression framework provides colleagues with clarity on the competencies and behaviours expected at each level, aligned to our strategy and values, which has helped more people take ownership of their careers and set attainable goals.
“I would like to congratulate all of those who have been promoted for their continued hard work and support as we continue to build a more diverse and dynamic multi-disciplinary property consultancy.
“It is an exciting time for the business as we continue to invest in both our people and our premises, and we look forward to further strengthening our presence in the market going forward.”
New Director joins Board of East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster
Cyber security specialist Rob Kneller has become the third Director of the East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster.
He joins Dr Ismini Vasileiou and David Nicholls in leading the Community Interest Company, which supports regional economic growth by helping organisations to protect their digital assets from cyber threats.
Rob has spent more than 15 years in the cyber security industry and is currently the Director of KIT365 Ltd, a Cyber Security Managed Service Provider and Consultants.
He is vastly experienced in assessing organisations for Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certification and is also a Cyber Scheme Team Member (CSTM), Cyber Essentials Plus Lead Assessor, and NCSC-approved Cyber Advisor.
Rob joins EMCSC in committing to help organisations of all sizes achieve robust cyber security. He provides practical solutions to cyber security challenges faced by businesses today.
“My approach is to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences and businesses looking to improve their cyber security posture,” Rob said.
“Getting involved with EMCSC is a great way to raise awareness of cyber security across the East Midlands and the UK.
“In meeting new people from diverse fields – both in and out of the cyber security sector – I will be looking to share insights and ideas, offer advice to both the private and public sectors, and widen my own understanding of how cyber security contributes to the improvement of people’s lives.”
EMCSC was founded by Dr Ismini Vasileiou, Associate Professor in Information Systems at De Montfort University, in 2023.
Its purpose is to develop opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, sharing of best practice, and identification of opportunity. Fellow Director David Nicholls is Managing Director and founder of Leicestershire-based IT company Better-IT.
Dr Vasileiou said: “It’s fantastic that someone of Rob’s experience has joined Dave and I and we are really pleased to have him on board for some of the big plans we have in the pipeline for the next 12 months.”
EMCSC works across public and private sectors, as well as academia, promoting business cyber-resilience and cyber security careers, with partners including the national UKC3 cyber cluster network and the Cyber Resilience Centre for the East Midlands.
Cooper Parry completes duo of deals
East Midlands accountancy firm Cooper Parry (CP) has completed two deals, welcoming UHY Hacker Young Manchester and Haines Watts Thames Valley/Reading to CP.
The acquisitions are CP’s ninth and tenth since 2023, and have seen the business quadruple in size since partnering with Waterland Private Equity in 2022.
The deals see CP expand into the Northwest powerhouse and the UK’s ‘Silicon Valley’, two key geographies for fast-growing mid-market businesses. They also add 200 people across Audit, Tax, Outsourcing and Deals, including 17 Partners, taking CP’s headcount to over 1,400.
The news comes hot on the heels of CP’s recent acquisition of fast-growing London-based Salesforce consultancy, Cloud Orca, and the launch of ATLAST, the global professional services firms’ community CP co-founded.
Ade Cheatham, CP CEO, said: “Two landmark deals over the last couple of days confirms our ambition to create the UK’s next gen professional services group. Acquiring UHY Hacker Young Manchester allows us to establish a powerful presence in the Northwest.
“In the same way, the Thames Valley deal accelerates our growth down the M4 to create the #1 advisory firm in the UK’s ‘Silicon Valley’ and Southwest.
“Our presence at the centre of every key UK business powerhouse – as one iconic and rebellious brand – is key to supercharging the next phase of our expansion and market leadership.
“What Dave Kendrick, Ben Loveday and their talented teams have created gives CP two perfect platforms from which to launch further UK acquisitions, strategic hires and specialist team lifts.”
Dave Kendrick, UHY Hacker Young Manchester CEO, said: “I am hugely proud of what we have achieved over the last few years as a team and taking our amazing 160+ strong team into the Cooper Parry business feels the perfect fit.
“Our growth ambitions, culture, team ethic and industry specialisms feel very much aligned and we now have the platform to dominate the Northwest region as the leading advisory firm.”
Ben Loveday, Haines Watts Thames Valley Managing Partner, added: “I’m really proud of what our team has been able to build here over the years. Looking ahead – and having seen the success of the recent Haines Watts London and Southeast integration – we see Cooper Parry as an ideal fit.
“Culturally and commercially, we’re perfectly aligned to take advantage of the enormous opportunity the Thames Valley presents.”
Experian completes acquisition down under
Experian, the data and technology company, has completed its A$820 million acquisition of consumer and commercial credit bureau, illion, in Australia and New Zealand.
The acquisition and integration of illion’s 500 strong team, data, software and intellectual property into Experian will create a unified business that brings together complementary capabilities, assets, people and customers. The combined organisation is set to enhance market choice and deliver powerful, data-driven solutions for businesses and consumers across the region.
Malin Holmberg, CEO Experian EMEA and Asia Pacific region, said: “Having successfully led the Australia and New Zealand business for the past seven years, Andrew Black, will take leadership of the combined organisation, overseeing the strategic integration and growth plans, leveraging our global innovations.”
Experian A/NZ CEO Andrew Black said Experian’s five-year strategic plan will quickly unlock value of the combined team and capabilities, with the first phase balancing speed and service continuity for customers.
“This is a historic day for our business, our people and our customers – and it’s just the beginning,” Black said. “Through this acquisition we aim to continue our growth trajectory in Australia and New Zealand, significantly expand our market and bring new capabilities to redefine what a data-driven technology business can be.
“illion has built an impressive product portfolio, data assets and customer base that are diverse and complementary to Experian’s strengths and we have a robust integration plan that will enable our customers to quickly realise the benefits of the combined entities.
“One of the big wins here is the combined data assets which will provide more choice for our customers. This is going to supercharge our product and service capabilities, in alignment with Experian’s global strategy, in a way that simply hasn’t been possible before.”
Black confirmed that the new combined entity will be rebranded to Experian, likely within the next 12 months, although some of the illion product names that have gained credible market awareness will continue.
Experian confirmed that John Banfield, CEO of illion, will be stepping down following the successful completion of the acquisition. Banfield played a pivotal role in transforming illion’s performance and culture, culminating in the company’s acquisition by Experian.
Rothera Bray LLP merges with Massers
Rothera Bray LLP, the East Midlands law firm, has merged with Massers. The merger is a key part of the firm’s ambitious growth plans and marks a significant step forward in expanding its team and service offerings.
The newly merged firm will continue under the name Rothera Bray LLP, with an expected turnover of £20 million for the 2025-2026 financial year.
As part of the merger, all 30 Massers employees have joined the Rothera Bray team. The Massers office in West Bridgford will remain open, while staff from Massers’ Nottingham office will be relocating to Rothera Bray’s Nottingham office in the Lace Market, centralising services and strengthening the team.
Christina Yardley, CEO at Rothera Bray LLP, commented on the merger: “We have a mutual commitment to grow the firm, which represents a fantastic opportunity for everyone to progress in their careers.
“By combining the best skills and abilities from both teams, we can continue to deliver the highest level of service to our clients. People-driven values, which are fundamental to both firms, are at the core of this merger.
“Together, we look forward to continuing our shared commitment to excellence and driving our firm’s future growth, while creating more opportunities for our teams and delivering exceptional results for our clients.”
Massers Director Tim Brooke stated: “From our initial discussions, it was clear that Massers and Rothera Bray share a strong commitment to the same core values and a focus on exceptional client care.
“The entire Massers team is enthusiastic about the opportunities this merger presents. In addition to continuing our excellent service, we are excited to offer our loyal clients access to a wider range of services that we previously could not provide.”
As part of the merger, key members of the Massers team will assume prominent leadership roles within Rothera Bray, contributing to the growth and enhancement of the firm’s services across the East Midlands.
Litigation Director James Carley will oversee and expand the firm’s Litigation services in Leicester, while Conveyancing Director Tim Brooke joins forces with Conveyancing Partner Michelle Young to further develop the firm’s conveyancing services across the counties.
Wills and Probate Director Richard Jackson will lead Rothera Bray’s Private Client team in Derby, and the Commercial Property team in Nottingham will be under the leadership of Corporate and Commercial Director Russell Thompson.
Additionally, Wills and Probate Director Martin Witherspoon, formerly of Sharp & Partners, returns to Rothera Bray to head the Private Client team in West Bridgford.
