Nottingham-headquartered solicitors joins Amputation Foundation legal panel
Rothera Bray Solicitors have been appointed to the legal panel of the Amputation Foundation.
Founded in 2017, the Amputation Foundation is a charity dedicated to providing immediate, empathetic, and effective support to amputees and their families.
As one of the Amputation Foundation’s recommended legal partners, Rothera Bray will leverage their extensive experience in limb loss litigation and will aid the charity in expanding its reach and delivering its strategy to support more people affected by limb loss.
Founder Stephen Cruse said: “Amputation Foundation is delighted to welcome Rothera Bray to the AF family. As the charity grows, so too does our need for additional support and having met with Rothera Bray on several occasions, we were excited by the synergy and ethos we shared.
“AF is expanding its regional support hubs and sharing a partnership with another Midlands based legal firm will help us and our members to access broader support.
“As a bilateral below knee amputee, I set Amputation Foundation up with one thing front and centre of my mind and that was and always will be, to support individuals and their families through what is invariably a life-changing experience.
“We are really looking forward to working with the Rothera Bray team to ensure our support can reach those people who want and need it.”
“This collaboration represents a significant step forward in our mission to support those affected by limb loss,” said Greg Almond, Partner and Head of the Serious Injury team at Rothera Bray Solicitors.
“We are honoured to join the Amputation Foundation panel and contribute to their invaluable work. Together, we will provide vital resources and legal expertise to improve the lives of amputees and their families.”
Outstanding East Midlands businesswomen to be celebrated at ceremony
Inspiring leaders, entrepreneurs and apprentices are among East Midlands women to be showcased at 2024’s Enterprising Women Awards.
Organised by East Midlands Chamber’s Enterprising Women network, the ceremony at Winstanley House in Leicestershire on 20th September will unveil the winners of 10 award categories.
Enterprising Women Co-Chair Eileen Perry said: “With exactly one month to go until the Enterprising Women Awards, we’re busy setting the stage for an unmissable evening at this beautiful venue in Leicestershire. East Midlands women absolutely can thrive in business and these awards show that by doing so, they are driving continued change in perception within the business community.
“For me, what happens off the stage can be just, if not more valuable than on the stage. The huge boost to self-confidence you get sharing in the wins of brilliant businesswomen in the East Midlands is one thing, but the opportunity to network and build connections is really something that cannot be underestimated in growing your presence.
“I’d urge anyone poised to press the button to join us at the Awards to get registered straight away so as not to miss out on what is certain to be a really uplifting evening.”
Finalists for the Enterprising Women Awards 2024:
Businesswoman of the Year (sponsored by Michael Smith Switchgear)
Bhumika Parmar BP Legal
Lai-Yee Cheung Sanjay Foods
Andrea Grey PPL PRS
Jo Jepson Base 51
Michelle Williams Meesh Consulting
Female Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Fraser Stretton Property Group)
Katy Upton Fortitude Nicsa
Laura Holland EcoTech Engineers
Michelle Williams Meesh Consulting
Poonam Sharma Barclays
Social Commitment Award (sponsored by Tomato Energy)
Jessica Popplewell-Barker Rykneld Homes
Emma Sharpe Menphys
Sally-Anne Hurn Duncan & Toplis
Natalie Dunbar Consultus
Blu Hardy Hardy Signs
Bodie Hodges Foundation Bodie Hodges Foundation
Female Employee of the Year (sponsored by Nelsons)
Jay Dodson Base 51
Sarah Spray Menphys
Anne-Marie Hunt NatWest
Charlotte Barker The Maynard
Lai-Yee Cheung Sanjay Foods
Hannah O’Brien Colleague Box
Team of the Year (sponsored by Breedon Consulting)
Base 51 Base 51
Family Law & Care Team Timms Solicitors
Olivia Beesley, Jodie Pringle Purpose Media
Summit Creative Summit Creative
The Maynard The Maynard
Bodie Hodges Foundation Bodie Hodges Foundation
Apprentice of the Year Award (sponsored by Futures Housing Group)
Elena Richards Rolls-Royce
Amber Whitby Pentaxia
Sarah Illsley Pentaxia
Lillie Jeffries- Williams Rolls-Royce
Manhoor Akhter Rolls-Royce
Emerging Leader Award (sponsored by Sarah Higgins Corporate Coaching)
Lai Yee Cheung Sanjay Foods
Alice Houghton The George Hathersage Longbow Venues
Bethany Grundy PPL PRS
Ruby Birks Purpose Media
Kamila Rozkowska M&E Accident Repair Centre Ltd
Small Business of the Year Award (sponsored by Unique Window Systems)
Medilink Midlands
Michelle Williams Meesh Consulting
Sabrina Sudera Design Studio Architects
Laura Holland Ecotech Engineers
Rachel Biddles Blueprint Interiors
She Who Innovates Award (sponsored by Pick Everard)
Kate Allan ExpHand
Medilink Midlands
Preethi Kang Qinesis
Deborah Chester RimPro Tech
Elena Richards Rolls-Royce PLC
Lifetime Achievement Award (sponsored by Paradigm Wills)
To be announced at the ceremony
Wood recycling company fined following collision death
A wood recycling company has been fined after an employee was killed when he was struck by a JCB wheel loader.
On 29 April 2019, Thomas Brooke was walking across the yard at John Brooke (Timber Treatments) Limited in Nottingham. A JCB wheel loader, with its bucket raised, was operating in the yard along with other vehicles, but as the shovel moved forward, it collided with Tom who died from his injuries.
Tragically, Tom was working for the family company. At the time of the incident, Tom’s son Rupert was aged four. His wife, Jessica Brooke described Tom as a kind and caring person who was dedicated to his family and was loved by everyone who knew him.
In a statement, she said: “Our hearts are broken. The pain and suffering of his loss has been immense, and no words can describe the impact that his loss has had; both Rupert and I have been forever changed.
“We were partners in crime, soulmates and best friends and together took on whatever challenges life threw in our direction.”
Describing the relationship Tom had with Rupert, who is now nine, Jessica said: “From the moment that Rupert was born Tom was a natural father and Rupert and Tom had a very special bond. They were as thick as thieves, both being at their happiest when in the other’s company. Tom was a brilliant role model to Rupert in every respect; he was Rupert’s favourite person in the whole world and Rupert couldn’t have wished for a better father.
“I grieve the future that we will never have but also, and particularly, that Tom will never see Rupert’s future.”
The family have asked for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that John Brooke (Timber Treatments) Limited did not properly organise its workplace to keep pedestrians safe. There were no control measures, such as physical barriers, to prevent pedestrians accessing areas where loading shovels, lorries, forklift trucks and 360 grabs operated. It failed to properly assess the risks from operating machinery with reduced visibility and did not properly train, instruct and monitor employees.
On 20 August 2024, John Brooke (Timber Treatments) Limited of Fosse Way, Widmerpool, Nottingham pleaded guilty to breaching regulation 17(1) of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and section 33(1)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 at Nottingham Crown Court. They were fined £22,500 and agreed to pay costs of £44,227.28.
Speaking after the sentencing, HSE inspector Lindsay Bentley said: “This has been a very difficult case for all concerned. However, those in control of work have a responsibility to implement safe methods of working. Had simple measures been taken, this tragedy could have been prevented.”
This HSE prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Kate Harney and supported by HSE paralegal officer Rebecca Forman.
Second sub-letting completed at Discovery House
A second sub-letting has been completed at Discovery House, situated on Ruddington Fields Business Park.
The ground floor suite comprised 2,769 sq ft of open plan office accommodation that was undergoing a refurbishment during the letting, which allowed the occupier to adapt their preferences alongside the refurbishment.
Capita, the sublessor, occupy the whole of Discovery House offering a fully manned concierge area, WC and shower facilities, alongside meeting rooms that can be hired out for client meetings.
Capita’s need for office space had significantly reduced since the Government introduced the working from home scheme which led to a reduced office footprint.
PremTech Ltd are the latest to agree a sub-letting at Discovery House, with their main office based in Ashby-De-La-Zouch.
A sub-letting was previously carried out in 2023 for part of the ground floor, to Bentley Project Management Ltd. PremTech Ltd have now obtained the remaining space on the ground floor securing 8,000 sq ft of take-up for Capita to reduce their expenditure.
Amy Howard, Surveyor at FHP Property Consultants, said: “PremTech Ltd had been actively looking at offices for several months, considering numerous options along the way. Despite multiple viewings, it became evident that they had specific requirements for their new office space.
“Discovery House emerged as a strong contender, although a few of their needs remained unresolved. To address these concerns, we arranged an on-site meeting with Capita allowing a thorough discussion of the remaining issues.
“This meeting proved beneficial allowing us to secure them as an occupier. A key advantage of this collaboration was that Premtech could directly work with Capita on the refurbishment, ensuring the office was tailored to their preferred tastes.
“PremTech are a great new addition to the Business Park, offering a diverse range of occupiers. I am thrilled to have successfully closed this deal for my client, achieving their primary goal of reducing their costs while also breathing new life into Discovery House. I wish both parties all the best in their next endeavours.”
Elizabeth Cashon, Estates Surveyor, Group Property at Capita, said: “This is the second successful letting that FHP has secured for us in Discovery House, we came to them for advice and they delivered on this in securing two tenants.”
Could you take home Excellence in Design at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024? Enter now!
Shining a light on the region’s property and construction industry, nominations will close on Thursday 5th September for the annual East Midlands Bricks Awards.
With 10 categories available to enter, the independent awards and publicity programme recognises development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools.
Amongst this year’s categories is Excellence in Design, which can be entered here.
The winner of this category will be the developer who has shown true originality in design excellence across a scheme or schemes over the last 12 months, whether this be aesthetically, functionally or in any other manner.
Last year the award was won by Chevin Homes, for Amber Farm, with Marchini Curran Associates (Phoenix cinema and art centre) and Trident Construction Services (Lark Hill Retirement Village refurbishment) runners up.
Upon winning, Dan Stack, director, Chevin Homes, said: “All at Chevin Homes are delighted to have won the Excellence in Design award for our Amber Farm development in Oakerthorpe. It is an event that we thoroughly enjoy as we get chance to catch up with contacts from across the East Midlands.”
This year’s Excellence in Design award will be sponsored by Cawarden. Speaking with Business Link, William Crooks, Managing Director at Cawarden, said: “Here at Cawarden, we’re proud to return as sponsors of the Excellence in Design category in the prestigious 2024 East Midlands Bricks Awards. As a Specialist Contractor, we understand the vital role innovative design plays in shaping our built environment.
“Last year’s event showcased the remarkable talent and creativity within our region, and we’re eager to once again celebrate those pushing the boundaries of design excellence. Our commitment to sponsoring this category stems from our belief in the power of visionary design to transform spaces and enrich communities.”
Sharing advice for those entering the awards, Crooks added: “For those contemplating a nomination, our foremost advice is to embrace boldness and innovation. Demonstrate how your project pioneers new frontiers and positively impacts the environment, people, or communities. We eagerly anticipate reviewing the exceptional submissions and paying tribute to the visionaries propelling design excellence in the East Midlands.”
Submit your nominations for Excellence in Design here before entries close on Thursday 5th September.
Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground (4:30pm – 7:30pm) – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region, and hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby.
Other award categories open for entry include: Most Active Estate Agent, Contractor of the Year, Responsible Business of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Developer of the Year, Deal of the Year, Architects of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, and Sustainable Development of the Year. All entry forms can be accessed here.
The Overall Winner award will also be presented at the event. This award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated for the event’s other awards. The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 will also receive a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground (4:30pm – 7:30pm) – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region, and hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby.
Other award categories open for entry include: Most Active Estate Agent, Contractor of the Year, Responsible Business of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Developer of the Year, Deal of the Year, Architects of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, and Sustainable Development of the Year. All entry forms can be accessed here.
The Overall Winner award will also be presented at the event. This award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated for the event’s other awards. The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 will also receive a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
Book your tickets now
Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 – click here to secure yours. The special awards evening and networking event will be held on Thursday 3rd October 2024 in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground from 4:30pm – 7:30pm.
Connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region, and hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire.
Dress code is standard business attire.
Thanks to our sponsors:
To be held at:
Plastic packaging tax working as receipts fall 6% since last year
New figures show that Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) receipts collected by HMRC between 2023-24 has decreased by 6% compared to the previous year, totalling £285m – matching the increase in plastic packaging that meets the 30% recycled content test.
The number of companies registered to pay the tax rose very slightly by 527, now standing at 4669.
The tax was announced in the Budget in 2018 and officially introduced in April 2022, making this the first year the statistics could be compared. The tax applies to manufacturers and importers of plastic packaging components which contain less than 30% recycled plastic.
Those whose packaging contains the 30% recycled plastic content are exempt but must still register with HMRC and prove the 30% threshold has been met.
Chris Morgan, Tax Director at BDO, said: “This is still a fairly new tax, with many businesses still getting their heads around the details. “Many businesses who technically fall into the net will be overseas entities, importing goods into the UK and there is a chance that the very small increase of just 527 companies registered to pay the tax means some are falling through HMRC’s net. “The fact that there has been a 22% fall in plastic packaging imported into the UK may indicate that importers are switching to other packaging to reduce their exposure to PPT.
“The 6% decrease in the value of receipts collected is likely a result of several factors.
More businesses are investing in their supply chains to ensure their packaging meets the 30% minimum recycled materials threshold or ensuring they can prove this to HMRC. “However, it’s worth remembering that the PPT charged per tonne of plastic has increased by inflation, so without that, the decrease in revenue would likely be significantly higher.
“We can see from these stats that the actual tonnage of taxable plastic packaging has decreased by around 12%, but the tonnage declared with 30% or more recycled plastic, has increased by 6%.
“While this is a good start, looking ahead, the new Labour Government will want to ensure they keep up the pressure on businesses using plastic packaging. As well as increasing the charge each year, this may involve trying to ensure more overseas businesses are aware of the tax and informed of their obligations to register, even if they are exempt. “There is also a strong chance that the government will impose incremental increases to the 30% recycled plastic threshold, putting further pressure on businesses reduce the use of virgin plastic.”
The number of companies registered to pay the tax rose very slightly by 527, now standing at 4669.
The tax was announced in the Budget in 2018 and officially introduced in April 2022, making this the first year the statistics could be compared. The tax applies to manufacturers and importers of plastic packaging components which contain less than 30% recycled plastic.
Those whose packaging contains the 30% recycled plastic content are exempt but must still register with HMRC and prove the 30% threshold has been met.
Chris Morgan, Tax Director at BDO, said: “This is still a fairly new tax, with many businesses still getting their heads around the details. “Many businesses who technically fall into the net will be overseas entities, importing goods into the UK and there is a chance that the very small increase of just 527 companies registered to pay the tax means some are falling through HMRC’s net. “The fact that there has been a 22% fall in plastic packaging imported into the UK may indicate that importers are switching to other packaging to reduce their exposure to PPT.
“The 6% decrease in the value of receipts collected is likely a result of several factors.
More businesses are investing in their supply chains to ensure their packaging meets the 30% minimum recycled materials threshold or ensuring they can prove this to HMRC. “However, it’s worth remembering that the PPT charged per tonne of plastic has increased by inflation, so without that, the decrease in revenue would likely be significantly higher.
“We can see from these stats that the actual tonnage of taxable plastic packaging has decreased by around 12%, but the tonnage declared with 30% or more recycled plastic, has increased by 6%.
“While this is a good start, looking ahead, the new Labour Government will want to ensure they keep up the pressure on businesses using plastic packaging. As well as increasing the charge each year, this may involve trying to ensure more overseas businesses are aware of the tax and informed of their obligations to register, even if they are exempt. “There is also a strong chance that the government will impose incremental increases to the 30% recycled plastic threshold, putting further pressure on businesses reduce the use of virgin plastic.”
University of Nottingham engineering alumni secure funding for device lowering food & beverage industry emissions
A group of alumni from the University of Nottingham’s Faculty of Engineering have received funding for a new device that could significantly reduce carbon emissions for the food and beverage industry.
The device is a biofuel cell (BFC) which addresses the emissions of electricity used in essential processes by harnessing liquid organic waste to generate electricity that is directly fed into on-site equipment, including bottling equipment or battery storage systems. The aim is to decarbonise the food and beverage industry.
The next generation fuel cell is possible due to the combination of advanced coating, design and manufacturing techniques, which results in high-efficiency electrodes. Pipeline Organics’ next-generation BFC will be able to produce more electricity per unit volume than traditional BFCs, and promises to be the world’s first BFC capable of generating clean energy at an industrial scale.
The primary target for the device, the Food and Beverage Industry, produces roughly 25-30% of the world’s annual Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. In 2019 it was estimated at 158 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) per year (Food and Drink Federation, 2021).
This novel technology will benefit the food and drink industry by delivering a:
- Reduction in energy bills, due to lower reliance on the National Grid for electrical power;
- Reduction in carbon emissions, because the Biofuel Cell produces direct electricity through a zero-carbon biological process;
- Resilient source of energy year-round independent of weather, because the Biofuel Cell relies on a customer waste, and not wind, sunlight or sludge shipments, to operate.
Council support helps manufacturer secure £3m contract
Expert business advice from Blaby District Council has helped a Glen Parva firm secure a new £3 million contract.
Business Growth Officer Alfred Bawak assisted bosses at Summit Engineering in obtaining financial support from the University of Derby.
The £200,000 in loan and grant funding meant Summit was able to commit to buying the specialist new equipment to deliver the contract, making parts for a Leicester-based division of a global construction equipment supplier.
The firm plans to invest £850,000 in a top-of the range robot welder, a hi-tech lathe and robotic stacking and loading system, an advanced vertical milling machine plus other ancillary machinery and tooling over the next two years.
Manufacture will ramp up in stages with six existing jobs safeguarded and 10 new roles created.
The investment also means the company can streamline and speed up processes, turning out parts in just three minutes when it used to take 15. This will enable them to exploit previously untapped markets and quote competitively for major new work.
While the loan and grant made up just a proportion of the funding required, it was instrumental in ensuring Summit could order the first lot of new machinery and satisfy its customer of their capabilities.
Summit Managing Director Michael Measey said: “We have been making parts for this customer for some years but we knew we would have to invest in machinery if we won this contract. That meant we’d need finance.
“We weren’t really aware of the help available out there from Blaby District Council to be honest. Then we received a circular from Alfred about the potential grants and loans available. He came in and spoke to us and was very knowledgeable.
“He organised a meeting with the loans officer at the University of Derby and he helped us tremendously with the application process. I think without Alfred we might have got a bit frustrated with the process, and we would have had to borrow a lot more money if it wasn’t for his support.”
Links with the University of Derby to obtain funding is just one aspect of the support available for businesses from Blaby District Council. Help and advice are on offer to all enterprises, whether start-up or established.
Councillor Terry Richardson, Leader of Blaby District Council, said: “A thriving economy within Blaby District is one of our priorities. It’s brilliant to see our business advice service has helped ensure this local company can not only safeguard existing jobs but create new opportunities and expand their manufacturing. This is great news and a huge boost for a local company and the local people it employs.”
Destination Chesterfield welcomes eight new board members
Destination Chesterfield has recruited eight new board members to strengthen the promotion of Derbyshire’s largest town.
The Destination Chesterfield Board is made up of local businesspeople who volunteer their time to influence the strategic direction of place-making and place marketing for Chesterfield.
Since being founded by Chesterfield Borough Council and local businesses in 2010, Destination Chesterfield has showcased the town as a contemporary destination to work, live, visit and invest.
The partnership works alongside a community of more than 230 businesses, known as Chesterfield Champions, to achieve this. Board members are representatives from their Chesterfield Champion Companies.
Joining the Destination Chesterfield board are:
- Ann Fomukong-Boden, Owner, Kakou CIC
- Andrew Dabbs, Director, Whittam Cox Architects
- Nick Hogan, Owner, Chesterfield Escape Rooms
- Dominic Staniforth, Partner, BHP LLP
- Ryan Wilkes, Director of Owner Managed Business, Shorts Chartered Accountants
- James Borkoles, Head of Business Development, University of Derby
- Andrew Byrne, Property Development Director, Devonshire Group
- Nick Catt, Managing Director, Weightron Bilanciai
Leicestershire land purchased to unlock housing development
Persimmon Homes North Midlands has completed the purchase of land to unlock a housing development in Newbold Verdon, Leicestershire.
The site will deliver up to 239 new homes. A significant portion of the land will be kept as public open space for the people of Newbold Verdon, helping to enhance the area’s green space and biodiversity. Along with the boost to local housing needs, the scheme will bring with it a range of community benefits – including a total of up to £2.1m pledged towards the nearby area. Within this amount includes over £1m towards education and £160,000 towards healthcare improvements. Dan Endersby, Managing Director at Persimmon Homes North Midlands, said: “We’re proud to have completed the purchase of land to deliver up to 239 new homes in Newbold Verdon. Our upcoming new community will bring a wide range of new benefits to the area, including major improvements to local roads, public open spaces, healthcare, and education. “Of course, what we do is about so much more than building quality homes. This development will not only generate significant job opportunities throughout the lifespan of the project but will also leave a lasting legacy of community benefits for the people of Newbold Verdon and the surrounding areas.”