The most crucial factors to remember when choosing a solar partner and installer
Solar power has emerged as a leading contender in our seemingly never-ending quest for sustainable and eco-friendly energy solutions. As individuals and businesses alike increasingly think about harnessing the sun’s energy to power their homes and facilities, choosing the right solar partner and installer becomes paramount. The decision involves carefully considering various factors to ensure a seamless transition to clean energy. Here are the most crucial factors to remember when selecting a solar partner and installer in the East Midlands today.
1. Expertise and experience: Choosing a solar partner with a proven track record and extensive experience is fundamental. Look for a trusted commercial solar company that has successfully completed many solar installations. An experienced installer will be well-versed in navigating local regulations, obtaining necessary permits, and handling potential challenges that may arise during the installation process.
2. Reputation and reviews: Word of mouth is a powerful tool when it comes to selecting a solar partner. Research the reputation of potential installers by reading customer reviews and testimonials. Platforms like Google Reviews can provide valuable insights into the experiences of previous clients. A company with a positive reputation will likely prioritise customer satisfaction and deliver high-quality services.
3. Licensing and certification: Ensure the solar partner and installer you choose is licensed and certified. Licensing ensures that the company complies with local regulations and standards, while certification from recognised bodies demonstrates a commitment to excellence and adherence to industry best practices.
4. Quality of solar products: The efficiency and durability of solar panels and other components play a pivotal role in the overall success of a solar installation. Inquire about the brands and models of solar panels the installer uses and research their performance metrics. A reputable installer will offer high-quality products with solid warranties, providing peace of mind for the long-term performance of the solar system.
5. Customisation and system design: Every property is unique, and an effective solar installation requires a customised approach. A reliable solar partner will conduct a thorough site assessment and design a system tailored to meet the specific energy needs of your home or business. Consider companies prioritising a personalised approach to ensure maximum energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
6. Financing options: The upfront cost of solar installation can be a significant consideration for many homeowners and businesses. Therefore, you should look for solar partners that offer flexible financing options, including leases, power purchase agreements, or low-interest loans. Understanding the financial aspects and available incentives, such as tax credits and rebates, can make the transition to solar power more affordable.
7. Maintenance and support: Solar systems require minimal maintenance, but choosing an installer that offers ongoing support is crucial. Inquire about their maintenance packages and warranty coverage to ensure that your investment remains protected in the future. A responsive and reliable support system can address any issues promptly, maximising the lifespan and efficiency of your solar installation.
Choosing a solar partner and installer involves careful consideration of expertise, reputation, licensing, product quality, customisation, financing options, and ongoing support. By prioritising these crucial factors, individuals and businesses can embark on a sustainable energy journey with confidence, knowing they have selected a reliable partner to harness the sun’s power.
2024 Business Predictions: David Roberts, owner and founder of JDR Group
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to David Roberts, the owner and founder of Derby digital marketing agency JDR Group.
In 2023 we saw the introduction of Meta’s social media network Threads and the continuing growth of AI platforms such as Chat GPT, and while they had contrasting fortunes in 2023, they were another reminder of how dynamic and ever-changing the digital marketing world is.
We decided quite early on to explore Chat GPT and to wait and see on Threads and, in the end, that decision paid off, and we were able to advise our 200 or so clients across the UK on what new platforms to adopt – or not – and roll out training programmes to our staff.
We see AI becoming a part of daily working life in 2024, as it becomes increasingly embedded in platforms such as HubSpot, LinkedIn, Google and Microsoft. We have found, if used well, that Chat GPT can be incredibly useful, although the idea that it can turn a novice into a marketing expert are wide of the mark – you really need expertise to be able to use it effectively, otherwise you just produce poor marketing faster.
So AI platforms like Chat GPT will continue to play a big part in marketing, as it will with most areas of business. As regards the social media side of things, it looks for now like Threads has unravelled, although it’s not gone away and Meta will no doubt be making improvements.
In 2024 all eyes will still be on X and whatever plans Elon Musk might have for it.
Otherwise, although the economic outlook for 2024 looks uncertain and marketing technology continues to change, the advice to clients from our industry will be to get the fundamentals right. They should resist the temptation to cut their marketing and look for short term quick fixes but instead invest long term in tried and tested methods, work to a strategy and not immediately jump on whatever the next big thing might be.
2024 Business Predictions: Dan Taylor, Director at Ford & Stanley
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Dan Taylor, Director at Ford & Stanley.
As we assess what 2024 might bring, there are some ongoing key themes for businesses to fully embrace as they become significant factors for candidates as well as employees.
The employer-employee relationship has undergone a paradigm shift, as seen by the recent trends in the labour market. Both employees and employers are in a position of power due to the rising demand for specific skill sets and higher rates of inflation, which paves the way for a mutually beneficial relationship. In this new dynamic where both sides have substantial influence on the nature of the workplace, cultivating a harmonious culture that emphasises cooperation and communication is crucial.
Given the changing nature of the workforce and the value that employers now place on training, flexible work schedules, bonuses, raises, and perks, it is imperative that retention be given top priority.
Reskilling and upskilling will also become more prevalent, so it’s important for businesses to provide training and development programmes to staff, to help improve employee morale, increase adaptability and enhance employee confidence.
Candidates now evaluate pay in addition to emotional support, so talent will be drawn in with promises of generous leave, flexibility, and mental health benefits. Initiatives such as mentoring and support for wellbeing are now considered prerequisites for businesses.
All of this is being fuelled by unlocking a healthier, happier workforce, as organisations seek to further invest in both personal and professional development of their people to increase staff retention and enhance their sense of purpose which ultimately, will drive further company growth.
Unexpected fall in corporate insolvencies ‘misleading’ as economic conditions remain tough
A month-on-month fall in the number of corporate insolvencies in England and Wales does not reflect current tough trading conditions, with the number of businesses becoming insolvent in the region likely to rise significantly throughout 2024.
This is according to the Midlands branch of the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body R3 and comes on the back of figures published by the Insolvency Service which show that corporate insolvencies decreased by 18.9% in December 2023 to a total of 2,002 against November’s total of 2,470.
Despite this, last month’s figure is an increase of 1.9% compared to the 1,965 corporate insolvencies in December 2022, and a rise of 34.4% in comparison with December 2021’s total of 1,490. Looking at pre-pandemic figures, the December 2023 statistic is 78.9% higher than the same month in 2019 (1,119).
R3 Midlands chair Stephen Rome, a partner at Midlands law firm Penningtons Manches Cooper, said: “The monthly fall in corporate insolvencies is due to a drop in Compulsory Liquidation, Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation (CVL) and Administration numbers.
“The year-on-year rise in corporate insolvencies is driven by an increase in CVLs and a slight increase in Company Voluntary Arrangements, as the volume of businesses entering the other corporate insolvency processes fell compared to last December.
“These new figures are the highest for December in four years and reflect the final month of a difficult year. December was tough for many local businesses as they faced additional expenses at a time when margins were already tight. These won’t have been helped by a slowdown in consumer spending and a rise in energy prices.
“These extra costs could have been the final blow for many businesses and may have led to their directors turning to an insolvency process to resolve their firm’s financial issues.
“If the New Year trading period hasn’t improved on the one before Christmas, we could see insolvency numbers continue to rise, as businesses who had banked on a festive income boost to cover any financial shortfall turn to the profession for help.
“In such instances, directors should seek professional advice as soon as possible. This will give more potential solutions than acting only when problems become more severe.”
Green light given to West Northamptonshire Council office optimisation plans
Plans to bring more council services together into a central office in Northampton, whilst safeguarding the town’s historic civic traditions, has received the go-ahead.
At their meeting last week, West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) Cabinet members agreed proposals to move the majority of its back-office workers to its Northampton base in One Angel Square (OAS), with key sites in Daventry and Towcester continuing as local hubs where customers can access support and help.
Under the proposals, WNC staff currently based in the modern part of the Guildhall will relocate to OAS with the exception of the Coroner’s service which will relocate to the historic part of the Guildhall. The historic Guildhall building will continue to be the democratic heart of West Northamptonshire and host civic and ceremonial events and activities, including continuing as the home to the Mayor of Northampton.
Northampton Town Council (NTC), a new council which covers parts of the town, was formed alongside WNC as part of government reorganisation in April 2021. WNC put in place a licence for NTC to use part of the historic Guildhall for three years while it established itself and its plans.
WNC has now agreed to extend this license by 12 months whilst NTC identifies suitable alternative accommodation. WNC is working with NTC on this, but the town Council will move from the Guildhall in early 2025. This will allow the Northamptonshire Coroner’s service to be based in the historic building where it currently holds Coroner’s Courts for the County. This is a historic service itself dating back to the 1100’s.
Some WNC teams currently working from The Forum in Towcester will relocate to OAS in stages during 2024 and early 2025 and Northampton’s One Stop Shop will also move from the Guildhall to the lower ground floor of OAS, resulting in a more modern and accessible service for residents.
The proposals are expected to save taxpayers at least £350,000 a year initially, increasing as the rationalisation of property and new ways of working bed in. It follows a thorough review which identified that WNC has significantly more office space than it requires, along with a need to change how it uses its buildings to better support residents.
The Review also looked at the potential to rent space and the cost to convert and refurbish space. None of these offered taxpayers the value for money that the approved proposal will now deliver.
Cllr Jonathan Nunn, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council, said: “As we adapt to the challenges across public services, it’s important we do not waste valuable taxpayers’ money on things like surplus office space and that we make plans to reduce office space and maintenance costs.
“But it’s not just a financial decision; it’s about bringing our teams closer, so they can work even better together, and that we ensure we adapt our services and locations to reflect residents’ needs.
“The plans moving forward in 2024 maximise the use of our building spaces but also recognise the importance of protecting our heritage and maintaining ceremonial and civic traditions, as seen in our plans for the historic Guildhall, and ensuring Mayors can continue to use the historic section of the Guildhall.
“Whilst the office of the Mayor is far older than the building – dating back to 1215 – we welcome the opportunity to continue the association of the Mayor with the building.
“These plans also align with our goal to be net zero by 2030, with OAS being the most energy efficient of all the councils’ offices.
“Alongside these changes, we are reshaping and improving our service provision for residents in local communities across West Northants, working with partner public services in hubs at places our residents already access in their neighbourhoods such as libraries.
“We also have outreach teams from various departments who visit communities, taking our services out to residents. The expansion and development of locality hubs in Towcester and Daventry reflect our commitment to adapting to the needs of our community.
“While we want customers to be able to do more online and are working to make this simpler, we also know that many people face complicated circumstances and need to access multiple services for support.
“The existing Northampton One Stop Shop is one of the busiest we have but it cannot expand to meet the growing complexity of some customers’ needs. Currently, some customers have to move between the Guildhall and OAS to see our different services and many of our adult and children’s services visitors can be vulnerable and emotional.
“Neither the current Guildhall One Stop Shop or the existing OAS facilities are suitable for these kind of visitors and in the new One Stop Shop, we will have private rooms and facilities to allow more teams to work with vulnerable residents. This, coupled with our existing customer outreach sessions, will mean we can support vulnerable people more effectively.”
The plans follow the successful relocation of services from Lodge Road, Daventry in the summer, and the development of the nearby Abbey Centre into a locality hub including Adults, Children’s and other frontline WNC services joining community and voluntary partners.
Bellamy regeneration scheme takes shape
The £7.7m revitalisation of an estate in Mansfield is starting to take shape following the erection of the new shop parade steel structures.
Mansfield District Council’s redevelopment scheme on the Bellamy estate, near Tuxford Court, will see 22 high-quality affordable homes built, to be rented to families on the council’s housing list, as well as the creation of new retail outlets, demolition of the existing shop area, new through road, and a newly installed green space.
Deliveries of the 133 beams and columns have been used in the last week to construct the new single-storey parade of retail outlets that will become a convenience store, cafe, and takeaway. All the steel used for the shops has been manufactured in Rugby and weighs around 12.6 tonnes.
Once the shops are complete in May 2024, the next project phase will see the construction of the first phase of eco-friendly, affordable homes.
Councillor Anne Callaghan, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “The new shop steel structure now in place just shows the scope and scale of one of the first phases of this transformational project, which will be of huge benefit to the residents of the Bellamy estate community and beyond.
“We’re pleased that the construction work continues to move at pace, and it is just a testament to everybody involved in the project’s dedication and commitment to the scheme.”
The council’s in-house architects have designed the 22 homes in line with the Future Homes Standard, which requires new homes to have low-carbon heating and high energy efficiency, resulting in considerably lower carbon dioxide emissions than properties built to current Building Regulations.
The houses will include three four-bedroom semi-detached houses, eight three-bedroom semi-detached houses, nine two-bedroom semi-detached houses and two two-bedroom detached houses.
The Bellamy regeneration scheme has been made possible with £7.7m of capital investment taken from the council’s Housing Revenue Account, which is made up of tenant rents and must be used to either build more homes or maintain the housing stock across the district.
Part of the estate upgrade is already complete, with a new play park and learn-to-ride cycle track opening in early 2023.
New CBI East Midlands chair steps up
The East Midlands has a successful and diverse business community. In the run-up to the General Election, it’s more important than ever that the region’s business voice is heard – maximising opportunity to innovate and gearing up for a sustainable future.
That is the view of the new chair of the CBI’s East Midlands Council. Danielle Gillett, Managing Director and founding member of EMB Group, is today taking over from Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL, who stands down after completing his appointed two-year term.
Danielle Gillett’s extensive experience in financial and commercial leadership spans more than 20 years. In her current role as chair of Leicester College, she is an avid promoter of collaboration between business and education, having held previous non executive directorships supporting students at De Montfort University and on national skills and enterprise advisory groups.
She takes on this role at a crucial time for business in the East Midlands, which boasts unique growth potential for clean energy activities and zero carbon initiatives. She will advocate for increased investment in skills and R&D, boosting business confidence and seizing the economic prizes on offer in regional priority areas.
This includes accelerating the UK’s push to net zero – aided by the development of a new Zero Carbon Innovation Centre as part of the East Midlands Freeport – and building on the skills of the East Midlands workforce.
Nikki Paterson, CBI Midlands director, said: “Dr Nik has been a huge support to the CBI team and our members throughout the past two years. He has been, and will continue to be, a champion for the region through his work with the CBI and his many other ventures. I would like to thank him for his commitment and dedication as chair.
“Danielle brings a huge amount of experience cutting across all sectors of the economy. She has an excellent understanding of the region’s needs through her roles with EMB Group and as chair of Leicester College. This year is of particular importance for local and regional politics, with Mayoral and national elections set to take place. I look forward to working closely with Danielle to ensure the region’s business voice is heard throughout.”
Danielle Gillett, new CBI East Midlands chair, said: “I’m honoured and excited to be stepping into the role as chair of the East Midlands CBI Regional Council, and my thanks go to Nik for his leadership and focus in the East Midlands.
“As we head into 2024, the role of the CBI will be crucial in shaping the agenda for stability and growth across the UK. The East Midlands has a successful and diverse business community and it’s more important than ever to ensure our voice is heard loud and clear in the run-up to the general election. The CBI will be championing issues that matter most to firms, like gearing up for a sustainable future, embracing digital technology and maximising opportunities to innovate.
“At this pivotal moment, I look forward to playing my part and working closely with the other members of the East Midlands Regional Council to ensure our views are part of regional and UK-wide discussions.”
Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL, outgoing CBI East Midlands chair, said: “It’s been a privilege to have held this role, and to have contributed to the CBI over the last few years, first as a councillor and then as chair, through a time of considerable change. Through the period of my tenure, we’ve helped shape the CBI’s refreshed strategy, demonstrably amplified the voice of businesses in the East Midlands and brought critical business insights to many policy-shaping agendas.
“I know this great work will continue – and it’s satisfying to know that the leadership of the Regional Council is in very capable hands with Danielle picking up the reins, supported by the regional team. I wish Danielle all the best – she’ll have my full support as I continue as a councillor, the support of the tremendous business leaders who comprise the council, and that of the wider business community who we represent, too.”
Work starts to make permanent Granby Street pop-up pedestrian scheme
Work to further improve a busy shopping street and important gateway into Leicester City Centre is due to get underway.
Leicester City Council will begin works to widen footpaths and create more space for pedestrians on a stretch of Granby Street. The first phase of work will begin on Monday (22 Jan).
The works will make permanent a pop-up scheme introduced in 2020 as part of the city council’s response to Covid-19.
The improvements will see former pay-and-display parking bays along Granby Street – which have been out of use for more than three years – converted into wider, high-quality footpaths with outdoor-café seating areas to help improve the route between the city centre and Leicester railway station.
Additional on-street parking bays will be created on Chatham Street, York Street and Dover Street.
During the work, which is expected to take up to ten weeks, Granby Street will be closed to traffic between its junctions with Dover Street and Chatham Street. A short, well-signed diversion will be in place.
The scheme will also permanently close the junction of Dover Street and Granby Street to motor vehicles to help improve safety. The city council plans to create a new turning facility on Dover Street, to maintain access for general traffic to nearby businesses and attractions, including The Little Theatre.
These latest works are part of wider, ongoing investment to improve the street scene and shopping environment on Granby Street.
This includes the refurbishment of the landmark Grand Hotel buildings and restoration of its historic shopfronts, supported as part of the city council’s successful bid for £1.5million from Historic England towards a High Street Heritage Action Zone for the Granby Street and Church gate conservation areas.
Fifteen new businesses have opened in Granby Street since May 2021.
Deputy city mayor Cllr Adam Clarke, who leads on climate, culture and economy, said: “Granby Street is an important gateway into the city centre and a busy shopping street in its own right.
“These latest works will build on recent improvements to this popular part of the city centre, supporting the major heritage-based investment now being made to landmark buildings along the route.
“It is vital that we continue to invest in Granby Street to support local businesses and to improve the look and feel of the area, making it feel safer and more welcoming to all.”
Future phases of improvement work, which will see pavements widened along Granby Street towards the main shopping area in the city, will take place later this year.
UK Space Agency backs start-up based at Space Park Leicester
An agri-tech start-up working to eradicate global agricultural waste with support from Space Park Leicester has been accepted on to one of the UK Space Agency’s most prestigious business support programmes.
Established in May last year, Messium is poised to transform the agriculture industry for the better by focussing on eliminating global agricultural waste through reduction in pesticide applications and the optimisation of fertiliser and water usage.
Now it has been accepted on to the UK Space Agency’s Geo Accelerator six month bespoke programme which the agency limits to just five of the best high growth potential space companies in the UK.
Messium Chief Technical Officer, Vishal Soomaney Vijaykumar, said: “Messium is keen to develop into a major UK space champion and wants to thank the UK Space Agency for their vote of confidence.
“Being part of the UK Space Agency and Space Park Leicester ecosystems allows us to collaborate closely with other fast growing start-ups in the sector.
“This promises to be a catalyst that speeds up both our, and the industry’s, collective future growth and development.”
Being part of the programme will allow Messium to work in depth with experts from the UK Space Agency, its entrepreneurial growth and technical commercialisation enablers, funders and other organisations in the space sector.
The wide ranging package of support also includes access to the UK Space Agency’s national roadshow of Trajectory events and free UKspace start-up membership.
Last year, Messium became one of the latest companies to be accepted on the European Space Agency – Business Incubation Centre for the United Kingdom (ESA-BIC UK) programme at Space Park Leicester, the University of Leicester’s £100 million hub science and innovation park.
Messium has also begun an activity in partnership with the European Space Agency and the UK Space Agency through the InCubed programme. Co-funded by the UK Space Agency, this activity involves Messium providing farmers with live updates on crop nitrogen status throughout the growing season, allowing for new insights, increased yields and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Vinay Patel, Head of Commercial and Innovation at Space Park Leicester, said: “We are delighted that Messium has received this endorsement from the UK Space Agency.
“Messium is using its expertise in machine learning and high spectral resolution image analysis to inform farmers precisely how to treat their crops for optimal results and minimal waste. We can’t wait to see where this support from the UK Space Agency will take them.”
Portia Bircher, Business Support and Growth Manager at the UK Space Agency, added: “We are delighted that Messium will be joining our next Geo cohort, part of the UK Space Agency Accelerator, and we hope to be able to support the business as it looks to scale up further.
“Messium is driving innovation in using Earth Observation data and what better place to be situated than Space Park Leicester which is also home to the National Earth Observation Centre.”
Merger plans agreed by real estate investment trust
The boards of Leicester-based Custodian Property Income REIT plc (CREI) and abrdn Property Income Trust Limited (API) have reached agreement on the terms and conditions of a recommended all-share merger pursuant to which CREI will acquire the entire issued and to be issued share capital of API.
Following completion of the merger, existing CREI Shareholders will hold approximately 59.7% and API Shareholders approximately 40.3% in the CREI Group.
It is expected that the CREI Board will comprise eight directors, with the addition of two of the existing API directors, Jill May and Sarah Slater.
David MacLellan, chairman of CREI, said: “The Board is pleased to announce the merger of CREI and API which it firmly believes will benefit both our existing and new shareholders.
“This transaction creates a well-positioned REIT of significant scale, giving the Combined Group’s shareholders the opportunity to participate in the returns from the complementary API and CREI portfolios, with a fully covered and sustainable dividend and a focus on ESG.
“In the current interest rate environment, security and resilience of cash flows, scale and liquidity, supported by a clear and compelling strategic direction are the defining characteristics of a successful REIT.
“The challenges the wider listed property sector has faced over the last 18 months highlight the merits of CREI’s differentiated approach and operational robustness, which contribute to CREI’s strong rating relative to its peers. The income and income growth characteristics of the API portfolio should enable the merged entity to optimise earnings and maintain CREI’s progressive dividend policy.
“Shareholders in the Combined Group will benefit from material cost savings and efficiencies along with benefitting from significant future growth opportunities to enhance shareholder returns.”
James Clifton-Brown, chair of API, said: “API has always sought to focus on delivering attractive, income-driven returns for shareholders. Over the years, API’s manager, abrdn Fund Managers, has assembled an attractive portfolio on the company’s behalf, with a weighting to more favoured areas of the market, a diversified tenant base and a focus on ESG.
“The board of API would like to thank the management team for the important role they have played in assembling and managing the portfolio.
“The Merger will enable API Shareholders to retain exposure to the portfolio and its growth prospects at a significant premium to API’s share price, with the prospect of superior share liquidity and an enhanced and fully covered dividend.
“The API Board believes that, with increased scale and an enhanced capital structure, the Combined Group will be well positioned for the future. The API Board is therefore pleased to recommend the Merger to API Shareholders.”
