Global mark of excellence awarded to Nottingham Business School

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Global mark of excellence awarded to Nottingham Business School

Nottingham Business School (NBS) has once again achieved a global mark of excellence which recognises its dedication to providing a personalised experience for all its students, its connections with industry partners, and its commitment to ethics, responsibility and sustainability.   

NBS, part of Nottingham Trent University, completed a rigorous assessment process to retain its EQUIS accreditation for the full five-year period, demonstrating the School’s dedication to continuous improvement since its last evaluation in 2021.  

EQUIS is awarded to top business schools by EFMD, a global, non-profit, membership-driven organisation dedicated to management development. It benchmarks business schools against international standards in governance, programmes, students, faculty, research, internationalisation, ethics, responsibility and sustainability, and corporate engagement.  

The review team noted three major areas of achievement – personalised learning; connections with practice; and ethics, responsibility and sustainability. 

Personalisation and experiential learning were recognised as outstanding features of all programmes and modules at NBS. The use of a ‘student dashboard’ to measure engagement was seen to be internationally leading, adding positively to the student experience. The high quality of skills and professional development among NBS graduates was recognised by industry partners.   

NBS’ mission of being a ‘business school for business’ was evident in the positive feedback regarding its links with industry and corporate input into portfolio design and delivery. NBS was seen to play a key role in regional economic development, receiving regular support from the business community, alumni, and other stakeholders. 

Ethics, responsibility and sustainability were found to be ingrained into all aspects of NBS, with the review noting that the School encourages initiatives which make a positive impact on the community. 

Executive Dean of Nottingham Business School, Professor Baback Yazdani, said: “The assessment revealed the passion that our colleagues and students have for Nottingham Business School and their pride in being part of our community. This sense of belonging and commitment to making NBS the best it can be is reflected in the achievement of securing EQUIS accreditation for the full five-year term – an outstanding accomplishment for everyone involved.”  

Along with EQUIS, NBS is accredited by AACSB and EFMD BA for International Business, which are also globally recognised hallmarks of excellence and quality for business education, as well as holding Small Business Charter status for its support and development for SMEs. The school is also a PRME Champion and held up as an exemplar and beacon by the United Nations Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME). 

First letting agreed at Northampton logistics park for “biggest warehouse in the Midlands”

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First letting agreed at Northampton logistics park for “biggest warehouse in the Midlands”

Yusen Logistics UK has become the first customer to lease a building at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton, after signing almost 1.2 million sq ft of highly sustainable warehouse space at the state-of-the-art, multi-modal development. The building will be Yusen’s largest facility globally and is understood to be the biggest warehouse in the Midlands.

Yusen Logistics – a global supply chain logistics company – is an existing customer at SEGRO’s Grange Park estate in Northampton. The lease, which is subject to detailed planning consent, is for Yusen Logistics to occupy a 1,191,000 sq ft unit at the 600-acre industrial and logistics park, which benefits from a 35-acre Strategic Rail Freight Interchange, and which will enable the company to provide its customers with rail freight distribution solutions and support them in reducing their carbon emissions. The unit will be developed to high sustainability standards, targeting a ‘BREEAM Excellent’ rating. Features include an array of PV panels and 220 EV charging units will also be available onsite to power Yusen Logistics UK’s all electric company car fleet. The unit is expected to be fully operational by summer 2025. Meanwhile, the construction of the rail freight terminal has been completed and Network Rail is scheduled to undertake the signalling work to connect the terminal to the rail network by Autumn 2024. David Goldsborough, Managing Director at Yusen Logistics UK, said: “This Yusen Logistics UK facility, in partnership with SEGRO, sets a new logistics industry benchmark and further emphasises our commitment to providing sustainable logistics services by 2050. “We are both proud and excited to be a part of this exciting project and look forward to achieving our sustainability goals.” Dan Holford, Head of National Markets at SEGRO, said: “We’ve been working hard to create the infrastructure and develop this site in preparation for the first warehouses. It is testament to our strong customer relationship that Yusen Logistics UK has chosen to grow with us and become a strategic occupier at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton. “SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton not only represents a critical piece of our national industrial infrastructure for storing and transporting goods, it is enabling employment and economic growth and doing so with sustainability at its heart. We’re particularly pleased that rail freight terminal is proving to be an important factor in the decision to locate at this development.” SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton will deliver up to 5 million sq ft of modern distribution space.

GXO Logistics lodges rival £760m bid for Wincanton

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GXO Logistics lodges rival £760m bid for Wincanton
GXO Logistics, the pure-play contract logistics provider, has made a cash offer to acquire Wincanton, surpassing a recommended bid from Ashby de la Zouch-based CEVA Logistics UK Rose. Under the terms of the offer, each Wincanton shareholder will be entitled to receive 605 pence in cash for each Wincanton share held. The acquisition price values the entire existing issued and to be issued share capital of Wincanton at approximately £762 million on a fully diluted basis and values Wincanton at approximately £764 million on an enterprise value basis.

The acquisition price represents a premium of approximately 26 per cent to the increased and final offer price per Wincanton Share of 480 pence from CEVA which was announced on 26 February 2024.

Malcolm Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of GXO, said: “Wincanton is a world class business, and we have long been impressed by their high-quality people and diverse customer relationships across key industries. “The combination of GXO’s technological capabilities and global reach with Wincanton’s proven expertise in the UK and Ireland markets will enhance our offering for the benefit of both companies’ current and future customers. Our superior offer reflects our conviction in the value of this business and the opportunities the combined company will realize. “GXO has a long heritage in the UK and a demonstrated track record of seamlessly integrating businesses in this market. We’re proud that our operations support the growth of UK companies, create high value jobs, and enhance the communities where we operate. “As a focused pure play logistics leader, we are committed to investing in superior, differentiated logistics solutions, and we are confident that this combination will generate significant value for our shareholders, customers, and employees alike.”

Manufacturing M&A activity drops in 2023

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Manufacturing M&A activity drops in 2023
UK manufacturing M&A activity fell by more than 10% in 2023 amidst tough economic headwinds, but the sector is hopeful of a rebound in 2024 as manufacturers look to mergers and acquisitions to expedite their growth plans, according to accountancy and business advisory firm BDO. BDO’s Manufacturing Deals Review, published today [Thursday 29 February] reveals that 706 UK manufacturing deals were completed in 2023. This was down 11% on the 793 deals reported in 2022 as businesses battled inflationary pressures, protected cashflow and prioritised stability. Despite the drop, analysis shows that the slower activity was mostly confined to the first half of the year. In the last six months, more than 400 deals were completed with the momentum expected to continue into the next 12 months. Businesses in the engineering services subsector were the most prolific deal doers for the fifth year running, representing almost a third (28%) of all completed transactions. This was followed by businesses in the food & drink sector (14%), which saw deal volumes increase from 79 in 2022 to 102 in 2023. According to additional research by BDO and Make UK, more than a quarter (26.8%) of UK manufacturers are looking to make acquisitions in the next two years as they look to scale up operations and access new products and markets. This figure rises to 38% over a three-to-five-year period. Private equity plays an important part too. Of the deals completed in 2023, 16% involved private equity investors and one in five (20%) manufacturers say they are likely to seek private equity investment in the next one to five years. Roger Buckley, UK Industrials M&A Partner at BDO, said: “For many manufacturers, 2023 was about protecting cashflow and prioritising stability. The second half of the year saw an encouraging resurgence in M&A deals despite ongoing economic challenges, with the lower- and mid-market continuing to transact at volume. “Looking ahead, digital transformation, automation and the green transition will remain high on the agenda, with sustainability now playing an integral role in almost every deal we see. Private equity still has huge quantities of cash to deploy, and opportunities in the capital markets could well open up towards the end of 2024. Another year of post-Covid trading should help reassure buyers and encourage them to take stock of the huge opportunities an acquisition can bring.”

Examine issues surrounding the safe handling and storage of bulk materials in ports and on the sea during short course

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Examine issues surrounding the safe handling and storage of bulk materials in ports and on the sea during short course
A short course taking place in March will examine the issues surrounding the safe handling and storage of bulk materials in ports and on the sea. Taking place from 19 – 22 March 2024, with on-line delivery from 13:00 – 17:00 each day, join this course from the University of Greenwich’s Wolfson Centre to discuss real life issues and to determine best practice for future developments. Subjects discussed include: · Ship unloading technologies (Grabs vs CSUs, different CSU technologies) · Conveying technologies (pneumatic versus belt) · Storage and discharge technologies (silos, flat stores, stacking etc) · Loading, unloading control (weighing, controlling ship bending etc) · Rail and road outloading equipment and control · Explosion and fire risks and management (ATEX, fire control & management) · Mobile plant and safety · Developments in automation and autonomous vehicles · Dust control and environmental protection · Controlling cargo damage (particle degradation, spoilage, water damage etc) · Wear protection and maintenance · Cargo characterisation for handleability and other issues Who should attend? Stevedores, Operations supervisors, Port managers, Ships Masters, Port developers, Cargo superintendents, Equipment suppliers, Design consultants. The course leader is Mike Bradley, Professor of Bulk and Particulate Technologies and Director of The Wolfson Centre. He has worked internationally on design and troubleshooting for bulk solids handling as a commercial consultant and research expert for over twenty-five years. Contributions will also be made by Dr Baldeep Kaur, whose interests lie in characterisation and transportation of bulk materials, and Mr Lukas Paul from Beumer who will be presenting on ‘Shore Side Transport’. This course is held in association with ABTO, The Association of Bulk Terminal Operators – members will receive discounted rates. Discounts are also offered for multiple bookings and returning delegates.

Register now.

The full list of courses for 2024 and their content is available here. All courses are available in-company so if the dates don’t suit operations, or you have a large number of attendees, please contact The Wolfson Centre for details. wolfson-enquiries@gre.ac.uk www.bulksolids.com +44 20 8331 8646

Grants of up to £50,000 available for rural North Northamptonshire businesses

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Grants of up to £50,000 available for rural North Northamptonshire businesses
Grants of £5,000 and £50,000 are now available for rural businesses across North Northamptonshire. Using monies received from the Rural England Prosperity Fund, North Northamptonshire Council has re-launched a grant scheme to support existing rural businesses, with applications now open. Following on from rounds 1 and 2 in 2023, applications are invited from projects that can be started quickly and be delivered with all spend claimed by 28 February 2025. Capital grants of between £5,000 and £50,000 are available in Round 3. The grant scheme is intended to help rural businesses become more resilient and support growth. A particular target for Round 3 is business diversification and the visitor economy. Applications for this round of funding must be received by 25 March 2024. Cllr David Howes, the council’s Executive Member for Rural Communities and Localism, said: “We have a wide range of businesses in towns and villages across North Northamptonshire. But this is also the case in the more rural communities, with rural business looking to diversify and develop their offering in an ever-changing economy. This latest round of grants are designed to help them grow and develop.” Cllr David Brackenbury, the council’s Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration, said: “With grants of up to £50,000 available, this latest round of funding will really help our rural businesses grow. I would urge any rural businesses in North Northants to get in touch with the team, take a read through the criteria and submit your application before 25 March.” Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council, said: “Since we received this funding from central government, we have been committed to ensuring it reaches those who need it most. We are now in the third round of grants for this particular fund and the grants have already been received by so many rural businesses, making a huge difference.”

Allscreens Nationwide appoints new national sales manager to boost growth plans

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Allscreens Nationwide appoints new national sales manager to boost growth plans

Allscreens Nationwide Ltd, the East Midlands-based windscreen repair and replacement company, has welcomed Dave Boston into the business as national sales manager to support its expansion plans.

Dave brings 34 years of experience working within the automotive glazing industry. After starting his career in the East Midlands as a windscreen technician in 1990, Dave then joined National Windscreens and has managed national accounts and sales teams since 2007. His latest career move as national sales manager at Allscreens Nationwide began in February 2024.

Dave will play a key role in helping the business to deliver its ambitious growth plans and will take the lead in establishing and managing the branches around the UK.

Daniel Sole, director at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd, said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Dave to the team. His extensive experience and industry knowledge will be invaluable as we look to further grow the business.

“It’s rare in this industry to have so many senior members of staff with a background in automotive glazing, and it’s paramount to our success as it means we really understand the needs of our customers and employees.”

Dave Boston said: “I have worked in the industry for many years, managing national accounts and sales teams and accredit my success to my substantial understanding of the industry and the expectations that the fleet operators require.

“I am pleased to have joined Allscreens, a company which has a unique understanding of the business which is a ‘windscreen company run by windscreen people’. I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge with this highly experienced team and assisting Allscreens at such an exciting point in their continued growth journey.”

Nottingham business partners with British Touring Car champions

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Nottingham business partners with British Touring Car champions

An innovative partnership allowing NAPA Racing to record what the driver sees on track is set to revolutionise testing ahead of the new season.

The dash cams manufactured and sold by Nottingham-based business Road Angel will allow the British Touring Car champions to review lap-by-lap footage in the pit lane to give them a competitive edge.

Video of each testing session will also be available for download, allowing the team to study footage of every braking point and driving line taken back at base.

BTCC rules prohibit the use of cameras at race events, so the team will attach the dash cam ahead of each test to capture as much detailed information as possible ahead of race day.

Rob Sherratt, NAPA Racing UK Commercial Marketing Manager, said: “We are delighted for NAPA Racing UK to be partnering with Road Angel for the 2024 British Touring Car Championship.

“The Road Angel Halo 4k dash cameras are being tested, and we can’t wait to start capturing footage that we are sure our fans will love.

“We are looking forward to enjoying a successful season ahead working with Road Angel as part of the team.”

Following a stunning 2023 season that saw NAPA Racing UK win the BTCC Drivers’, Manufacturers’, and Teams’ Championships, the team will once again be hoping to come out on top in the biggest series in the UK.

Gary Digva, the visionary behind Road Angel, hopes its dash cams can help the team to glory and is excited to be partnering with NAPA Racing UK.

He said: “We are incredibly excited to be partnering with a team at the pinnacle of British motorsport.

“NAPA Racing leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of excellence and we share those values at Road Angel.”

East Midlands business confidence soars in February

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East Midlands business confidence soars in February

Business confidence in the East Midlands rose 14 points during February to 52%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. 

Companies in the East Midlands reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up 13 points to 52%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up 15 points to also reach 52%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 52% (vs. 38% in January) – the third strongest level in the UK in February after Scotland (56%) and the North East (54%).  

A net balance of 35% of businesses in the region expected to increase staff levels over the next year, up nine points on January.  

East Midlands businesses identified their top target areas for growth over the next six months as evolving their offering, including introducing new products and services (42%), investing in their team (39%), and entering new markets and introducing new technology (both 31%). 

The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.   

National picture  

Overall, UK business confidence dipped two points in February to 42%, driven by softening confidence from firms in both their own trading prospects (49% vs. 51% in January) and the wider economy (34% vs. 37% in January). However, companies’ hiring intentions increased to the highest level since May 2022, with 36% of firms intending to increase staff levels over the next 12 months, up three points on the month before.   

Sector Insights 

There was a mixed picture for sectors this month. Confidence fell in manufacturing (nine points to 40%) and construction (seven points to 38%) respectively, although results remain higher than the same time last year. In contrast, the dominant services sector was unchanged compared to January at 45%, exceeding all months of 2023 except for November. Retail confidence was broadly steady, dipping one point to 41%. 

Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “It’s great to see an uplift in East Midlands business confidence this month, building on January’s optimistic outlook.  

“And it’s particularly good to see so many businesses either looking to invest in their team or grow their workforce over the months ahead. This reflects a focus on skills and employment in initiatives like the Loughborough Town Deal, and Nottingham’s newly unveiled Economic Plan, and will have benefits that will cascade across communities.    

“Whatever businesses’ plans for the months ahead, we’ll continue to be by their side to help translate ideas, innovation and opportunity into growth.”   

Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “This month’s data still reflects a positive mood among businesses despite a marginal fall in overall confidence. Firms appear to be upbeat about their prospects and the economy, supporting their positive staffing expectations.  

“Looking at the sectors, there is a mixed picture. There was a slight fall in confidence reported in the manufacturing and construction sectors, while retail and services stood their ground – remaining unchanged compared to January’s figures. But despite the manufacturing and construction fall, businesses are still showing high levels of confidence.  

“The split across the regions also provides reason to view the dip in confidence at the broader UK level cautiously. Six regions have reported an increase in confidence while the other six have reported a decrease. So, scratching the surface, we see a story that continues to show a more positive outlook for the year ahead.”  

New Mayor and East Midlands Combined County Authority given final go ahead

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New Mayor and East Midlands Combined County Authority given final go ahead
The last legal step to establish the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has been signed and made into law today (Wednesday 28 February). Jacob Young MP, Levelling Up Minister, yesterday signed the regulations that allow for EMCCA to be created. It means that residents across the area will get to vote for the very-first East Midlands Mayor, with elections taking place on Thursday 2 May 2024. The new combined county authority is all thanks to a devolution deal, which will see the region benefit from a £1.14bn investment package, spread over a 30-year period, alongside devolved powers around transport, housing, skills and adult education, economic development and net zero. Cllr Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, said: “The passing of this final piece of Government legislation is an historic milestone for Derbyshire and the wider region. “It marks the moment when the East Midlands Combined County Authority comes into existence, bringing a £1.14bn devolution deal to our region to improve people’s lives through better housing, improved transport and new job opportunities. “In many ways it’s only the beginning of this exciting journey and more benefits and funding are already starting to flow – such as the government’s announcement of £1.5 billion local transport funding for the new East Midlands Mayor. “Year-on-year the new combined county authority will bring even more funding to our region through a strong, collective voice and a national platform.” Cllr Baggy Shanker, Leader of Derby City Council, said: “The establishment of a combined county authority for our region is good news for the people of Derby. Devolution is bringing more powers and much-needed extra funding to a local level, replacing part of what we have lost due to austerity. “I look forward to working with the combined county authority and our region’s first-ever Mayor to deliver transformational projects across the city of Derby and the wider region.” Ben Bradley MP, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Whilst this is a really important step in the creation of the authority, what is more important are the very real benefits to the people of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire which will be realised as a result of the investment EMCCA will attract. “Having a single body working directly with government will give the region a voice and profile it has never had before and will bring opportunities that will strengthen the East Midlands for future generations.” Cllr David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “This is an historic moment for the region, and I am proud to say we have delivered this deal for Nottingham and the millions who live across the whole devolution area. “The extra funding coming to the area and the devolved powers will make a huge difference to the region, bringing in more investment in skills and jobs and housing. This is all about improving local people’s lives and creating new opportunities for our communities across the East Midlands. “We are already working closely together to steer the development for the new combined county authority and we will continue to work closely to give us a stronger voice in the region and across the whole country.” Plans for East Midlands devolution are similar to those already in place in other mayoral regions, like the West Midlands and Greater Manchester, and it is estimated that the region will unlock around £4bn of funding over the coming years. The East Midlands devolution deal, agreed with Government ministers in 2022, will see Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Nottingham benefit from a £1.14 billion investment fund. All four councils approved the creation of EMCCA in December. In October 2023, the Government announced around £1.5 billion in transport funding for the East Midlands Mayor. Thanks to devolution plans, the East Midlands has also been invited to establish an ‘Investment Zone’, which will attract £160 million of support over ten years, with tax incentives for businesses that will help boost economic growth right across the region. Government will continue to work with EMCCA and other partners to co-develop plans for the East Midlands Investment Zone – which will bring in hundreds of millions of pounds of private investment and create thousands of jobs – including priority development sites and specific interventions to drive cluster growth, ahead of final confirmation of the plans. £18 million has already been awarded to the area during devolution negotiations, which is being spent on improving local housing, transport and skills provision. Further investment for the region would also be provided through annual Whitehall budgets and spending reviews. The inaugural election for Mayor of the East Midlands will take place on Thursday 2 May 2024.
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