NTU Net Zero Innovation Programme to support local businesses in Bolsover
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”
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.
GXO Logistics lodges rival £760m bid for Wincanton
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
Examine issues surrounding the safe handling and storage of bulk materials in ports and on the sea during short course
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
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
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
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.”
