Press for Attention PR returns to back ‘Responsible Business’ at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024

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Press for Attention PR returns to back ‘Responsible Business’ at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
Long-running sponsor, Press for Attention PR, has returned to back the East Midlands Bricks Awards for 2024, eager to once again support the Responsible Business category. Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR, shared: “I have sponsored The Bricks for many years now and as far as I recall, always this particular category. Why is that? Well, it is the PR and the former journalist in me combined. “There are some superb stories that come to light here that might otherwise struggle to make the news or are perhaps kept under the bushel to an extent. I get that. The work and changes that are being created are the key thing when it comes to being responsible from an ESG perspective, not the column inches. That being said, here’s a chance to cast off those sharing shackles and to shine the spotlight proudly on some of the fantastic feats and worthy work that is taking place across the region within the built environment. Cheers to you all.” A former business journalist, Greg Simpson is the author of The Small Business Guide to PR and has been recognised as one of the UK’s top 5 PR consultants, having set up Press for Attention PR in 2008. He has worked for FTSE 100 firms, charities and start-ups and conducted press conferences with Sir Richard Branson and James Caan. His background ensures a deep understanding of every facet of a successful PR campaign – from a journalist’s, client’s, and consultant’s perspective. Offering advice to those entering Press for Attention PR’s sponsored category, Responsible Business, Greg shared: “First up, tell us judges a story. “We don’t need to hear about what you do, your history and inside leg measurements. Set the scene by all means but grab our attention early on by explaining the problem or challenge as it stood and how you tackled it and crucially…why? “How did you change things? What does it mean for the user/stakeholder. “Remember, nobody wants a drill…they want a home in the wall. Show us the results.” The East Midlands Bricks Awards, which will take place on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, recognise development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes, schools and public spaces. We also highlight the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes. Winning one of these awards will add considerably to a company’s or individual’s brand and enhance their commercial reach significantly. To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Award categories include:

Nominations end Thursday 5th September

A highlight in the business calendar, winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening of celebration and networking with property and construction leaders from across the region. Tickets can be booked for the 2024 awards event here. Connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region. Attendees will also 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. Thanks to our sponsors:      

             

To be held at:

Nottingham to host key debate in general election run-up

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Nottingham to host key debate in general election run-up
Nottingham is set to play host to a key debate in the run-up to the general election. Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer will go head-to-head in the city on Wednesday 26 June, the BBC has announced, in what is set to be the final TV debate of the election campaign. To be broadcast from 9pm-10pm, it will be hosted by Sophie Raworth and comes as part of a series of debates. Jonathan Munro, Deputy CEO of BBC News, said: “TV debates have become a key part of elections in the UK, giving voters the chance to hear leaders and senior politicians debate policies and ideas directly with each other, which rarely happens on the campaign trail. “The BBC brings people together. Providing a shared space for people to debate and discuss is a vital part of our mission, so I’m delighted we’re holding this series of debates and election specials, hosted by such talented presenters.” Voters will go to the polls on Thursday 4 July.

Female-founded business incubator secures £10,000 grant

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Female-founded business incubator secures £10,000 grant
Incubation Nation, a community interest company dedicated to providing self-employment and start-up support services, has secured a £10,000 grant from NatWest. Awarded during Small Business Month, the funding will support 100 local women entrepreneurs in the South East Midlands to receive comprehensive business planning and development support, empowering them to turn their entrepreneurial ideas into successful ventures. Founded by Sam Poole, Incubation Nation is committed to ensuring female entrepreneurs are not left behind during the critical start-up stage. The grant from NatWest will facilitate one-on-one business planning sessions for each participant, followed by monthly accountability, training, networking and 30-day review sessions. These services aim to equip women with the necessary skills and resources to succeed with their business ideas. Debbie Lewis, Accelerator Manager at NatWest, said: “The mission of supporting women-led businesses to start and scale is important to us, and we share Incubation Nation’s mission to empower women entrepreneurs to build on their great ideas. “This grant underscores our commitment to harnessing entrepreneurial spirit and ensuring that women have access to the tools and mentorship that they need to thrive in the world of business.” Sam Poole, founder of Incubation Nation, said: “Our goal is to provide women whose drive, inspiration and creativity led them to start a business with the foundational support necessary for success. This grant from NatWest is a significant step towards achieving that goal, and we are excited to see the positive impact it will have on our participants.”

New legal appointment at Champions (UK) plc

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New legal appointment at Champions (UK) plc
Champions (UK) plc has added another key appointment to its senior management team as Chris Greenwell joins as solicitor/head of legal. Chris is an ambassador and part time partner in law firm, Gateley Legal and a non-executive director at Earl Shilton Building Society. Based in Leicestershire, Champions UK is a growth consultancy partner with clients across the country. It specialises in supporting businesses achieve financial growth. With over 20 years of expertise in providing business enhancement, Champions has delivered more than £5bn in sales turnover, and more than £15bn in capital value growth for its clients. Chris said: “I am delighted to join with long standing friends and look forward to being part of Champions (UK) plc management team.” Champions MD Matthew Hayes said: “I am really pleased to confirm Chris to our team. We have worked closely for over twenty years and he remains a highly trusted expert who is very well regarded across the region.”

Ashby property consultancy raises thousands for charity after completing Three Peaks Challenge

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Ashby property consultancy raises thousands for charity after completing Three Peaks Challenge
Colleagues from a property consultancy in Ashby have taken to new heights as part of a charity challenge which saw them raise thousands of pounds for good causes. A team of 12 colleagues from Fisher German’s Ashby offices have completed the Three Peaks Challenge, tackling the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales in aid of the Henry Sale Foundation. The team began with an early-morning climb of Scotland’s Ben Nevis before taking on England’s Scafell Pike in the dark the same evening and finally moving on to Snowdon, in Wales, early the following morning. While some of the colleagues had climbed the mountains individually, it was the first time that anyone in the group had taken on the challenge. The group has so far raised £5,475, smashing their initial £5,000 target, which will be donated to the charity established in memory of Fisher German former Managing Partner Henry Sale. It supports charitable causes that enable education and social inclusion through sport and the countryside. The Three Peaks Challenge is one of a number of fundraising events and challenges held by Fisher German to support the foundation, with the firm donating more than £230,000 to the charity since it was established. Fisher German marketing manager Laura Jane Taylor, who organised the challenge, said: “It was a fantastic, and very challenging, experience which was enjoyed by everyone who took part. “We were blessed with the weather which gave us some fantastic views, but the heat also added to the challenge, and we also had to recover quickly between each hike in order to complete the three ascents. “We had a real mix of people taking part, and it was great to see colleagues right from graduates to Partners from different areas of the business taking on the challenge – it was a great opportunity for team building. “We’re thrilled to have smashed our fundraising target for the Henry Sale Foundation. “The foundation has recently supported projects including an apprenticeship bursary with Northampton Saints Foundation and Chance to Shine, which offers free cricket sessions to children across Leicestershire, so it’s excellent to know that the funds we have raised will have a direct impact on the lives of others.” Laura Bailey, Henry’s daughter and a trustee of the charity, said: “The Henry Sale Foundation is delighted and extremely grateful to be the chosen charity for Fisher German’s Three Peaks Challenge. “The positive impact Henry Sale Foundation funds have on so many lives by financially supporting charity projects is tangible. “The money raised from this challenge will make a significant difference to more projects enabling education and social inclusion through sport and the countryside. “Henry himself did the Three Peaks Challenge as part of a Fisher German team back in 2007 so would have full appreciation of what the 2024 team took on.” Donations can still be made by visiting https://shorturl.at/d8Fz6

Partnership delivers new affordable homes to Towcester

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Partnership delivers new affordable homes to Towcester

A range of affordable homes will help local people in housing need, thanks to a project involving Persimmon’s Midlands team and Grand Union.

A total of 95 new homes, developed at Towcester Grange – ranging from one to four bedrooms – have now been transferred to Grand Union, who will own and manage the homes as the developer’s housing association partner in Towcester. A further 40 affordable homes are planned for completion through 2024 and 2025. Grand Union’s Dave Lakin said: “It’s great to work in partnership with national housebuilders like Persimmon. Our partnership at Towcester is enabling us to deliver more affordable homes than planning required. “As a result, we’ve been able to deliver more homes for social and affordable rent and for shared ownership, all of which are in high demand and are let or sold really quickly. “We’re pleased to be able to help meet the need for affordable housing locally. We’ve built 385 homes in Northants over the last three years, and we plan to build 355 more over the next few years, to help play our part in solving the UK’s housing crisis.” David Ablett, Construction Director Designate at Persimmon Homes Midlands, said: “Handing over a portion of our homes at Towcester Grange is the latest example of our successful partnership with Grand Union which is delivering much-needed affordable homes for local families across the Midlands. It was great to welcome Dave to the site to see the positive impact these homes are having in the region.”

Turnover success for growing manufacturer

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Turnover success for growing manufacturer
Doorcerts, the Nottinghamshire-based fire door supplier and manufacturer, is celebrating its growth after its first full financial year in new premises. The company was officially founded in Ripley in 2020 but it wasn’t until it, and established sister company Fire Door Specialists, moved to Stanton Hill, Ashfield in late 2022 that it began operating fully. In its financial year December 2022 to January 2023, it hit its forecast turnover and is already on track to be well ahead of its £1m target for this year. When it moved to Stanton Hill, Doorcerts had just two staff members. Now it has seven and is also recruiting for an additional estimator. It carries out work for a range of public and private sector organisations, and can name customers such as Cadburys, the Ministry of Defence, property developers and local councils among its client list. Director and co-founder Kieran Percival said: “When we moved premises, we did so because we wanted space for the business to grow. We had, and continue to have, big plans and we are well on the way to achieving them. “We have grown quite considerably recently, and we are very grateful for the support and advice we have been given along the way. Although we are growing, we are also a close-knit team here at Doorcerts and I think that that, along with being dedicated to customer service and having an ethos of transparency, has been the hallmark of our success so far.” One of the people that Doorcerts recruited was the highly-experienced Sarah Armson, who has a background in fire safety products. As commercial manager, she has overseen the development of the business, putting in place robust systems and policies, and co-ordinating the marketing along with specially-recruited marketing coordinator Craig Priest.

Derbyshire charity golf day set to help to make the sport more inclusive

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Derbyshire charity golf day set to help to make the sport more inclusive
The owner of a Derby heating firm is looking forward to raising awareness of the need for more accessibility on golf courses after agreeing to co-sponsor a fundraising event featuring some of Europe’s leading disabled golfers. Stephen O’Brien, who owns Derby-based S O’Brien Heating Solutions, has joined forces with Derbyshire marketing agency Purpose Media to host a golf day next month to help generate funds for this year’s Cairns Cup competition. The Cairns Cup is disability golf’s premier matchplay event and resembles the Ryder Cup, with a team of 16 golfers from Europe taking on a team from the USA over three days with a four-ball, foursomes and singles rounds. The golf day, which will take place at Morley Hayes on June 11, is being held to raise funds to pay their costs and will see teams from businesses from across the East Midlands competing throughout the day alongside a number of the European squad, whose disabilities include paralysis, cerebral palsy and Parkinson’s. They include star player Kris Aves, a former Metropolitan police officer who suffered spinal injuries when he was run over by a terrorist driving a stolen van in the Westminster Bridge attacks of 2007 – just minutes after he picked up a special award for his service to the force. Now paralysed from the waist down, Kris gets around the golf course on a Paragolfer, a special wheelchair which enables him to get into a standing position when he needs to take his shots. Other Cairn Cup team members will be taking part on June 11, alongside a team from British Inclusive Golf, who will be showing what’s possible in the world of disabled golf. Steve is a keen golfer himself, having originally played the sport when he was 12. He gave it up a few years later but, when lockdown restrictions were lifting after COVID three years ago, he headed back out onto the golf course to get some much-needed fresh air and exercise. He said: “I really enjoy my golf, so sponsoring an event like this seems like the right thing to do, but I really want to highlight how important it is to make golf more inclusive. “A lot of golf courses are really not inclusive for disabled players, especially when it comes to getting in and out of the bunkers where disabled players are at risk of picking up penalties for not playing their shots. “The rules need to change, so we need to raise awareness of the situation, which our golf day will do. It will also give local businesses the opportunity to play alongside the Cairns Cup players and see first-hand how incredible they are.” The Cairns Cup takes place at Cherry Creek Golf Club in Detroit at the end of July and the European team will be seeking revenge, having lost to the USA at The Shire London, in Barnet, in 2022. The event was established in 2018 when former soldier and disabled golfer Kevin Booth and fellow players decided to set up a Ryder Cup-style competition in memory of a friend, Billy Cairns, who died during a previous Europe vs USA disabled golf event called the Phoenix Cup. Matt Wheatcroft, managing director of Purpose Media, said: “Our charity golf day will give players a unique opportunity to understand the challenges faced by disabled golfers and the incredible ways in which they have adapted in order to play their game. “We’ve got plenty of activities organised for the day and we’re all looking forward to it.” It costs £400 per team of four to take part in the Morley Hayes charity golf day, which will include breakfast, a two-course dinner and an awards ceremony, as well as competitions throughout the day. To sign up to the golf day visit www.purposemedia.co.uk/purpose-media-golf-day-2024/

East Midlands business confidence on the rise

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East Midlands business confidence on the rise
Business confidence in the East Midlands rose five points during May to 40%, 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 six points to 40%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up five points to 41%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 40% (vs. 35% in April). Looking ahead to the next six months, East Midlands businesses identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example through training (36%), evolving their offering (36%), and entering new markets (33%). The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. The data for this edition was collected between 1–16th May, before the UK general election was announced. National picture In May, overall UK business confidence reached its highest level since 2015 – rising by eight points to a net balance of 50%. Businesses showed increased optimism in both their trading prospects (up nine points month-on-month to 54%) and the economy (up seven points to 46%). Firms’ trading outlook was the most optimistic in seven years, while economic optimism was the highest recorded since September 2021. Scotland and the South East of England were the most optimistic of the UK nations or regions in May (both 57%), followed by the West Midlands (56%). Sector insights Similarly, there were particularly strong results reported in the construction and services sectors this month. Prospects in the construction sector jumped to 58% (up 20 points), the highest for 14 months, while in services, expected output increased to 57% (up 12 points). On the latter, it is the highest level since the survey was expanded in 2018. Expected business activity in the retail sector also improved to 49% (up three points). Although trading prospects in manufacturing eased slightly to 49% (down three points), the underlying trend over the last three months remains positive. Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “It’s encouraging to see higher confidence across the East Midlands this month, particularly when it comes to firms’ own trading outlook. As businesses pursue their growth plans, we’ll continue to be their side to help make them a success. “There’s good reason to be cheerful. May also saw the completion of the next step in a £1.14bn devolution deal for the region with the election of the first ever East Midlands Mayor.” Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “These results highlight a notable improvement in business confidence. Optimism about the economy increased to 46% this month – the highest result since September 2021, when the country was emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic, but before the energy crisis after the invasion of Ukraine. “The regional picture has also improved – we’ve now seen increases in seven of the UK’s 12 regions, where there was previously a more mixed picture. Results in the South East, Scotland and the West Midlands were particularly strong. Across the sectors, there were strong, broad-based improvements in services and construction.”

East Midlands Mayor gives green light to country’s largest local area energy plan

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East Midlands Mayor gives green light to country’s largest local area energy plan
An ambitious scheme to meet Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire’s net zero targets has moved one step closer to reality, after the newly formed East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) gave its backing to the region’s Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP). The LAEP – which has been designed and developed by a number of local authorities across the region, alongside the Midlands Net Zero Hub – will be supported by EMCCA, which is funding its implementation over the next two years. The initiative will see a data-driven, net zero ‘action plan’ rolled out across the region, which will aim to deliver an effective, on-time and value for money approach to climate resilience, tailored to the need of local communities. It will set out priority areas for different elements of the region’s energy system and identify the areas where specific technologies – such as heat pumps, EV charging and insulation schemes – would be most effectively installed. Mott MacDonald and Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES) have been appointed to drive the project forward over the next two years, working collaboratively with local authorities and Midlands Net Zero Hub. The Local Area Energy Plan, once implemented, will be the largest of its kind in England – putting the region in a strong position to attract investment and create jobs in green industries. Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, said: “Thanks to the fantastic work of our local authorities and valued partners, our region is in a strong position to meet the challenge of net zero and secure a sustainable future for our young people. “We need to make big, systemic changes to the ways we produce and consume energy – and here in the East Midlands we want to drive this on a local level, putting communities in control of how best to tackle climate change. “That’s why I am delighted to see the East Midlands Combined County Authority, which I chair and lead, supporting the Local Area Energy Plan. Not only will it provide a clear roadmap for a greener future, but it will also encourage more investment in low carbon technologies – creating high-skilled jobs and business growth in sectors that are working towards the net zero transition.” Wayne Bexton, Director of Green Growth, Investment and Assets at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “The appointment of a LAEP provider for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire is a significant milestone which will enable the new combined county authority to detail a clear, innovative path to achieving net zero. “The work will ensure we can harness further investment into the region, creating new jobs and opportunities for training in low carbon industries. “Our region has an unparalleled opportunity to lead for the UK on this agenda, and this is an exciting next step on that journey.” Michael Gallagher, Director of Environment & Sustainability at Nottingham City Council (Interim) and Senior Responsible Officer Midlands Net Zero Hub, said: “The development of the largest Local Area Energy Plan in England, supported by the Midlands Net Zero Hub, has been a brilliant collaborative effort across all local authorities in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. “We are excited to be working with Mott-McDonald and IES to develop a joined-up plan that can help the region identify a cost-efficient route to net zero for the region that attracts investment, enables projects and supports economic growth.” Work will get underway on rolling out the plan from June 2024.
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