Charlotte’s finance appointment brings new dimension to Chesterfield firm
Charlotte Reynolds has joined Start Financial Planning as a finance advisor as the company seeks to expand in Derbyshire and South Yorkshire.
Start FP director Steve Taylor said: “I think it is important to be able to offer advice in the corporate market as many advisers are not prepared to do this. So many now focus on individual advice, leaving employers with little expertise to help provide benefits for their employees”.
He said she brought an important new dimension to the company, because although some clients were more comfortable taking to a woman, only 16% of financial advisers were female according to the Financial Conduct Authority.
Charlotte said: “Joining Start FP was a natural move for me. We share the same values. I really admire the friendly, personal, respectful service that Start offers. The client is at the forefront of everything. There are no sales targets – we are client centred.
“We’re a small but experienced team, with excellent support staff alongside the advisers. Because I’ve previously worked in different roles, I really appreciate that providing a great service to clients is not just down to one person. It’s teamwork.
“I’m looking forward to bringing a different perspective to the services we offer. Financial planning was previously a very male dominated environment and, traditionally, men have tended to handle business and family finances.
“However, women increasingly run their own businesses and personal finances and it’s important to reflect that in our industry. I have male and female clients – but it’s nice to be able to offer a choice of advisers.
“I’m also looking forward to developing the services we offer to corporate clients, including workplace pension schemes and employee benefits. These can really help companies to retain staff, with benefits for the employer, too.”
Construction commences on Mickleover residential project
Construction has commenced on the development of a new residential project at Manor Farm in Mickleover, with the transformation of existing redundant farm buildings into a small, exclusive cluster of homes.
Ashbourne-based Matthew Montague Architects have designed the dwellings working in partnership with site owners Chevin Homes.
This project comprises five single-story dwellings (bungalows) and one house in a private cul-de-sac setting.
The design complements the historical and heritage significance of the area. Architect Matthew Montague said: “I have been involved with this site for over 5 years, working with Chevin Homes most recently to gain approval, however planning discussions go back as far as 2014, so it has been a long time in the pipeline; largely due to the sensitive location.”
The original Manor Farm Farmhouse, gardens and courtyard of barns are not part of this development. These buildings are for sale via auction due to take place at the end of February. Full detailed planning permssion was also gained by the Architects Practice for conversion of the barns for sale within this lot.
Leengate seals Spireites’ shirt deal for two more seasons
An extended shirt sponsorship deal has been agreed between Leengate Valves and Chesterfield FC’s which will see the company logo on home and away shirts for the next two seasons.
Steve Pickering, MD of Leengate Valves said: “We’ve done it for the last two years and are keen to keep the association going, with hopefully a return to the EFL during that time.
“We’ve received so much publicity in the last two seasons and it’s a good feeling to see so many shirts with Leengates Valves on around the town and whenever we go to away games.
“We’ve been associated with the club for so long – around 34 years now – and it’s been the highlight this year, really.
“It’s fantastic to see the quality of the football and the smiles around the stadium. It’s just a happy feeling. Wherever you go, everybody is talking about Chesterfield Football Club.”
Bridget Ball, the club’s marketing manager, said: “I would like to thank Steve, Leigh, Mick and everyone at Leengate Valves for their valued, ongoing support.
“Thanks also go to our supporters who have purchased shirts in unprecedented numbers this season. We look forward to unveiling next season’s kits in April and I’m sure they will be equally as popular.”
Derby firms urged to join ‘breastfeeding welcome here’ campaign
Derby City councillor Alison Martin in encouraging the city’s businesses to sign up to a new scheme to support its breastfeeding mums. The Breastfeeding Welcome Here initiative is designed to make mums feel more confident to breastfeed in public places, with shops, cafés and other public premises in the city being encouraged to sign up to the free scheme to show they are accredited as ‘breastfeeding friendly’.
Councillor Martin said: “Mums have a legal right to breastfeed in public and the majority of people are supportive, but it can still be a daunting experience, particularly at first. We want mums in Derby to know they are welcome to breastfeed while out and about, and to help them feel comfortable while doing so.
“If you spot the Breastfeeding Welcome Here sticker, you’ll know it’s a comfortable and supportive environment for you to feed your baby. We’d love as many businesses as possible to sign up and show their support for mums.”
The right to breastfeed in public is protected by law but some mums lack confidence, feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable, or worried about the reaction they’ll receive. The Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme aims to positively change perceptions around breastfeeding in public and promote an environment where mums feel confident to breastfeed for as long as they choose.
By signing up, businesses and organisations pledge to actively welcome mums who are breastfeeding and support them to feel confident and comfortable feeding their baby on the premises. In turn, this will give the venue a boost, as mums are more likely to return to places where they feel comfortable.
If a venue is displaying a Breastfeeding Welcome Here Award, mums can be confident that:
- They are welcome to breastfeed their baby there
- They will never be asked to move or leave because they are breastfeeding
- The venue will do their best to offer a private area to feed in, if mum prefers and space allows
- Staff are trained to know that the venue supports breastfeeding and encourages mums to breastfeed on the premises.
Nottingham company underpaid more than £5.12m to 36,000 workers
Nottingham-based Staffline Recruitment Limited has had to pay more than £5.12m to 36,700 workers, the government has revealed.
The company is named today amongst a list of more than 500 employers who’ve failed to pay the minimum wage.
The 524 employers were found to have failed to pay their workers nearly £16 million in a clear breach of the National Minimum Wage law, leaving more than 172,000 workers out of pocket.
Employers named today include major high street brands, in a clear message from government that no employers are exempt from paying their workers the statutory minimum wage.
The businesses named in today’s list have since paid back what they owe to their staff and have also faced financial penalties of up to 200% of their underpayment. The investigations by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) concluded between 2015 and 2023.
Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business Kevin Hollinrake said: “Employees deserve to get paid properly for the hard work they put in.
“While the majority of businesses already do the right thing and pay their staff what they are owed, today’s announcement sends a message to the minority who aren’t – that there are repercussions to undercutting hard work from their staff.
“Not all minimum wage underpayments are intentional, but the government has been clear that anyone entitled to be paid the minimum wage should receive it, and that enforcement action will be taken against employers who do not pay their staff correctly.”Witham Group ball raises £8,000 for four charities
Witham Group, a lubricant manufacturer with its head office in Lincoln, has raised £8,000 for four charities during its annual charity ball.
The event, held in January at the Hilton Double Tree Hotel, brought together team members, customers, and suppliers in a collective effort to make a positive impact.
“We are thrilled to announce that our annual charity event was a tremendous success,” said Nigel R Bottom, Witham Group MD. “This achievement is a testament to the generosity and dedication of our team members, partners, and supporters who have wholeheartedly contributed to these fantastic charities.”
The £8,000 raised has been equally distributed among the following four charities: Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance, Teenage Cancer Trust, Help For Heroes, and Lincolnshire Rural Support Network.
Witham Group has been fundraising for charities and supporting local communities for many years, and this latest event brings the total raised to £130,000.
Callisto Pharma Group moves into new offices at Lockington Hall
Due to further expansion, Callisto Pharma Group has moved into new offices in a deal negotiated by Loughborough-based specialist land development and property consultancy Mather Jamie.
Having signed a five year lease, the company’s 30+ employees will move into 2,052 sq ft of office space at Garden Court within the old walled garden at Lockington Hall in Leicestershire.
Garden Court offers a range of attractive, modern, single-storey office spaces set in landscaped grounds with on-site car parking.
Paul Bunyan, operations director from Callisto, said: “We were delighted with Mather Jamie for bringing this opportunity to our attention. As a global business being able to access the UK and overseas locations quickly is an important factor.
“The location is superb and not only is our team located in a fantastic setting but we are now strategically located near Junction 24 of the M1, the A50, and East Midlands Airport and East Midlands Parkway rail connections.”
Charlie Lallo, commercial surveyor from Mather Jamie, added: “Well-located offices with a good parking provision are still very much sought after. We have a variety of options in our commercial property portfolio and therefore able to meet Callisto’s office space requirements.”
Construction Risk Seminar to help build a safer future
A must-attend event for professionals in the construction sector and the built environment will take place on Wednesday 28 February 2024.
From architects to groundworkers, join the Construction Risk Seminar, starting at 1pm at the prestigious 4th floor of the Vijay Patel Building in Leicester, LE2 7DP.
What to Expect
Learn to Eliminate, Reduce, and Manage Risk; discover practical approaches to make your projects safer, healthier, and more profitable; Continuous Professional Development (CPD); and elevate your knowledge and skills through engaging discussions on risk management strategies tailored for the construction industry.
There will also be opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals, from conceptual architectural designers and engineers to surveyors, developers, and associated trades and professions.
Key Topics of Discussion:
Cyber & AI: navigating the digital landscape in construction.
E&O Design Liability: understanding and mitigating design-related risks.
Employment: exploring legal aspects and best practices.
Supply Chain, Imports, CE Marking, and Product: addressing critical considerations.
Credit, Bonds/Surety: managing financial risks effectively.
Late Defect/Building Warranties vs Collateral Warranties: ensuring long-term project success.
Health and well-being in the industry.
MMC (Modern Methods of Construction): embracing innovation responsibly.
Contract Law (JCT/NEC/Collateral Warranties): navigating legal frameworks for successful collaborations.
Esteemed Panelists:
A distinguished panel includes experts at the forefront of the construction industry:
Nick Taylor-Ward – ACII & Chartered Insurance Broker – Konsileo
Dr. Ronaldo CEng – Producument – Toshiba Mitsubishi Europe TMEICKate Cheyne – Head of School – Arts, Design, and Architecture at DMU
Emma Tegerdine, Expert Employment Law Solicitor and Judge – gunnercooke LLP
Alice Bremner – Senior Credit Underwriter at Tokio Marine HCC International
Christine White – Professor of Art & Design, Director of the Design Unit, Deputy Dean Arts, Design and Humanities at De Montfort University
Stephen Woolf – CMIOSH CMaPS MIEMA CEnv – Group Compliance Director – Sigma
Tim Rugg – Professional Indemnity Underwriting Manager at Tokio Marine HCC
Schedule:
1:00 PM: Registration and Networking
1:30 PM: Panel Discussion
3.30 PM: Q&A Session
4.00 PM: Networking and Refreshments
RSVP Information:
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights, expand your network, and contribute to building a safer future for all. Book your place here.
For further information, please contact CE East Midlands at alexander.tabb@deltasimons.com
Event sponsored by KonsileoInvestment in East Midlands takes centre stage at Westminster event
The future prosperity of the East Midlands has been discussed by MPs and Whitehall officials at a Transport for the East Midlands event in Westminster.
Regional leaders from local authorities and transport bodies have been working together to voice concerns that a lack of investment in the region’s transport infrastructure is preventing its businesses and communities from achieving their growth potential.
The event, hosted by Co-Chairs of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the East Midlands, Nigel Mills MP and Alex Norris MP, brought decision makers together with regional businesses to hear about key transport schemes where government funding decisions are imminent.
They include proposals to electrify the final stretch of the Midland Mainline into the East Midlands – the main rail link between Derby, Chesterfield, Nottingham, Leicester and London – where major economic benefits were highlighted in a recent report, The Future’s Electric.
Transformational plans for the A46 Newark Bypass were also highlighted, with the final section of the link between the M1 in Leicestershire and the A1 in Nottinghamshire set to be turned from single to dual carriageway, overcoming congestion problems, improving safety and enabling planned economic growth in the area.
The Westminster gathering also heard about an inquiry carried out by the APPG itself into the wider social and economic benefits of infrastructure investment in the East Midlands.
Their report calls for greater certainty on the delivery of major infrastructure projects in the region in the wake of the cancellation of HS2 to the East Midlands and the Government’s publication instead of ‘Network North’. Its five recommendations include:
· Support investors by giving them long-term certainty about the delivery of infrastructure.
· Help inform investment decisions by adopting a common method for describing the benefits.
· Ensure the region’s economic resilience through a better balance between building new infrastructure and investing in what we’ve got.
· Encourage greater collaboration between public and private sector so the full benefits of infrastructure investment can be achieved.
· Establish a credible pipeline of regional infrastructure which supports regional priorities and ensures skilled, trained workers are available to deliver projects.
Businesses from across the region, council leaders and other economic stakeholders attended the event, which was also told about the findings from two recent studies about the A1 in the region by Midlands Connect and Transport for the East Midlands that highlight the financial and safety implications of substandard investment for businesses and road users.
Nigel Mills MP, East Midlands APPG Co-Chair, said: “The East Midlands has a robust and innovative economy. However GDP and productivity per head of population are below the UK average and our region continues to be under-invested relative to the UK average across a range of functions, most notably transport.
“Improving and maintaining our region’s infrastructure is critical to achieving the levelling up agenda and the transition to net zero. The crucial relationship between infrastructure investment and local activity to create more prosperous and inclusive economies is clear, and this event has brought this to the forefront of decision-makers’ minds to make sure our region realises its true potential sooner rather than later.”
Alex Norris MP, East Midlands APPG Co-Chair, said: “We have been concerned for some time about the lack of investment in the East Midlands and what this means for our communities and businesses.
“Whilst our region has a resilient economy and a rapidly growing population, we also have falling productivity, low graduate retention and poor social mobility. We believe there is a clear link between investment in economic infrastructure like transport, energy, water, waste treatment, flood defences and digital, and the wider social and economic challenges facing the East Midlands.”
Sir Peter Soulsby, Chair of Transport for the East Midlands and elected Mayor of Leicester, added: “Our region is full of great businesses and ambitious communities, ready to respond to the important challenge of raising growth in the UK.
“However, we need the tools to deliver that growth. The Government needs to unleash our potential by signing off a series of major projects, ready to go, that we know will transform our transport infrastructure and deliver strong returns not just for the East Midlands, but for the UK.”
The Westminster event is being supported by law firm Browne Jacobson and East Midlands Railway.
Peter Ware, Head of Government practice at Browne Jacobson, said: “It’s critically important that the East Midlands makes the case for investment as it has a very strong story to tell around industries that contribute to international trade and infrastructure initiatives that can really power-up the region’s contribution to UK growth.
“We know from the work that we do across the region that our public bodies have huge ambitions for progress, and we’re delighted to support this event.”
Will Rogers, Managing Director of East Midlands Railway, added: “We connect the East Midlands to the capital every day and are committed to improving services for the communities that we serve. In order to achieve this, there needs to be greater collaboration between public and private sector infrastructure providers.
“Long-term certainty about the delivery of major investment is needed, which will unlock opportunities that pave the way for growth across our region.”
Builders’ merchant acquires HVAC distributor
MKM, the independent builders’ merchant, has made a strategic move into the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) sector with the acquisition of Oceanair UK Ltd.
Established in 2002, Oceanair has built a reputation as a specialist distributor for brands Daikin, Fujitsu and Panasonic. Their successful transition into the air to water market makes them ideally placed for significant growth in the future.
Oceanair are an award-winning distributor of HVAC, operating from locations in Mansfield and Crawley.
Kate Tinsley, CEO of MKM, said: “This is an interesting acquisition for MKM and enables us to expand into further emerging marketplaces; Oceanair is a great company with very talented people. I’m really excited about our growth plans.”
Oceanair will continue its operations under its existing name. Tony Evanson, the owner of Oceanair, will remain involved in the business for the foreseeable future providing support during the transition. He emphasised the importance of finding the right home for the business and expressed pride in its growth over the years.
“I’m incredibly proud to see the business grow over the years and have developed some fantastic relationships with staff, customers, and suppliers. I have thought long and hard about selling the business and was adamant it needed to go to the right home. I’m very pleased to be around the business to support the MKM team and look forward to seeing Oceanair grow under its new ownership.”
Rob Barnes, MKM’s business development director leading the acquisition, expressed confidence in the growth potential of Oceanair.
“This acquisition fits perfectly with MKM’s plans for expansion, allowing us to branch out further into the HVAC industry. Continuing to work closely with the current Oceanair team guarantees a seamless transition, customers and suppliers can expect business as usual.”
