RSM ‘lifer’ appointed as new office managing partner in Nottingham
Sheetal Sanghvi, corporate tax partner at leading audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK, has been appointed as the new office managing partner in Nottingham, effective from 1 April 2023. She will succeed Richard King, who has been office managing partner at RSM Nottingham for ten years.
Having spent over 17 years at the firm and as an RSM ‘lifer’, Sheetal joined as an audit tax assistant in 2005 and has progressed through the ranks to partner. Sheetal is head of innovation reliefs in the Central region and was the first person in the firm to get a focused role in this niche area. She has extensive experience in advising a range of businesses, from start-ups to large corporates, across a range of sectors in making significant R&D and patent box claims.
Sheetal went to school in Nottingham and graduated from Leicester’s De Montfort University. She is currently EmbRACE Network lead in the Central region – an RSM initiative to champion race equality. She is extremely passionate about creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and works with the wider group to raise awareness of and support on matters of race, ethnicity and cultural heritage, and to provide guidance to the firm’s diversity and inclusion steering group on race equality issues.
In her new role, Sheetal plans to build upon the existing team culture in the 90-strong office, including having an open style of leadership and ensuring a strong team mix across all sectors and service lines.
Sheetal Sanghvi, office managing partner in Nottingham at RSM UK, comments: ‘For me, this is the next big step in my career at RSM. Having kickstarted my career with the firm as a graduate trainee over 17 years ago, I am just one of the many examples of our ‘grow our own’ strategy. I have and continue to be very lucky to work in a supportive and collaborative environment where our people have plenty of opportunities to learn and develop, but most importantly be themselves and have some fun along the way. I’m looking forward to taking on the challenge of leading our talented group of partners and staff and driving forward the next stage of our ambitious growth plans in my home town.’
Mark Taylor, regional managing partner in the Midlands at RSM UK, said: ‘Firstly, I’d like to say a huge thanks to Richard for his significant contribution to leading the impressive growth of our business in the East Midlands over the last decade. Sheetal has enjoyed great success over the last few years in building our innovation reliefs business and I am excited to see her continue to grow as office managing partner. Sheetal has lots of qualities that make her ideally suited to the role – not least, her deep reserves of natural infectious enthusiasm and energy which will drive the future growth of our business in Nottingham and across the region.’
Richard King, partner at RSM UK, added: ‘I am very proud to have been part of the team that has delivered substantial growth in the East Midlands. The Nottingham office has flourished, and we’ve strengthened our commitment to the local marketplace. I’m delighted to be handing over the reins to Sheetal, who will undoubtedly take the practice from strength to strength for the benefit of our staff and clients. I look forward to supporting Sheetal throughout the next phase of this exciting journey.’
Midlands firm invents a world first in sustainable resin flooring
Leicestershire-based Abacus Flooring Solutions has made history by inventing a way to use waste plastic, that would otherwise go to landfill, in industrial resin flooring.
The ground-breaking invention, named Abaplas, is set to transform the flooring industry as well as providing an eco-friendly method for replacing harmful bulking materials in other products such as tile adhesives.
Nick Megson, managing director of Abacus Flooring and the brains behind the pioneering Abaplas system, has already proven his idea after carrying out a painstaking series of tests over several years.
Having arrived at the perfect formula, which performs even better than traditional resin flooring, his world-beating patent for Abaplas has now been approved.
Resin flooring, along with many other industrial products, has traditionally been manufactured using silica sand, which is a dangerous and potentially carcinogenic substance when inhaled.
Abaplas instead contains non-harmful recycled plastic which is ground down to a white powder. The process will vastly reduce the volume of waste plastic ending up in landfill or the world’s oceans.
Nick said: “We carried out so many tests that it seemed as if it would never happen. We conducted tests using numerous grades and types of plastic before we finally achieved the fantastic result we have today.
“On our first ever project using this product, the installation guys said it was the best self-smoothing resin system they had used.
“Further research uncovered many other uses for our 100 per cent recycled plastic, in things like our primer coats, scratch coats, self-smoothing screeds, repair compounds – and even things like tile adhesives.
“It could turn the plastics recycling industry completely on its head and really make major strides in helping to save the planet.”
The world’s first resin flooring using 100 per cent recycled plastic was installed by Abacus in the enormous VIP Visitor Centre auditorium at JCB’s global headquarters in Staffordshire, UK.
The company has since gone on to install Abaplas flooring in warehouses, medical facilities and football stadiums throughout the UK.
E2E Female 100 list announced in association with, The Independent
E2E, in association with The Independent and in partnership with IWG plc as the strategic founding partner, has today announced its Female 100 list which identifies the 100 fastest-growing female-led or founded businesses in the UK through their growth rate of employees over the past three years from data gathered by Experian and Go Live Data.
Identifying businesses from a host of sectors, the league tables highlight the incredible work achieved by females throughout the UK. The E2E Female 100 launched on 17th March 2023 and was celebrated at the House of Commons, with a dinner for the 100 companies featured, accompanied by some of the UK’s top business leaders.
The E2E Female 100 forms part of The E2E 100, a significant initiative designed through the publication of six league tables, coupled with large-scale reception for each launch and a series of associated content. Each celebratory launch dinner will be held at the Houses of Parliament, kindly supported by Lord Bilimoria CBE, DL, Founding Board Director, E2E. This has been created to showcase the very best UK companies that are excelling, experiencing consistent growth, and presenting disruptive business strategies that are creating an impact not just in their own sector, but also on a nationwide, and in some cases, a global scale.
Featuring talent from around the UK, the list showcases the diverse range of businesses women are founding and the huge successes they are having despite battling an uncertain and post-pandemic economy.
Speaking about the list, Shalini Khemka CBE, founder of E2E says: “To see so many extraordinary multigenerational women in the top 100 from a host of innovative sectors is a testament to the amazing work so many women are achieving, daily. From vegan kitchens to finance and leadership, the diverse range of businesses which have not only been founded survived or thrived during the pandemic is incredible. Each and every person on this list should be extremely proud of what they have achieved and will continue to achieve in the years to come.”
Assistant Editor of the Independent, Caroline Gammell said: “We’re delighted to be featuring such an exceptional group of women who are powerhouses in their own individual sectors and who have seen exceptional growth over the past three years. The E2E Female 100, in association with The Independent, gives us the chance to showcase the amazing female talent around the UK and to inspire the next generation of female entrepreneurs, who are a much-needed part of our future economy. We can’t wait to see what they do next and are looking forward to championing female leaders for many more years to come.”
Lord Bilimoria CBE, DL said: “I have been a founding Board Member of E2E and under the leadership of Shalini Khemka CBE, seen it flourish into the go to ecosystem to support Founders, Business Leaders, and Investors. We have worked on several initiatives together to highlight the issues faced by business founders within the UK and to provide services that address the core challenges. Since the launch of E2E in 2011, Shalini and her team have built an exceptional platform for entrepreneurs to meet, learn, raise investment, and access corporate support. I am thrilled that E2E has launched the E2E 100, beginning with The Female 100 as it showcases the fastest growing female led companies by employee growth, from all over the UK. I was reading an article from Reuters recently which highlighted that women now make up 40% of boards at the top UK companies for the first time in history and that the number of female CEOs is also rising. This is highly encouraging however we are still far from parity.”
Richard Morris, UK Chief Executive of IWG plc, observed: “IWG has been a partner of E2E for over 7 years and has experienced the outstanding support and platform they provide to the UK SME sector. The quality of their community, from their Members to speakers is unparalleled in my view. During our longstanding partnership, we have expanded the flexible working and service office packages offered to their members on preferred rates and we are proud of the value that we are bringing together to UK entrepreneurship.”
End of the road for Nottingham’s Creative Quarter Company
The Creative Quarter Company, which has spent ten years building a new home for small businesses and creative minds in the east of Nottingham city centre, goes into voluntary liquidation on Friday.
The company was founded by Nottingham City Council in 2012, and since 2016 has been jointly owned with Nottingham Trent University. Both organisations committed to supporting the core objectives of the CQC, which have been delivered over the last ten years.
With the regeneration of the Sneinton Market area now complete, NCC and NTU have agreed that it is an opportune time to seek alternative ways to work together for the benefit of the city and its communities.
Tamily Cookson, interim CEO of CQC, said: “Although the team and I are sad to say goodbye on behalf of the Creative Quarter Company, we are proud of the legacy that has been created with the city’s Creative Quarter very much established and thriving.
“There are many significant successes to mark as part of this announcement – the evolution of Sneinton Market being a central achievement, not forgetting the many amazing businesses and independents that have flourished to bring investment and employment to Nottingham. Our team and partners can celebrate the lasting impact we’ve had on the city with a now defined Creative Quarter that will remain as a fantastic destination for work, life, and play, as well as being a thriving community for professionals and small businesses.”
Some of the CQC’s key achievements include:
- The evolution of Nottingham city centre’s east side with a 905% increase in creative digital industries (CDI) in the designated Creative Quarter area. This has contributed 11% GVA to Nottingham’s economy at a value of £1.2 billion, growing nearly five times more than the average industry in Nottingham.
- The creation of Sneinton Market Avenues from formerly derelict premises to create a thriving hub for independent businesses with support from Nottingham City Council and the European Regional Development Fund.
- Boosting the city’s culture and creativity including its role in the annual Light Night, plus its support for Nottingham Craft Beer Festival, Nottingham Puppet Festival, Wigflex, Green Hustle and many more events.
- Being the lead partner on The Big House business support programme with over 2,000 creative and digital businesses enrolled to date.
- Working with Nottingham Trent University to retain graduate talent by building pathways to creative careers through talks, events and placement opportunities.
- Achieving the largest employment growth in the UK’s CDI since 2015, outpacing London.
Nottingham-based Cellomatics Biosciences presented with Queen’s Award for Enterprise
Nottingham-based contract research organisation (CRO) Cellomatics Biosciences has been officially presented with the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade following significant growth in its export business.
Cellomatics is one of just 232 organisations nationally to be recognised with the prominent award, which this year becomes the King’s Award for Enterprise.
The company was presented with the award by the Lord Lieutenant of Nottingham, Sir John Peace, on Thursday 23 March at a ceremony hosted at Cellomatics’ Head Office in Colwick. The afternoon event was attended by specially invited guests and clients, staff and the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Cllr Wendy Smith. Founder and CEO of Cellomatics, Dr Shailendra Singh, received a commemorative crystal bowl in recognition of the company’s outstanding export achievements.
Employing 20 people, Cellomatics was founded in 2015 and specialises in the development of bespoke bioassays across numerous therapeutic areas including oncology, immuno-oncology, immunology, inflammation and respiratory.
In 2021, the company reported year-on-year organic growth of 30 percent since it was founded. In the wake of increased demand for its bespoke preclinical and early discovery phase laboratory services and expertise, Cellomatics moved into its purpose-built laboratories in Colwick in 2022.
The company’s export business has increased 15-fold, with significant growth from clients in Europe, Asia, and the USA. These export sales now represent approximately 50 percent of their total revenue.
Dr Shailendra Singh said: “We were honoured to receive the Queen’s Award for Enterprise from the Lord Lieutenant of Nottingham and are grateful to everyone who attended the event. I’d like to thank each and every member of the Cellomatics team for their support and the key role they have each played in helping us to achieve this feat.
“Since receiving the accolade last year, we have experienced a significant increase in the number of companies seeking our expertise and assistance in expediting their drug development programmes. We’re looking forward to continuing our growth trajectory and delivering quality results for our growing network of clients around the world.”
East Midlands Manufacturing Network reaches 150 members a year after launch
The East Midlands Manufacturing Network set up by East Midlands Chamber last March, now has 150 members keen to promote the importance of the manufacturing industry to the wealth and prosperity of the East Midlands.
The network was an initiative that formed part of the UK Community Renewal Fund-backed East Midlands Accelerator project run by the Chamber, although the business representation group always had the intention of continuing its support for the long term.
The Chamber recognised that very often, the challenges manufacturers face can be tackled via collaboration with others and engagement with the right people, through the right channels.
With its connections to Government, local authorities, landowners, the region’s other support agencies and universities, it is well placed to help manufacturers navigate a multitude of issues ranging from planning control to lack of expertise.
East Midlands Chamber deputy chief exec Diane Beresford said: “It’s a challenging time for manufacturers. More than any other sector, they’ve been hit by the meteoric rise in energy costs and raw materials, against a backdrop of recruitment issues.
“The reason the membership continues to grow is because the network offers very real and valuable support, and a safe space to share the concerns of running a manufacturing business at the present time. We’ve already seen several interesting collaborations that have sprung from the network.
“One area which we’re particularly keen to develop is the concept of technology forums. We know that digital technology is an important growth enabler for manufacturers.
“In the spirit of collaborative learning, we’d like to develop a roadshow where network members can host such forums to showcase how they have embraced technology. Sharing best practice and lessons learned in this way is undoubtedly of huge benefit to those members at an earlier stage of the same journey.”
Network meetings are held every six weeks in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.
Topics to be covered are varied, and set by the membership in that area. They might include an update from Make UK, information on the adoption of Made Smarter in the East Midlands, an outline of Digital Upscaler technology support from the Chamber, or an announcement on the latest tailored manufacturing support on offer from the universities.
Chesterfield arts charity selects new Managing Director
Charity Junction Arts has appointed Emily Bowman, the current Deputy CEO for The Mighty Creatives, as its new MD.
Emily will join the Chesterfield-based charity on April 1st, and will help the team to deliver an ambitious programme of creative events and initiatives throughout 2023. She will lead the charity to deliver its vision, support the Arts Council England’s ‘Let’s Create’ strategy and will be responsible to the Board on all matters of strategy, policy development and management.
Junction Arts has engaged communities across Bolsover District, North East Derbyshire, Chesterfield and rural areas of the East Midlands for over 45 years. Following an uplift in National Portfolio Funding from the Arts Council until 2026, the charity has aspirations for significant growth and is hoping to embark on a number of exciting partnership projects over the next three years.
Emily is currently the Deputy CEO for The Mighty Creatives, a children and young people’s charity based in Leicester and Arts Council England’s Bridge organisation for the East Midlands. She has worked in the creative sector for 20 years and at a senior leadership level since 2015. Through her background and training in performance and her work in arts leadership, she has a deep understanding and passion for arts, culture, and creativity, specifically focused on young audiences, with experience in co-producing high-quality programmes that are accessible to all.
She said: “I am thrilled to be joining Junction Arts. I am excited to be leading such a vibrant and dedicated team and will do all I can to continue to grow and develop the organisation, building on its current success and supporting more people to engage, and creativity to thrive across our communities.”
Lucie Maycock, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Junction Arts said: “Emily has all the right experience, skills, and strategic thinking to take on this exciting role. She is passionate about community arts and making a real difference. Our shared values and her experience working with children, young people and communities, developing programmes that support their cultural, personal and professional development, will enhance our new and existing programmes. Helping to make a real impact and take the organisation to the next level.”
Melton Building Society reopen Mutual House Office after major refurbishment
Melton Building Society are pleased to announce the reopening of their Mutual House offices after undergoing a major transformation.
The building society partnered with local business, Blueprint Interiors, to undertake a full refurbishment of the Melton Mowbray site, resulting in state-of-the-art facilities and an eco-friendlier environment.
The newly refurbished office space is a reflection of Melton Building Society’s commitment to providing its members and colleagues with the best possible experience. The renovation project includes a complete overhaul of the building’s interior, resulting in a modern and spacious workspace that fosters productivity and community collaboration.
Creative and Commercial Director of Blueprint Interiors, Chloe Sproston, commented on the completed project: “Melton Building Society now has a relevant workplace with the tools and spaces they need to deliver their great service. We are also delighted that the response to the finished workplace has been so well received by the team, as they continue to position Melton Building Society as a modern mutual. The delivery stage of the project has been a huge success, thanks to all stakeholders cooperating for the benefit of the joint end goal. We’ve delivered a space that future proofs the Societies operating base by creating a diverse and flexible workspace for its people, as well as creating a valuable asset for their customer communities and local business network.”
To celebrate the reopening, colleagues have been invited back in for a tour of the premises and a demonstration of the new technology and amenities. Blueprint Interiors have created a range of work and meeting spaces designed to improve efficiency and customer service.
Simon Taylor, Chief Executive of Melton Building Society, says, “We are thrilled to reopen our head office and welcome our colleagues back into this fantastic new space. The transformation of the building is a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in the project, and we’re confident that the new facilities and technology will enable us to deliver an even better experience for our members.”
The Mutual House office will serve as the hub for Melton Building Society’s operations, offering savings accounts and mortgage solutions, as well as welcoming in members and inviting community groups to use the meeting spaces for educational workshops. Local charities will also be welcome to use the facilities for free to hold fundraisers or meetings.
Robinson invests in two senior sales team members
Specialist packaging manufacturer Robinson has invested in its sales team with two new senior appointments in the UK.
Angela Doyle joins Robinson from Berry Plastics and previously Constantia Group where she worked in the flexibles sector in both the UK and Ireland in commercial sales, primarily in the food and beverage sector. Looking forward to her role as a New Business Development Manager at Robinson, Angela highlighted: “I have a strong technical and commercial skill set, working closely with customers and production on development, problem solving and meeting deadlines. I have always enjoyed being part of a team, leading innovation and out of the box thinking.”
“Robinsons has a really strong collaborative, welcoming culture and I am looking forward to playing my part in the team, creating new business opportunities and building on the strong company foundations”.
Also joining the team as Business Development Manager is Nick Hudson. His background is in UK manufacture and outsourcing of premium packaging across many substrates.
Nick commented: “I am really looking forward to creating awareness of the company’s commitment to sustainable, innovative rigid box packaging and its high standards of quality and service leading to Robinsons being the first choice for customers”.
Nottingham’s planners get access to 3D city map technology
Nottingham has been successful in securing a £375,000 Government grant to modernise the planning application process through the use of 3D technology.
The money, which has come from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, will be spent on enhancing a cutting-edge system to map the city in three dimensions.
The project is part of a national £3.2m scheme through the PropTech Innovation Fund involving 27 local planning authorities. Nottingham will work closely with Bradford Council on this particular pilot.
It will improve the planning process as applicants, planning officers, councillors and the public will be able to view accurate, real-life images of how a proposed development will look within the existing built environment. The main aims are:
- To make it easier for people to engage in the planning process;
- Increase the transparency of decision-making;
- Speed up the time taken from application to formal decision.
