UK SMEs expect to increase workforces in the face of skills shortages, survey finds
More than half of the UK’s SMEs expect to increase their workforces by the end of 2023, despite nearly two thirds claiming their sector suffers from skills shortages, new Paragon Bank research has found.
Carried out by Opinium on behalf of FTSE250 specialist bank Paragon, the research of over 600 firms found 55% expect to grow employee numbers during the remainder of the year.
Increases to staffing levels coincide with rising confidence in the SME sector, with prior Paragon research finding that 62% of SMEs expect higher turnover in Q1 2023 compared with the same period last year.
While staffing levels are set to improve, the research also identifies challenges faced by SMEs in finding and retaining suitable employees, with a majority citing a skills shortage (64%) as a barrier to recruitment and a need to offer higher salaries to attract candidates (65%).
Meanwhile, six in 10 employers said they have introduced flexible working practices to attract potential recruits, whilst 70% of SMEs said they had increased wages to retain existing employees.
John Phillipou, Paragon’s Managing Director of SME Lending, said: ““After the challenges of high-inflation and rising energy costs it may come as a surprise that over half of all SMEs are planning to increase their number of full-time staff in 2023 – but with low-levels of unemployment and concerns over skill shortages, SMEs are set to prioritise recruitment to help them deliver on their growth ambitions.
“If SMEs are to fulfil their growth and recruitment goals it is essential they can access the support necessary to make them possible. As a specialist SME lender, the Paragon team is talking with businesses daily to understand their requirements and deliver funding packages that will allow them to achieve their goals.”
Great British Rail HQ decision is fantastic news for Derby, says Chamber Chief Exec
The Government decision that Derby will be the HQ for Great British Rail cements the city’s reputation at the heart of the UK rail industry according to East Midlands Chamber Chief Exec Scott Knowles.
He said: “This is fantastic news for Derby, cementing the city’s position as a national centre of the rail industry while delivering a huge boost to the local economy.
“Derby and the rail industry go hand in hand, with a 200-year legacy as the centre of UK rail remaining highly relevant today as the home of the country’s largest train factory, alongside the many small businesses in the supply chain that have established one of Europe’s largest rail clusters.
“Bringing the Great British Railways headquarters to Derby builds on this expertise, further developing the skillsets from its industrial heritage and shines a spotlight on the city’s economic strengths.
“When combined with other exciting regional projects such as the East Midlands Freeport, this will help to attract new investment from companies that may wish to be located near a national centre of excellence and create jobs for these skills to thrive – benefits that will be felt across the wider region and all relevant to the Government’s levelling up agenda.”
Glowfrog Video Production have expanded their crew
To keep up with increasing demand, Glowfrog Video Production have expanded their filming crew by hiring an additional Production Assistant. Alex Tyburska will now be assisting on larger scale client projects to help maintain the high levels of service and video production quality that Glowfrog provide.
If you’re interested in knowing more about professional video production and how it can generate more sales for your business, Glowfrog are considered amongst the East Midland’s best rated video production companies.
Print Co launches in Nottingham
Three of the most highly respected figures in the region’s printing industry have joined forces to launch a full production print firm, based in Lenton.
Print Co has taken a unit at Lenton Business Centre to house the creative, production and print elements of the new business, which is headed up by directors Justin Hallam, Helen Gaunt and Andy Middleton.
Justin Hallam leads on fitting, whilst Helen Gaunt heads up the production management element of the business.
Sales and marketing director, Andy Middleton, an industry veteran of some 35 years, who is also the regional director of Nottingham-based Catena Network, the business dating network, explains;
‘Helen, Justin and I have worked together in various roles throughout our careers and have explored different career paths over the last 5 years or so. We felt that the time was right to reunite and offer something a little different for companies looking to increase their brand awareness.
‘Whilst digital media seems to grab all the marketing headlines and is hugely powerful, print media and physical assets still have their place, especially when they dovetail with these campaigns and are integrated.’
In his role as director of Catena Nottinghamshire or “Nottingham Too” as it has been dubbed, Andy has been working directly with SMEs across the region and the wider UK and feels that a decent percentage of work will also come from businesses seeking to add a physical asset into their client campaigns.
‘It shouldn’t be a battle for budgets between digital and physical marketing assets – they can work wonderfully when they are aligned or they can operate very nicely in isolation too when crafted with care and executed with flair and expertise.
‘Our core work will typically see us working on physical marketing pieces such as printing, signage, vehicle graphics and promotional merchandise but we are also getting a lot of enquiries from companies and office design firms that want to add a little “oomph” to their receptions, boardrooms and creative areas in terms of impactful graphics on a large scale.
‘Gone are the days of relying on tired old offices. Forward-thinking firms are proactively creating workplaces that employees, both current and future, will want to be in. They need to feel energised about coming into the office, especially post-lockdown and with the rise of remote and hybrid working.’
As for the future, Andy forecasts a doubling of staffing levels by the end of the year for Print Co.
East Midlands start-ups hit regional high
The number of start-ups in the East Midlands has hit its highest monthly level for over twelve months.
This is according to latest research from the Midlands branch of R3, the insolvency and restructuring trade body, which shows that there were 2,691 start-ups in the East Midlands in February, which is the highest recorded figure for the region since R3’s records began in January 2022.
R3’s figures, which are based on an analysis of data from business intelligence provider Creditsafe, also show that the February statistic is 61.23% higher than the 1,669 recorded at the end of 2022, and a 19.23% increase on the number for February 2022, which was 2257.
R3 Midlands spokesperson Stephen Rome, a director at Thursfields Solicitors in the region, said: “It is encouraging to see such a strong entrepreneurial start to 2023, despite the hugely challenging trading conditions we are currently experiencing.
“These start-ups should be able to create jobs for the region as well as new business opportunities for their suppliers, customers and clients. They will also help to balance out the high level of corporate insolvencies we have seen across the UK in recent months.
“It’s important to note, however, that businesses can be particularly vulnerable in their first few years of trading, particularly in the current turbulent economy. It’s therefore imperative for entrepreneurs to seek help as soon as any issue arises.
“There are many potential solutions available for struggling businesses, but they become far fewer if a problem is left to spiral out of control. It can be helpful to know that R3 members offer a free initial consultation to those who are looking for support and want to explore their options.”
Nottingham-based Renato Software Ltd acquires Improve Productions Ltd
The UK’s leading provider of safeguarding and class monitoring software has acquired online training platform Improve Productions Ltd – with plans for “substantial growth”.
Nottingham-based Renato Software Ltd, which operates as Senso.cloud, works with schools and global companies to protect users with its industry-leading cloud software.
The business is now expanding with the acquisition of Improve Productions Limited – formerly known as Peritus Productions – an online training provider for small- and medium-sized businesses.
The acquisition, which was completed alongside advisors from Knights, will not affect existing customers of either brand – with Sam Merrall and Steve Walker joining Renato Software from Improve’s leadership team.
Michael Payne, Director of Operations at Renato Software Ltd, said: “We are delighted to have acquired Improve Productions Ltd. We have been working with Peritus productions Ltd – now Improve Productions Ltd – for a while and this partnership allowed us to understand their platform in depth.
“It made sense to work much closer by acquiring the company, enabling us to add real value to our existing customers and to continue to grow exponentially.
“It was great to work with Knights on this deal and they enabled us to make this a really smooth process.”
Steve Walker, Director at Improve Productions Ltd, said: “This acquisition will enable substantial growth for Improve Productions Ltd as Renato come with a wealth of experience, some new routes to market and a team of marketing and sales staff to support the business and drive it forward. I am really looking forward to being part of this journey.”
Renato Software Ltd worked on the acquisition with advisors at Knights. The team was led by Partner Rachel Bennett with support from Hannah Jones, Sam Swiatkiewicz and Will Dennis – with accountancy advice provided by Doug Perry at Clayton and Brewill.
Rachel Bennett, Partner at Knights, said: “This is a great move for Senso, and we were really pleased to help them make sure everything is a good fit for their long-term plans.”
trentbarton’s Tom takes group role
trentbarton Group Commercial Director Tom Morgan has stepped up to his new role as Managing Director for all the bus operators in trentbarton’s parent company Wellglade.
The move follows last month’s retirement of trentbarton and Kinchbus Managing Director Jeff Counsell, after almost half a century in the bus industry. Wellglade bus operators also include Midland General, Notts & Derby and TM Travel.
Tom said: “It’s an honour to lead our wonderful teams, fronted by our friendly local drivers. Working across the group, benefits all the operators and enables us to take advantage of closer cooperation.
“There is more and more crossover between fully commercial and supported services, and the group structure now means we are best placed to take advantage of all new opportunities regardless of their type.
“trentbarton and Kinchbus will remain a major focus for me and I will also be supporting the great managers who run all our operators. I want all our teams to be empowered to think of their team as their own business that they can develop and improve, enhancing their key role within the communities they serve.
“We are not afraid to innovate, and we will capitalise on technological advances to keep our offering simple and to enhance our customers’ experience from the moment they leave their front door.
“The number one challenge remains getting more people back on buses, so we will be building on our really strong relationships with our local councils to overcome the biggest obstacle we face – congestion.
“We can’t solve that problem alone but we can, and will, work with local authorities to identify the biggest traffic pinch points and come up with solutions and cooperate with them to implement those answers.
“Less congestion means quicker journeys which means we can boost timetables, invest in the fleet and retain value for money fares.
“We will also focus on cleaner transport and explore the potential of electric and hydrogen buses. Wellglade’s board are local bus people through and through and that, combined with our size, means we can be quick to make decisions and try new things.”
Wellglade chairman Brian King said: “Tom has a wide experience of the bus companies in our group, having held various positions over the last few years from operating depots to heading up our commercial and marketing functions.
“We wish him well in his new role as managing director of those bus companies. Alongside the recent arrival of John Bickerton as group engineering director, the group is now better positioned for our operators to create synergies and seize new opportunities.”
Tom Morgan joined Wellglade in 2009 to work on the Nottingham Tramlink project and has subsequently been trentbarton’s Assistant Operations Manager for Derby and the General Manager at Kinchbus before taking on Directorial roles across operations and then commercial.
Work starts on site at housing development in Worksop
Construction works for a new housing development in Worksop, Nottinghamshire will soon be taking place.
Leading midlands-based contractor, G F Tomlinson, has been appointed to construct and design 90 houses on the vacant site off Radford Street, which has been procured through the Pagabo Framework for Major Construction Works.
The Manton Development will comprise of a mix of two, three and four-bedroom houses, built over two and three-storeys, as well as two-bedroom bungalows. The site will also include green and open spaces, cycle routes and places for play and social interaction.
All homes will benefit from energy efficient air source heat pumps, solar panels, highly insulated walls, floors, and roofs, and in addition – electrical vehicle charging points will be installed for residents, contributing to the reduction of fossil fuel usage.
Planning permission was originally granted in spring 2019 for the site, with future plans for the project to seek further permission for a scheme of one and two-bedroom apartments – taking the final development up to approximately 120 homes.
The first phase of the build will see the council deliver its very first low-carbon modular homes which form a key part of its vision to increase housing stock, contribute to net zero ambitions, and encourage growth and investment within the local economy.
Chris Flint, Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “It’s fantastic to be working with Bassetlaw District Council on this high-profile development and we look forward to starting on the low carbon modular housing scheme in Worksop, which will see 90 homes brought to the market town.
“The scheme forms a key part of the council’s vision to significantly transform the local economy, by encouraging growth and investment in the area, allowing more people to live and work in the region. We look forward to seeing the development take shape over the next few months.”
Councillor Steve Scotthorne, Cabinet Member for Housing at Bassetlaw District Council, said: “This project will deliver a modern, innovative and energy efficient housing scheme that improves neighbourhoods, supports local jobs, and continues our ambition to increase the amount of Council Housing in our District.
“This is the Council’s first modular home development, which will provide future residents with well insulated and energy efficient homes that are powered by low carbon energy, and work on this exciting first phase is expected to begin in June.
“I am looking forward to seeing how this project grows over the coming months and we are delighted to be working with G F Tomlinson who has a fantastic track record of delivering projects of this kind.”
FTSE 100 giant bets on Landa
Landa Associates director Sunny Landa FRICS has been instructed to provide strategic advice for one of the UK’s largest sports betting and gaming groups.
Entain plc – which owns the Ladbrokes Coral Group – has appointed Sunny to advise on rents for a number of the Company’s prime locations across the East Midlands.
Entain owns a host of big-name brands including the aforementioned Labrokes and Coral, as well as popular online betting sites such as sportingbet, Gala Bingo and PartyPoker.
Sunny Landa FRICS said: “Entain plc is one of the biggest names in the sports betting industry. Its Ladbrokes and Coral brands are instantly recognisable fixtures of the UK high street. To have received this particular instruction when we did is a real indication of how far we have come in such a short space of time.
“The job has been hugely enjoyable and it’s a real buzz to work with such a huge, internationally renowned company. Most people have heard of Ladbrokes and Coral! I am immensely proud to have been instructed to provide strategic advice and regional market intelligence to a FTSE 100 company.”
Andy Davison MRICS, Entain’s Retail Property Director commented: “We have been delighted to collaborate with Sunny and his team on this project and continue to be impressed by their agile, commercial and professional service.”
Ryan Fairfield MRICS, Estates Controller, added: “Sunny has proven to be an excellent addition to our network of property advisers. We enjoy working with businesses whose values align with our own.”
Derby named as national HQ for Great British Railways
Derby has been named as the national headquarters of Great British Railways, marking a key milestone in the government’s plan to reform the nation’s railways.
As Europe’s largest rail hub, Derby will soon become the heart of Great Britain’s rail industry, bringing track and train together and delivering high-skilled jobs to a city already brimming with the best talent in the industry. The next step is to pick a physical location for the HQ.
Derby was selected from a shortlist of six, with an application that demonstrated strong links to the wider network, well-established connections with the industry, supply chain and customers, as well as an extensive local cluster of private sector rail businesses.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “Today’s announcement is not only a huge win for the brilliant city of Derby, but a key milestone for the entire rail industry across the country. Great British Railways will put the passenger first, promoting collaboration and innovation across a joined-up, efficient and modern network.
Councillor Chris Poulter, Leader of Derby City Council, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that Derby has been selected to become the home of Great British Railways. This result is a testament to the hard work of our team, alongside our key rail and city partners based across Derby – we couldn’t have done it without them.
“Rail heritage is at the heart of our city and for this to be recognised by government is a fantastic achievement. The investment we’ll see from this significant move will be huge, not only just for Derby but for levelling up across the whole of the wider East Midlands.
“We have a rich history of being the only city in the UK to have manufactured rolling stock continuously since 1840, so I’m thrilled that Derby’s heritage is being recognised in this defining way. We can’t wait to see what this momentous move will mean for Derby and its citizens in the future.”
While Great British Railway’s headquarters will be in Derby, other towns and cities across Britain, potentially including the five other shortlists, will still benefit, becoming powered up regional GBR hubs equipped with local decision making, and investment powers aimed at benefiting their local communities and further creating jobs in the locations they serve. GBR will also have roles spanning across Great Britain including the North, South East, South West and London, with the HQ driving collaboration and innovation across the sector. The government is working closely and collaboratively with the Great British Transition Team to co-design the future of our railways. Passengers and freight customers will be GBR’s key priority, the new body will also take control of the industry’s finances to drive efficiency and work with the private sector to deliver for customers. Great British Railways will be locally led and will harness the potential of the private sector locally, regionally and nationally. Anit Chandarana, Lead Director of the Great British Railways Transition Team, added: “The announcement that Derby will be the home of the Great British Railways headquarters is another important milestone on our journey to create a simpler and better railway for everyone in Britain. “Although Derby will be the home of our headquarters, Great British Railways will also introduce empowered regional centres, to bring decision making and leadership much closer to local customers and communities.“The Transition Team is continuing to work with government and the wider rail industry to deliver this much needed reform and we look forward to working with colleagues in Derby in the coming months, too.”
