Whittam Cox retains place in UK’s top 50 architects list

Steve Fisher
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Whittam Cox retains place in UK’s top 50 architects list
Whittam Cox Architects has secured a place in the Top 50 UK Architects and Top 150 UK Consultants rankings for the seventh consecutive year.
Over 300 firms took part in the annual consultant survey by leading industry publication ‘Building Magazine’. The publication has ranked the practice as 80 out of all the firms who made the top 150, which includes Architects, Surveyors, Project Managers, and Engineers. The firm has also secured a spot at number 40 in the UK’s Top Architects, reinforcing the fact that Whittam Cox Architects is one of UK’s largest practices, servicing clients and projects nationwide.
Whilst the report raises concerns about key issues such as the impact of Brexit, Ukraine and recruitment and what this could mean for the industry, the company remains positive as it continues to work with high profile clients on significant urban residential schemes, particularly Build-to-Rent projects across the UK as well as continued growth with retail frameworks and in the logistics sector.
Commenting on the milestone Board Director Nick Riley said: “We are delighted to be recognised again by Building for the seventh consecutive year; we see this as an endorsement of our employees’ commitment to delivering tangible value and the very best outcomes for our clients.
Looking ahead we know we can’t be complacent; it’s essential we remain progressive by being ambitious, agile and responsive through continued times of political and market uncertainty.” Whittam Cox Architects is also involved with Chesterfield’s Property and Construction Group, which brings together businesses working across the sector in our town. Board Director Andy Dabbs currently chairs the group, working alongside Destination Chesterfield to host networking events, forums and drive forward further investment in the area. Whittam Cox Architects supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

End the turmoil and focus on policies for prosperity, small firms tell new PM

Steve Fisher
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End the turmoil and focus on policies for prosperity, small firms tell new PM
Responding to Rishi Sunak officially becoming the UK’s new Prime Minister, National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Martin McTague, said:
“I congratulate Rishi Sunak on becoming Prime Minister. The focus must now be on stabilising the economy, delivering the promised support for small firms on energy bills and cutting National Insurance, and on securing growth and prosperity in the medium and long term. “The political turmoil at Westminster must end, and attention switch to the real world in which small businesses and the self-employed are being hammered by soaring costs, falling revenues, and diminishing availability of affordable finance. “With recessionary pressures acute for small firms, pro-business measures will be needed to secure prosperity in the medium and long term. That includes the right tax and regulatory framework, including keeping pre-profit taxes such as Business Rates and National Insurance as low as possible. “Policies should also support improving broadband and local road infrastructure, housebuilding, and labour supply. “Soaring energy bills have been uppermost in the minds of many small business owners in recent months. The promised energy support package for small business owners must be delivered swiftly, followed by a plan for what happens after the initial six months of support which takes a realistic view on the inherently vulnerable position that smaller firms find themselves in when dealing with energy suppliers. “In the last two years the UK’s small business community shrank by half a million. While the reversal of the hike in national insurance is welcome, it’s a bitter blow to the directors of small companies paid through dividends to be excluded from this. These hard-working entrepreneurs were left out of Covid financial support and now face this tax rise, in many cases alongside a jump in Corporation Tax. “At a time of pressure on public finances, the new Prime Minister could take the opportunity to improve cashflow for vast numbers of small firms without a cost to taxpayers – and that is through action to tackle poor payment practices in supply chains. Late payment of invoices – often by bigger businesses to their smaller suppliers – leads to the shutdown of 50,000 businesses a year. Over the last three months more than half (54%) of small firms have been the victim of late payments. “There’s an easy win for the Government and small businesses here if ministers double down on blacklisting big business offenders from winning taxpayer-funded contracts; as well as making audit committees of big firms directly responsible for their company’s payment practices. “Small business entrepreneurs are resilient and innovative, but the current headwinds are gale-force. For small firms to drive economic recovery and future prosperity, they need a pro-small business environment in which to operate and grow.”

BHW Partner appointed Deputy District Judge

Michael Fisher
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BHW Partner appointed Deputy District Judge
Paul Davis, Partner and Head of Litigation at Leicester based BHW Solicitors, has been appointed as a Deputy District Judge on the Midlands Circuit. Paul will be sitting as a Judge 2-3 days a month, alongside his busy litigation practice at BHW. Paul qualified as a solicitor in 2012 and specialises in commercial litigation, property litigation and contentious probate. He became Head of Litigation at BHW in 2019 and since then has overseen a rapid expansion of the Litigation Department, which has become one of the most respected teams in the region. The department’s work was recognised by the leading independent law firm guide, the Legal 500, for the first time earlier this year. Commenting on his appointment, Paul said: “I am delighted to get through the very competitive process and be appointed as a Deputy District Judge, which involved numerous challenging tests in a selection process that lasted over 12 months. I look forward to carrying out this important work alongside my job as a solicitor at BHW”. Deputy District Judges are appointed by the Lord Chief Justice after a fair and open competition administered by the Judicial Appointments Commission. Applicants must have a minimum of 5 years appropriate legal experience, such as a practising barrister, solicitor or legal executive. Deputy District Judges sit in the County Courts and District Registries of the High Court for around 30 sittings a year. Paul will sit within the Civil Jurisdiction where he will preside over a wide range of disputes such as possession claims, contractual disputes and insolvency proceedings. Appointments are for four year renewable terms until the statutory retirement age of 75.

Chesterfield’s industry experts analyse town’s growth potential at local roundtable

Michael Fisher
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Chesterfield’s industry experts analyse town’s growth potential at local roundtable
Chesterfield has a unique offering and continued collaboration between the public and private sectors is critical in ensuring growth does not stop, according to a panel of industry experts. Speaking at national contractor Willmott Dixon’s second ‘Towns of the Future’ roundtable – hosted at Tapton Park Innovation Centre – the 10-person panel discussed topics including the current building stock, skills, talent retention and investment. It was agreed that identifying challenges in regeneration projects and collaborative working by the public and private sector can unlock potential hurdles. The panel agreed conversations taking place are very encouraging – something, which is especially important at a time when regeneration projects amounting to a value of more than £1 billion are in progress. Jerry Major, regional framework manager at Willmott Dixon, said: “Chesterfield has great potential and, because local authorities now understand what the private sector can offer more than ever before, the opportunity to make the most of different areas and create mixed-use developments is being unlocked. “It’s vital that businesses in Chesterfield, both big and small, play an active role in promoting the careers available here and the opportunity to lead a fulfilling lifestyle. While we have been involved in projects in Chesterfield in the past, we understand the importance of maintaining our relationship with the stakeholders here and offering an advisory role to the public sector organisations in need of regeneration expertise.” As part of the discussion, there were several references to Chesterfield Waterside and the Staveley Town Deal, though questions centred around what went right and wrong for Chesterfield in 2022, how can more attention be generated on what is happening in Chesterfield and what the focus of growth should be in Chesterfield over the next 10 years. Dominic Stevens, manager at Destination Chesterfield, said: “Chesterfield has a clear growth plan, place story and sense of identity. The vision for Chesterfield has been in place now for more than a decade and we continue to see the positive results of this plan.” “Looking forward to the next 10 years, it was excellent to hear people from different areas of industry agree on the importance of meeting the needs and desires of the next generation. We must ensure that development and regeneration lead to inclusive sustainable growth and Chesterfield continues to be a great place to live, work, visit and invest.” Ivan Fomin, managing director at MSE Hiller and Chair of Staveley Town Deal said: “Effective collaboration can ensure that the potential benefits of the many regeneration sites are maximised. “The public and private sector working together ensures developments keep moving forward while different sources of funding are available to gain. “More relationships need to be formed so that it is not a small market competing for work, because there is so much potential here that we must all help to realise.” Building on the success of Willmott Dixon’s two roundtables in Chesterfield this year, the national contractor looks to continue engagement with a range of stakeholders. The panel was chaired by Liz Cartwright (Cartwright Communications) and featured Jerry Major (Willmott Dixon), Adam Rodgers (Marketing Derby), Ivan Fomin (MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield), Peter Swallow (Destination Chesterfield), Dominic Stevens (Destination Chesterfield), Duncan Hogg (Bond Bryan), David Kemp (DLP Planning) and Amy Revell (We Are Spaces).

Right Legal Group wins ‘Will Writing Organisation of the Year’ 2022

Michael Fisher
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Right Legal Group wins ‘Will Writing Organisation of the Year’ 2022
Derby-based law firm Right Legal Group has been named ‘Will Writing Organisation of the Year’ at the National Paralegal Awards 2022. The event, which took place on Saturday 22 September at The Grand Hotel in Birmingham, saw the law firm nominated for three awards. On top of taking home the win for Will Writing Organisation, Right Legal Group were highly commended for the ‘Best Law Firm – Paralegal Development’, and its legal advisor Olivia Haleem was named a finalist for ‘Best Will Writing Paralegal’. Carrie Caladine, managing director at Right Legal Group, said: “We are thrilled to announce that, after much anticipation, Right Legal Group was awarded Will writing organisation of the year 2022. “As a law firm specialising in Wills and Probate, we are committed to changing the way that people think about making a Will, preserving memories not just money. “To be recognised for this and rewarded for our unique offering in the private client field, through our RightWill service, fills us with immense pride. We cannot thank those enough who were involved in celebrating the awards and championing what we do at Right Legal Group.” Within the last year, Right Legal Group has heavily expanded its Training Academy and is now responsible for training around 30 new advisors each quarter, providing them with the knowledge, support and skills they need, in order to keep more families together with the RightWill service. Carrie added: “We cast our nets far and wide when looking for people to join our business and we are proud to be able to give professionals a start to their career through our accredited training programmes. “We are very passionate about ‘growing our own’ people and cannot wait to see what’s in store for our Paralegals as they develop further along the advisor journey.”

Derby Arena set to stage major careers event

Steve Fisher
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Derby Arena set to stage major careers event
Derby Arena is to stage one of the UK’s biggest careers events, which aims to encourage the next generation of technicians in science, technology and the creative arts. TechxFest is due to be held at the arena in March, with more than 100 companies and organisations, including Rolls-Royce and the University of Derby, expected to attend. It is being organised by TALENT, a transformation programme designed to promote opportunities for technical skills, roles and careers, in partnership with the university and Derby North MP Amanda Solloway, who launched the Research England funded project. Around 500 school children in years nine and 10 are expected to attend TechxFest where employers will exhibit alongside practical demonstrations bringing technical skills to life. Mrs Solloway said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be involved with TechxFest, which looks set to be one of the biggest careers events of its kind, here in Derby, the birthplace and home of science and innovation. “It is vital to inspire the next generation of technicians whose ingenuity, creativity and determination will help shape our society. “These skilled professionals are needed in almost every industry, and it is today’s young people that will help ensure our changing world develops for the better. “TechxFest promises to connect that burgeoning talent with the very best educators and the leading industries, harnessing their potential and building an exciting new generation of technical talent.” Mark Jefferies, chief of university research liaison at Rolls-Royce, said: “Technical expertise and a strong, diverse cohort of talent are essential to Rolls-Royce’s success. “We’re delighted to be supporting TechxFest – a unique event in collaboration with the University of Nottingham and the University of Derby that focuses on technical roles and careers. “We’re particularly thrilled it is being hosted here in the Midlands and we look forward to meeting our potential technical talent of the future.” TechxFest is due to take place at Derby Arena on 2 March, from 9.30am to 3pm. For more information visit here.

Cost-of-living squeeze drives confidence to historic low

Steve Fisher
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Cost-of-living squeeze drives confidence to historic low
UK consumer confidence fell for the fifth consecutive quarter in Q3 2022, falling by one percentage point to a historically low -20%, according to Deloitte’s latest Consumer Tracker. Spending power also remains significantly strained, as consumer sentiment around levels of debt also reached the lowest levels on record, at -17%; two percentage points below Q2 2022. The Deloitte Consumer Tracker is based on responses from 3,226 UK consumers aged 18+ between 17th and 18th September. Overall consumer confidence has fallen to its lowest level since the tracker began in Q3 2011. Consumers cut back to curb costs Both essential and non-essential spend declined for a second consecutive quarter in Q3, decreasing by two and one percentage points respectively, indicating that consumers are cutting back across all areas. 30% of consumers said they are now spending less, up from 21% at the start of the year. Of these consumers, 58% said they are spending less specifically to save money. Céline Fenech, consumer insight lead at Deloitte, commented: “Consumers are making conscious efforts to cut-back on all spending. With rising food prices and personal finances coming under further pressure from higher energy bills, we are seeing a contraction in consumer demand.” Consumers highlight several actions they are taking to combat rising costs. This includes 57% who are reducing their home energy consumption, 40% who are spending less on clothes and shoes, and 22% of respondents who have ended, or intend to end, an entertainment subscription. Consumers turn their hand to selling, and shop the second-hand market Growing interest in the second-hand market saw one in five consumers selling items on resale platforms in Q3. 16% of consumers bought more second-hand or refurbished items in Q3, more than twice the 7% that did so in Q3 2020. Fenech added: “Whilst we are seeing consumers reducing their overall spend, some are also trying to boost their income by reselling items they no longer need or use via reselling platforms. The demand is clearly there as we are also seeing more consumers interested in buying second-hand items, as a way to save.” Consumers stay home to reduce leisure spend Two in five (39%) consumers said they are spending less on going out and on leisure activities as a way to save money. As a result, net spend across leisure fell quarter-on-quarter by two percentage points, to -12%, in Q3 as consumers eat out less and limit their visits to coffee shops, pubs and bars, and to culture and entertainment venues. One exception, attending sports events, was the only area of leisure to see a quarter-on-quarter improvement. This follows a busy period of sporting events; many of which having returned to full-scale audiences again. Simon Oaten, partner for hospitality and leisure at Deloitte, said: “The hospitality industry has been one of the hardest-hit in recent years. As consumers assess their budgets amidst rising costs, many are having to prioritise the essentials, directing spend away from discretionary categories, including leisure. Many hospitality businesses are already feeling the effects of lower footfall, whilst also having to counteract rising running costs themselves.” Consumers indicated that they will spend even less on leisure in Q4 2022, with intended net spend down across every leisure category, at a time when 59% of consumers believe they will have less money to spend for the Christmas period. Oaten concluded: “For the hospitality industry, a reduction in typical festivities or diversion of these to home will almost certainly take the shine off the ‘golden quarter’. Businesses may want to adapt to hosting smaller groups or catering, once again, for more take-home entertainment.” Consumers remain pessimistic on state of the economy Consumer sentiment towards the state of the UK economy remains low, at -80%, and at similar levels last seen in Q1 2020 at the start of the UK’s COVID-19 outbreak. Coupled with declining sentiment around job opportunities and career progression, down two percentage points, and sentiment on job security remaining flat, quarter-on-quarter, consumers are reflecting concerns around job prospects by adopting more recessionary spending behaviours. This comes at a time when CFOs of the UK’s largest firms attach a 78% probability to the UK falling into recession in the next 12 months. Ian Stewart, chief economist at Deloitte, commented: “High inflation has driven consumer sentiment sharply lower this year despite a red hot labour market. Now consumers are starting to worry about the outlook for jobs. With inflation elevated, interest rates on the rise and the labour market starting to cool the squeeze on spending is likely to intensify.”

£4,300 raised to fight hunger at PKF Smith Cooper charity golf day

Steve Fisher
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£4,300 raised to fight hunger at PKF Smith Cooper charity golf day

A charity golf day organised by Midlands-based advisory and accountancy firm PKF Smith Cooper has raised £4,300 for UK hunger and food waste charity FareShare Midlands.

21 teams of four from 15 businesses in the Midlands participated in the event, including Barclays, Available Car, Virgin Money and FHP. The day’s itinerary involved an 18-hole ‘Texas Scramble’ tournament, a three-course dinner and a talk from Poppy Gilbert, Fundraising and Corporate Partnerships Manager at Fareshare Midlands, on the charity’s life-changing work. Fareshare Midlands tackles hunger and food wastage across the Midlands by redistributing food to those in need, from homeless shelters and pensioner lunch clubs to school breakfast clubs and community cafes. Last year the charity worked with over 550 frontline groups across the Midlands to distribute an estimated 16 million meals. The charity event concluded with speeches and an awards presentation with team prizes, including rounds of golf at Horsley Lodge and The Belfry. ‘Team Freeths’ triumphed on the day, winning the tournament. Dean Nelson, Business Recovery and Insolvency Partner at PKF Smith Cooper, commented: “We are so pleased that our annual charity golf day has once again proven to be a success. It was a great day of golfing that saw PKF Smith Cooper clients and businesses in the Midlands come together to raise money for a vital cause. I am thrilled that we have raised over £4,000 to support Fareshare’s invaluable work with people in need across the Midlands. I would like to thank the businesses that attended for their support and generosity.” James Rutter, Relationship Director at Barclays, said: “The annual charity golf day is always a great event and provides the perfect opportunity to entertain some of our most-valued clients and raise much-needed funds for a worthwhile cause. As always, the day was extremely well organised by the PKF Smith Cooper team and we look forward to participating again next year.” Simone Connolly, CEO at Fareshare Midlands, said: “We are so grateful to PKF Smith Cooper and all the guests at their annual charity golf day. It was incredibly kind of them to use the day as an opportunity to support our work at FareShare Midlands.”
 

Gym team reaches the heights for charity

Steve Fisher
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Gym team reaches the heights for charity
A team of staff and members at Orangetheory Fitness Derby have scaled one of the highest mountains in the world for charity. The team of 22 hiked to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in support of PASIC – a charity that provides cancer support for children and young people across the East Midlands. The seven-day trek saw them walk 40km across brittle, sun-scorched deserts and ascend almost vertically up the mountain to an elevation of 5,898 metres. They completed the challenge in September, to coincide with Childhood Cancer Awareness month. Dan Hayward, head coach at Orangetheory Fitness Derby, said: “We are really happy to have been able to help support local children and young people with cancer through PASIC; we are truly grateful to all of those who donated to the cause and helped us raise awareness.” So far, more than £6,500 has been raised for the charity from the trek. Donations can still be made by visiting here.

Derbyshire Distillery branches into Europe with latest release

Steve Fisher
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Derbyshire Distillery branches into Europe with latest release
White Peak Distillery has announced it has started selling its whisky in Europe after announcing the release of its latest spirit. Derbyshire’s first ever single malt whisky distillery has recently released a second expression of its Small Batch Wire Works Whisky, after receiving top industry awards for the previous batch over the summer. It is a limited-edition distillery and trade release, with just over 4,200 bottles being made available. But as well as the UK, the Small Batch releases will also be available in both Germany and Italy. White Peak Distillery was founded in 2016 by husband-and-wife team Max and Claire Vaughan. Since launching, the business has won numerous awards, not only for its whisky but also for its distillery visitor experiences and, more recently, the Wire Works Whisky packaging. Max said: “Driving Wire Works Whisky into the international market for the first time is really exciting and hopefully the start of another part of our business. “We are delighted to be working with new partners in Germany and Italy to help us build the brand in Europe and share our passion and whiskies with those outside of the UK.”
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