IoD appoints Paul Hooper-Keeley to lead Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire branch

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IoD appoints Paul Hooper-Keeley to lead Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire branch

The Institute of Directors (IoD) has appointed Paul Hooper-Keeley to lead its Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire branch.

Paul is Managing Director of Intervallum, a provider of finance director, chief financial officer and non-executive director services. Intervallum supports businesses through turnaround situations, growth and exit transaction projects.

He has been a board-level director since 1996 and was the IoD’s 25th Chartered Director, qualifying in 2000.

Paul has served as an ambassador for the IoD’s Greater Birmingham branch and holds non-executive director positions with B: Music and Lichfield Garrick Theatre.

He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and holds an MBA from Edinburgh Business School.

Paul said: “I want to help to build better directors in this branch. This starts from the aspirations at student level in our universities to right across the spectrum of age and experience. We will build a community of directors and put on events that add value to their careers and businesses.”

IoD members range from start-up entrepreneurs to directors of large SMEs and international companies, as well as the public and third sectors.

East Midlands business confidence holds steady despite challenges

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East Midlands business confidence holds steady despite challenges
Business confidence in the East Midlands fell one point during August to 11%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. Companies in the region reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 11 points at 4%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 6 points to 2%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 11%. East Midlands businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their offering (34%), investing in their teams (22%) and diversifying into new markets (21%).The Business Barometer, which questions 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.A net balance of a third (33%) of East Midlands businesses expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up 20 points on last month.Overall UK business confidence fell nine points during August to 16%, its lowest level since March 2021. Firms’ outlook on their future trading prospects was down 32 points to 5%, and their optimism in the wider economy dropped six points to 6%. The net balance of businesses planning to create new jobs also decreased five points to 16%.While every UK region and nation reported a positive confidence reading in August (except the South East, where confidence dropped 15 points to 0%), only three recorded a month-on-month increase in optimism. The three regions were the North West (up 26 points to 44%), South West (up 12 points to 23%) and Yorkshire (up nine points to 23%), with the North West now the most optimistic region overall.Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “It’s encouraging to see confidence among East Midlands firms remain steady, despite the multitude of economic headwinds they continue to face. “In order to remain resilient, it’s crucial that they keep a close eye on working capital and make themselves aware, if they’re not already, of the many funding options available to ensure fluctuating demand doesn’t have a damaging impact on their cash flow.“We’ll be firmly by the side of businesses across the region to help them navigate the challenges that lie ahead.” Business confidence declined across all four of sectors in August. Confidence within the retail sector declined the most this month (13%, down 18 points), with the service sector also seeing a significant nine-point decrease (15%). Other sectors saw moderate decreases, with manufacturing down by four points (16%) and construction (26%, a fall of two points), in line with recent trends. Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist for Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Business confidence declined for a third consecutive month as firms continue to face economic challenges in the period ahead and as inflation concerns intensify. Despite edging lower this month, the outlook for both wage and price pressures remains elevated. However, there are some brighter points as the demand for staff remains positive, and firms reported lower concerns about staffing issues and the pandemic.”

Value of fraud declines in the Midlands

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Value of fraud declines in the Midlands

The number of alleged fraud cases exceeding £100k heard in Crown Courts across the Midlands dropped from 27 cases with a total value of £20.3m during the first half of 2021 to 16 cases with a total value of £13.7m for the same period in 2022, according to KPMG UK’s Fraud Barometer.

Looking across the alleged fraud cases heard in the Midlands between 1 January and 30 June 2022, the general public remained the most common victims, suffering losses amounting to £1.5m across eight cases. Businesses and government agencies were the two other main class of victims, with alleged losses amounting to a combined £2m across six cases.

The primary perpetrators were professional criminals, this is consistent with the national trend observed for the first half of 2022.

There was a notable change in the absence of alleged fraud committed against financial institutions, a contrast to H1 2021 when the value of alleged fraud amounted to £1.1m. Another notable change was the decrease in the number of cases allegedly perpetrated by individuals in management roles or employees, down 53% from 15 cases to seven in the same period.

Julie Bruce, Forensic lead for KPMG in the Midlands, said: “As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, members of the general public in particular need to stay alert for instances of fraud. The data has highlighted that fraud can take many forms and will have a lasting impact on those who have fallen victim.

“It is paramount that business and organisations ensure that they have anti-fraud controls and deterrents in place to defend fraudulent activity.”

Case studies to reach the region’s courts during this period include:

  • A prominent businessman abused his role as a pension trustee and allegedly invested £10m from employee pension schemes into his new motorcycle business.
  • A couple were jailed after defrauding the public purse in a scheme that exploited government systems designed to support businesses. The pair allegedly submitted over £7m in fake invoices which allowed them to claim over £1m in VAT from HMRC.
  • A man has been jailed after scamming almost £500k from unsuspecting victims in a fraudulent car-selling scheme.

Rolls-Royce SMR signs agreement with Dutch company

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Rolls-Royce SMR signs agreement with Dutch company
Derby-based Rolls-Royce SMR has signed an exclusive agreement with the Dutch development company ULC-Energy to work together to deploy Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactor (SMR) power stations in the Netherlands. Rolls-Royce SMR and ULC-Energy believe nuclear energy can accelerate the transition to a clean, affordable, and reliable energy system in the Netherlands. ULC-Energy intends to develop nuclear projects deploying modern, state-of-the-art, modular reactors that are based on proven technology. The Rolls-Royce SMR has been selected by ULC-Energy as its SMR technology provider of choice. The Rolls-Royce SMR applies proven nuclear technology to provide affordable, secure, low carbon electricity and heat; building on capability and experience in manufacturing, energy systems and nuclear reactor design and construction. 90% of the Rolls-Royce SMR is built in factory conditions, limiting on-site activity primarily to assembly of pre-fabricated, pre-tested, modules which significantly reduces project risk and has the potential to drastically shorten build schedules. By signing the agreement, the parties have formalised their alignment and will be working closely together to advance application of this technology solution over coming years. Tom Samson, CEO of Rolls-Royce SMR, said: “This is an important and exciting step forward towards deploying Rolls-Royce SMRs in the Netherlands. Working under the agreement with ULC-Energy, as a developer who will deploy our technology, we will pursue a range of opportunities to provide affordable low-carbon energy for domestic and industrial uses.” Dirk Rabelink from ULC-Energy said: “Challenging energy market conditions, particularly in Western Europe, have clarified the importance of having reliable and affordable energy systems. The Dutch Government believes that nuclear can and should play a meaningful role in the Netherlands. The Rolls-Royce SMR is ideally suited for the Dutch market. At 470 MW, and with a capacity factor >95%, each unit makes a meaningful difference and can be deployed efficiently to either supply power to the grid, or supply power and heat to dedicated industrial users.” Secretary of State for International Trade, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, said: “It is fantastic to see UK firms like Rolls-Royce SMR leading the way on sustainable energy and exporting green technology around the world. “We are truly proud to support leading UK companies which lead to international partnerships like this one, not only creating high-value jobs here in the UK and abroad, but also helping to wean the planet off harmful fossil fuels and move to reliable, safe, carbon-free energy. This is another essential step to meet our ambitious net-zero commitments.”

JW Doubleday shareholders agree to sell the business

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JW Doubleday shareholders agree to sell the business
The shareholders of Lincolnshire/Norfolk-based John Deere dealership group, JW Doubleday, have entered an agreement with Ben Burgess for the sale of the business. In line with John Deere’s dealer of tomorrow strategy, Ben Burgess will formally acquire the Doubleday Group with all employees and existing Doubleday depots across Lincolnshire & Norfolk operating as part of the Ben Burgess group. Founded in the early 1970s by John Doubleday the business has remained family owned, successfully growing for over 50 years and becoming a core part of the agricultural community. In 1982, the business became a main dealer for John Deere – as Deere was first growing its UK presence. JW Doubleday operates from locations in Swineshead; Holbeach, Kings Lynn and Old Leake. The company employs 54 staff. Ian Doubleday-Collishaw, grandson of the founder, said: “This decision has not been taken lightly but we the Doubleday family, were determined to protect the future of our loyal team and the longevity of a reputable John Deere dealer across our trading area. We believe this is the correct decision for everyone involved. “Ben Burgess share Doubleday’s values for providing premium brands backed by expertise and excellent standards of customer service. The combination of our joint processes, dedicated teams and the infrastructure already in place at Ben Burgess will deliver the best value to both our team and customers. We are confident the level of service you our customers are accustomed to will continue undisrupted. “My family and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated team and our loyal customers, many of whom we consider our friends who have supported us throughout our 40 years as a John Deere dealer.” Ben B Turner Dealer Principal at Ben Burgess said: “The Doubleday family have built a highly successful, strong and customer focused business over the past 50 years and were adamant that they wanted to pass their legacy over to a family business that shared the same values. We are enormously proud that they have chosen Ben Burgess to continue their outstanding work. “The combined business will strengthen our position in the industry and enable the future investments required in facilities and technologies to proactively support our customers, offer greater opportunities and security to all our employees whilst continuing to grow in a responsible and sustainable manner. This growth will give the company a strong platform to enable our business to continue building on the great legacy of these two-family businesses. “We aim to conclude the deal by the end of September to facilitate a quick and smooth transition for the benefit of all our staff and customers.”

Financial Services most desired destination for career changers, but retention challenge remains for sector

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Financial Services most desired destination for career changers, but retention challenge remains for sector
Almost a quarter (23%) of individuals looking to change career would consider working in financial services, making it the joint most popular sector alongside professional services for individuals considering a career change according to new data from KPMG UK. The desire to change career appears to be trending across the UK’s workforce, with over a third (35%) of workers throughout the economy considering new careers because of the rising cost of living, up from 31% during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The three most popular reasons why individuals would consider a career in financial services include high salary and bonus expectations (58%), a good work life balance (43%) and that the topic sounds interesting (36%). However, despite being an aspirational sector to work in, a significant proportion (42%) of Financial Services workers will be looking to change career themselves within a year, down slightly from 44% in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. Among Financial Services workers looking for a new career, 30% want improved salary and benefits, 23% want more job security and 20% want more flexibility regarding working from home arrangements. Karim Haji, head of Financial Services at KPMG UK, said: “Given the rising cost of living and the broader economic uncertainty, it makes sense that many individuals will be considering their current roles, career choices and where they live and work. “This will provide a great opportunity for Financial Services firms to target talent, but also make sure that they are better demonstrating the benefits of working in the sector and their improved proposition for employees. Doing so will help firms attract and retain the best talent. “Encouragingly, the number of financial services workers looking to change career has dropped slightly since the Covid-19 pandemic. Many financial services firms have already offered pay rises to their employees, but as important to many are the other benefits which firms have invested in to boost personal fulfilment, such as more training, mobility and development opportunities. “In the competition for talent, Financial Services firms should consider extending the scope of their search to include non-traditional pools of talent which can help boost diversity and inclusion. This could mean investing more in return-to-work, military transition, apprenticeships or school leaver programmes. “Since the Covid-19 pandemic, many Financial Services firms have also made positive changes to their working practices, including dropping some of their more conservative employee policies in line with other sectors. This will go some way in tackling outdated perceptions of the industry and help to attract a more diverse workforce.” The main reason why individuals wouldn’t want to work in financial services is because they don’t know enough about the sector or what job opportunities there are (32%). Long hours (23%) and the belief that the topic sounds boring (29%) were other prominent reasons why individuals would not want to work in financial services. Karim added: “There is a huge diversity of roles within the financial services sector, and I’d encourage prospective applicants to do their research and not be put off by old fashioned stereotypes.”

Plans approved for transformation of Swadlincote town centre

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Plans approved for transformation of Swadlincote town centre
South Derbyshire District Council’s Planning Committee has approved plans which will see the transformation of an area of Swadlincote town centre. At their meeting on Tuesday 23 August, members approved the scheme, planned by the council, which will see: The remodelling of the former indoor market site in Midland Road to create a multi-function events space available to host community and public events. This will include facilities for staging events such as open-air performances and festivals. When activities are not taking place, the site would provide further free public car parking. Work will also be carried out to demolish the derelict structures and clear the land between Midland Road and Belmont Street, on the sites known as Sabine’s Yard and Bank House. Councillor Kevin Richards, South Derbyshire District Council’s leader, said: “I am proud that the plans for the transformation of Swadlincote town centre are one step closer after being approved. “The plans for the redevelopment of Swadlincote Market Hall will see the transformation of a building which is unattractive and not fit for purpose into a new site which will offer new opportunities for entertainment. “The wider scheme will also offer more car parking spaces, a ‘pocket park’ and the regeneration of vacant, derelict sites.” The proposal was approved by the committee following consultation with stakeholders and the public.

Have you got your tickets for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022?

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Have you got your tickets for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022?
With nominations closed and the shortlist announced, the final judging is now underway to determine the winners of the prestigious East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022. The awards recognise and celebrate those behind the changing landscape of our region – the very best companies, teams, individuals and projects – showcasing the exceptional work carried out across the East Midlands over the past 12 months. A glittering awards ceremony revealing the winners will take place on Thursday 15 September, at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground in the Derek Randall Suite. Attend the event to see who clinches Contractor of the Year, Developer of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Sustainable Development of the Year, Deal of the Year, Most Active Agents of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, Responsible Business and of course Overall Winner. The awards also present plenty of time to network, to develop relationships with property and construction professionals from across the East Midlands. Book your tickets here. The event will begin at 4:30pm and continue until 7:30pm, with additional time thereafter for networking and celebrating. The occasion will additionally feature John Forkin MBE DL, Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby, as keynote speaker. Complementary drinks and canapés will be served on arrival. Dress code is standard business dress.  

Shortlist for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022

Most Active Agent – sponsored by Blueprint Interiors Mather Jamie OMEETO BB&J Commercial Commercial Development of the Year – sponsored by Frank Key Broad Marsh Bus Station and Car Park – Galliford Try Construction Etiquette Park – Clowes Developments Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service joint HQ – Henry Brothers Responsible Business of the Year – sponsored by Press for Attention PR Cawarden Arc Partnership Phoenix Brickwork Residential Development of the Year – sponsored by Sterling Commercial Finance The Rise, Southwell – Stagfield Group Glenvale Park – Glenvale Park LLP Hindle House – KMRE Group Deal of the Year – sponsored by Blythin & Brown Insurance Brokers St James Securities – Phase Two of the Becketwell regeneration scheme in Derby – 3,500 capacity Becketwell performance venue with ASM Global Wells McFarlane, APB and Newton LDP – sale of 460 acres of land in North Leicestershire, making way for a new garden village Morgan Industrial Properties Limited – acquisition of the former Ewart Chain site in Shaftesbury Street, Derby Developer of the Year – sponsored by Ward Hockley Developments St James Securities HBD Architects of the Year – sponsored by OMS Swain Architecture Rayner Davies Architects CPMG Architects Excellence in Design – sponsored by Cawarden  St. Peter’s Gate renovation – CPMG Architects Health and Allied Professions Centre at Nottingham Trent University – Pick Everard Brookside Farm – Chevin Homes Sustainable Development of the Year – sponsored by Viridis Building Services Refurbished HQ for LKAB Minerals – Scenariio Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre – Chesterfield Borough Council, Whittam Cox Architects, Robert Woodhead Group Broad Marsh Bus Station and Car Park – Galliford Try Construction Contractor of the Year – sponsored by RammSanderson Galliford Try Construction Cawarden Enrok Construction The Overall Winner, sponsored by Streets Chartered Accountants, will also be announced at the ceremony, who will be awarded a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
 
Thanks to our sponsors:                                      

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Derbyshire housing association secures £102.5m funding deal to boost affordable housebuilding

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Derbyshire housing association secures £102.5m funding deal to boost affordable housebuilding
Savills Financial Consultants has helped Peaks & Plains Housing Trust strike a £102.5m funding deal that will support the landlord’s plan to build around 500 new homes by 2028 to help address local housing need. The finance package agreed with Aviva Investors and Barclays demonstrates continued investor demand for working with housing associations operating in UK regions. The £72.5m private placement with Aviva Investors, along with a refreshed £30m revolving credit facility (RCF) with Barclays, will enable Peaks & Plains Housing Trust to deliver on its plans for communities across three local authority areas in Cheshire, as well as in Derbyshire, High Peak in the East Midlands, and the North West of England. Jules Booker, director of resources at the 5,200-home association, said: “Thanks to the hard work of everyone involved in this deal, Peaks & Plains is now in a better position to be able to fund the new homes the members of our communities want and need. “The new deal with Aviva Investors and Barclays has enabled us to restructure our existing loan portfolio and extend our existing liquidity lines. This has helped to make us an even more resilient organisation that can create great places to live in the areas in which we operate.” Munawer Shafi, head of Structured Finance & Private Debt at Aviva Investors, said: “Social housing has an increasingly vital role to play in providing affordable homes to communities, and also offers investors a good deal of value relative to other sectors. “As we continue to build our external client base, there has been a material uptick in the number of those who recognise the power of their investments to do good and create positive social outcomes, whilst also capturing financial returns. “The ability of social housing to provide solid cashflows whilst having a positive impact beyond our business and into communities makes it a compelling sector for us to increase our exposure to and to continue our support of.” Robert Hession, Barclays relationship director, said: “We’ve been with Peaks & Plains since its inception in 2006 and we’re delighted to continue our partnership and support. This new finance package will enable the business to continue on its growth trajectory, investing in existing homes, developing new social housing and delivering for its present and future residents.” Mike Roche, director at Savills Financial Consultants, said: “It has been great to work on this new deal for Peaks & Plains Housing Trust, knowing that it will play a part in helping the team there to push ahead with plans that will benefit communities in Cheshire, Derbyshire and beyond. Here at Savills Financial Consultants, we continue to be heartened by investors’ interest in supporting housing delivery across the UK regions.” Natalie Swales, senior solicitor at Devonshires, said: “We are delighted to have been able to support Peaks & Plains Housing Trust in securing this long-term funding with Aviva Investors. This will allow Peaks & Plains to deliver on its development ambitions over the coming years and increase the supply of good-quality social housing in and around East Cheshire and the High Peak for years to come.”

Shortlist revealed for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022

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Shortlist revealed for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
Business Link can now reveal the shortlist for this year’s highly anticipated East Midlands Bricks Awards – THE event for Property & Construction in 2022. Showcasing the outstanding work of those behind the changing landscape of our region, the Bricks Awards features a diverse range of categories and a glittering awards ceremony that will host many of the region’s industry leaders. This event is also an ideal opportunity to celebrate and network with the very best in the business. The award ceremony announcing the winners will take place on Thursday 15 September, at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. Book your place at the awards now to avoid disappointment! The event will begin at 4:30pm and continue until 7:30pm, with time thereafter for networking and celebrating. The occasion will additionally feature John Forkin MBE DL, Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby, as keynote speaker. Complementary drinks and canapés will be served on arrival. Dress code is standard business dress.  

Shortlist for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022

Most Active Agent – sponsored by Blueprint Interiors Mather Jamie OMEETO BB&J Commercial Commercial Development of the Year – sponsored by Frank Key Broad Marsh Bus Station and Car Park – Galliford Try Construction Etiquette Park – Clowes Developments Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service joint HQ – Henry Brothers Responsible Business of the Year – sponsored by Press for Attention PR Cawarden Arc Partnership Phoenix Brickwork Residential Development of the Year – sponsored by Sterling Commercial Finance The Rise, Southwell – Stagfield Group Glenvale Park – Glenvale Park LLP Hindle House – KMRE Group Deal of the Year – sponsored by Blythin & Brown Insurance Brokers St James Securities – Phase Two of the Becketwell regeneration scheme in Derby – 3,500 capacity Becketwell performance venue with ASM Global Wells McFarlane, APB and Newton LDP – sale of 460 acres of land in North Leicestershire, making way for a new garden village Morgan Industrial Properties Limited – acquisition of the former Ewart Chain site in Shaftesbury Street, Derby Developer of the Year – sponsored by Ward Hockley Developments St James Securities HBD Architects of the Year – sponsored by OMS Swain Architecture Rayner Davies Architects CPMG Architects Excellence in Design – sponsored by Cawarden  St. Peter’s Gate renovation – CPMG Architects Health and Allied Professions Centre at Nottingham Trent University – Pick Everard Brookside Farm – Chevin Homes Sustainable Development of the Year – sponsored by Viridis Building Services Refurbished HQ for LKAB Minerals – Scenariio Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre – Chesterfield Borough Council, Whittam Cox Architects, Robert Woodhead Group Broad Marsh Bus Station and Car Park – Galliford Try Construction Contractor of the Year – sponsored by RammSanderson Galliford Try Construction Cawarden Enrok Construction The Overall Winner, sponsored by Streets Chartered Accountants, will also be announced at the ceremony, who will be awarded a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
 
Thanks to our sponsors:                                      

To be held at:

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