Growth continues at Nottingham recruitment and retention consultancy with fresh acquisition
Nottingham-headquartered recruitment and retention consultancy, Macildowie, has announced the latest step of its long-term growth plan with the acquisition of Signet Resources.
Founded in 2003, Maidenhead-based Signet Resources specialises in delivering permanent and interim recruitment & resourcing solutions in HR, marketing, accounting & finance and commercial operations.
The deal will see Macildowie acquire 100% of the shareholding of Signet, and Signet’s team, led by Managing Director Nicky Pusey and director Vanessa Pegg, will join Macildowie Group’s 75 strong workforce.
James Taylor, CEO of Macildowie, said: “We are very excited by the acquisition of Signet. The culture, values and business practices of the two businesses are very closely aligned making us a great fit for one another. That was a huge factor in identifying Signet as the first acquisition for the expanded Macildowie group.
“’Building Great Futures’ is a key part of Macildowie’s vision. We believe that this acquisition will enable both companies to deliver an even greater breadth of service to their already loyal customers and clients, while also enhancing the long-term career opportunities of all of our employees.”
Macildowie chairman John O’Sullivan has known both businesses for many years. He said: “Both Signet and Macildowie are part of the Elite Leaders recruitment network which I chair. When Macildowie started looking for a possible acquisition Signet sprang to mind immediately. I knew that the directors, Nicky, Vanessa, James and James would make an unbeatable executive team.
“They share the same passions for excellence and the wellbeing of their people. The fact that the operations of the two businesses fit like a glove made this a no-brainer.”
Nicky Pusey, Managing Director of Signet Resources, added: “Over the past 18 months Signet has grown significantly but we still felt that there was a lot more potential for the business. Having known John O’Sullivan for over 10 years when he approached us about a conversation with the Macildowie board we decided that we should explore the opportunity.
“It was critical to Vanessa and I that we work with a business that mirrored our values and passion for delivering exceptional service. We wanted to ensure that what makes Signet so special would remain intact, and we know that joining Macildowie will provide the strong leadership and back office support to enhance our offering for our staff and customers.”
Vanessa Pegg, director at Signet Resources, said: “Macildowie has a long-standing and well-respected heritage in the recruitment sector and, after meeting with James Taylor and James Stewart, their passion and expertise shone through. These characteristics will undoubtedly help us to build on the success our team has delivered. We’re delighted to join Macildowie and look forward to working closely with the whole team.”
Nottingham biotech company raises further £2.4m for ‘breakthrough’ TB blood test
A Nottingham company which has devised a blood test that could revolutionise management of tuberculosis (TB) has raised a further £2.4m to further develop the test and support clinical trials.
The funding for PBD Biotech has come from a consortium led by fund managers Mercia and Foresight Group, both investing from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund, alongside the University of Nottingham and private investors.
TB is the world’s most fatal infectious disease after Covid – although treatable, it is difficult to identify carriers requiring treatment. PBD Biotech, which is a spin-out from the University of Nottingham, has developed a rapid screening test that can identify infection at an early stage.
Clinical trials at the University of Leicester have shown that its Actiphage® test is able to diagnose human TB before the patient develops symptoms. By enabling rapid screening of a population, it offers a breakthrough in disease prevention and treatment. Further trials of Actiphage are currently running in the UK, South Africa and Zambia.
The latest funding round follows a £2.3m investment in March 2021 to help the company validate a test for bovine TB. Due to strong commercial interest the focus has now switched to developing a test for bovine paratuberculosis or Johne’s disease and the human TB test. The company is in talks with a number of potential partners around the world.
Jane Theaker, CEO of PBD Biotech, said: “We are delighted to receive follow-on funding from this supportive group of investors. Since the last round in March 2021, clinical trials have shown that Actiphage could detect non-symptomatic carriers and identify those that would later develop TB. This breakthrough has excited public health professionals worldwide. The follow-on funding will be used to further develop Actiphage to address this global unmet need.”
Sandy Reid of Mercia said: “While TB is regarded as a disease of the developing world, it is a major burden globally with around 10 million active infections at any one time. PBD’s test not only detects the disease at an early stage, but could also be used to select the correct antibiotic and monitor patients undergoing treatment. The funding will help the company build further evidence of the test’s effectiveness.”
Ray Harris of Foresight added: “We’re delighted to again be supporting PBD as the team work to address one of the world’s most fatal diseases and make breakthroughs in disease prevention and treatment.”
£4m business development completes in Arnold Town Centre
The AMP, the £4 million flagship business development in Arnold Town Centre, has officially been completed and handed over to Gedling Borough Council.
The building will be the new home to several new business start-ups as well as the Post Office, who will be the first business to open its doors to the public. New businesses are due to be moving into the units, with terms on their leases being agreed. There will be a wine tasting experience outlet, a cat and dog accessory and treats store, a cake shop and a delicatessen to go alongside the Post Office, which has relocated from nearby Worrall Avenue.
Funding for the project came from Gedling Borough Council’s capital programme budget, boosted by a successful bid for £1.25 million from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership’s Local Growth Fund that supports town centre improvements. The project created around 40 new jobs through business employment and through the construction of the new building.
The AMP is an acronym of the famous Arnold Market Place but it can also mean amplification and amphitheatre, as the outdoor square will be a space used for events and entertainment. The name was chosen following consultation with local residents and businesses and after looking at several options, The AMP stood out as the obvious choice for this exciting project.
The building was constructed by developers G F Tomlinson, the company who previously built the council’s Café 1899 at Gedling Country Park. The design of the building has created a new eastern gateway into Arnold Town Centre thanks to a new public realm space that will be the central focal point for the new shopping area. The building has been designed to use less energy, use more renewable energy and reduce its CO2 emissions. The building has a number of energy efficient designs including 51 solar panels, natural ventilation points, and high efficiency LED lighting.
The 51 solar panels on the roof of the building will help generate an estimated annual yield of 14,924 kWh of power to the units. The building is also fitted with rainwater retention tanks that will be used to reduce flood risks and feed the semi-mature trees that are planted around the public realm to offset carbon emissions, contributing to the council’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030.
The project meant that Arnold Town Centre received the most significant investment it has ever had with up to £4 million allocated to the project as part of the council’s plan to revitalise the centre and create a new space that will help boost visitors to the town centre and support local businesses.
Gedling Borough Council purchased the land in 2018 and began work on the building in 2020. The site was the home of Arnold Market for over 50 years and, following an extensive consultation, the stallholders moved to nearby Eagle Square while the works were carried out and, thanks to its success, plans are in place for the traders to stay at the location, subject to consultation with the stall holders. The council’s future plans for the new public space will include increasing the use for community events. The council will also be looking at options for specialist markets, including evening and weekend markets.
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke said: “We are incredibly pleased to announce that the AMP building is officially complete and our new tenants will begin moving in to this wonderful new building in the heart of Arnold Town Centre. I would like to thank everyone involved in helping getting this ambitious project over the line, it has taken a colossal amount of work to get this done by Gedling Borough Council staff, G F Tomlinson and several other partners who all contributed to this project and made it a success.
“We made a manifesto pledge that we would revitalise the town centre and this will be the jewel in the crown for Arnold.”
Deputy Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor Michael Payne said: “This new flagship building and public square will bring new business to Arnold and boost the economy for the existing businesses in and around the town centre. This is something that everyone can be proud of, not just in Arnold but also in our surrounding towns and communities.
“This investment, one of the largest investments there has ever been in Arnold, has come at a time when the council is still one of the worst affected councils in the country in terms of funding cuts from central government. We are incredibly proud that we have reached this remarkable milestone despite the significant financial pressures the council is under. The AMP is here and we hope residents and businesses will support it and be proud of the things we can achieve together as a community.
“We are also committed to revitalising and investing in our other fantastic local town centres and high streets across the borough. We are investing in Carlton Square, have secured a significant amount of funding to make our streets safer in Netherfield and have invested in a dedicated team working to support our small businesses across the borough.”
Declining demand, falling cashflow and rising costs are hitting business confidence, finds East Midlands Chamber study
Confidence among East Midlands firms continues to decline as cost pressures – coupled with falling customer demand and access to cash – take a toll, new research reveals.
East Midlands Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), which is delivered in partnership with the University of Leicester School of Business and gauges the health of the region’s economy, found the proportion of businesses expecting to record improvements in profitability and turnover over the coming year has fallen by 21% and 17% respectively between the second and third quarters of 2022.
A lack of optimism on what lies ahead is being driven by a decline in UK and overseas sales, as well as advanced orders, alongside an 18% negative swing in cashflow quarter-on-quarter.
The tightening grip of the “cost-of-doing-business crisis” – led by rising costs for energy, people, raw materials and fuel – means almost six in 10 firms now expect they will be forced raise their own prices, while intentions to invest and recruit are now sliding.
East Midlands Chamber director of policy and external affairs Chris Hobson said: “These results paint a difficult picture for businesses. Many of the sentiment indicators of how the economy is performing – those relating to investment intentions and confidence levels – have been trending downwards for a few quarters now.
“However, for the first time, demand indicators – how busy businesses are in selling their goods and services – have also dropped, both internationally and here in the UK. This is a concern as it suggests the impacts of inflation, especially the increasing volatility in energy markets and subsequent interest rate rises, is starting to dull activity.
“Cashflow is now worsening for more businesses than it’s improving for and, when considered with the well-publicised price pressures that are now at a critical point for many firms, this all points to the need for immediate action to support businesses.
“We also need a longer-term strategy in order to instil confidence and give them the encouragement they need to start taking more strategic decisions around investment.”
East Midlands Chamber QES Q3 2022 data
Key findings from the Quarterly Economic Survey Q3 2022 for the East Midlands included:
· Sales dropped between the second and third quarters of the year – falling by 22% domestically and 12% overseas – while advanced orders also fell by 19% in the UK and 1% internationally
· While there was a 4% rise in businesses increasing their workforce between the quarters, future outlook is less optimistic with a 9% slide in the proportion of firms expecting to add to their headcount
· This comes as two-thirds (66%) of businesses attempted to recruit in Q3 but, of this cohort, 82% encountered problems with filling vacancies – across a relatively even split of professional, skilled manual, unskilled and clerical workers
· A net 58% of businesses expect they will be forced to raise prices (down from a net 62% in Q2) as they grapple with rising costs for utilities, people, raw materials and fuel
· Cashflow, having been up for a net 4% of firms in Q2, is now down for a net 14% of businesses, marking an 18% negative swing, while opportunities for growth are in short supply with four in 10 (39%) at full operating capacity
· A lack of room at the margins means investment intentions continue to trend downwards – falling by 6% quarter-on-quarter for both plant and machinery, and training
· Business confidence has nosedived, with the proportion of businesses expecting improvements in profitability dropping by 21% and those anticipating a higher turnover falling by 17% between the second and third quarters
Businesses debate future prospects
The Quarterly Economic Survey Q3 2022 results were unveiled at an Economic Performance and Prospects Review event held at the University of Leicester School of Business yesterday (13 October).
It marked the launch of a new strategic partnership between the two institutions focused on economic thought leadership via research, skills data visualisation, business support and an annual State of the Economy Conference.
A panel of business leaders – comprising the University of Leicester’s associate dean for business and civic engagement Professor Mohamed Shaban, Galliford Try head of business development Neus Garriock, Freeths’ Leicester managing partner Mukesh Patel, Assist Consultancy director Sonia Baigent and Highcross Leicester senior general manager Jo Tallack – discussed the survey findings, how the cost-of-doing-business crisis is affecting their sectors and how policy can support firms.
Professor Dan Ladley, dean of the University of Leicester School of Business, said: “I’m very pleased to be able to launch the partnership between the East Midlands Chamber and University of Leicester School of Business.
“The data show these are potentially difficult times for businesses with challenging headwinds to navigate. It’s important in these times that we continue to do everything we can to support the success of our regional businesses.”
New appointment to college with campus in Leicestershire
North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) is pleased to welcome a new member to its executive team. Colin Butler will join the college later this month as Executive Director People and Culture with a brief to lead on workforce and organisational development.
Colin, who has a strong background in working within the further education sector, most recently for Loughborough College, is currently employed in a senior private sector HR role for Parking Facilities, part of Hill & Smith Holdings plc which manufactures sustainable infrastructure for transport applications.
He said, “I am excited to be joining NWSLC and welcome the opportunity to support the team across all its campuses to deliver the best possible experience for students. In my experience, this depends on building an ethos where employees are well-supported, enjoy coming to work and feel valued.”
With a background in retail management and more than 12 years in the logistics sector, Colin led the HR division of DHL Aviation in the UK and Europe, gaining industry plaudits for his work to develop maths and English skills in the workplace. In addition, Colin spent time teaching on a master’s level HR programme at De Montfort University in Leicester.
Colin has also worked for the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust where he relished the opportunity to help employees deliver a high quality and memorable experience at this unique visitor attraction. From there, Colin moved on to become Vice Principal for People and Planning at Loughborough College in which role he led teams delivering HR, marketing, and student recruitment. He was Acting Principal in 2017 during Ofsted’s inspection of the college which recorded a ‘Good’ outcome with aspects of provision rated as outstanding.
Colin added, “I have worked in a range of industries, but my heart lies in education, so I am glad to be returning to a sector that I love. Further education makes such an important impact on the life chances and social mobility of young people and adults, and I am pleased to be able to work with NWSLC to ensure that individuals continue to benefit from a skilled and fulfilled college workforce.”
Marion Plant, OBE FCGI, Principal and Chief Executive said, “We are looking forward to welcoming Colin Butler to the role of Executive Director People and Culture. I am sure that Colin will bring a wealth of knowledge from his previous experiences in further education and beyond.
“Our college relies on the energy and commitment of our dedicated staff and this appointment will help to ensure that we continue to support them in the best possible way so that our team can continue to deliver a fantastic learning experience for all our students.”
Clements enters administration
Leicester manufacturing firm Clements Limited has entered administration, after appointing Midlands-based advisory and accountancy firm PKF Smith Cooper to lead the process. Dean Nelson and Nick Lee, Business Recovery and Insolvency Partners at PKF Smith Cooper, were appointed as joint administrators on 4th October 2022.
Based in Leicester, Clements designed, manufactured and installed luxury retail interiors, as well as providing marketing, brand and logistical support to global manufacturers. The company experienced significant financial losses in 2020 and 2021 as a result of reduced demand, project delays and customer bad debt caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately Clements was unable to recover and PKF Smith Cooper was appointed to deal with the business and its assets.
Dean Nelson, Business Recovery and Insolvency Partner at PKF Smith Cooper, commented: “Creditors have been provided with the relevant information regarding the administration process, to enable them to partake in proceedings. We are in the process of dealing with all enquiries and working to assist the affected employees with processing their claims for statutory entitlements at this difficult time. We will strive to achieve the best outcome for everyone involved.”
Nottingham firm appoints equine law partner
Partner Caroline Bowler joins Rotheras’ dispute resolution team where she will specialise in equine law including disputes relating to the sale and purchase of horses and co-ownership of horses in addition to negligence claims predominantly involving the veterinary profession.
Caroline also has considerable experience in commercial litigation and property litigation matters. Her practice in property litigation has focused on disputes relating to rights of way and adverse possession. In the context of commercial litigation, she is regularly instructed on contractual disputes, partnership disputes and professional negligence claims against surveyors, solicitors and other professionals. In recent years she has been instructed on a number of high-profile matters related to peer-to-peer lending.
Caroline was previously a director and head of dispute resolution at Actons and has 15 years’ experience in litigation.
Caroline said: “I am delighted to be joining Rotheras. The firm has a reputation for providing an excellent service. Having known a good number of individuals from the firm for a number of years I have first-hand knowledge of the quality and calibre of their work. I am also aware that they are a down to earth and friendly bunch of people. I am excited to introduce my specialism of equine law into the firm in addition to bolstering the already strong dispute resolution team.”
Christina Yardley, CEO at Rotheras, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Caroline to the firm. Caroline has an outstanding reputation in the area of equine law as well as being an extremely talented commercial litigator and combines excellent technical experience whilst being approachable and thoroughly down to earth. A winning combination in my view.”
Staff at online flooring retailer go DIY’ing at local homeless charity
Staff members at an online flooring retailer based in Leicestershire did some DIY tasks of their own for the benefit of young residents at a local homeless charity.
Through its Employer Supported Volunteering (ESV) programme, UK Flooring Direct employees made a visit to Hinckley Homeless Group, which provides accommodation and other forms of support for homeless young people between the ages of 16 and 25.
Ashleigh McKenna, HR advisor, and Maya Choto, buying admin assistant, did a four-and-a-half-hour decorating stint with Louise Adams and the Hinckley Homeless team in the corridors and stairways of Lawrence House, which is used by residents throughout the day and into the night.
The day was a success, with both important tasks completed during their time at Hinckley Homeless, which is based in Wood Street in Hinckley.
The Employer Supported Volunteering (ESV) programme ensures every member of the UK Flooring Direct team is given a fully-paid day to offer their services to a charity or good cause.
As part of the scheme, UK Flooring Direct has partnered with Hinckley Homeless Group, RSPCA Coventry and District Branch, Shine A Light and Make Good Grow.
Ashleigh McKenna, HR advisor at UK Flooring Direct, said: “Both myself and Maya had a really enjoyable time joining Louise and the Hinckley Homeless staff for the day, and are pleased that our hard work has gone a long way towards the upkeep of Lawrence House, a place that provides shelter and warmth for young people throughout the year.
“We were kept really busy, and were motivated to do something good for fellow members of the Hinckley community who are facing challenging circumstances and to also support Hinckley Homeless and their incredible work in the local area.
“Through our ESV programme, we are keen to support all four other organisations that we’re working with as part of the scheme as much as we can, and are already discussing new opportunities for the coming months.”
Louise Adams, project manager at Hinckley Homeless Group, said: “Given our day-to-day responsibilities to our residents, it’s easy for practical DIY tasks to be forgotten about, so we’re grateful to both Ashleigh and Maya for helping us with some much-needed renovation work.
“I was really impressed by the speed in which they worked and their commitment to the jobs at hand – which even included Maya getting covered in paint at one point!
“Some of our previous residents and the 12 young people that are currently in our care are understandably nervous and anxious so we really want to make Lawrence House as homely and friendly as possible.
“The positive and helpful relationship we are developing with UK Flooring Direct is encouraging, and we are keen to collaborate again and support our residents in any way we can as we all start to turn our attention towards the autumn.”
Hinckley Homeless Group welcome young people from across the Hinckley and Bosworth area, as well as individuals in need from Nuneaton, Blaby and areas of north west Leicestershire.
To find out more about Hinckley Homeless Group, including how to donate and the application process for a place at Lawrence House, visit www.hinckleyhomeless.com.
Just one month to go until the East Midlands Expo
In a month’s time, on Monday 14 November 2022, the free to attend East Midlands Expo will return!
Taking place at the East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham, the established event of over 20 years has everything you require for a great day of business generation, with the chance to meet more potential clients in one amazing cost effective day, than it would take months out on the road.
A well targeted exhibition and networking opportunity, aimed at the construction, property, business, investment, finance, professional services and related B2B markets, register to attend the event for free here.
The day, for which Business Link is a proud partner, will begin with exhibitor breakfast networking, with the exhibition opening to attendees at 9am.
A seminar will take place between 10:45am and noon with BSP Consulting’s directors Mark Rayers and Tony Goddard lined up to present ‘Sustainability and how engineering plays its part’.
Not to be missed, a special networking lunch (for which tickets can be purchased here) will then take place between 12:15pm and 2:15pm, and the exhibition will close at 3:30pm.
For more information on exhibiting at the event click here.
To register to attend the event for free click here.
To secure tickets for the networking lunch click here.
From property agents to developers, architects, contractors, investors, PR firms, and more, see the list of current exhibitors here.Leicestershire HR consultancy sets sights on expansion with the launch of franchise packages
Multi-sector HR firm, Breedon Consulting, has announced the launch of its franchise packages in the UK, as it reaches year on year growth.
With two franchises currently operating in Northamptonshire and North Buckinghamshire, interest and uptake in Breedon Consulting’s franchise model has since gathered pace, motivating the launch of the firm’s new franchise packages, targeting HR professionals and individuals looking to set up on their own.
Research suggests that 64% of the UK’s workforce want to start a business with the primary reasons of being their own boss and to improve their earnings, according to SME Loans. Becoming a franchisee gives individuals the benefit of being their own boss without the risk of starting their own independent business from scratch.
Located in the heart of Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, Breedon Consulting has seen a record success of retaining long term clients alongside welcoming new clients via referrals, with a 30% increase during the first year of the pandemic.
The franchise package will include a five-year renewable franchise agreement, a comprehensive operational manual and intranet, a geographic territory of over 11,000 SME limited company businesses alongside smaller sole trader businesses and academic institutions.
Other incentives involve full business administration and set up support, integrated CRM, finance and business planning systems, full ongoing IT support, holiday cover, coaching and drop-in sessions to work with franchisees on an ongoing basis.
On the business’s franchise launch, Managing Director of Breedon Consulting, Nicki Robson, said: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of our franchise packages and look forward to seeing the fantastic reputation we have built locally mirrored nationwide.
“Expanding the franchise network gives Breedon Consulting the ability to grow geographically, allowing a nationwide team of HR specialists to confidently build their own business with a fantastic brand, providing exceptional professional support to SMEs.”
Wendy Slater, Northants Branch franchisee, said: “I was originally a client of Breedon Consulting and they provided much needed support for our business, which was tailored to our specific needs. It was such a refreshingly commercial form of HR support that when they said they wanted to open more branches nationwide I jumped at the chance to join them!
“As well as providing excellent training, you get access to all their systems which are intuitive and integrate with each other. There is a full bank of templates and collateral which means there is little you have to create yourself, just tailor for your client. The most important element is the breadth of offer from Breedon which covers all of the HR support a client could need. We also have access to the Head Office team, if you need any help or support.”
The consultancy looks to set up a franchise per quarter over the next three years.
