Oberoi Business Hub helps Wowcher find perfect office deal
Wowcher has joined the list of businesses which have benefited from short term office contracts offered by Oberoi Business Hub.
Wowcher had previously been based at the former Derby Telegraph offices in Northcliffe House and required temporary accommodation for two months before the new premises were available at Pentagon House in Sir Frank Whittle Road.
Within three days of the initial enquiry, Oberoi Business Hub centre manager Jodie Brady and the team prepared a fully furnished office for 12 team members with access to informal work and social space and full use of the shared kitchen and reception.
Wowcher head of operations Julian Boardman added: “We were very impressed with Oberoi Business Hub’s swift and efficient on-boarding – providing us with great quality facilities to ensure business continuity during this time of transition.”
Other businesses which required temporary office accommodation at Oberoi Business Hub have included ICP Nurseries, Amey Consulting and Engineering Reinforcing Steel Industries.
Founder Kavita Oberoi explained: “Feedback from agents and our own experience at the Oberoi Business Hub is that Derby’s commercial property market has been particularly buoyant this year thanks to new premises becoming available and businesses re-evaluating their office accommodation requirements.
“By offering a wide range of different options – our team at Oberoi Business Hub are able to respond quickly and efficiently to businesses and organisations requiring high quality temporary accommodation due to consolidation or expansion.”
Double award win and senior appointments see Derby agency on track for growth
Hot on the heels of further senior appointments, and a double award win at the CIPR Midlands PRide Awards, Derby-based full-service agency Balls2 Marketing is on track for its ambitious growth targets.
Following the agency’s senior leadership team restructure in the spring, duo Katie Bregazzi and Lauren Doyle, who have taken the helm at the agency, have powered forward to drive transformational change and meet business targets to double turnover and team size in three years.
Appointing Julie Bednall as account director, the agency has added strength and depth to its team, whilst diversifying its market capabilities and experience in the construction and retail sectors. With 18 years’ experience in marketing and communications, Julie boasts career experience at ITV, HomeServe and most recently the Bristan Group.
Katie Bregazzi, operations director, says: “It’s an exciting time in our journey at Balls2 Marketing and Julie’s appointment and sector experience in the construction and home improvement industry, is integral in helping us achieve our goals.”
Adding to the agency’s success journey so far this year, Balls2 Marketing is also celebrating being recognised in two categories at this year’s CIPR PRide Midlands awards, winning silver for Best Construction, Property or Infrastructure campaign and gold for Best Event for Everglade Windows’ Road to 2030 Customer Conference.
The CIPR PRide Award judges commented: “Underpinned by detailed research and a strong commitment to raising awareness of mental health issues within the construction sector, this Road to 2030 event for Everglade Windows, organised by Balls2Marketing, outperformed all its target objectives.”
Boosting workforce health can help UK achieve economic growth ambitions, says CBI
A new index which benchmarks businesses’ health provision is launched today by the CBI to help tackle the record long-term sickness absence levels restricting the UK’s productivity and undermining economic growth ambitions.
Data shows the UK loses 131 million working days a year to ill-health, costing the nation around £180billion in GDP.
The ONS is today due to publish new data that further reinforces the need to address the number of people leaving the labour market through ill health. The labour shortages this creates has a damaging impact on productivity; growing the economy will be impossible without a healthy population.
With workplaces known to be an effective influencer of health behaviours, the CBI – working with Business for Health and supported by the NHS and HM Government – is today launching a first iteration of its Work Health Index (WHI) to benchmark private sector health provision across the economy.
The WHI will give all businesses the opportunity to diagnose the strength of their health offer and benchmark it against peers. It will cover all workplace policies, practices and provision designed to support employee health and wellbeing, from cycle to work schemes to counselling to parental leave policies.
In the immediate term, it will help firms understand their competitiveness and enhance their employee value proposition. In the longer term, it should help businesses to create better work environments and support better health outcomes across the working age population – resulting in elevated workplace productivity.
Brian McBride, CBI president, said: “Labour market resilience is a precondition to growth. Without healthy, productive employees, the UK economy will be unable to achieve the growth it sorely needs.
“Businesses understand the link between health and wealth, and have a major role to play. While the NHS continues to serve us all in our moments of immediate need, employers across the UK have a golden window emerging from the pandemic to lean into long-term measures which enhance employee health and wellbeing.
“With the UK staring down a fiscally constrained period, the moment to boost the UK’s preventative health model is now. The Work Health Index is here to help achieve just that.”
With workforce health higher than ever before on the business agenda in the wake of the pandemic, the CBI believes this is the ideal time to launch this partnership between industry, Government and the health service.
By uniting these stakeholders, the CBI believes it can further grow businesses’ appreciation of employee wellbeing as an investment rather than a cost.
The next steps will see the CBI’s Health team working closely with partners across Government and the health service, and continuing its strategic partnership with Business for Health to bring the Work Health Index through private sector testing to public usage in 2023.
Tom Pursglove MP, Minister for Disabled People, said: “It is clear a healthier, more productive workforce is key to driving growth and tackling inactivity. Government and employers must work together to unlock talent from those who may be facing health barriers.
“We also know that being in work boosts wellbeing, and that is why our initiatives including additional Work Coach time are supporting people with health conditions into work.
“We’re building on this with schemes like our new £6.4 million online service giving employers free advice and guidance to support staff with health issues to stay in, or return to, work. We are delighted to support the CBI’s Work Health Index which complements this by providing employers with the tools they need to build healthier, more inclusive workforces.”
Minister for Primary Care and Public Health Neil O’Brien said: “A healthy and resilient workforce is vital for the economy of our nation, and any steps employers make to improve the health and wellbeing of their staff are commended.
“We are committed to doing everything we can to level-up health and care across the country, and the CBI’s Work Health Index provides a great example of using data to drive employer action to improve the health of their workforce.”
John Godfrey, Business for Health Chair, said: “Business has a huge role in public health: as employers, as providers of healthy goods and services and as drivers of healthy local economies.
“This Index with the support of the CBI starts to tackle the first of these. Business is shifting the dial on climate, it is in our interest to do the same on health.”
Hines and Clowes expand venture to develop 1.15m sq ft of logistics space
Hines, a global real estate investment, development, and property manager is growing its logistics development presence in the UK and Europe via the expansion of its joint venture with Clowes, the Derbyshire-headquartered property investor and developer, to develop a total of 1.15 million square feet of modern logistics space across the East Midlands.
The expanded joint venture will fund the development of state-of-the-art warehousing across 8 units, each of which will be developed to a high specification and target BREAAM ‘very good’ certification. EV charging infrastructure will be installed across the portfolio, and the units are designed to support the installation of solar panels.
The new facilities will service the high levels of demand Hines is experiencing among occupiers seeking logistics space in supply-constrained areas. This initiative increases the initial commitment to deliver 772,000 square feet of logistics space across four UK business parks, which was reached in September 2021.
195,000 square feet of space has already been delivered by the joint venture at Dove Valley Park in South Derbyshire. Located in one of the country’s most important logistics areas, Dove Valley Park allows occupiers to access a catchment of 48 million people within a four-hour drive time, with excellent connectivity via the M1, M6, A50 and A38. Müller, Meg, Futaba, Tophat, JCB, Truma and GXO are already occupiers at the Park.
The remaining units under development by the joint venture will be completed during 2023 and include plots at Fairham Business Park, EMDC, and Castlewood Business Park.
Greg Cooper, Managing Director at Hines, said: “The expansion of our joint venture with Clowes to develop a total of 1.15 million square feet (107,000 square metres) of high-quality logistics space in the East Midlands is testament to our ongoing conviction in the logistics sector and developing best-in-class spaces that occupiers will call home.
“Within our network of customer and occupier relationships we continue to see strong nationwide occupier demand, and the Golden Triangle provides fantastic access to all of the UK within 4 hours by car, carving it out as a standout location.”
James Richards, director at Clowes Development, added: “This expanded partnership with Hines will allow us to continue to collaborate to develop best-in-class warehousing at well located sites across the East Midlands.
“The expansion will unlock new opportunities within the UK’s logistics ‘golden triangle’, as well as in other locations benefiting from strong transport links and favourable local supply and demand drivers. We are confident that our teamwork and close collaboration will continue to bear fruit.
“As with any large-scale transactions of this nature, teamwork is essential. Deals like this come with a wealth of complexities which require a keen eye and attention to detail to ensure all aspects are executed properly.
“We have small group of experts here at Clowes who ensure we achieve compliance and diligence at all levels. I would also like to thank our legal team at Geldards for all their hard work and commitment to getting this deal over the line.”
Heather Dixon, partner at Geldards, said: “We were delighted to continue our productive relationship with Hines and Clowes and complete the complex funding deal that now enables this exciting development to progress. As the UK economy begins to rebuild and transform, logistics and warehousing will become a critical driver for growth.
“These new developments, delivered through an ambitious and driven collaboration puts the East Midlands at the heart of this transformation and delivers the infrastructure needed for the region to become a driving force for growth and innovation.”
New lease of life set for derelict leather workshop
Planning permission to convert a former Victorian leather workshop in Northampton into starter homes has been granted, following a successful application by local entrepreneur Paresh Parmar, supported by Marrons Planning.
The Dunster Street unit – which was constructed in 1895 but has been derelict for the past two years – will be transformed into four one-bedroom apartments, offering additional housing in a sought-after location, while also making positive use out of a derelict building within the historic Boot and Shoe conservation area.
Respecting the local surroundings, the external works will be in keeping with the historic nature of the conservation area, while also providing excellent internal living areas, contributing to the local council’s five-year housing land supply.
Due for completion in 2023, the apartments will be available to purchase, supporting more people onto the housing ladder.
Sachin Parmar, associate director at Marrons Planning, said: “This was a challenging application as we needed to ensure the plans would not harm the character or appearance of the environment, but in fact enhance them.
“Due to a lack of investment over the past few years, the building is plagued with water leakages and damp issues. However, what’s great about this development is that it’s answering the housing need, while making viable use of a run down, unused property. We look forward to seeing the conversion take shape!”
Dunster Street comprises two-storey terraced and semi-detached houses, interspersed with historic workshops and factories, some of which have been converted to residential use. The former leather warehouse was most recently used as a model supply shop.
Each new apartment within the building will consist of an open plan living and kitchen area, bathroom and bedroom. A courtyard area will be constructed for the ground floor apartments.
Experienced development entrepreneur Paresh Parmar said: “We’re really pleased to have obtained planning permission for our next build. It’s well known that there is a shortage of good quality homes across Northampton and beyond, with young people, in particular, struggling to take their first step on the housing ladder.”
Moy Park reverses plan to close Derbyshire plant
Chicken products producer Moy Park has walked back threats to close one of its Derbyshire plants.
This comes after weeks of negotiations with GMB bosses to re-consider closing the facility near Ashbourne, with the potential loss of hundreds of local jobs.
While 175 jobs will be saved, the facility will be downsized and reshaped to be a B2B supplier, reducing the workforce.
Mick Coppin, GMB Organiser, said: “GMB has been negotiating and campaigning to save jobs at Moy Park for months. To see management sit up and listen to our members demands is fantastic.
“These workers are absolutely essential in producing and supplying our favourite chicken products across the country, in the home and in well love restaurant chains including Nando’s and McDonalds.
“Potential job losses on the scale feared would have been catastrophic for the local community, and GMB union members should be proud that they have delivered this win.
“This weekend I’ll be raising a toast with my Sunday Dinner to those GMB Union members at Moy Park in Derbyshire who brought the country back from the brink of a devastating chicken shortage.”
New research to improve support for small businesses in the East Midlands
The needs of small businesses in the East Midlands are being investigated in a new study by experts at the University of Nottingham, in collaboration with the East Midlands Chamber.
Leaders of small businesses in the region are invited to help Academics from Nottingham University Business School build an understanding of what they want from business support and how they access it.
Analysis from the project will help to inform the future of business advice and support available in the region.
Dr Robert Wapshott, associate professor in Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Nottingham University Business School, said: “Effective systems of advice and support for small businesses can add value to ventures and the region. To achieve this, however, we need to focus on what small businesses really want and how they want to access advice and support.
“We are very aware of the current economic climate and issues with international trade, so we are keen to make sure that the support on offer directly addresses and assists with the concerns that business leaders have. The growth of the region relies on this.”
Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of the East Midlands Chamber, said: “External factors, such as the disruption we’ve experienced over the past few years, have meant the needs of businesses have evolved significantly – whether it’s in their supply chains, people or innovation.
“This means the business support ecosystem must respond accordingly to ensure our firms are well-equipped to overcome challenges and take advantage of opportunities as they arise.
“The high quality of the business support services we offer was recently recognised by the British Chambers of Commerce, which named us the UK Chamber of the Year for 2022, but we know we must not stand still as an organisation. This unique research project will provide us with the intelligence required to continue supporting the success of our region’s businesses and communities.”
Interviews with small businesses across the East Midlands will begin in the first quarter of 2023.
Participants will be asked to take part in an online 45-minute interview focused on how they engage with business advice and support services and how the support on offer could be improved to better meet the needs of their business and others in the region.
Leaders of small businesses who are interested in helping to shape knowledge on business advice and support can contact policy@emc-dnl.co.uk to find out more about the project and how to get involved. wilko agrees sale and leaseback deal at Nottinghamshire distribution centre
Privately owned, everyday household and garden retailer, wilko has confirmed plans to unlock £48 million as part of a strategic 15-year partnership agreement with logistics specialist DHL.
The business refinance, made possible by the sale and leaseback of its Nottinghamshire distribution centre, is just the first of a series of positive partnership benefits that will allow the business to further improve the proposition and the customer experience across its 402 stores and wilko.com.
While day to day operations will remain unchanged, working in partnership with DHL, who already have several large operations in the local area, means both wilko and DHL will benefit from scale in property and warehousing.
Jerome Saint-Marc, wilko CEO, says: “It’s standard business practice to constantly review how we manage our finances. This property deal with DHL represents long-term stability for us and our team members and is the right response to the current market conditions and our priorities.
“We’re making smart choices to trade a business and allow us to continue to invest in our long-term transformational strategy. Wilko remains family owned and continues to focus on helping hard working families to be the best that they can be, delivering great value products to our customers.”
Marketing agency supports Derby Rugby Football Club with sponsorship of new U11s kit
The Under 11s Derby Rugby Football Club has kicked-off the season with a new kit, and Balls2 Marketing makes its debut on the pitch as a first-time kit sponsor.
After giving the kit its first outing as mascots for Derby RFC’s first team earlier this month, the young side broke in the new kit at their home fixture against Amber Valley RUFC on November 6.
Adam Richardson, coach for the Under 11s, said: “Thank you to Balls2 Marketing for sponsoring the Under 11s team at Derby Rugby Club, the kit looks fantastic, and the lads couldn’t be happier with it. Welcome to the team!”
The eye-catching Balls2 Marketing bright-pink logo stands out on the kit and will almost certainly make it easier for players to see their team-mates across the pitch.
“We love the way our logo really stands out on the back of the shorts, and it’s on the team’s hoodies as well,” added Sarah Ball, joint MD at Derby-based marketing agency, Balls2 Marketing.
“It’s our first ‘try’ at corporate sponsorship, and we are very happy to have our brand associated with the team and club. DRFC has a well-earned reputation as one of the most accessible and inclusive clubs in the region. Sponsoring the kit is a win:win as it helps the team with their kit costs, and gets Balls2 Marketing involved at a grass roots level in our home city.
“After the agency moved into new premises on Stores Road in 2021, we were keen to get more involved in the local community. Our sponsorship of the Under 11s team is part of this plan. And we are thrilled to be able to help keep these players on the ‘ball’, if you’ll pardon the pun!”
Trio promoted to leadership roles at Fluid Ideas
Three members of staff at creative agency Fluid Ideas have been promoted to newly-created leadership roles heading key teams.
Sarah Bowler has become the head of support and delivery, Michelle Hazelgrove has been appointed head of people and culture, and Jamie Hovell has taken up the position of head of image and motion.
Joint Managing Director Phil Harvey said: “These are all new positions created through the expansion of the business and reflect the brilliant work that Sarah, Michelle and Jamie have been doing in supporting and enhancing the standards of creativity and service delivered to our clients.
“All three are deeply protective of our culture and values, and they are the ideal people to take up these new positions as we continue to develop.
“Our strategy is to always promote internally whenever possible to help our team progress their careers. We’re very proud of the fact that we have a 90 per cent employee retention rate, more than double the industry average, and our approach of nurturing and promoting our own people is ingrained in the fabric of Fluid.”
Sarah joined Derby-based Fluid Ideas in 2019 in a client services role and has helped to grow the agency’s full-service offering by managing projects, building relationships with clients and supporting the wider team on new concept work and pitches as a creative copywriter.
Phil said: “Sarah has a proven record of not just delivering projects and leading relationships but also of shaping the work that leaves our door, both creatively and strategically. She is a very passionate gatekeeper of Fluid’s standards.
“As we continue to attract more and more high-profile and exciting brands as clients, we want to make sure our high standards of service and quality are maintained, for our new partners and clients that have been by our side for many years. Sarah and her wider team will be key to that.”
Michelle joined Fluid in 2017 as a website designer. Her role as head of people and culture will see her working with the senior leadership team to implement and develop the agency’s workplace wellbeing programme, which is called Fluid Happiness.
It involves mental health awareness and wellbeing campaigns, healthcare benefits, staff training and progression, social events, evolving Fluid’s hybrid working environment and implementing onboarding programmes for new starters.
Phil said: “Michelle has split her role in recent years, combining that of website designer with a growing focus on protecting and nurturing our values and culture and supporting the confidence and happiness of our expanding team.
“We believe a happy, fulfilled team delivers better creative work and a better, more caring service for our clients. As we approach 60 people, Michelle’s ideas, intuition and emotional intelligence are becoming increasingly important in ensuring Fluid continues to grow healthily and happily. Her knowledge of our people and the business is instinctive.”
Jamie, who has a master’s degree in 2D and 3D visualisation from Loughborough University, joined Fluid in 2017 as a CGI artist. Alongside this work, he has played a central role in projects spanning photography, video, branding, motion graphics and augmented reality.
Phil said: “The image and motion team has grown organically to be eight-strong with a diverse skill set comprising photography, video, animation, CGI, augmented reality, virtual reality and more. For an agency the size of Fluid to have an in-house team offering this range of highly specialised skills is very rare.
“Jamie is a superb CGI artist and has a fantastic eye for quality. He is a grounding, calming and positive presence who can link the different disciplines together with a can-do attitude. He balances genuine talent with genuine humility and is an excellent ambassador for Fluid and protector of our values.
“We’re entering an exciting new era at Fluid, with complete confidence that our agency, and the people who make it great, are growing in a way that’s healthy and happy – for Fluid and our clients. Loyal and talented people, like Sarah, Michelle and Jamie, becoming more prominent and influential in the agency proves our commitment to re-thinking and evolving our structure, as we flourish as a business.”
