Organisational culture survey shows mismatch between behaviour and policies
A large-scale survey on organisational culture by Nottingham Business School has suggested that there is a significant mismatch between the advertised values and policies of UK companies, and how employees behave on a daily basis.
Organisational culture focuses on how people within a company think, feel, and behave, and can have a significant impact on achieving strategic ambitions. Its intangible nature means it is traditionally hard to define and measure.
In the first study of its kind on the topic, more than 1,170 UK managers and employees from large and small-to-medium sized organisations across a range of sectors were questioned on cultural alignment; diversity, equality and inclusion; wellbeing; and opportunities to improve company culture.
Just 18% of employees feel their organisation’s stated values or external image is very aligned to the current culture, while a quarter (25%) believe that the behaviour of their leader does not reflect values portrayed externally.
The results also showed that only half of employees feel like the day-to-day behaviour at their organisation aligns with diversity, equality and inclusions policies. Just 49% said that there is a strong alignment, with a third (35%) expressing that there are inconsistencies.
Although almost a quarter (24%) stated that their current culture does not support inclusivity, 76% said that it actively encourages positive choices or behaviours and discourages negative ones.
In relation to wellbeing, more than one third (38%) thought that the current culture does not promote wellbeing and 31% expressed that their organisational culture doesn’t promote ethical choices and behaviours. In 28% of cases, respondents said that unethical choices or behaviours are allowed or overlooked.
Dr Zara Whysall, lead researcher and Associate Professor of Business Psychology at Nottingham Business School, part of Nottingham Trent University, said: “Recent years have seen an amplification of interest among regulators and business leaders in the impact of organisational culture on company performance, ethical conduct and other important outcomes such as inclusion.
“When you walk into an organisation, you soon get a sense of the type of organisation it is: how to behave, what is acceptable, what is frowned upon, what matters, and what doesn’t. You don’t need to read its corporate values or mission statement.
“We can see from these findings that writing mission statements, creating sets of corporate values, policies and procedures does not influence or reflect culture unless these aspirations are embedded into behaviours.
“Without this, you get cultural misalignment, a mismatch between the values espoused by an organisation and the way that employees operate day-to-day. The results from this study show that cultural misalignment is widespread in UK organisations, which is very concerning.
“However, the results were more positive when it came to the opportunity to improve culture, with 59% of people feeling that their organisation is close to where it needs to be, showing that many workplaces need a cultural evolution, not revolution.”
Associate Professor Whysall has released a free white paper Shift Happens: Strategies for Organisational Culture Evolution to help leaders, managers and HR practitioners understand the importance of culture and how it helps and hinders business. The paper gives practical examples and advice on measuring and navigating culture change.
New agreement to accelerate regeneration of Northampton’s Greyfriars area
A key partnership to regenerate the Greyfriars area of Northampton Town Centre has been strengthened further with a new Development Management Services Agreement (DMSA).
West Northamptonshire Council has entered into the DMSA with ECF – a joint venture between Homes England, Legal & General and Muse – the latest step to accelerate the work and setting expectations that a formal Development Agreement will be signed by Summer 2025.
ECF has already been working with the Council to explore and shape planning, delivery, and funding for Greyfriars. The DMSA enables ECF to develop more detailed strategies ahead of entering into a Development Agreement.
The Greyfriars regeneration area totals 25 acres and includes the former Greyfriars Bus Station, which was demolished in 2015, as well as the Mayorhold and Victoria Street Car Parks, Corn Exchange, Belgrave House, and East and West Islands.
The vision, which has been developed by West Northamptonshire Council, seeks to re-imagine several derelict buildings with exciting new uses.
The Corn Exchange will form an arts and culture hub, whilst Belgrave House provides opportunities for an innovative workplace and business incubator. The regeneration will also include a new outdoor Amphitheatre to anchor landmark new public spaces.
New homes will support a vibrant new neighbourhood, alongside shops, cafes, and restaurants as part of a dynamic new place.
New residents and visitors are expected to spend an additional £21m in Northampton which will help drive the economy of the entire town centre. As many as 7,000 full time equivalent jobs could be created during construction, generating a further £1 billion in economic value.
Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “It is great news that we’re able to enter this Development Management Services Agreement with ECF, marking a significant step forward in the regeneration of Greyfriars.
“This partnership underscores our commitment to transforming Northampton Town Centre into a vibrant, dynamic space that will benefit residents, businesses, and visitors.
“The vision we have for Greyfriars is ambitious and transformative, and with ECF’s expertise, we are confident in delivering a project that will drive economic growth, create jobs, and enhance the cultural offering for community.
“We look forward to seeing the positive impact this regeneration will have on Northampton and sharing more exciting developments with the community as we progress.”
Maggie Grogan, Managing Director – Midlands at ECF, said: “Since announcing our partnership with West Northamptonshire Council, we’ve been working closely and collaboratively to explore potential delivery solutions for Greyfriars.
“We see clearly the opportunity Greyfriars presents and have made real progress. Entering a DMSA will accelerate our work and further strengthens our approach. We expect 2025 to be an exciting year and look forward to sharing more with the community in due course.”
Customer communications provider swoops for Leicester counterpart
Mail Metrics, a customer communications technology provider serving financial and regulated industries, has acquired Adare SEC, a leader in multi-channel communication management.
This strategic move accelerates Mail Metrics’ expansion into the UK market while solidifying its reputation as a trusted provider of digital and printed communication solutions.
Mail Metrics has achieved remarkable growth in recent years, with revenue growing from €1 million in 2019 to a projected £175/€210 million proforma in 2024. The acquisition of Adare SEC, which operates from sites in Huddersfield, Leicester, and Glasgow, increases Mail Metrics’ workforce from 150 to 600 employees, and marks the company’s fourth acquisition in four years.
As part of the deal, MML Growth Capital Partners Ireland has invested a substantial amount in Mail Metrics for a minority stake. The deal is also backed by Bank of Ireland and AIB.
Nick Keegan, Group CEO UK & Ireland, Mail Metrics, said: “This is a landmark day for Mail Metrics as we welcome Adare SEC into our group. Tony Strong and his team have built an exceptional business with a stellar reputation in the market.
“This acquisition is a natural step in our scaling journey, combining our strengths to deliver innovative and compliant communication solutions for our growing client base across the UK and Ireland.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to our financial backers who have made this deal possible. MML Ireland, our new private equity partner, and our banking partners at Bank of Ireland and AIB have provided invaluable support throughout the process.
“Their collective confidence in our vision and commitment to this acquisition has been instrumental in bringing us to this successful outcome.
“Additionally, I would like to thank Clearwater, our corporate finance advisors, for their advice, and unwavering support throughout the entire process.”
Chris Walsh, Investment Director at MML Ireland, said: “MML is delighted to back Nick and his team in this landmark acquisition. Mail Metrics has built a brilliant, customer-focused business underpinned by its own technology.
“The deal brings together two of the leading providers of critical customer communications in the UK and Ireland and we look forward to working with the combined Mail Metrics and Adare SEC team to bring out the best of both businesses and to support them on their continued growth journey.”
Tony Strong, CEO of Adare SEC, said: “This is a fantastic next chapter for the business and I greatly look forward to working with Nick and the team to ensure a seamless transition.
“These are exciting times, and the future looks extremely bright. I want to echo Nick by also thanking our advisory teams EY and Pinsent Masons who have been invaluable during this process.”
Adare SEC’s former Chairman, Peter De Haan, who has owned the company since 2000, will be retiring following the sale. He remarked: “We are immensely proud of all we have achieved under the Adare SEC banner, and we knew that the sale of the company had to be to a business with the same expertise, ambition and deep respect for the industry.
“Mail Metrics is a perfect fit, and the growth to date of the business showcases the talent of Nick and the team. I want to thank Tony Strong and all Adare SEC colleagues across our Huddersfield, Leicester and Glasgow sites for their incredible work in driving the company forward, and I wish the new venture every success.”
Jeremy Harrison, EY M&A Partner, said: “It was a pleasure acting for the shareholders and management of Adare SEC on this sale. Adare is a highly respected and trusted brand in critical customer communications and the combination with Mail Metrics software-led solutions should enable both to prosper greatly in the future.”
Clegg Construction names new commercial director
Contractor Clegg Construction has strengthened its board with the promotion of Dan Manley to commercial director.
Dan, who joined the business in July 2021, had been internally responsible for managing the commercial department, and now formally takes over the board-level commercial and risk management duties within the business.
Working alongside pre-construction director, Ross Crowcroft, and operations director, Darren Chapman, and reporting to managing director, Michael Sims, Dan will provide key input into business strategy and oversee system changes and improvements.
His role includes managing the surveying teams and resources – ensuring the Clegg Construction surveying team provides fair, accurate and real-time cost information to clients, and maintaining good relations with the company’s supply chain.
Managing director of Clegg Construction, Michael Sims, said: “I am delighted to announce the appointment of Dan Manley as commercial director of Clegg Construction.
“His appointment strengthens our board team as we launch into 2025 with our newly refurbished offices and an encouraging pipeline of work across a range of different sectors, and spread throughout the East Midlands, Yorkshire and East Anglia.
“On behalf of the team at Clegg Construction, I would like to congratulate Dan on his new role and welcome him to the board.”
Dan has wide experience in main contracting, having worked in the past with the likes of GF Tomlinson and McLaren before joining Clegg Construction three and a half years ago.
Dan, who enjoys spending time with his children and following motor racing and football outside of work, said: “I am very excited to be beginning the latest stage in my career with Clegg Construction.
“The company has a great reputation in the sector, and I am proud to have been appointed as commercial director, supporting my fellow directors as we look forward to the future.”
Salloways secures surrender and new lease for industrial unit
As part of a flurry of completions to finish off 2024, acting on behalf of retained clients, Salloway Property Consultants negotiated a deal which has seen the existing tenant’s lease surrendered and at the same time a new 10-year lease entered into with a new tenant.
Unit 17 Enterprise Way comprises a detached 5,500 sq ft industrial/hybrid unit which had been occupied by long standing tenants, Hydratight, prior to their relocation.
Whilst Hydratight had vacated the property, they were still bound by the terms of their lease which had just over 12 months remaining until expiry. Consequently, in conjunction with the tenant’s agent, JLL, the terms of a surrender were agreed.
In conjunction with this surrender, a new tenant was identified and the terms of a new lease were agreed with global risk management and business solutions firm Risktec, who are part of TUV Rheinland UK Ltd.
Chris Keogh, Director at Salloway Property Consultants, who acted on behalf of the Landlord, said: “This was a relatively complicated deal to structure, with the timing and sequence of events ultimately proving to be key to ensure that the surrender of the existing lease and the grant of the new lease occurred simultaneously.
“Whilst there were a few obstacles to overcome during the transaction process, thankfully, we were able to get the deal completed prior to the festive break.”
The landlord was represented by Chris Keogh (Salloway) and Lisa Poole (Gunnercooke), with Max Hearfield (JLL) and Karl Lynch (Ward Hadaway) acting for the former tenant and the new tenant advised by Mark Canning (Canning O’Neill) and Sarah Cowen (Myerson).
Journeo awarded £1.4m contract as part of council’s bus improvement plans
Journeo, an Ashby-de-la-Zouch-based provider of information systems and technical services to transport operators and local authorities, has secured a £1.4m contract for the supply and support of real time passenger information technology and software with Stoke City Council as part of its £10m Bus Service Improvement Plan, funded by the Department for Transport.
The contract extends the provision of digital access to scheduled and real time departure information across the city’s transport network and includes delivery, installation and maintenance of Journeo’s latest double-sided Thin Film Transistor (TFT) displays to key transport corridors within the region, to further support the promotion of public transport services.
The TFT displays will include discreet, pinhole CCTV to protect the assets and improve safety for lone passengers, and those travelling at night.
Journeo will also be supplying innovative infrastructure-free real time information QR codes, which enable passengers with an internet connected device to scan a code to receive the latest dynamic scheduled and real time passenger information.
Russ Singleton of Journeo said: “We are delighted to continue our relationship with Stoke City Council. Not only will residents and visitors to key transport corridors benefit from the enhanced experience of safe public transport coupled with real time departure information, our innovative solutions are helping our customers better understand where to target future investment to get the most value.”
Sinfin Waste Treatment Centre project takes step forward
Plans by Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council to fix and operate their jointly owned waste treatment centre in Sinfin have taken a major step forward.
Bids from the waste industry are being invited for a contract to fix and operate the facility.
Both councils have reaffirmed their commitment to the original decision, made in February 2023, to work in partnership to get the waste treatment centre at Sinfin operational.
Fixing and operating the facility was found to be the most viable and cost-effective, long-term solution to manage household waste from both the city and county, taking into account the councils’ ongoing commitment to encourage residents to reduce, reuse and recycle more of their waste.
Soft market testing undertaken throughout 2023 confirmed there was capability, capacity and appetite in the market to deliver the project.
An exercise to shortlist bidders is expected to take place in February 2025, leading to the award of a contract in December 2025 and commissioning of the facility in June 2028.
It is anticipated the waste treatment centre will start to accept waste from across the city and county in November 2028.
Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Derby City Council’s Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Public Safety and Leisure, said: “We still need a long-term, more sustainable solution to manage household waste which residents in Derby and Derbyshire either cannot or choose not to recycle.
“The councils are confident there is a competitive market for this project and the operators with the skills and experience to successfully deliver the project and its expected benefits.
“The councils have developed a procurement process and commercial proposition that we are confident will be attractive to suitably qualified and experienced companies and lead to a successful contract award.”
Councillor Simon Spencer, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Budget, said: “Having the waste treatment centre process non-recyclable household waste is more sustainable than transporting material around the country and reduces the risk of the councils being exposed to uncontrollable market prices in the future.
“We look forward with confidence to progressing the project to provide both councils with the most viable and cost-effective, long-term solution for the management of household waste, to benefit residents in both the city and county.”
SMH Group appoints new CEO
Yorkshire and Derbyshire-based accounting and business services firm, SMH Group has appointed Jonathon Dickens as CEO of the business, with James Hartley moving to the role of Chairman.
Having been at the firm for almost 20 years after joining as an apprentice in 2005, Jonathon has been instrumental alongside James in the firm’s strategic growth in recent years, completing multiple acquisitions since 2017 and expanding the group’s service offering to include commercial finance, mortgage brokering and wealth management.
Jonathon Dickens, CEO, said: “Our people are what makes SMH such a fantastic place to work and an equally trusted advisor to our clients. I hope to carry on the great work James and I have done together by continuing our growth trajectory into 2025 and beyond.
“On a personal note, I’d also like to thank James for being an inspirational figure, a true mentor and friend during our time to date at SMH and beyond.”
James Hartley will be moving to a strategic advisory position in his new role as Chairman of SMH Limited.
James Hartley, Chairman, added: “Over the last 22 years, SMH has become a business we can truly be proud of, with an incredible team and clients. I look forward to supporting the business in a strategic capacity in my new role as Chairman.”
Commercial interior design and build specialists expand Chesterfield property portfolio
Commercial interior design and build specialists We Are Spaces Ltd has acquired 85 New Square in Chesterfield, strengthening the company’s portfolio of properties in the town.
The 16,000 sq ft building, which has been vacant for over a year having formerly served as the Revenues Office and Council Customer Service Centre, is located in the heart of Chesterfield’s conservation area.
The property was purchased from Chesterfield Borough Council following a competitive tendering process, with legal guidance provided by the commercial property team at Banner Jones Solicitors.
Overlooking the historic gardens and surrounded by a mix of commercial, residential, and leisure properties, the site is poised to play a pivotal role in the ongoing regeneration of the town centre.
Plans for the property include a substantial transformation to create a modern, high-quality workspace offering. As part of their vision, We Are Spaces Ltd will preserve the character of the building while incorporating contemporary design features and state-of-the-art sustainability measures.
The refurbishment will involve removing outdated ceiling structures to expose unique architectural details, such as apex beams, creating an open and inviting environment that meets the growing demand for premium office spaces.
Amy Revell, co-founder and creative director at We Are Spaces Ltd, said: “As local people running a local business, we are proud to once again be investing in Chesterfield’s future. Our vision for 85 New Square is to transform it into a vibrant, modern workspace that respects the building’s heritage while incorporating state-of-the-art sustainability features.”
Amy added: “This project reflects our commitment to supporting the council with the revitalisation of the high street by bringing vacant properties back into use. By delivering a space of unmatched quality, we aim to attract businesses that will enhance the local economy and contribute to Chesterfield’s dynamic business community.”
Ben Couch, part of Banner Jones’ commercial property team, said: “We are delighted to have supported We Are Spaces Ltd on this significant acquisition. As a fellow Chesterfield Champion, it’s fantastic to play a role in a project that will reinvigorate a prominent town centre asset, driving positive change for the local community and economy.”
Work on the transformation is expected to begin in the coming months.
2025 Business Predictions: Mark Futcher, Executive Director, Thrive Online Group UK
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Mark Futcher, Executive Director at Thrive Online Group UK.
Digital marketing is poised for a significant shift in 2025, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
After years of financial uncertainty and global crises, many SMEs have deprioritized their marketing efforts, resulting in outdated online presences and minimal investment in upgrades like website enhancements, social presence and SEM rankings. The disruption caused by AI, which introduced confusion about its role in digital marketing, further complicated the landscape, causing uncertainty and indecision.
However, SMEs are inherently adaptable and resourceful. Despite the challenges of recent years, including the financial turbulence from 2021 to 2024, they’ve streamlined operations and weathered the storm, opening budget opportunities for marketing. Now, as the economy stabilises, signs are emerging that SMEs are regaining confidence and looking to reinvest in their digital strategies.
Two of the key trends expected to define 2025 for digital marketing when considering SMEs:
– Early Adopters Taking the Lead: Businesses that act quickly to enhance their digital presence and position their brands ahead of more cautious competitors will reap the benefits of this renewed focus.
– Agencies with a Partner-First Approach: Agencies that can provide comprehensive, collaborative support to SMEs, without overpricing their services, will be the biggest beneficiaries. These agencies will cater effectively to SMEs, offering the right balance of expertise and affordability to foster long-term partnerships.
The void in SME digital marketing is beginning to close, creating opportunities for growth on both sides. By collaborating with daring yet accessible agencies, proactive SMEs will lead the charge in driving digital innovation and contributing to broader economic growth. This synergy between SMEs and the right agencies will be a major force shaping the business landscape in 2025.
