The UK is set to receive a serious boost in its fight against climate change with the launch of the Climate Scaling Collaborative, a pioneering initiative to support IP-rich start-ups and spin-outs with links to universities, working on solutions for climate mitigation and adaptation. The Climate Scaling Collaborative will provide robust support to 60 businesses, helping them develop from initial funding to commercial deployment. Covering multiple industries, these businesses will be sourced from across the UK university ecosystem with the support of a wide network of partner organisations. Backed by £5m from the Research England Development Fund, the Collaborative unites UK universities Imperial, Cranfield University, the University of Derby, the University of Exeter, the University of Leeds and the University of Nottingham to provide the critical support required by deep tech climate innovators in the scale-up phase. The funding was announced by Professor Dame Jessica Corner, Executive Chair of Research England at an event hosted by TenU celebrating a year since the launch of the government’s review of university spinouts. The Collaborative will create a regional hub at each partner university, enhancing and developing business support and technical ecosystems focused on climate start-ups. These hubs will build local relationships and specific expertise on potential clients, partners or collaborators, turbocharging the journey from start-up to scale-up. Through the Collaborative, these local hubs will form an interlinked network across the UK. Professor David Grant, Director of the University of Nottingham Energy Institute, said: “This new Climate Scaling Collaborative will see our climate related research backed up by expertise in knowledge exchange and commercialisation. We’re are excited to see this timely new initiative take shape and look forward to working with our new partners.”

Nottingham City Council has awarded JCDecaux UK a 15-year bus shelter and free-standing digital advertising contract following a competitive tender. The contract not only provides the council with income from digital advertising screens, but it also includes a refurbishment of bus shelters and the introduction of smart technology benefits like free public Wi-Fi and real-time air quality monitoring. Nottingham is the eighth largest city in England in terms of catchment population and retail spend – a vibrant business and leisure hub in the East Midlands. The new contract will provide advertisers with a new city-wide network of ‘Out of Home’ digital 6-sheet screens, providing a new opportunity for local, national and international advertising clients. The digital network will comprise 30 free-standing units (60 screens) and 75 bus shelter screens as well as ‘classic’ paper poster sites. All 800 bus shelters will be totally refurbished and rebranded in the city’s ‘Robin Hood Network’ livery and will include energy-efficient LED lighting helping to work towards the city’s carbon-neutral goals. JCDecaux will be introducing ‘smart city’ tech to the city centre, providing free Wi-Fi and air-quality monitors across the city centre, enabling the council to access real-time air quality information across the city via an app – all funded by advertising. Aligned with the council’s climate strategy, the high-quality design and robust maintenance of JCDecaux’s bus shelters means they will be refurbished when the new contract begins in January 2025 – reducing greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 90% compared to the installation of replacement street furniture. JCDecaux will also fund a range of important environmental and community initiatives, paid for by the advertising network. This includes financial support for the Mayor’s Charity, local community group funding as well as supporting city University research projects and city-wide biodiversity initiatives. Councillor Neghat Khan, Leader of Nottingham City Council and Executive Member for Strategic Regeneration, Transport and Communications, said: “Congratulations to JCDecaux on getting this contract after a thorough tender process. We’ve worked with them in Nottingham for many years and look forward to continuing this partnership. “It’s important that the bus stops and shelters in Nottingham are well-maintained and use the latest technology. The digital screens in the city centre provide advertising space for local and national companies, which also brings in extra income for the council.” Phil Drye, Chief Commercial Development Officer at JCDecaux UK, said: “Nottingham is a dynamic city and we are very proud that Nottingham City Council has again placed its trust in JCDecaux UK, continuing our relationship that spans over 20 years. “Our bus shelters are designed with high-quality materials and maintained and cleaned to the highest standards. We are looking forward to delivering this new contract for Nottingham City Council and local residents, which will include digital screens and ‘smart city’ technology to bring innovative public services to the city.” The digital screen network is set to include the main retail and business hubs of: Beastmarket Hill, Carrington Street, Clumber Street, Lister Gate, Milton Street and Upper and Lower Parliament Street.

K3 Business Technology Group has reached agreement with SYSPRO, a Castle Donington-based ERP software provider, for the sale of the Group’s wholly owned subsidiary, NexSys.

NexSys is a leading SYSPRO elite partner in the UK and has over 40 years’ experience of providing and supporting specialised business software solutions to manufacturers and distributors.

Under the terms of the agreement, the total consideration for NexSys is £36 million.

Jaco Maritz, Chief Executive Officer of SYSPRO, said: “SYSPRO, an Advent and Safari company, believes that NexSys is a compelling strategic fit given the company’s position as a trusted provider of digital solutions to manufacturing and distribution companies across the UK and Europe.

“The carve-out acquisition is a key milestone in Safari’s SYSPRO strategy to expand its global footprint, strengthening its presence in the UK and extending its reach across Europe. The acquisition will also enable SYSPRO to expand its highly regarded digital manufacturing suite with new products and capabilities.

“Safari believes there are further initiatives that would help accelerate its existing strategy and which it intends to confirm after a detailed review of the business and operations following Completion. Safari and SYSPRO attaches great importance and value to the skills, experience and commitment of the existing management and employees of NexSys.”

Eric Dodd, Chief Executive Officer of K3 Business Technology Group plc, said: “As the UK and Ireland’s largest reseller of SYSPRO software, our NexSys business is a superb fit for Advent, and we are delighted to have reached this agreement.

“Advent is a leading technology investor and its purchase of NexSys is a natural next step following its recent acquisition of a majority holding in SYSPRO. Advent has the resources and market experience to more fully capitalise on NexSys’s strategic value.

“We view the proposed sale as an excellent outcome for K3 shareholders, NexSys, and Advent and recommend that shareholders vote in favour the proposed sale at the Company’s General Meeting in December.”

Expanding your business can be a significant step toward achieving long-term growth and profitability. For businesses in the East Midlands, this process comes with unique opportunities and challenges, from navigating the regional market to ensuring financial stability. A well-structured plan is essential to ensure your expansion journey is smooth and successful. This guide will walk you through practical steps to help you prepare for growth while taking full advantage of the opportunities within the East Midlands. Evaluating Readiness for Expansion Before planning an expansion, it’s crucial to assess whether your business is ready to take this step. Start by evaluating your financial stability. Review your profit margins, revenue trends, and existing cash flow to ensure that your current operations are sustainable. Key performance indicators (KPIs) like customer retention rates and sales growth can provide valuable insights into your readiness. Operational capacity is another vital consideration. Ask yourself whether your current processes and infrastructure can scale efficiently. Expansion is only viable if your business is stable and adaptable enough to meet increased demand. Researching Market Opportunities Understanding the East Midlands market is critical to a successful expansion. Research consumer behaviour and preferences within the region to identify growth opportunities. For example, pinpoint areas where demand for your products or services is rising or where competitors may not be adequately serving the market. Analysing the competition is equally important. Study how established businesses operate and consider what differentiates your offering. This research will help you identify underserved niches or refine your strategy to make your expansion more competitive. Developing a Financial Plan Financial planning is the backbone of any expansion. Start by estimating the costs involved, including new hires, marketing campaigns, and potential property expenses. Create a detailed budget that outlines these costs and establishes clear spending limits. This is also the stage to explore funding options. Many businesses turn to small business loans to manage cash flow effectively during periods of growth. These loans can provide the financial flexibility needed to cover upfront costs while your expansion generates returns. For example, small business loans to boost cash flow are a practical tool for maintaining stability while investing in growth opportunities. Selecting the Right Location For businesses expanding within the East Midlands, choosing the right location can make all the difference. Consider factors like accessibility, customer proximity, and local infrastructure when selecting a site. The region offers a variety of commercial spaces suitable for businesses of all sizes. Engaging with Local Resources and Networks The East Midlands is home to numerous resources that can support your expansion. Regional business associations and chambers of commerce provide valuable networking opportunities and access to industry-specific advice. These organisations often host events where you can connect with potential partners or clients. Additionally, explore local grants and support programmes designed for growing businesses. Many regional initiatives are aimed at fostering economic growth and can offer financial or logistical assistance during your expansion. Ensuring Legal and Compliance Readiness Expanding your business involves navigating various legal and regulatory requirements. Review contracts, permits, and tax obligations to ensure compliance with regional laws. If you’re opening a new location, check zoning regulations and other local ordinances. Staying proactive about compliance protects your business and builds trust with customers and stakeholders. Adapting to Regional Consumer Trends Every region has its unique consumer preferences, and the East Midlands is no exception. Understanding the demographics, purchasing habits, and preferences of the local population can help tailor your products or services to meet their needs. Invest time in conducting surveys, focus groups, or market analysis to ensure your offerings resonate with potential customers. Pay attention to cultural and seasonal trends specific to the region. For example, aligning your product launches or marketing efforts with regional events or festivals can significantly boost engagement and sales during your expansion. Preparing for Contingencies No expansion plan is complete without contingency measures. Anticipate potential challenges, such as supply chain disruptions, unexpected expenses, or slower-than-expected growth, and create backup strategies to address them. Regularly reviewing your plans and adapting to changing conditions ensures your business remains resilient throughout the expansion. Investing in Employee Development A successful expansion relies heavily on the people driving it. Supporting your employees through training and development opportunities ensures they are equipped to manage the challenges of growth. From leadership development programmes for managers to upskilling frontline staff, investing in your workforce pays off in productivity and morale. Planning an expansion in the East Midlands offers exciting possibilities for businesses looking to grow. With careful preparation, your business can thrive in its next phase of growth.

Mid-market corporates (MCCs) play a significant role across the East Midlands jobs market, employing nearly a quarter of the workforce. And a new report issued by NatWest, in partnership with Oliver Wyman and supported by the Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds MP has identified that UK mid-market businesses have an oversized impact on the UK economy, are particularly important to regional economies and are the unsung engine of the economy:

• c.13,000 of these businesses exist across the UK;
• while being only 0.5% of the total number of UK companies each MMC business contributes the equivalent of 200 SMEs to the economy;
• every year they contribute £1.3 trillion of turnover and £420 billion of Gross Value Added (GVA) to the economy, nearly one third of all companies;
• with the correct support, MMCs could contribute an additional £115bn to turnover and £35bn of GVA by 2030. For areas outside of London and the South East, the growth potential could be up to £70bn and £24bn for turnover and GVA respectively, and
• employ 7.3 million Britons – 26% of the total and are essential employers across the UK’s regions.

Supporting the UK’s regions MMCs are crucial to regional economies, often employing a large proportion of their local community. As well as employing 24% of the East Midlands’ workforce, they contribute significantly to employment in the West Midlands (26%), North East England (23%), Yorkshire and the Humber (27%) and Scotland (27%). In aggregate they employ more than 1.2 million more individuals than large non-financial corporates. MMCs are also present across all sectors, with 20-30% share of turnover in most industries. MMCs form a higher proportion of the education sector, including many universities and private schools, and the property sector, while being less present in retail and agriculture. Unlocking MMCs growth potential Through consultation with over 2,000 of these businesses, the report has identified five challenges mid-market businesses need support to overcome from government, financial institutions and partners to unlock growth. If these challenges are addressed, it is estimated that the mid-market segment could benefit from an uplift in turnover of £115bn, adding an additional £35bn of gross value add (GVA) to the economy by 2030. For areas outside of London and the South East, the growth potential could be up to £70bn in turnover and £24bn in gross value add. The top 5 challenges are:

1. Insufficient access to skills – MMCs struggle to fill vacancies at every level (specialist and entry level) and the problem is getting worse;
2. Infrastructure and planning restrictions – MMCs are typically more regionally based, limitations in regional infrastructure (e.g., housing, rail/bus links, grid connectivity, broadband) disproportionally affects this segment. Compounded by problems with the planning system;
3. Complexity growing faster than their capacity – the level of complexity can exponentially increase as they establish new business lines, enter new markets or breach thresholds for regulation or red tape;
4. Lack of self-identity and collective profile – MMCs do not self identify as a distinct segment (unlike the German Mittelstand), and therefore cannot collectively advocate for additional support and policies which would enable growth;
5. Lack of data and transparency – this segment loses in terms of policy support and other targeted measures as the lack of data means it is difficult for public and private sector stakeholders to understand the importance of the MMC segment to the economy and define policy and other targeted measures to support growth and productivity.

Supporting MMCs to drive economic growth In response to these issues and to provide a unified voice to this critical segment, the bank with the support of the Department of Business and Trade has announced a plan to create a new UK Mid-Market Council, with members representing the primary sectors from across the business sphere. The first bodies to be announced as members include the British Chamber of Commerce, Confederation of British Industry, Make UK, and XYZ, with NatWest Group chair/CEO set to chair the council. NatWest will launch the Mid-Market Growth tracker in January, in collaboration with S&P Global. Thought to be the first of its kind, the tracker will provide a quarterly view of sentiment across the UK mid-market, giving an ongoing view of this sector’s sentiment and growth prospects in every corner of the UK. The bank is also announcing a partnership with the UK Export Academy, with the aim to help educate and encourage businesses to begin exporting to EU and International markets. NatWest’s report cited knowledge, networks and compliance as major barriers for mid-market businesses who want to commence trading internationally; this partnership will aim to break down these barriers and provide mid-market businesses with the confidence and expertise to expand their business into foreign markets. Lisa Phillips, Regional Managing Director of Commercial Mid-Market Midlands at NatWest, said: “Without question mid-market businesses play a pivotal role in the East Midlands economy, employing nearly a third of the workforce. And with the right support and investment, they have the potential and capabilities to have an even greater impact on the region. We look forward to working with our regional partners on developing ways to better support these vital businesses.” Jonathan Reynolds, Business Secretary, said: “I welcome this report, which describes the vital role that mid-market corporates can play in driving economic growth. As these businesses scale up, they can become tomorrow’s blue-chip quoted companies with global scale and reach. I look forward to working with NatWest and the new Council to ensure that the potential of mid-market corporates is fully realised.”