Forvis Mazars, a global professional services network, has appointed Mitesh Thakrar as an audit partner in the East Midlands.
Following the recent launch of Forvis Mazars, the newest top 10 global professional services network, Mitesh joins the firm at a period of great opportunity in the East Midlands. He will also be joining an expanding local partnership team following the appointments of Andy Hickson, Claire Cowen and Mark Surridge last September.
In his new role Mitesh, who has spent his entire career in the East Midlands and specialises in working with privately owned businesses, will be responsible for further strengthening the audit practice and supporting the firm as it continues to grow its client base in the region.
Mitesh joins Forvis Mazars following a strong financial reporting period in the East Midlands. This has seen the team expand by 10% over the last year and income rise to in excess of £40m across the region. Mitesh joins the firm from Azets, where he was a partner and regional head of audit (East Midlands).
Steve English, office managing partner for Forvis Mazars across the East Midlands, said: “Mitesh brings over a decade’s experience of working in audit and serving clients across the East Midlands.
“His insights into the local market will be invaluable as we look to continue to grow our presence and offering in the region. Mitesh’s dedication to his clients and to audit quality mean he will be a fantastic addition to the team and we look forward to welcoming him.”
Activewear retailer, Lucy Locket Loves has entered voluntary liquidation, owing just under £900,000.
It follows supply chain issues, warehouse floods that caused downtime and lost stock, rising import costs that impacted margins, and the cost of living crisis hitting revenue.
The Dronfield-based business was also affected by a change from monthly to quarterly rent payments for its warehouse, which it was unable to meet.
Founder Lucy Arnold said: “Firstly, I want to apologise to everyone impacted by this, especially our customers and the LLL Team. Despite everyone’s hard work, the challenges of the past 18 months were overwhelming, leading us to enter voluntary liquidation on May 28, 2024.
“Supply chain issues, warehouse floods that caused downtime and lost stock, rising import costs that slashed our margins, and the ongoing cost of living crisis hit our revenue hard and disrupted our operations. These essentially made our traditional business model obsolete.
“In December 2023, we managed to negotiate monthly rent payments for our warehouse, but by May 2024, the owners insisted on reverting to full quarterly payments, which we couldn’t meet. This led to their abrupt decision to take control of our warehouse on May 10th with no notice, disrupting our operations and leaving us without working capital.
“Facing no operational ability and mounting financial obligations, we made the difficult decision to enter voluntary liquidation.
“This has been incredibly distressing, particularly for our team, who were reluctantly made redundant. We deeply regret the impact on our staff and their families and I can never say sorry enough for how abruptly this happened. This has personally been the most upsetting part of this process.”
The business aims to relaunch the Locket Loves website in Summer with a new look, operational hub, and new leggings designs.
In 2020, Arnold was included in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list.
Swedish multinational power company Vattenfall has put Derby-based Rolls-Royce SMR on a shortlist of just two companies competing to potentially deploy a fleet of small modular reactors in Sweden.
This selection follows a thorough assessment process in which Rolls-Royce SMR had the opportunity to present a fundamentally different approach to building nuclear projects and a modularisation strategy focused on risk reduction to Vattenfall, an experienced and technically respected energy utility.
Rolls-Royce SMR CEO Chris Cholerton said: “Success in reaching the final two, in such a fiercely competitive process, reflects the benefits of our integrated power station design, our approach to modularisation and our use of proven nuclear technology.
“Rolls-Royce SMR is the fastest and most affordable way of bringing new nuclear power online and we are excited to work with utilities and industrial customers around the globe, to unlock sustainable sources of low-cost, low-carbon electricity for decades to come.”
Vattenfall’s focus will be deployment at the Ringhals nuclear site with a project that, at the earliest, is operational in the first half of the 2030s, with assessments for SMR and large-scale reactors ongoing.
Sweden has said it needs an additional 100-250 TWh of electricity production over the next 25 years and Vattenfall is poised to play a critical role in the country’s energy transition, including integrating new nuclear capacity into the energy mix.
Rolls-Royce SMR is on track to complete Step 2 and immediately enter Step 3 of the Generic Design Assessment by the UK nuclear industry’s independent regulators this summer. This will be the most important regulatory milestone to date – confirming Rolls-Royce SMR’s first mover advantage as the leading technology in Europe.
Ensuring workplace safety is crucial for any organisation. By prioritising safety, companies can protect their employees and create a productive environment. In this article, we’ll explore effective strategies to enhance workplace safety.
Conduct Regular Risk Assessments
Regular risk assessments are essential to identify potential hazards. By systematically evaluating the workplace, employers can pinpoint areas that may pose risks to employees. This process helps in developing strategies to mitigate these hazards.
Conducting thorough risk assessments involves inspecting machinery, checking for electrical faults, and ensuring that emergency exits are accessible. It’s also important to review these assessments periodically, especially after any significant changes in the workplace. This proactive approach can prevent accidents and ensure a safer working environment.
Provide Comprehensive Training
Proper training is vital for workplace safety. Employees should be well-informed about safety protocols and how to handle emergencies. Training programs should cover various aspects, from operating machinery safely to emergency evacuation procedures.
One effective training method is first aid training. Offering first aid training in Nottingham through reputable services can equip employees with life-saving skills. Companies like Safe Haven Training provide comprehensive first aid courses that are essential for workplace safety. This type of training not only prepares employees for emergencies but also fosters a culture of safety within the organisation.
Implement Safety Protocols
Having clear safety protocols in place is crucial. These protocols should be documented and easily accessible to all employees. They should cover a range of scenarios, including fire safety, handling hazardous materials, and using personal protective equipment (PPE).
Safety protocols should be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect current best practices. Employees should be encouraged to familiarise themselves with these protocols and adhere to them strictly. This ensures that everyone knows how to act in an emergency, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Promote a Safety Culture
Creating a safety culture is about more than just policies and procedures. It involves fostering an environment where safety is a shared responsibility. Management should lead by example, demonstrating a commitment to safety in all their actions.
Encouraging open communication about safety concerns is also important. Employees should feel comfortable reporting hazards or unsafe practices without fear of repercussions. Regular safety meetings and feedback sessions can help in addressing any issues promptly. A strong safety culture ensures that everyone in the organisation is actively engaged in maintaining a safe workplace.
Maintain Equipment Regularly
Regular maintenance of equipment is critical for ensuring workplace safety. Faulty machinery or tools can cause serious accidents and injuries. Therefore, it’s essential to have a routine maintenance schedule in place.
Maintenance should include regular inspections, servicing, and prompt repairs of any damaged equipment. Keeping detailed records of maintenance activities can help in tracking the condition of machinery and identifying patterns that may indicate potential issues. Well-maintained equipment not only ensures safety but also improves efficiency and productivity.
Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is vital for protecting employees from hazards. Depending on the nature of the job, PPE might include items such as helmets, gloves, goggles, and high-visibility clothing. Employers should provide the necessary PPE and ensure that employees are trained in its proper use.
It’s important to regularly check PPE for any signs of wear and tear and replace it when necessary. Proper storage of PPE can also extend its lifespan. By prioritising the use of PPE, employers can significantly reduce the risk of workplace injuries.
PIB Risk Management and PIB Insurance Brokers come together in new offices in Chesterfield for the company, which already has bases in Derby, Leicester, and Lincoln.
The company says the expansion not only underscores its commitment to growth, but also reflects dedication to fostering professional development through the latest training facilities.
Rob Armitage, Business Development Director, PIB Risk Management, said: “We are looking forward to the positive impact that the Chesterfield branch will have on our operations and the local community. The blend of sales expertise and training excellence housed under one roof represents a significant step forward in our journey of growth and innovation.
“The new branch is a testament to our company’s vision of creating dynamic spaces that blend functionality with innovation. Equipped with advanced technology and modern amenities, the Chesterfield location is set to become a pivotal sales hub, driving business growth and customer engagement in the region.
“Moreover, the facility features dedicated training rooms, tailored to provide comprehensive training programmes for our colleagues and the businesses we support. Our external training schedule includes a wide range of accredited and non-accredited courses, tailored to our clients’ requirements.
“The opening of the Chesterfield branch is part of a broader strategy to expand our footprint in the region. By establishing a strong presence in the Midlands, we are better positioned to meet the needs of our clients and support the local economy. This expansion not only brings new job opportunities to the area but also strengthens our ties with the community.
Motorpoint Group, the independent omnichannel vehicle retailer, has called the past financial year the most difficult in its history, due to multiple negative headwinds in the macro environment.
It came as the firm announced its final results for the year ended 31 March 2024 (FY24), in which revenue decreased by 24.6% to just under £1.1bn.
Meanwhile the business posted an underlying loss before tax of £8.2m and a reported loss before tax of £10.4m, both widening from £0.3m in the year prior.
Mark Carpenter, Chief Executive Officer of Motorpoint Group PLC, said:“The past financial year was the most difficult in our history, with multiple negative headwinds in the macro environment such as rising borrowing costs and subdued customer demand, coupled with industry specific issues such as lower inventory and deflation.
“The resilience of our cash generation evidences the strength of our business model and we now look forward to continuing our journey of profitable growth as the improving trends of Q4 have continued into Q1.
“Following the rightsizing exercise of FY24, we now have a lean, technology-enabled business. I am very confident in our ability to scale profitability and cash generation as the market improves, which will allow us to invest further in growth.”
The company noted a positive start to FY25, with April and May both profitable.
Planning has been granted for the refurbishment and upgrade of the Sutton Community Theatre, which will be rebranded as ‘Cornerstone’ upon re-opening and designed by Nottingham-headquartered CPMG Architects.
The Cornerstone project aims to transform the existing theatre into a vibrant multifunctional entertainment space, catering to a wide range of events including professional theatre performances, cinematic experiences, music and comedy nights, academy concerts, and various community uses.
The upgrades come at a crucial time as the existing facilities age and face issues including a failing heating system, outdated lighting, inoperable microphone systems and inadequate changing rooms. The scope of works will largely be internal, providing complete renovation, refurbishment and reconfiguration to optimise the functionality of the theatre through enhanced facilities.
This includes the creation of a new theatre foyer, refurbishment of the auditorium, upgrades to the stage area, provision of new dressing rooms and backstage facilities, and installation of modern lighting and audio-visual systems.
Steve Milan, associate at CPMG Architects, said: “This represents a significant step forward in the efforts to bring the vision of Cornerstone to life, and providing the community with a space that is truly fit-for-purpose and something all can take pride in. The approval underscores our commitment to delivering architectural solutions that not only meet the functional needs of our clients but also enrich the fabric of the communities they serve.
“While the entrance to the theatre will remain unchanged from a practical perspective, a new foyer will be created at the front of the building, relocating a number of offices to create the new space and visitor facilities. In addition to the internal upgrades, there are a number of external improvement works planned, including recolouring the fly-tower cladding and installation of signage for Cornerstone’s new branding – all designed to be visible from the surrounding streets.”
The existing auditorium space will be given a complete refurbishment, with new flooring, ceiling, acoustic wall treatments and doors. A new retractable seating installation will provide 168 tiered seats, and specialist lighting will be installed throughout, to cater for a range of events. Meanwhile, a newly-constructed balcony will provide a further 24 seats and space for wheelchair users.
Backstage, existing areas will be completely stripped out to reconfigure the space to suit modern requirements. This will see replacement of narrow staircases, and two new dressing rooms, performance green room and shower facilities to the upper ground floor. On the first floor, a further two dressing rooms will be created along with a laundry room, theatre workshop and housing for amplifier and lighting dimmer equipment.
A key focus of the refurbishment is sustainability and energy efficiency. A comprehensive strategy has been developed to ensure that all upgrades meet the highest standards of efficiency and minimise carbon footprints, while working within any constraints. This includes the integration of passive design measures, efficient engineering approaches and the use of natural daylighting where appropriate, and heat recovery systems.
John Bennet, executive director of place at Ashfield District council, said: “This project will help us achieve our goals of creating a vibrant and safe night-time economy in Ashfield. As the new Planetarium will connect young people to space and raise their aspirations, Cornerstone Theatre will ignite their creativity and imagination.
“We are so proud to be investing in arts and culture, to allow more people of all backgrounds, young and old, in Ashfield and beyond to experience the magic of cinema, live theatre and music in an easy to access place.
“All our regeneration projects, funded through over £100million external investment, have the common aim – to create an Ashfield that is a great place to live, work, play, study and visit.”
The Sutton Community Theatre project is one of those under Ashfield District Council’s Future High Streets funding programme through the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), aiming to raise perceptions of the town and to contribute towards a vibrant and safe night-time economy in Sutton.
Stage Right Theatre Consultancy has been appointed to specify the theatre lighting and audio-visual systems.
Providing a key opportunity to shout about businesses’ achievements in the property and construction industry, submit your nominations for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 NOW – ahead of entries closing on Thursday 5th September.
The prestigious annual event recognises development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes, schools and public spaces. We also highlight the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes.
The awards attract leaders from throughout the East Midlands and are the perfect way for businesses to promote themselves and those they work with. Indeed winning one of these awards will add considerably to a company’s or individual’s brand and enhance their commercial reach significantly.
Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 3rd October,at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening of celebration and networking with property and construction professionals from across the region.
To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, with the winner, and recipient of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, selected from those nominated for the event’s other awards)
Nominations end Thursday 5th September
Following the 2023 event, Ben Dawson, business development manager at Blueprint Interiors, said: “I was very impressed with the calibre of award finalists and being able to network with so many other industry professionals.”
Winners and sponsors at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023Tickets can now be booked for the 2024 awards event, click here to secure yours.
Taking place in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground on Thursday 3rd October, from 4:30pm – 7:30pm, connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region.
Dress code is standard business attire.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Hospitality and retail across the East Midlands are likely to benefit financially from UEFA Euro 2024, East Midlands Chamber has said.
Head of Special Projects Richard Blackmore said: “Our nation’s favourite sport always packs out the pubs across the East Midlands, increasing spending and for our region’s hospitality sector, having faced the burden of high costs for far too long, that’s something to welcome with open arms.
“It’s not just pubs and bars that will see more cash in the till; with busier streets, shops should see a lift in takings too. The feelgood factor behind backing our national team brings people together, buying merchandise and team shirts, all helping swell the economy.
“Wherever people watch UEFA Euro 2024, one thing’s sure; we’ve got four nail-biting weeks ahead and I’m wishing the England team the very best in bringing the trophy home.”
Everards of Leicestershire Joint Managing Director Andy Wilson said: “Major sporting events are a great opportunity for our pub business owners as we all know it’s better to watch the game at your local!
“There’s nothing like the atmosphere and having great food and drink on tap. A huge number of pubs will be showing the games and the British Beer & Pub Association estimate that an extra 300m pints will be sold during the Euros. We look forward to a busy sporting Summer with both the Euros and the Olympics!”
Castle Rock Brewery Managing Director Colin Wilde said: “We’re excited to celebrate the Euros alongside the rest of the nation this year and around half of our pubs will be showing the matches. We’re even bringing back a fan favourite beer, Brian Clough, in honour of ‘the best manager England never had!’
“Past World Cups and Euros have always created an incredible atmosphere, drawing people together and showcasing pubs at their best. We anticipate another fantastic event this year and hope England go all the way!”
Six Derbyshire businesses are amongst the first to pledge support for a new fundraising initiative launched by East Midlands charity, Star Trust – The Charitable Entrepreneurs.
Derby entrepreneur Kavita Oberoi OBE, who is a patron of the Star Trust, launched the monthly pledge scheme at a Marketing Derby event at Darleys Restaurant recently alongside the charity’s founder Steve Hampson.
They invited the local business community to pledge a monthly amount from £50 upwards which will be ring-fenced and then donated to SME charities from the county who apply for much-needed funding to improve the lives of people in their local communities.
The first to join the scheme were Darleys restaurant, Ask The Chameleon, Cosy Direct, Q Branch Consulting, WDS Limited and Worcester Lloyd.
Kavita Oberoi, who is the founder and managing director of the Oberoi Business Hub in Pride Park, said: “Star Trust has traditionally raised over £100,000 from their Star Trust ball and Motoring Day each year which is then deployed within weeks to charities that have applied.
“When I joined as a patron, I was keen that we look at ways to generate funds throughout the year so that charities can benefit from our support when and where they most need it.
“I knew from experience that the Derby business community would get behind such a worthwhile cause and, as ever, the Marketing Derby bondholders have stepped up to the plate.
“Their monthly pledges will be ring fenced to Derbyshire and will be donated to local charities who make the greatest impact on our local communities.”
The Star Trust is run by charitable entrepreneurs and business leaders who are committed to supporting their local communities across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Rutland.
Since its launch ten years ago, Star Trust has supported 114 charities with a total of £852,642 and has directly touched the lives of more than 71,732 people in the East Midlands area.
Among the Derbyshire charities recently supported are Derventio Charitable Trust which received £2,739 that paid for 155 essential food hampers for the charity’s supported housing residents in the city and county.
Star Trust founder Steve Hampson concluded: “The fantastic companies and individuals across the East Midlands who support Star Trust do so safe in their knowledge that their generosity is translated into real support for real people in the heart of our local communities.
“Our goal is to surpass the £1 million fundraising mark in 2024 and a key part of this will be growing the number of businesses who pledge on a monthly basis.
“This saves time and resources for these like-minded businesses as our role as conduit is to handle all the funding applications, site visits and due diligence process and always aim to support grassroot charities who are making a positive difference to people’s lives in their local communities.
“The application process is very straightforward so that it is accessible to even the smallest of charities and we look forward to helping more organisations in the coming year.”
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