Full steam ahead for rail innovation centre

Tess Egginton
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Full steam ahead for rail innovation centre
Planning permission has been granted for the Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) – a modern rail innovation and training centre set to be located next to the historic Barrow Hill Roundhouse. The new centre will provide workshop and classroom space to support specialist rail industry training, research and development facilities, and commercial space for rail-related businesses – bolstering Chesterfield’s ambitions to be a leading destination for the rail sector. Estimated build costs for the centre stand at around £4 million, with funding provided through the Staveley Town Deal. Development of the centre is being delivered by Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society, Chesterfield Borough Council and New Rail (part of Newcastle University). Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “It’s fantastic that our plans for DRIIVe have now been approved – the centre offers the opportunity to drive growth in the rail sector and help our residents access high-quality jobs. “The development of DRIIVe is part of our Skills Action Plan that aims to help everyone benefit from economic growth but it also contributes of the ambitions of the Staveley Town Deal in ensuring that the town is a place where people can ‘Start, Stay and Grow’.” Mervyn Allcock, general manager at Barrow Hill Roundhouse, said: “Getting approval for these plans has been a long journey but will help establish Barrow Hill as the home of the rail industry and ensure we can continue to preserve our local rail heritage. I look forward to finalising the plans and making a start on site.” DRIIVe will include classroom and workshop training areas, specialist research and development facilities including a digital laboratory, and commercial offices. The centre will support a network of specialist training providers – offering rail-related education from level two through to postgraduate training and research. Becoming a prominent location for rail technology, DRIIVe will also serve as a base for rail-related supply chain businesses which will have access to the very latest research and innovation. DRIIVe will create around 20 full time jobs and by year five it aims to support around 270 trainees, supporting local people to access highly skilled careers in the rail industry. Mark Robinson, Professor of Rail Systems Engineering and Director of New Rail, said: “Newcastle University and Barrow Hill realised that there was a current and growing need for a railway research and innovation centre that specialised in rail freight. “DRIIVe is the ideal one-stop solution providing purpose-built spaces for rail research and development activities and a broad base of rail related training. Ideally placed within the rail industry, DRIIVe will be a focus for rail freight innovation providing test equipment and facilities for engineers, the supply industry and associated commercial space for rail related businesses.” Funding for the project is mostly being provided through the Staveley Town Deal – the Staveley area was one of 101 towns across England invited to make a bid to the Government’s Towns Fund and received £25.2 million. As well as DRIIVe, the funding is being used to support ten projects in the area that aim to ensure the town is a place where people can ‘Start, Stay and Grow’. Ivan Fomin, chair of the Staveley Town Deal, said: “This is a huge step for DRIIVe and for the Staveley Town Deal – seeing projects move through the planning process brings us closer to getting started on site and delivering the benefits of these projects for the residents of Staveley. I look forward to seeing DRIIVe develop further and meeting the residents and businesses who will benefit from the completed development.” Early development and design costs were funded through the Staveley Town Deal Accelerator Fund.

PKF Smith Cooper Systems wins prestigious Sage award

Tess Egginton
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PKF Smith Cooper Systems wins prestigious Sage award
Derby-based Sage Business Partner, PKF Smith Cooper Systems, has been named Sage’s Customer Success Partner of the Year at Sage’s annual conference in Telford. The award covers all Sage products, and recognises achievements in new client acquisition, retention, and customer service. Furthermore, the company received nominations for both Overall Partner of the Year and UK BMS Partner of the Year, showcasing its status as a high performer across these markets. It joins the company’s previous plaudits – they have been the Midlands’ Sage 200 Partner of the Year for the last six years, and a Top 3 Sage Partner in the UK. Chris Smith, PKF Smith Cooper Systems’ Managing Director, accepted the award alongside colleagues from Client Services, Account Management and Marketing: “Customer Success can be a bit of a buzz phrase in the software world, but what it recognises in simple terms is excellence, not only in terms of new business acquisition, but also regarding customer retention, customer development, and general support. “In short, it basically says that in terms of end-to-end overall customer service for Sage 200 and Sage Intacct, in Sage FY23, the biggest software company in England decided we were the best partner they had! I could not be prouder of our amazing team. It is no exaggeration to say that every single person in our company contributed to this achievement and we look forward to pushing on again in FY24.” Sage’s Paul O’Riordan, VP Partner Sales & Strategy Northern Europe, said: “The UKI Customer Success Award is now in its second year and highlights our focus in growing ARR and increasing the lifetime value of our customers. “The FY23 winner is Smith Cooper who have a relentless focus on nurturing their existing customer base resulting in a high rate of retention, excellent cross and upsell, and outstanding new business performance. Their NPS scores were consistently high, and they capped off a great year by being the first partner to sell SDMO (Sage Distribution & Manufacturing Operations) in UKI.”

2024 Business Predictions: Elizabeth Wright, Admin and More

Tess Egginton
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2024 Business Predictions: Elizabeth Wright, Admin and More
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 Elizabeth Wright of Admin and More, the provider of virtual PA support for businesses across the UK. Focusing her thoughts on the Access to Work programme, Elizabeth says that whilst the programme is a fantastic resource, delays in the system must be fixed soon if employer confidence is to remain. The government’s Access to Work scheme is a fantastic initiative, especially when you consider that from July to September 2022, the disability employment rate fell, whilst the non-disabled employment rate rose, meanwhile a November 2023 report by the TUC highlighted a shocking ‘pay gap’. Access to Work is a huge part of redressing this situation, helping disabled employees into the workplace and helping their employers with access to funding and support. The problem is, the system is struggling to keep up and sadly, many employers are beginning to feel the pinch as payments are being delayed. They often do not have the skillset, let alone the time or resources to process these claims if they do not have external support from companies like ourselves and other skilled partners. We are at a crucial crossroads here in terms of balancing supply and demand which needs urgently looking at. The demand is sky-high. We have never been busier within our Access To Work division in terms of processing claims and payments on employers and employees’ behalf but we are hearing lots of suppliers and employers are losing faith. It can create a real cashflow crisis when the funds are delayed because the employees still need to be paid, whatever the delays in the system. I fear that if this continues, employers may lose confidence in Access to Work which would be a crying shame because the difference it can make is genuinely life-changing for so many people. Here’s hoping these delays can be sorted because this is a scheme that can really make a difference for everyone.

East Midlands businesses begin 2024 with growth in confidence

Tess Egginton
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East Midlands businesses begin 2024 with growth in confidence

Business confidence in the East Midlands rose four points during January to 38%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.

While firms in the region reported lower confidence in their own trading prospects month-on-month, down 12 points to 39% in January, their optimism in the wider economy climbed 20 points to 37%. Taken together, this gives a headline confidence reading of 38%.

East Midlands businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their products and services (42%), investing in their team (39%), and introducing new technology (27%).

A net balance of 26% of businesses in the region also expect to increase staff levels over the next year, down 14 points on last month.

The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.

National picture

Overall, UK business confidence rose nine points in January to 44% – its highest level since February 2022 and its strongest start to a year since 2016. Firms’ outlook on the overall UK economy rose ten points from 27% to 37%, while businesses’ optimism in their own trading prospects also climbed three points month-on-month to 51%.

Companies’ hiring intentions increased marginally, with 33% of firms intending to increase staff levels over the next 12 months, up four points on the month before.

London and the North East were the joint most confident parts of the UK in January – each posting a headline confidence of 62% – followed by the West Midlands (56%) and Yorkshire & the Humber (44%).

The East of England (38% in January vs. 45% December) and Northern Ireland (29% vs. 36%) were the only two regions to reporting declining levels of confidence. The majority of the data was collected before the December ONS inflation data was announced on January 17th.

Sector insights

Three of the four sectors tracked in the Barometer reported rises in confidence. The most significant increase was in services which accelerated 15 points to 45%, up from December’s 16 point drop. Manufacturing confidence also increased to 49%, while construction rose eight points to a 10-month high of 45%.

There was a more mixed picture in retail however, dipping three points to 41% with anecdotal evidence of weaker footfall and sales in December as shoppers hit the streets earlier than usual in November. Nevertheless, some companies still reported stronger sales over the festive period.

Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “It’s encouraging to see East Midlands business start the year on a confident footing after a challenging 12 months for businesses in the region and across the UK.

“While hiring intentions have dipped, more than third of businesses are planning to invest in their teams over the next six months. By putting short-term plans in place like this, they are setting themselves up for long-term success as economic conditions improve.

“We know we’re not out of the woods in terms of wider geopolitical challenges, but by playing close attending to areas like working capital, firms can bolster their resilience against future headwinds. We’ll continue to be by the side of firms as we help them move forward in the strongest position possible.”

Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Businesses are feeling more confident following the cautious end to 2023, with this being the strongest start to a year since January 2016. The reduction in inflation, albeit with the recent uptick, and the belief that interest rates may have peaked is likely driving the rise in confidence among firms.

“With ongoing geopolitical issues and a general election on the horizon, businesses will have factored these into their risk radars and will be working to prepare for any potential impacts on their trading prospects.

“Also, half of all companies say they’re planning to increase headcount in the coming year. Despite that and the changes to minimum wage that will come into force in April, expectations for staff pay fell back following last month’s increase.”

Chesterfield firms to find out more about East Midlands devolution plans

Tess Egginton
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Chesterfield firms to find out more about East Midlands devolution plans

Organisations in Chesterfield are invited to hear from the first mayoral candidates in the running for the new East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

The EMCCA will bring forward £1.14 billion of investment for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby City and Nottingham City over the next 30 years, unlocking economic growth and jobs, as well as significant funding and devolved powers for transport, skills and adult education, housing, the environment, and economic development.

Ahead of the mayoral election, which is set to take place on Thursday, 2 May 2024, businesses will have the chance to pose questions to Conservative candidate Ben Bradley, Labour’s Claire Ward, and Independent Matthew Relf at the Celebrate Chesterfield Business Conference taking place this March.

In a conversation chaired by Chris Hobson, Director of Policy and Insight at East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Leicestershire), candidates will outline their plans to boost our region’s economic growth, establish new relationships and broaden the pipeline for inward investment. Audience members will also get the chance to pose questions to candidates during the discussion.

Now in its thirteenth year, Celebrate Chesterfield, which is organised by Destination Chesterfield and in association with System Q, has become a key date in the town’s events calendar, attracting more than 250 delegates each year.

In 2024, the event will highlight the big impact that small innovations have on the town’s economic growth, focusing on investment, regeneration, and entrepreneurial successes.

Delegates will also hear about the new Destination Chesterfield plan, which outlines partnership activities to further raise the profile of the town as a destination to invest, work, live and visit.

Peter Swallow, Destination Chesterfield Chair, said: “We are very excited to be hosting mayoral candidates at the Celebrate Chesterfield Business Conference, and finding out more about their ambitions for the region. Our town has major plans for regeneration over the coming years, and our businesses are hopeful that the extra funding will provide a welcome boost by attracting further investment to Chesterfield.

“At our Chesterfield Champions event in January, we heard about some of the regeneration projects that could be supported by the EMCCA. We heard how the East Midlands Investment Zone will focus on advanced manufacturing and green industries, expected to support the creation of £383 million of private investment and help to create 4,200 jobs regionally. We also heard how funding is set to increase each year until 2026/2027.

“I would also encourage the business community to come along to find out how Destination Chesterfield plans to further collaborate with partners and businesses in the future, to continue supporting economic growth and regeneration across the borough.”

Major student scheme planned for historic Nottingham site

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Major student scheme planned for historic Nottingham site
Plans for a new Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Nottingham have been submitted to the city council, offering almost 600 bedspaces. The seven storey development is set for Norton Street and the buildings proposed would redevelop a socially historical site in Nottingham, being the former original site of John Player & Sons.
Currently a redundant car park, the plans involve 116 apartments, to provide 587 bedspaces, with ancillary communal facilities and landscaping. The proposals for the former industrial site include the creation of a ‘green heart’ for the entire surrounding campus estate.

Project manager and cost consultant makes acquisition

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Project manager and cost consultant makes acquisition
Pulse Consult, which has offices in Nottingham and Leicester, has acquired Tandem Projects as part of its growth strategy to further strengthen its offering to the West Midlands and the South West. Tandem, established in 2012 and based in Warwickshire, offers project management and surveying services. The whole Tandem team has been retained. Graham Black, Tandem director, has joined the Pulse board. Pulse’s MD, Ian Carey, said: “Having witnessed first-hand how the Tandem team collaborate with each other and their clients, it’s clear that we share the same ethos. “Not only does their offering complement our own but, more importantly, our values are aligned too. We’re delighted to welcome Graham and his team to Pulse where, together, we’ll be able to offer even more opportunities for our clients and people.” Graham Black said: “It’s people that define a business and build projects – by listening, collaborating and supporting each other to get the job done. So when we were considering what next for Tandem, we were always going to have the best interests of our team and clients at the heart of our decision making. “We’re excited to become part of the Pulse journey and strengthen its existing team so we can deliver even more value for our clients and people.”

Brewery teams up with dog charity for special partnership

Stuart Pearcey
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Brewery teams up with dog charity for special partnership
A clever partnership between Derby’s Brunswick Brewery and the Seeing Dogs Alliance has raised £1,000 for the charity – and given the brewers the chance to name its next puppy. The scheme was hatched up over a chat in The Brunswick between Liam Flynn Chairman of The Seeing Dogs Alliance, and the brewery’s Head Brewer James Salmon. Brunswick Brewery created a special beer to raise funds for the Seeing Dogs Alliance. The limited-edition Double Vision Ale debuted at the Brunswick Beer Festival, and went on to sell out across several Everard pubs in the East Midlands. Following its popularity, a second batch was created, totalling to over 92 barrels and 6,256 pints being enjoyed across pubs in the East Midlands. The job of naming the next Seeing Dogs puppy will be given to staff of the brewery’s flagship pub, The Brunwick, who donated some of their own tips to the charity. Liam Flynn, Chairman of Seeing Dogs Alliance, said: “That first conversation with James was a lightbulb moment for us. It’s an awesome example of how partnering with local businesses can really make a positive impact on our fundraising. “We are a small charity that wants to be able to train more Seeing dogs and get them into Service.  The impact of Covid on the training of enough dogs to support the needs of people like me, living and working independently and positively with the support of a dog, has been monumental. There is a huge gap, and we are committed to helping, but need more funds to support this work. “We can’t thank Brunswick Brewery and all their teams in the pubs that support our fundraising efforts enough.  If there are other business looking for a charity to support that really makes an impact at a local level, please get in touch with us.” James Salmon added: “Working with Liam and his team of trustees is always a pleasure, they bring laughter and great conversations into our pub whenever they meet and support SDA’s work is the least we can do to provide an opportunity for our clients and pub teams to support great people. “The Seeing Dogs Alliance is a worthy national charity working at a local level and we are delighted to help them.  We are looking forward to choosing the name of our puppy in due course.”

Developers of Hinckley’s Big Pit served community protection warning letter over muddy road

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Developers of Hinckley’s Big Pit served community protection warning letter over muddy road
The developers of Hinckley’s Big Pit have been served a community protection warning letter to require that all mud is cleared from the road surrounding the Ashby Road building site.
After an appeal, the Secretary of State gave permission for 60 homes to be built on the site in January 2019. Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council had previously refused planning permission over concerns about access to the site and fears the area would be prone to flooding. With work now underway, there has been a significant amount of mud on the road outside the site. As a result, the council’s planning enforcement team has issued a community protection warning letter to the developer requiring them to ensure that the wheel-washing facilities they have in place are operated effectively in order to keep the area clear of mud. The warning also requires the developer to ensure road sweepers are used regularly and particularly when earth is being moved around the site and it instructs the developer to create a hard surfaced area for contractors’ vehicles and site visitors to further limit transfer of mud to the road. Executive Member for Community Safety and local ward councillor, Michael Mullaney said: “Ashby Road is in an unacceptable state around the site with mud over the road making it dangerous for drivers and pedestrians. This cannot continue. “While the contractors have wheel washing in place, it has not been effective at preventing this mess and it’s clear that further work needs to be done to minimise the significant harm being experienced by residents who are entitled to the reasonable enjoyment of their home, despite them being close to a construction site. “The council calls on the contractor to co-operate with the council to manage the impact of its construction site on the local community and mobilise its resources to keep the local roads clear of mud and debris that is coming from the site.” Should the situation not improve then the council can serve a Community Protection Notice (CPN). Non-compliance with a CPN carries criminal sanctions and can lead to a criminal record. Any company that fails to comply with a CPN can face seizure and forfeiture of items, default works and recovery of costs and/or a fine of up to £2,500 in relation to an individual or up to £20,000 in the case of a body. Leicestershire County Council, as the Highway Authority, have also been made aware of concerns.

Microlise hails “good trading” in 2023 as revenue rises

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Microlise hails “good trading” in 2023 as revenue rises

Microlise Group, a Nottingham-based provider of transport management software to fleet operators, experienced “good trading” in 2023 with results expected to be ahead of market expectations.

According to an unaudited trading update for the year ending 31 December 2023, revenue is anticipated to increase by 13% to £71.7m, up from £63.2m in 2022, with adjusted EBITDA growth of 14%, slightly ahead of market expectations.

The Group added 450 new customers during the year with key customer wins including McCulla, BCA/ECM, LF&E and two significant customer wins in Australia. Microlise also extended its relationships with numerous existing customers including Tesco, Culina and Bidfood. Microlise announced two acquisitions in 2023 for a total maximum consideration of £10.6m. This included the acquisition of Vita Software, which completed in March 2023, and Enterprise Software Systems (ESS), which completed in January 2024. A third acquisition of K-Safe completed in December 2023, with the announcement in January 2024. Microlise expects to deliver strong revenue growth in FY24, driven by further organic growth and recent M&A.

Nadeem Raza, CEO, Microlise, said: “Trading momentum improved in the second half supported by an increase in delivery to direct customers towards the end of the period and strong uptake from OEM customers. This continues to drive double digit growth in ARR, an increasing base of recurring revenues and good cashflows.

“The three acquisitions made during the period have resulted in an improved and expanded offering which is already having a positive effect on trading momentum and pipeline. This, together with the resolution of the microchip supply crisis, gives us confidence in the Group’s continued success.”

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