Alstom staff to get dignity, respect, and wellbeing training
Staff at Alstom’s Derby site are to benefit from dignity, respect, and wellbeing training under and new contract with the University of Derby.
Alstom has been working with the University since January 2023 as part of the Mental Health and Productivity Pilot – a project led by the University which aims to reduce absence and employees turning up to work when they’re not well related to mental health and the stigma associated with mental health, particularly in the workplace.
The new contract will see the University’s Work Health Hub, in partnership with The Insight Centre, a leading Midlands-based provider of business and leadership coaching as a strategic collaboration, deliver a mixture of discussions, case studies, videos, and group work with the aim of enhancing mental health in the workplace.
The focus is on ensuring all staff have the same level of understanding and awareness of mental health and wellbeing, the benefits of effective communication, the wellbeing support that is available, both internally and externally, and how to access it.
Kate Wood, MHPP and Work Health Hub Project Manager at the University of Derby, said:“We are thrilled to have been awarded the Alstom consultancy project, and excited to be partnering with The Insight Centre.
“We have learned so much about Alstom’s culture and ethos over the last few months, and believe by bringing together our expertise and resources, we will be able to facilitate engaging and insightful workshops for all its staff, and continue to create a mentally healthy work environment, encouraging individuals to prioritise their own wellbeing, as well as support the wellbeing of their colleagues and employees.”
Marco Michel, MD UK&I RSC/Derby site, added: “I am delighted that Alstom has partnered with the University of Derby to deliver this important programme to our workforce.
“Dignity, respect and wellbeing are key to maintaining a positive, healthy outlook on life, so we are investing in this programme to promote positive workplace behaviours and a wellbeing culture. The programme complements the extensive range of employee wellbeing support and initiatives already in place for our 2,000-strong workforce.”
Start-up boost for East Midlands economy in vital Christmas run-up
A sharp rise in the number of companies set up in the East Midlands is a welcome boost to the local economy, with the possibility of an increase in employment rates and business growth in the vital pre-Christmas trading period.
According to the Midlands branch of R3, the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body, start-ups rose by 9.14% in the East Midlands last month, from 2,319 in September to 2,531 in October.
R3 Midlands’ figures, which are based on an analysis of data from business intelligence provider Creditsafe, also show a year-on-year rise of 12.44% in the East Midlands compared to October 2022, when start-ups numbered 2,251.
The R3 analysis also highlights a fall in the number of East Midlands companies with late payments on their books, a trend which has continued over the last six months. Insolvency-related activity in the region, which includes liquidator and administrator appointments as well as creditors’ meetings, has also decreased over the past month.
R3 Midlands chair Stephen Rome said: “It is encouraging to see positive statistics for our region, particularly as trading conditions are so challenging at present.
“With the upcoming Christmas period a crucial time for so many firms, the data indicates that there is still scope for growth in the Midlands. Advances in technology, interconnectedness and cheaper workspaces compared to London are helping to make it easier to start a new business here.
“The fall in companies with late payments is further good news for our region, however it should be noted that late payment figures remain relatively high and can pose a significant threat to a company’s health if not dealt with promptly.
“Should significant cash flow difficulties arise, it’s crucial for business owners to take professional advice as soon as possible. There is a significant amount which can be done to rescue and support local businesses, beyond traditional insolvency solutions, if help is taken early enough.”
Derby recruitment specialist celebrates new three-year deal with global rail manufacturer
Talent services company Ford & Stanley has secured a new three-year contract with train manufacturer CAF UK, further extending its successful partnership.
The agreement marks the third anniversary of the two firms’ collaboration, as the Derby-based recruitment business continues to help CAF meet its operational targets.
The contract covers all UK & Ireland temporary and permanent recruitment for CAF Rail UK Ltd & CAF Rolling Stock UK Ltd, plus a series of planned initiatives to be carried out over the agreed period. The announcement comes as recent news confirms that Great British Railways (GBR) is still on track to make its headquarters in the city, expected to create hundreds of new jobs and serve as a significant economic boost for the region.
Ford & Stanley is providing a dedicated account management team and support with key industry events and apprentice recruitment programmes, as well as pledging a number of sustainability-driven commitments, including its ‘A Tree For Every (Permanent) Placement’ initiative.
A long-term advocate of sustainability and wellbeing, Ford & Stanley Group also runs its own environmental scheme in conjunction with the Better Workdays Trust, the Better Workdays Conservation Meadow, a three-acre site in Derbyshire, dedicated to conservation, teamwork and mental fitness.
Chris Jones, director at Ford & Stanley, said: “Ford & Stanley’s unique service offerings have played a pivotal role in ensuring we continue our collaborative partnership with CAF, supplying a full site-managed service for contract and permanent placements, covering disciplines within engineering, operations, procurement, finance, business support and administration; all of which combine to help the company meet its operational targets.
“Just one of the many key aspects of our strategic relationship over the past three years has been working closely with the CAF hiring community to overcome the recruitment challenges faced due to the pandemic, the lack of suitably skilled and available candidates and legislation changes such as IR35 that has further reduced the pool of available candidates. Working together we have developed strong relationships and affirmed our role as a talent services provider that CAF can depend on and trust.”
Iain Taylor, head of human resources and support services, CAF Rail UK Ltd, said: “The partnership between our businesses continues to evolve and deepen, as time and again Ford & Stanley step up to the plate to deliver solutions which meet our evolving demands. Their recent proactivity in the sustainability initiatives show their cultural alignment to CAF as Danielle and the team continue to embed themselves within our business.”
Jenny Buck, head of HR & support services, CAF Rolling Stock UK Ltd, added: “Ford & Stanley have strategically aligned themselves with our business needs and their innovation, support and the hard work invested in developing the partnership has been very beneficial for both companies; we look forward to the relationship developing further during the next three years.”
Landowners and farmers offered free trees to plant on their land
Landowners, farmers, and other groups have until the end of November to apply for free trees to plant on their land in a scheme involving the Woodland Trust.
The scheme provides free packs of trees and hedges designed to help renew and restore existing woodland and vegetation, as well as replacing trees which have been affected by diseases such as ash dieback and encouraging more tree planting across Leicestershire.
The deadline for applying for the free tree and hedge packs has now been extended to Thursday 30 November, with successful applicants being able to collect their trees from Beaumanor Hall in Woodhouse on Wednesday 21 February 2024.
The tree packs are being made available to anyone who lives in Leicestershire with suitable areas of land to plant – including community groups, parish councils and schools, as well as landowners and farmers.
Each free tree pack includes 50 native trees – a mix of oak, wild cherry, crab apple, field maple and hazel, as well as tree guards and stakes. The hedgerow packs are made up of 250 native trees and shrubs, including a mix of hawthorn, hazel, field maple and oaks to plant at regular intervals along the hedgerow. Each hedgerow pack is enough to create a 50m-long hedge at five plants per metre.
Last year, the county council gave away around 50,000 trees from this and other similar schemes – and is hoping this year’s scheme will prove even more successful.
Councillor Blake Pain, cabinet member for the environment and the green agenda, said: “Trees play a vital role in keeping our air clean, helping to prevent flooding and providing valuable habitats for local wildlife. The free trees scheme is always hugely popular with groups, schools, and other landowners, which shows that the people of Leicestershire share our commitment to making the county a greener place to live and work.
“We have extended the deadline for applications to give more people the chance to sign up for the tree and hedge packs, and I would encourage anyone with a suitable area of land to apply to become part of this great scheme.”
Anyone who would like to apply for a free tree or hedgerow pack is asked to register by emailing lcctreepacks@woodlandtrust.org.uk
Private hire firm signs seventh-year deal with Chesterfield FC
Chesterfield private hire provider Veezu, which used to trade as City Taxis, has once again partnered with Chesterfield FC as first-team travel kit sponsors.
Its the seventh year of the partnership, but the first under the Veezu brand, with the partnership making Veezu the club’s official ride partner, ensuring fans can travel to and from home games easily and safely.
“Whilst the rebrand has been a prominent change for us at City Taxis, our ethos and passion for supporting our local community continues under the Veezu brand,” said Sacha Skinner, Regional Marketing Manager at Veezu.
“We are extremely excited to be partnering with Chesterfield FC again and to see Veezu on the training kits, in what has been a fantastic start to the 2023/24 season!”
Chief Executive John Croot said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Veezu and I would like to thank them for their support. We are confident that our strong presence and wide reach will help establish the brand in the area.”
UBS Chairman accepts title of Visiting Professor at Loughborough Business School
UBS Board Chairman Colm Kelleher, has accepted the title of Visiting Professor of Banking and Finance at Loughborough Business School.
Colm is renowned for his 30-year career with Morgan Stanley, where he served as President until 2019 overseeing both the Institutional Securities Business and Wealth Management segments of the organisation. During the global financial crisis, he held the position of CFO and Co-Head Corporate Strategy from 2007 to 2009.
He has solid leadership experience in banking with excellent relationships around the world, as well as a deep understanding of the global banking landscape and broad banking experience across all the geographic regions and major business areas in which UBS operates.
He said: “I am honoured and delighted to be appointed Visiting Professor by Loughborough Business School. I look forward to sharing my insights and experience with the students and faculty. Together we can contribute to the advancement of knowledge and practice in the field of banking and finance.”
Professor Nick Jennings, Vice-Chancellor and President of Loughborough University, said: “I am delighted that Colm has become a Visiting Professor at Loughborough University. He will bring significant acumen and insight from the sector and this will inform and inspire our staff and students.”
Professor Jan Godsell, Dean of Loughborough Business School, added: “Following the launch of our Distinguished Speaker Series in which Colm spoke about the impact banking has on a fairer and more sustainable future, I’m really pleased to now welcome him as a Visiting Professor as we progress our vision as the first-choice business school for purpose-led people and organisations.
“As a renowned leader in the financial services sector, our students and colleagues will take a great deal of insight and inspiration from Colm as they go on to shape the future of banking – balancing economic, environmental and societal needs to make the world a better place.”
Leicester-based Unique Window Systems secures business of the year title
Unique Window Systems has been crowned the Leicestershire Business of the Year by East Midlands Chamber.
The Leicester-based company, which supplies the trade, new house build and commercial markets across the UK – also won the Outstanding Growth category at the Leicestershire Business Awards.
It follows success recognition by the London Stock Exchange Group as one of the 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain for three years in a row, having built its name as a market leader, doubling its eight-figure turnover between 2020 and 2022, and growing its team from 200 to 300 people in the same period.
The Leicestershire Business Awards recognised East Midlands Chamber members across 13 categories, ranging from Excellence in Innovation and Environmental Impact at organisational level through to individual honours for Entrepreneur of the Year and Apprentice of the Year, in addition to the overall Business of the Year winner.
Finalists, chosen by a judging panel of the Chamber’s senior leadership and board of directors, as well as sponsors, discovered their fate during a gala dinner attended by 350 people at The Venue@DMU, in Leicester.
Scott Knowles, chief exec of East Midlands Chamber, said: “The winners of our Business Awards are testament to the resilience, ingenuity and hunger for growth within the Leicestershire business community, which never ceases to amaze.
“Despite some of the relentless challenges that have been thrown their way, our region’s businesses continue to find new ways of succeeding and contributing to the communities in which they are based.
“It’s always important to celebrate these achievements and shout about the great things happening right here in Leicestershire. We know it’s a fantastic place to do business and these organisations are shining examples.”
North Lincolnshire Council and British Steel join forces to develop 300-acre opportunity
Thousands of green jobs could be created in Scunthorpe as a globally renowned consultancy firm starts work on a masterplan for a 300-acre advanced manufacturing park.
It comes after British Steel unveiled plans for the biggest transformation in its history – a £1.25bn proposal to become a clean and sustainable business. British Steel’s plans have been met with concern however, due to involving the shutting down of Scunthorpe’s blast furnaces, which could see 2,000 jobs lost.
As part of the plan North Lincolnshire Council and British Steel have said they will develop up to 300-acres on surplus land at the steelworks.
Backed with Government cash, the proposal is designed to create new development opportunities for businesses to create green jobs in the wider steel and engineering sector, harnessing hydrogen technology and accessing global markets with innovative new products through the vast port complex across the wider area.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “There is a huge opportunity to create something new, attracting innovative technology companies and well-paid jobs here to Scunthorpe on an underdeveloped site of industrial heritage.
“The transition to net zero must be through taking opportunity not managed decline – taking advantage of the green opportunities globally while harnessing our engineering skills and capabilities locally is the future.”
North Lincolnshire Council will take a role in developing the site – with a number of prospective new businesses already looking to invest.
Internationally renowned consultants Arup have been drafted in to develop the proposals, focussing on design, engineering, architecture and planning.
Holly Mumby-Croft, MP for Scunthorpe and Vice Chair of the Town Fund Board, said: “It is welcome news for our area that British Steel have committed to work closely with North Lincolnshire Council to develop the future of surplus land on the steelworks site.
“There are businesses interested in coming to North Lincolnshire and I will work with the council and British Steel to ensure we make the most of those opportunities.
“There is a unique expertise in our area, from generations of steelmaking. We need to champion those skills and expand on this with new green and well-paid job opportunities and this plan does just that.”
British Steel’s Chief Commercial & Procurement Officer, Allan Bell, said: “British Steel and our owners, Jingye, are committed to building a sustainable future for our business and the communities in which we operate.
“Parts of our Scunthorpe site offer excellent development opportunities and we look forward to working in partnership with North Lincolnshire Council to realise this potential.”
Freeths strengthens Employment, Pensions and Immigration team with eight new lawyers
Law firm, Freeths LLP has made eight new appointments across its Employment, Pensions and Immigration practice led by Rena Magdani.
The hires are spread across the business’s 13 offices including London, Oxford, Leicester, Leeds and Manchester.
The new starters join at an exciting time for the firm as it recently announced its financial results for 2022/3, revealing that its turnover is up by 14.9% to £129 million – an increase of £17 million from last year. This is reflected across all its main service lines, including the Employment, Pensions and Immigration team, which has seen a 34% increase in turnover in the last 4 years.
The Employment team has been bolstered by Nicola Wallbank (partner) joining the Oxford office, Rob Smedley (director) joining the Leeds office, Ella Sheppard (senior associate) joining the Leicester office, Phoebe Anand (associate) joining the London office, Niamh Hogg (associate) joining the Manchester office & Adele Coupland (associate) joining the Sheffield office. In addition, Max Ballad (director) joins the Pensions team in Leeds and Irum Saleem (associate) joins the Immigration team in Leeds.
Rena Magdani, partner and national head of Employment, Pensions and Immigration, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Nicola, Rob, Max, Ella, Phoebe, Niamh, Adele and Irum to the team. We have seen a significant increase in demand for our services and they join us at an exciting time as we continue our growth strategy.
“They bring a wealth of experience and will significantly contribute to our commitment to provide our clients with highly responsive, pragmatic, and commercial advice. We are actively looking to continue to recruit and develop talented lawyers across all our offices.”
Ella Sheppard added: “I am delighted to join Freeths and proud to work alongside such forward thinking and talented individuals. Freeths has a clear focus on doing the right thing and going the extra mile to deliver excellent client service, which really resonates with me, and I am really looking forward to continuing to grow with the firm.”
Phenna Group makes 13th deal of 2023 with Australian firm
Nottingham-headquartered Phenna Group has made its 13th deal of 2023, acquiring Australian Soil and Concrete Testing (ASCT).
The transaction provides geographic extension to Phenna Group’s current Infrastructure platform whilst augmenting its growing presence in the Australian Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) market.
ASCT was formed in 2014 and is a NATA accredited geotechnical testing company that offers soil testing, concrete testing, and other related services to the Australian construction and infrastructure market.
They provide a range of testing services, including soil classification, compaction testing, soil strength testing, and site classification assessments, operating from multiple locations across Queensland, through New South Wales and into Victoria with a proven track record in the delivery of major projects.
Patrick Paynter, ASCT director, said: “The ASCT team and I are genuinely excited to be joining Phenna Group. This was clearly a strategically important decision for the business and from my our first dealings with the Phenna Group team, it became obvious that their culture and differentiated business model would provide a great home for ASCT.
“I believe we have a very strong future together and look forward to working with Paul, Brett and their teams to expand the company.”
Brett Coleman, regional MD, Australia, said: “It is hugely exciting to welcome Patrick and his team to Phenna Group. They have built an excellent brand and reputation within the Australian construction and infrastructure space and I look forward to helping that high growth journey continue.”
Paul Barry, Group CEO of Phenna Group, added: “I am delighted to welcome Patrick and his team to Phenna Group. The addition of ASCT really augments our fast growing Infrastructure platform.
“Their experienced team and wide network of labs and clients provide a fantastic market entry position for us in the Australian market. I look forward to working with Brett, Patrick and their wider team to continue their exciting growth plans.”
Phenna Group were advised by Macpherson Kelley and Pitchers Partners.
ASCT were advised by Pitcher Partners and Nicholas Black.
