Nottingham’s universities and City Council join forces for study into the region’s creative and digital industries
Nottingham Trent University, University of Nottingham and Nottingham City Council are inviting Nottingham’s creative and digital businesses to contribute to an in-depth study of the sector which has seen unprecedented growth over the past few years.
This joint initiative aims to gain valuable insights into what is enabling growth in the City’s Creative and Digital Industries and what additional support could be provided by the City Council, the universities and economic development programmes to further accelerate the sector’s growth.
The project will build on previous research undertaken by NTU, and an online survey has been developed to gather data from individuals and organizations involved in Nottingham’s creative and digital industries.
Participation in the study is open to all individuals and organisations involved in creative, digital, and cultural businesses in Nottingham. Those able to contribute are encouraged to complete the online survey.
Jeremy Hague, director of Knowledge Exchange at Nottingham Trent University, said: “This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to delve into the heart of Nottingham’s creative and digital industries. By combining our efforts and expertise, we can gain invaluable insights that will drive innovation, inform policymaking, and fuel the continued growth of this thriving sector.”
Helen Kennedy, professor of Creative and Cultural Industries at the University of Nottingham, said: “With our ERDF-funded Live, Experiential and Digital Diversification: Nottingham (LEADD:NG) collaboration coming to an end, this is a significant opportunity to develop a fine-grained understanding of our local creative and digital sector.
“The knowledge we gain from this research will inform how we advocate for further investment in our region and how we can best deploy the world leading research expertise within our university communities.”
Robert Dixon, head of Business Growth at Nottingham City Council, said: “The creative and digital sector is an important and fast-growing part of the wider Nottingham economy. This survey, carried out in partnership with both universities, will provide us with a valuable insight into the needs of these businesses to help us tailor future targeted support.”
Results from the study will be launched in Autumn 2023.
Leicester city centre trading estate snapped up in double deal
A logistics site in Leicester city centre has been snapped up as part of a double-deal.
Warwickshire-based The Wigley Group has agreed to purchase Bermuda Park on Buckingham Close, Nuneaton, and a city centre trading estate on Craven Street, Leicester, at a total price of £7.95 million.
The two fully-let sites offer a combined 13 units, with nine units providing 53,256 sq ft of internal warehouse/industrial space at Bermuda Park, and four units at Craven Street providing a total of 47,343 sq ft of space.
They are the first sites purchased through an exciting new collaboration between The Wigley Group and Reflex Property Finance – sister company of South East-based developer Galliard Homes.
The new partnership, called Waterloo Capital Ltd, will create a new investment fund which will channel capital into shorter term asset management projects across the Midlands region, principally focusing on industrial property.
The Wigley Group was formed in 1964 and is a specialist in the industrial sector with a significant portfolio of property and landholdings.
Reflex Property Finance was founded by Stephen Conway – founder of Galliard Homes – and Jonathan Morgan – former Galliard director – and is a specialist finance provider for development sites and commercial property.
James Davies, Chief Executive Officer at The Wigley Group, said: “We are thrilled to agree terms on these two sites as part of an exciting new agreement with Reflex Property Finance, which will help to drive fresh investment into the region.
“This is a perfect partnership which combines our own expertise in the logistics sector and strong local knowledge of the region, complemented by a funding partner in Reflex who possess a deep understanding of development and investment, due to its experienced founders having grown Galliard Homes into one of the UK’s most successful private residential developers.
“Working with our experienced Asset Management team, we look forward to enhancing the offering at Bermuda Park and Craven Street to meet the growing demand for well-connected industrial and warehouse space in the heartland of industry, the Midlands.”
Jonathan Morgan said: “We are delighted to support The Wigley Group with this strategic investment and look forward to growing the relationship with such an experienced, reputable and well capitalised partner.”
Up to 65 homes coming to Rearsby site after planning permission agreed
Up to 65 homes – including 26 at affordable prices – could soon be built at a site near a Leicestershire village after a property consultancy secured outline planning permission.
The homes, located south of Gaddesby Lane near Rearsby, were given the green light by Charnwood Borough Council’s planning committee after Fisher German submitted the planning application on behalf of land promoters Clarendon Land & Development.
The 8.3-acre site, which is part of Charnwood Borough Council’s emerging Local Plan, will have an allocation of 40 per cent affordable homes built to help people get onto the property ladder – more than the council’s requirement.
The development will also feature common green space for residents to enjoy, including a village green, a natural play area, and a circular pedestrian and cycle route connecting them together.
Biodiversity net gain will be ensured through the planting of a 1.5-acre orchard and wildflower meadow to the south east of the site, which can be accessed via a cycle link to the main site and Gaddesby Lane.
Further benefits under Section 106 agreements include contributions to youth activities, sporting facilities, and allotments at Rearsby.
Fisher German’s development agency team will now look to sell the land to a housing developer so that the new homes can be built, subject to reserved matters being approved.
Victoria Heath, planner at Fisher German, said: “We are delighted that these new homes will soon be coming to Rearsby.
“Fisher German has worked on this application for a number of years, with our experts advising the landowner on promoting the site for development in Charnwood’s emerging Local Plan, working with land promoters Clarendon Land & Development to prepare the site, and carrying out pre-application discussions to ensure a sensitive scheme was produced.
“Now that outline planning permission has been granted, we are looking forward to selling the site to developers to make these homes a reality.
“The development will bring much-needed houses to the area, and with 40 per cent being affordable, it means there is an excellent opportunity for those who cannot afford to buy at market rates to be able to settle down in the village.
“We look forward to the land being sold and reserved matters being agreed so work can begin on building the new houses.”
Ross Jackson, land director at Clarendon Land and Development, added: “We are delighted to have reached this milestone in the delivery of much-needed new homes to Leicestershire.
“In conjunction with the team at Fisher German, we have promoted the site through the emerging Local Plan as a proposed housing allocation, working with officers to demonstrate the deliverability and benefits of a scheme in this location – a good example of how the plan led system should and can work.
“We now look forward to sourcing a development partner to deliver this fantastic scheme.”
Legal supplier to the wedding trade scoops international award
Nottingham-based business Stanford Gould Online has won an award for its professional services to the wedding industry.
The seventh Global Wedding Awards, managed by publishing group AI Media, spans the entirety of the wedding sector, from venues to cake designers, organisers, digital planning software and beyond. The awards recognise businesses who demonstrate extensive expertise, dedication to customer service and client satisfaction with an ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation.
Stanford Gould Online, a division of Stanford Gould Group, is now into its fifth year of trading. It supports wedding suppliers with their legal and contractual matters and provides an affordable, ‘off the shelf’ template solution, tailored to different suppliers in the wedding industry. After recognising a need for businesses in this under-represented industry, director and former practising solicitor Heather Stanford, set up Stanford Gould Online to make it easy for wedding suppliers to protect themselves with legally robust terms and conditions.
Stanford said: “The business pre-dates COVID, but we’re certainly one of the lucky businesses that was overwhelmed with demand for support throughout the pandemic, as the wedding industry was turned on its head. Many suppliers were unprepared for such unprecedented circumstances and their legal terms didn’t protect them. We helped many businesses to navigate this nightmarish period and ultimately remain operational at the end of it.”
Affectionately known as the ‘Legal Fairy Godmother’ by her clients and network, the business owner formally adopted the label as part of her branding by registering the trademark in 2022.
“Legal matters and terminology can be overwhelming and difficult to make sense of, for creative businesses in particular. So many of my clients feel as though I have rescued them from that stress and confusion and a potential minefield of contractual problems.”
Her advice to players in the wedding industry is simple: “Protect yourself from the outset with clear, legally sound terms and cover all eventualities and set out exactly how you work and what clients can expect. It’s the only way to protect yourself and limit the damage in unforeseen circumstances, just like we’ve experienced over the last three years.”
Space Park Leicester ESA BIC UK start-up nominated for prestigious Earthshot Prize
Kita, the carbon insurance specialist for the climate crisis, has been nominated for a prestigious Earthshot prize in the Fix Our Climate category.
This recognition comes shortly after the company became the third to join the European Space Agency Business Incubation Centre (ESA BIC) programme at Space Park Leicester.
The Earthshot prize, launched by Prince William in 2020, aims to incentivise and accelerate solutions to the world’s greatest environmental challenges. The Fix Our Climate category specifically seeks solutions that address the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net-zero carbon by 2050.
Kita’s nomination for this prestigious award is a testament to its outstanding efforts to help companies reach net zero emissions. Its insurance protects buyers of forward-purchased carbon removal credits against under-delivery. This reduces the risk of missing net-zero targets, investment milestones, and project goals.
Kita uses sophisticated remote monitoring technologies to enable this multi-year insurance product to be provided cost effectively, while at the same time providing an additional layer of transparency to their clients.
Dr Paul Young, chief technical officer at Kita, said: “We are honoured to be nominated for an Earthshot prize and proud to be part of the ESA BIC programme at Space Park Leicester. This recognition and support will help us accelerate our mission to create a more sustainable future for our planet.”
Kita has been nominated for the Fix Our Climate category by Purpose Driven Innovation Ecosystem (PDIE Group), an organisation that is building a global ecosystem for game changers who are co-creating a better tomorrow. PDIE Group are one of the top Earthshot Prize nominators.
William Wells, director of ESA BIC UK at Leicester, expressed his excitement at Kita’s nomination, saying: “We are thrilled to have Kita as part of our ESA BIC programme and to see their innovative solutions recognised on a global scale. This nomination is a testament to the impact that space technology can have in tackling some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.”
Three work colleagues take on non-stop 55-mile Derbyshire Heritage Way walk for lifesaving charity
Three work colleagues are challenging themselves to the max by taking on a non-stop 55-mile heritage walk through Derbyshire to raise money for St John Ambulance.
Married couple Claire and Tim Hollingshurst and their work colleague Rich Trevatt, who all work at science company Lubrizol’s UK headquarters in Hazelwood, will be walking all 55 miles of the Derwent Valley Heritage Way next month, without stopping.
The trio are going the distance in aid of St John Ambulance, named by Lubrizol as its UK-wide charity earlier this year.
Claire said: “I think everyone knows what amazing work St John Ambulance does in helping train people in first aid so they have the skills to save a life. Tim and I have done various challenges over the years but I do think this is our most daunting one yet!”
The trio will embark on their epic walk on June 3 at the Heritage Way’s starting point: Ladybower Reservoir.
Set up in 2002 by the Derwent Valley Trust, the trail follows the river Derwent all the way to its mouth in the heritage inland port of Shardlow. Along the way, Claire, Tim and Rich’s walk will take them through the Chatsworth estate, Matlock Bath, Darley Dale and Derby itself, which they are likely to be walking through as night falls.
Derek Latham, chair of the Derwent Valley Trust, said this was the first attempt of which he had heard, of people taking on the whole 55-mile route non-stop.
“I would like to think this is the first of many, and that Claire, Tim and Rich are setting an example for the future!” he said.
Claire and Tim are no stranger to sporting challenges having previously each run and jogged 1,000 miles in a year in aid of Mind, as well as completing 10,000 sit-ups and press-ups in a year, plus taking on notoriously tough challenges like the Yorkshire Three Peaks and Tough Mudder events. The pair ran, walked and cycled the equivalent distance between John O’Groats and Lands End, also for Mind.
Tim has also walked the West Highlands Way in the past while outdoors-lover Rich has traversed Hadrian’s wall.
But all three said despite these previous experiences they had never taken on so great a challenge as undertaking the 55-mile walk Heritage Way all in one go.
Tim said: “We did have to make it quite challenging for ourselves! It will be hard to carry our food and make sure that we have got enough energy to do it. Then there will be the pain of blisters to contend with.”
Claire and Tim are well acquainted with one section of the Heritage Way, having signed up as rangers last year when the Derwent Valley Trust appealed for volunteers to help maintain the route, which takes in much of Derbyshire’s industrial past. This involves them regularly walking section six of the walk, between Whatstandwell and Belper, making sure it is clear of brambles and signposts are clearly visible so that other walkers can enjoy the route.
Rich said: “I love history and what we’ll be following is that historical industry of Derbyshire: all the mills and mill towns. It will be a fascinating experience.”
So far the intrepid trio have raised more than £500 in sponsorship ahead of their epic walk. To donate, see www.justgiving.com/page/hollingshurst-heritage-way-st-john-ambulance
Claire said: “Charitable fundraising and volunteering are very important to us at Lubrizol so while I’m nervous about doing the Heritage Way, I’m proud to be doing our bit for St John Ambulance. We’ll be very visible as we’ll have the St John Ambulance colours flying behind us on ribbons and balloons! So if you see us tramping along over the weekend of June 3 and 4, feel free to give us a wave or even join us for a bit!”
Charlotte Guiver, director of fundraising at St John Ambulance, said: “We’re so grateful for the incredible fundraising efforts of the Lubrizol team. The money they have raised will make it possible for our volunteers to continue their lifesaving work in communities across the country.
“We are all wishing the team luck on their epic hike – and St John will be cheering them on every step of the way.”
Lubrizol’s support for St John Ambulance comes after its previous two years’ support for Mind, during which time employees raised a phenomenal £28,282 through completing a variety of challenges.
Change is coming: adapting to the new era of hybrid work in the UK
Change is coming, and it’s poised to redefine the work culture in the United Kingdom. As we embrace a post-pandemic world, businesses are finding themselves at the cusp of a seismic shift – the transition towards a hybrid work model. This blend of remote and on-site work arrangements offers unprecedented flexibility and adaptability. But how do we navigate this new terrain successfully? This article aims to guide UK businesses through the opportunities and challenges presented by hybrid work, providing essential insights to ensure a smooth and beneficial transition.
Decoding the Benefits of Hybrid Work for UK Businesses
As the hybrid work model blends remote and on-site work, it offers a unique combination of benefits. First, the flexibility can lead to increased employee satisfaction and productivity. Many employees value the ability to balance work commitments with personal responsibilities, and studies show that happy employees are more productive. Second, it reduces overhead costs, as less office space and resources are needed. Additionally, businesses aren’t confined to local talent – the hybrid model opens the door to a wider talent pool across the nation, or even globally.
Preparing Your Business for the Transition to Hybrid Work
Transitioning to a hybrid work model requires careful preparation. Start by analysing your business processes and determining which tasks can be performed remotely. Next, communicate clearly with your employees – their insights and concerns are crucial to designing a work model that suits everyone’s needs. Ensure they understand the rationale, the benefits, and the changes that the transition will entail. Also, the establishment of new policies will be necessary to address issues such as data security, employee availability, and performance measurement in the hybrid work context.
Key Considerations in Designing a Hybrid Work Model
Designing a hybrid work model requires strategic thinking. Key considerations include: Which roles are best suited for remote work, and which need in-office presence? How will collaboration and communication be facilitated between on-site and remote employees? How can a fair system be created to measure performance, irrespective of work location? Besides these, it’s crucial to maintain an inclusive work culture where every employee feels valued and integrated, regardless of their work arrangement. These considerations should form the backbone of your hybrid work strategy, ensuring that the model is customised to your business’s unique needs and challenges.
Incorporating Technology for Efficient Hybrid Work Practices
In the new age of hybrid work, technology is the cornerstone of efficiency. It’s important to equip your business with tools that facilitate communication, project management, and file sharing. Online platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams allow real-time collaboration and communication. Project management tools like Asana or Trello can help in task allocation and progress tracking. One often overlooked, but crucial aspect of remote work, is file management. Tools such as PDF compressor tools can be immensely beneficial. When sharing large documents or extensive reports, these tools compress PDF files without compromising their quality, making them easier to share and store. This ensures efficient use of storage space and bandwidth, while maintaining the integrity of your data.
Investing in these technologies doesn’t just streamline hybrid work – it empowers your employees to perform their best, irrespective of their location. Remember, the goal is to create a cohesive digital workspace that mirrors the efficiency and collaboration of an office environment.
How to Address Potential Challenges in Hybrid Working
While hybrid work offers several benefits, it also presents unique challenges. Here’s how you can address them:
- Communication and Collaboration: In a hybrid model, maintaining clear and efficient communication can be a challenge. To address this, implement reliable digital communication tools and establish clear communication protocols.
- Isolation and Engagement: Remote employees might feel disconnected or less engaged. Regular virtual meetings, social activities, and digital recognition can help foster a sense of belonging and maintain engagement levels.
- Performance Measurement: Traditional methods of performance measurement may not work in a hybrid model. Develop clear, objective metrics for evaluating performance, focused more on results than physical presence.
- Data Security: With work happening beyond the office, maintaining data security becomes crucial. Invest in secure virtual private networks (VPNs), multi-factor authentication, and regular cybersecurity training for employees.
Grantham builder must pay £82,000 after illegal asbestos removal
A Grantham builder who hid asbestos near a Welbourn school after lying to customers about his qualifications to remove it is to hand over more than £82,000 he earned from dozens of jobs.
Kent, south-east London, Surrey and Oxfordshire were among the places Lee Charles targeted with false paperwork to win high-value contracts.
Last year he was given 12 months in prison, suspended for two years. Now, a court has decided 40-year-old Charles must pay up £82,100 in a proceeds of crime order.
He used the company name Lincs Demolition Ltd for two years, claiming he was registered to remove asbestos – but he had no legal permit from the Environment Agency to do the work.
He zig-zagged England to act out his crimes as far afield as Abingdon, Walsall, Wellingborough, and Worksop, including Barton-upon-Humber, Doncaster, Grantham, Lincoln, Market Rasen, Newark, Scunthorpe, Sleaford, and Spalding.
Having duped customers, Charles stashed the waste asbestos in hired storage containers at Welbourn, 200m from a school and close to a Girl Guide centre. He told the owners of the storage space he wanted to keep tools there. When he failed to pay the rent on the containers, the owners forced the locks and were confronted with the dangerous contents.
Once exposed, Charles abandoned the storage containers, moving to an unpermitted waste site 16 miles away near Sleaford, where he continued to store asbestos unsafely, posing a risk to public health.
Paul Salter, an environmental waste crime officer for the Environment Agency, said: “Lee Charles’ crimes were not just illegal, but dangerous. He has been ordered to pay back money, and this sends out a clear message to others who flout the law that waste crime doesn’t pay.
“Not only do we use environmental law to prosecute offenders, but use proceeds of crime orders to ensure that criminals are deprived of the benefits of their illegal activity.
“The Environment Agency supports legitimate business by disrupting and stopping the criminal element, backed up by the threat of tough enforcement, as in this case.
“We continue to use intelligence-led approaches to target the most serious crimes and evaluate which interventions are most effective.
“If you see or suspect waste crime is being committed, we urge you to report it immediately to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
In March last year, Charles, of Caldicot Gardens, in Grantham, was convicted by Lincoln crown court after pleading guilty to two counts of operating a waste operation without a permit between 2017 and 2019, contrary to regulations 12, 38(1)(a) and 41(1)(a) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.
He also admitted two counts of keeping or disposing of controlled waste in a manner likely to cause pollution or harm, contrary to sections 33(1)(c), 33(6) and 157(1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
This week Lincoln Crown Court ordered Charles to pay £82,100 under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 following an Environment Agency investigation into the costs he avoided while working illegally.
West Lindsey launches grant programme to support businesses
Businesses in West Lindsey have the opportunity to secure grants of up to £15,000 to help with diversification opportunities, improve commercial sustainability, and evolve green infrastructure.
The grant scheme covers three principal areas – capital and revenue grant provision to support business sustainability, capital grants for non-agricultural farm diversification, and capital and revenue grants for agri-tech business development.
Councillor Trevor Young, leader of West Lindsey District Council, said: “This programme will support West Lindsey businesses to take advantage of diversification opportunities, improve commercial sustainability and evolve green infrastructure. The transition to a low carbon economy and rural/green growth are reflected as key local priorities in the current West Lindsey Economic Recovery Plan and Sustainability, Climate Change and Environment Strategy.”
Sally Grindrod-Smith, Director of Planning, Regeneration and Communities, said: “We are working closely with our grant administration partner NBV Enterprise Solutions Ltd, to offer grants to eligible businesses ranging from £1,000 to £15,000.
“The grants – allocated on a first come, first served basis (on receipt of an eligible Expression of Interest) are intended to be flexible in order to respond to local business needs. The Council encourage all prospective applicants to fully review grant guidance, which can be found at: UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund Business Grants | West Lindsey District Council (west-lindsey.gov.uk), prior to submitting an Expression of Interest to ensure their project is eligible for funding.”
The fund is due to close to new applicants in December next year, but may close earlier if all of the Council’s funding allocation is awarded.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and a component of its support for places across the UK. It provides £2.6 billion of capital and revenue funding for investment in local projects to be spent by March 2025.
All areas of the UK will receive an allocation from the fund. The primary goal of UKSPF is to build pride in place and increase life chances across the UK. The Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) is a top-up to UKSPF, to be spent between April 2023 and March 2025.
The fund supports activities that specifically address the particular challenges rural areas face. It is capital funding only and is complementary to funding used to support rural areas under the UKSPF.
Reconomy Group acquires Newark-based UK Waste Solutions
Reconomy Group, a global circular economy specialist providing sustainability technology, data and services to a broad range of industries, has acquired UK Waste Solutions Limited. UK Waste Solutions Limited has enjoyed significant growth in recent years and now has 3,500 customers.
Headquartered in Newark, Nottinghamshire, UK Waste Solutions Limited are sustainability consultants and managers who specialise in supporting clients across the hospitality, distribution, transport, facilities management, manufacturing and construction sectors. Through its flagship Novati brand, it works with many well-known and highly respected brands, including Marston’s, Prezzo, Roadchef, Network Rail, CBRE and Birmingham Airport.
The acquisition of this fast-growing, profitable business and the foremost independent waste broker in the UK includes all four of UK Waste Solution Limited’s primary brands (Novati, AMA, Click Waste UK and Evolution) and its 160 employees. It further strengthens Reconomy’s market-leading position in the commercial waste sector as the biggest technology-enabled, outsourced resource management solution in the UK.
UK Waste Solution Limited’s offering across a broad range of sectors and industries is highly complementary to Reconomy’s existing business, deepening its capabilities and footprint within this vertical to better service new and existing clients.
The transaction follows the acquisition of Denmark-based green-tech business Combineering in February this year. Reconomy Group recorded revenues of over £1 billion through FY 2022 across its 30 offices worldwide and is one of the UK’s largest and fastest-growing businesses operating in the circular economy, waste management and sustainability sectors.
Guy Wakeley, Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to welcome the UK Waste Solutions Limited team to Reconomy Group. It is a great fit with our business due to our shared commitment to developing closed loop solutions that will accelerate the shift towards a more circular economy. The transaction is consistent with our ambitious plans to grow both organically and through further acquisitions in the UK and around the world.”
Michael Benton, Managing Director of Recycle Division at Reconomy Group, said: “UK Waste Solutions Limited has a track record of delivering an excellent outsourced service and will be a valuable addition to the Recycle Division at Reconomy Group.
“Its customer-led approach aligns perfectly with our values and deepens our capabilities. It increases our joint offering in the commercial, industrial and construction industry to deliver economic and environmental benefits for businesses, providing an unrivalled, added-value outsourced alternative.”
Max Kanda, Managing Director at UK Waste Solutions Limited, said: “Reconomy Group’s commitment to innovation in the circular economy and well-established footprint across the UK market will strengthen our combined growth, as we will be able to offer a wider range of services to our joint customer base.
“We are excited to become part of one of the UK’s largest and fastest growing companies at a critical period for meeting the challenges of resource scarcity through technology- and data-led closed loop solutions as the adoption of the circular economy becomes increasingly central to how we do business globally.”
