Derby train cleaning facility extended in £5m project
Capacity of the East Midlands Railway cleaning facility in Derby has been more than doubled in a £5m project competed by a company from Hull.
The capacity of the train company’s Under Frame Cleaning centre at the Etches Park Depot has ben more than doubled, with capacity up for two cars to five.
As part of the £5m project, employees of Hull-based Spencer Group also built a two-storey, 30 sq m staff welfare facility housing a canteen, locker rooms, changing rooms, meeting rooms and office space.
Tony Cairnes, Spencer Group Site Agent said: “Working on a live depot is always challenging and access is very restricted, so collaboration between all parties is essential for a project like this.
“Having more than two decades of experience in the rail engineering sector, Spencer Group is highly experienced in working in tightly-restricted environments such as this and we are trusted by clients to work efficiently with other teams, suppliers and contractors to deliver projects to the highest quality, on time, and with as little disruption as possible to the wider site operations.
“Throughout the project we’ve worked closely with the client to adapt to their needs and we’ve been on a design journey with them to implement changes to ensure the facility meets the needs of the team members who will be working there.”
Frasers Group reveals takeover offer for Norwegian sporting goods retailer
Shirebrook retail giant Frasers Group has announced a takeover offer for XXL ASA (XXL), a Norwegian sporting goods retailer.
Frasers Group is the second largest shareholder in XXL, and intends to launch a voluntary offer for all of the shares in the business which it does not already own in a deal that values the firm at over £17.4m.
Michael Murray, CEO of Frasers, said: “Our strategic vision and industry experience position us uniquely to help XXL navigate its current challenges. We are committed to ensuring that XXL reaches its full potential.”
It comes as XXL is reported to be suffering from an inability to access adequate levels of appropriate stock, damaging sales volumes. Frasers says it is willing to support XXL to address the stock shortage, provide XXL with products and brands that will make its retail offering more attractive, and ease XXL’s cash requirements.You might think that your payroll is high now, but it is going to get even higher next April: by Michael Ball, tax partner at Streets Chartered Accountants
Michael Ball, tax partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, considers the impact of upcoming changes to National Insurance contributions and minimum wage.
The first Labour Budget in 14 years was supposedly billed as being one to drive growth, though it is hard to see how this will come about as from next April, businesses face increased costs of employing people with the rise in the national minimum wage to £12.21 an hour and employers’ National Insurance from 13.8% to 15%. Furthermore, the threshold at which employees’ earnings are liable for employers’ NIC will drop from £9,100 to £5,000.
Whilst employers are set to benefit from the change in the amount of employers’ allowance that they can deduct from their bill from £5,000 to £10,000, the overall cost for most is set to rise significantly.
By way of an illustration, a business employing 100 workers working 40-hour weeks at minimum wage, from next year will face an extra £103,000 in NI and an extra £160,000 in salary. So, a total extra cost of £263,000, though if you are a company the corporation tax relief available brings it down to £197,000.
It is widely reported and acknowledged that whilst the changes to NIC will affect all businesses it will be especially hard hitting for those in the hospitality and care sectors and all of those for which staff costs are the greatest cost.
Measures to manage the impact of the hike in employers NIC are likely to include:
- consideration to reducing head count
- reducing hours and the staffing mix
- replacing labour with technology
- holding off recruitment and even a freeze on pay or reduced pay awards in 2025.
Plastic packaging manufacturer commits to responsible business
Plastic packaging manufacturer, Measom Freer has demonstrated its continued commitment to responsible business following a successful assessment of their ISO:14001 and ISO: 9001 certifications.
Following a recertification assessment conducted by the BSI audit team, family-owned Meason Freer has successfully retained its environmental and quality management certificates with no non-conformances.
The successful recertification with no non-conformances is a testament to the ongoing dedication and performance of the business in relation to the ISO:14001 and ISO:9001 accreditations.
Established in 1937, Measom Freer is a fourth-generation family run business specialising in the design, manufacture and supply of injection and blow moulded plastic packaging.
Producing more than 20 million plastic bottles, scoops, closures and containers each year from its facility on Chartwell Drive in Leicester, the company prides itself on delivering quality, sustainable packaging solutions.
Originally certified for ISO:9001 in 1991 and ISO:14001 in 2018, the business maintains an integrated quality, environmental and health & safety management system which demonstrates its responsibility to their people, customers and impact on the environment.
The company is committed to replacing equipment with energy efficient alternatives and has recently invested in a new blow moulding machine which will help improve production efficiency via automation and lower energy consumption.
ISO 14001 is the internationally recognised standard for environmental management systems and provides a framework to take proactive action to measure and minimise a company’s environmental impact.
With a strong focus on the customer and continual improvement, ISO 9001 is a globally recognised quality management system which helps organisations monitor performance, meet customer expectations and demonstrate their commitment to quality.
Measom Freer Production Manager Ben Freer said: “Special thanks are in order for our fantastic Quality Control team for another great result! We pride ourselves on delivering quality, sustainable packaging solutions and are extremely proud to maintain both ISO standards.”
Further marked fall in Midlands permanent staff appointments
The latest KPMG and REC UK Report on Jobs survey, compiled by S&P Global, pointed to a sixth decrease in permanent placements in the Midlands in as many months midway through the final quarter of 2024. The rate of decrease was marked overall, albeit slightly softer than that seen in October. This was in stark contrast to temp billings, which rose at a solid rate during November.
Sustained falls in permanent staff appointments contributed to a further steep rise in candidate availability in November, notably with permanent candidate numbers increasing to the greatest extent since June. There was a softer increase in the rate of permanent salary inflation, meanwhile, which was at the lowest in the current sequence which began in March 2021.
Steep decrease in permanent placements
Permanent placements fell in the Midlands for the sixth successive month in November. The rate of decrease eased only slightly from October and remained robust overall. That said, the reduction in the Midlands was the softest of the four monitored English regions.
Respondents indicated weak client confidence, lower demand for staff and uncertainty.
Recruiters in the Midlands recorded a rise in temporary billings in the penultimate month of 2024. The increase was solid and the strongest in five months. Anecdotal evidence suggested that firms opted for temporary staff to fill roles in the absence of suitable permanent candidates.
Growth in the Midlands contrasted with a fall at the UK level, with the remaining three monitored regions seeing temp billings decrease.
Demand for permanent staff in the Midlands fell for the sixth month running in November. The rate of decrease was strong, and the most pronounced since June 2020. Moreover, the Midlands saw the second-steepest fall in vacancies of the four monitored regions, ahead of the South of England.
The rate of decline in demand for temporary workers was little-changed from October and moderate overall. Moreover, the reduction in the Midlands was the softest of the monitored regions.
Quickest increase in permanent candidate numbers for five months
The number of candidates available for permanent roles increased markedly during November, with the latest rise extending the current sequence to 20 months. The improvement in the Midlands was the sharpest since June and the strongest of the four English regions.
Panelists indicated that redundancies had been one of the main factors behind the rise in candidate numbers.
Recruitment companies in the Midlands reported that a lack of available temporary jobs contributed to a further rise in temp candidate availability. The rate of increase eased slightly from October but was the second-strongest recorded in the past year.
The Midlands posted the fastest rise in temporary staff availability of the monitored regions.
Softer rise in permanent starting salaries
Salaries for new permanent joiners continued to rise during November. That said, the rate of inflation softened from the previous survey period to the weakest since the current sequence of increasing salaries began in March 2021. Recruiters often indicated that higher salaried roles were being offered to attract suitable candidates, however this was partially offset by a wider pool of candidates being available.
The rise in permanent salaries was slower than the UK average.
Recruitment companies in the Midlands signalled a renewed decrease in temporary pay rates midway through the final quarter of the year. The rate of reduction was marginal, but the most pronounced since October 2020, with the Midlands the only monitored region to see a fall.
Kate Holt, People Consulting Partner at KPMG in the Midlands, said: “While November’s drop-off in permanent placements may be less pronounced than in other parts of the country, declining levels of recruitment in the Midlands remains a long-term issue.
“Indeed, many of those that paused their plans ahead of the Budget appear not to have accelerated them again in light of the increase to National Insurance and the cost of hiring next year.
“Finding people with the right skills also remains a challenge but one that needs to be addressed if businesses are to pursue their growth plans. As businesses continue to grapple with both sets of challenges, we may well see the Midlands market continue to invest in temporary appointments to plug gaps within teams.”
Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, said: “No one should be surprised that firms took the time to re-assess their hiring needs in November after a tough Budget for employers. The drop in vacancies nationally was led by private sector permanent roles, and slower permanent recruitment billings across the month also reflected this trend.
“The real question now is whether businesses will return to the market as they go into next year with greater certainty about the path ahead.
“The resilience of temporary recruitment offers some hope – private sector temporary hiring activity was almost flat across the country, by comparison with the drop in permanent hiring. And in the Midlands, the increase in temporary billings was solid and the strongest in five months.
“Firms are likely to rest more on temps while they manage the current uncertainty, and that only serves to emphasise again the value of flexible forms of work to companies and people who need to find work quickly after redundancy.
“For policymakers, ensuring new regulations support rather than weaken our flexible jobs market is vital – especially after the Budget. Ensuring rules introduced by the Employment Rights Bill are tailored to protect agency and temporary work really matters for people.”
2025 East Midlands economic challenges and growth opportunities addressed at conference
The effect of government policy changes and supporting the needs of the region’s business community were among topics discussed by business leaders and academics at East Midlands Chamber’s State of the Economy Conference on 5th December, in partnership with the University of Leicester.
Held at the University of Leicester School of Business, a series of talks and panel discussions sought to reflect on the performance of the East Midlands economy throughout 2024 and define support needed to enable growth in 2025.
East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore shared analysis from the Chamber’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey and chaired panel discussions.
Speaking afterwards he said: “The East Midlands is uniquely placed as a Centre of Trading Excellence with a wealth of growth potential, yet 2024 has seen significant economic events that directly affect considerations businesses must make as they plan ahead.
“The impact of factors like interest rate changes, regional and national political change and the first Industrial Strategy in years underline the need to identify economic risk but also explore growth opportunities.
“The research we conduct in our Quarterly Economic Survey gives the strongest indication of pressure points experienced first-hand by businesses in the East Midlands, how they react to challenges and secure their future.
“Bringing business leaders and academics together to share their insight at this conference will be really beneficial in shaping how to best support business as we head into 2025.”
East Midlands Chamber President Stuart Dawkins opened the conference. Afterwards he said: “Conferences like this are important. There’s an intersect between academia and business, yet you get business not quite understanding academia and academia not quite understanding business.
“Against the current economic pressures and issues, I think there’s more feeling of togetherness now.
“What was really interesting was the backdrop; the conference has come at the end of a period of instability locally, nationally and in the world with a lot of headwinds, particularly for businesses.
“The overall sense was that there’s opportunity in the East Midlands. We are underfunded as a region, but we’re extremely positive, and in our use of government funding we have better return on investment than any other region. What we’ve not been as good at is in pulling together.”
University of Leicester Dean of Research and Enterprise, Leicester School of Business, Mat Hughes participated in a panel discussion on what businesses want in the next 12 months. Afterwards he said: “The government needs to give a positive environment and set signals to businesses that will encourage them to feel confident to invest and react.
“Investment is not something that necessarily pays off immediately, but if we’re going to grow and change productivity, then businesses need to invest in human capital, they need to invest in digitalisation, technology and machines, in new opportunities or R&D.
“Conferences like this are critical from many different points of views. You get lots of voices and stakeholders in the same room so they can understand and learn each other’s perspectives.
“You get to get your finger on the pulse to see what the key priorities are, that we can then form strategies around to communicate with government, with associations and drive investment.”
Bank of England Deputy Agent for the East Midlands, Jamie Jordan gave a talk on the Bank of England’s views on the economy.
Afterwards he said: “The insight you get from people on the ground collaborating together at a conference like this is of greater value than just being able to read the data statistically, and for us, it’s being able to answer why trends are emerging or changing and what the key issues are that we need to be thinking about to get to grips with the challenges and opportunities today.
“We’re pleased with how the disinflationary process is going. A gradual approach towards monetary policy restraint is, we think, the most appropriate to ensure that we eradicate remaining inflationary pressure that exists in the economy, and that will help us get back to the 2% target.
“We’re feeling more positive about where we are today, but there are clearly events and developments that we’ll need to take account of over time.”
East Midlands Councils Executive Director Stuart Young gave a presentation on the role of EM Councils and the objectives of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG). Speaking afterwards he said: “Business is the key.
“Council leaders and MP’s have a direct route into government, but they need to hear from the business community. Growth can be driven out of our proposals and the alliance between businesses, MP’s and council leaders is absolute.
“For our region, transport infrastructure investment is an enabler. It delivers growth, in terms of construction, but enables growth and longevity of growth. For our region that’s important. You shouldn’t work in isolation; you need conferences like this where you get a chance to mix it up and have a candid discussion.”
Turner and Townsend Director and Chair of the East Midlands Chamber Derbyshire Members Forum, Mark Deakin took part in a panel discussion on economic performance and prospects.
Speaking afterwards he said: “Stability is a big issue because we’ve had such turmoil through changes, U-turns and an inability, prior to the election in making decisions.
“There’s not really been stability now for maybe two years, and that means everyone has had to guess where their plans are and how they will structure their business going forward.
“What we’ve now got has a bottom-line impact but at least people can plan and the stoic behaviour of UK businesses should get us through that.
“That’s the kind of positive of the negative position. Nothing works in isolation. Getting people talking at this conference, working together and public sector intervention will drive people talking to try and work through it.”
Murphy and Son Managing Director Charles Nicholds took part in a panel discussion on what businesses want. Afterwards he said: “Stability is what’s needed for growth. We need to make sure that decisions are being made with small sized businesses in mind, and I don’t always think they are.
“Some stability and clarity around what rules and regulations are would help, as we can work with most things, providing they listen to us.”
Loates Business Solutions Director Sarah Loates was on a panel discussing the wants of businesses. She said: “It’s really interesting to have a mix of businesses and academia because they come at it from two perspectives.
“The key for me is collaboration. It’s all about ideas and about relationships. The conversations that happen between the talks is invaluable.”
Work begins on speculative 73,000 sq ft Langley Mill industrial scheme
Work has begun on two new industrial units on Total Park in Langley Mill.
Total Park, Nottingham is a new industrial/logistics development of two brand new units of 30,968 sq ft and 42,047 sq ft, totalling 73,015 sq ft. The speculative scheme is being brought forward by Total Developments.
Total Developments CEO and co-founder, Ed Chantler, said: “The demand for Grade A, sustainable warehouse space remains across the wider East Midlands. Langley Mill will help satisfy this demand by bringing new high-quality industrial and logistics stock to the region.
“Sitting in an already-established industrial location means the development will be best-placed to serve businesses operating in the region while stimulating economic growth and job creation.”
Both units are fully protected by warranties and will achieve EPC A-Rating & BREEAM ‘Excellent’.
NG Chartered Surveyors are joint agents with M1 Agency on the scheme.
Charlotte Steggles, NG’s Associate Director, said: “Total Park Nottingham will be a welcome addition to the region’s stock levels with demand in this sector the highest it has ever been.
“We are now actively targeting small and medium-sized companies looking to expand into high-quality industrial units under 50,000 sq ft.”
£3.6m Leicestershire medical centre completes
Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, has completed the new Barwell Medical centre, which is now open to the public.
Located off High Street, Barwell, the state-of-the-art, two-storey facility replaces the outdated Jersey Way centre, addressing the increasing demand for modern healthcare services in the local community.
Designed to accommodate the region’s growing population, the new medical centre will cater to a continuing rise in users over the next decade, and the building’s additional space has enabled a broader range of vital health services including physiotherapy, mental health support, and minor surgical procedures.
The L-shaped facility now features 12 consulting rooms, a health promotion area, recovery spaces, and modern amenities, including 52 car parking spaces and six cycle racks. Constructed to BREEAM Excellent standards, the centre ensures long-term sustainability and energy efficiency.
As part of G F Tomlinson’s commitment to the communities they serve, the project also saw the contractor source 70% Local Labour within 30 miles of site and the team worked closely with a neighbouring school for a variety of community activities, which included hosting a health and safety assembly alongside a site poster competition for pupils.
They also supported the local LOROS Hospice with a Christmas tree collection initiative – which allows local residents to have their trees collected by volunteers, in return for a voluntary donation to the hospice.
Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “To deliver this contemporary medical facility, which will significantly enhance access to vital healthcare services for the Barwell community, has been an honour.
“With our extensive experience in healthcare schemes, we understand the crucial role such facilities play in improving lives. Seeing this project come to fruition is a proud moment for our team.”
Dr Mark Findlay, GP Partner at Barwell and Hollycroft Medical Centres, said: “We are very grateful to G F Tomlinson for their professionalism, community-minded approach, and unwavering support throughout this process.
“After 17 years of planning, we are thrilled to move into our new centre, through which we can now provide our patients and staff with the space and resources they deserve. We are located much closer to the local pharmacy, we’re on a bus route, and we have ample parking.”
The project, which included the demolition of an unused brownfield site previously housing a vehicle workshop and warehouse, marks a significant step forward for healthcare provision in Barwell, ensuring the local community has access to essential medical services for years to come.
First chair appointed to new Northamptonshire visitor partnership
The development of the new Northamptonshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) has taken a major step forward as Richard Clinton, Delapre Abbey’s Chief Executive, has been appointed as Chair of the new LVEP.
The LVEP for Northamptonshire brings together partners from across the sector as well as both North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamptonshire with the aim to strengthen and build on the area’s visitor economy.
Following a recruitment campaign, candidates were interviewed by a panel including representatives from North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamptonshire Council and sector stakeholders with Richard being identified as the most suitable candidate to lead the new partnership through the next phase of its creation, which includes the key next stage of the process – the submission of the LVEP application to Visit England.
This application is due to be submitted imminently with a decision expected in the early part of 2025. If approved and Northamptonshire gains LVEP status, the area would receive national accreditation and a boost to the area’s tourism offer and unlock new opportunities.
Cllr Helen Howell, NNC Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Sport, Leisure, Culture and Tourism alongside Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at WNC, said: “Richard’s wealth of experience and dedication to promoting the region’s attractions make him the perfect choice to lead this important initiative and we welcome him as Chair of the Northamptonshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership.
“The LVEP represents an incredible opportunity to highlight Northamptonshire’s unique offerings, from its rich heritage and world-class motorsports to its thriving arts and cultural scene.
“With Richard’s leadership, we’re confident this partnership will strengthen collaboration across the sector, elevate the county’s profile, and attract more visitors, creating lasting benefits for our local businesses and communities.”
Richard has been the Chief Executive of Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust since April 2020, where he oversees the strategic direction of the historic 900-year-old Delapré Abbey in Northampton.
Under his leadership, the Trust has aligned heritage, culture, and wellbeing to benefit the community, including plans to restore and repurpose the 19th-century stables into a mixed-use development featuring a community wellbeing space.
Richard is also the Chair of Fermynwoods Contemporary Art – an educational charity that supports life through art by commissioning innovative ways for artists to engage with audiences.
Prior to his role at Delapré Abbey, Richard served as part of the leadership teams for The Culture Trust and Royal & Derngate Theatre. Richard has also been the Vice Chair for Northamptonshire Surprise, supporting its efforts in promoting the heritage, culture, and attractions of Northamptonshire, positioning it as an attractive visitor destination.
Richard will now oversee the creation of the new Northamptonshire LVEP with responsibilities including:
- Overseeing the implementation of the comprehensive Northamptonshire Tourism Strategy.
- Collaborating with local and national stakeholders to promote Northamptonshire’s attractions.
- Enhancing marketing efforts to raise the region’s profile.
- Supporting local businesses in maximizing the benefits of tourism.
- Ensuring sustainable growth of the visitor economy through innovative practices.
Government must create right conditions for business, says BCC
It’s crucial that Government creates the right conditions for businesses to stay competitive and grow in communities across the UK, according to Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce.
Responding to the Prime Minister’s Plan For Change announcement she said it was good to hear the Prime Minister double down on his commitment to grow the economy and highlight the importance of reforming the planning system.
She said: “The target of 150 new infrastructure projects is one that business will welcome, with its potential to boost regions and reinvigorate supply chains – but there is still a huge gap between the what and the how and when.
“With a bruising budget forcing many firms to revisit their investment and hiring plans, the pathway to this promised growth needs to accelerate.
“The cost-of-living crisis and the cost of doing business – are two sides of the same coin. They can’t be dealt with in isolation. Boosting private sector investment is fundamental to improving the cost of living.
