Construction underway on new further and higher education campus in Skegness

Tess Egginton
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Construction underway on new further and higher education campus in Skegness
Construction has started on the new campus for Skegness TEC which will deliver further and higher education courses for the residents of Skegness and surrounding communities. The new campus, supported by a £14 million government-funded Connected Coast Town Deal, is set to make a huge impact in the community, offering further and higher education tailored towards vocational skills training to meet local needs. Having gained planning permission from East Lindsey District Council last year, works are now underway on the Wainfleet Road site, led by contractors Hobson and Porter. Ann Hardy, CEO of TEC Partnership, said: “I am delighted that construction is underway on our new Skegness Learning Campus. It is going to be great to see our designs and plans become a reality. The new learning campus will bring with it a broad curriculum and new opportunities for the community of Skegness.” Chris Baron, Chair of Connected Coast, said: “It is fantastic to see work now underway on the Learning Campus, a development set to be genuinely transformational for local people, offering access to training in much-needed subjects in Skegness. “The Learning Campus is Connected Coast’s flagship Town Deal, and it has the potential to be an economic game changer for the area, allowing people to gain the skills and knowledge they need to get the jobs they want. “The start of work is a hugely significant milestone, and I look forward to seeing this exciting new facility come out of the ground over the coming months, ready to welcome students in 2025.” The campus will in turn bring enhanced employment opportunities and a broader range of curriculum tailored to economic changes and demands. Over the coming years, the project aims to help over 1,000 residents into employment, supporting growth in the local economy and enriching the community.

The best ways to support and develop your employees this year

Tess Egginton
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The best ways to support and develop your employees this year
The importance of supporting and developing employees has never been more obvious. For businesses in the UK, where competition for top talent is fierce and the pace of change is so fast, creating a culture that prioritises employee development is not just an advantage—it’s a necessity. This year, as companies push to move through the complexities of the post-pandemic world, focusing on effective strategies to support and grow their workforce is absolutely crucial.  Create a culture of continuous learning The ground floor of any initiative to support and develop employees is the cultivation of a culture that understands the importance of continuous learning. Things move so quickly and the ability to adapt and grow is crucial for both individual and organisational success. A culture of learning encourages curiosity, innovation, and resilience, enabling employees to meet the challenges of their roles and contribute more effectively to the organisation’s goals. Implementing a learning culture:
  • Encourage learning at all levels: Lead by example. Management should actively engage in learning opportunities, demonstrating the value placed on continuous personal and professional development.
  • Personalise learning pathways: Recognise that employees have varied learning styles and career aspirations. Work with them to create personalised learning plans that align with their goals and the needs of the business.
  • Leverage technology: Utilise online platforms and e-learning tools to provide flexible, accessible learning opportunities. Many platforms offer courses ranging from technical skills to leadership development.
Invest in training Investing in employee training is a direct way to support their development and enhance the skillset within your organisation. Training can take many forms, from formal courses and workshops to on-the-job training and mentoring programs. Effective training not only boosts employee performance but also increases job satisfaction and engagement, as it demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to its growth. Strategies for effective training:
  • Assess needs regularly: Conduct regular skills audits and consult with employees to identify training needs within your team. This ensures that training initiatives are targeted and relevant.
  • Diverse training methods: Incorporate a mix of training methods to cater to different learning preferences. This might include in-person workshops, online courses, webinars, and peer-to-peer learning. For example, if you’re looking for training for the leaders in your company, look for leadership skills training that suits different stages. Impact Factory can tailor their skills courses to suit your needs. 
  • Measure impact: Evaluate the effectiveness of training programmes by measuring improvements in performance and feedback from participants. This can help refine future training initiatives and demonstrate ROI to stakeholders.
Provide constructive feedback Feedback is a powerful tool for development when delivered effectively. It provides employees with insight into their performance, highlighting strengths and identifying areas for improvement. Constructive feedback, delivered in a supportive and respectful manner, can motivate employees to develop their skills and contribute more effectively to their teams. Delivering constructive feedback:
  • Regular check-ins: Don’t wait for annual reviews to provide feedback. Regular one-to-ones offer timely insights into performance and development needs, fostering a more responsive and dynamic growth environment.
  • Focus on development: Frame feedback in terms of development opportunities. Discuss actionable steps for improvement and offer support in achieving these goals.
  • Create a two-way dialogue: Encourage employees to share their perspectives and aspirations. This not only helps tailor development efforts but also reinforces their role as active participants in their growth journey.
These strategies represent foundational elements in the endeavour to support and develop employees effectively. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, investing in targeted training, and providing constructive feedback, organisations can enhance their workforce’s skills, motivation, and engagement. As we move deeper into more strategies, it’s important to remember that the ultimate goal is to create an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the modern workplace. Encourage mentorship and coaching Mentorship and coaching are powerful tools for personal and professional development, offering employees guidance, support, and insights from more experienced colleagues. These relationships can help individuals navigate workplace challenges, develop new skills, and advance their careers, contributing to a stronger, more cohesive organisational culture. Implementing effective mentorship and coaching:
  • Formalise mentorship programs: Establish structured mentorship programs that pair less experienced employees with seasoned professionals. Provide guidelines and training for mentors to ensure they are prepared to offer valuable support.
  • Offer professional coaching: Consider investing in professional coaching for high-potential employees. Coaches can work with individuals on specific development areas, leadership skills, or career progression plans.
  • Promote peer learning: Encourage informal mentorship and peer learning opportunities within teams. Sharing knowledge and experiences can foster a supportive learning environment and enhance team collaboration.
Support work-life balance Supporting employees’ work-life balance is crucial for their well-being and overall job satisfaction. A healthy balance can prevent burnout, increase engagement, and improve productivity. Especially in today’s fast-paced work environment, recognising the importance of personal time and flexibility can significantly impact employees’ loyalty and commitment to the organisation. Strategies to support work-life balance:
  • Flexible working arrangements: Offer flexible working options, such as remote work, flexible hours, and compressed workweeks. These arrangements can help employees manage their personal and professional responsibilities more effectively.
  • Encourage time off: Promote a culture that values taking time off for rest and rejuvenation. Ensure that employees feel comfortable taking their full entitlement of annual leave without fear of falling behind or being perceived as less committed.
  • Provide resources for well-being: Offer access to well-being resources, such as employee assistance programmes, mindfulness sessions, or fitness memberships. Supporting employees’ physical and mental health contributes to a more positive and productive work environment.
Promote internal mobility Offering opportunities for internal mobility and career progression not only helps retain top talent but also supports employee development by exposing them to new challenges and learning opportunities. Internal mobility can take many forms, including promotions, lateral moves, or project-based assignments, allowing employees to explore different roles and departments within the organisation. Helping to create internal mobility:
  • Career pathing: Work with employees to understand their career aspirations and identify potential paths within the organisation. Transparent discussions about career progression can motivate employees to develop the skills needed for future roles.
  • Skill-based assignments: Encourage participation in cross-functional projects or task forces. These opportunities allow employees to apply their skills in new contexts and learn from colleagues in different areas of the business.
  • Transparent job postings: Ensure internal job openings are widely communicated. Providing clear information about the skills and experiences required for each role can help employees identify development areas and apply for positions that align with their career goals.
Final thoughts Supporting and developing employees is a multifaceted process that requires commitment and creativity from organisational leaders. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, investing in training, providing constructive feedback, encouraging mentorship and coaching, supporting work-life balance, and promoting internal mobility, businesses can create an environment where employees feel valued, engaged, and motivated to grow.  Organisations that prioritise employee development are better positioned to attract and retain top talent, drive innovation, and achieve long-term success. Remember, the strength of your organisation lies in the capabilities and commitment of your people. Investing in their development is not just a strategy for individual growth but a cornerstone for building a resilient and thriving business.

Bassetlaw secures £20m levelling up boost

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Bassetlaw secures £20m levelling up boost
Bassetlaw will receive a £20 million boost as part of a major regeneration project announced by Government. The funding is part of the wider £400 million Levelling Up Partnerships in England, with the cash going to the 20 areas most in need for levelling up. Levelling Up Minister Jacob Young said: “This new Levelling Up Partnership is massive news for Bassetlaw and will make a real difference the region. This £20 million I’m announcing today builds on the millions we’ve already invested in the area to regenerate, level up and create new opportunities for local people. “We are working closely with the Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, and other local leaders, as part of our plans to Level Up the East Midlands, including by creating the East Midlands Combined Authority which will give local communities more power to shape decisions which directly affect them.” The package of investment includes:
  • £14m to redevelop old print rooms in Worksop, a vacant retail unit in Priory Shopping centre and a derelict site in Harworth & Bircotes. This will help create a new education centre, NHS health and wellbeing centre, and community hub.
  • £3m for streetscaping in Retford, Worksop and Tuxford town centres, helping to improve access and tackle anti-social behaviour.
  • £1.5m for Worksop to renovate derelict land and create a community farm shop.
  • £1m to redevelop Retford Town Hall into a new community space, including a banking hub and £150,000 for investment in Manton Children’s centre in Worksop for use as a Family Hub whose services will support local families.
  • £120k of funding to the Council to support them in their local skills scoping work to ensure people can make use of the economic opportunities that STEP will bring and strategic visioning for the arrival of STEP.
  • £100k of funding for studies to help improve the town centres of Bassetlaw, which will further prepare the town and surrounding areas for the arrival of STEP.
This builds on the significant investment already made in Bassetlaw, including nearly £18 million from the Levelling Up Fund, over £3 million from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as well as £20 million from the Long-Term plan for Towns. James Naish, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council, said: “This £20 million investment through the Levelling Up Partnership will help to propel change and generate more life chances and opportunities for residents of all ages across Bassetlaw. “The range of projects – put forward by the Council to purposefully cover the whole of the District – includes supporting improvements to the streets where people live and shop; creating new exercise and training opportunities; investing in community spaces such as banking and family hubs; and promoting the employment, business and educational opportunities created by the planned prototype fusion energy plant at West Burton. “Among the eight confirmed projects, there are schemes in Tuxford and Harworth & Bircotes as well as Retford and Worksop, all of which contributes to delivering the Council’s vision for Bassetlaw as a whole to become an even better place to live, work and do business.”

Family run motor group acquires Burton car retailer

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Family run motor group acquires Burton car retailer
Read Motor Group has expanded their net in a takeover of Burton car retailer, TL Darby. A longtime Volkswagen dealership, the latest move will see the TL Darby Volkswagen dealership become Read Hyundai Burton. As well as being the place to go for all things Hyundai in Burton, the dealership however will still be working closely with Volkswagen to maintain its current Aftersales service to Volkswagen customers old and new. As a Volkswagen authorised repairer, the same Volkswagen expert after sales team will continue to service and MOT all Volkswagen, Seat, Skoda and Cupra at the site as always. The Read Motor Group has grown from a single Hyundai site in 2010, to spanning 10 sites across the North and Midlands area. It is family owned and run, with company owner Mike Read still very much in the driving seat of the business. TL Darby has been a recognisable name and family-run business in the local area for over 50 years, and as such, owner Richard Darby was keen to be handing over the reins to a fellow family-run business owner. The Read Motor Group owner, Mike Read said: “Richard and the team at TL Darby have long been an important part of the local community, and I am proud to continue his legacy by serving customers in the Burton area with the same team, looking after customers old and new alike. The Hyundai brand is a very exciting brand and has some great things to offer, and I very much look forward to bringing it to Burton.”

Recycling initiative launched to transform lives of homeless people

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Recycling initiative launched to transform lives of homeless people

A new programme, devised by the charity Framework, can help businesses recycle domestic or office furniture, electrical appliances, fixtures and fittings and, at the same time, transform the lives of homeless people.

Framework provides supported accommodation for around 3,000 homeless people each year across Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. Every year Framework furnishes and equips around 600 units of accommodation – mostly one-bed flats – at an annual cost of £660,000.

The Furnishing Futures scheme aims to help two types of business. It offers a solution for producers, suppliers and retailers seeking to dispose of dead stock including furniture, electrical appliances, kitchenware, soft furnishing and bedding. The scheme is also aimed at businesses wishing to recycle and repurpose items following a refurbishment.

Furnishing Futures is designed to accept either regular or one-off donations. Every donation will receive an impact report to help the business demonstrate the resulting social and environmental impact – outlining the number of people helped and the number of items diverted from landfill. This information can be used to show progress towards achieving Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals.

Nottingham’s Lace Market Hotel has recently become the first donor to the new Furnishing Futures scheme with the provision of beds, desks and chairs. Area Sales Manager Richard Adamson said: “We are proud to have supported Framework’s Furnishing Futures initiative, contributing to their mission to end homelessness and tackle disadvantage by helping to furnish properties for local people experiencing homelessness.

“This initiative is ideal for hotels like ours as we are currently going through a soft refurb. Instead of disposing of these items in a less environmentally- and socially-conscious way, we wanted to ensure our old furniture could help give a new lease of life to someone who needs it.

“We are big believers in helping make our local community a safer, cleaner and more comfortable place for everyone. By working in partnership with Framework we are delighted to have been able to do just that and we would urge other hotels and businesses to consider doing the same.”

Matt Cooke, the Framework fundraiser managing the scheme, says: “The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) estimates that, in 2020, the UK generated approximately 28 million tonnes of commercial waste, much of which was incinerated or sent to landfill.

“That waste will have included many thousands of items of hard and soft furnishings – often in great condition or still brand new – that could have had a new lease of life.

“What many producers, suppliers and retailers might consider ‘dead stock’ is seen by charities like Framework as something that can help build new lives.

“We want to highlight the opportunity to businesses who have a problem disposing of high-quality, ex-display, returned or end-of-line hard or soft furnishings, electrical appliances, kitchenware and bedding.

“In addition, Furnishing Futures is relevant to businesses who are contemplating refurbishment and are looking for a disposal solution that is both cost-free and demonstrates their sense of social and environmental responsibility. We are very grateful to the management at the Lace Market Hotel in Nottingham who have recently provided proof of concept by becoming our first Furnishing Futures donor.

“We invite businesses to join forces with Framework through our Furnishing Futures initiative and donate their stock to give it – and the people we support – a new lease of life.

“Our charity faces immense cost-of-living pressures – for instance our annual fuel bill rose by 81% in the past year meaning there was £1.3m less to spend on supporting people in need. By saving us the cost of purchasing new goods, businesses participating in Furnishing Futures will enable us to divert similarly much-needed resources to support the growing number of people seeking our support in these difficult times.

“Furnishing Futures offers a win for businesses; it is also a win for Framework and the people we support, and it’s definitely a win for the environment!

“So we look forward to working with interested business partners to make a difference together through this exciting and innovative project.”

To turn an empty house or flat into a welcoming home for someone who has been experiencing homelessness the items needed by Framework include:

  • Furniture: 2-seater sofas, dining tables and chairs, coffee tables, bedside tables, wardrobes, chests of drawers and single bed frames

  • Electrical appliances: kettles, toasters, microwaves, vacuum cleaners, TVs, smartphones with chargers, laptops with chargers

  • Kitchenware: cutlery, dining sets (bowls, plates, mugs), cooking utensils, cooking pans, oven trays

  • Bedding: mattresses, sheets, duvets and covers, pillows and cases

  • Furnishings such as roller blinds, lamps and lampshades.

Harris Lamb appoints principal ecologist

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Harris Lamb appoints principal ecologist

Property consultancy Harris Lamb has appointed a principal ecologist to its CIEEM-accredited environmental department to meet the growing demand for its services.

Susan Sweetman joins from Wakefield Council and brings more than 15 years experience in key ecological roles throughout the UK to the business, including positions at Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

Susan, who has an Honours degree in Zoology from the University of Edinburgh and a master’s degree in Conservation and Biodiversity from the University of Leeds, has a particular passion for botany and nature-based solutions.

Dr Holly Smith, head of Harris Lamb’s Environmental department, said: “We are delighted to welcome Susan to our team, where, thanks to her enthusiasm and extensive experience within the field, she will be a huge asset.

“Susan brings a diverse range of skills to the business, including a track record of conducting ecological appraisals, protected species surveys, Environmental Impact Assessments and Biodiversity Net Gain calculations and is also experienced in providing advice on ecological legislation, policy and knowledge to clients, community groups, landowners, planners and developers.

“Her understanding and confidence in explaining the risks to the environment and penalties faced by stakeholders are essential skills that will be of huge benefit to our clients,” added Holly.

Susan has a passion for protected species, having obtained a Natural England great crested newt survey licence and gained a wealth of experience carrying out bat surveys on top of voluntary work conducted with the Derbyshire Bat Group, in addition to pursuing further experience of carrying out surveys for otter, water vole and white-clawed crayfish.

Susan said: “I was attracted to Harris Lamb due to its excellent reputation for practising ecology within the commercial sector, and I welcomed the opportunity to continue to work with a diverse range of stakeholders to advise on and oversee ecological projects and further their understanding of the importance of sustainability.

“I am passionate about protecting species and habitats and helping them to thrive and am looking forward to providing additional ecological expertise to the commercial and residential developments, and to helping to bring these to fruition while both protecting and enhancing wildlife and biodiversity throughout the country.”

Steve prepares to sleep under the stars to raise money for veterans experiencing homelessness and hardship

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Steve prepares to sleep under the stars to raise money for veterans experiencing homelessness and hardship
Steve Davies will be swapping the comfort of his own bed for a sleeping bag today, Friday, March 15, when he takes part in the Great Tommy Sleepout to raise money for veterans who are experiencing hardship and homelessness. Steve, who is Same Day Operations Manager at Hannington-based Xtra Express Logistics, is showing his supporting for the event, which has been organised by the Royal British Legion to support 6,000 vulnerable veterans. Steve will be sleeping out under the stars in his own garden in Northampton to help raise money and awareness. He said: “This is a cause which is really close to my heart, so I want to raise as much money as possible. My Grandad served during the war, and I do a lot to support the Royal British Legion, so this was very personal for me. “I was given a tent free of charge by Alan Day, a very kind-hearted person on Facebook Marketplace from Milton Keynes, and I’m looking forward to getting involved.” Steve has worked for Xtra Express Logistics for 11 years and says the support he has received from his colleagues has been overwhelming. He said: “They’ve been brilliant and I am very grateful. They have made donations and really helped me on my way towards my fundraising target.” To show your support for the Great Tommy Sleepout visit www.facebook.com/donate/1081130819591866/.

University of Leicester-led training centre to fuse AI into metals industry

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University of Leicester-led training centre to fuse AI into metals industry
A new training centre at the University of Leicester aims to boost the metals industry with the skills in data and artificial intelligence to take on the global competition of the future. The new £18 million Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Digital Transformation of Metals Industry (DigitalMetal) has been funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), who announced £7m funding, five partner universities (Birmingham, Leicester, Loughborough, Nottingham and Warwick) and industry. It’s part of the UK’s biggest-ever investment in engineering and physical sciences doctoral skills, totalling more than £1 billion, announced by Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan. 65 Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) will support leading research in areas of national importance including the critical technologies AI, quantum technologies, semiconductors, telecoms and engineering biology. The DigitalMetal CDT has been designed to meet a national, strategic need for training a new generation of technical leaders able to lead digital transformation of metals industry and its supply chain with the objective of increasing agility, productivity & international competitiveness of the metals industry in the UK. It will provide postgraduate training that combines metals and alloy engineering with digital technology and AI skills, to help the UK metals and manufacturing industries to reap the benefits of ‘big data’. The vision is to deliver the future industry leaders who can rapidly take advantage of the latest discoveries in manufacturing processes through digital twinning to enable defect-free, ‘right first-time’ manufacturing at reduced costs. The metals industry is a vital component of the UK’s manufacturing economy and makes a significant contribution to key strategic sectors such as construction, aerospace and space, automotive, energy, defence and medical, directly contributing £20bn to UK GDP, and underpins over £190bn manufacturing GDP. Professor Hongbiao Dong FREng from the University of Leicester School of Engineering, and Director of the Centre, said: “Without a new cadre of leaders in digital technologies, equipped to transform discoveries and breakthroughs in metals and manufacturing technologies into products, the UK risks entering another cycle of world-leading innovation but losing the benefits arising from exploitation to more capable and better prepared global competitors. “For the UK metal industry to lead at a global level, we must raise its competitiveness and create robust and agile manufacturing processes and sustainable supply chains enabled by digital technology. DigitalMetal CDT is timely due to the readiness of smart digital technology and the availability of new scientific advances to help move the industry to Industry 4.0 and sustainability. Future students trained by DigitalMetal CDT will lead this important industry sector to drive economic growth, job creation and global inward investment in the current challenging post Brexit and Covid-19 economic landscape.” Professor Sarah Davies, Pro Vice Chancellor and Head of the College of Science and Engineering said: “I am delighted that the University of Leicester will be working with the EPSRC, our four partner universities and thirty-five industrial partners to develop and deliver high-quality, exciting research training to our future scientists and engineers. The University of Leicester has a strategic commitment to nurture the next generation of researchers and this Centre for Doctoral Training, led by Professor Hongbiao Dong FREng, will train metals and manufacturing researchers and engineers with the required combination of experimental, analytical, computational, business and professional skills needed for innovation.” Professor Charlotte Deane, Executive Chair of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, part of UK Research and Innovation, said: “The Centres for Doctoral Training announced today will help to prepare the next generation of researchers, specialists and industry experts across a wide range of sectors and industries. “Spanning locations across the UK and a wide range of disciplines, the new centres are a vivid illustration of the UK’s depth of expertise and potential, which will help us to tackle large-scale, complex challenges and benefit society and the economy. “The high calibre of both the new centres and applicants is a testament to the abundance of research excellence across the UK, and EPSRC’s role as part of UKRI is to invest in this excellence to advance knowledge and deliver a sustainable, resilient and prosperous nation.” Science and Technology Secretary, Michelle Donelan, said: “As innovators across the world break new ground faster than ever, it is vital that government, business and academia invests in ambitious UK talent, giving them the tools to pioneer new discoveries that benefit all our lives while creating new jobs and growing the economy. “By targeting critical technologies including artificial intelligence and future telecoms, we are supporting world class universities across the UK to build the skills base we need to unleash the potential of future tech and maintain our country’s reputation as a hub of cutting-edge research and development.”

New tenants take on organic farm on Paget Estate

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New tenants take on organic farm on Paget Estate

The historic Paget Estate has attracted new tenants for Hungary Lane Farm, which will become the sixth organic farm on the 2,500-acre estate located on the Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire border.

Loughborough based specialist land development and property consultancy Mather Jamie promoted the farm, interviewed applicants and arranged the farm business tenancy agreement on behalf of the landowner, Joanna Herbert-Stepney.

The new tenants are Amy and Lance Charity, who have taken on a twenty-five-year tenancy for the farm. Both come from a family of farmers and previously leased a council farm holding.

Hungary Lane Farm is a 275 acre formally biodynamic, arable and livestock farm, including a four-bedroom farmhouse and modern and traditional farm buildings that will be used to create a diverse range of organic farming and craft activities.

Amy and Lance have a flock of 200 pedigree polled Dorset sheep, a breed which has the unique ability to lamb out of season in September. A proportion of lamb will be sold to Waitrose as part of the Dorset scheme and will provide a year-round supply of 100% British lamb.

Commenting on their plans for the farm, Amy Charity said: “This is an exciting leap for us to move with our young family. As well as the continuing as an organic arable farm, the new farm shop will stock our own organic produce from our farm and market garden, including eggs, lamb and eventually pork. We also have a food prep kitchen ‘Hungary Lane Bakes’ which will launch soon offering brownies, bakes and cookie slices.”

Lance Charity added: “We aren’t here to grow to astronomical levels, we are here to supply and support our local community, the villages, towns and cities around us. Our focus is on producing good quality locally grown food that is 100% traceable. We are very grateful to have this excellent opportunity to become part of the Paget Estate.  The landowner, Joanna Herbert-Stepney is hugely supportive of organic farming principles and has been extremely welcoming, taking a keen interest in our story and farming practices.”

Lance and Amy are committed to the principles of regenerative agriculture, looking after soils and increasing biodiversity. At Hungary Lane Farm they plan to continue bi-cropping, which means growing a spring crop legume, alongside wheat and will supply local mills with both heritage and more commercial wheats.

Alongside the farm, Lance and Amy also run an embroidery business called ‘Needle in a Haystack’ which already has a full order book offering personalised workwear to local businesses, schools and clubs.

As Managing Agents for the Paget Estate, Mather Jamie has previously re-let Home Farm and Cedars Farm as organic ventures within the last five years. Sam Woodhouse, Rural Surveyor, said: “As experienced, pro-active organic farmers, this is a great opportunity for Lance and Amy to develop a successful organic farming business, whilst conserving the natural habitat and landscape.

“After visiting them at their previous small holding and seeing their hard work and passion for their farming business, we had no doubt that they would be the ideal tenants for Hungary Lane Farm.”

Looking to the future there are plans to have farm opens days for visiting schools and community groups as well as improving public footpaths so more people can enjoy the countryside which will hopefully also increase footfall to the farm’s many enterprises.

Electric vehicle scheme to bring thousands of jobs to Midlands Consortiums

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Electric vehicle scheme to bring thousands of jobs to Midlands Consortiums
Figures released by Sub-national Transport Body, Midlands Connect show the economic benefits of an electric vehicle charging infrastructure (EVI) scheme for the Midlands. As well as employment opportunities, the Midlands EVI Consortiums are estimated to bring £1.87bn of economic benefits to the region over the life of the project, from 2025 to 2040. It will also bring an additional £1.46bn in environmental benefits from supporting the transition from fossil fuel vehicles to electric vehicles. The Midlands EVI Consortiums have secured funding from the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund – a government-funded programme which supports councils to install electric vehicle charge points with additional private investment from charge point operators, is likely to support approximately 11,000 jobs in the whole electric vehicle charging supply chain. In September 2023, Midlands Connect partnered with Local Authorities for a total of £40.3m of the LEVI Fund, accounting for 61% of the region’s £66.5m funding. The scheme is expected to create direct and indirect jobs across the charge point supply chain. Of these, 2,000 will be during the development phase of the scheme, with a further 9,000 roles to be created during the 15-year operational phase, supporting the Midlands region, UK and wider charging infrastructure. The news comes following Midlands Connect’s Electric Vehicle Conference, which took place virtually last week. Leaders from across the industry shared visions on the electric revolution, from charging infrastructure to fleet electrification. Maria Machancoses, CEO of Midlands Connect, said: “These figures really show the importance of investing in green transport. As the UK moves towards Net Zero, there must be more green jobs and investment, especially in an industrial region such as the Midlands. “Electric car and fleet use is on the rise so it’s great to see the funding for infrastructure will have such a positive impact, it will create thousands of jobs across the region.”
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