Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and University of Derby team up to make more room for nature

Steve Fisher
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Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and University of Derby team up to make more room for nature
Derbyshire Wildlife Trust has agreed a series of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) with the University of Derby to combine the skills and know-how needed to support the Trust’s ambitions to be at the forefront of ecosystem services provision.
The partnership will provide the academic expertise that the Trust needs to grow by developing an innovative and holistic business model that can leverage its conservation expertise and enable it to operate commercially, while remaining true to its charitable status. For 60 years, owning land for nature conservation has been the main function of Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and continues to be at the heart of its strategy. Through KTP funding, this collaboration will help the Trust build capability to generate income through managing land by providing a range of services in relation to biodiversity net gain (BNG), wellbeing improvement, carbon sequestration, nitrate and phosphate mitigation. Under the terms of the partnership, the University will recruit three graduate associates to work on the project for two years. During their time working with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, the KTP recruits will embed new methods into the organisation, training the existing staff team. The graduate associates, supported by the staff team at the Trust and academics from the University of Derby’s School of Built and Natural Environment and Derby Business School, will develop a bespoke simulation framework to assess biodiversity outcomes for target sites, and novel tools for baseline biodiversity assessment and long-term site monitoring. This will be complemented by a Management KTP to develop a holistic business model that offers the Trust a mechanism to continue its nature recovery work, whilst generating income and fulfilling other social and environmental objectives, such as flood risk management and water quality improvement. Matt Buckler, Head of Wilder Landscapes at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust said: “Following the Government’s announcement to make BNG a mandatory requirement for planning permission, coupled with the recent COP26 and upcoming COP15 conferences, there has been a shift in thinking towards nature-based solutions to meet environmental and climate emergencies. “We recognised this catalyst for change early on and knew that with support from the University to transform our business capabilities and working practices, we could protect land for nature, as we always have done, whilst providing the ecosystem services needed by society, landowners and organisations such as developers and utility companies. “We are very much looking forward to working with the University of Derby and embedding our new associates into the organisation to help us maximise this significant opportunity and establish ourselves as the leading provider of ecosystem services in the county and beyond.” Dr Anne Danby, Course Director for the School of Built and Natural Environment at the University of Derby, added: “The KTPs are an exciting opportunity for academics and students at the University. The BNG work is cutting-edge, in a highly technical area and will draw on the skills of our academic team in remote sensing, biodiversity analysis and ecological modelling to support Derbyshire Wildlife Trust in this innovative endeavour. It also offers a great learning opportunity for hundreds of our undergraduate and postgraduate students, from across business management, operations and supply chain, environmental management and sustainability courses. They will all learn a lot from the case studies, projects and guest lectures generated by this project.”

Sterling dips and pundits warn of long recession as BoE announces biggest rate hike in decades

Steve Fisher
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Sterling dips and pundits warn of long recession as BoE announces biggest rate hike in decades
The Bank of England has announced a rise in interest rates from 0.75% to 3% – the biggest interest rate increase since 1989. The rise follows economic turmoil caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and various faux pas by Liz Truss’s cabinet. Economists are now forecasting that, as a result, the UK will be plunged into one of the longest recessions on record. Seven members of the MPC (Andrew Bailey, Ben Broadbent, Jon Cunliffe, Jonathan Haskel, Catherine L Mann, Huw Pill and Dave Ramsden) voted in favour of the rise. Two members voted against the proposition. Swati Dhingra preferred to increase Bank Rate by 0.5 percentage points, to 2.75%, and Silvana Tenreyro preferred to increase Bank Rate by 0.25 percentage points, to 2.5%. The Bank of England’s governor Andrew Bailey insisted: “If we don’t take action to bring inflation down, it gets worse,”

He added: “The UK’s standing has been damaged by the government’s mini-budget”

The MPC have also stated that, if the outlook suggests more persistent inflationary pressures, it will respond forcefully, as necessary.
 

Government needs to ‘get the basics right’ to help businesses through high interest rates environment, says East Midlands Chamber

Michael Fisher
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Government needs to ‘get the basics right’ to help businesses through high interest rates environment, says East Midlands Chamber
Commenting on the Bank of England’s decision to raise interest rates from 2.25% to 3%, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) chief executive Scott Knowles said: “The largest single increase in interest rates is a clear signal yet by the Bank of England that businesses should expect a high interest rate environment for the foreseeable future. “This will inevitably hamper investment intentions, which are already lagging significantly due to the low confidence affecting many firms right now amid a cost-of-doing-business crisis not helped by a lack of certainty. “Many businesses at this time of year are entering their business planning cycle for the next financial year and the lack of clarity on energy costs from 1 April 2023, among other inflationary pressures such as rising interest rates, will protract or even cancel planned investment in some cases. “Our latest Quarterly Economic Survey showed confidence over profitability and turnover has fallen by 21% and 17% between the second and third quarters of this year, with investment intentions dropping by 6% for both people and plant and machinery. “We understand the need to address rampant inflation, but equally the constant cycle of rates rises means these trends are unlikely to improve anytime soon unless the Government gets serious about supporting business with mountain concerns. “Later this month, we will launch a Business Manifesto for Growth in the East Midlands and Beyond in Parliament that urges decision-makers to ‘get the basics right’. This means developing a long-term approach to business taxation and regulation, improving digital and physical connectivity, and backing firms to invest in people. “By addressing the underlying structural issues that are holding many firms back, they can eventually get on with doing with what they do best – which is creating growth, job opportunities and wealth in their local areas, and driving the national economy forward.”

Founder of addiction charity among those receiving University of Derby honorary degrees

Steve Fisher
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Founder of addiction charity among those receiving University of Derby honorary degrees
The founder of a charity supporting people recovering from alcohol or substance addiction, the manager of the Derby Bosnia Herzegovina Centre, and a senior RAF officer and engineer, are among those who will receive Honorary Degrees from the University of Derby later this month. Each year notable people with a strong connection to the University or the city are chosen to receive an Honorary Degree at the Awards Ceremonies, when the University’s students graduate. Thousands of graduates, guests and VIPs are expected to attend the ceremonies which take place from Wednesday 16 November to Friday 18 November at Derby Arena. The recipients of the Honorary Degrees are:
  • Jaz Rai OBE – founder and chair of the Sikh Recovery Network (Honorary Master of the University)
  • Ferid Kevric – Project and Centre Manager of the Derby Bosnia Herzegovina Centre (Honorary Master of the University)
  • Air Marshal Sir Richard Knighton KCB FREng – senior RAF officer and engineer (Honorary Doctor of the University)
  • Stephen Layton MBE – Derby-born conductor, founder and director of Polyphony, one of the world’s leading choirs (Honorary Doctor of Music)
  • Jane Ide OBE – Derbyshire-based CEO of the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (Honorary Doctor of the University)
Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “Graduation is such an important milestone for our students, their families and guests. It is the culmination of years of hard work and provides an opportunity for our students to reflect on what they have achieved and celebrate the efforts they have put into their studies during their time at university. “It is also an opportunity to recognise and thank those who have helped contribute to our University, city and county, through the awarding of Honorary Degrees. The positive impact that this year’s honorands have made is significant, so we are delighted to be able to acknowledge that. Congratulations to everyone that will be graduating; we cannot wait to celebrate with you.”

Economic report reveals £1bn investment in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire by Amazon

Michael Fisher
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Economic report reveals £1bn investment in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire by Amazon
Amazon has launched its latest analysis of the company’s regional investment across the UK. The 2022 Amazon UK Economic Impact Hub shows that the company has invested more than £1 billion in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire since 2010. The Amazon UK Economic Impact Hub provides regional data on jobs created by Amazon locally, the number of regional independent small businesses supported by the company, the level of economic activity driven by Amazon’s investments and the export sales recorded last year by small businesses in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire selling on Amazon. Below are the key stats covering the region:  
  • Since 2010, Amazon has invested over £1 billion in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
  • This investment led to the production of goods and services that contributed an estimated £1.3 billion to the region’s GDP since 2010.
  • To date, Amazon has created around 8,000 full and part-time jobs in the East Midlands.
  • More than 400 people in the East Midlands have completed Amazon’s employability skills training programme since 2010.
  • More than 200 apprentices in East Midlands have qualified from the Amazon Apprenticeship programme since 2010.
  • In Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire there are more than 2,000 small and medium-sized businesses selling on Amazon as independent selling partners.
  • Small businesses from the region selling on Amazon recorded over £50 million of export sales in 2021.
  • In partnership with the charity Magic Breakfast, Amazon delivered more than 240,000 healthy breakfasts to vulnerable children and schools across the East Midlands in 2021.
  “Amazon is a proud member of the community in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire investing over £1 billion in the region since 2010 to support local businesses, create jobs and make a positive contribution to the regional economy,” said Vivek Khanka, General Manager at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield. “We help more than 2,000 small businesses across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire sell on Amazon and reach customers around the world, and we also continue to support community organisations across the region through donations and volunteering. Recently, we have donated to a range of good causes including Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice while working with Magic Breakfast to deliver healthy breakfasts to vulnerable children and schools.”

Duo of appointments at Marchini Curran Associates

Michael Fisher
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Duo of appointments at Marchini Curran Associates
Nottingham-based architects and interior designers, Marchini Curran Associates, has appointed Sara Saadouni as architect and Lauren Leyva as architectural assistant, as part of its plans for growth. The RIBA chartered practice, which provides design and project management services from its office on High Pavement in the city, has this year marked 20 years in business and put into action its growth and community strategy. Sara is a qualified architect in both the UK and Morocco and has an MSc in Sustainable Building Technology from the University of Nottingham. Having just completed her MA in Architecture with a first class honours degree, also at the University of Nottingham, Lauren is being sponsored by Marchini Curran Associates through her final Part III qualification to become an architect. The appointments come six months after the management buyout of the practice by directors Kevin Smith, Justin Ziegler and Andrew Bull. Founders Nick Marchini and Des Curran, remain actively involved in the business. Kevin said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Sara and Lauren to our team. Their passion and unique expertise make them a great asset to our practice, and I always enjoy the fresh ideas new team members bring. “Marchini Curran Associates is a team-oriented company. We invest in the best talent, which enables us to deliver the most innovative design solutions for our clients and further strengthen our culture. “Justin, Andrew and I are equally driven to further build on our well-established reputation for quality and collaborative approach, and Sara and Lauren join us at an exciting time – as we move forward with our growth and community strategy. Sara and Lauren will work alongside the close to 30-strong team at Marchini Curran Associates, delivering projects in the Midlands, nationally, and more recently in Europe. Current schemes include a large-scale commercial redevelopment in Oxford city centre, a retail-led development in Camden, and a number of large data centres around London, as well as local schemes such as the new Phoenix Cinema in Leicester. Sara said: “Really proud to be part of a team that cares about sustainable design and using my background in sustainable building technology, I’m already contributing my skills in this area to the work of the practice. The supportive and progressive approach has empowered me to take the lead on projects almost from the outset, and it’s wonderful to be part of this growth journey.” Lauren said: “I have immediately felt part of a friendly and inclusive team and Marchini Curran Associates is the perfect environment to learn from highly skilled professionals. I was drawn to the practice for its varied architecture and the supportive culture and I’m really looking forward to the future here.” Since its formation in 2002, Marchini Curran Associates and Marchini Curran Interiors has designed a diverse portfolio of projects for local, national and international clients, across commercial, retail, leisure, residential, education, industrial and master planning.

£18m funding for family owned bakery

Steve Fisher
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£18m funding for family owned bakery
A family owned bakery with operations in Derbyshire and Cheshire has successfully raised £18m to fund significant investment and upgrades to plant and equipment. The bakery, owned by Frank Roberts & Sons Limited is a fourth generation family business dating back to 1887, and is the fourth largest retail bread brand in the UK. The company serves a mix of national branded retail, own label, food to go and food service customers, under key brands Roberts Bakery and Little Treats. Mike Roberts, family member and Deputy Chairman of the business commented: “The new funding puts us in a very strong position and allows us to really invest in the future growth of our business and advance on our journey towards Net Zero Carbon. We’re constantly innovating new products alongside our core offerings and we now have the opportunity to ensure our bakery uses the most modern equipment and continues to produce the best quality products available on the shelves.” PwC Debt & Capital Advisory advised the company on the financing, led by director Dominic Renshaw and supported by Ash Jacobs and Sam Morkel.

Blast off for Newark’s £15m air and space training facility

Steve Fisher
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Blast off for Newark’s £15m air and space training facility
Construction work has started on the new £15.4m Air and Space Institute (ASI) in Newark – and the state-of-the-art training facility is due to open in early September 2024.
Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Visitors, Councillor Rhona Holloway, from Newark and Sherwood District Council and Newark Town Board Co-Chair Tom Cartledge joined ASI colleagues on-site for the official turf-cutting ceremony this afternoon. Councillor Rhona Holloway, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Visitors at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Today marks the start of the exciting construction of a new Air and Space Institute located in Newark. “The facility will train the next generation of pilots, engineers and aviation ground crew – providing young people who dream of flying a plane or working in the aviation or space industries the opportunity to have that dream turned into reality. “To reach this point has involved a huge amount of work and I’d like to pay tribute to Lincoln College Group, Newark Town Board and colleagues within Newark and Sherwood District Council.” Being built adjacent to the Newark and Sherwood District Council offices on the former Cattle Market site, the ASI was one of a number of priority projects identified as part of Newark’s Town Investment Plan, which was developed by the Newark Town Board to regenerate the town centre, boost business and improve infrastructure. As part of the proposals, £10.6 is being contributed towards the project from the Towns Fund. Lincoln College Director of ASI and Strategic Growth, Tom Marsden, said: “This new HQ for the Air and Space Institute will be an iconic landmark for Newark as people enter the town. It’s also hugely exciting for our current and future students, who’ll be training to be pilots and engineers in the civil and military aviation and space industries. “This project represents the vision, drive and tenacity of our partners; the District Council, Newark Town Board, STEM architects, our main contractor G F Tomlinson and our aviation industry partners. “ASI is putting Newark on the map in terms of education and training. Our students are already taking flying lessons and training on real aircraft. This new facility will be truly world-class and attract students from all over the UK. This brings investment, new resources and a huge boost to existing and emerging businesses in Newark. “We’re already training the pilots and aircraft engineers of the future and our Space Engineering programmes for school-leavers start in September. All of our programmes go from level 2 and 3 right up to higher national diplomas and degree-level and we will be in a position to make an exciting announcement about a new local university partner in the next few weeks.” Chris Flint, Managing Director at G F Tomlinson said: “We were delighted to be appointed as the main contractor on this development. “The project will provide students at the Lincoln College Group with a state-of-the-art facility and enable the ASI to offer first-class training at a brand-new campus in the heart of Newark. “We are extremely pleased to have secured this project under the Pagabo National Framework for Major Construction Works. Through our early contractor involvement and close collaboration with the Client team, we look forward to turning Lincoln College Group’s vision into a reality by providing a world-class training facility for young people throughout the region.”

Positive performance from Leicester headquartered fashion giant

Steve Fisher
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Positive performance from Leicester headquartered fashion giant
Leicester headquartered fashion retailer, Next, has released its latest profit guidance and despite turbulent times for the high street, the company remains confident that their revised forecast will be met. In the thirteen weeks to 29th October, the listed company saw full price sales rise slightly ahead of expectations with an increase of 0.4% on the previous year. The report reveals that retail spend in the UK and Ireland increased 3.1 per cent, while on line sales dropped 1.9%. The company state they expect to hit their recently adjusted guidance for full year profit, which, in September, was revised down from £860m before tax to £840m – however this still reflects an increase of 2.1% versus last year.

The company intend to give an update on sales to Saturday 31 December on Thursday 5th January 2023.

Work completes on £4m AMP building at Arnold Town Centre

Steve Fisher
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Work completes on £4m AMP building at Arnold Town Centre
Construction works have officially completed on The AMP building at Arnold Town Centre in Gedling, Nottinghamshire. G F Tomlinson has been leading the construction of the building, having previously built the council’s Café 1899 at Gedling Country Park, since works started on the flagship scheme in May 2021. The opening ceremony for the new facility took place in October, with Deputy Leader, Councillor Michael Payne, Councillor Jenny Hollingsworth, Chief Executive of D2N2, Will Morlidge, tenants from three of the new units and representatives from G F Tomlinson. The two-storey building will be home to new start-up businesses, including a wine tasting experience outlet, a cat and dog accessory and treats store, a cake shop and delicatessen, as well as the Post Office which was the first to open its doors to the public this month. The £4 million scheme has been commissioned by Gedling Borough Council and procured via the SCAPE Regional Construction framework, which is dedicated to creating spaces and experiences that leave a sustainable legacy within the local community. Funding for the project came from the council’s capital programme budget, which was boosted by a successful bid for £1.25 million from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership’s Local Growth Fund to support town centre improvements. Overall, 40 new jobs have also been created, through business employment and during construction of the new buildings. Sustainability and renewable energy are at the heart of the building’s design, with initiatives such as 51 solar panels, natural ventilation points, high efficiency LED lighting and air source heat pumps installed within the building. Rainwater retention tanks have also been installed to reduce flood risks and help feed the semi-mature trees that have been planted around the public realm to offset carbon emissions. Craig Stopper, Regional Construction Framework Manager at G F Tomlinson, said: “We’re really pleased to have successfully completed The AMP building and play our part in contributing towards Gedling Borough Council’s pledge to decrease its CO2 emissions by 2030. “The flagship building is a significant investment for the local region, which will revitalise the town centre and help to boost the local economy. We look forward to seeing residents enjoy the new shops and eateries and welcoming visitors to the community.” Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke adds:“We are incredibly pleased that the AMP building is officially complete and our new tenants will begin moving into this wonderful new building in the heart of Arnold Town Centre. I would like to thank everyone involved in helping to get this ambitious project over the line, it has taken an colossal amount of work to get this done by Gedling Borough Council staff, G F Tomlinson and several other partners who all contributed to this project and made it a success. We made a manifesto pledge that we would revitalise the town centre and this will be the jewel in the crown for Arnold.”    
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