Northampton first in recruitment app roll-out
A new app launched by Berry Recruitment in Northampton enables users to find work in seconds.
The tech is an extension of the town’s busy branch and means workers can take more control of their lives by choosing when and where they work.
The app will be rolled out nationally but Northampton has been chosen as one of the first places to benefit.
From downloading the app to accepting work is swift and simple – with employers also benefitting by filling vacancies more easily.
Berry Recruitment provides full and part-time work in sectors including industrial, office, catering and driving – and it also provides staff for large events.
Already the app is being downloaded by many who want to make a bit more money in the run-up to Christmas.
Lee Gamble, manager of Berry Recruitment, said: “The app does not replace our Northampton branch – it is an extension of it.
“Our workers can always talk to a real person; algorithms are great, but people buy from people – this hybrid solution is definitely the future for recruitment.
“Northampton is an ideal place to roll out the app because of the nature of the work the branch provides and the high number of staff we already have on our books.
“There are many employers in the area desperate for workers and we can now provide them with an even better service.
“It is extremely easy to register on the app and we still interview people face-to-face – via Facetime or similar technology, and this reassures employers.
“After it’s been downloaded the jobs are listed and people can click on vacancies and have work in seconds. It puts power literally in their hands.
“The app provides the same benefits that those who register within the branch receive.
“We have a refer-a-friend scheme and a temp of the month award, plus there are tips as well as careers and interview advice.
“We provide a route planner to help workers get to the job and it’s easy to send messages via the app so all parties involved can communicate easily.
“Clients and candidates across Northampton and surrounding areas are already using it and benefitting from it.”
British Business Bank’s second annual Nations and Region Tracker records the use of external finance falls in the East Midlands region
The British Business Bank’s second annual Nations and Region Tracker, published today, finds usage of external finance has fallen overall across the UK as nine out of the twelve regions saw a drop in use of small business finance.
Four in 10 (40%) businesses across the UK were using external finance in the four quarters to Q2 2022 compared to 42% a year earlier, with the East Midlands slightly below at 36%, substantially lower than the 47% usage a year prior. Core debt products remain the most used and widely available across the region.
Businesses in the East Midlands secured 50 deals worth £154m of equity investment in 2021. The value of equity deals increased by 92% compared to 2020, with the number of deals up 32%.
The Nations and Regions Tracker found that businesses in the most deprived areas of the UK are more open to using finance and report higher levels of ambition for growth, whilst facing greater challenges in accessing external finance.
Nearly half (49%) of businesses in the most deprived areas have a long-term ambition to be a significantly larger business, compared to 40% elsewhere. They are also more willing to use external finance to grow (36%) than businesses in less deprived areas (33%).
However, the report found that the growth ambitions of smaller businesses in the UK’s most deprived areas are being stifled because of a lack of access to finance. Just over nine per cent of firms in the East Midlands are based in the most deprived areas of England and Wales, making them more likely to face barriers to growth.
A quarter (26%) of smaller businesses in need of finance in deprived locations did not apply. Of those who did apply between 2020-21, 16% were turned down compared to just 11% elsewhere.
Dr Sophie Dale-Black, UK Network Director, Midlands at the British Business Bank, said: For a sustainable and prosperous economy in our region to continue to grow, we want to break down particular barriers to finance so that access to finance is a level playing field for all entrepreneurs – wherever they are, whatever their gender, whatever their ethnicity.
“We know external finance is an important tool for smaller businesses to promote growth and stability. The decline in external finance usage brings to life the various economic challenges smaller businesses are facing. It is therefore important that they know what finance options are available which we are committed to help them do.”
£6.5m National Stone Centre takes step forward as plans submitted
A detailed planning application for a £6.5m transformation of the National Stone Centre (NSC) near Wirksworth, Derbyshire that draws on influences from local rock formations for the building’s form, has been jointly submitted by the National Stone Centre and the Institute of Quarrying.
The proposed new National Stone Centre will embody strong references and links to the area’s geology and industrial heritage, including the overhanging rock formations found in local gritstone outcrops, such as Black Rocks and Stanage Edge.![]()
The plans have been developed in partnership with Wirksworth-based building design and consultancy practice Babenko Associates. A cantilevered structure will allow the building to emerge from the hillside and spring out of the ground reflecting the rock formations in a dynamic way.
Phase One of the project includes proposals for a 100 seater café/restaurant; four naturally lit classrooms with a combined capacity of 120 learners; 700m2 of museum/exhibition space; a souvenir shop; Changing Places facilities; a new thematic children’s playground; and a 1200m2 open-air circular piazza for community events.
James Thorne is Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Quarrying, which has merged with the National Stone Centre. He says: “In 2021 the value of tourism to the Peak District and Derbyshire’s economy was estimated at £1.96 billion. A reimagined and reinvigorated National Stone Centre will bring new visitors, as well as providing a focal point for engaging the public, schools and colleges in the science, history, present and future of the quarrying and mineral products industry.
“We are delighted to have reached this point in the project, which makes everything feel so much more real. This planning application is the end result of over a year’s consultation and engagement with all of our stakeholders. We have listened and learned, taking on board feedback that has helped shape our application.
“We firmly believe that our plans represent an exciting moment in the history of the National Stone Centre, delivering a unique building that is both fit for purpose and inspiring for generations to come. It’s the home that such a significant collection deserves, as well as proudly representing what is now the largest manufacturing sector in the UK.”
Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “We’re proud to support the Institute of Quarrying’s exciting plans for the National Stone Centre near Wirksworth. These plans signal a positive step towards their goal of creating an extraordinary new centre of excellence that will not only attract visitors from across the UK but will also support local jobs and provide unique educational opportunities that will benefit both visitors and residents alike.
“As a valued Strategic Partner, the Institute of Quarrying shares our commitment to increasing the value of tourism and promoting the Peak District and Derbyshire as a sustainable, world-class destination. The National Stone Centre is a great public asset that will help deliver these goals and more – and securing its future is so important.”
Viv Russell, president, IQ, explains: “This is a once in a generation opportunity to create a hugely exciting new visitor centre that celebrates the extraordinary role that stone plays in all of our lives, to inspire the next generation and create a centre of excellence to develop the knowledge and skills of people in the industry today.”
The aim of the NSC is to be a centre of excellence, providing a national, regional and local base for aspects related to learning and innovation about stone and allied matters. The vision is to create a destination that the quarrying and minerals products industry can use to engage its employees and other stakeholders vital to the future of the sector.
Robert Shields DL, group chairman of Longcliffe Quarries Ltd – one of the largest independent employers in the mineral products sector and based in Derbyshire, adds: “Stone and quarrying have played an important role in the industrial heritage of this area, and continue to play a vital role in supporting the local economy of Derbyshire. The National Stone Centre is a fantastic facility which celebrates this. These plans are all about building on the value of an already important centre and enhancing the skills and innovation of our local economy as well as the wider industry.”
Through school visits to the NSC’s museum and exhibitions, the site helps children understand the science in geology, the natural environment and industrial heritage. The NSC provides an opportunity to inspire the future talent the quarrying and mineral products industry needs to remain competitive and innovative.
Professor Iain Stewart is patron of the NSC. He adds: “I’m hugely passionate about how stone has shaped our world today. Securing the future of the NSC for future generations to experience and enjoy is fantastic news.”
The National Stone Centre officially opened in 1990 to inspire people to engage with the origin, industry and the history of stone. It is set within six former limestone quarries on a 40 acre Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Work starts to build student village energy and data hub at Loughborough University
Contractor Henry Brothers has started work on site to build a new energy and data hub for the student village at Loughborough University.
The £3.25m design and build project includes new mechanical and electrical infrastructure, external works and landscaping, housed in a single-storey building on Elvyn Way in the centre of the university’s student village.
It will provide a district heating and hot water scheme for the student accommodation and will replace Whitworth Tower, where the existing energy hub is located.
This is the latest in a number of developments that Henry Brothers has delivered for the university. The company is currently on site building the four-storey SportPark Pavilion 4 – the first Passivhaus development on the university campus.
Previously Henry Brothers successfully delivered the £30m refurbishment scheme of the W and S buildings, completed the £3.6m Towers dining facility, and was the contractor for the £17m STEMLab building, which opened in 2017.
Managing director of Henry Brothers Construction Ian Taylor said: “Over several years we have built a strong and successful partnership with Loughborough University, helping the university to upgrade and create new facilities. We are excited to have now started on site to build a new energy and data hub for the student village.”
Designed by David Morley Architects, the energy and data hub will sit into the natural slope of the land.
The work will be carried out in three phases to maximise construction during periods when students are not in residence and is due to be completed by September 2023.
Other members of the team include structural engineer Ridge & Partners, M&E consultants Axis and FPCR landscape architects.
Manufacturer unveils multi-million-pound heat pump production line at Belper factory
Vaillant, the manufacturers of environmentally friendly heating and air-conditioning technology, has lifted the lid on a new multi-million-pound heat pump production line.
At a ceremony held at its Belper factory, the firm officially opened the line, making it the first manufacturer to produce both heat pumps and high-efficiency boilers in the UK.
Marking a £4 million investment in the factory’s low carbon production capabilities, Vaillant said it reinforces its commitment to ensuring that all UK homes can be heated via the most effective technology.
Henrik Hansen, Managing Director of Vaillant Group UK & Ireland, said: “Vaillant has seen many ‘firsts’ in its nearly 150-year history, and I’m delighted to now be announcing the commissioning of the company’s new heat pump manufacturing line in the UK.
“It’s a huge testament to our incredibly talented and dedicated team, and their vision and commitment to taking the business forward, that we are celebrating this latest milestone.”
The new line was opened by John Forkin, Managing Director of Marketing Derby, and Pauline Latham, MP for Mid Derbyshire.
Mr Forkin said: “Vaillant is a well-known employer in this region, and it was fantastic to see first-hand how they are supporting the UK’s net zero agenda.
“This investment sustains a proud tradition of business innovation in the area and companies such as Vaillant are leading the way.”
With the Future Homes Standard legislation coming into force in 2025, the UK heat pump market continues to see year on year growth.
Vaillant has been producing heat pumps for the UK market since the early 2000s.
Its latest addition to the Belper plant furthers the company’s vast experience in innovation and developing industry-leading heating technologies and follows a £55 million investment in its research and development facility at its headquarters in Remscheid in 2018.
The new heat pump line will be dedicated to producing Vaillant’s aroTHERM Plus air-to-water heat pump.
Mr Hansen said: “We know there is no single solution when it comes to heating our homes in the UK as the breadth of property type is diverse.
“Heat pumps are a here and now technology that can offer decarbonisation benefits. However, the future is likely to be made up of a mix of heat pump, hybrid and boiler technologies.
“Ultimately, we want to help consumers feel in a position to make an informed choice about what will work for both their lifestyle and their property.
“The widescale need to transition to low carbon is a once in a generation occurrence.
“The popularity of heat pump technology is growing at pace and is expected to continue to do so as homeowners become comfortable with the workings of lower carbon heating systems.
“This important move means we can help increase the availability of UK made heat pumps and further our support for installers via supply, training and installation guidance, as they make the shift to new heating technologies.”
Mrs Latham said: “Vaillant’s announcement is a significant boost to kick-starting a heat pump manufacturing base in the UK, and I’m delighted that it is happening in my constituency of Derbyshire.
“Home heating contributes to around a third of all UK emissions, so the savings that can be made by moving to lower carbon, more efficient technologies, such as heat pumps, is much needed.”
Midlands real estate investment levels ahead of 10-year average
Direct investment into real estate assets in the Midlands is running well-ahead of the 10-year average for deal value, according to a new study.
The findings, from property services firm JLL, report that the total amount of capital invested in the East Midlands was up 13 per cent to £1.1bn and four per cent in the West Midlands to £1.5bn over the first nine months of 2022.
Nationally, deal values for UK real estate assets reached their highest levels since before the Brexit referendum this year owing to a strong first six months, but volumes have tapered as economic worries set in.
JLL found that that £40.4bn of capital was spent acquiring real estate over the first nine months of 2022.
Although this total is the highest since 2015, £29bn of this came during the first six months of the year with quarter three volumes down 13 per cent on the same period in 2021 and eight per cent below the third quarter 10-year average.
More than half (52 per cent) of asset purchasers over the first nine months of the year were based overseas, with Asia-Pacific (16 per cent) and the Americas (15 per cent) the regions accounting for the largest shares. Both regions invested more in the UK than their 10-year averages (12 per cent each).
On a country-by-country level, the US (£5.4bn), Singapore (£1.9bn) and Australia (£1.9bn) were the top individual investors by value.
Across the UK, offices accounted for the largest share of investment volumes at 37 per cent of all deals in the third quarter of this year (£15.1bn), with the living and industrial sectors both accounting for more than a fifth (21 per cent each).
Ben Kelly, director of capital markets at JLL in Birmingham, said: “The Midlands has always had a significant appeal with both UK and international real estate investors. Several key events this year have helped boost its standing, from the Commonwealth Games to the arrival of Goldman Sachs. Meanwhile, the market dynamics, especially in the region’s traditionally strong sectors like industrial, continue to drive attractive returns.”
Cameron Ramsey, UK research and strategy at JLL, added: “As our Transparency Index revealed earlier this year, the UK boasts several cities that are regarded as world leaders for transparency on data, regulations, and performance benchmarks for international investors, with Birmingham 10th globally.
“This foundation means major institutional investors, which have long-term horizons, will always consider UK real estate investment as an essential part of their portfolios.”
The Autumn Statement, perhaps it should have come with a health warning? By James Pinchbeck, partner, Streets Chartered Accountants
The Autumn Statement was the third fiscal statement from the Government in as many months, set against a background of rising inflation and an economic recession.
Our latest Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, with an expectation to last longer than his predecessor, sought to regain the confidence of the financial markets, gain the economic credibility of not just his party but that of the UK government across the world stage, as well as to create a stability for individuals and businesses. As he himself indicated prior to delivering his Budget, it was going to be no magic trick including rabbits or hats. Even the best magician was unlikely to conjure up a trick to impress or please a growing discontented and disillusioned audience.
In an attempt to reverse the damage and impact of the bungled mini Budget delivered by Kwasi Kwarteng under the premiership of Liz Truss, it would seem the majority of his announcements set out to reverse both their ‘ideology’ and as well as the changes to tax reliefs and financial interventions introduced.
For many, such steps would have perhaps seemed obvious, not least for the negative financial impact in one afternoon it achieved in terms of increasing both the governments level of borrowing along with the cost to servicing the national debt. That is aside of the impact it had on the cost of mortgages and the cost of living for individuals.
Only a few weeks ago we heard of plans for stimulating economic growth, with the rhetoric of ‘go big or go home’. With the UK economy now officially being in recession, Jeremy Hunt made little or no reference to growth. In fact it might be fair to say he did little to stimulate or encourage business growth, which perhaps is a very regrettable oversight. At best we can hope his budget at least provided the certainty businesses sought over the economic conditions in which they operate, whether we like them or not.
Perhaps holding off potential public spending cuts until after the next general election may help to lessen the impact of a recession.
Mr Hunt’s Budget not only saw the re-instatement of the proposed increase to corporation tax from 19% to 25% next April, but also the proposed introduction of Vehicle Excise Duty for electric vehicles from 2025, changes to R&D Tax credits, Stamp Duty Land Tax, Capital Gains Tax and Dividend Allowances – all are invariably less favorable for those to whom they apply.
The Chancellor also announced that the Income Tax additional rate threshold will be reduced from £150,000 to £125,140 with effect from 6 April 2023. This move will see an estimated 250,000 further taxpayers pay the additional rate of Income Tax of 45% from next April.
Then we come to ‘stealth taxes’ – a tax levied in a way that is largely unnoticed or might not be recognised as a traditional tax.
The Autumn Statement included a number of these by way of freezing the thresholds for the Personal Allowance, National Insurance Primary Threshold, Inheritance Tax and Residence Nil Rate Band.
Whilst September’s mini Budget perhaps created the feeling of a ‘sugar rush’, in terms of its tax giveaways, the Autumn Statement may well see many seeking more significant cures than a sugar rush as they grapple with an economic downturn and increasing costs of living from both a business and personal perspective.
Perhaps the Chancellor, a past Secretary of State for Health, should have made reference to the fact that his Autumn Statement may be going to hurt.
If you missed Streets Chartered Accountants’ post Budget webinar on Friday 18th November, you can access the recording here: https://my.demio.com/recording/oJuVaOve.
See, partner at Streets Whittles, Dan Insley’s thoughts on the Budget here in ‘The Autumn Statement – What it means to you‘.
Download the Streets Guide to the Autumn Statement 2022 here.
PDS snaps up 50,000 sq ft warehouse facility
Wellingborough-based print, design, and sourcing partner, PDS (Print Data Solutions Ltd), has acquired a 50,000 sq ft warehouse facility close to its HQ at Park Farm Industrial Estate.
PDS acquired the site in response to increased demand for storage capacity and to enable the business to scale its client stock and fulfilment operations with greater agility and flexibility in accordance with customer requirements.
The new warehouse can accommodate 5,000 pallets and provides access to over 1,500 pick faces.
Nick Shelton, Managing Director of PDS, said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of our new warehouse facility and trust that this acquisition will make doing business with PDS even easier as we can now offer more flexible solutions and provide access to space that will help our clients to improve their efficiency and achieve greater speed to market.
“Engaging with PDS as a warehouse partner helps clients to reduce their own capital investment and cut costs by sharing storage resources. The new facility also delivers an improved working environment for our fulfilment and storage teams giving a boost to their wellbeing because they have the space to achieve our business aims more easily.
“The warehouse, located on Sinclair Drive, also includes a purpose-built space for our fulfilment team enabling it to achieve more streamlined workflows. In addition, we can accommodate higher volumes of non-standard stock.
“At PDS, we take our commitment to the environment seriously and have pledged to reduce our carbon emissions by five per cent each year to maintain our Planet Mark certification. We are able to reduce our energy consumption within the warehouse by installing motion sensor lighting and reducing the overall number of vehicle movements.
“Since we completed the purchase of the new warehouse, the PDS logistics team has been working to transform the space and move in our existing stock as well as new equipment. The logistics function is fully integrated with our unique technology, the innovative PDS+ online stock management system offering greater accuracy and transparency including through real time reporting.
“As well as delivering greater capacity and flexibility for our clients, we have successfully future-proofed our business for the long-term enabling PDS to work towards the achievement of its ambitious growth targets.”
Plans submitted for 136-hectare sustainable urban extension transforming Skegness
The future transformation of Skegness has moved a crucial step closer as plans are submitted to deliver a 136-hectare sustainable urban extension creating hundreds of homes, much-needed jobs for the local community – and an exciting new future for the town’s generations to come.
The planned Skegness Gateway development to the west of the town will provide more than 20 hectares of combined retail, business and industrial space. It also will provide 1,000 new homes – including specialist housing, hundreds of jobs, much-needed open space and recreational amenities and a college and learning campus with space for business startups.
East Lindsey District Council will soon consult on a draft Local Development Order (LDO) allowing the opportunity for the public and other stakeholders to comment on the proposals.
The Skegness Gateway, on land principally owned by local family business Croftmarsh, with additional areas owned by the Scarbrough family, is set to breathe new life into an area of the Lincolnshire coast that drastically needs change in order to secure its future, boosting the local economy and providing the education and jobs for local people that will encourage them to stay in the area.
Croftmarsh says that the project is vital for the future-proofing of Skegness, helping it to take its rightful place in the East Midlands as a place of opportunity and ambition. The scheme will also boost social value for local people – both existing and new residents.
Sue Bowser, of Croftmarsh, said: “We are pleased to support the council in its vision to bring these ambitious plans to reality. This LDO submission is a really significant step. Our family has lived and worked in Skegness for many generations, so it’s a great source of pride that we can support a development that will help secure the town’s future by creating thousands of jobs and homes for both existing local residents and attract a new generation of people to the area.
“We are working closely with East Lindsey District Council and other partners to bring forward a scheme that will work alongside the regeneration being enabled by the Towns Fund.”
Once complete, the sustainable urban extension will help establish the town as a hub for investment, opportunity and ambition, as well as creating a new sustainable community that blends high-quality new homes with plentiful green space.
Sue added: “We know that Skegness is a town that needs economic transformation. The mechanism for that is through urban regeneration and expansion of skills, training and education – all secured by investment and infrastructure and digital connectivity.
“Ours is a town in real need. There isn’t enough money in the town to pay for this all year round and the secret to this is to have more people living here. We need to create jobs. We need to build infrastructure and provide the significant benefits that government is seeking in places such as Skegness.
“We want to enable the delivery of hundreds of new homes not just for the people who live in the local area – but for those people we want to attract to come and live and work in Skegness. This scheme will transform the area, putting it on the map and making the town famous not just for its beaches, but for its enterprise.”
The aspirations for the Skegness Gateway have been showcased to the local public and stakeholders through engagement events and were well received as a catalyst for economic growth and wider regeneration.
Matt Warman, MP for Boston and Skegness, said: “This local sustainable development includes a state of the art learning campus funded through the Skegness Town Deal, providing new training opportunities for the coast. Importantly, training including digital skills, motor vehicle, construction and engineering, will allow people to gain the skills and knowledge they need to get the jobs they want.
“Removing barriers to learning is a key focus for the Towns Fund and I’m delighted that this funding from Government will be helping to deliver these local opportunities.”
The Sanderson family – which owns the majority of the land set for development – has lived and worked in the Skegness area for seven generations and has long been passionate about securing the town’s future by providing jobs, skills and opportunities.
Neil Sanderson, also of Croftmarsh and Sue’s brother, said: “Skegness Gateway really is close to our hearts and homes, and making sure it becomes the reality that puts our town firmly on the map is our key aim. This is a town that we have grown up in and really understand what a difference the scheme and its benefits will make to local people.
“The LDO submission marks a key point in the journey to making these plans a reality for the whole of Skegness and the wider area to benefit from. We look forward to continuing our support to East Lindsey District Council throughout the process – and to making its vision a reality.”
Reserved Matters approval for 75 new homes in Calow
Woodall Homes has gained Reserved Matters approval for a residential development of 75 dwellings in Calow.
Further to Outline planning permission having been granted in December 2021, the brand-new development located on Top Road has now received Reserved Matters approval.
The new site will feature a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom properties, including bungalows. The development will be accessed from Oaks Farm Lane, which is to be upgraded and will include a 2m wide footpath.
This development includes comprehensive landscaping proposals, providing for broad undeveloped areas of green infrastructure, wildlife-friendly habitats, native planting and additional hedgerows, plus the retention of existing woodland, which is to be protected. The public right of way through the development will also be maintained, providing recreational access to the countryside for the community.
Darren Abbott, planning director at Woodall Homes, said: “We can’t wait to get started on the new development, with work expected to begin in early 2023.
“There is already a fantastic community growing within Calow, with our nearby Churchfields progressing well. We love working within the area and I know the entire team are looking forward to the beginning of this next project.”
Woodall Homes currently have five developments under construction across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
