Boris Johnson pulls out of leadership race, leaving Sunak in clear position to be next PM
In a startling move, Boris Johnson has pulled out the leadership race for PM, saying that although he had the necessary backing of 100 MPs (over 50 have come forward at this time, but not 100) he feels that it is “not the right time” to run for PM. Saying that the Conservative party needs unity and that Rishi Sunak did not accept his offer of withdrawing and granting him the position, Boris Johnson will not run.
This has obviously placed Sunak in pole position to become the next Prime Minister, although Penny Mordaunt is said to be working to gather votes to challenge him.
£1.14 billion devolution deal to go to councils for approval
Detailed proposals about a devolution deal, and what it would mean for our area, are due to be discussed at key council meetings in around two weeks’ time.
Derbyshire County Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council and Nottingham City Council are all due to decide whether to formally agree that a public consultation about the devolution deal proposal should go ahead.
Nottingham City Council is the first to discuss the deal at its Full Council meeting on Monday 31 October, followed by Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council on 2 November and Nottinghamshire County Council on the 4 November.
The leaders of each of the four councils signed up to work on a devolution deal on 30 August this year at Rolls Royce in Derby, after the Government offered the region a package of new powers and funding worth £1.14 billion. Since August, the councils have been working on agreeing a more detailed proposal, which includes more information about how devolution would work in our area.
These proposals will be discussed for formal agreement at key council meetings and if approved, a full consultation would follow – giving residents, businesses and other organisations the chance to have their say on the plans for a devolution deal, which would see a new regional mayor and new type of combined authority created for the area from 2024.
The deal would provide the region with a guaranteed income stream of £38 million per year over a 30-year period, and would cover around 2.2 million people, making it one of the biggest in the country.
Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, Ben Bradley MP, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, Chris Poulter, Leader of Derby City Council, and David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said in a joint statement: “Formal agreement by each council to go ahead with a consultation is the next step towards securing a devolution deal. It is about us getting a better deal for our area and getting a fairer share for both counties and cities. It would mean more funding for our region, and the opportunity to have more meaningful decisions made here, near the people they affect, rather than in London, so they can be better tailored to local needs.
“We don’t want to miss out on the advantages that devolution would bring, which other parts of the country have already benefited from. We’ve seen how devolution has given other areas more influence, a bigger presence, and helped them make the most of their strengths.
“We want to make the most of every opportunity, and of every penny, that this deal would bring in. It could make a real difference to people’s lives. More and better jobs, more investment, economic growth, better transport, housing, skills training, an improved greener and more sustainable environment. These are the things we all want to see, as we work together for a better future for the East Midlands.
“We often haven’t had the same level of funding or influence as other areas, and this is a big chance to turn that around and help us live up to our potential as a region.”
If the devolution deal goes ahead, it would create the first of a new type of combined authority, which requires new legislation from central government. As well as the £1.14 billion, it would include an extra £16 million for new homes on brownfield land and control over a range of budgets like the Adult Education Budget, which could be better tailored to the needs of people in our communities.
The devolution deal on the table is a level 3 deal, which offers the most local powers and funding. It would mean a new elected regional mayor, like those which already exist in other areas, who would represent both cities and counties. The role of the mayor would be to look at major issues affecting the whole region, give the area a bigger voice, and take advantage of local knowledge and expertise.
The deal means that a future mayor and combined authority could:
- Work towards Net Zero and cleaner air with new low carbon homes, retrofit existing houses with external wall insulation, promote the use of renewable energy, and protect and enhance green spaces, like areas for wildlife and green verges
- Build on the region’s existing knowledge and expertise in green technology and promote the growth of a future low carbon economy by investing in related skills training at colleges and other training facilities
- Set up and coordinate smart integrated ticketing and enhanced concessionary fares schemes
- Work with Homes England to build more affordable homes, by using new powers to buy land and housing (with district and borough council consent)
- Enhance the region’s economy by developing new commercial space to maximise opportunities
- Work with national Government on initiatives to address homelessness, domestic abuse, community safety, social mobility and support for young people
- Take advantage of economies of scale by using combined and devolved budgets to deliver more value for taxpayers and more cost-efficient services.
Promote your business and make new contacts at the East Midlands Expo
Have you registered for the East Midlands Expo yet? If not, with just three weeks left until the long-established event, now is the perfect time to do so!
A well targeted exhibition and networking opportunity, aimed at the construction, property, business, investment, finance, professional services and related B2B markets, the East Midlands Expo has everything you require for a great day of business generation, with the chance to meet more potential clients in one amazing cost effective day, than it would take months out on the road.
Taking place at East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham on Monday 14 November 2022, the free to attend expo, for which Business Link is a proud partner, will begin with exhibitor breakfast networking, with the exhibition opening to attendees at 9am.
A seminar will take place between 10:45am and noon with BSP Consulting’s directors Mark Rayers and Tony Goddard lined up to present ‘Sustainability and how engineering plays its part’.
Not to be missed, a special networking lunch (for which tickets can be purchased here) will then take place between 12:15pm and 2:15pm, and the exhibition will close at 3:30pm.
For more information on exhibiting at the event click here.
To register to attend the event for free click here.
To secure tickets for the networking lunch click here.
From property agents to developers, architects, contractors, investors, PR firms, and more, see the list of current exhibitors here.Leicestershire housebuilder’s staff ‘go pink’ to support national breast cancer charity
The site team at King’s Meadow, off Kirby Lane, dressed to impress by switching out their usual hard hats and hi-vis jackets for bright pink hats and vests to do their bit for the ‘wear it pink’ campaign.
In addition to the pink PPE, a donation of £200 has been made by Barratt Homes North Midlands to Breast Cancer Now to support the charity’s work.
More than £37.5 million has been raised by ‘wear it pink’ supporters since the campaign began in 2002. The charity helps towards funding cutting edge research across the UK and Ireland to help find a cure for breast cancer at all stages. This year, campaigners hope to raise even more through businesses, schools and individuals wearing it pink.
Martyn Parker, Sales Director at Barratt Homes North Midlands, said: “We are very happy to be supporting ‘wear it pink’ for breast cancer awareness, and our construction team always look like they have a lot of fun getting to wear pink PPE for the day.
“We’re taking part in the fantastic campaign to support those suffering with breast cancer and hopefully do our bit towards raising awareness.
“It’s very important that, as a leading housebuilder, we are getting involved and supporting charities like this. We hope that our contribution to Breast Cancer Now’s campaign can help to make the day even bigger and better than last year and raise money to help us get closer to beating breast cancer altogether.”
Pendragon embroiled in cyber ransom threat
Pendragon, the Nottingham-headquartered car giant has been hacked by an organised crime gang and held to ransom for over £50m
The gang claim to have lifted more than two million files and in an interview by the Times newspaper with Pendragon, who admitted they had received evidence of the stolen data.
The firm issued a series of security updates on 21st October revealing it was “currently responding to an IT security incident” which reportedly happened a month ago and which has been reported to the National Cyber Security Centre and the police.
LockBit 3.0 has been accused as the organisation behind the cyber breach but has not indicated what their reason is for threatening to publish the 2 terabytes of stolen data.
The perpetrators are said to have demanded $60m in ransom, via bitcoin, or face the consequences of the data being released onto the dark web.
The retailer said it had taken “immediate steps” to contain the incident and revealed it had successfully obtained an interim injunction from the High Court against the group.
Pendragon’s Chief Marketing Officer Kim Costello told The Times the company “will not be paying the ransom demand.”
New deal secured on Eldon Business Park
Unit 31 at Eldon Business Park has been sold to Green Control Systems Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Ltd, a local occupier who was on the search for a new office home.
The unit comprises 1,545ft² of office accommodation across two floors with a mixture of both cellular and open plan office space. The property also benefits from several car parking spaces to the front and offers good accessibility to Nottingham City Centre, Beeston Town Centre and the A52, J25 of the M1.
Amy Howard of FHP’s Agency Department said: “It is great to see the deal complete on Unit 31. With the property being previously under offer to another party, it was reassurance for all getting the property back under offer again so quickly.
“Eldon Business Park provides good quality office units, situated in a prominent location which provided a perfect opportunity for owner occupiers or local investors and resulted in a high level of interest on the unit.
“These out-of-town business parks are still showing strong activity throughout Q3 2022, with FHP already achieving three deals on Eldon this year. The generous amount of car parking spaces available on these parks makes it an attractive alternative to city centre locations.”
Raft of new appointments as Rowleys expands its team
Leicester-based accountants Rowleys has made a number of new appointments across its team as part of the firm’s strategic growth plans.
The recent appointments include nine new team members in various departments across the firm, including: James Hutchinson who joins the Audit & Accounts team as an audit & accounts senior, Mohammed Rahman, Hollie Harvey-Rowley and Jenson Eley who join the Audit & Accounts team as trainees, and Lucy Elsom who joins the Payroll Team as a senior payroll advisor. Neesha Bali joins the Tax team as a trainee and Isaiah Campbell and Rachael Briggs join the Medical Team as trainees.
Senior manager Claire Wright joins Rowleys from Grant Thornton, where she had previously been for over 12 years. She will work with new and existing audit and accounts clients, to provide an efficient and effective process tailored to them. Claire’s experience ranges from working with small businesses to larger corporations, including owner managed and private equity.
“I’m delighted to join Rowleys at such an exciting time,” says Claire.
“Rowleys has a great reputation and strong values that align closely with my own. The firm is passionate about providing a great service to clients and the development of its people, this is one of my main reasons for joining.
“Rowleys has a great client base of a range of businesses from all sectors and I’m looking forward to working with a number of them. I can’t wait to hit the ground running and make a real impact.”
Tom Copson, managing partner, says: “We are delighted to welcome all our new recruits to the Rowleys team. It is great that we have been able to add talented individuals of varying experience to support our future growth. I’ve no doubt that our new team members will make a significant contribution to Rowleys and our clients.
“It’s an exciting time for Rowleys, and a great time to join the firm, as we continue to grow. Attracting and retaining the right people is vital and we’re committed to the development of our people and giving them opportunities to develop and grow their careers.”
Midlands construction industry’s wellbeing drive to save lives
Senior professionals in the construction sector in the Midlands will be given practical tips on how to improve wellbeing in the workplace at a workshop next month.
The Midlands branch of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) is holding an online wellbeing workshop for its members from across the region on Tuesday, November 1.
It comes at a time when every single working day in the UK sees two construction workers taking their own life – according to the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity.
The session will be delivered by national renowned performance coach Gail Biddulph and will look at the practicalities of how employees’ wellbeing – both at home and at work – impacts them as individuals and the business as a whole.
It will also look at ways of keeping people happy and motivated as well as how to spot tell-tale signs of wellbeing issues and if any interventions are needed. There will also be a focus on bosses too and how they can avoid burn-out.
The workshop is part of CECA Midlands’ drive to help improve wellbeing in the industry and to keep the conversation about health and wellbeing high on the agenda.
CECA Midlands continually aims to raise the awareness of mental health having delivered Mental Health First Aid training to over 35 individuals in the last 12 months with more courses to follow in the new year. The organisation is also a supporter of the charity Mates In Mind, which provides clear information to employers on the support and guidance available on mental health and wellbeing.
Lorraine Gregory, the regional director of CECA Midlands, said: “Mental health and wellbeing is a topic that is in sharp focus and it’s vitally important that we do all we can with businesses and individuals to ensure they have all of the tools and support available.
“We recognise that it is an even more acute issue for our industry, and we are working with all of our members to help address that and help find solutions that will, ultimately, save lives.
“We are proud to continue this journey through our new wellbeing workshops, providing short sessions to give practical advice and tips to businesses to continue in their good work within this important area.”
To attend the Wellbeing Workshop on Tuesday, November 1, contact Lisa Hollington at office@cecamidlands.co.uk
Oberoi Foundation makes first award
A charitable foundation, set up by Derby-based entrepreneur Kavita Oberoi OBE to improve the lives of women and girls, has announced its first support pledge.
The Oberoi Foundation has agreed funding for Maggie’s – the Maggie Keswick Jencks Cancer Caring Centres Trust – to develop training and support services for women who are experiencing early onset menopause as a result of cancer treatment.
Mrs Oberoi is the founder and Managing Director of Oberoi Consulting, the suppliers of IT and clinical support services to the NHS and pharmaceutical industry, and Oberoi Business Hub in Pride Park which provides serviced office accommodation and back office support services.
Every year a percentage of profits from the companies are ploughed into The Oberoi Foundation which is run by the Charities Aid Foundation.
Maggie’s is an independent charity that has pioneered a unique model of cancer care for more than 25 years.
Since Maggie’s opened its first centre in 1996, the charity, which has 24 centres across the UK, has developed a programme of support that is proven to help people with cancer, as well as family and friends, take back control.
Built in the grounds of NHS cancer hospitals, the centres are warm and welcoming, and run by expert staff who help people live well with cancer.
They provide emotional, practical and social support free of charge via a team of cancer support specialists, psychologists, benefits advisors and sessional workers who provide individual and group support.
Following a successful pilot project in Cambridge to support younger women with menopause workshops and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for hot flushes, Lisa Hunt, Maggie’s project lead is delivering training that will enable nine more Maggie’s centres across England, Scotland and Wales to pilot this work. It is estimated that more than 360 women will be supported in the coming year.
Maggie’s CEO Dame Laura Lee DBE explained: “An estimated 200,000 adults aged 18 to 45 in the UK are living with or beyond cancer and females in this age group are disproportionately affected.
“It is common for young women to go through an early menopause induced by cancer treatment and the effects are acutely felt across many aspects of life including relationships, fertility and motherhood.
“As a result, many women feel lonely, isolated and ‘different’ from their peers and they are also at significant risk of developing cancer related mental health issues.
“Furthermore, we have discovered that only 50% of women were informed prior to treatment of the potential impact on menopausal status and this is something that we are particularly campaigning to change.
“By bringing women together, they receive advice and help to cope with symptoms, the emotional and physical wellbeing challenges. They also meet others going through similar experience which is what they told us they lacked and desperately needed.”
Feedback from women involved in the pilot programme so far has included: “Before I attended the workshops I was in a cycle of feeling unseen and dismissed when trying to discuss some of the symptoms I had been experiencing with my medical team.
“I now have the confidence to tackle an abrupt and early menopause because I have a better understanding of what’s happening, a vocabulary to describe symptoms and tools and techniques to help me manage them.”
Mrs Oberoi explained: “Through my involvement in campaigns and charities locally, nationally and internationally, I have seen the positive impact that funding innovative causes can have on impacting the lives of individuals.
“I am therefore delighted that Maggie’s is the first recipient of support through The Oberoi Foundation.
“This menopause workshop and CBT project delivers much needed support to young women through a traumatic time that would otherwise not be available.
“I am particularly pleased that the project brings together cancer support professionals, GPs and other professionals and that it will not only provide tailored support, but also encourage vital peer support and networks that will hopefully develop into firm friendships.”
The East Midlands Expo – a day of endless networking opportunities
Providing endless networking opportunities, the free to attend East Midlands Expo will make its return next month on Monday 14 November 2022.
Taking place at the East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham, the established event of over 20 years has everything you require for a great day of business generation, with the chance to meet more potential clients in one amazing cost effective day, than it would take months out on the road.
A well targeted exhibition, aimed at the construction, property, business, investment, finance, professional services and related B2B markets, register to attend the event for free here.
The day, for which Business Link is a proud partner, will begin with exhibitor breakfast networking, with the exhibition opening to attendees at 9am.
A seminar will take place between 10:45am and noon with BSP Consulting’s directors Mark Rayers and Tony Goddard lined up to present ‘Sustainability and how engineering plays its part’.
Not to be missed, a special networking lunch (for which tickets can be purchased here) will then take place between 12:15pm and 2:15pm, and the exhibition will close at 3:30pm.
For more information on exhibiting at the event click here.
To register to attend the event for free click here.
To secure tickets for the networking lunch click here.
From property agents to developers, architects, contractors, investors, PR firms, and more, see the list of current exhibitors here.