Think there’s no such thing as bad publicity? Trust me, it’s your funeral: by Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR
Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR, illustrates why there is such thing as bad publicity.
When I hear that tired old cliche “there’s no such thing as bad publicity” I cringe.
The classic Gerald Ratner “cr*p” comment is the one that most often gets cited but that was at least off-camera and off the cuff. Plus, the only bad taste about it was the product, not the message or the media. Let alone the audience.
Compare that to the astonishing ill-conceived Valentine’s Cards sent to residents at Whitegates Care Centre in Surrey with the heart-felt (profit driven message) “Sent with love from TH Sanders & Sons.” As if this wasn’t enough, the care home thought it was wise to distribute them! That was the “sliding doors” marketing moment here.
Take a pause, think carefully, politely decline for fear of potential offence caused, let alone brand damage!
Nobody needs to be made to feel awkward, embarrassed or distressed – well, maybe some embarrassment for the funeral firm but they probably deserved that.
To make matters worse, the care home has since come out defending the actions!
They did so with some lovely little marketing messages too: “We’re deeply embedded within the local community, and we value the support and engagement of all our neighbours, including TH Sanders. Out of their own kindness and goodwill, they have brought warmth, joy, and generosity to residents through various initiatives.”
Out of context, this sounds wonderful! They go on: “From delivering Christmas blankets, donating to our charity raffles, sending in cards and sweets, to gifting seeds for our garden, their contributions have been received with gratitude and appreciation from both residents and our team members alike.”
How lovely! However, this goodwill does not give anyone carte blanche to ride roughshod over a potentially devastating and raw time for any number of residents, their families, friends and their caregivers. Apparently: “Residents were thrilled to receive the Valentine’s Day cards and they all had a lovely day celebrating.”
Well, you would say that wouldn’t you? No press quotes are ever going to come out saying: “To be honest, it was a tad awks for some. We had one resident taken to A&E yesterday and another has had family over all weekend as things aren’t looking too good but at least there was a jolly card to remind them of a local firm who can take care of their looming doom.”
The reply from the spokesperson for Dignity, the funeral director’s parent company, is far better mainly because they have admitted fault albeit they have then thrown the local branch under the marketing bus: “We deeply regret any unintended distress caused by the Valentine’s card sent to Whitegates Care Centre by one of our branches. We are committed to maintaining a positive and respectful relationship with the communities we serve. We accept that, in this instance, our efforts to connect with the local community were misjudged and not appropriate.”
So, still think there’s no such thing as bad publicity?
A former business journalist, Greg Simpson is the author of The Small Business Guide to PR and has been recognised as one of the UK’s top 5 PR consultants, having set up Press for Attention PR in 2008.
He has worked for FTSE 100 firms, charities and start-ups and conducted press conferences with Sir Richard Branson and James Caan. His background ensures a deep understanding of every facet of a successful PR campaign – from a journalist’s, client’s, and consultant’s perspective.
See this column in the March issue of East Midlands Business Link Magazine here.
Investment in engineering and physical sciences training to enable Loughborough to build green hydrogen workforce of the future
Loughborough University is set to launch a new research training facility that will help accelerate the affordability, scalability and sustainability of green hydrogen.
EnerHy, the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Engineering Hydrogen Net Zero, will play a central role in developing the skilled workforce needed to enable rapid growth in green hydrogen-related technology.
The centre is 1 of 65 Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) CDTs being launched, following a £1 billion funding boost.
The investment, which is the UK’s biggest-ever in engineering and physical sciences doctoral skills, was announced by Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary, Michelle Donelan. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Ministry of Defence are investing £500 million and a further £590 million is being provided by universities and business partners.
Collectively, the centres will train more than 4,000 students and address key challenges such as net zero, AI, defence and security, healthcare and quantum technologies.
Loughborough’s EnerHy CDT has been developed in partnership with Cranfield University and the University of Strathclyde, as well as more than 60 industry and civic partners, including global organisations, regional developers and local councils.
Over 60 academics, with expertise in engineering, science, manufacturing and economics, will work together to train and support the future leaders of the hydrogen industry, whilst also delivering nationally important research and innovation. The University of Strathclyde will lead the wind energy training and research and Cranfield University will lead on elements relating to chemical processes and scale up, alternative fuels and social science.
Professor Dani Strickland, Professor of Electrical Power Engineering within Loughborough University’s School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, and lead academic for the EnerHy CDT, said: “To enable rapid growth in hydrogen-related technology for net zero, there are complex global challenges around affordability, supply and waste chain development and scalability, new technologies, and social acceptance.
“EnerHy CDT builds on the research that is already happening at Loughborough, Cranfield and Strathclyde to address these challenges. Together with our large network of external partners, we will expand the work we are doing much further and faster, whilst also nurturing the next generation of hydrogen innovators, researchers, specialists and industry experts.
“We welcome new researchers from all backgrounds, including STEM, business and social sciences and will be offering fully funded studentships to successful applicants.”
Professor Dan Parsons, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Loughborough University, said: “Hydrogen offers the scope to deliver energy security and acceleration to net zero and there has never been a more important time to accelerate our wider ambition in this area. Growing the quality and volume of our doctoral researcher community is a key part of our University’s Research and Innovation Core Plan, underpinning a significant expansion in our research endeavours.
“Loughborough University is already working with global, national and local partners in research, industry and policy to accelerate the production of hydrogen, as well as creating space for businesses to expand their own research and innovation in this area and supporting new skills and knowledge exchange at all levels.
“Through our ambitions for The Hydrogen Works, we are driving innovation and productivity to create a hydrogen superpower in the East Midlands, and the EnerHy CDT is set to enhance and accelerate this intention further.”
The University is also a partner institution in two other CDTs that will be launched as part of the same investment: the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Offshore Wind Energy Sustainability and Resilience, led by the University of Hull, and the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Digital Transformation of Metals Industry, led by the University of Leicester.
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.”
Almost 1 in 4 deals in Midlands is cross-border
Cross-border deals accounted for almost one in four mergers and acquisitions in the Midlands during 2023, compared to almost one in three the previous year, according to research by business advisory firm Dow Schofield Watts (DSW).
DSW’s figures show that while the total number of deals involving Midlands companies fell by 9% last year to 513, the number of cross-border transactions declined much faster, falling by 27% to 119. As a result, cross-border deals accounted for 23% of all transactions in 2023, compared to 29% the previous year.
Almost two-thirds of international deals in 2023 were acquisitions by overseas companies and they proved slightly more resilient than overseas acquisitions by Midlands companies.
DSW was the founder of the international advisory network Pandea Global M&A, which helped to compile the figures. Harry Walker, a Partner in DSW’s Midlands corporate finance team, said: “The wider macroeconomic environment has had a significant impact on cross-border M&A activity as a whole, with declining market confidence throughout 2023.
“While Sterling’s weakness against the dollar may have had some impact on overseas acquisitions by Midlands companies, activity by overseas buyers has held up slightly better. Clearly the region remains a very attractive marketplace for them, in particular for those from the US.
“As yet the impact of the National Security and Investment Act, which was introduced in 2022 and allows the UK government to scrutinise and block foreign takeovers, isn’t clear in terms of deal volumes. However the novelty of this regime and its broad scope, covering around 17 sectors, has presented challenges on some deals throughout 2022 and 2023.
“While there are still headwinds in existence this year, with interest rates expected to fall, there should be an uplift in market confidence which will drive increased cross-border activity throughout 2024 as companies look to grow in the improved economic environment.”
In the UK as a whole, US companies were by far the most active foreign buyers in 2023 and responsible for over a third of all overseas acquisitions, followed by buyers from Sweden, Ireland, France, Germany and Netherlands. The US was also the most popular destination for UK companies acquiring overseas, followed by Ireland, Australia, Germany, Netherlands and Canada.
DSW’s figures, which were compiled using data from Mergermarket, show that technology, healthcare and ESG were key trends in cross-border deals during 2023.
Callum Sellar, a corporate finance specialist with DSW and a board member of Pandea Global M&A, added: “Technological disruption, the rise of artificial intelligence and climate change are all helping to shape the global deals market.
“The technology sector was the most active in terms of investment and completed deals and expected to produce the highest level of growth in the year ahead. Meanwhile in the healthcare sector, global trends in the wake of the pandemic and our evolving healthcare needs are driving investment.
“ESG is another trend worthy of note. The energy transition continues to drive business transformation in energy and utilities, and for businesses in general, ESG credentials are seen as increasingly important by potential buyers.
“Overall, global trends suggest 2024 will see an increase in M&A activity. There is clear pent-up demand from investors and with interest rates expected to stabilise, coupled with falling inflation, predictions for 2024 point towards a more positive outlook for the year ahead.”
Notable inbound acquisitions during 2023 included Thermo Fisher Scientific’s £2.3bn acquisition of Birmingham medical diagnostics manufacturer The Binding Site Group and that of Nottingham-based Pendragon Vehicle Management by US company Lithia Motors for £367m.
Nottingham-based investigation tech firm appoints new chair
Nottingham-based investigation tech firm, Altia, has appointed a new chair as the company looks to strengthen its growth plans throughout 2024 and beyond.
Stuart Warriner, who holds over 35 years of corporate finance experience, will join Altia as chair this month, succeeding Simon Hook, who had held the position since 2020.
The move comes as Altia looks to strengthen its senior leadership team with a view to delivering on its strategy which will further cement its position as a leading provider of investigation software.
A specialist in its field for almost 30 years, Altia creates intelligence and investigation software to assist law enforcement agencies, government departments, and private sector businesses.
Stuart joins Altia with an impressive portfolio of chair and non-executive director (NED) roles, and currently serves as chair at Mortgage and Surveying Services Limited and Blue-i Group.
He is also a NED at Alternative Investment Market (AIM) listed The Pebble Group plc and at the privately owned Lodestone Communications, as well as being a senior advisor to Houlihan Lokey.
Joining Altia, Stuart’s board roles will be complemented by his extensive corporate finance background, having served as a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers and as a Managing Director at GCA Altium.
As chair, Stuart will support the company’s senior leadership team in implementing growth across the company, leveraging his expertise in market analysis and strategic planning.
Rob Sinclair, CEO, Altia, said: “Stuart’s experience in corporate finance and his successful track record across various leadership roles is simply second to none. He will be an invaluable addition to Altia.
“Stuart’s expert guidance will be vital as we continue to deliver on our growth plans which will further position the company as the UK’s leading investigation software provider.
“At Altia we want to deliver the best possible products and service, as well as developing a culture which empowers all our employees to thrive. That means we must seek out the best and Stuart ticks all the boxes as we look to continue our ambitious plans moving forward.”
Stuart Warriner said: “Altia is top of its class when it comes to delivering intelligence and investigation software solutions. That, mingled with their ambition to always be the best in everything they do, presented a hugely exciting prospect to me.
“Naturally, I’m delighted to join Altia, and I look forward to being a part of driving the company forward towards its goals. Altia has a remarkable reputation in its field, and I’m looking forward to further building upon this and contribute to its ongoing success.”
Charity bike ride aiming for 1,000 smiles from 100 miles steps up a gear with new partnership and top cyclist
A new partnership is getting the wheels rolling on a 100-mile bike ride to support two charities giving low tech breaks to hundreds of Derbyshire children who might not otherwise get a holiday at all.
Cosy Foundation, the charitable arm of Kings Award winning sustainable outdoor children’s furniture business Cosy Direct, has taken on the running of the “Skegvegas 100” bike ride in which cyclists pedal the 100-mile distance from Derby to Skegness.
Now organisers of this year’s ride on Saturday May 18 would love to see more cyclists and businesses get involved, with participants able to rub shoulders with record-breaking cyclist Leigh Timmis, as well as the current High Sheriff of Derbyshire, Theresa Peltier, and William Cavendish, The Earl of Burlington, all of whom are excited to be taking part.
The countryside to coast bike ride has been raising money for the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre for the past ten years, having been set up and organised by former holiday centre attendee Terry Willis and his son Aaron.
This year for the first time, the money raised will be split between the holiday centre and Derby Kids’ Camp.
Cosy Direct founder and Derby Kids’ Camp patron Peter Ellse, who has taken part in the ride in the past and will be doing so again this year, said: “The Skegvegas 100 is not a race, it’s a really great, friendly event that we hope to grow and see as many people as possible either taking part in or becoming involved with in some way – whether that’s by providing sponsorship, useful equipment or actually getting on their bike!
“Cycling is clearly a highly sustainable mode of transport, which ties in perfectly not only with our environmental ethos at Cosy but also with what the fabulous volunteers and staff at Derby Kids Camp and The Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre are trying to do: give children a break, not just from some tricky situations they might be in, but through playing with other children, a break from their screens too. What better way to raise money for these two charities than with a bike ride all the way from Derby to Skegness!
“This ride is for everyone. Cycling is a great thing, and we want to celebrate that. It’s been brilliantly organised for 10 years and we’re taking it on to hopefully benefit even more Derbyshire children.
“It would be great to see businesses getting enthusiastic and joining our Cosy team in coming along and pedalling those miles. Having done it myself, I can attest to the fact it really is pretty flat and there is some lovely scenery to admire along the way! You can either take on the whole 100 miles or why not enter a relay team to divide up the miles?”
Between them, Derby Kids’ Camp and The Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre have been giving free holidays to Derbyshire children in need of a break for nearly 175 years. Derby Kids’ Camp celebrated its 50th birthday in 2023 and has over the years welcomed around 15,000 children to enjoy a week’s camping including craft activities, climbing, swimming, before snuggling down for the night in tents with comfortable camp beds. Many of the children who go are living in poverty, have suffered a close bereavement or are finding social interaction difficult.
The Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre has been going since 1891 and provides five-day stays in Skegness which include days out, a fully-equipped games room, meals out, and, of course, a good old run around on the beach. Children are nominated to go through their school if it is felt that, due to financial hardship or other reasons, they may not otherwise get a break.
Local organisations have already signed up to join the SkegVegas 100 team to help make this year’s event a big success.
Car manufacturer Toyota has provided three electric cars to provide support while riders are en route, as well as its new Hydrogen bus to ferry riders back to Derby after they have finished. The YMCA is providing lunch for hungry riders mid-ride, and Church Broughton-based WeBuyCycle has agreed to come on board to help with any bike maintenance issues along the way – something that Peter himself found helpful last year.
He said: “Everyone was so helpful last year. My chain broke and someone stopped and helped me. I got a puncture too! I was so delayed that I had to run the last few miles and my brother Paul was actually returning to Derby by the time I made it into Skegness! It’s that camaraderie that has inspired me to take on the organising of the event through our team at Cosy Foundation.”
The launch of this year’s new SkegVegas 100 partnership, with its aim to celebrate cycling amongst the Derby community, follows on from the announcement last year of Derby City Cycling (DCC), the city’s first ever road racing team.
DCC founders Dean Jackson from HUUB and Paul Martin from WeBuyCycle aimed with its launch to turn the city into a Mecca for cyclists.
Anyone who would like to join this year’s SkegVegas 100, either through sponsorship, buying a specially branded t-shirt, taking on the whole distance or as a relay with colleagues and friends, is asked to contact organisers at N.Taylor@cosydirect.com
Funding awarded to train next generation of chemists to take East Midlands towards net zero
The University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University have been awarded funding for a centre that will train chemists of the future to find new ways to decarbonise manufacturing sectors, and help the East Midlands achieve its net zero target.
The announcement, made by Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan is the UK’s biggest-ever investment in engineering and physical sciences doctoral skills, totalling more than £1 billion.
The Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Resilient Chemistry (Feedstock to Function) in Nottingham has received £12m in collaborative investment and is one of 65 Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) that will support leading research in areas of national importance.
Over 50 postgraduate students will be trained as part of the CDT across the two Nottingham university campuses who will benefit from world-class expertise and facilities. The research they will undertake aims to drive down the environmental impact of chemical manufacturing processes which so many sectors and products rely on, from pharmaceuticals and fragrances to adhesives and lubricants, and create sustainable, circular new processes.
The Resilient Chemistry CDT forms part of the shared commitments under the Universities for Nottingham Civic Agreement, a collaboration between Nottingham’s two world-class universities and eight key anchor institutions; the agreement sets out partners’ commitments to working across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire for the benefit of the local community, its people and place.
The CDT supports the Universities for Nottingham environmental sustainability mission that aims to develop innovative ways to tackle the barriers to carbon neutrality and strive for a cleaner, more productive, and inclusive local economy. Also, to translate zero-carbon research into practice and to undertake new research to enhance the competitiveness of the area and contribute towards the achievement of carbon neutrality.
Professor Tom Rodden, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange at the University of Nottingham, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the university and testament to the excellent quality of our research and strength of our partnership with Nottingham Trent University.
“This CDT will bring together experts from industry and academia across the globe who will train the next generation of chemistry leaders to deliver world-leading research into sustainable, scalable solutions that are urgently needed to reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing processes and support Nottingham’s ambition to be the UK’s first zero carbon city by 2028.”
Richard Emes, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation Nottingham Trent University, said: “The Resilient Chemistry CDT is another excellent example of collaboration between Nottingham’s universities. I look forward to the fantastic research undertaken whilst training a generation of chemists in the sustainability of chemical manufacturing methods at Nottingham Trent University.”
Major plans approved for new special school in Mansfield
A major scheme to build a new school in Mansfield for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has moved a significant step forward after councillors gave the plans the green light.
The new school will be built on the former Ravensdale School site in the town and will have capacity for up to 160 pupils across the 7 to 19 years age range.
It is being designed, project and cost managed by Arc Partnership, a joint venture between Nottinghamshire County Council and SCAPE, with construction being undertaken by Morgan Sindall. The school is expected to open in 2025.
Nottinghamshire County Council says the purpose-built facility will provide a specialist learning environment for children with social, emotional, and mental health needs.
Councillors gave their approval for the scheme at a meeting of the county council’s Planning and Rights of Way Committee – a move welcomed by Councillor Sam Smith, Cabinet Member for Education and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
He said: “It’s great news that planning consent has been given for this state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility, and is a significant step forward in making sure we have sufficient places for our SEND children across Nottinghamshire.
“Building a school like this will provide a specific and specialist learning environment for pupils with autism and social, emotional, and mental health needs.
“It is also a key aim of our SEND place planning strategy to help more young people to access the education they need, near to where they live.
“As a council, we are committed to meeting the needs of children and young people with SEND, and their families, and to investing in providing much-needed special school places in Nottinghamshire.
“I would also like to thank my colleague, Councillor Andre Camilleri, who identified this site and has been pushing for a school of this type in his division for more than two years. I know he’ll be delighted the application has been approved.”
Dan Maher, Managing Director at Arc Partnership, said: “We are delighted to be working with Morgan Sindall to deliver further additional SEN provision on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council.
“We are focussed on delivering real value together and this school will be key to benefitting both young people and wider communities across the county.”
Sensory zones and calm spaces are just some of the design elements included in the construction of the new facility to ensure it is tailored to the children’s needs and complement learning.
Each key stage will be accommodated in either four or six classrooms to promote a ‘small school’ feel along with satellite dining spaces ‘to avoid children being overwhelmed by larger central facilities’.
Separate building entrances will also be created to address the sensory needs of pupils.
The purpose-built school will also boast two all-weather pitches with sports equipment storage buildings and a tarmac multi-use games area, as well as car parking and a drop-off area for minibuses.
Six spaces for electric vehicle (EV) charging will be provided in the staff car park and four, including one for a disability parking space, in the visitor car park.
PEAK Gateway Resort secures reserved matters planning approval
Chesterfield Borough Council has approved the reserved matters planning application for a revised first phase of the PEAK Gateway Resort on the reclaimed Birchall Estate. The 300-acre property is located on the eastern boundary of the Peak District National Park in Chesterfield, Derbyshire.
PEAK proposes to bring the scope and services of internationally successful ski resorts to create the UK’s equivalent for biking, hiking and other adventure sports as well as for nature, culture and heritage experiences.
PEAK will have its own micro grid for energy, waste and water. PEAK will generate and consume its own energy and operate a zero-carbon tourism dedicated mobility service.
Planning permission includes extensive overnight and holiday accommodation supported by hospitality, leisure, wellness, a multi-disciplinary bike park and experiential retail. As such, it is one of the largest permitted mixed-use leisure schemes in the UK. Five of the six largest cities in England are within 75 miles, providing a visitor catchment of over 20 million people.
Locally, PEAK has the potential to create over 1,000 new jobs. It will partner with the education sector to deliver a Green Skills Academy in support of both PEAK and Chesterfield’s commitment to training and upskilling across a broad range of key sectors, but especially for construction and tourism.
PEAK will be open to day as well as stay visitors. Local residents and businesses will be able to take advantage of incentives and membership opportunities.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “PEAK Resort offers a fantastic opportunity to bring more visitors into Chesterfield, grow our local economy and create a range of new jobs.
“It will be an incredible asset for our borough and will be a national leader in respect of clean energy, zero carbon mobility and skills.
“I look forward to seeing this development take shape over the next few years.”
The current landowner has, over many years, fully reclaimed the 300-acre Birchall estate from opencast. The property now provides the perfect natural setting for the consented development. Nature and outdoor experiences are at the heart of the PEAK offer and BNG (Biodiversity Net Gain) resulting from the development will all be achieved on the property.
Birchall and PEAK hope to be an exemplar of the reclamation of land from the industries of the past into enterprises of the future.
Rupert Carr, a director of Birchall and Peak Gateway Properties, said at the Planning Committee Meeting: “PEAK is the opportunity to deliver a clean growth infrastructure for the regional visitor economy, an opportunity for Chesterfield and indeed the region to build a significant presence in an economic sector growing at 6% per annum. PEAK is finally of its time.”
PEAK Resort will also support the UK’s first hydrogen and EV tourist mobility service linking visitors to Chesterfield’s medieval market town centre, its national rail station and surrounding attractions as well as to the trails and natural wonders of the National Park.
Colliers’ National Capital Markets team have been appointed to take the project forwards.
Leader of Nottingham City Council not seeking re-election
Councillor David Mellen will not seek re-election as the leader of Nottingham City Council in May 2024.
Every year, the majority group of councillors have the chance to choose the person they want to be leader of the council. Councillor Mellen has been leader since May 2019.
In those five challenging years he has overseen many changes and difficulties in Nottingham. These have included the Covid-19 pandemic, reduced council funding, the collapse of ‘intu’, the closure of Robin Hood Energy and a government-appointed Improvement Board.
However, these challenges have been matched by successes such as the opening of the new Nottingham Central Library, plans for a renewed Broad Marsh development including a new city centre park, several hundred new council houses and a successfully reopened Nottingham Castle. Councillor Mellen has also led the push for a devolved Combined County Authority in the East Midlands and championed a reading scheme that has delivered thousands of free books to children in Nottingham.
After five years as leader, Councillor Mellen has decided that he will not put himself forward at the leadership contest in April. He will remain in post until the new leader is formally appointed at a meeting of all Nottingham City Councillors on 13 May 2024. He will continue to serve as a Labour councillor for the Dales ward in the city.
Councillor Mellen said: “It has been a privilege to serve the city as leader for the last five years. There have been many challenges as well as successes – and I have always tried to do my best to provide the leadership that the people of Nottingham deserve. I am grateful for the support and understanding I have received in my time as leader. After five years in the role, I have made the decision to step aside to allow fresh leadership to continue our council’s journey of improvement.
“I am proud of our continuing vision to improve Nottingham: the ongoing development of the Island Quarter and the revamped Broad Marsh bus station and library, the new Nottingham College campus and the emerging Green Heart will be a legacy for the city in the southern gateway for people who work and visit here.
“We have reopened Nottingham Castle and made it once again a must-see attraction – the jewel in our city’s crown which is now attracting tens of thousands of visitors.
“I have been a champion for Nottingham’s ambition to be a carbon neutral city by 2028. Our climate emergency demands that people in any position of power must take positive action to protect the planet for the future, and Nottingham is leading the country in the steps we have taken to reduce emissions.
“Working with other council leaders in the region, I have been an architect for a devolved authority of combined councils across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire in the East Midlands, which will allow us to fight for a fairer share of funding for our citizens. This combined authority was approved by Government last month and will see our first elected Mayor in May.
“I have also been an advocate for reading and literacy and have long supported the development of the Nottingham Imagination Library that has given more than half a million free books to children aged 0-5 in our city. This is an important work that I intend to continue as a back bench councillor.
“It was a privilege to lead our city through the hard times of the Covid-19 pandemic. I will always be proud of the way that everybody pulled together to look after those who are most vulnerable in our city during those long months of lockdown. We also stood shoulder to shoulder following the death of the Queen. Last year the city stood together at the Market Square vigil following the shocking murders of three people in our city.
“It’s no secret that our council continues to be in a difficult position. Due to underfunding, we have reluctantly agreed difficult budget cuts and reductions to the services we provide for our city. We have commissioners overseeing the running of the council. We face further budget challenges in future years until a fit and proper model for funding local authorities can be agreed.
“There are challenging times ahead. However, I feel strongly that the journey of improvement that we have started is the right one and that our council remains on the right road to recovery. Now is the time for fresh leadership to take the council forward further on this journey. I have no doubt that whoever succeeds me as leader will have a firm foundation and the right support to finish what has been started.
“I love this city; Nottingham has been my home for more than 40 years and will always remain a champion for the people who live here.”
Councillor Mellen was born and educated in Ipswich and came to Nottingham to study at Trent Polytechnic in 1982. He taught for 21 years in the city and county starting his career at Jesse Boot Junior School, continuing at Crossdale Drive Primary in Keyworth and most recently serving as Headteacher at Mellers School in Radford for four years.
He has lived in Sneinton for the last 35 years where he chairs the management committee of Bakersfield Community Centre and supports a variety of other community groups. In May 2015 and 2017, he was the Parliamentary candidate in Rushcliffe for the Labour Party.
He has been a councillor for 22 years and represents the Dales Ward in Nottingham.
Plans to replace Nottingham office building with new apartments tipped for approval
Plans for new apartments on Nottingham’s Waterway Street, in place of a vacant 1970’s two storey office building, have been recommended for approval by the city council.
The proposals for the site near Nottingham train station come from Rainier Developments, and would see the demolition of the existing Waterway House building and construction of a new build development comprising 191 apartments.
The scheme would offer 122 one bed and 69 two bed flats over a block of three to eight storeys.
The development would provide 22 car parking spaces and 4 disabled parking spaces, as well as 191 cycle parking spaces within cycle store rooms.
The site on Waterway Street was purchased by Rainier Developments from Nottingham City Council last year.
The proposals for the scheme will go before the Planning Committee on 20 March.
