Rule change allows advice and funding for the region’s tiniest SMEs

Stuart Pearcey
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Rule change allows advice and funding for the region’s tiniest SMEs
Made Smarter East Midlands has announced that the programme eligibility criteria are being changed to include manufacturers with headcounts of nine people or fewer. Since its launch a year ago, the East Midlands Made Smarter Programme has been open only to SME Manufacturers in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire,  and Greater Lincolnshire with headcounts between 10 and 249 people. With immediate effect the programme will now accepting expressions of interest from micro sized manufacturers Made Smarter East Midlands now offers the following support to micro manufacturing businesses in Leicestershire, Derbyshire, and Greater Lincolnshire through the national Made Smarter Website https://www.madesmarter.uk/

•  Digital Road Mapping – A lighter touch road map is available to Micro businesses, which will set out a Digital Implementation Plan.

•  Access to 10 hours of fully funded Industrial Digital Technology Advice (IDTA)

•  Grant funding to support CAPEX and revenue projects.

Programme Director Dr Chris Owen said: “We can now expand the scope of the East Midlands Made Smarter programme to thousands of micro SME Manufacturers across the region. Since we opened our doors for business in December 2022, we have had a healthy interest from micro sized manufacturers who are eager for support to adopt industrial digital technology but we have been unable to help them. “We’ll be reaching out to all those micro manufacturers who have already registered and expression of interest in Made Smarter East Midlands, and opening our doors to new expressions of interest from other micro manufacturers across the region. We have created a pathway of support specifically designed for micro manufacturers, which is quicker and lighter touch than the core programme, but still gives companies access to packages of free and impartial technical advice and grant funding of up to £20,000 to help them adopt industrial digital technology.” Alongside the new Micro manufacturer pathway the core programme will still continue to accept expressions of interest from manufacturers with headcounts of 10 to 249 people. In just one year, Made Smarter East Midlands has engaged with over 150 manufacturing businesses across the region providing much needed grant funding, free and impartial technical advice, digital transformation road mapping and Leadership Development. To find out more about what is available, visit the Made Smarter East Midlands website, where you can also express your interest and sign up to this fantastic opportunity https://www.madesmarter.uk/adoption/in-my-region/east-midlands/

Science staff step up to the plate helping Derby County charity give hot meal to hundreds of vulnerable people

Tess Egginton
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Science staff step up to the plate helping Derby County charity give hot meal to hundreds of vulnerable people

Local businesses have been invited to join science company Lubrizol in supporting a valuable Derby County Football Club-backed project giving a hot meal to hundreds of people struggling under the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Derby County Community Trust (DCCT) is marking a year of its highly valued project giving weekly hot meals throughout autumn and winter to people who are suffering for a range of reasons in a society that is currently seeing soaring food, energy and mortgage costs.

The scheme, which launched in November 2022, sees between 50 and 60 people a week invited through referrals to enjoy a hot meal prepared Derby County Football Club chefs. Businesses sponsor the cost of the meal and their employees are invited to volunteer serve it too.

So far the project – backed with city council funding connected with the warm spaces scheme – has helped feed hundreds of people throughout Derby, including families struggling to feed children in half term; Ukrainian refugees; members of the homeless community; people with dementia and many others.

Meals are served at Harrison’s Hub, a café space formerly occupied by Starbucks which is now run by the Community Trust to offer its wide range of activities.

Lubrizol, a global science company with a Derbyshire headquarters based at Hazelwood, is a corporate partner of Derbyshire County Community Trust and has also sponsored its STEM learning scheme involving Sphero robots which is being offered to Derby school children to teach them about computer programming.

The company sponsored one of DCCT’s community meals and employees Tom Grazier, Claire Hollingshurst and Rachel Ollier turned out to help serve it. All three are members of Lubrizol’s charities and communities committee which gives thousands of pounds to many worthy causes throughout the year.

Rachel said: “We really enjoyed coming down to Harrison’s Hub at Derby County Football Club to help serve one of these community meals. But it was also very sobering to appreciate the need that many people in our community currently have for a service such as this.

“On the night we sponsored, there were lots of people there and it was clear how much they were looking forward to having a hot meal. It would be great if more businesses could come forward and support this much-needed scheme.”

Now DCCT is looking for businesses to help support the scheme from early 2024.

Pete Collins, DCCT business development manager, said: “We get different groups of people coming each week to our meals, although we do have some regular people we invite from our local homeless community too.

“There’s a growing need for the service we are providing. There are lots of health inequalities in Derby, and lots of social and economic inequalities that we are seeing too, all of which were compounded through Covid.

“There are more and more people going down into the lower end of these social economic groups and these health inequalities. It’s a growing issue and it’s a concerning issue, involving more members of the public than people perhaps realise.

“We’re extremely grateful to Lubrizol who have supported not just one of our meals but also our Sphero robot programme too. Their support is wonderful.

“Being one of our trust partners and sponsoring a weekly meal involves being attached to a very community minded programme. We are looking for businesses to support us from January onwards.”

Should you hire an event videographer?

Tess Egginton
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Should you hire an event videographer?
Business events play a crucial role in fostering connections, showcasing achievements, and elevating your brand. As a business owner or marketer gearing up for a significant event, the question of whether to hire a professional event videographer may cross your mind. In this article, we explore the advantages of creating a high-quality video about your business event, and why entrusting this task to a seasoned video production company like Glowfrog can be a great investment for your business. Achieve more sales enquiries A professionally crafted video captures the essence of your brand, showcasing it in a visually compelling manner. When Glowfrog (www.glowfrogvideo.com) filmed Mercedes-Benz’s 70th Anniversary event in Bradford, the resulting video not only celebrated the milestone but effectively conveyed the luxury, sophistication, and heritage associated with the brand. This helped to showcase the dealership and achieve more sales enquiries following online publication of the video. Wider reach An event’s impact extends far beyond its physical venue when you hire a video production company to create an event highlights video. A professionally produced video becomes a powerful marketing tool, allowing you to reach a much wider audience than just the people who attended on the day. Professional image A professional video production company such as Glowfrog brings expertise in cinematography, editing, and storytelling, to produce a premium-grade event highlights video that reflects the high-quality of your brand or organisation. Your brand should be posting high-quality videos if you want to portray a professional image to potential customers. That’s why, for example, the University of Derby hired Glowfrog to produce an event highlight video for their employer celebration event. Hassle-free experience Planning an event is already a complex task. Entrusting the video production to a company such as Glowfrog allows you to focus on the event’s logistics while knowing that the video aspect is in capable hands. From conceptualisation to delivery, Glowfrog makes the entire process seamless. Your event, our expertise In conclusion, the decision to hire a professional event videographer is an investment in your brand’s legacy. Glowfrog’s experience in capturing the essence of events, as evidenced by the University of Derby’s celebration and Mercedes-Benz’s 70th Anniversary, speaks volumes about their commitment to excellence. When considering whether to hire a videographer for your upcoming event, think beyond documentation and more about how an event video could amplify your brand’s reach, connecting you with more potential customers. Don’t settle for ordinary; choose extraordinary. Choose Glowfrog Video Production for an event video that transcends expectations and propels your brand into the spotlight.

Over £1.5m of investment made in Loughborough student and graduate businesses

Tess Egginton
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Over £1.5m of investment made in Loughborough student and graduate businesses
Student and graduate-led businesses supported by Loughborough Enterprise Network (LEN) have gone on to secure £1.6m in funding during the 2022-2023 academic year.
The funding, which is entirely external to the University and made up from private equity, crowdfunding and grants, is one of several notable successes showcased in LEN’s annual impact report. Achievements across the 2022-2023 academic year include:
  • 1,466 students taking part in extra-curricular enterprise activities including coaching, workshops and networking
  • 184 students applying for funding to develop skills and help launch their start-up
  • Allocation of over £82k in start-up funding to students and graduates
  • 50% increase in female students applying for funding
  • Over 36 new businesses created through LUinc.
  • 330 people employed by student and graduate led businesses.
LEN brings together a support network across the University and beyond to help students, graduates and staff to develop enterprise and entrepreneurial skills and start, scale and grow new businesses. LEN’s Impact Report highlights a range of thriving businesses which have originated from and been supported by the University; these include a recipe search engine designed to combat food waste, a mental health fitness platform that helps athletes reach their full potential, an innovative patented product designed to support children with learning and movement disabilities and a collapsible, lightweight neonatal incubator that has saved the lives of thousands of premature babies. One of the businesses supported by LEN which was based in LUinc. is The Bug Factory, founded by Thomas Constant (Industrial Design and Technology, 2018). The Bug Factory manufactures eco-growing pods designed for people’s homes that harness insect power to recycle food waste and convert it into pet food and plant fertiliser. Winner of the 22/23 Innovate UK Young Innovators Next Steps Award, which recognises trailblazing young entrepreneurs, The Bug Factory’s products are now available in stores across the UK and the US as well as internationally online. The business has recently set up its manufacturing facility in the East Midlands. Professor Nick Jennings, Vice-Chancellor of Loughborough University, said: “Loughborough’s commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation is at the very heart of our mission to drive positive change and create better futures. “Through LEN, we’re helping to develop a new generation of businesses that are improving lives, enhancing sustainability and creating jobs. “To have reached £1.6million worth of funding and investment is testament to the hard work of our incredibly talented students and graduates, as well as the wider innovation community, including our alumni supporters and other business champions, who all play a key role in helping these businesses to flourish.”

Duo of freehold sales completed in Colwick

Tess Egginton
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Duo of freehold sales completed in Colwick
The former Nottingham Powder Coating Premises and the former Dredging Tip Site have both been sold on Private Road No.4, Colwick, Nottingham. The former Nottingham Powder Coating Premises totals 14,794ft² and was situated on a 0.88 acre plot. The site was sold to Grover Brothers (UK) Limited whose plans are to redevelop the property to create a multi let estate/asset. The former Dredging Tip Site, which sold off market and totals 2.23 acres, was located at the end of Private Road No.4 and was purchased by Bio Dynamic UK Limited, an existing occupier of Private Road No.4 with ambitious future growth plans. “Both of these sales demonstrate the strength of the Colwick industrial market and that there is still a huge appetite within the market for freehold opportunities whether they be from owner occupiers wanting to expand and grow their business or investors,” said FHP Property Consultants. Anthony Barrowcliffe, FHP, who acted for the vendors in both sales, said: “We have some excellent opportunities currently in the Colwick area offering a variety of different options. In particular the very exciting Armitage Business Park which is being redeveloped by Ivygrove to create a multi let estate and is due to practically complete in April 2024. “We also have various options from Radford Holdings on Private Road No.2 and the prestigious Colwick Gateway development from Chancery Gate.”

East Midlands investment gap opening up as third of SMEs struggle to find the right investor

Tess Egginton
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East Midlands investment gap opening up as third of SMEs struggle to find the right investor
New findings from YFM Equity Partners’ inaugural Entrepreneur Economy report, a study of the 1.1 million entrepreneurial SMEs in the UK, reveal that 8% of the nations’ entrepreneurial SMEs are based in the East Midlands, contributing £82 billion to the UK economy. Entrepreneurial SMEs in the East Midlands are eager to scale up  Analysis by YFM Equity Partners and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) found that the East Midlands leads the UK in entrepreneurial SMEs using venture capital trusts to grow, with 16% of such businesses in the region relying on this funding source, compared to a national average of 13%. Many East Midlands entrepreneurs have also turned to private equity to access funding, with over a quarter (27%) of founders taking this route. Finding the right investor remains a key challenge  However, the report also highlighted the difficulties that entrepreneurial SMEs in the East Midlands had in raising investment, especially in comparison to SMEs elsewhere in the country. 37% said they found it hard to find the right investor, compared to 29% nationally. East Midlands entrepreneurial SMEs were also among the most likely (33%) to state they faced a lack of clarity on the best funding options for their businesses. Spotlight on regional success: Leicester  One particular East Midlands success story is the city of Leicester, which ranks ninth in the UK for entrepreneurialism and has the sixth highest ‘business to people ratio’: 6,057 businesses per 100,000 people. Leicester also boasts the eighth highest rate of new businesses founded between 2022 and 2023, with 607 businesses launched during that time period. Stephen Murray, investment director, YFM Equity Partners, said: “The East Midlands Entrepreneur Economy has great deal of potential. But, our report has pinpointed several barriers keeping local founders from scaling up their businesses. “Although it’s positive to see that many regional entrepreneurs rely on venture capital and private equity for funding, there are still severe struggles identifying the right investor and accessing the most suitable option for them. “It’s therefore of outmost importance that there is sufficient guidance and information available for them to make an informed decision based on their needs. “Receiving the right financial support is vital in the survival of the region’s businesses but it won’t be possible without improving access to professional capital.”

Tyre business makes strategic acquisition

Tess Egginton
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Tyre business makes strategic acquisition
C&S Tyres (UK) Limited has been sold to plant and earthmover tyre repair and replacement provider Tyrefix, based in Leicestershire. Founded in 1998, Manchester-based C&S Tyres has provided a broad range of specialist tyre services across the UK, including the supply of Tyre filled and Press on Solid tyres into the waste sector. As part of the Tyrefix group, C&S tyres will be well-positioned to expand its reach across the UK using the scale of the Tyrefix business. Tyrefix is backed by Literacy Capital, and this marks their second acquisition since their initial investment in 2020. RSM UK advised C&S Tyres (UK) Limited on its sale, with the RSM deal team led by corporate finance director Rikesh Patel, with support from John Daly, Austin Halewood and Hallam Wilson. David Filmer at Forbes provided legal advice. Rikesh Patel, corporate finance director at RSM, said: “It was great to support the team on its next chapter of growth – bringing together two leading tyre specialists to deliver key synergies and accelerate expansion across the UK for the growing Tyrefix Group.” Chris Williams, founder and Managing Director of C&S Tyres, who will remain with the Tyrefix Group to ensure a successful transition, said: “I look forward to working with the Tyrefix team, whom I believe are the best fit to take C&S Tyres on the next stage of its journey. I’ve worked with Tyrefix for many years, and believe that together, the two businesses will be a successful partnership.” Oliver Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Tyrefix, added: “We are extremely pleased to welcome C&S Tyres to the growing Tyrefix family. The expertise in the heavy off-highway sectors is fully aligned to the strategic direction of the business. “Chris has done a fantastic job growing the C&S business, offering genuine value to all the customers he services, with unparalleled knowledge of tyres in these sectors. As Tyrefix, we will look to grow this offering across the UK through the scale and presence we have today.”

East Midlands can ‘lead the way’ in energy transition, hears Midlands Energy Summit

Tess Egginton
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East Midlands can ‘lead the way’ in energy transition, hears Midlands Energy Summit
The East Midlands has the potential to “lead the way” in the energy transition to net zero by holding some of the key ingredients – but businesses need more support to make changes right now. These were two of the headline messages at the Midlands Energy Summit, held by East Midlands Chamber at the University of Nottingham’s Trent Building yesterday (Thursday 30 November). Speakers from major organisations including Toyota, Uniper, National Grid and the East Midlands Freeport gave an insight into some of the clean energy activities happening in the region, including in hydrogen, nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. A new East Midlands zero carbon innovation centre, which aims to transform cutting-edge green research at the University of Nottingham and Loughborough University into commercial products, was announced by the Freeport’s Chief Executive Tom Newman-Taylor at the event – with the Freeport contributing £5m over funding towards the initiative. East Midlands Chamber director of policy and insight Chris Hobson said: “With three of the big bases for future energy provision – hydrogen, nuclear fusion and nuclear fission – being developed here in the East Midlands, across a range of nationally-critical projects and research that is backed by public and private sector investment, we are leading the way in the energy transition. “It was fascinating to hear more about some of these plans from the major players in these areas, and the new East Midlands zero carbon innovation centre is an exciting initiative that taps into these strengths while developing new sectors that will deliver further investment and high-quality jobs for our communities. “But while the future holds plenty of promise, we mustn’t forget about what we can do here and now to make gains in the green agenda. Toyota is a great example of a company making small adjustments to save lots of energy and while some of these learnings can be passed down through the supply chain, there is plenty more we can do. “Small businesses tell us they want to make the necessary changes to decarbonise their operations, and many are already taking huge strides forward, but require more support. “Our Sustainable East Midlands initiative can signpost businesses to funded programmes, events and best practice. More broadly, it’s crucial for businesses, the public sector and universities to work closer together to develop research and roll out new technologies that will help the East Midlands and UK to become a world leader in the net zero economy.” Speakers at the Midlands Energy Summit, held in partnership with the University of Nottingham and East Midlands Freeport, included: · Andy Nolan, development and sustainability director at University of Nottingham, explained how the institution aims to reduce a £30m annual energy bill across its estate via a series of energy-saving measures · Paul Gleaves, head of power purchase agreements at Consultus International Group, provided a long-term energy market analysis and provided tips on how businesses can de-risk their energy management strategy · Tom Newman-Taylor, chief executive of East Midlands Freeport, spoke about the “huge opportunity” net zero provides to the East Midlands and the importance of creating a region-wide voice for inward investors · Dr David Parfitt, senior data analyst at National Grid ESO, delivered some future energy scenarios for the East Midlands, including one in which the region can “lead the way” towards net zero · Faye McAnulla, programme director of the Energy Research Accelerator, gave an update on cutting-edge green projects being delivered by universities across the Midlands · John Malpas, senior manager for the environment and carbon neutrality project at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK, offered an insight into how the Derbyshire-based car manufacturer has made significant reductions in energy use within the paint shop by making small tweaks.

Housing trust teams up with local company in festive hamper appeal for people who have faced homelessness

Tess Egginton
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Housing trust teams up with local company in festive hamper appeal for people who have faced homelessness

A Derbyshire housing trust providing accommodation to hundreds of people who might otherwise be homeless has teamed up with a well-known local business to spread festive treats amongst residents, who may otherwise face a cheerless Christmas.

Derventio Housing Trust, which runs shared houses for hundreds of people in Derby and Derbyshire – and other areas of the UK – wants to ensure no-one living in its housing misses out on festive cheer this year so has teamed up with Derby-based Colleague Box to provide festive treats to every household in the city and county.

The trust exists to provide housing to people who have either recently been through homelessness or are at risk of it. Now Derventio is asking businesses and individuals to support its Colleague Box campaign providing festive boxes to residents who may be facing a cheerless Christmas.

Derventio Housing Trust operates in five areas in the UK: Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Swindon. The appeal will provide hampers containing festive treats.

Jackie Carpenter, assistant director of strategy for Derventio Housing Trust, said: “We are blown away that such a fabulous local company with a big heart is supporting our appeal. At a hugely busy time for them, they have taken on putting together these extra boxes for us and we couldn’t be more grateful.

“We know how much this will mean to residents and we’re excited to think how much they will enjoy opening up a Colleague Box of festive treats.”

Natalie Bamford, who with her husband Adam set up Colleague Box, said that the business was delighted to be working with Derventio Housing Trust.

Natalie said: “Community is important to us and when Derventio first approached us about being involved in creating these special boxes, we knew that it was something we would love to be involved in. These gifts will have a huge impact on the lives of those needing the support and it is a real honour to be involved.”

One Derventio resident living in Derby told how his Christmas last year had been lonely as he was unable to visit family. This reduced him to eating a meal of baked beans on toast on December 25, since his three housemates were with their family while he was not.

Michael *, 50, has been living with Derventio Housing Trust for the past 18 months, his life having spiralled out of control after a relationship breakdown, and being unable to carry on working as a machine setter due to his epilepsy and mental health struggles.

He said: “Christmas last year was so lonely for me. It’s heart breaking when you don’t see your family.”

Derventio Housing Trust wants to spread a little festive cheer this year by providing every shared household with a hamper containing seasonal goodies such as a Christmas sweets and cheese snacks.

The housing trust is currently providing accommodation for 200 people in Derby and 130 in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Across the UK, the housing trust supports 650 people.

Many Derventio residents are struggling with their mental health; some have no family, while others have become estranged from theirs. For most, Christmas is a huge struggle both emotionally and financially.

The housing trust is appealing for local businesses and individuals who would like to feel the warmth of Christmas giving by helping donate to the hampers.

Michael said for him and his Derventio household, having a Christmas hamper with little treats would make an enormous difference to their festive season.

“A Christmas cake and a box of biscuits would make me feel as though I’d had Christmas,” he said. “Christmas can be very lonely. There’s nothing worse than being on your own at Christmas time. It’s awful. I’ve always been used to being somewhere. There’s nothing better on Christmas day than seeing young people opening their presents.

“If people give you something you’re not expecting, do you know how overwhelming that makes people feel? It would make me cry.”

Penny Wiltshire from Derventio Housing Trust said: “With our Christmas Hamper campaign we would like to give residents some luxuries to help them feel they are part of the festive season too. When money is tight and you need to buy essentials, even treats like a packet of biscuits or a little box of chocolates are simply unavailable.

“We hope businesses and individuals will help give people a little bit of Christmas cheer this year by donating to our campaign. Many people can’t imagine spending Christmas on their own but that’s unfortunately the reality for some residents. Many people really don’t have much, so we know how much of a difference these hampers will make.”

To donate to the Derventio Housing Trust Christmas Hamper appeal, see https://www.colleaguebox.co.uk/derventiofestivetreat

* Not his real name

200 Degrees annual charity day, Swap Shop, returns

Tess Egginton
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200 Degrees annual charity day, Swap Shop, returns

Coffee lovers will be able to swap a tube of toothpaste for a free flat white on Tuesday 5th December when independent coffee shop chain 200 Degrees hosts their annual charity day, Swap Shop.

In each of the company’s 21 shops across the UK, customers will be able to bring in and donate unused and unopened hygiene products, and get a free coffee in return.

Swap Shop is an initiative that 200 Degrees have run for the past two years, but this year each shop team has chosen to directly support a charity in their locality. With hygiene poverty still a massive issue across the country due to the cost of living crisis, customers will be able have make a difference for people in their community, with products to be distributed to those in need in partnership via local charities.

In Lincoln, the 200 Degrees Shop on Sincil Street will be supporting the Lincoln Food Bank. And in Nottingham, the four 200 Degrees shops will be each be supporting a different charity: Emmanuel House, Juno Women’s Aid, The Friary and Central Women’s Aid. Each shop across the 200 Degrees estate, from Cardiff to Cannock, to Manchester and Liverpool will also be supporting a charity in their local area. The Head Office team, based on Meadow Lane in Nottingham, will be bringing in their own items to donate to their core charity partner, Switch Up.

200 Degrees Managing Director Stephen Fern said: “Supporting the local community is one of the core values of 200 Degrees and we adhere to those beliefs all year round, but we know charities struggle particularly at Christmas.

“We have the ability to make a difference across a large part of the UK now we have 21 shops, and the teams have been eager to donate items to charities they know will reach local people. Giving away free coffees to those who donate is a great way to raise awareness and get those donations flooding in.”

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