Gateley reports “resilient” performance in first half
Professional services group Gateley has hailed a “resilient performance” in its half year results, amidst a challenging market due to macro-economic conditions.
According a trading update ahead of its half year results for the six months ended 31 October 2023 (H1 24), group revenue grew by 7% and is expected to be not less than £81.5m.
Underlying profit before tax, meanwhile, is expected to be not less than £10m, representing growth of 4%.
Rod Waldie, Chief Executive Officer of Gateley, said: “Given the economic conditions during the period, I am pleased with the group’s performance in H1 24 and improving activity levels as the financial year progresses mean that we are carrying good momentum into H2.
“Whilst the macroeconomic and geopolitical outlook remains uncertain, the group continues to benefit from the resilience created by our strategy of investing in a diverse and complementary range of professional services.
“Our balance sheet provides a strong foundation from which to take a long-term view of potential opportunities to further invest in both legal and consultancy services.
“Finally, as always, I would like to thank our clients for their support and our dedicated people for their ongoing hard work, commitment and can-do attitude.”
Leicester gets share in new call centre jobs created by British Gas
Leicester is one of several UK locations chosen by British Gas to increase the number of jobs at its call centres.
The company is hiring over 700 new roles across its network of energy contact centres, helping to boost its existing customer service teams in Leicester, Leeds, Stockport, Edinburgh, and Cardiff as the winter heating season begins. These roles will all be in post by the end of the year with continued hiring taking place in January as part of the company’s aim to move call centre resource to the UK.
Last winter, British Gas experienced an increase in call volume due to the energy crisis and invested £25 million in its customer services operations to meet this demand. Whilst energy prices have come down, the company still expects customers to need support so is continuing to boost its UK teams. The increased staff will also mean longer opening times for British Gas customers of 8am to 6pm on weekdays and 9am to 2pm on Saturday.
British Gas has a £100 million support package in place to help customers who are struggling with energy costs – the largest voluntary support package offered by a UK supplier. Its customer services teams will receive additional training in how to help customers in financial difficultly including directing them to available support.
Chris O’Shea, CEO of Centrica, parent company of British Gas, said: “Although energy prices have come down slightly, many of our customers are still struggling overall with the cost of living and need to speak to us for longer about their energy bills. Strengthening our UK call centre operations will allow us to help more households with expert advice and support during this time.
“I’m extremely proud of how our expert teams support our customers every day – in the past year they’ve helped over 1 million customers who’ve been struggling to afford their bills with additional support such as grants, debt relief and payment plans.”
In addition to hiring UK based call centre staff, British Gas will continue to train apprentices to help accelerate the drive to net zero and to fix boilers and ensure people are heating their homes efficiently over the winter. The company has a strong history of boosting jobs and training in the UK with 3,500 new apprentices to be hired by 2030.
Nottingham Forest submits plans for new ‘Fan Zone’
Nottingham Forest Football Club is seeking permission for a new ‘Fan Zone’ at its City Ground, in the car park to the rear of the Brian Clough Stand.
The plans include converted shipping containers, a modular unit, and mini marquees to provide a temporary Fan Zone with Food & Beverage and merchandise.
The focal point will be a Media Screen with seating, with the perimeter areas for the bar and beverage and merchandising offerings.
A design statement submitted by Benoy on behalf of the football club says: “There is a drive from the Premier League and English Football League to make football a more family friendly environment. There is also ambition by the Club to make a statement in respect of environmental sustainability which our ownership our passionate about. The Fanzone is seen as a vehicle to demonstrate this.
“The Football Club propose to change the use of a small section of their existing car park to generate greater excitement around the matchday experience with activations before and
after the game. To provide supporters with a safe environment as a starting point to help generate the atmosphere pre-game and a place to enjoy food & drink, music and activities for all.”
Tyre dealer faces £1,325 penalty for waste tyre offences
Failure to failing to submit waste transfer notes when asked to move 844 tyres from his base has cost a Derbyshire tyre dealer £1,325.
Wayne Rogers, 40, who operated as ECO Tyres rear of Church Street, Swadlincote, admitted the offence and was fined £518, ordered to pay costs of £600 and the victim surcharge of £207 coming to a total of £1325.
The court was told that Environment Agency officers visited his premises following information that a large number of tyres were being stored around the premises. The officers visited the site again on 11 October to find that the tyres had been removed. However, Rogers then failed to produce the waste transfer note.
Further attempts to contact Rogers via mobile phone and email were ignored. Rogers was issued with a fixed penalty notice for failing to produce waste transfer notes which he failed to pay. Every person who produces, carries, keeps or disposes of waste is subject to duty of care legislation to ensure the waste is managed appropriately, which includes ensuring the transfer of waste is recorded.
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “The requirements to keep and produce waste transfer notes are in place to protect the public and environment.
“Failing to comply with legal requirements to keep and produce records undermines legitimate businesses that work hard to operate within the regulations. The regime is intended to ensure that waste is disposed of correctly. The production of transfer notes is an important aspect of that regime.
“We hope this sentence sends out a clear message to others that proper records as required under the law must be maintained and produced when required.”
Equip Outdoor Technologies CEO to step down
Derbyshire-headquartered Equip Outdoor Technologies UK Ltd., home of technical outdoor apparel and equipment brands Rab and Lowe Alpine, is commencing an executive recruitment plan to find a successor for Matt Gowar, the current CEO.
Twelve years after buying Lowe Alpine, twenty years after buying Rab, and thirty years after importing his first glove range into the UK, Matt Gowar, CEO and owner of Equip Outdoor Technologies (UK) Ltd, has decided that it’s time to bring new experience and leadership to strengthen the Board by appointing a new CEO.
Equip has experienced significant growth which has been most evident in the last few years and achieved £120m turnover in FY23. The global business now operates through 26 manufacturing partners across Asia as well as retaining its heritage and expertise in a UK manufacturing site plus has sales offices in eight countries across North America and Europe.
Matt will remain active within the business, retaining executive responsibility at Equip Board level for his areas of specialty and passion, including CSR, supplier sourcing and supporting the development in North America. But, after 30 years in the industry, traveling extensively for business and building successful brands, Matt wants to spend more time doing the things he loves; time on his bikes, traveling for pleasure, and being with his family.
Equip is now seeking a successor for Matt in 2024.
Matt Gowar, owner and CEO, Equip Outdoor Technologies (UK) Ltd, said: “The last few years have seen extraordinary pressures for the outdoor industry and supply chains. We have worked hard to grow Equip and our brands and achieved significant business milestones along the way.
“Knowing that the business is in such a strong position, I look forward to finding someone who can step into the CEO role to bring new experience and leadership to our existing Board and lead Equip to achieve the next five-year strategic plan.
“This will allow me to concentrate on the areas of the business I have the most expertise and also free up my time to do the things I have missed out on whilst building the business; time with my family and my personal interests. I plan to retain ownership of Equip, as we keep to our current strategy.”
Trading ahead of expectations at Breedon
Trading is ahead of expectations at Breedon, the construction materials group.
According to a trading update for the ten months to 31 October 2023, the business has delivered a “strong performance.” When compared to the same period in 2022, revenue increased 8%.
Breedon noted that changes to building regulations in the UK that took effect in June impacted ready-mixed concrete volumes, while aggregate and asphalt volumes have continued to moderate. However, pricing has been sustained and Breedon has maintained “tight control” over its cost base.
Due to a strong performance in the year to date, the company now expects to achieve full year 2023 underlying EBIT ahead of market consensus.Rob Wood, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Notwithstanding the market backdrop, the Breedon team continues to deliver and we are delighted to report a trading performance ahead of expectations.
“Against the uncertain political and economic backdrop, our teams have adapted well to deliver a compelling performance, whatever the prevailing market conditions.
“Our strategic focus on ensuring Breedon is a great place to work, taking care of our people and the communities around our sites, has once again been reflected in both our financial performance as well as our colleague engagement, of which I am particularly proud.
“But we never settle – we will continue to seek ways to operate as efficiently and sustainably as possible, invest in our people and grow our business so we are positioned to succeed when the construction materials market returns to growth.”
Approval sought for rail training and innovation centre
Planning permission is being sought for the Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) – a modern rail innovation and training centre set to be located next to the historic Barrow Hill Roundhouse.
If approved the new centre will provide workshop and classroom space to support speciality rail industry training, research and development facilities and commercial space for rail related businesses.
In total the building is expected to cost around £4 million. Funding for the project has been provided through the Staveley Town Deal.
Development of the centre is being delivered by Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society, Chesterfield Borough Council and New Rail (part of Newcastle University).
Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “The Rail sector offers a fantastic range of high-quality careers and DRIIVe is all about ensuing our residents can receive the skills and training they need to access these opportunities. This is an ambitious project that will create opportunities for generations to come and reflects the council’s aims to expand the local Rail sector.
“I’m delighted that Town Deal funding is being used to support the development of this building because new training facilities like this will improve career prospects and help ensure that Staveley is the place to start, to stay and to grow.”
Mervyn Allcock, general manager at Barrow Hill Roundhouse, said: “If it is approved, DRIIVe will help establish Barrow Hill as the home of the rail industry in Chesterfield and we look forward to speaking to companies about the potential benefits of being based at the centre. Any revenue from the building will be used to support the Roundhouse in achieving its aim of preserving our local Rail heritage.”
DRIIVe will provide 1,423 square metres of floor space consisting of classroom and workshop training areas, specialist research and development facilities including a digital laboratory, and commercial offices.
The centre will support a network of speciality training providers – offering rail-related education from level 2 through to postgraduate training and research.
Becoming a prominent location for rail technology, DRIIVe will also serve as a base for rail-related supply chain businesses which will have access to the very latest research and innovation.
DRIIVe will create about 20 full time jobs and by year five it aims to support around 270 trainees, supporting local people to access highly skilled careers in the rail industry.
Early development and design costs were funded through the Staveley Town Deal Accelerator Fund.
MTMS appoints new project manager
An army veteran with a passion for the environment and restoring classic motorbikes has joined the team at an East Midlands rail maintenance firm.
Ed Wakeford is the new project manager at MTMS, based in Moira, near Swadlincote, as he takes charge of managing its operations at the Craigentinny Train Maintenance Centre, near Edinburgh in Scotland.
This depot, which is operated by Hitachi Rail, is vital for maintaining trains from many locations in Scotland and from the north of England and is the biggest depot of its kind north of the border.
Ed’s role at Craigentinny will include overseeing the work at the depot, communicating with suppliers and manufacturers and liaising with clients.
The 43-year-old said he was looking for a new challenge when he joined MTMS, but it was the team that sealed the deal for him.
Ed said: “I love it here as it’s such a nice group of people and this will always be a top priority for me. It is hard being new, but I enjoy going into work and I feel well supported as well as being able to support everyone else.
“It’s always changing and there’s always something new to pick up. The team has also made me feel very welcome, which is always important when you’re just starting out.”
Ed, who is originally from West Sussex but now lives in Derbyshire, served in the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment for five years where he spent time in Germany, did tours of Afghanistan and trained in Canada and Africa.
Since leaving the Army, he has also worked on a new-build housing project, creating open spaces and play areas before joining MTMS.
Ed, who is also the company’s Armed Forces champion, said: “The Army taught me to adapt to any scenario as you will be given information and misinformation so it’s about sifting through it in a logical way to sort it out.
“I found it quite easy to adapt after leaving the Army. It can be difficult to start off with but there are lots of elements from being in the Army that prepare you. I’m used to being stuck in the middle of nowhere and all you have is what you’ve got in front of you.”
Blueprint Interiors complete six figure showroom refurb to satisfy five generations of workforce
Workplace consultants and commercial office fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors has completed another six figure refurbishment of its showroom in Ashby de la Zouch.
The investment is part of continuous programme of investment by Blueprint Interiors to ensure its showroom called WorkLife Central is revitalised and continually showcases the latest design, products and technology reflective of an innovative and versatile workplace.
The refurbishment has featured brand new layouts throughout with the creation of a new “Loft” area upstairs to illustrate how flexible workspaces can be re-configured within minutes to accommodate the variety of workstyles now required.
There are also many other additions that reflect the need for neurodiversity and inclusion as employers seek to satisfy the needs of five generations of employees.
The refurbishments were led by Blueprint Interiors Creative Director, Chloe Sproston and the integration of AV systems to facilitate hassle-free hybrid meetings was carried out by Tom Bamford from TecInteractive based in Ashbourne.
Chloe said: “There’s been a revolution in what people want from their offices and many businesses are still struggling to understand what their workplace is for and what they need to do to attract people back to the workplace.
“By visiting our showroom business owners can experience how their workplace could look, understand the design process and try out furniture, technology, lighting and acoustic effects that help to ensure their environment is motivating and productive, and meets the way in which people now want to work.”
The necessary need for people to work from home suddenly gave everyone a choice of how to work; at the kitchen table, sofa, or home office. For many, this was the first time they’d had such a choice.
Getting people to come back to the rows and rows of desks they left, when they appear to have more choice at home (plus a commute to do) was always going to be hard. It’s now more vital to consider human-centric goals and aims, and the different qualities of the people using the space.
Tom Bamford added: “The aim is to ensure that technology seamlessly integrates into the workspace, designed in a way that’s smart and simple to use – allowing you to focus on what matters most.
“Our successful collaboration on The Loft project with Blueprint Interiors illustrates this commitment. Together, we’ve redesigned the space, showcasing how flexible workspaces can adapt to various workstyles.”
Blueprint Interiors has also recorded its best ever half year results having recently completed projects on behalf of leading employers such as The Melton Building Society, Worldline, and Gleeds. It also has a strong pipeline of work agreed for 2024 and expects to exceed its growth objectives which will result in the creation of a number of new roles at the company.
Council plans to transform outdated junction get funding boost
Plans to transform Leicester’s St Margaret’s junction to help encourage more walking and cycling, and improve bus journey times, have been given a major cash boost.
Leicester City Council has been awarded over £12 million from the third round of the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, which is designed for long-term, major capital projects which will help create jobs, encourage new investment and enable business growth.
The proposed highway development project would transform the sprawling junction linking St Margaret’s Way, Burleys Way, Vaughan Way and Church Gate. It will also see the permanent removal of the last remaining pedestrian underpasses on the city’s inner ring road. The large underpass complex was closed and fenced off earlier this year, following surveys that showed many people choose not to use them due to safety concerns and the fear of crime.
Proposed improvements include filling-in all three underpasses and major remodelling of the junction to help improve bus journey times, provide a more attractive route for walkers and cyclists and create more green space at this important gateway into the city centre. Ensuring the area feels safe for people to use after dark is another key aim of the project.
The introduction of new bus lanes on sections of St Margaret’s Way and Sanvey Gate will help improve journey times and service reliability by creating a direct link between the new St Margaret’s Bus Station and the A6, A50 and Anstey Lane bus corridors.
New cycle tracks would also be created on parts of St Margaret’s Way and Sanvey Gate to link to recently created and planned works expanding the citywide network of safer routes for cyclists.
Footpaths would be widened and improved, and new parallel crossings for pedestrians and cyclists will be introduced across the busy junction.
New landscaping would also help create a stronger link between the city centre and the medieval St Margaret’s Church building, which dates back to the 13th century.
The proposed improvements are intended to encourage more walking and cycling, with transport surveys showing that currently just three per cent of people using the junction do so on foot or bike.
The scheme will also help to promote new development and regeneration in the area, including providing the infrastructure needed to support investment in new city centre homes to help meet rising demand.
Cllr Adam Clarke, deputy city mayor for climate, culture and economy, said: “This is great news for the city and a fantastic opportunity to build on the improvements we have already seen from the award-winning redevelopment of St Margaret’s bus station – the first operationally net zero bus station building in the UK.
“The nearby St Margaret’s junction is an outdated throwback to the original 1970s ring road design. Its underpasses are unappealing to pedestrians and are a magnet for anti-social behaviour.
“As it stands the junction is a barrier for pedestrians and cyclists, and the current arrangement does no favours for buses leaving the new St Margaret’s Station.
“These proposals will address an important missing link in our transport network and help this sprawling junction into an attractive gateway into the city centre for all road users. It will also help reveal one of Leicester’s finest historic church buildings and reconnect it and the surrounding area to the city centre. Importantly, it will also make the route feel safer for people to use, especially at night.
“The award of over £12 million from Levelling Up Fund is a huge endorsement of the importance of this scheme.
“Providing more attractive and sustainable travel choices for people will help deliver a greener solution for the future growth of the city and support our work around the climate emergency and air quality improvements. We need to be radical and ambitious to meet these challenges.”
Alongside the award of £12,177,706 from the Levelling Up Fund, the city council will invest £3 million of capital funding towards the project.
Work is expected to get underway in 2025.
