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Trading ahead of expectations at Breedon
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.”
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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.
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Solicitors have Enthusiasm to raise money for youth organisation
Lawyers across Derbyshire and East Staffordshire have agreed to work together to raise funds for an organisation that supports children and young people from deprived backgrounds.
Derby and District Law Society has named Enthusiasm Trust as its chosen charity for the year and hopes to raise cash to support its work helping children from disadvantaged backgrounds reach their full potential.
Oliver Maxwell, from Nelsons Solicitors on Lodge Lane, was appointed as president of the society in May and chose the charity after attending a Marketing Derby bondholder event at Enthusiasm’s headquarters on Cotton Lane.
The first fundraising activity was a Great British Bake Off-style competition which saw solicitors from across the society’s membership demonstrating their showstopping baking skills in a contest which raised more than £500.
The money will help Enthusiasm Trust continue to provide youth clubs, workshops, homework support and one-to-one mentoring programmes to give young people the opportunities to gain skills, knowledge and experience from a variety of activities.
Oliver said: “I attended an event at Enthusiasm’s headquarters a couple of years ago and was really moved by the sterling work being done there. I was particularly impressed by the creative projects they carried out during lockdown.
“So, when I was given the presidency, it was an easy decision to name Enthusiasm as my chosen charity because it really is a laudable cause.
“The Bake Off was the first event we have all taken part in and there are some talented bakers among the membership. Gemma Plummer from Eddowes Waldron, based at St Peter’s Churchyard, won the ‘best bake’ prize for their Halloween inspired cake, with the Family Law Group on Iron Gate raising the most money.”
The Derby and District Law Society was established in early 1886 and today represents lawyers across the whole of Derbyshire and East Staffordshire. It aims to support the legal profession locally by offering training, social events, and representing its members’ interest. Additionally, the society aims to assist the public in sourcing solicitors with a particular specialism.It already has strong links with Enthusiasm Trust as Claire Twells, from Smith Partnership, is vice chair of the board of trustees while Melanie Brigden is also a board member and a leading partner at Nelsons Solicitors.
April Allman, CEO of Enthusiasm, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the law society has named Enthusiasm Trust as its chosen charity, because any additional funding really goes a long way and helps us to make a genuine difference to the lives of the people we work with.
“Every year Enthusiasm needs to raise £300,000 to keep delivering its services and so we are really keen to encourage the business community to get on board and help us financially.
“We have a wonderful army of volunteers – 12 young volunteers and 10 at the family hub – and collectively they have worked well over 2,500 hours in the last 12 months.
“Employers can have such a positive influence and impact on young people – both financially and in so many other ways. No matter how big or small the support or donation our organisation will always ensure our young people will benefit from the generosity.”
Senior promotion and investment in younger generation at East Midlands landscape architecture practice
Influence Landscape Planning and Design has promoted Kathryn Dunk to principal landscape architect and expanded its design team.
Kathryn joined Newark-based Influence in 2015 as senior architect/landscape designer. Over the last eight years she has delivered award-winning landscape architecture schemes across the country, and become pivotal to the growth of the business.
Influence moved to the ownership of managing director Sara Boland in 2018. Under her leadership the company has significantly expanded its portfolio and team, particularly the next generation of landscape professionals, which Kathryn has also played a part in.
The company places great importance on sharing the landscape architecture profession with young people and enabling them to access the career with the practice at different stages of education.
Over the last 12 months the company has hired four design assistants and one administration assistant, of which three are graduates and one has joined straight from school after completing A Levels.
Influence’s most recent hire is design assistant Ella Cosgrove, who joined the practice having completed an Interior Architecture degree at Sheffield Hallam University.
Sara Boland, managing director, said: “It is wonderful to be acknowledging talent at a senior level as well as supporting the next generation coming into landscape.
“Kathryn’s 25 years of experience and technical and creative expertise are a real asset to the business. Her ability to apply practical solutions to challenges and her sensitive approach to design, plus strong client relationship skills, are why she has become principle. I’m really pleased for her, and I look forward to the next stage of her career.
“Exposing young people to our craft early on has always been important to me, and it feels right to be expanding our design team with lots of new talent and energy straight from education. Entry to landscape is so varied now and no one should be put off by where they are in their education, or career, or by what course they have taken, there is always a route.
“Seeing our junior team grow and the quality of work they deliver makes me very proud. One day they will be the ones designing the green spaces around us.”
