Entrepreneur brings local famous faces together to donate £10,000 of toys to Nottingham charities

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Entrepreneur brings local famous faces together to donate £10,000 of toys to Nottingham charities

Nottingham entrepreneur and CEO of Thrive Learning, Sean Reddington, is on a mission this December to rally together local business leaders and famous faces to spread some festive cheer and extend the gift of giving.

Having already brought boxer Leigh Wood and Nottingham Forest footballer Joe Worrall to support such an incredible initiative, Thrive hopes to donate over £10,000 of toys and goods to a variety of local charities including – Abbey Green Therapeutic ​Children’s Services, Rainbows, and PASIC.

The month of festive giving started with a visit to Abbey Green Therapeutic Children’s Services (5th December) by Sean, Leigh Wood and wider members of the Thrive team, bringing with them an incredible selection of presents for the children aged six-to-seventeen, including toy cars, superheroes, lego, sensory toys and lights, pamper gifts such as bath bombs, games, and activities to encourage movement to name just a few.

Abbey Green is a children’s home which provides therapeutic care and accommodation for children who have experienced traumatic events in their lives.

On the 15th of December, Sean and Joe hope to take a bumper load of toys, presents and goods to Rainbows, an East Midlands Children’s Hospice providing palliative care and support for children, young people, and their families, when faced with life-limiting conditions.

Finally, Thrive will be making a donation to PASIC, a crucial charity supporting children and young people with cancer ahead of Christmas. After gifting all of the children of Thrive employees personalised festive advent calendars, Thrive will be donating a present on behalf of every child to PASIC.

Sean, Joe and Leigh are also calling on other business leaders and people within the community, if they are able, to add to the £10,000 worth of donations they hope to make.

Sean Reddington, CEO of Thrive Learning, adds: “Giving back shouldn’t, and isn’t at Thrive, limited to Christmas. However, at a time when you can see other people giving and receiving gifts or celebrating with friends and family, or at Christmas parties, it can be a little bit harder on those who have to go without or are looking after a seriously ill child.

“That was the motivation behind calling on different people from Nottingham to support some incredible charities doing genuinely life-changing work.

“We’re not stopping there – what we really hope to do is encourage other business leaders and people to get involved. Christmas should be a time of community and bringing people together – we want to recapture that spirit and feeling in our own community.

“Every donation really does make a difference, and if your gift of a toy could help put a smile on a child’s face this Christmas who might otherwise have to go without, then it’s worth it.”

Demand for green jobs in East Midlands declines in cooling labour market

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Demand for green jobs in East Midlands declines in cooling labour market

The number of green jobs advertised in the East Midlands has fallen from the record levels recorded in 2022, finds PwC’s latest Green Jobs Barometer.

There were 13,057 green opportunities advertised in the region in 2023, compared to over 20,500 in 2022, a 36.1% decrease. Green jobs accounted for 2.15% of total overall roles in the region in 2023, decreasing slightly from 2.17% in 2022.

While the barometer found a 22.4% increase in the number of green jobs advertised in the public administration and defence; compulsory social security sector, this was offset by reductions in other sectors including manufacturing (-50.4%) and construction (50.6%).  The barometer results come during a challenging economic time which has seen the number of total advertised roles in the UK fall by 29%, while the number of green jobs fell by 26%.

Alex Hudson, Market Senior Partner for PwC East Midlands, said: “We report the latest PwC Green Jobs Barometer with a backdrop of economic challenges and a cooling labour market in 2023. While overall adverts for climate related roles have decreased in the East Midlands, green jobs still make up 2.15% of employment opportunities in the region, showing that the sector is resilient.

“Green jobs represent the future of work and demand for these types of roles and skills will grow in demand over the next decade, driven by the green agenda and the UK’s commitment to Net Zero. Employers in the East Midlands have an opportunity to innovate and consider how their operations can become greener, particularly in the manufacturing sector that represents a high proportion of the East Midlands economy.

“There are also new emerging industries such as CleanTech, which includes renewable energy or electric vehicles as an example, where demand for skills is expected to increase. Embracing new, greener technologies and investing in skills will provide benefits for business operations and more employment opportunities in the region, as well as making the East Midlands more sustainable.”

Overall, PwC’s Green Jobs Barometer, now in its third year, has identified for the first time that green jobs tend to be higher quality jobs, reflecting both higher levels of pay and greater levels of job satisfaction compared to non-green roles.

The higher level of pay is not simply a reflection of the skills required; the Barometer has also detected a pay premium for many entry level jobs, with 60% of occupations commanding a 23% pay premium on average for entry level green roles.

The Barometer also highlighted that green jobs tend to require longer working hours and are slightly more likely than non-green roles to be based on temporary employment contracts.

Commenting on the UK’s Green Jobs Barometer results, Carl Sizer, Head of Regions and Platforms at PwC, said: “Green jobs are a good proxy for the greening of the economy. That green jobs account for a growing proportion of the jobs market is encouraging, but we need to see a significant increase in new green jobs to meet net zero goals. A drop in the number of advertised roles is concerning given the scale of what needs to be achieved.

“It’s more important than ever to ensure that the transition towards a low-carbon economy brings workers and communities with it. Our research also points to the benefits of green jobs for workers, with better pay and job satisfaction, but highlights different sectors and regions that stand to be affected differently. Concerted effort will be needed to spread the benefits of green jobs and a green economy.”

Green jobs concentrated in white collar and skilled professions

New analysis in this year’s Barometer reveals that on a range of measures, access to green jobs remains unevenlyspread by background, undercutting the opportunity for a competitive and equitable green job market.

  • Compared to the labour market overall, green jobs tend to be concentrated in “white collar” roles and require a higher level of education at degree level or equivalent. This is especially true in the regions which have seen the strongest performance of green jobs; in Scotland, London and the South East almost 40% of green jobs advertised require a university degree or equivalent experience.

  • Workers from Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds are underrepresented in green roles compared to their share of the labour market overall. For example in London, where workers from these communities account for 36% of the workforce they account for only 30% of workers in green jobs.

  • A significant proportion of the rise in green jobs has been driven by roles requiring a background in science, technology and maths (STEM), subjects that are well-known to traditionally under-represent women.

Lynne Baber, Sustainability Leader at PwC UK, added: “Improving access to green jobs will help ensure that the opportunities are evenly spread. It will also help mitigate against the risks of companies struggling to fill green roles.

“If managed correctly, the green economy can help tackle long-standing inequalities in society by equipping workers with the skills and tools to access the green opportunities of the future.

“But it will require cross-sector and regional collaboration, expanding opportunities to diverse populations and creating jobs that are closer to local communities – for example nature positive jobs as without nature there can be no net zero.”

East Midlands manufacturers see anaemic picture as they end the year

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East Midlands manufacturers see anaemic picture as they end the year

East Midlands manufacturers are seeing an anaemic picture as they end the year, but business confidence indicators are showing promising signs of a more stable economic environment after the global and domestic uncertainty of the last few years.

However, while Make UK upgraded its growth forecast for manufacturing in 2023 to +0.8% it is forecasting growth in 2024 of just +0.1%. This reflects the weak economic picture for the UK overall and weak growth in the Eurozone which remains the UK’s biggest market.

The findings come in the Q4 Manufacturing Outlook survey published by Make UK and business advisory firm BDO. According to the survey, output in the East Midlands weakened towards the end of the year from a balance of +12% in Q3 to zero in the final quarter.

Both export and domestic orders are weak reflecting the fragility in the UK’s major markets, with little sign of a pick up in the first quarter of 2024. This picture is reflected in recruitment plans being put on hold while investment intentions have turned negative at a balance of -6%.

Chris Corkan, Region Director for the Midlands at Make UK, said: “After the economic and political shocks of the last few years manufacturers in the East Midlands are seeing weak trading conditions as we end the year.

“However, they are at least beginning to see far greater stability after the chaos of the last few years. While one swallow doesn’t make a summer, hopefully the positive announcements in the Autumn Statement can at least allow them to plan with more certainty without having to constantly fight fires.”

Jonathan Lanes, Head of manufacturing at BDO in the Midlands, added: “East Midlands manufacturers have been calling on the Government to provide targeted support to help stimulate growth and investment for some time, and it feels like some headway was made in last month’s Autumn Statement. 

“Whilst manufacturing firms in the region are ending the year under somewhat lacklustre trading conditions, the hope now is that the sector can take stock and plan for more stability next year.”

Midlands continues to buck trend, creating more new jobs than rest of UK

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Midlands continues to buck trend, creating more new jobs than rest of UK

The latest KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs survey, compiled by S&P Global, pointed to a second consecutive monthly increase in permanent placements in the Midlands, contrasting with the UK-wide trend. Temporary billings were also up amid improving demand for staff and marked increases in candidate availability. Rates of pay inflation quickened from the previous survey period, but remained below-average.

The KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs: Midlands is compiled by S&P Global from responses to questionnaires sent to around 100 recruitment and employment consultancies in the Midlands.

Modest increase in permanent placements

Permanent placements rose in the Midlands for the second month running in November. The rate of expansion was modest, but quickened from October. Moreover, the Midlands was the only English region to record an expansion in permanent placements over the month. The decline in the UK was driven by a severe reduction in permanent placements in London.

Some respondents in the Midlands indicated that good availability of candidates had contributed to the latest rise in placements.

Although recruiters in the Midlands continued to record an increase in temporary billings midway through the final quarter of the year, the rate of expansion was only marginal and the softest in the current six-month sequence of growth.

The expansion in the Midlands compared favourably with a decline at the UK level, with the North of England the only other English region to see a rise.

Demand for staff in the Midlands improved solidly during November.

Permanent vacancies increased for the thirty-fourth consecutive month and at the fastest pace since July. The rise in the Midlands was also the most pronounced of the four English regions covered.

The rate of growth in demand for temporary workers also quickened from the previous survey period. As with permanent vacancies, the Midlands was the best performing English region.

Rapid increase in permanent candidate numbers

The number of candidates available for permanent roles increased sharply in November, with the latest rise the most marked in almost three years. The improvement in the Midlands was slightly stronger than the UK average, while marked increases were seen across each of the four English regions.

A number of respondents indicated that redundancies had been behind the rise in candidate numbers, while others indicated that staff had moved roles in search of higher salaries and greater job security.

Recruitment companies in the Midlands reported that redundancies had led to a rise in candidate availability for temporary positions in November. The latest increase was substantial and the steepest since October 2020.

The Midlands posted the second-fastest rise in temporary staff availability of the four English regions, behind only London.

Marked rise in permanent starting salaries

Salaries for permanent new joiners continued to rise sharply in November, with the rate of inflation quickening to a three-month high. That said, the latest rise was still softer than the series average. Recruiters indicated that competition for candidates and the placing of more senior roles had been behind the latest increase.

The rise in permanent salaries in the Midlands was faster than the UK average. London posted the fastest rise in permanent pay pressures, with the softest increase in the South of England.

Recruitment companies in the Midlands signalled a further rise in temporary pay rates midway through the final quarter of the year. The rate of inflation was solid and ticked up from that seen in October, but was still among the weakest in the current three-year period of inflation. The increase in temp wages was stronger than the UK average. The sharpest increase in pay for temps was registered in London, while the North of England was the only English region to signal a drop in wages.

Commenting on the latest survey results, Kate Holt, People Consulting Partner for KPMG in the Midlands said: “It really is great to see what a difference a few months makes. After a tough year for the job market in the Midlands we have now seen two months of consecutive growth in terms of permanent staff appointments – making our region the only one to see positive growth for the past two months when compared to the rest of the country.

“This upturn has also been coupled with a rise in salaries being offered to new permanent hires, and one that is faster than the UK average. The Midlands has also seen the number of temporary roles rise alongside temporary pay rates as we head into the final month of 2023.

“The figures are a great fillip as we run up to the end of a tough year and, hopefully, will act as a great springboard for more sustained and positive growth across the region in 2024.”

Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, said: “2023 has been a testing year in our labour market, with permanent hiring dropping and temporary hiring flat or growing only a little. That’s the story again in this month’s data, though the market is quieter overall as firms start to move activity into 2024 rather than pressing ahead now.

“Salaries for permanent new joiners continued to rise sharply in the Midlands in November and the increase in temp wages was stronger in the region than the UK average. The number of candidates available for permanent roles increased at a slightly stronger pace than the UK average and redundancies had led to a rise in candidate availability for temporary positions in November.

“Anecdote from REC members supports our client survey finding that employers are considering coming back to the market, but that in many cases the activity will be next year. So, while these figures represent a slight but further slowdown in current hiring conditions, recruiters are more positive about the new year.

“For policy makers, any return to growth will put strain on a labour market with embedded shortages – this week’s pro-election rather than pro-economy decision on immigration will exacerbate that. Any return to growth could drive domestically-generated inflation unless we adopt a proper plan for workforce capacity, embracing better welfare-to-work support, finally reforming the Apprenticeship Levy, funding Further Education properly and the kind of support for school leavers suggested by today’s Broken Ladders report from EDSK and REED on the school-to-work transition.”

New operator sought for Sinfin Golf Course

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New operator sought for Sinfin Golf Course
A new operator is being sought for Sinfin Golf Course. The course has been run by Sheffield City Trust, under a lease agreement with Derby City Council, since 2015. The trust has indicated it wishes to surrender its lease in 2024 and, as a result, the Council is looking for a new operator. HMH Golf and Leisure, a specialist golf course agent, has been engaged to market the facility and advise the Council on the terms of a new lease to be agreed with the new tenant. Sinfin Golf Course is an established business which features an 18-hole parkland golf course, a 6-hole footgolf course/academy course, practice area, practice putting green, pavilion clubhouse and greenkeeping complex, plus car parking. The site also includes Cotton Farmhouse, situated close to the clubhouse. Offers including or excluding the farmhouse will be considered. HMH Golf and Leisure will market Sinfin Golf Course, but the final decision on a new operator will be taken by the Council’s Cabinet. It is anticipated that the new operator will sign up for a minimum 25-year lease. Bids will be evaluated on how well interested operators are able to show their ability to meet the Council’s objectives to:
  • Deliver a sustainable annual rent for the property
  • Secure capital investment in the existing and new facilities
  • Give flexibility over the future use of the property (providing such use can run alongside golf)
  • Encourage increased participation in golf
  • Work with Derby Golf Club with the joint aim of promoting golf for the enjoyment and benefit of all
  • Encourage additional community outreach programmes
  • Ensure the maintenance of the non-golfing areas of the property to protect and conserve the natural environment and ecological character of the land.
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Culture and Tourism, who also represents Sinfin and Osmaston as a ward councillor, said: “We’ve long known that Sinfin Golf Course is a wonderful facility. With the co-operation of Derby Golf Club, we are seeking an experienced operator to look after the course and clubhouse, and ensure it is preserved for the benefit of people in Derby. “The course’s popularity is evident, with over 32,000 rounds of golf played annually. This firm foundation means the right operator could establish a successful revenue stream, safeguarding the facility’s long-term attractiveness and financial sustainability. “The chosen operator will need to ensure the facility remains inclusive for all sections of the community, work in close partnership with Derby Golf Club and keep the courses and clubhouse to a high standard.” Mick O’Hanlon, chairman of Derby Golf Club, said: “We’re looking forward to meeting the new operator of Sinfin Golf Couse. It will be a great opportunity to build on the existing success of the facility and develop opportunities to improve our members’ experience.”

Administrators appointed to Derby rail carriage painting specialist

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Administrators appointed to Derby rail carriage painting specialist

Chris Pole and Ryan Grant from Interpath Advisory have been appointed joint administrators to Paintbox Transportation Services Limited (PTSL).

Based in Derby, PTSL specialises in the painting of rail carriages for companies across the rail industry.

The Paintbox group had come under significant financial pressure following the downturn in a number of key contracts. The directors sought to review the options available to them, including sale, investment and restructuring options. When it became clear that a solvent solution was not possible, they took the steps to place the companies into administration.

The joint administrators of PTSL have reached agreement with the company’s major customer, Alstom, which will enable the business to continue to trade while they continue to explore the options available. As a result, all of the company’s circa 60 employees have been retained by the joint administrators to facilitate this strategy.

Chris Pole, Managing Director at Interpath Advisory and joint administrator, said: “We’d like to extend thanks to Alstom, as well as the company’s employees and wider stakeholders for their support which is allowing us to trade the business while we assess options.”

Work starts on 22 new council homes in Chesterfield

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Work starts on 22 new council homes in Chesterfield
More than 20 new homes are to be built in Chesterfield, increasing the number of affordable council homes available. The latest project will see the addition of 22 new council properties, located at various sites across Staveley and Middlecroft, as Chesterfield Borough Council continues with its commitment to increasing the number of properties available to families. Construction of the new-build properties is now well underway after local councillors joined representatives from Fortem Solutions Limited, the council’s main contractor, to break ground on one of the sites and kick-start the project. The project will see the addition of two three-bed bungalows on Ringwood Avenue and two two-bed bungalows at Court Place, four two-bed bungalows on Wensley Way, two two-bedroom houses on Paisley Close, nine three-bedroom houses on Westwood and three three-bedroom houses at Aston Court. In line with its climate change strategy, the council is committed to ensuring its properties are energy efficient and these new homes are set to benefit from renewable energy sources. Each property will be fitted with an air source heat pump for the heating and hot water, whilst solar panels will be installed on the roof with battery storage to generate electricity. Electric vehicle charging points will be installed on all of the properties to support lower carbon transport options. Councillor Jean Innes, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “Creating attractive places for people to live is at the heart of what we do and once built, these new properties will provide a welcome addition to our housing stock and let to people on our housing register. “The number of people on the housing register has risen in the last year as more people look for affordable housing options as a result of the rising cost of living, and we’re working hard to meet this demand by increasing the number of affordable, modern and accessible homes that are available for families in our borough, so we’re really pleased that works are now underway. “We are fully committed to helping achieve our goal of becoming a carbon neutral borough by 2050 and are working hard to make sure that our homes are as energy efficient as possible and these new homes will help us to achieve this. The measures in place will not only help us towards our target but will also help reduce fuel bills for our tenants.” Tom Nicholson, commercial manager at Fortem Solutions Limited, said: “We are delighted to commence these works, partnering with Chesterfield Borough Council, delivering efficient new homes in the borough. In our pre-construction interactions, the council has showcased a commitment to clear communication, decisive decision-making, and a shared vision for project success, which shows the true partnership we have developed together over the years. “Our collaborative, pro-active approach to project planning and engagement has set a positive tone for our partnership. I am confident that the synergy between our teams will contribute to a streamlined construction process, fostering an environment for further effective collaboration and successful handover of these new properties. “We look forward to the commencement of works, and we are excited about the prospect of working hand-in-hand with the council once again to bring our shared vision to life.”

Leicestershire County Cricket Club redevelopment plans on track with Pick Everard appointment

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Leicestershire County Cricket Club redevelopment plans on track with Pick Everard appointment
Blueprints to reshape the future of Uptonsteel County Ground will be considered by a city-based consultancy firm ahead of a multi-million-pound project launch in 2024. Leicestershire County Cricket Club have announced a working partnership with Pick Everard, experts in architectural and commercial developments. The multi-disciplinary consultancy has 15 offices nationwide with its headquarters based in Leicester. The working arrangement follows nine months of detailed planning by the Club and its stakeholders and will see two preferred options for the first phase of a £60m redevelopment come under the spotlight. The first phase of the project will centre on the area surrounding the Melton Building Society Family Stand, located near the manual scoreboard. Details on the proposals are yet to be finalised, but providing health and wellbeing facilities for the community and city are high on the priority list. Sean Jarvis, Chief Executive, said: “The partnership with Pick Everard brings the redevelopment of the stadium one step closer and is the culmination of months of planning and consultation with a wide range of stakeholders. “The focus of phase one will be on the commercial aspect of this project. We have several proposals on the table and Pick Everard have been appointed to assess each of them; coming back to us early in 2024 with recommendations for their preferred option.” Talks are continuing between the Club and local universities in readiness for latter phases of the ambitious project that aims to bring an ‘Academy of Cricket’ to the ground. It is proposed that the academy would deliver the world’s first MBA in cricket management. Alastair Hamilton, Partner at Pick Everard, added: “As a multi-disciplinary consultancy who specialise in the built environment, our ethos is based on making the extraordinary a reality, and this project has all the hallmarks of something that will deliver lasting value for Leicester communities. We look forward to working with Leicestershire County Cricket Club on this exciting journey.”

2024 Business Predictions: Parm Bhangal, Managing Director, Bhangals Construction Consultants

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2024 Business Predictions: Parm Bhangal, Managing Director, Bhangals Construction Consultants
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.  It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years. Here we speak to Parm Bhangal, Managing Director at Bhangals Construction Consultants. Following a busy market and a lot of investment post Covid, I believe that 2024 will be much quieter year in the construction industry than we have been used to in recent years. Interest rates and the cost of borrowing has gone up significantly, which has meant some developers and homeowners looking to do bigger projects have been temporarily forced out of the market. The dramatic increase in interest rates over the last year has seen a huge impact on the property market, which in turn affects the construction industry. And because the sector is quietening, I anticipate that labour costs will continue to fall, gradually. Builders and contractors are likely to need to work harder to secure contracts and look at their price points in order to lock in longer term projects. Many tradespeople will be forced to bring prices down in order to compete and guarantee security. Lately, we have seen materials prices begin to fall too as supply catches up with demand and I think that trend will continue as we go into next year. Construction and property require such huge investment that it is currently seen as too great a risk for many. Anyone wary of the current climate is likely to hold off on investing until there is more positivity in the market.

Staff are not just for Christmas: by James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants

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Staff are not just for Christmas: by James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants
James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, reflects on the importance of recognising colleagues during the festive season. On the run up to Christmas many business directors, owners and managers will hopefully have or be looking at potentially sharing in the festive spirit through making gifts to their staff and/or even having a Christmas party. A bit like family and friends gifting, the nature or choice of a gift will mostly likely be based on what might have been given in the past, even the same gift each year along with affordability of the same. To a great extent when it comes to businesses the decision as to what they give their staff may in part be pre-determined by the tax treatment of any gifts. Certainly HMRC have made this easier, in that gifts made to employees up to the value of £50 will not be subject to any tax consequences. Perhaps then there is no surprise that often the choice of gift is a store or merchandising voucher to the value of £50. Such an approach is not to be sniffed at as it is an easy decision for a choice of gift in terms of the employer’s choice and employees’ preference. Typically, as the festive season approaches many will be enjoying the annual staff Christmas party. Again, the HMRC have made an exemption and a generous one at that. Providing a number of criteria are met, a spend of up to £150 per head can be made on the Christmas party. Such spend is exempt from both Income Tax and National Insurance and the fun doesn’t stop there! The £150 per head also applies to all attendees, so partners and spouses can be included. The festive season all too often comes and goes in a flash, even though you wouldn’t think it on the run up to the big day. Whilst the thought and goodwill of a seasonal gift and party will bring a glow to hopefully all, the time of year is also one when we reflect or give more time to think of others. As we go from Christmas to the New Year our thoughts invariably turn to the year ahead and perhaps then to thinking about what else we could do to acknowledge, reward, praise and even support team members. Such an approach doesn’t necessarily have to come at a cost or be determined by the tax implications. At Christmas it can be the case, that we rack our brain to come up with a gift for a relative or friend that we don’t see or really know that well, when really what they would have valued better was some of your time and interest in them. Perhaps then we can all look to 2024 to take time out to not only think what we could do to support our colleagues but also show we really value them. Something that may involve us taking more time for them, doing something specific or personable, even unique, to thank and support them. With busy lives and the rapid pace of life there is a real danger, that a bit like Christmas, when we buy a present it will do with little thought just to tick another off the gift list, we don’t give enough thought and time to recognise the importance and value of our colleagues. See this column in the December issue of East Midlands Business Link Magazine here.
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