- Magnavale Limited in Chesterfield is receiving nearly £372,000 to install a cutting-edge refrigeration system for food products that uses less energy than traditional systems.
- Breedon Cement in Hope, Derbyshire is receiving over £231,000 for a feasibility study on using carbon capture technologies at their Hope site.
- Lhoist UK Limited is receiving over £92,000 for a decarbonisation study at their Hindlow plant, near Buxton in Derbyshire, which manufactures high-quality lime.
- Toyota UK in Derby is receiving over £282,000 to introduce new airless paint atomisers for their automotive site, which aims to reduce the amount of energy required for their painting processes by reducing the spray booth size and equipment.
- Pioneer Foods Limited, a cereal manufacturer in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, is taking forward three different projects, with grants of over £27,000, £29,000, and £136,000 respectively. The projects include exploring reusing waste wheat products as a biomass fuel, installing a biomass combined heat and power system, and improving the energy efficiency of their ovens.
Companies share in millions from Government to reduce energy costs and cut carbon emissions
Companies in our region are to share in more than £24m from the government to reduce their energy costs and cut carbon emissions.
Frontline named Best National Recruitment firm at the UK Recruitment Awards
Careers specialist Frontline Recruitment is celebrating after being named Best National Recruitment firm at the UK Recruitment Awards.The awards acknowledge and recognise exceptional accomplishments by recruitment agencies and organisations throughout the UK.
Over 40 recruitment and talent agencies entered to compete for award categories for companies and individuals around the United Kingdom, all of which have demonstrated exceptional achievements in categories such as candidate and client care, innovation and more.Frontline Recruitment is headquartered in Nottingham and has offices in Chesterfield, Derby, Hull, Leicester and Weymouth.The private panel of judges, consulting from various recruitment sectors with the Business Awards UK team, decided that Frontline’s successes over the last 12 months made the company a worthy winner.Frontline Recruitment’s national operations manager, Sarah Bowater, said: “We feel very privileged and a tad overwhelmed in receiving this award. I would like to thank all our clients who nominated and voted for us. I am very proud of what we have achieved and the National Partnerships we have and our continued commitment for making the recruitment world a better place is being recognised.”David Essam, Frontline Recruitment’s operations director, added: “This is a proud moment for the business and demonstrates the hard work and investment pre- and post-Covid. I echo Sarah’s comments and this reward really reiterates how hard our staff work to ensure we offer the best possible service. I would like to thank our clients who played their part in helping Sarah and her team win this award.” Business Awards UK’s director, Dan Trindade, said: “Our inaugural Recruitment Awards showcased some of the very best of the industry, celebrating the achievements, innovations, diversity and spotlighting individuals who have demonstrated excellence in recruitment practices.
“From disruptive sourcing strategies to exceptional candidate experience, the winners have demonstrated outstanding performance and commitment to raising the bar in the recruitment industry.”
Estate agency announces a range of promotions
Redbrik Estate Agents has made a number of internal promotions within its 70% female workforce.
These include:
- Gemma Hynes has been promoted to Area Manager from her previous Property Consultant role.
- Sarah Bicknall has been promoted to Area Manager from Lettings Property Consultant.
- Thea Cox has been made Marketing Manager, promoted from Marketing Executive.
- Grace Bradbury has been promoted to Sales Manager from her previous role as an Applicant Manager.
University launches unique international partnership with Paul Smith to enhance Nottingham’s global profile
Two iconic Nottingham institutions are joining forces to form a unique international partnership designed to support the city’s business growth, investment, and global profile.
The collaboration between the University of Nottingham and Nottingham’s home-grown fashion designer Paul Smith, will capitalise on the international reputation of both organisations to fly the flag for the city overseas.
The two partners have particular influence in Asia, where the university has campuses in Malaysia and China, and Paul Smith has significant presence including a number of stores across China, Hong Kong and Malaysia.
Commenting on the new partnership, Paul Smith said: “Growing up in Beeston, my father was a keen amateur photographer. I very vividly remember a photograph he took of the original University of Nottingham campus mid-construction.
“Having a university in the city I grew-up in was always something I was very aware and proud of and so it’s really exciting for me to be launching this partnership between what I consider to be two quintessentially Nottingham organisations that are now known for their excellence around the world.”
To mark the start of the partnership, Paul Smith has launched an exclusive limited-edition collection of University of Nottingham merchandise which pays tribute to his connection to his hometown and features the company’s striped design alongside a stylised depiction of the university’s iconic Trent Building.
Alex Favier, Director of Global Reputation and Relations, said: “The University of Nottingham and Paul Smith Ltd partnership began during Nottingham in Parliament Day in 2016. The University worked with over 100 businesses, local authorities and third-sector partners to help tell the story of a pioneering, creative and innovative Nottingham to a wider audience.
“The launch of the Paul Smith for the University of Nottingham collection is underpinned by the same desire from both partners to use their global reach and reputation to help promote our city, county and its businesses to a global audience.
“The University of Nottingham has international alumni around the world, all of whom have an affinity with Nottingham as a place, not just as a university. We are committed to helping Nottingham’s businesses and visitor economy recover from the pandemic by making more of these global connections.
“Through the Midlands Innovation university collaboration, the university hosts a regional pilot funded by the UK Government that will explore practical ways in which universities can help boost local trade and investment.”
Paul Smith is an invited member of the university’s Business Partnership Programme, which is designed to help its key industry partners to collaborate with the university and to work together on shared objectives.
The partnership, which is tailored to each business, offers access to the university’s eco-system of innovation, talent and connections.
Opportunities on offer through the programme include the chance to develop collaborative bids for UK Research and Innovation funded projects; preferential updates on intellectual property including technology for license and spin-out companies looking for investment; and access to experts for academic consultancy and cutting-edge facilities and equipment. Noodle bar to be served up at Markham Vale
A drive-thru noodle bar is set to become the final catering offering to join Markham Vale, HBD’s 200-acre industrial and logistics development.
Planning permission has been granted for a Chopstix Noodle Bar which will occupy the remaining plot in the services area at Markham Vale – one of the region’s flagship industrial schemes, attracting new businesses into the area and creating thousands of jobs.
The new drive thru joins the likes of fish and chip restaurant Chesters and Gridserve, another new occupier set to open a state-of-the-art electrical vehicle charging station later this year.
Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King, said: “It’s great that we’ve secured another employer bringing a further 20 full time equivalent service industry jobs to Markham Vale.
“We’re pleased that this phase of the scheme to establish a high-quality service stop at junction 29a is almost complete with Gridserve due to start work on building an electric charging forecourt later this year.
“Next we’ll be concentrating our efforts on securing new occupiers for the remaining development plots having just gained planning approval for the construction of four new industrial units on Enterprise Way.”
Richard Hinds, senior development surveyor at HBD, said: “We’re pleased to welcome Chopstix to Markham Vale; it joins several drive-thru restaurants and facilities and will no doubt prove a popular addition to the scheme.”
Chopstix is part of the QFM Group – one of the UK’s leading franchise businesses. Founded almost 40 years ago, it has built success in recent years with growth across several brands including Costa Coffee, KFC and Taco Bell.
Markham Vale is one of the region’s most successful industrial and logistics schemes. Just 11 acres now remain for development, accommodating a further 190,000 square foot.
How to choose a video production company
Video content has become an integral part of any business marketing strategy and, as a result, the demand for video production companies has increased significantly in recent years. Choosing the right video production company can be a daunting task as it can be difficult to determine which one fits your needs best. In this article, we will discuss some important factors to consider when choosing a video production company.
Experience and Expertise
When it comes to video production, experience and expertise are crucial. Look for a company with a proven track record of producing high-quality videos. Check out their portfolio and previous projects to get an idea of their style and capabilities. You should make sure to choose a video production company that specialises in video marketing and corporate videos, as they will have the most relevant experience and understand your needs.
Quality of Work
The quality of the video production company’s work should be one of your top priorities. Look for a company that produces high-quality videos that are visually appealing, engaging, and effective. A good way to gauge the quality of their work is by watching their previous projects or by checking out their reviews and testimonials.
Creativity and Innovation
A good video production company should be creative and innovative. They should be able to come up with unique ideas and concepts that will make your video stand out from the crowd. Look for a company that is willing to think outside the box and take risks to create something truly special.
Communication and Collaboration
Communication and collaboration are essential when working with a video production company. You want to work with a company that is easy to communicate with and that listens to your ideas and feedback. Look for a company that is willing to collaborate with you throughout the entire process to ensure that you are happy with the final product.
Price and Value
Price is an important factor when choosing a video production company, but it shouldn’t be the only factor. Look for a company that offers competitive pricing while still providing high-quality work. Our local recommended video production company can be hired from just £599, yet they create outstanding 4K content for businesses. Choosing the right video production company is crucial for the success of your marketing strategy, allowing you to create high-quality videos that will help you reach your business goals and get the results you want.
Project D cooking-up super-expansion with crowdfunding campaign
Investors are being invited to “join the inner ring” as doughnut brand Project D launches its first crowdfunding campaign.
The multiple award-winning bakery is looking to raise investment capital of at least £400k through its launch this week on the Crowdcube crowdfunding platform.
Founded in 2018 by three former school friends working from a kitchen table, Derby-based Project D has already attracted partnerships with heavyweight brands like British Airways, Brewdog, Amazon and Rolls-Royce.
In less than five years the self-proclaimed “disruptive” doughnut retailer and manufacturer has grown from the three young entrepreneurs to a company of more than 100 staff operating from a purpose-built 11,000 sq ft bakery.
The firm is seeking to further accelerate its dramatic success by using investors’ funds to multiply its current £2.6m annual turnover to a figure of more than £12m in three years.
For as little as £50, anyone from professional investors to members of the public can become a shareholder in an ambition to create the world’s biggest doughnut company, in a global market estimated to be worth almost £25bn.
Finance raised from the crowdfund campaign will be invested in product innovation, retail expansion, digital marketing and e-commerce and key office hires.
Project D marketing director Max Poynton, who set up the firm with Matt Bond and Jacob Watts, said: “This is a unique opportunity to invest in a young business that has already established itself as one of the leading doughnut manufacturers in the UK.
“There is no better time than now to be involved in this market, as the popularity of doughnuts keeps growing year-on-year.
“We offer a bigger and better product, with more innovation than any of our competitors. I’d therefore urge investors to join the inner ring and enjoy our journey towards becoming the largest doughnut company in the world.”
Project D has recently expanded its senior management team, taking on a head of finance, head of HR and head of retail and wholesale. It also works with business advisor Mark Doleman, who previously spent 20 years as a partner at Deloitte.
The firm, which has to date created more than 2,500 individual product lines, works closely with food scientists and nutritionists at a state-of-the-art research and development facility in Corby, Northamptonshire.
Its rapid expansion has been aided by the company’s huge digital marketing push and social media following, with its TikTok account alone receiving 19m views, 1.1m likes and 27,000 comments in a single two-month period.
Added to that, Project D is preparing to open its first flagship store, in Sheffield’s Meadowhall shopping mall, with plans to open more permanent retail outlets in the near future.
“We’ve already received a great deal of interest from prospective investors,” said Max. “We’re extremely confident that we will smash our £400k target.
“There’s no limit to what people can invest – and we’d love to see a mix of small, £50 investments alongside some big-ticket investments.”
Max added that the firm future-proofed itself for fast expansion when it took on a manufacturing facility capable of turning out more than 17m doughnuts per year. It currently manufactures around 2m doughnuts each year at its Derby headquarters.
The crowdfund campaign has already generated £150k of lead investment prior to the official launch on Crowdcube.
New chair for Business Peak District
At the Business Peak District (BPD) Annual General Meeting, Board members agreed that Dr Peter Dewhurst be invited to take over the role of chair, following the announcement that Robin Eyre was stepping down from the role.
Robin had led BPD since July 2018 and amongst his many achievements have been a series of 23 well attended BPD member webinars held between April 2020 and May 2021. These were introduced partly as a response to the sense of isolation that many Peak District business owners were feeling at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. They also proved to be a vital tool in disseminating business support information during a period of significant business challenge.
More recently Robin led negotiations with East Midlands Chamber, which have seen the appointment of Kate Kearns as a BPD support officer. Kate has had an early impact, taking the lead in organising the BPD conference which took place at the Crescent Hotel in Buxton on March 30th.
Peter Dewhurst, the incoming chair, began by thanking Robin for his “outstanding leadership” over the last 5 years and noting that “under Robin’s tenure BPD membership has grown to 728 with a newsletter subscription list of 852.”
Peter went on to explain that his “aim will be to build on the foundations laid by the previous BPD chair and in collaboration with key partners, to support both existing and future Peak District based businesses to achieve their full potential, whilst helping to ensure a low carbon and sustainable future for the economy of the Peak District.” He added: “I also believe that the current period is a time when there is a need for BPD to become a more visible champion and voice of businesses within the Peak District.”
The incoming chair began his working life as co-founder of an import, wholesale & retail business, with outlets in Manchester & London. He subsequently moved into the higher education sector, taking on senior management roles first at the University of Wolverhampton and then at the University of Derby’s Buxton Campus.
Currently Peter is the director of strategic projects at the University of Derby, whilst also serving as a non-executive director on the Board of East Midlands Chamber and chair of the Peak District Partnership.
At the same AGM, Tracy Duggan, the founder and director of High Peak-based skillslocal, was appointed as vice chair, with her committing to support and champion the Peak District’s business community.
Double award win for inspirational NLS Legal team
Two members of Nottingham Law School’s teaching law firm, NLS Legal, have received awards for their commitment to providing access to justice and inspiring lawyers of the future.
Solicitor, Katie Smith, and practice manager, Carlota Gonzalez Laynez, took away accolades from the Nottinghamshire Law Society Annual Awards 2023.
Katie Smith received the highly contested Solicitor of the Year award in recognition of outstanding leadership, her impact on students and junior lawyers, and her dedication to addressing an unmet legal need in the Nottinghamshire community.
In 2022 Katie launched the NLS Legal pro bono family service, which advises on matters such as divorce and financial remedies, child arrangements and domestic abuse. The full-service offering also includes providing pro bono representation throughout court proceedings and is the only service of its kind in the county.
Over the past 12 months, Katie has assisted more than 30 clients, achieved financial settlements worth approximately £85,000 and provided more than 40 law students with work experience.
Head of NLS Legal, Laura Pinkney, said: “Katie is an inspiration, a role model and provides access to justice to those that would otherwise be denied it. She is incredibly humble and never shouts about her own achievements. She just quietly gets on with changing the world.”
Carlota Gonzalez Laynez was recognised with the Business Support Champion award for her ‘unwavering commitment’ to NLS Legal and the positive impact she has on staff, volunteers, clients, and partner organisations.
Carlota has initiated and led a number of projects at NLS Legal, including developing, promoting, and facilitating public legal education initiatives; implementing a new case management system; and a collaboration with a local mental health charity to deliver resilience and wellbeing webinars to law student volunteers.
Her pivotal role in establishing the new Support Through Court service at Nottingham Law School was also noted. The charity provides practical and emotional support to people going through court without representation and Carlota’s work has ensured a seamless transfer of the service from Nottingham County Court to the University.
Laura Pinkney added: “Carlota is at the heart of everything we do, and she brings initiative, care, and passion to every aspect of her work. Often the external face of our firm, she takes every opportunity to advocate the firm’s mission of promoting access to justice and training the lawyers of tomorrow.”
As a not-for-profit teaching law firm with charitable status, NLS Legal was the UK’s first law firm fully integrated into a law school when it obtained an ABS (Alternative Business Structure) licence in 2015.
Supervised by a small team of experienced lawyers, Nottingham Law School students support members of the local community with free and affordable legal advice on a range of areas, including employment, family, housing, business, civil litigation, intellectual property, special educational needs and disability, welfare benefits, and victims’ rights. NLS Legal also delivers public legal education sessions to raise awareness of legal rights and responsibilities.
The firm has achieved financial awards totalling in excess of £6 million for the benefit of its clients. More than 4,000 students have been involved in NLS Legal activity, supporting the firm to deal with over 2,500 cases.
NLS Legal has also won numerous prominent accolades, including being named Law Firm of the Year at the Lexis Nexis Legal Awards 2022 after being nominated alongside five private national and international law firms.
Executive Dean of Nottingham Law School, Jenny Chapman, said: “The whole NLS Legal team is dedicated to providing an important service to people who are unable to afford, or unable to access, legal services. Katie and Carlota are shining examples of this, they are an inspiration to everyone involved with the firm and these awards are truly deserved.”
Carter Jonas enhances Nottingham presence with new partner
Property consultancy Carter Jonas has expanded its operations in Nottingham, appointing Andrew Prowse as a partner in its Infrastructure team.
Carter Jonas opened in Nottingham last year, marking its second site in the Midlands, having launched in Birmingham in 2016. Its Nottingham space at Cumberland House, 35 Park Row, is initially supporting the ongoing expansion of its Infrastructure and Energy business.
Prowse joins from Bruton Knowles with more than 15 years of experience. He has a background in commercial property, specialising in compulsory purchase and compensation in the infrastructures sector. He has advised on land assembly for infrastructure and regeneration projects across the UK, working for many national operators, including National Grid, Western Power Distribution, Northern Powergrid, Severn Trent Water and Cadent Gas.
At Carter Jonas, Prowse will work closely with Christian Green, head of its Midlands practice, helping to lead the eight-strong Nottingham team and grow the business’s regional presence. With a deep-rooted knowledge of the region, and extensive experience advising public and private sector clients, he will play a pivotal role in several client projects.
Christian Green, partner, Carter Jonas, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome Andrew to the team. As we respond to client demand, his joining will support our long-term ambitions to develop core areas of our business whilst strengthening our ability to deliver strategic, considered advice and services, helping to facilitate some of the most ambitious national infrastructure projects.
“I look forward to working with Andrew and drawing on his knowledge and expertise as we grow our business here, supported by colleagues from across our network, to develop our consultancy offering and establish a versatile base in the city.”
Andrew Prowse, partner, Carter Jonas, said: “I’m excited to have joined Carter Jonas’ talented team and look forward to strengthening our consultancy business here in Nottingham. Having opened in the city last year, my appointment demonstrates Carter Jonas’ commitment to increasing the firm’s presence in the East Midlands and providing tailored, expert advice to our clients here.
“My areas of specialism complement that of the existing team and will support several mandates on which we are already appointed. Equally, my appointment is a great opportunity to use my regional knowledge to help establish further Carter Jonas in the East Midlands as we continue to invest in this exciting and dynamic region.”
