Minister meets employers and apprentices at Loughborough College
Government Minister Robert Halfon met with local employers and apprentices during a visit to Loughborough College as part of National Careers Week.
The Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education also spoke with officers from the LLEP Careers Hub as he learned about its work with the college and other schools and employers in the area.
Mr Halfon went on to meet representatives of CR Civil Engineering and Cadent to ask about why they get involved with local apprenticeship programmes and how it can be made easier for more employers to get involved.
Both companies are part of the LLEP Careers Hub’s Cornerstone Employer Group – 10 local firms, with a strong focus on inclusion, which serve as an informal steering group.
Earlier in the day, Mr Halfon had toured Loughborough College and met with Baroness Nicky Morgan, Chair of the Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC), and CEC Chief Executive Oli de Botton.
Baroness Morgan chaired a round table discussion of local careers provision, which included an introduction to the Leicestershire Careers Hub from LLEP Careers Hub Lead Gerarde Manley.
She was joined at the table by Jo Maher, the college’s CEO, Loughborough MP Jane Hunt, and apprentices and employers who work with both the Careers Hub and Loughborough College.
Baroness Morgan said: “Loughborough College is a fantastic example of what modern careers education is all about.As a result of well-structured careers programmesyoung people are becoming more career ready. They now meet and know more about local employers and pathways like apprenticeships.
“All this work is being driven locally by the Careers and Enterprise Company’s Careers Hub, connecting with the local economy and helping to improve provision in schools and colleges – building young people’s social capital, so they are ready for the future.”
Carl Roberts, MD at CR Civil Engineering, said: “The important work that the LLEP Careers Hub and its Cornerstone Employer Group do hopefully brings a little bit of influence from the employer side and gets our voices heard in education.”
Works progress on second phase of Horizon 29 in Derbyshire
Pivotal construction works led by McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) are progressing well for Phase 1B of the prominent industrial and distribution hub, Horizon 29, in Bolsover, Derbyshire.
Located one mile from Junction 29A of the M1, Horizon 29 is a new landmark distribution development, which once complete will span 1,150,256 sq ft and have a total of eight warehouses, delivered over three phases.
McLaren Construction (Midlands & North) commenced construction on Phase 1B in November and will be delivering design and construction work on two new speculative builds (Units 4 and 5), with extensive ground remediation works to stabilise the former coal site, which will complete this summer.
Works delivered to date for Unit 4 of Phase 1B include earthworks and VSC piling, concrete foundations and steel framing alongside lift shaft and stair installations. The installation of nets for roofing works and office elevation cladding are due to complete this month.
Earthworks are also complete for Unit 5 and concrete foundations have commenced alongside the construction of steel framing. CMC piling is also due to be finished this month.
The contractor is also in the process of constructing two single storey distribution warehouses for P1A (Units 1 and 2), which are due for completion in April, and all units at Horizon 29 will be constructed to a BREEAM Rating of ‘Excellent’ with an EPC ‘A’ Rating.
Sustainable features of the industrial and development hub include solar PVs, air source heat pumps, enhanced cladding, responsibly sourced sustainable materials, LED lighting and electric vehicle charging points.
All external works are being undertaken by McLaren Construction (Midlands & North) including general hardstanding, car-parking, electric vehicle charging points, landscaping, mains services and drainage.
Gary Cramp, Managing Director of McLaren Construction (Midlands and North), said: “We are delighted that works are progressing well at Horizon 29 P1B and we’re on track for completion this summer. In a prime location in the Midlands, Horizon 29 will be a premier distribution centre for the region, and an ideal hub for quality tenants looking for direct and easy access to the M1 north and south.
“Working with Bentall Green Oak and Equation Properties for the second phase of the build has allowed us to solidify our strong working relationship and we are incredibly pleased to be working with them across two pivotal phases of this landmark scheme.”
Equation Properties is a London-based property development company for the distribution and industrial sector.
Dick Smallman, construction director at Equation Properties, said: “We are delighted to be working with McLaren on the second phase of this prestigious development, the scheme is progressing extremely well. This is a high-quality product in a premier location.”
McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) Ltd is part of McLaren Group – a group of companies formed in 2001 which operate in construction, property and development throughout the UK and UAE.
East Midlands Chamber launches Enterprising Women Awards 2023
Businesswomen have until April 27th to enter East Midlands Chamber’s Enterprising Women Awards for the current year.
Women in business across the Chamber’s membership base in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire can apply for the 10 category awards – which cater for a range of careers from apprentices and employees, to entrepreneurs and long-standing achievement.
The Enterprising Women Awards launch was attended by more than 80 delegates. Emily Smith, the managing director of AVW Fabrications and finance and operations director at Michael Smith Switchgear, who was crowned Business Woman of the Year at the 2022, awards, was the keynote speaker.
Coaching experts Sandra Whiles and Amanda Daly also ran informative workshops on leadership and trust, respectively. Generation Next champion Scarlett Tinsley, who is the business and marketing manager at Leicester-based ER Recruitment, spoke about the benefits of both Chamber networks for young female talent.
Enterprising Women is led by co-chairs Jean Mountain and Eileen Perry. Through its networking opportunities and inspirational events, it creates an environment for women in business to connect and grow their knowledge, and equips them with the tools to succeed.
Jean, who co-founded the network in 1997, said: “The Enterprising Women Awards are a fantastic showcase of the strength of female talent we have here in the East Midlands, and we’re delighted to bring the celebration back this year.”
Eileen, who is the managing director at ER Recruitment, added: “We’ve been running our awards programme since 2013, and every year the calibre of talent never fails to impress us. We are looking forward to reading seeing another cohort of what undoubtedly will be fantastic applications this year.”
The Enterprising Women Awards 2023 categories are:
- Business Woman of the Year (sponsored by Michael Smith Switchgear)
- Female Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Fraser Stretton Property Group)
- Social Commitment (sponsored by She Inspires)
- Small Business of the Year (sponsored by Unique Window Systems)
- Female Employee of the Year (sponsored by Nelsons)
- Team of the Year (sponsored by Breedon Consulting)
- She Who Innovates (sponsored by Pick Everard)
- Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by Futures Housing Group)
- Rising Star (sponsored by The Turnaround CEO)
- Lifetime Achievement (sponsored by Paradigm Wills)
- Other supporters of the awards include music sponsors PPL PRS, and video sponsors AVIT Media.
Derbyshire launches final round of consultations on minerals plan for county
Derbyshire’s businesses have been invited to have their say in the final round of public consultation about a new Minerals Local Plan for Derby and Derbyshire outside the Peak District National Park.
The newly-published draft plan contains the policies that are being proposed to guide planning decisions on applications for new or extended quarries and other minerals extraction up to 2038.
Measures to avoid and minimise potential environmental impacts of mineral extraction or quarrying which can raise concerns for local communities are also set out in the plan.
Details about the consultation and how to take part are available on Derbyshire County Council’s website.
A series of drop-in sessions will also be held for members of the public to find out more at:
- Belper Library – Tuesday 21 March 2023 – 2.30-6.30pm
- Wirksworth Library – Tuesday 28 March 2023 – 2.30-6.30pm
- Buxton Library – Monday 3 April 2023 – 2.30-6.30pm
- Scropton Village Hall – Tuesday 4 April 2023 – 2.30-6.30pm
- Dronfield Library – Monday 17 April 2023 – 2.30-6.30pm
- Borrowash Library – Wednesday 19 April 2023 – 2.30-6.30pm
- Chesterfield Library – Wednesday 26 April 2023 – 2.30-6.30pm
- Bolsover Library – Friday 28 April 2023 – 2.30-6.30pm
Public support for £1.14bn East Midlands devolution plans
The results of a consultation on devolution proposals for the East Midlands have been published, showing substantial support for the plans.
Local leaders are backing devolution to promote economic growth, secure more investment in our area, for more and better jobs, and for better transport, skills training, housing, and an enhanced greener environment. It would also mean more power in local hands.
Thousands of people took part in the consultation, which took place from November 2022 to January 2023. It was open to residents, businesses, community and voluntary groups, and other employers in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby, and Nottingham.
There were 4,869 responses to the consultation overall, from members of the public and people answering on behalf of an organisation. The number of responses was higher than similar consultations on devolution in other areas.
The majority backed the proposals:
- 53% agreed with the proposals for transport, compared to 35% disagreeing.
- 52% agreed with the proposals for skills, compared to 32% disagreeing.
- 51% agreed with the proposals for reducing carbon and improving the environment, compared to 33% disagreeing.
- 51% agreed with the proposals for public health, compared to 33% disagreeing.
- 46% agreed with the proposals for homes, compared to 39% disagreeing.
Grimsby office building welcomes new tenant
Grimsby office building, Cartergate House, is welcoming a new tenant as social housing provider Lincolnshire Housing Partnership (LHP) moves in.
As his team are preparing to settle into the new home, LHP Chief Executive Murray Macdonald was greeted by North East Lincolnshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Finance, Resources and Assets, Cllr Stephen Harness whose authority is the landlord.
Cllr Harness said the decision by LHP to move brought with it various benefits – a main one being the influx of professional workers close to Grimsby town centre.
“This is further good news, and we are delighted to welcome Murray and his team to this modern office building.
“If we look at what is being planned in our town centre in the coming months and years, we see an area that will be transformed – offering more opportunity for work, and leisure for all ages and enforcing our ambition to build a stronger economy and stronger communities.
“Work on St James’ House has started in what is now a lovely St James’ Square, the council’s Market Hall and Leisure Scheme is progressing, the redevelopment of Riverhead Square has started, and there is the new Garth Lane area and bridge.
“Then there is the forthcoming Onside Horizon Youth Zone which will regenerate the West Haven Maltings and this week Cabinet approval was given to take forward plans to develop good quality new homes on brownfield land at Alexandra Dock – a scheme identified in the Grimsby Masterplan. This is all part of a vision now being realised to bring about massive and positive change for the town centre. These are exciting times,” added Cllr Harness.
The move by LHP means the building now has two leading tenants, having been occupied by regional law firm Wilkin Chapman since its construction and opening in 2018. LHP will be occupying the ground floor office suite with just under 5,000 sq ft of space.
Mr Macdonald said: “We have recently launched our 2022-2027 Corporate Plan, Great Homes… Strong Communities, which outlines our commitment to a more sustainable future, and working more closely with our customers in their neighbourhoods.
“As an organisation we are embracing modern ways of working and providing our colleagues with both flexibility and the most appropriate facilities for them to undertake their role.”
Mr Macdonald explained how the organisation, formed by the merger of Shoreline and Boston Mayflower in 2018, has seen customers’ habits change and was responding to that.
He added: “We work best when we are engaging with customers and other agencies to deliver housing solutions. Such engagements can work better in the community and, sometimes, in people’s homes. Having a large office with rows of desks is not particularly efficient and so we have taken the view that a smaller office base and increased technology and flexibility will enable us to invest further into the business.”
Elevate Property Group appoints Bode Contracting to build £50m Silk Yard scheme in Derby
The developer of a £50m property scheme in the centre of Derby has appointed an East Midlands construction specialist to deliver the project over two years.
Elevate Property Group, which is responsible for the Trent Bridge Quays development in Nottingham, has selected Bode Contracting to build the 258 apartments that will offer high quality, affordable city centre living for young professionals, couples, and downsizers.
Phase 1 of The Silk Yard will provide 94 apartments on the corner of John Street and Castleward Boulevard, with the second release set to include 164 properties in a five and seven-storey building on the adjacent site.
Buyers and investors will be able to choose from one, two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as studio-style apartments across the 1.55-acre site that was once an historic manufacturing sawmill.
Steve Dodd, Managing Director of Elevate Property Group, said: “We have built a very strong partnership with Bode Contracting. They have just finished The Priory House Development for us in Birmingham and are currently working on the second phase of our Trent Bridge Quays development in Nottingham.
“The company have always impressed us with the quality of their build and ability to meet deadlines, especially with the well documented supply chain disruption we’ve seen in construction in recent years.”
He continued: “Bode are also working with us to ensure that sustainable construction techniques are used in what will be one of the highest-profiles schemes Derby has seen since lockdown eased.”
The Silk Yard, which has been designed by architects Corstorphine & Wright, is the first time Elevate Property Group has developed in Derby and continues the firm’s desire to bring historic city centre sites back to life through high quality residential developments.
Bode Contracting will start work this month and the construction of the three apartment blocks will take two years to complete.
Dan Bodell, Managing Director of Leicestershire-based Bode Contracting, said: “This is our fourth appointment by Elevate Property Group in the last two years and underlines the strength of the relationship and the fact we share the same passion and values of high-quality construction, regeneration and best practice.”
He concluded: “The Silk Yard is a very ambitious project and will unlock a vital site that will support Derby’s desire to regenerate this area and attract new people and businesses into the city.”
Pendragon investor calls for boardroom change
An activist investor is gunning for change in the boardroom at Pendragon, the Nottingham-based car retailer, following a failed £400m takeover bid, according to The Telegraph.
In a letter sent last week, Palliser Capital, which owns a 4% stake in the business, reportedly accused the board of becoming distracted by Hedin Group’s recent failed takeover, with the firm now looking to place three directors on Pendragon’s board.
It has also called on Ian Filby, chairman, and Bill Berman, CEO, to refocus on profitability by growing the higher margin car servicing operation.
Hedin Group abandoned its £400m takeover of Pendragon in December, due to challenging market conditions and an uncertain economic outlook.
Why would you want to spend more time with your accountant? By James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants
James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, shares the benefits of arranging more frequent visits with your accountant.
For many in business the idea of spending more time with their external accountant may sound a bit alien. It certainly is not untypical for most business owners and their accountants to only meet once a year to review the annual accounts and to discuss the tax returns. Invariably, most can then be forgiven for thinking that there is little to be gained from frequent contact.
More and more businesses, especially owner managed businesses, entrepreneurial start-ups and scale-ups, have a lot to gain from being in touch and meeting with their accountant more frequently, say at least once a quarter or even more often.
Certainly, accountants in practice advocate a closer working relationship with their clients. They too feel that their work is much more than undertaking annual compliance assurance and that they have a key role in providing support and guidance as their clients’ trusted adviser.
In contrast to much of an accountant’s work focusing on looking back at historical figures to produce your annual accounts, there is much to be gained from a review of the in year management accounts – a role which your external adviser is certainly well placed to do by bringing their broader experience and commercial insights to bare on the numbers. Also, if you don’t have the resources they may even assist with management accounts production. In focusing on the in year numbers, businesses can look to address any emerging issues and challenges around profitability, cost control, working capital requirements, capital investment decisions and even potential tax issues.
In an increasingly digital world, not least in terms of financial reporting, being able to tap in to the knowledge of your adviser can be a real asset ensuring your systems are set up and running correctly. This also provides the unique and informal chance to help support and train in house team members and answer any queries they may have.
Like many other firms of accountants, Streets endeavours to ensure clients are informed and updated of legislative changes and other factors affecting their business. Busy working lives often means such information gets overlooked. However, more regular and structured contact helps to ensure clients are kept up to date of changes and issues that may affect them.
Finally, when it comes to your financial year-end, as a result of contact throughout the year, this should be a smooth and seamless process. It should also be one with little or no surprises and that provides time for well thought out year-end tax and financial planning – an outcome which will no doubt harbour a better and more worthwhile relationship between client and accountant alike.
See this column in the March edition of East Midlands Business Link Magazine here.
LJCC pledges funds for new mortar mill for Leicester College construction students
Leicester College has received a £6,000 donation from the Leicestershire Joint Consultative Committee (LJCC) for the Building Industry to help fund the purchase of a new mortar mill to support a variety of students on Construction courses.
The mortar mill is a mixing and stirring machine for combining lime, sand, and other materials to make mortar for students to use. It will be located in the Construction Department at Leicester College’s Freemen’s Park Campus to be used by over 150 students during their studies each year.
The LJCC for the Building Industry is a local group made up of architects, engineers, builders and chartered surveyors, set up to promote best practice in the industry. It established a local Merit Awards for Craftsmanship scheme, and organised occasional site visits to further support and enhance learning for construction students.
John Townsend, a Chartered Surveyor and past chairman of the LJCC and a former Governor of Leicester College, said: “As long-term supporters of the College’s training schemes, the LJCC is pleased to be able to make this donation towards the purchase of this equipment, which will provide a lasting record highlighting the common interests of the College and the LJCC.”
Darren Roome, director of Curriculum – Construction at Leicester College, added: “The new mortar mill is a fantastic addition to the range of industry-standard equipment available for Construction students at Leicester College to use. We needed an upgrade to our existing equipment and are very grateful to the LJCC for this generous and timely donation.”
