European success for Nottingham PR agency
A Nottingham-based PR agency has won the top award at an event to celebrate the best marketing across Europe.
Motive PR, which is based in Lenton, was named Content Marketing Agency of the Year at the European Content Awards 2023.
The agency delivers digital PR and content marketing campaigns for a range of e-commerce brands including MuscleFood.com and Quotezone.co.uk.
They were handed the gong after judges heard of the agency’s growth and its record-breaking results for clients during 2022.
During the year Motive’s digital PR team won 14,259 media backlinks for clients which worked out at 40 links for each client per month on average.
They helped several e-commerce sites to double organic traffic during the year with many also reporting record growth during that period.
The European Content Awards were judged by a panel of marketing experts from across the UK and EU including senior managers from brands such as Microsoft, Virgin and IKEA.
In a statement, they praised Motive saying: “This is a small agency with their sights set on big things!”
Motive founder Steve McComish said: “We are riding the crest of a wave at the moment and it’s fantastic to share our success with others. Three years ago, we rebranded our agency with a new name, Motive PR, and a clear focus on digital PR and content marketing for ambitious e-commerce brands.
“We decided only to take on work we’d be proud to tell our mums about and to politely turn away any leads which didn’t fill us with joy. We concentrated on wowing clients with results beyond their wildest dreams and measured all our outputs, compiling comprehensive reports of all our campaigns.
“In 2022 we grew our fee income by 43% which was well beyond our targets. To add further context 2021 was already the biggest year we had ever had so to do almost half as much again was a huge achievement.
“Our results also continued to get better and our content earned a massive 14,259 links for clients – well over a thousand links each month. It works out at 475 links for every client we worked with on average – that is almost 40 a month.
“But we didn’t just deliver on quantity we also smashed it with quality with links coming in from some of the web’s highest authority domains including the BBC news website which is about as good as it gets for SEO.
“Being named best agency in all of Europe really is a little surreal but we are incredibly grateful to the judges for this recognition and we hope it will help us push on to even greater heights this year.”
Derby tech firm lands £3m contract with global industrial brand
Bloc Digital has signed a £3 million contract with a global industrial brand for its expertise.
The CG visualisation and digital solutions specialist has signed a three-year retainer agreement, which will see it provide its knowledge, skills and services.
The Derby firm said it has already been providing comprehensive creative, media and technology support for the client for a number of years.
According to the company, the new agreement will drive further collaboration between Bloc Digital and the global client, including across the UK, US, Asia and emerging markets.
Keith Cox, co-founder of Bloc Digital, said: “Bound by strict NDAs, we can’t disclose the name of the client, but I can say how proud we are to have an industry leader formally recognise the value of our unique and extensive mix of skills – investing in our creative, multi-media content and digital technology expertise.”
In recent years, Bloc has strengthened its portfolio across the client’s subsidiaries and worldwide locations, including concepting and creating brand collateral, AR (Augmented Reality) experiences, detailed 3D animations and interactive virtual platforms for product launches, exhibitions, and sales and marketing activity.
Chris Hotham, co-founder of Bloc Digital, said: “This contract also demonstrates how our commitment to delivering impactful, high-quality results while balancing costs is providing our clients with a real edge.
“It’s this combination of values, industrial expertise, and range of digital skills – something they described as being challenging to find within one company – that attracted this global brand to strengthening its relationship with us.”
Self Assessment income tax receipts reach record level, up by 33% year-on-year
New figures from the ONS show that income tax collected by HMRC via Self Assessment rose by 33% year-on-year to a record £21.9bn in January, helping to push public sector net borrowing into a higher than expected surplus of £5.4bn.
Meanwhile, the overall tax take for the month reached its highest level of £106.5bn, 19% up on the same month last year.
According to the ONS, January’s high annual self-assessed tax receipts were partly offset by substantial spending on energy support schemes.
Commenting on the latest figures, Dawn Register, BDO’s Head of Tax Dispute Resolution said: “After a record 11.7m tax returns were filed by the 31 January deadline, HMRC will have been expecting high tax collection figures for January.
“Despite this achievement for HMRC, these record figures for Self Assessment income tax payments also reflect the impact of frozen tax thresholds, and the subsequent increase in the number of people being pulled into the Self Assessment tax net.
“Those who missed the 31 January filing deadline should ensure their returns are filed as soon as possible as penalties will already apply.
“While January’s figures have boosted the public finances, what today’s figures don’t show is that the level of outstanding tax debt owed to the Exchequer also rose. The latest statistics released earlier this month show that tax debt rose by 22% year-on-year to reach £48bn as at the end of December 2022.
“Clearly there are taxpayers whose economic circumstances mean that they will need to agree Time to Pay arrangements with HMRC.
“But if HMRC were better resourced to tackle persistent and deliberate non-payers and prevent more tax avoidance, the public finances would be in a much better shape and the tax burden on those paying promptly could ease. This should be a priority for the Chancellor at the March Budget.”
An exciting new era for the White Hart Hotel
Positive changes are underway at the iconic White Hart Hotel in Lincoln’s historic Bailgate, with the recent appointment of a new General Manager and an imminent programme for a full transformation of the hotel with a sensitive and comprehensive refurbishment scheme.
The hotel’s owner, local businessman Andrew Long, said: “Since acquiring the White Hart Hotel in July 2022, the intention has always been to maximise the full trading potential and to enhance the status of the full range of facilities. Our extensive refurbishment will respect the centuries of heritage in the building and its exceptional location.
“To now have a confirmed date for the commencement of the works is very exciting for the future of the White Hart, as well as a further ‘milestone’ for Lincoln’s historic Bailgate and the surrounding Uphill area.
“We believe that the hotel will become one of the very best in the region, as well as remaining a popular and welcoming venue for our loyal guests, many of whom have known the hotel for several decades and generations.”
The hotel will close for the extensive refurbishment and improvement works for three months from 1st March and is scheduled for reopening in June. The work will include a complete refurbishment and ‘refit’ of the main Lounge Bar, as well as the addition of a new Club Bar and a relocated Reception. At the same time, the contractors will complete a sensitive refurbishment of the ground and first floor function rooms, inclusive of the former Orangery / Eastgate Suite and King Richard Room.
There will also be a significant reconfiguration of the Restaurant, which will be ‘rebranded’ and re-launched in July. This will include an impressive new frontage onto Bailgate, appropriately elevating the venue as a sophisticated ‘special occasion’ dining destination in its own right, offering high standards of cuisine with extensive use of local produce.
Six bedrooms will be re-launched at the start of June, with the other 44 bedrooms and suites to be refurbished in a ‘rolling programme’ throughout the remainder of the year.
There is also a full re-branding project being undertaken in conjunction with renowned illustrator Chris Mitchell (who has been instrumental in many iconic designs for world-famous brands), which has already commenced in readiness for the reopening of the hotel.
Paul Noble joined the team as new General Manager in mid-January, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the White Hart. Having worked in hotels and restaurants across the country, ranging from country houses to some of London’s finest eateries, he will oversee the preparation for the reopening in conjunction with the senior members of the full project team.
Paul said: “There’s nowhere quite like the White Hart and the uniqueness of this hotel is something which I’m very excited about. The world class location and the future potential are what have drawn me to this role and it’s going to be one of the most sought-after Cathedral city hotels in the country once the refurbishment has taken place.”
Andrew added: “Paul brings a huge amount of experience and energy to the role of General Manager. His appointment will be instrumental to the full delivery of our objectives to create a substantial jewel in Lincoln’s crown.”
Interior design concepts are being handled by the nationally renowned DO Design team. Director, Sarah Daniels, said: “Visiting Lincoln and the White Hart, we were struck by the need to reflect the heritage and innate features that may have been lost over time through previous renovations. We want to bring back a deep, warm feel and the colours and aesthetic choices we’ve planned will give a look that is both sympathetic to the building’s history without taking it back in time.
“This will also be supported by a suitable choice of varied furniture and antiques.”
Building work is to be undertaken by the Lindum Group in conjunction with many other Lincoln-based companies, project managed by Luxury Hotel Management, working in conjunction with John Robert Architects, Building & Quantity specialists P&BC, together with Banks, Long & Co.
New £741k Library Learning Facility set for Stapleford
A project to create a new £741k educational facility for people in Stapleford will begin next month.
The Library Learning Facility project is one of six regeneration projects being funded through the £21.1m Stapleford Towns Fund.
The existing town library, owned by the County Council, and run by Inspire will be remodelled, creating more space for new entry level skills education and training, allowing residents with little or no formal qualifications to take their first step, within their local community, on their lifelong learning journey.
Inspire, which delivers culture, learning and libraries on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council, aims to support up to 1,000 local people with new skills over the next three years as well as providing community and family learning opportunities.
The reconfiguration will be delivered by Inspire with the Arc Partnership, a joint venture between Nottinghamshire County Council and SCAPE formed in 2016 to support and develop their property portfolio.
Phase one will begin in mid-March to create three new training rooms opening in June 2023. The library layout will be updated to make way for the learning facilities but will still accommodate the same amount of book stock as well as computers, floor space for children and exhibitions.
Ian Jowett, chair of the Stapleford Towns Board, said: “It’s great news that our plans have been approved to improve the education and learning provision in our town and help our people fulfil their learning and earning potential. The library’s a great local resource and this project will give it a new lease of life, making sure it remains at the heart of our great community.”
Peter Gaw, Inspire CEO, said: “We are excited to have this opportunity to improve education and learning for local residents to fulfil their learning and earning potential. We are delighted that we can provide three new learning spaces without compromising the library offer. We hope the new facilities will attract users new and old to use the space whether it be for learning, borrowing, events or community use.”
Councillor John Cottee, Cabinet Member for Communities at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “The development of new learning spaces and our expanded learning offer at Stapleford library is a great opportunity for local residents to improve their skills and wellbeing on their doorstep. With a focus on entry level skills, we hope to see lots of learners start their learning journey with Inspire improving their employment prospects.”
Architect appointed to revamp auctioneers’ flagship site
Matthew Montague Architects has been appointed to revamp and extend the flagship site of Hanson Auctioneers.
The firm has been called in to design the upgraded premises at Etwall, providing it with an overall facelift and increasing space.
After a space-planning exercise, Matthew Montague Architects has finalised designs to re-organise the building, relocate the offices, improve the customer experience and maximise available space.
Paul Myers, the architect leading the project, said: “We have designed a two-story extension to be used as offices to replace the portacabin offices currently occupied by staff.
“We have also included meeting rooms, reconfigured the layout to maximize space, and designed a grand new entrance.”
Planning permission will now be sought from South Derbyshire District Council.
Hanson Auctioneers was founded in 2015 by antiques expert Charles Hanson, who is also a regular on television shows such as Flog It, Antiques Road Trip, and Bargain Hunt.
Matthew Montague said: “This is a great client for the practice; 2023 will mark our 25th year in business, we are well-known for our sports, education and residential projects, but in parallel we are equally pleased to be continuing to reinforce our portfolio of commercial work all across the Midlands.
“We are thrilled to be collaborating with Hansons.”
Charles said: “Matthew designed an elegant extension to my home; the addition to our period property was exactly what we wanted, and the new build blended seamlessly with the existing, suiting the house perfectly.
“Following that, I gave Matthew Montague Architects the approval to remodel the Etwall showroom. We are very excited for our business as we move into this new stage.”
Chesterfield open for business as Council approves new growth strategy
An ambitious plan which sets out a long-term vision for economic growth – including a focus on quality jobs for local people, access to higher level skills, and environmental sustainability – has been approved by Chesterfield Borough Council.
The new four-year Growth strategy (2023 – 2027) represents a long-term commitment from the council to make Chesterfield a thriving borough by strengthening local skills provision, supporting local businesses and further cementing Chesterfield’s role as a visitor destination.
It builds on the success of the last decade which has seen the creation of more than 2000 new jobs and more than 500 new businesses operating in the area, along with significant regeneration and investment across the borough.
The strategy – which was approved at a meeting of the full council on Wednesday 22 February – also has environmental sustainability at its heart, supporting the target of becoming a carbon neutral borough by 2050.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “This strategy is vital to ensuring our borough remains a thriving place to live and work, where everyone has the opportunity to boost their skills, and has access to quality jobs.
“It’s also crucial that we build environmental considerations into our long-term plans, as part of our ongoing commitment to create a sustainable borough for future generations and ensuring we do all we can to reduce carbon emissions.
“The plan builds on our successes over the last ten years including the creation of more than 2000 jobs, and with over 500 new businesses operating in the area.”
The strategy includes five key objectives, which are:
- Help businesses to grow and secure new business investment in the borough.
- Build a competitive place infrastructure that accelerates employment and housing growth.
- Strengthen the distinctive character and vibrancy of our town centres
- Develop Chesterfield’s role as a visitor destination and as a base for exploring the surrounding area.
- Ensure local people have the right skills to support progression in the labour market and benefit from future employment opportunities.
93,000 sq ft distribution facility completes in Burton
To meet continued demand for well-connected distribution space close to consumers, Goodman has completed a 93,000 sq ft high-specification facility at Centrum Logistics Park, Burton-upon-Trent.
This latest development builds on Goodman’s long-term investment at Centrum Logistics Park, having previously delivered the largest drive-through distribution centre in Europe for Palletforce.
Centrum 93 is built to a Grade A specification, with 1MVA of power capable of running investments in technology and automation, a 10m clear internal height, and office space, offering customers flexibility and supporting operational efficiency.
The sustainable property will help businesses to achieve energy efficiencies and have a lower carbon footprint, contributing to ongoing cost savings. Achieving an A-rated energy performance certification (EPC), the property features a solar PV system of 100kWp to generate clean energy, LED lighting to improve efficiency, and electric vehicle (EV) charging points and EV infrastructure to enable the next generation of vehicle fleets.
Nigel Dolan, development director at Goodman, said: “Strategically located distribution and logistics space provides essential infrastructure for businesses seeking to improve supply chain efficiency, reduce costs and lead times. A sustainable property in a Grade A location means that Centrum 93 provides customers with space to support their own long term sustainability and growth ambitions.”
Northampton transformation partner secures £5m investment
BGF has invested £5 million in Socitm Advisory, an independent transformation partner working with UK public sector organisations to improve the services they deliver through people change, data, technology, and innovation.
With over 100 consultants across the UK, Socitm Advisory provides a range of professional services to maximise organisational effectiveness and enhance customer and employee experiences on projects ranging from multi-million, multi-year enterprise resource planning (ERP) system transformations to broader digital and organisational change programmes.
Founded in 2015, the business is headquartered in Northampton and is the sister company of Socitm – the membership network for more than 250 public services organisations engaged in technology-enabled modernisation.
BGF’s investment will provide the foundations for the business to further expand its range of services and client base across local and central government and the wider public sector.
Tony Summers, Chief Executive Officer of Socitm Advisory, said: “We are delighted to welcome BGF as an investment partner to support our vision of bringing inspiration to UK public services. For many of our client organisations, technology-enabled modernisation is a necessity. This investment will support our aspiration to be their trusted advisor for delivering sustainable change, shaping future policy, and improving the lives of local citizens, communities, and the environment.
“Over the past seven years, we have re-invested £1.1 million in public services through our sister organisation, Socitm. Our future growth will unlock further investment in digital skills and leadership within the sector.”
The deal was led by Mark Nunny and Elena Kovalikhina, investors in BGF’s Central & East growth team. Mark will join the Socitm Advisory executive board as part of the deal.
BGF’s Mark Nunny, said: “Socitm Advisory is a well-established transformation consultancy, having built market-leading expertise and specialist services to support public sector clients facing the challenges of increased citizen demand for front-line services and expectations of a more digital and responsive organisation.
“We were attracted to the business by its focus on improving public services, the calibre of its people and the ROI it is delivering to its clients. It has strong ambitions to grow its services and influence in a large, addressable market and we’re excited to be partnering with Tony and the team on the next stage of their journey.”
As part of the deal, Socitm Advisory has also appointed Paul Heywood as non-executive chair. He brings significant experience of operating, growing and scaling businesses within the data and technology sectors, having previously served as chairman of BGF-backed IT consultancy and Cloud service provider DevOpsGroup, which was successfully acquired by Amdocs (DOX) in November 2021. Paul’s appointment follows an introduction from BGF’s Talent Network.
Consultation launched on plan for future of student living in Nottingham
A new plan has been created by Nottingham City Council to increase the choice and quality of student housing, maximise the benefits of a large student population and better tackle any associated challenges for communities.
Both of Nottingham’s universities add a combined £3.8 billion to the UK economy every year and support around 14% of the local economy, plus 25,000 jobs across the area.
The Student Living Strategy marks the first time that Nottingham City Council, the University of Nottingham, and Nottingham Trent University have made a formal commitment to work proactively together on shared priorities for housing and local services, as well as maximising the benefits that students bring to Nottingham.
Together they have launched a four-week consultation so people in the city can have their say on the proposals.
The Student Living Strategy sets out three main priorities:
- Improving the quality, safety, affordability and location of student accommodation, and encouraging a better balance of student housing choice across the city
- Encouraging neighbourliness, where students contribute to creating a clean, attractive and sustainable environment, and tackling the impact of waste and noise
- Increasing community cohesion, ensuring students are valued members of their communities and improving graduate retention in the city
