Creative agency makes key appointment to senior team
Full-service creative agency Fluid Ideas has made a key strategic addition to its senior team with the appointment of Olivia Elliott as its head of performance and innovation.
Fluid has created the new P&I team to place greater focus on delivering impact for campaigns and projects undertaken for clients beyond traditional performance marketing tactics.
It is also focused on supporting continued innovation across Fluid’s 55-strong team to provide clients with forward-thinking solutions to their business and brand challenges.
Olivia, formerly head of digital marketing at BiGDUG and Davpack, has extensive experience in performance marketing and fast-paced e-commerce businesses, with a strong track record of expanding customer bases through an array of digital programmes and initiatives.
Her expertise spans SEO, PPC and paid media, email marketing, conversion rate optimisation, marketing automation, affiliate marketing and marketplace management on Amazon and eBay, as well as steering acquisition strategies.
Ed Bowler, joint managing director of Fluid, said: “Olivia is a strategically important addition to the senior team as we increase our focus on performance and innovation both internally and for our growing client base.
“The fact that we are investing in a team that’s dedicated to driving performance is rare for an independent regional agency, and it’s been extremely well-received by our clients. We’re passionate about helping to drive success for them as well as ourselves.”
He added: “Whenever we recruit, we assess whether the person can be a long-term addition to Fluid who wants to build something meaningful with us, brings something different yet complementary to their 50-plus colleagues, and will be a good fit in our long-standing client relationships. Olivia ticks all of these boxes and more.
“In terms of values and character she is an ideal fit, and her depth of expertise in performance marketing will take Fluid to a new level, as we focus on delivering creative strategies and impactful results across the board.”
Olivia said: “I’ve joined Fluid at an exciting time and I am thrilled to lead a dynamic team dedicated to pushing the boundaries and driving results in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
“I really like the ethos and culture at Fluid and being alongside like-minded people who are committed to making a positive impact through their work.”
Proposed lifeline for Derby train factory gets Chamber support
Secretary of State Mark Harper has pledged possible investment for ten new trains at Derby’s Alstom train factory, following a campaign led by Marketing Derby and backed by over 200 East Midlands Chamber members and over 300 Derby Bondholders.
A proposed rescue solution for the Litchurch Lane factory, at risk of closure due to a lack of orders ahead of HS2 in 2026, was put forward to the government by Derby City Council and Marketing Derby after months of talks failed.
Following funding approval for five Aventra train orders last month, Mark Harper has now pledged a further five “in principle.”
East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “The strength of feeling among the East Midlands business community to save Litchurch Lane has been phenomenal and it’s no surprise that over 200 of our members joined businesses and Marketing Derby Bondholders to give their support so quickly.
“The factory’s importance at the heart of UK train manufacture – the only such site in the country where the entire process from blueprint to building, testing to trains on the tracks – cannot be understated.
“With uncertainty hanging over thousands of jobs in Derbyshire and many more in the wider national supply chain for many months now, there was concern across the East Midlands as talks led nowhere.
“The campaign spearheaded by Marketing Derby and the city council has been a pivotal moment in securing this pledge of support from the Department of Transport.
“At the very least this news is the strongest lifeline indicator yet that a workable solution is in reach, so I would urge the government to get this deal approved and over the line, without further delay.”
Feared land sale vetoed in favour of nature reserve
Residents who feared part of a former golf course could be sold to developers have learned from council chiefs that all the land will be turned into a new nature reserve for the community.
The reassurance came at a town hall meeting in Ilkeston where Erewash’s leader Cllr James Dawson met with his cabinet over the future of the town’s disused Pewit municipal course.
The executive team officially rejected an option that would have seen between eight and nine acres earmarked for disposal while the rest is transformed into a wildlife haven.
The decision on Tuesday (16 April) clears the way for the entirety of the land – some 25 acres – to become a tranquil beauty spot right on the edge of town.
More than £500,000 will be invested in creating what will be called Pewit Coronation Meadows Local Nature Reserve.
Half of the money for this is coming from government levelling-up investment through the Shared Prosperity Fund. The rest is money paid to the town hall by businesses involved in the redevelopment of the old Stanton ironworks.
The under-used golf course at West End Drive closed in 2022. Work on transforming it into a nature reserve is poised to start soon.
Natural England and the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust have welcomed the council’s blueprint for the land. The reserve will form an extension of existing green havens including Straw’s Bridge – celebrated for its Swan Lake.
One element of the plan could see the course’s former pavilion building become an educational centre and coffee shop.
Gridserve starts work on electric forecourt at Markham Vale
Gridserve has begun building an electric forecourt at Markham Vale on Enterprise Way, and expects it’ll be open this winter. It’s a significant milestone for the area and clean energy.
The facility will be able too charge 30 electric vehicles at the same time, with High Power chargers that can deliver up to 360kW, capable of adding 100 miles of range in less than five minutes. Multiple charging connectors will cater for all types of electric vehicles with contactless payment accepted, making it easier than ever to charge.
The site will be powered by net zero carbon energy as Gridserve continues to make vital changes to the UK EV infrastructure to support the decarbonisation of transport and move the needle on climate change.
While charging, visitors can wait in a lounge with free superfast WiFi, plus convenience retail, a children’s play area and a dedicated EV educational space to increase understanding and awareness around electric vehicles.
Rebecca Trebble, Chief Customer Experience Officer, said: “We are happy to keep the momentum going with our award-winning Electric Forecourts following the success opening of London Gatwick Electric Forecourt. We have found with our Electric Forecourt sites that they serve as an excellent hub for the local community and can help with the uptake of electric vehicles. Electric Forecourts offer the best charging and retail experience available and we can’t wait to welcome new and returning customers to the Markham Vale Electric Forecourt.”
Wet weather fails to dampen enthusiasm of East Midlands entrepreneurs as monthly start-ups top 2,500
One of the wettest starts to the year has failed to dampen the enthusiasm of East Midlands entrepreneurs as 2,540 new businesses were set up in the region last month.
This is according to the Midlands branch of R3, the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body, who say that while the figure is a 7.13% decrease on the 2,735 recorded in February, it still indicates a sizeable appetite for new business in the region and opportunities for growth.
The R3 Midlands figures, which are based on an analysis of data from business intelligence provider Creditsafe, also indicate some improvement in the local economy as debts owed by East Midlands businesses in liquidation decreased by 17.73% last month.
In contrast, however, the number of local companies with late payments on their books has risen since the start of the year, reaching 23,610 last month compared to 23,194 in January.
R3 Midlands chair Stephen Rome, a partner at law firm Penningtons Manches Cooper in the region, said: “It’s good to see local entrepreneurs seizing opportunities to set up and trade, and the monthly fall in start-ups could indicate a sensible degree of necessary caution due to challenging and uncertain economic conditions.
“Business owners should remain cautious moving through 2024 as they and their supply chain continue to be under pressure from elevated Bank of England interest rates and prices for goods and services which are significantly higher than three years ago.
“Despite welcome news from the ONS that the UK’s economy is expanding, it’s critical for directors and managers to be alert to any signs of financial distress and act on them promptly. There is a significant amount which can be done to rescue and support East Midlands businesses if professional help is taken early enough.”
Shorts makes director promotions
Shorts have made a duo of promotions, with Ryan Wilkes and Liam Buttery becoming directors within the Owner Managed Business team.
The promotions were announced within a raft of promotions which saw nine other members of the team progressing into new roles within the firm.
Partner Malcolm Pope said: “Over the last couple of years, Liam and Ryan have both taken on the role of engagement leader for our ever increasing portfolio of clients looked after by the Owner Managed Business team.
“They have played a pivotal role in the implementation of advancements to improve our clients’ experience, and have both successfully completed our Management Development training program.
“Jointly, they continue to represent Shorts within the Owner Managed Business working group, as part of our membership of the Praxity Alliance, and more locally through our involvement with the Chesterfield Champions.
“Their promotions now to director are extremely well deserved and reflect their dedication and commitment to continued growth within Shorts.”
Ryan said: “I am very excited to start the next step in my Shorts career as OMB director. It was such a proud moment when found out I would be promoted, probably the proudest of my career so far.
“The road to get here has been challenging (as you would expect), however has allowed me to foster new skills and really expand my capabilities as an accountant, leader, and person! The support I received, at all levels of the firm to help me achieve this promotion, is a true testament to the culture and values created at Shorts.
“I can’t wait to get started on growing the department, working with current & future clients, while offering support to the team to help them achieve their careers goals.”
Liam added: “Being promoted to director marks a significant milestone in my career, and is one that I am incredibly proud to achieve. The 15-year journey, from being a school leaving apprentice, becoming ACCA qualified in 2016, various management roles, and now director level, has been such a rewarding journey.
“Shorts genuine focus on personal growth, their investment in me, and the support of a brilliant team have all been instrumental in achieving this long-term goal. As director, I’m excited to continue working with both new and existing clients, whilst also investing in the development of individuals on their own career paths.
“I look forward to leading the owner-managed business team and continuing to build on its success.”
Armsons Barlow to raise funds for Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance
Derby-based project managers, construction cost consultants, and building surveyors, Armsons Barlow have adopted the Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance (DF4T) as their annual charity.
It comes after the firm raised £2,000 for the charity at their annual charity golf day at Kedleston Park Golf Club in Derby last year.
Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance was originally established as a response to the needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and since then has progressed to become a longer-term solution supporting the root causes of deprivation and poverty.
The charity now supports people in Derby who are experiencing food insecurity, through food provision, signposting, support, and advice.
To date, more than 350,000 items have been distributed via the charity’s central storage unit on Ascot Drive in the city.
Over the next 12 months, the team at Armsons Barlow will be organising a series of charity events and volunteer opportunities in aid of DF4T.
This includes this year’s charity golf day, which is taking place again at Kedleston Park Golf Club on 17 May. Teams of four comprising of guests from the business community and Armsons Barlow staff will be fighting it out for honours.
Commenting on the decision to adopt DF4T as their annual charity, Jonathan Heath, director of Armsons Barlow, said: “When we visited the charity’s warehouse on Ascot Drive, we were very impressed by their work, and it was a unanimous decision to select them as our annual charity for the next 12 months.
“DF4T has done fantastic work over the past four years to help tackle food poverty in Derby, and we hope we can raise even more money this year to help to provide long term solutions to deprivation and poverty.”
Paul Brookhouse, senior manager at Derby Food 4 Thought, added: “We’re thrilled that Armsons Barlow have selected us as their annual charity following their significant donation last year.
“We are currently giving away more than 2,000 food parcels a month and need donations just as much as when we launched the charity in 2020.
“Thanks to the support of businesses like Armsons Barlow, we will be able to continue providing essential support to those who need it most across the city.”
56,000 sq ft let following Chesterfield office refurb
DHU Healthcare CIC and a 5A1 covenant strength company have become the latest anchor tenants to snap up newly refurbished office space in Chesterfield as FI Real Estate Management’s (FIREM) office development, The Quad, is fully let.
Taking a combined 56,000 sq ft, the two organisations join a raft of businesses choosing Chesterfield as their home following extensive refurbishment by FIREM to create high quality, flexible and energy efficient office space designed with wellbeing in mind.
Work to refurbish the Quad has included brand new mechanical and electrical technology with a high quality Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) air conditioning system, new air handling units to circulate clean air and electric vehicle charging stations.
Neighbouring the Quad, FIREM has also completed a £2.5m refurbishment programme at the HQ, one of Chesterfield’s most prominent office developments where there is now only 5,000 sq ft of office space available.
FIREM’s investment at the HQ has created over 100,000 sq ft of modern open-plan office space, designed to reflect new ways of working and how businesses utilise office space with private offices, meeting rooms and coworking space.
Dom Knowles, Head of Offices FI Real Estate Management, said: “The way businesses use office space is fundamentally different to just a few years ago. As developers, it’s our responsibility to provide workspaces that respond not only to the needs of the current market but to set the trends for future ways of working.
“Our space at The HQ and The Quad is flexible and customisable, allowing our tenants to maximise their workspace without compromising on convenience. Elevating spaces with the highest standard of amenities creates spaces where people love to come to work and will ultimately thrive, which benefits the business. We’ve had a large volume of interest in this development throughout the refurbishment and I expect we will be fully let in the coming months.”
Progress made on new job-saving orders for Alstom Derby plant
Progress has been made on Alstom’s plant-shutting production gap following intense discussions between the government and Transport for London about an order for the Elizabeth line from the manufacturer’s Derby train factory.
Following his meeting with Alstom CEO Henri Poupart-Lafarge, the Secretary of State wrote to Derby North MP Amanda Solloway confirming yesterday (16 April) that the Department for Transport “has now secured approval in principle to support funding for a further five Elizabeth Line trains, in addition to the five trains confirmed in March” and that “the onus is now on Alstom to provide competitive pricing… to enable this to progress to a satisfactory and swift conclusion.”
The Secretary of State has also asked Alstom “to confirm in writing their long-term commitment to invest in Derby, including confirmation that Alstom will host the design, development and manufacture of its Adessia platform.”
It follows months of talks and a letter earlier this week from the leader of Derby City Council to the Prime Minister asking for his intervention.
While the deal is not yet over the line, a step forward has been made with the potential to prevent the closure of the Litchurch Lane factory, a move costing 1,300 direct and 15,000 indirect jobs.
Closure would end 185-years of railway heritage and leave the UK as the only G7 country without the ability to design, develop, build and test trains.
Alstom faces a gap in its order book once its existing work comes to an end later this year and has been seeking additional short-term work to enable manufacturing to continue at Litchurch Lane until confirmed new work on HS2 comes onstream in early 2026.
Reusabox wins place amongst final eight for national award
Reuseabox, based in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, has been chosen as a finalist for the Net Hero award at this year’s Small Awards.
Now in its eighth year, The Small Awards is a nationwide search for the smallest and greatest firms in the UK, across all sectors. It is organised annually by Small Business Britain, which champions, inspires and accelerates the nation’s 5.5 million small firms.
Reuseabox is a B Corp certified packaging company dedicated to promoting the benefits of cardboard box reuse. With a commitment to reducing waste and carbon emissions, Reuseabox provides innovative solutions for businesses looking to minimise their environmental impact with their packaging.
The company has been selected as one of just eight finalists for the Net Hero Award for best sustainability-focused business that recognises an organisation with an exceptional commitment to environmental sustainability.
With eleven different categories, the Small Awards celebrate the dynamism and resilience exhibited in the UK’s small business sector, across everything from sustainability heroes to digital stars, to long-standing family businesses.
Michelle Ovens, Founder of Small Business Britain, said: “The Small Awards is all about celebrating the inspiring small business owners who are at the heart of the economy and their communities.
“They are an opportunity to recognise and applaud the passion and resilience of the nation’s small firms, particularly amidst such turbulent times. Reuseabox is extremely deserving of being shortlisted for this award and we can’t wait to celebrate with them in May.”
Founder of Reuseabox Jack Good said: c“Being selected as a finalist for Britain’s best Net Hero business at the Small Awards is a testament to our unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. It’s an honour to be recognised among the nation’s finest small firms, and we’re thrilled to continue leading the charge towards a greener future within the packaging industry.”
Judged by a panel of industry experts, the winners of all categories, including the overall winner of the Small Business of the Year award, will be announced at a splendid awards ceremony in London on May 16th.
