Hinckley-based online retailer launches major volunteering programme for its staff
A Midlands-based online retailer has launched a major volunteering programme for its staff.
UK Flooring Direct, which employs around 200 people across sites in Hinckley and Coventry, has developed a new Employer Supported Volunteering (ESV) programme that will see every member of the team given a fully-paid day to offer their services to a charity or good cause.
The company has partnered with four organisations across the Coventry, Warwickshire and Leicestershire area to offer its team options for their day of volunteering.
They include the RSPCA Coventry and District Branch, Hinckley Homeless Group, Shine A Light (a Coventry-based charity that supports families with children affected by cancer), and Warwickshire-based Make Good Grow.
Make Good Grow was founded two years ago as a social enterprise and offers a matching service between businesses and individuals who want to volunteer and good causes that need support.
It means the individual can offer their own skillset to charity or good cause, from building a website to accountancy services and Make Good Grow already has 170 organisations signed up and looking for support.
Faye Summers, UK Flooring Direct’s HR director, said the company wanted to give staff options when volunteering but they were also open to finding good causes of their own to support.
She said: “UK Flooring Direct has always prided itself on being a positive contributor to the local economy and to the local community and our new ESV programme really builds on that.
“Every member of our team will be given a fully paid day where they can go and volunteer and make a difference to a good cause.
“It’s a great way to engage the team and the feedback we’ve had has been really positive, particularly at a time when we know things are tough for a lot of people. The UK Flooring Direct team wants to help make a difference.
“There is strong evidence that volunteering as team helps to boost morale and wellbeing, which is another really positive reason for undertaking this ESV programme.
“We’ve linked up with four local organisations to offer some initial options to the team but we also know that many will have charities and good causes that are close to their own hearts and may choose to offer their support in that direction.
“We are thrilled to launch and can’t wait to see the great work get started.”
Rob Langley-Swain, of Make Good Grow, said: “It’s great to be partnering with UK Flooring Direct in this way. We’ve seen all of the exciting news coming out of the business over the past couple of years so we’re really pleased to have them on board as a partner.
“Being a volunteer and utilising your professional skills is so impactful to good causes and that’s where we come in. We can match people with organisations that need those skills for a certain piece of work or project.
“It’s a great way to give back.”
Works commence onsite at new luxury development in Bramcote
Nottingham-based luxury home developer, North Sands Developments, has begun construction on its second residential scheme on Cow Lane in Bramcote, Nottingham, with the first look revealed.
The development, which is located in the Bramcote Village Conservation area near Beeston, is to be named The Grove and will comprise of three, large, five-bedroom family homes, each with a white render finish and expansive windows.
The development is surrounded by a protected woodland and two of the homes feature their own private share of the woodland.
Having already cleared the site, North Sands Developments has started works on the homes, due to complete in Spring 2023.
James Hartley, director at North Sands Developments, said: “Following the success of our first Cow Lane development, we are extremely excited to be building more exclusive, executive style homes once again in such a stunning, leafy, sought-after location. We always ensure to design and build our homes to a high specification and ensure they seamlessly fit in with their surroundings.
“What I love most about this site is that it sits in such a peaceful, breath-taking, mature woodland setting on Cow Lane – each home will feature large windows that will frame these surroundings and prospective buyers can get a real feel for what this will look like in the new imagery we’ve released.
“We already have one of the homes under offer prior to any formal marketing through our new ‘Northsands Bespoke’ offering; this means that early purchasers will be able to design and choose the internal finishes themselves and have the North Sands team there to hold their hand through what is such a unique and special experience of having their dream home built for them.
“Interiors and finishes play a huge part in purchasing decisions; in short, the purchasers don’t have to compromise as everything can be bespoke to them, which is not something you can always say when you purchase a home.
“Having such a setting to call home and so close to Nottingham city centre, Beeston, Boots, QMC Hospital and the University, it’s incredibly quiet and one of the most desirable locations in Nottinghamshire. Beeston in particular is really evolving – with plentiful shops, retail outlets, restaurants and the brand-new cinema, it has everything on the doorstep without even having to go into town, though town is incredibly accessible by road, tram and train. Major road routes including the A52 and M1 are also in close range.”
Jules Hunt, sales director at FHP Living, said: “We are so pleased to be acting for North Sands development again on yet another fantastic site on Cow Lane. Following the success of 41-47 Cow Lane, we expect ‘The Grove’ to be incredibly popular with prospective buyers.”
Ground-breaking event marks latest milestone for council housing in Chesterfield
A ground-breaking event held on the site of a new housing development has marked the latest milestone in Chesterfield Borough Council’s commitment to increasing the number of affordable council homes in the borough.
The construction of 10 new homes in Middlecroft is now underway as local councillors joined representatives from Robert Woodhead Ltd, the council’s main contractor, on site at Wensley Way to kick-start the new project.
This latest development will see the addition of two three-bed bungalows on Rowsley Crescent, two two-bed bungalows on Court Place, four two-bed bungalows on Wensley Way and two two-bedroom houses on Paisley Close.
In response to the climate emergency that was declared by council leaders in July 2019, each of the properties will benefit from high levels of energy efficiency, including enhanced levels of insulation and the installation of energy efficient boilers and lighting throughout.
An electrical vehicle charging point will also be installed at each property to help encourage lower carbon transport options.
Each of the houses and bungalows will be fully landscaped with tarmac driveways and turfed lawns.
It comes as local families are set to move into new homes at Badger Croft in Loundsley Green, with the recent completion of the largest development of council homes in the borough for a generation, which has seen an additional 21 new homes added to the council’s housing register.
Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “This is another significant milestone for us in our efforts to increase the number of affordable council homes across the borough. We’re really excited to watch the latest development progress.
“The new properties will provide affordable, modern and accessible homes for local people and the energy efficiency benefits will offer affordable warmth to our tenants whilst also allowing us to contribute to a more sustainable future for us all.”
Jack Snowdon, senior project manager at Robert Woodhead Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be starting on this project for Chesterfield Borough Council to provide the much-needed additional affordable social housing in the area.
“The bungalows will be very well insulated and therefore should aid in the reduction of fuel bills, whilst also creating a comfortable living environment throughout the year for the occupiers. This coupled with energy efficient boilers and lighting will assist in responding to the climate emergency and creating more affordable running costs.”
heb secure new Heron Foods store for Chilwell
Acting on behalf of well-known property company Hofton & Son, heb have secured the letting of a former Sainsbury’s local store at Blenheim Drive, Chilwell.
The store was closed by Sainsbury’s last year and HEB have secured a deal for it to be re-occupied by Heron Frozen Foods.
“This densely populated area of Chilwell has been somewhat lacking a convenience store facility since Sainsbury’s decided to close,” said Robert Maxey of heb Surveyors.
“It was therefore pleasing to see Heron step in to the gap and I do not doubt their store will be a fantastic success and welcomed by local shoppers.”
The store is planned to open on 24 May and Heron are understood to be currently recruiting staff.
Heron were represented by James Lamming at Barker Proudlove in Leeds.
Nottinghamshire ambulance services business sold in MBI
Alison and Anthony Corbett have sold Nottinghamshire-based Ambulance Services, B.N.Gibson Limited to Tim and Rebecca Hawley as part of a Management Buy-In (MBI) transaction.
Alison and Anthony will remain involved in the business for a period to ensure a smooth and successful transition. B.N. Gibson is one of the longest established private ambulance services in the UK.
Shorts teamed up with MD Law to act as lead advisors and legal representatives to Alison and Anthony Corbett.
Andy Ryder, corporate finance partner with Shorts, says: “We are delighted to have advised Alison and Anthony on the successful completion of this transaction. The sale of the business to an MBI candidate whom they have known for a long time feels like a perfect route to ensure the continuing success of the business under new ownership whilst maintaining the well-established ‘family’ culture of the company.”
Corporate partner at MD Law, James Burdekin, says: “It was a pleasure to assist Alison and Anthony with the successful transition of the business to new owners, and we are very confident that the business will go from strength to strength under its new ownership.”
Anthony and Alison Corbett said: “We cannot thank Shorts enough for the support and advice they have provided over the last 8 years. Shorts have guided us through the sales of two businesses which was our long term goal and have been there for us every step of the way.”
Accountancy franchise opens new site in Leicester
TaxAssist Accountants franchisee, Jaz Grewal, has opened a new site in Leicester with the support of a five-figure funding package from HSBC UK.
Having completed his ACA qualification, the entrepreneur will use HSBC UK funding to support the business with start-up costs, including the refurbishment of a new shop front on Leicester’s Welford Road. Furthermore, Jaz has used the funding to support digital marketing efforts as he looks to establish the awareness of TaxAssist in the city.
TaxAssist Leicester will also look to hire a number of new employees from the local area, including an office manager and a trainee accountant. As the business grows, it will also onboard an additional qualified accountant.
Jaz Grewal, TaxAssist Accountants Leicester, said: “It’s incredibly exciting to be opening a new TaxAssist outlet that will offer vital accountancy support to local businesses across Leicester. The support from HSBC UK has been invaluable in allowing us to create a physical high street presence, which will help to deliver value in the area by championing small businesses as the company grows.”
Molly Ting Jahans, relationship manager at HSBC UK, added: “TaxAssist Accountants have a clear commitment to supporting local small businesses so we’re confident the opening of a new site in Leicester will benefit the wider regional economy and create jobs in the local area. We look forward to seeing the success of this new branch over the coming months.”
Founded in 1995, TaxAssist Accountants provide tax accountancy services and advice for small businesses in the UK, including end of year accounts, bookkeeping and tax return services, with the business operating across 400 sites in the UK.
Fluid Ideas expands leadership team
The head of creative agency Fluid Ideas’ search and social media team has been promoted to associate partner.
Ben Meakin joined the agency in 2018 from the University of Derby Students’ Union, where he was the marketing and engagement manager.
He began at Fluid in a marketing manager role but soon began to focus on search and social media. He currently leads a 10-strong team with an expanding client base.
Ben is the fourth member of the Fluid team to be promoted to associate partner, a position created to give its rising stars a more active leadership role across the business.
Fluid Ideas is a full-service agency whose operations cover branding and campaigns, graphic and website design, computer-generated imagery, 3D animation and video, photography, copywriting, digital marketing, content management, search and social media – all in-house.
Its client base spans sectors including healthcare, retirement living, property, professional services, education, finance, leisure and hospitality.
The agency celebrated its 18th birthday in January and posted record annual revenues of £3.2m in the year to November, boosted by increased business from existing clients and a raft of new wins. Staff numbers have reached 50 in line with its growth.
Ben’s achievements at Fluid include devising an award-winning campaign for the National Forest Adventure Farm in Staffordshire, which helped attract a record number of visitors to its Halloween-themed scare attraction Screamfest.
He has also worked closely with East Midlands Railway, which has developed into a full service client, has gained further awards recognition for e-commerce campaigns, and through a number of projects has helped generate record inquiries for Inspired Villages, a retirement villages group which is backed by Legal & General.
Ed Bowler, joint managing director at Fluid, said: “From the outset, it was apparent that Ben had a real hunger for the world of search and social. He won our first significant social media client within a few weeks, has continued to grow our digital offering and now heads a 10-strong team from a standing start.
“He brings sheer passion, energy, creativity and a natural positivity to Fluid. He leads by example in his ambition and in the way he supports the team and encourages them to grow and push the boundaries of what they can achieve.
“We have always prioritised internal growth rather than senior external appointments, and Ben’s fully deserved promotion is another good example of this strategy.”
Ben said: “I’m thrilled to be part of the Fluid team and to have been given the opportunity to create an entirely new team.
“I’m extremely proud and grateful to be promoted to associate partner, and can’t wait to be more involved in the development of Fluid as an agency, continuing to help our clients grow their digital brands.”
Acquisitive construction consulting and testing services firm swoops for West Midlands business
Construction Testing Solutions (CTS), a Leicester-headquartered provider of construction consulting and testing services, has completed the acquisition of GT Certification, a measurement services company specialising in construction materials testing and torque and force calibration services.
GT Certification, with headquarters in Tipton, West Midlands, employs 39 staff and operates across the UK. The company is a well-established construction materials and torque and force calibration business founded in 2001, providing a variety of solutions to developers, construction contractors, specialist industrial flooring companies, as well as calibration services to a wide range of local and national industries.
The CTS Group portfolio has been developed and expanded over the past 18 months, with a successful track record of acquisitions including CGL Limited in November 2020, Nicholls Colton in February 2021, Silkstone Environmental in August 2021 and Mason Evans in January 2022.
Phil Coles, Chief Executive Officer of CTS, said: “I’m delighted to welcome the GT Certification team to the CTS Group. Continuing to grow our capabilities and expand our portfolio while at the same time growing and further strengthening our client relationships across our business is critical to our ongoing success and is at the very heart of our strategy.
“The acquisition of GT continues to support our overall strategy and ambition to become the industry leading provider for all associated services to the construction sector through a robust programme of acquisitions and organic growth.
“Both myself and the business are excited about working with Gary and welcoming the GT team to the CTS Group; our ability to leverage the greater scale in materials testing and the added capability that the calibration operation brings to the group makes our businesses stronger together.
“This acquisition complements the previous deals announced over the past 2 years and reinforces our commitment to growth through attracting complimentary businesses and market leading talent.”
GT Certification Managing Director, Gary Thompson, said: “This is an exciting step for GT, and I’m delighted to be continuing to support the future growth of the combined business and integration process.
“Since starting in 2001 GT has been providing market leading torque and force calibration testing and certification and materials testing services to the sector and now existing clients will also benefit from CTS’s extensive experience and knowledge within the testing, inspection and compliance industry.”
Small firms make rebate plea as UK loses 149 million working days to sickness
149.3 million working days were lost because of sickness or injury in the UK last year, with Covid-19 accounting for nearly one in four of all absences, according to new research from the New Office for National Statistics (ONS)
Small businesses are struggling under the pressure and are asking policy makers for a small business sick pay rebate. Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Policy and Advocacy Chair Tina McKenzie commented: “The average cost of sickness absence, including finding cover, stands at more than £3,000 a year for small employers, equating to £5 billion across the small business community as a whole.
“With operating costs surging in the round, small firms need more financial assistance to go on doing right by their staff when they’re unwell.
“On the day that the Government has announced yet more help for big energy-intensive companies, we’re asking policymakers to take forward our joint proposal with the TUC for a small business sick pay rebate which will support those who have received no assistance whatsoever with utility bills.
“Allowing small community businesses to recover sick pay costs will give them that much more space to invest, recruit and retain staff, spurring our economic recovery from the grass roots up.”
CEO of Joules to step down
The CEO of Joules, the Market Harborough-based lifestyle group, is to step down from the role after three years with the company.
Since joining the business in 2019, Nick Jones has helped Joules to navigate through an unprecedented trading environment, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. During his tenure Joules has achieved several key strategic milestones including the launch and expansion of Friends of Joules and the growth of the group’s active customer base and brand awareness to all-time highs.
The Board will begin the search for Nick’s successor immediately.
The news comes as Joules provides a trading update relating to the 13 weeks from 1 February to 1 May 2022.
The business says it has continued to deliver strong revenue growth, of approximately 20% for the period. However, the firm noted that as market conditions have become more challenging during and following the Easter period, as consumer confidence has been impacted by the rising cost of living, Joules has not been immune to these sector-wide pressures, which have led the group’s profit performance to fall below management’s expectations in certain areas.
Nick Jones, CEO of Joules, said: “Building on the strategic progress made so far, over the coming months we will continue to deliver against the clear priorities that the Board and I believe will create a strong foundation for Joules to achieve its significant long-term potential, as well as helping the business to navigate the current challenging trading environment.
“Joules is a fantastic brand with great people, loyal customers, and a differentiated product offering. Underpinned by the strategic actions we are taking to optimise the business, Joules will emerge stronger and better positioned to achieve long-term, profitable growth.”
Ian Filby, non-executive chairman of Joules, said: “On behalf of the Board and everyone at Joules, I would like to thank Nick for his significant efforts over the last three years. He has led the business with integrity, care, and energy during what has been a particularly challenging period for the retail sector, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Under Nick’s leadership Joules has made good progress against its strategy to develop as a digital-led lifestyle group. More recently, he has led the business in implementing a number of important strategic initiatives that will underpin the group’s future over the coming years.
“The Board will now begin a search process for Nick’s successor and will share an update in due course.”
