- People buy people. Still. More than ever.
- Your staff are your first audience.
- Online reputation became real reputation.
- Crisis comms isn’t just for crises.
- Community trumps competition
Five years on – what the pandemic taught us about business, brand, and bouncing back: by Greg Simpson, founder of Press For Attention PR
Greg Simpson, founder of Press For Attention PR, reflects, five years later, on public relations lessons learned from the pandemic.
In March 2020, most of us were wondering how long the lockdown would last, whether we should bulk-buy pasta, and if ‘pivot’ was just a yoga thing. Or THAT scene from ‘Friends’—you know the one.
Anyway, fast forward five years, and it turns out the world didn’t end—but business, as we knew it, definitely did.
Now, half a decade later, it’s worth asking: what stuck? What changed forever? And what did the pandemic really teach us about business, brand, and bouncing back?
Teeslink employment scheme moves forward with potential to deliver 1,000 jobs
East Midlands-based developer Rula Developments is progressing plans for a major commercial regeneration project in Eaglescliffe that could create up to 1,000 jobs. The 54-acre Teeslink site, adjacent to Durham Lane Industrial Park, has been earmarked for warehousing, office, and ancillary employment space.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council appointed Rula as the preferred developer. Rula has submitted a hybrid planning application outlining key infrastructure upgrades, including new access roads, cycle and pedestrian links, and improved surface water drainage. The proposal also seeks outline consent for around 775,500 sq ft of employment space.
The scheme is backed by £3 million in grant funding from the Tees Valley Combined Authority’s Indigenous Growth Fund, which aims to unlock strategic sites for development across the region.
Future planning submissions will detail building designs, height, scale, and landscaping. The project is expected to support the borough’s broader economic growth plans by providing a mix of employment opportunities.
Local businesses and residents have been invited to provide feedback as part of the public consultation process.
Nottingham secures £4.6m in funding to support business growth and skills development
Nottingham City Council has secured an additional £4.6 million through the extended UK Shared Prosperity Fund, administered by the East Midlands Counties Combined Authority. The funding will strengthen business support, develop workforce skills, and enhance local communities. The programme will run until March 2026.
The investment will be directed towards six core areas: supporting community and employment initiatives, improving the city centre and surrounding neighbourhoods, growing the visitor economy, attracting inward investment, helping businesses scale, and boosting digital and green skills. These priorities also support Nottingham’s broader aims of achieving carbon neutrality and maintaining an inclusive local economy.
Several new grant schemes are being rolled out, with applications now open to local businesses and community organisations. These include the Essential Skills Grant, Community Venues and Spaces Grant, and Community Engagement Grant, all launched in early April. Additional grants such as the Winter Support Grant, Business Productivity Grant, and Decarbonisation Grant will follow later this year.
So far, £1.6 million from the fund has already been allocated to projects aimed at employment support and business growth, as Nottingham looks to create lasting economic impact through targeted investment.
East Midlands Railway begins £23m train refurbishment for regional fleet
East Midlands Railway (EMR) has begun rolling out refurbished trains across its regional routes as part of a £23 million investment to modernise its aging fleet and improve passenger experience.
The programme focuses on the Class 170 fleet, which has not seen significant upgrades since entering service in 1999. The overhaul includes new seating, carpets, improved signage, CCTV, USB charging ports, and onboard Wi-Fi. The updated interiors are designed with a more neutral, business-friendly aesthetic, moving away from older, mixed-design models previously inherited from various operators.
One fully refurbished train is already in service, with the remaining 43 units scheduled for phased upgrades over the next 18 months. The Class 170 trains operate on several key regional routes, including Matlock to Nottingham, Mansfield to Worksop, Derby to Stoke-on-Trent, and the longer Liverpool to Norwich line.
This refurbishment is part of EMR’s broader fleet transformation, including upgrades to its Connect fleet operating between London St Pancras and Corby. Later in the year, EMR plans to introduce new bi-mode trains for its Intercity services on the Midland Main Line.
Nottingham secures £16m transport funding to drive infrastructure upgrades
More than £16 million will be invested in Nottingham’s transport network during 2025/26, significantly boosting the city’s infrastructure and improving connectivity for businesses and commuters. The funding, allocated through the new East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), will support a wide range of projects to upgrade roads, encourage active travel, and prepare for a shift to low-emission public transport.
A key portion of the funding—over £7.5 million—comes from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements programme. This will double Nottingham’s current highway maintenance budget, allowing for resurfacing and preventative work on several important routes, including Porchester Road, Bestwood Park Drive, Valley Road and Arnold Road. These improvements are expected to benefit logistics operations and reduce disruption caused by road damage.
A further £3.4 million will come from the Local Transport Plan Integrated Transport block, which will fund improvements to walking and cycling infrastructure, upgrade traffic signals with energy-efficient LED systems, and support the city’s Workplace Travel Service. There will also be investment in real-time solar-powered bus stop displays in areas without existing electrical connections and enhanced access to local rights of way—an effort to promote more sustainable commuting options.
With work already underway, the Active Travel Fund will contribute £576,000 to continue walking and cycling upgrades on Porchester Road. Meanwhile, £4.9 million from the Bus Service Improvement Plan will support the city’s transition to electric buses. Local bus operators will be able to bid for grants to purchase new electric vehicles and upgrade depots with EV charging infrastructure, aligning with broader emissions reduction goals and improving public transport reliability.
In addition, funding will support modernisation of the Parksmart car park signage system and allow Nottingham to continue its involvement in the Future Transport Zones programme. A feasibility study will also be launched to explore the realignment of Maid Marian Way, as part of the next phase in the city’s Broad Marsh regeneration project.
The funding package is due to be formally approved by Nottingham City Council on 22 April. For businesses across Nottingham, these developments signal progress toward a more efficient and future-ready transport network, which will directly benefit employee mobility, logistics planning, and environmental performance.
Spring boost for East Midlands as entrepreneurs move out of reverse gear
A sharp hike in the number of start-up businesses in the East Midlands should give the local economy a much-needed boost, but business owners should remain cautious as they head into the summer months.
This is according to the Midlands branch of national insolvency and restructuring trade body R3 and is based on a monthly analysis of regional start-up data from business intelligence provider Creditsafe.
The figures indicate that there were 2,651 businesses set up in the East Midlands in March, which is a substantial rise of 18.67% compared to the previous month and is the highest monthly number of start-ups the region has seen since April of last year.
The data also shows, however, a 16.13% rise in insolvency-related activity in the East Midlands, which includes liquidator and administrator appointments as well as creditors’ meetings.
The number of East Midlands companies with late payments on their books has also risen, standing at 24,419 for the month of March.
R3 Midlands Chair Stephen Rome, a partner at law firm Penningtons Manches Cooper in the region, said: “It’s encouraging to see some green shoots of recovery starting to emerge, particularly as we are currently facing so much economic uncertainty.
“It is important, though, to see everything in context as the economy remains hugely challenging, not least with this month’s introduction of National Insurance and National Minimum Wage rises. As a result, enquiries for restructuring and insolvency support are increasing as directors look to take specialist advice about their business finances.
“R3’s advice to any directors worried about the viability of their company, start-up or otherwise, is to seek professional help and to do it as soon as possible. Many R3 Midlands members offer a free initial consultation to those who wish to explore their options.”
Leicestershire’s Tyron Runflat signs commitment to support ex-service men and women
Inventor of the world’s only multi-piece rubber Runflat system, Tyron Runflat, has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, a commitment demonstrating its dedication to supporting ex-service men and women.
Headquartered in Loughborough, the firm is marking its support for the Armed Forces community by signing the pledge, which highlights the business’s support through future employment opportunities for veterans and their families.
Tyron Runflat, known for its innovative run-flat tyre systems, has worked extensively within the defence industry around the world, with its products fitted on both military and civilian vehicles. The firm’s staff are based at its Thailand factory, in Pattaya, as well as its Loughborough headquarters.
Director at Tyron Runflat, Peter Simson, said of the news: “Signing the Armed Forces Covenant is a proud moment for everyone associated with Tyron Runflat.
“It emphasises our commitment to offering fair employment opportunities and support for those leaving the Armed Forces, which can be something many workplaces often overlook.
“We’re proud to be supporting armed forces veterans and their families by signing the Covenant. For us, this is a way to acknowledge the sacrifices made by service men and women, all while reinforcing our commitment to fostering equal opportunities for all members of our team. We’d love to see more businesses following suit and supporting this important pledge by signing it as well.”
Since 2001, Tyron Runflat has made it its mission to provide reliable and cost-effective tyre safety solutions. For example, the Tyron MultiBand locks the tyre onto the wheel rim in the event of a blowout, preventing catastrophic loss of control, giving the vehicle’s occupants the ability to get to a safe location.
Dack Motor Group acquires MotorServ UK to preserve operations and jobs
MotorServ UK, formerly the largest independent garage in Solihull, has been acquired by Dack Motor Group in a strategic move designed to stabilise operations and protect jobs amid a downturn in the automotive sector.
Established in 2014, MotorServ UK grew to a £9.3m turnover business by 2022, offering MOTs, servicing, and community-focused initiatives. However, an 85% drop in used car transactions in 2023 and a 45% decline in servicing revenue over two years forced a shift in direction. The founder has exited the business, triggering the sale.
The Solihull site will continue operating under Dack Motor Group, which already runs facilities in Lincoln, Northampton, and Coventry. Dack plans to integrate the new site with upgraded systems and processes, and a rebrand is expected.
As part of the acquisition, all jobs at MotorServ UK are being retained, and further roles may be created under the new ownership. Once the transition is complete, MotorServ UK Ltd will be formally liquidated, with Dack assuming all staff and assets.
Loughborough student accommodation plan heads to key vote
This week, Charnwood Borough Council will decide whether to approve a revised student accommodation scheme in Loughborough, following months of public objections and planning revisions.
The project proposes a six-storey block housing 167 student beds on Browns Lane, replacing the existing building on the site. The original plan, submitted in May 2023, proposed 211 beds over eight storeys but was withdrawn after 170 objections. A revised version initially offered 183 beds, later scaled down to 167 after further consultation.
Despite ongoing opposition—87 objections remain—the council’s planning officers have recommended approval. Residents’ concerns include the building’s scale, impact on nearby homes and landmarks, flood risk, pressure on roads and parking, and fears over antisocial behaviour.
To address flood concerns, the plan includes a “blue roof” system to manage rainwater, with all bedrooms above ground level. The ground floor would house communal facilities, cycle parking, and refuse areas designed to be flood-resilient.
The proposal includes two staff-only parking spaces and 83 cycle spaces, 54 for residents. Students must book time slots for loading and unloading on move-in days to reduce traffic disruption.
Planning officers argue the scheme could ease pressure on local housing by increasing purpose-built student accommodation, improve surveillance in the area, and boost local economic activity due to increased footfall near the town centre. The final decision now rests with councillors.
Derbyshire council seeks mixed-use redevelopment of HQ site
Derbyshire County Council has lodged a formal application to redevelop its County Hall site in Matlock into a major mixed-use scheme incorporating residential units, commercial space, and a hotel, as well as a new net-zero carbon headquarters.
The proposed plans include converting existing buildings into apartments and a hotel, building 50 new homes, and adding retail and office space designed to attract local business activity. The development would also involve demolishing several outbuildings, removing two disused footbridges, and restoring heritage assets such as the Winter Gardens.
Council planners say the aim is to consolidate operations into a modern, sustainable facility while opening up the wider site for investment-led regeneration. Derbyshire Dales District Council has requested planning and listed building consent.
While the proposal supports commercial growth and housing supply targets, it has drawn resistance from some local residents concerned about the scheme’s scale. Objections have focused on traffic congestion, inadequate parking, flood risk, and pressure on local services. However, none of these concerns have yet stalled the application process.
The redevelopment marks a broader trend of local authorities repurposing legacy properties to generate long-term value, reduce environmental impact, and stimulate local economies. The project’s success could set a precedent for similar public sector transformations across the UK.
