Tree experts expand in UK with acquisition of East Mids firm
Bartlett Tree Experts, the scientific tree and shrub care firm, has expanded in the East
Midlands with the acquisition of Canopy Tree Services.
With the acquisition, Bartlett has opened a new East Midlands office, located in Draycott, Derbyshire.
Canopy Tree Services was founded by Ben Edmonds and Steve Barker in 2004 to provide tree surgery services in the Derby, Nottingham, and Leicester areas.
The owners were looking for ways to offer a wider range of services and expertise for managing tree health. They found the right fit in Bartlett Tree Experts, and were impressed with Bartlett’s approach to safety, quality work, and customer service.
Edmonds, who has joined Bartlett’s new East Midlands office along with a team of six arborists, said: “Bartlett Tree Experts is a multi-generational, family business that has been a leader in the industry for 117 years and is known for its scientific approach to tree care.
Their commitment to customer satisfaction aligns perfectly with our own values.”
Jim Ingram, President and Chief Operating Officer of Bartlett Tree Experts, said: “We are excited to welcome the talented team from Canopy Tree Services to our new East Midlands office. This acquisition allows us to expand our full range of scientific tree care services while continuing to honor our commitment to exceptional safety, science, technology, and business.”
Richard Trippett, Vice President of Bartlett’s operations in the UK, said: “Our acquisition of Canopy Tree Services will expand Bartlett’s scientific plant health care services for more residential and commercial property owners within the East Midlands, which will go a long way toward improving the health and beauty of their trees and landscapes.”
Deal not sealed for small business voters, as poll reveals over half could still be swayed in election
Millions of voters who run their own businesses are still to make a final decision on who they will back on polling day, according to a snap general election survey by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
It reveals that 96 per cent of small business owners intend to vote, but one-in-five (20%) have yet to decide which party they will choose, while a further one-in-three (33%) have a good idea who they will vote for but could still change their mind.
FSB’s research found 90 per cent of small business owners are concerned business taxes could rise under the next Government, while 92 per cent of small employers said they were concerned a future Government could increase the costs and risks associated with employing people.
More than half (53%) say they are concerned about small business energy costs over the next five years; more than six-in-ten (61%) are concerned about the level of inflation over the next five years.
The findings come as FSB publishes a manifesto for small businesses and the self-employed – a blueprint for whoever forms the next Government aimed at driving economic growth and increasing the small business community from 5.5 million back to its pre-pandemic size of six million within the next Parliament.
FSB’s Policy Chair, Tina McKenzie, said: “Small business owners and the self-employed are a shrewd and motivated part of the electorate.
“They’re used to weighing up competing offers when running their businesses, and it’s clear from our research that when it comes to the election they’re looking for which of the parties has the most compelling pro-small business offer.
“Small businesses are the key to securing economic recovery, driving innovation, and creating jobs in all parts of the UK.
“Our small business manifesto sets out the measures needed to create the conditions for that to happen, many of which do not involve additional spending.
“We’re looking to all of those seeking to form the next Government to show their commitment to the millions of hard-working voters who run their own businesses, including through a Small Business Act so we have new legislation to protect small businesses on crucial issues such as late payment.”
MANIFESTO PROPOSALS
FSB’s manifesto for small businesses and the self-employed sets out more than 150 specific proposals to cover the period of the next Parliament. These include:
Committing to a Small Business Act, legislating to help small firms by:
- Enshrining in law measures to clamp down on big businesses with poor payment practices towards their smaller suppliers.
- Improving small businesses’ ability to access finance, including closing loopholes in protections for those giving personal guarantees.
- Making a 33 per cent SME statutory public procurement target, increasing the involvement of small businesses in taxpayer-funded projects.
- Fundamentally reform business rates to help small businesses in all sectors.
- Rule out increases in tax on dividends for directors of limited companies and National Insurance for the self-employed.
- Restore the small profits threshold for corporation tax to the previous level of £250,000 and pledge not to increase the small profits rate.
- Automatically increase the employment allowance with the National Living Wage.
- Maintain current co-investment rules to back small business apprenticeships.
- Reintroduce universal work experience into secondary schools.
- Increase the number of start-up loans offered by 5,000.
- Create a new ‘new enterprise allowance’ for those out of work looking to start a business.
- Make it easier for people working for themselves to get a mortgage and save for their retirement.
- Introduce a new Small Housebuilder Strategy, to ensure sufficient capacity to achieve ambitious housebuilding targets.
- Commit to a target that at least half of all direct Government funding of private Research and Development (R&D) goes to SMEs.
- Provide consumer-style protections for smaller businesses when it comes to the energy market.
The Access Group acquires global hotel tech specialist
Loughborough-headquartered The Access Group, a £1bn+ business management software provider, has added global hotel and casino technology specialist SHR to its hotel management technology suite.
The latest acquisition represents a significant milestone for the Access Hospitality division, giving it a North American footprint in its quest to become a leading global provider of the full range of hotel operations, distribution, and guest engagement solutions.
By pairing SHR’s capabilities with those of Guestline – an end-to-end hotel platform which Access acquired in 2023 – Access Hospitality customers will have a comprehensive integrated technology solution from one provider.
SHR’s 2,000 hotel customers will join Guestline’s 3,000 properties, with all clients of the enlarged Access Hospitality division benefitting from improved ability to boost efficiency and profitability, with a complete digital guest journey.
The acquisition of SHR will strengthen Access Group’s modular product approach, allowing hoteliers to design their ideal tech stack according to need.
Based in Houston, Texas – with offices in Ireland and Spain – SHR’s technology solutions include a dynamic Central Reservation System (CRS), Internet Booking Engine (IBE), Customer Relationship Manager (CRM), Revenue Management System (RMS), and digital marketing and loyalty program tools. Its use of AI personalises the content guests see on hotel websites, increasing relevance and helping hoteliers maximise direct revenues through greater conversion, upselling and cross-selling.
Access aims to become the mid-market hotelier’s ‘go-to’ technology provider, focusing on independent hotels and national and regional chains globally by combining SHR’s products with those of Guestline’s Property Management System (PMS) and the wider Access portfolio, including ResDiary, Procure Wizard, Rotaready, CPL, Trail, Access EPoS, Acteol CRM, Design My Night, Newbridge, Wireless Social and Maintain.
The appointment of former Guestline CEO Andrew McGregor as VP Accommodation of Access Hospitality earlier this year demonstrates the group’s commitment to, and investment in, developing the organisation as a leading global business software provider for the hotel industry.
The Access Hospitality division supports over 20,000 businesses including hotels, multi-site pubs and bars, restaurants, food-to-go, and leisure operators.
Champa Magesh, MD Access Hospitality, said: “We’ve always worked to provide world-class products and unrivalled technological capabilities, and SHR embodies that ambition. The acquisition further bolsters our accommodation offering following the addition of Guestline last year.
“SHR is undoubtedly the world’s leading automated hotel technology platform and a significant addition to our hospitality offering. In this increasingly complex industry, leveraging AI’s immense potential gives hoteliers a competitive edge – enabling them to revolutionise guest experiences, drive operational efficiencies, and increase revenue.”
Andrew McGregor, VP Accommodation of Access Hospitality, said: “This deal takes us a step closer to achieving our goal of being the global go-to technology partner for hotels, helping them deliver exceptional guest experiences and increase their profitability.
“SHR’s pioneering use of technology and laser focus on customer experience make it a natural fit to integrate into the Access Hospitality portfolio. This acquisition marks a key milestone in our drive to grow our market share by opening up the USA and tapping into the massive growth opportunity the market presents.”
Rod Jimenez, CEO SHR, added: “Access is already a leader in providing software and services to UK and European hotels. Its focus on offering solutions that support customers with their entire operations enable hoteliers to deliver excellent guest experiences cost-effectively, profitably and sustainably.
“By joining the Access Hospitality family, SHR’s customers gain access to a complete suite of products and services. The ability to draw on the expertise of Access’ extensive network of partners will not only help our customers; it will provide us with the ability to accelerate capabilities and innovation across our products and customer support services.”
The best ways to boost morale and teamwork in your business
A team that operates in harmony, with high morale and a shared sense of purpose, can propel a company to new heights, while a disengaged and disjointed workforce can act as an anchor.
Fostering a positive work environment and cultivating a culture of teamwork is crucial for unlocking the full potential of your employees. When individuals feel valued, supported, and part of a cohesive unit, they are more likely to exhibit increased productivity, creativity, and commitment to the company’s goals.
Open Communication: The Foundation Of Trust
Effective communication is the bedrock upon which strong teams are built. By establishing open lines of dialogue and encouraging a two-way flow of information, businesses can create an environment where employees feel heard and empowered to share their ideas, concerns, and feedback.
Regular team meetings, one-on-one check-ins, and collaborative brainstorming sessions not only facilitate the exchange of information but also foster a sense of transparency and trust within the organisation. When employees feel that their voices are valued and their contributions are recognised, they are more likely to feel invested in the company’s success.
Recognising And Rewarding Excellence
Everyone appreciates feeling appreciated for their hard work and dedication. By implementing a robust system of recognition and rewards, businesses can cultivate a culture of positivity and motivation, fuelling a cycle of excellence that benefits both employees and the organisation as a whole.
Whether it’s through formal recognition programs, performance-based incentives, or simple gestures of appreciation, acknowledging the efforts and achievements of your team members can go a long way in boosting morale, fostering a sense of pride, and inspiring others to strive for greatness.
Professional Development Opportunities
Investing in the professional growth of your employees is not only a powerful motivator but also a strategic investment in the long-term success of your business. By providing access to training programs, workshops, and educational resources, you demonstrate a commitment to their personal and professional development, fostering a sense of value and loyalty within your workforce.
Encouraging cross-training and job rotation can broaden the skill sets of your employees, promoting a deeper understanding of the organisation’s operations and facilitating collaboration across different departments or teams.
Away Days And Field Trips
While work is undoubtedly the primary focus, taking time to step away from the daily grind can rejuvenate your team and foster a stronger sense of camaraderie. Away days and field trips provide an opportunity for employees to bond, engage in team-building activities, and explore new environments together.
Whether it’s an outdoor adventure, a cultural excursion, or a visit to an industry-related facility, these shared experiences can break down barriers, encourage creative thinking, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the diverse talents and perspectives within your organisation. It may be worth investing in a minibus if you are making away days and field trips part of your regular schedule. If you’re looking for a minibus for sale, talk to the team at The Minibus Centre. They have a range of options, including a 9-seater minibus, for sale and lease.
Fostering A Collaborative Environment
Collaboration is key to success. By creating an environment that encourages teamwork and cross-functional cooperation, you can tap into the collective expertise and creativity of your workforce, solving complex problems and seizing new opportunities with greater efficiency and innovation.
Implementing collaborative tools and platforms, such as project management software, video conferencing solutions, and shared workspaces, can facilitate seamless communication and coordination among team members, regardless of their physical location or department.
Embracing Diversity And Inclusion
A diverse and inclusive workforce is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage. By embracing individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, you tap into a rich tapestry of experiences, ideas, and problem-solving approaches that can drive innovation and enhance your company’s competitive edge.
Cultivating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute can foster a sense of belonging and commitment among your employees, ultimately translating into increased productivity, creativity, and overall organisational success.
Leading By Example
As a leader, your actions and behaviour set the tone for the entire organisation. By consistently embodying the values and principles you wish to instil in your team, you establish a powerful example that inspires others to follow suit.
Whether it’s demonstrating a commitment to work-life balance, exhibiting empathy and emotional intelligence, or celebrating the successes of your team members, your actions carry weight and can shape the culture of your organisation in profound ways.
Encouraging Social Connections
While the workplace is primarily focused on professional endeavours, fostering social connections among your employees can have a profound impact on morale and teamwork. By creating opportunities for informal interactions and casual socialising, you allow individuals to form genuine bonds and develop a sense of community within your organisation.
This could take the form of team-building activities, shared meals or coffee breaks, or even company-sponsored social events. When employees feel connected on a personal level, they are more likely to develop a sense of camaraderie and a deeper commitment to supporting one another in pursuit of shared goals.
By implementing these strategies and cultivating a positive, collaborative, and inclusive work environment, you can unlock the full potential of your workforce and position your business for sustainable success in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Experienced farming consultant and graduate join property consultancy’s Market Harborough team
A highly experienced farming consultant has joined a property consultancy’s team in Market Harborough as it looks to expand in the East Midlands.
Peter Roberts has been hired as an Associate Partner by Fisher German after a 14-year career in farm business consultancy, and joins as the firm looks to help farmers through a particularly challenging time for the sector.
He will mainly focus on helping farmers in the Midlands with farm management roles and business development as they begin to adapt to new sources of funding, such as the Sustainable Farming Incentive, as the BPS scheme is phased out.
Peter said: “I had wanted to join a bigger firm, and Fisher German has an excellent reputation all over the country, so it was a great opportunity for me.
“I have an extensive background in farm consultancy, focussing on assisting clients to develop their businesses with a strong focus on the financials, so I am well placed to advise farmers around the best ways to manage their businesses through the adoption of new environmental schemes, whilst continuing to balance food production and ensure profitability.
“Farming businesses are facing real challenges at the moment, with the reduction of BPS payments, extreme weather and commodity price volatility all combining to put severe pressure on profitability and cashflow, but there are also opportunities out there to develop new income streams and potentially restructure existing enterprises.
“I’m looking forward to assisting as many farmers as I can to navigate these challenges, as well as winning more work for Fisher German.”
Joining Peter in Fisher German’s agribusiness team at Market Harborough is graduate Vicky Povey, who joins as an agribusiness consultant.
David Kinnersley, Head of Agribusiness at Fisher German, said: “It’s great to have a highly experienced agribusiness professional like Peter joining the team alongside a talented graduate like Vicky.
“Our goal is to grow the agribusiness team significantly out of our Market Harborough office, and we’re confident that we’ll be able to take on more staff of varying experience in the future as we continue to assist farmers across the Midlands.”
Chesterfield building to undergo extensive refurbishment following acquisition
A prominent building in Chesterfield’s retail centre is set to undergo extensive refurbishment after its acquisition by commercial interior design and build company We Are Spaces.
The three-storey property, located alongside the old Marks & Spencer building, spans 3,355 sq ft and features independent pedestrian access to the upper two floors.
Having acquired the Grade II listed building for an undisclosed sum via auction earlier this year, We Are Spaces is committed to maintaining it as a commercial space with the aim of attracting smaller businesses that can drive footfall and increase spending within the town centre.
The deal was completed with legal advice and support from regional law firm Banner Jones’ commercial property team, and the property was purchased through the auction house Mark Jenkinson.
Amy Revell, co-founder and creative director at We Are Spaces, said: “As a business, we are committed to projects that reinvigorate the high street, particularly those that bring derelict buildings back into commercial use.
“Having acquired the site earlier this year, we are now in the early stages of the planning process, with refurbishment works expected to start within a few months.”
We Are Spaces, which specialises in commercial transformation and interior design, added that plans to sympathetically refurbish the High Street building will factor in its heritage and history, whilst also incorporating state-of-the-art technology to ensure it meets the latest sustainability and environmental standards.
Ben Couch from Banner Jones’ commercial property team, who advised We Are Spaces on the acquisition, said: “We are delighted to have worked alongside the team at We Are Spaces to support their latest acquisition.
“As a fellow Chesterfield Champion it’s great to have been involved in yet another project that will fundamentally improve the High Street’s commercial offering, benefiting not only local businesses and the local community, but also the local economy.”
Amy Revell added: “We are dedicated to maintaining this unit as a vibrant commercial space that will help drive footfall, attract more out of town visitors, and bolster the local economy by contributing to Chesterfield’s dynamic business environment.”
Aggregate Industries acquires construction materials supplier
Aggregate Industries UK has acquired Land Recovery, a supplier of primary and recycled construction materials.
The acquisition will reinforce Leicestershire-based Aggregate Industries’ position in the construction and demolition materials (CDM) market in the UK and supports the company’s growth strategy in this area.
Land Recovery was founded in 1982 by the Beecroft family and has grown continually to become a leading supplier of CDM. This includes the supply of primary rail ballast, handling and treating spent ballast and recycling a proportion of it into new products either for the rail network or back into the value chain to create products such as readymix, precast concrete and asphalt.
The company, which employs 85 people plus 18 contractors, has four sites. Its main UK operations base is located in Stoke-on-Trent, where it conducts the majority of its business. It also has a rail yard site in Dewsbury in West Yorkshire along with quayside sites at Lowestoft in East Anglia and Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.
Dragan Maksimovic, CEO Aggregate Industries and Head of Region West Europe at Holcim, said: “We are extremely happy to announce the acquisition of Land Recovery and welcome them to Aggregate Industries UK and Holcim.
“This acquisition further strengthens our position in the CDM market and, in line with other recent investments, reinforces our ambition to be the UK circularity market leader by 2030.
“There is very clear alignment between Land Recovery’s growth ambitions and our vision to increase the amount of CDM we process and recycle every year. Its strategic site locations in the country also allows us to introduce circular products to new regions utilising shipping and rail transport networks.”
Dan Beecroft, Managing Director of Land Recovery, said: “We’re really looking forward to taking the business forward with Aggregate Industries. This allows us to continue our ambitious growth plans and to develop our offering.
“It is really beneficial to be part of a leading UK and global company which has a clear vision for circularity and to be able to have access to their networks and expertise.”
£450m deal sees West Burton power plant sold
TotalEnergies has signed an agreement with EIG, an institutional investor in the global energy sector, for the acquisition of West Burton Energy for an enterprise value of £450 million.
West Burton Energy owns and operates the West Burton B gas-fired power plant in Nottinghamshire.
West Burton B comprises three combined-cycle gas turbines (CCGT) with total output of 1.3 GW. Commissioned in 2013, it is one of the UK’s most advanced power plants and supplies some 1.8 million homes. A 49 MW battery storage system was added in 2018.
Stéphane Michel, President, Gas, Renewables and Power at TotalEnergies, said: “I am delighted to welcome the West Burton B team to TotalEnergies. This acquisition contributes to our integrated strategy in the UK, which combines renewable and flexible generation capacity.
“It complements our 1.1 GW Seagreen offshore wind farm and allows us to accelerate development of our Integrated Power activities in power generation, trading and marketing in this market.
“The deal also contributes directly to our 2028 ROACE target of around 12% in this business sector.”
Nottingham food factory works with M&S to fight food insecurity
A food factory in Nottingham owned by manufacturer 2 Sisters Food Group is taking part in the second phase of a ground-breaking partnership with customer M&S and FareShare, the food charity, with a further 1.5m meal servings donated to those in need.
It’s one of three 2 Sisters’ factories across the UK which will be involved in producing vegetable curry, carrot & coriander soup and pizza meals using surplus ingredients which might otherwise go to waste, such as fresh vegetables.
The meals are nutritionally balanced to serve between two and four people and all meals will be freshly prepared with a guarantee of four days life from the day of donation. The meals are made at company factories in South Wales (RF Brookes), Nottingham (Pizza Factory) and Grimsby (Recipe Dish).
According to the latest Food Foundation tracker, 15% of UK households – equivalent to approximately eight million adults and three million children – have experienced food insecurity in 2024, as the cost-of-living crisis continues to hit the pockets of low-income families. It is estimated this figure has doubled in the last three years. Ranjit Singh Boparan, founder and President of 2 Sisters Food Group, said: “We continue to do the right thing by partnering with our customer M&S and creating these nutritious meal servings to help those that need it most. This second phase utilises surplus ingredients and what a better way to bring some good from this by creating quality food that have the M&S seal of approval. Helping to feed everyone in need with a nutritious meal is central to how we now think at our business and I am delighted to be leading on this with our partners.”Seven million people have used GenAI for work
Over 18 million people in the UK have now used Generative AI (GenAI), according to new findings from Deloitte’s 2024 Digital Consumer Trends research, based on a survey of 4,150 UK adults aged 16-75.
In the UK, three in five (60%) people are now aware of GenAI and over a third (36%) have used a GenAI tool, an increase of 26% (13 million people) from May 2023. However, notable gender and age gaps were apparent in the findings with 43% of men having used GenAI, compared to just 28% of women. The technology is also primarily used by younger groups, with 62% of people aged 16-34 having actively used it, compared to only 14% of 55-75 year olds.
GenAI in the workplace
One in seven people (14%) have used GenAI for work, equating to around seven million people, increasing from four million a year ago. Of those using GenAI for work, three in four (74%) claim a productivity boost of either ‘a fair amount’ or ‘a great deal’. However, just 27% of those in work claim that their employer encourages the use of GenAI, suggesting that the majority may be doing so without their employer’s official endorsement.
Among those who have used GenAI for work, the most popular reasons are generating ideas (44%) and looking up information (41%), followed by creating written content (39%), writing/editing emails (38%), and summarising text (37%).
Paul Lee, partner and head of technology, media and telecommunications research at Deloitte, said: “Employees are moving faster than their employers when it comes to adopting GenAI to transform how they work. While workers are signalling that GenAI can boost their output and save them time, many employees may not be supported, encouraged, or explicitly endorsed to use the technology by their organisation.
“While the most popular uses tend to be generating ideas and looking up information, these may not be optimal applications of GenAI, given known issues such as hallucination. Employers need to step up and invest in tools and governance to better support their staff in using this technology. Additionally, usage has to thrive among all types of employees, not just certain demographics, if the tools are to be most effective.”
Improving AI fluency is vital for businesses
The survey also demonstrates that the frequency of use of GenAI is variable. Amongst those using the technology, one in three (36%) do so either daily or weekly, whereas two in five (41%) use it less than monthly. Of these low-frequency users, 23% did not find it helpful, 19% were not satisfied with its answers and 18% claimed they did not know how to use it well.
Meanwhile, many of those aware of GenAI are not familiar with its risks, including potential inaccuracies and biases. Among those aware of GenAI, 25% believe it is always factually accurate, and 26% think it is unbiased. Those who have used GenAI are even more likely to be unaware of risks, as 36% of users believe it is always accurate, and 36% think it is unbiased.
However, among those aware of GenAI, more than half (59%) would be less inclined to trust an email if they knew it was created with GenAI. Similarly, 56% would be less inclined to use a customer service if they knew they were conversing with a GenAI assistant.
Costi Perricos, partner and global Generative AI lead at Deloitte, said: “Whether organisations have supportive or strict policies on the use of Generative AI, it is clear that improving business AI fluency is vital.
“GenAI deployment should be accompanied by a thorough learning and development programme, including training on ethics and responsible use, and guidance on how to get the most value from GenAI tools. HR leaders have a key role to play, creating a clear framework in which their workforce can operate.”
Lee concluded: “In 2024, companies ought to be asking what they should do with GenAI, rather than focusing purely on everything it could do. The C-suite is increasingly looking for proof of return on investment in technologies before funding large scale deployment across their workforce. However, there are barriers to this, as quantifying employee productivity can be difficult, particularly in knowledge-based roles.
“Businesses are also exploring customer facing GenAI tools but should be aware that they may face some initial hesitance as fluency improves. Customers may be more welcoming of GenAI if they can be convinced that it enables a better, faster experience, with higher quality answers. Business leaders must fund and drive this education.”
