Property consultancy boosts Midlands agency team
A property consultancy has strengthened its Midlands agency team after two new hires joined the business.
James Cardon has joined Fisher German’s agency team at its Ashby office as a Sales Manager following a seven-year career in the property industry.
He joins Fisher German alongside Stacey Greatorex, who joins the team as a Sales Coordinator to support the team.
James will be marketing residential property in and around Leicestershire, Derbyshire, and Staffordshire in his new role.
He said: “I’m really pleased to have joined Fisher German at what is a busy time in the Midlands residential market.
“Before I joined Fisher German I worked for a number of years at a local estate agents in Burton-upon-Trent, which gave me a great grounding in my career, but I wanted to move onto something bigger and better.
“When the opportunity came up at Fisher German, I thought it was a great chance to join a larger, multi-disciplinary firm with great presence across the Midlands and nationally.
“I’m looking forward to helping the Midlands agency team go from strength to strength, and I’m confident of hitting the ground running.”
Stacey added: “It’s fantastic to be starting at Fisher German – I’ve had a keen interest in property for a long time so I’m very excited to support the Midlands agency team in achieving its expansion.
“Fisher German has a reputation for supporting its employees and their careers, so I was delighted to secure the role. And since starting, the team have been very welcoming and have enabled me to settle in quickly, so they are practicing what they preach.”
Thomas Blake, who leads Midlands Agency at Fisher German, said: “James and Stacey are excellent additions to the team, blending experience and enthusiasm.
“The Midlands’ market is on an upward curve at the moment, so both of them have joined at a great time for the sector/region.
“We’re excited to see how well they will complement the team and drive it forward over the coming months and years.”
Ringrose Law expands with three new office openings
Ringrose Law has expanded its regional footprint with the opening of three new offices in Grimsby, Peterborough, and Nottingham this week. This significant expansion brings the firm’s presence in the region from five to eight offices, marking a notable milestone in the firm’s growth journey.
The new offices in Grimsby, Peterborough, and Nottingham are a testament to the firm’s ongoing success and its commitment to broadening its reach to serve more individuals and businesses. This expansion has been fuelled by the ongoing growth of the firm’s departments and teams.
With these new openings, Ringrose Law aims to replicate its successful model of providing a comprehensive range of personal and commercial legal services, catering to both individuals and businesses. The firm is dedicated to maintaining the high standards of service and expertise that have been the cornerstone of its operations across the region.
Ryan Clarke, Managing Director of Ringrose Law, expressed his enthusiasm about this phase of growth: “This expansion marks a significant period of growth for Ringrose Law. We are incredibly excited about the opportunities that these new locations will offer us. This achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and teamwork of everyone at the firm. We look forward to continuing to serve our clients with the same level of excellence and professionalism that has defined our practice.”
For over 100 years, Ringrose Law has been providing a wide range of legal services to individuals and businesses in Lincolnshire. Its expertise encompasses family law, divorce, childcare, personal injury, medical negligence, residential and commercial property transactions, wills & probate, discrimination law, dispute resolution, criminal law, and commercial law.
Ringrose Law’s expansion into Grimsby, Peterborough, and Nottingham underscores its commitment to providing accessible, quality legal services and support to more communities. The firm is excited to embark on this new chapter and to continue making a positive impact in the lives of those they serve.
For more information about Ringrose Law and its services, please visit www.ringroselaw.co.uk or contact the firm’s offices directly.
Nottinghamshire site named ‘New Development of the Year’ at trade awards
Homebuilder, Keepmoat is celebrating after its transformation of Gedling colliery has been recognised with a prestigious housebuilding award.
The business was awarded ‘New Development of the Year’ in the 2024 showhome awards for its commitment to developing new homes and flourishing communities in Nottinghamshire.
The regeneration project will see the business invest millions of pounds into transforming the former colliery yard to create a housing development boasting zero carbon ready two, three and four-bedroom homes.
Last year the development became the first in the UK to offer homes built to the anticipated Future Homes Standard (FHS) for open market sale. All the new homes at the development feature air source heat pumps, solar PV panels, increased levels of insulation, EV charging points and smart hot water cylinders, which use AI technology to understand how much hot water people living in the home use on average, to reduce waste.
Celebrating the award win, Land and Partnerships Director at Keepmoat, East Midlands, Robin McGinn, said: “It’s great to win the ‘New Development of the Year’ award in recognition of Gedling Green. It is a testament to the work we are doing to prioritise bringing sustainable dwellings to Nottinghamshire.
“Judging for the awards is rigorous, with just a small number of finalists being selected from hundreds of entrants. The panel commended us on our demonstration of the latest in energy efficient technology and sustainable house building in relation to our flagship Gedling Green site.”
Business Shows Group marks 25 years of excellence in event organisation
Celebrating a memorable milestone, Business Shows Group is marking 25 years of excellence in event organisation. At the core of their heritage lies the Property & Business Investment Show, which runs alongside the East Midlands Expo, serving as a hub for networking and business growth opportunity in the continuously evolving environment of property, construction, finance, and related businesses.
In an age where daily client interactions are frequently limited to virtual contact, the annual events hosted by Business Shows Group serve as a meeting place for like-minded individuals to get together under one roof, generating meaningful conversations and driving business growth.
The appeal of the Expo lies not just in its longevity but in its ability to stimulate business development. In a single day, exhibitors can encounter more clients—new, old, prospective, and current—than they could meet in a month of travel and individual networking events. An indication of a well-curated event, where every handshake holds the promise of future collaboration and success.
Yet, amidst the recognition, a cautionary note resounds; beware the imitators and copycats who seek to ride on the coattails of success. Business Shows Group represents authenticity, its legacy built on quarter of a century of dedication to quality exhibitors & delegates alongside innovative ideas.
Exhibitor booking now for Nottingham, 11th November 2024 Anniversary event and Lincolnshire, 25th March 2025. For further details email tina@businessshowsgroup.co.uk or complete the exhibitor information form at https://businessshowsgroup.co.uk/exhibitor-enquiry/
Midlands administrations surge as stresses mount for businesses
The number of companies in the Midlands filing for administration in the first quarter of the year leapt nearly 40%, according to figures from Interpath Advisory, as stresses facing the region’s businesses take their toll.
Analysis of notices in The Gazette by Interpath shows there were 43 administrations across the Midlands in Q1 2024, a further rise on last year’s corresponding figures (Q1 2023: 31) as the number of companies filing for the process rose.
The figures show a faster increase than the national figures, which saw a modest rise from 321 (Q1 2023) to 328 (Q1 2024). The Midlands accounted for 13% of administrations in Great Britain, up from a share of 10% last year.
The most impacted sectors in the Midlands were Industrial Manufacturing (6 cases), Building & Construction (5 cases) and Business Services and Professional Services each with four cases.
Chris Pole, Managing Director and Head of the Midlands team at Interpath Advisory, said: “There has been a sustained upward pressure on insolvencies in the Midlands and wider UK economy in recent years as Government support has fallen away and businesses have been buffeted by inflation, poor growth, a cautious consumer, and high interest rates.
“The wear and tear that such punishing trading conditions have on company finances is unsustainable for many and we’re seeing that come through in administrations. The rate of failures in the Midlands is running at a greater pace than the national figures, with the likes of manufacturing and construction being sectors under considerable pressure.
“From what we’re seeing on the ground, cashflow pressure is ultimately proving to be the tipping point. Costs have hammered margins, but many management teams have also found it hard to find the revenues that will give them sufficient breathing room.
“A stubborn base rate and tight covenants with lenders combine to make the hard wall that they can then come up against. That distress can spread through supply chains and can impact larger businesses.
“Looking ahead, we expect that the administration rate on an annual basis will continue to rise and to surpass the level we saw immediately before COVID-19 in 2020. That point of inflexion is likely to come towards the end of this year and will represent an important marker in the re-adjustment of the UK economy.
“Let’s not forgot that, while administrations can signal distress the outcome of these processes is equally vital and the other side of the equation. That’s why it is so essential that businesses seek support as early as possible as it can give them the best chance of a positive outcome.”
£1.8bn Viking Link project between Lincolnshire and Denmark launched
National Grid has formally launched the £1.8bn project Viking Link, a 475-mile-long land and subsea cable connecting British and Danish energy grids for the first time.
Running from Bicker Fen converter station in Lincolnshire to one in southern Jutland, Denmark, across both land and sea, Viking Link is sharing British and Danish wind power as both countries become hubs of clean energy in Europe, acting as cornerstone nations for the North Sea super grid of the future.
Viking Link is National Grid’s sixth interconnector and the UK’s ninth, and is a vital instrument in delivering low cost, low carbon power to UK consumers – helping both power grids to balance the peaks and troughs that come with the growing amount of wind power needed to tackle climate change.
Since it commenced initial operations in December 2023, Viking Link has transported 1,733 gigawatt hours (GWh) of power between the two countries – a figure that will only increase over time.
With UK renewables volumes only set to increase, by the 2030s the UK is anticipated to become a net exporter of power, making Viking Link and other interconnectors even more valuable. However, the ability to import power when renewable output is low will be even more vital to ensuring consumer demand is met at the most affordable prices possible.
With Viking Link’s launch and the pipeline of interconnector projects, including LionLink and Nautilus, National Grid is delivering the infrastructure that will directly enable the deployment of 50GW of offshore wind by 2030.
In its first year alone, Viking Link is expected to save 600,000 tonnes of carbon emissions – equal to taking 280,000 cars off UK roads. National Grid’s interconnector fleet as a whole will have helped the UK to avoid around 100 million tonnes of carbon emissions by 2030, with 90% of the energy imported from zero carbon energy sources.
Viking Link alone will bring over £500 million of savings for UK consumers in its first decade of operations, while also providing enough power for 2.5million households.
Group CEO of National Grid John Pettigrew said: “In an ever-changing global energy market, the value that connections like Viking Link can provide to national energy security cannot be understated.
“Over its lifespan, this record-breaking connection will deliver over five billion pounds in efficiencies for UK consumers, allow us to trade hundreds of gigawatts in surplus power and provide an indispensable tool in guaranteeing the continued reliability of our energy system.
“Projects like this are emblematic of the efforts National Grid will make to deliver for customers and climate alike. I’m delighted that we have been able to come together with industry leaders and those who collectively spent four million working hours over five years building Viking Link to recognise that.”
He adds: “Physical connections to other countries are central to the international collaboration that sits at the heart of the energy transition we are undergoing.
“Our existing fleet, Viking Link and our planned Nautilus and LionLink projects will act as the cornerstone for North Sea nations to make the most of up to 300GW of offshore wind generation, delivering low-cost renewable energy to consumers with the least impact on coastal communities.”
Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said: “At 475 miles long, Viking Link is the world’s longest land and subsea interconnector. This incredible feat of engineering will help us achieve net zero while strengthening our shared energy security.
“The record-breaking connection will power up to 2.5 million UK homes with clean energy from a trusted ally, while saving consumers £500 million on their energy bills.”
In 2023 National Grid announced joint plans with TenneT for a new 1.8GW interconnector between the UK and The Netherlands, called LionLink. The link would not only join the two countries but also connect to offshore wind generation.
LionLink would be the second link between the two countries and is expected to be operational in the early 2030s. National Grid is also working with Elia on a second new link called Nautilus, which is in the planning phase with the potential to link the UK with Belgium and offshore wind generation.
New retirement scheme gets the green light
Plans for a new retirement scheme have given the green light in a suburb of Arnold.
McCarthy Stone are behind the plans for the retirement living development on the site of the former Daybrook Laundry, on Daybrook’s Mansfield Road, which was demolished over a decade ago.
The proposals for the partially cleared brownfield land involve the construction of a three storey building containing 51 apartments.
The development would consist of self contained apartments with 15 two bed flats and 36 one bed flats. An area of communal garden ground is planned surrounding the building.
The secret formula to YouTube channel growth
Mastering the art of YouTube can be the key to unlocking incredible growth for your business. But with millions of videos vying for attention, how do you garner enough views on your videos to make it worthwhile producing them? The answer lies in using the ‘Clickbait Balancing Technique’…
Clickbait balancing: part one
The key to fostering more views on your YouTube videos is through click-worthy titles and thumbnails. However, it’s crucial to strike the right balance between being enticing while remaining authentic. Clickbait will lure viewers in, but misleading them will ultimately damage your channel’s reputation and trust.
In a nutshell, the title should spark curiosity and reveal just enough to get the potential viewer interested to click, i.e. “hook” them, but without giving away the entire story or inaccurately representing the content.
Consider a company that manufactures computers. They have just launched a new laptop and want to create a video about it to explain its features. They could go down the boring route of just putting the product name as the video title – e.g. “AP4000 Laptop” and, as a result, end up with very few views. Or, they could use the Clickbait Balancing Technique and title the same video as:
“This Could Completely Change The Computer Industry”
The fact that the “This” is not revealed, means someone must watch the video to find out what the “This” is (the laptop). With a title like this you create intrigue that encourages people to click. Furthermore, this title is impactful – whatever the topic is could, apparently, “completely change” the industry, which adds further mystery to the video and requires someone to watch it to find out why it’s a game-changer, because the ‘why’ isn’t given away in the title.
And that’s step one of the Clickbait Balancing Technique. We have created the clickbait aspect.
Clickbait balancing: part two
Part two is the ‘balancing’ aspect. The word “clickbait” has negative connotations as it is typically associated with misleading content, so while this technique will result in videos that are highly clickable, it’s the ‘balancing’ aspect that removes any form of misrepresentation and helps to retain credibility.
In this example of the computer company and their new laptop, the product needs to genuinely be different enough to other laptops to potentially change the industry, as the title claims, else you would be misleading viewers. As mentioned, if your titles are deceptive, you will damage your reputation and discourage people from watching other videos on your channel.
That’s why it is such an art form trying to balance your title to be intriguing yet not misleading. You need to focus on what is really interesting about your product and how you can create mystery around that, which will make clicking the video irresistible.
You can dramatically reduce the chance of any title being disingenuous by planning the title in advance of filming, to ensure that the video content actually aligns with and even mentions your carefully crafted title. This way, the title does not seem like a misleading after-thought designed merely to get views. Instead, your title will feel authentic as the video content actually addresses and correlates with it.
Local video production company, Glowfrog, started managing one of their client’s YouTube channels a few years ago. The client manufactured fishing tackle products and had been struggling to achieve more than 1,000 views on any video. They were using titles such as “XT Fishing Rod Review” which were not enticing or click-worthy. The most impactful change was to, in these examples, find out what was really compelling about the particular product, and title the video accordingly well before the filming took place – for example “World First: The Only Rod That Does THIS!”
That is so much more intriguing. What is the “THIS” that the rod does? Why is it a “World First”? You haven’t given away the answers to these questions in the title – so to find out, someone must watch the video.
They also filmed the video with this title in mind, ensuring that the person speaking in the video actually mentioned that the product is a world first and what it does differently to all others. In doing this, they created a video with a title that had enough intrigue to be highly clickable, yet also was not misleading whatsoever as the video was very deliberate and addressed the chosen title.
The final step: thumbnail choice
Another key difference was the choice of thumbnail image used. This fishing tackle client would previously just show a picture of the product in the video thumbnail on YouTube, which again did not create any mystery or intrigue. Instead, they started enhancing click-worthiness by tying in the thumbnail picture with the new ‘clickbait but not misleading’ title – for example, showing the fisherman looking at the camera with a shocked expression. The implication being that this fishing rod is so shocking in terms of what it can do that other rods can’t, that you should watch the video and discover why he is so shocked.
Marrying up this new style of title and thumbnail was the secret recipe to massively increasing their YouTube views, growing from around 1,000 per video to up to 40,000 per video. That is the power of the Clickbait Balancing Technique.
Ultimately, while the final choice of title and thumbnail should be clickworthy, by applying the above steps you won’t end up with the classic and hated “clickbait.”
Glowfrog are the leading video production company in the Midlands and work with all kinds of businesses across the region, providing high quality YouTube video production and YouTube channel management, from as little as £250 per video. To arrange your free consultation and find out how they could help with your YouTube channel growth, click the link below.
Visit: www.glowfrogvideo.com/youtube-video-production
Email: hello@glowfrogvideo.com
Phone: 01332 492 465
C-suite executives optimistic for a year of transformation and growth, but say more regulation needed on AI and sustainability
Optimism and confidence are at their highest recorded by the Mazars C-suite barometer. 96% of UK C-suites say that their company grew in 2023, up from 87% the previous year, and in contrast to 89% globally. Furthermore, almost all (98%) predict growth in 2024, and 60% of these say this growth will come organically.
The major topic on the leadership agenda is transformation through IT and new technology as a top strategic priority. 87% of UK C-suite executives believe that generative AI will have an impact on their organisation, with more than half saying this will be a major impact.
More than two thirds say their organisation already uses AI for internal processes and/or products/services – although this is slightly lower than the three quarters globally. However, over half (57%) of UK C-suite executives express ethical concerns over AI, (although globally it’s 74%) and 92% are seeking more regulatory guidance.
Elisabeth Maxwell, Deputy CEO, said: “It is very encouraging to see such optimism among our UK clients for the year ahead despite the uncertain conditions that all businesses are facing. Companies are willing to put investment in again and there are exciting developments on the horizon for AI.
“The feedback that Mazars C-suite barometer has highlighted is that more clarity is needed from regulators to enable businesses to make the best of the opportunities provided by potentially transformational technology and to enable companies to quantify success in sustainability practices.”
Key areas of investment for the UK are customer acquisition and brand strategy/positioning, followed by sustainability initiatives. Compared to other leaders globally, those in the UK have a stronger focus on engaging government/regulators, and less on external growth opportunities. An overwhelming seven in ten thinks more government regulation is important.
Over half (56%) of UK C-suite executives say their organisation produces a sustainability report compared to 71% globally, and furthermore, the proportion of leaders in the UK who are budgeting for sustainability implementation and reporting is also down from 75% last year.
The reason for this is believed to be that for those in the UK producing or planning a report, understanding regulation is now twice as big a challenge than last year, making it the equal biggest challenge alongside data capture/quality. Many UK leaders feel they lack in-house expertise to tackle sustainability properly, compared to leaders globally, who are more concerned about coverage on climate and carbon.
Partner and member of the Mazars Group Executive Board, Mark Kennedy, said: “The high levels of optimism and renewed confidence among our respondents provide a good indicator of how businesses are likely to progress this year.
“In the face of volatility, the C-suite has demonstrated resilience and agility enabling them to continue investment and transform business while addressing the challenges and opportunities of emerging technology, expansion plans and the ESG agenda, setting their businesses up for sustainable growth.
“In what may be a bounce forward year for businesses, there will still be tough decisions to make, yet we can see an increasing consciousness and confidence in the priority areas that will secure sustainable economic growth in the global economy.”
International expansion is also a rising business priority both in the UK and globally. Many UK firms looking at international expansion in the year ahead said that the USA would be their top destination.
New clean energy substation proposed near Chesterfield
National Grid is making changes to its network of electricity infrastructure that transports power around the country, in order to connect new sources of power generated from offshore wind and other low carbon sources to homes and businesses.
The Great Grid Upgrade is said to be the largest overhaul of the grid in generations, playing a large part in the government’s plan to boost homegrown power, helping the UK switch to clean energy and make sure our electricity network is fit for the future, and carrying more clean, secure energy from where it’s generated to where it is needed.
As part of the Brinsworth to High Marnham project, National Grid is proposing to build and operate a new 400 kV substation which will extend to the south of its existing substation site off Calow Lane in Cock Alley, near Chesterfield in Derbyshire.
It is claimed the new substation, which forms a key part of The Great Grid Upgrade, will play an important role in building a more secure and resilient future energy system and provide the ability to transport cleaner energy from the North of England to homes and businesses across the Midlands and beyond, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The local community is invited to find out more about National Grid’s plans and provide their feedback online, at a webinar on Wednesday 1 May, and in-person on Friday 10 May and Saturday 11 May at Calow Community Centre.
The Brinsworth to High Marnham project will support the UK’s net zero target by adding capacity to accommodate increasing power flows of energy generated in particular from offshore wind, in Scotland and North East England, which is expected to double within the next ten years, to areas of demand south to the Midlands and beyond.
By reinforcing the network in the centre of the country, the project will facilitate the connection of more renewable and low carbon electricity, to allow clean green energy to be carried around the network.
Leanne Evans, National Grid project director, said: “Demand for electricity is expected to rise as the way we power our homes, businesses and transport changes. As the nation moves towards net zero, the fossil fuels that once powered our economy will be replaced with sources of low-carbon electricity.
“This project is one of several network upgrades designed to get greater capability out of the existing network; allowing more electricity to pass through the transmission network and help accelerate the connection of clean energy projects.
“We want to hear the views of local communities near the proposed series of works and we encourage the Chesterfield community to participate. We value their input as we develop our plans and feedback from local communities and stakeholders will help inform and shape our proposals.”
National Grid expect the proposed substation in Chesterfield to be operational in winter 2029.
