Sort Legal Awarded Top SME Apprenticeship Employer Award
A Derby-based law firm is flying the flag for the city after being named in this year’s Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employer awards.
Sort Legal, whose head office is in Derby and has a second office in Cardiff, ranked 24th at this year’s awards, which recognise the nation’s top apprenticeship employers.
First compiled in 2020, the prestigious annual employer rankings have been developed by the Department of Education, in partnership with High Fliers Research, who independently assess and rank the nation’s top apprenticeship employers.
The Top Apprenticeship SME Employer category assesses employers with up to 249 employees and measures an employer’s commitment to employing apprenticeships, the number of new apprenticeships created, the diversity of their new apprenticeships, and the progression of their apprentices onto further employment.
Over the past few years, the conveyancing industry has experienced a decline in recruitment, which has been worsened by the pandemic. This has led to many people leaving the industry, which drove Sort Legal to explore the apprenticeship route. The company now invests heavily in apprentices to support its longer term growth plans.
This award reflects and celebrates the hard work by the company’s apprentices and the investment Sort Legal has made into its recruitment, growth, and development strategy.
Sort Legal currently has an impressive cohort of apprentices, with three trainee legal cashiers, alongside two apprentice administration assistants specialising in business administration at Level 3.
The company is set to recruit two more apprentice administration assistants shortly.
The success of Sort Legal’s apprenticeship programme is highlighted by their recent accomplishments of several apprentices. Four apprentice administration assistants recently completed their apprenticeships and have been promoted to the role of remortgage paralegals.
Two legal cashiers have successfully passed their apprenticeships and been promoted to group management accountants studying AAT Level 4. One apprentice in accounts has been promoted to group finance manager after passing AAT Level 3 in 2022 and is set to complete their Level 4 in 2024.
Commenting on the award, CEO Kevin Tunnicliffe, said: “We are delighted to be ranked 24th in the Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers 2023. This is a huge accolade and one we are very proud of.
At Sort Legal, we are keen to develop, train and provide our employees with not only a role, but a career to be proud of. This award celebrates the effort everyone has put into our recruitment strategy so far.
“We believe in empowering every individual to achieve their full potential and will continue to deliver opportunities for the city’s apprentices in the future,” added Kevin.
Gillian Keegan, Secretary of State for Education, added: “I want to congratulate and thank all the businesses that made the 2023 rankings.
“Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for people of all ages and background to earn while they learn, whilst ensuring employers develop the pipeline of skilled professionals they need to grow and thrive.
“These rankings highlight the huge range of apprenticeship opportunities right across the country, from renewable energy projects to video game design, and marine navigation.
“As a degree apprentice myself, I am passionate about ensuring more people can access the same opportunity I did – and I’m delighted that our 2023 rankings help us showcase the best of the best in apprenticeships.”
Sort Legal was launched in 2017 and provides quality legal services to clients wishing to buy, sell or remortgage their homes. Sort Legal is a branch of Sort Group, which also includes SortRefer and Sort Move.
Contractor Clegg Group celebrates Nottinghamshire Day with milestone
A nearly 100-year-old company that has spent a quarter of its life in Nottingham is celebrating Nottinghamshire Day by reflecting on the past 25 years in the city.
Clegg Group was founded in Nottingham Road, Ilkeston, in Derbyshire, in 1932 – as D.E. Clegg & Co Ltd.
After sustained growth, the company relocated to The Lace Market in Nottingham in 1998 and is this year celebrating being in the city for 25 years, operating as both design and build contractor (Clegg Construction Ltd) and food sector specialists (Clegg Food Projects Ltd).
On Nottinghamshire Day (25th August), Clegg Group is reflecting on the way it has helped to shape the city and the county, and the links the company has built with a range of good causes and charities in the area.
Key projects delivered by Clegg Construction include the £27m River Crescent apartment development, which is at the forefront of the Trentside regeneration, Center Parcs’ highly sustainable offices and headquarters, situated within Sherwood Energy Village, two state-of-the-art stands (Bridgford Road and Fox Road), floodlights and an electronic scorecard for Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club at Trent Bridge, plus a first-class training facility created for Nottingham Forest Football Club.
Clegg has developed multiple projects with the city’s universities and also local schools. Its partnership with the University of Nottingham began in 2000 with an extension to the East Midlands Conference Centre and the company is currently on site modernising the university’s historic Florence Boot Hall building – a project that was highly commended in the East Midlands Energy Efficiency Awards.
Clegg also delivered the University of Nottingham’s Energy Technology Building – which was awarded the country’s first BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating for an educational building – plus the RIBA Award-winning, BREEAM Excellent Lyth Building recently completed for Nottingham Trent University, as well as a sixth form centre for Rushcliffe Academy in West Bridgford, Victoria House student accommodation in the city centre, and a 191-bed student accommodation scheme on Nottingham Trent University’s Brackenhurst Campus.
The company is currently on site at Carlton le Willows Academy.
In addition, Clegg Food Projects, which designs and builds specialist manufacturing facilities nationally, has delivered a wide range of schemes in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire over the years, including multiple projects at Pork Farms, including factory extensions, three developments at Northern Foods in Bulwell, including a pizza factory, two projects at Freshcut Foods, plus two schemes at Riverside Bakery, which included a food factory extension and office refurbishment.
Clegg Construction Pre-Construction Director, Ross Crowcroft, said: “Clegg Group has a long history in the East Midlands, having been founded more than 90 years ago in Derbyshire.
“Today, on Nottinghamshire Day, it’s fitting that we celebrate and look back on the 25 years that we have been based in Nottingham. We are immensely proud of the role we have played in the community – helping to shape the city and the county, and supporting a number of good causes.”
Nottingham’s CPMG Architects appointed to NHS construction framework for the first time
National award-winning architecture and interior design practice CPMG has been appointed to the NHS Shared Business Services’ (NHS SBS) Healthcare Planning, Construction Consultancy and Ancillary Services Framework Agreement.
A first for CPMG, this appointment helps to build on the team’s framework portfolio and expand its work for clients in the public sector. The four-year framework agreement has an estimated value of projects worth £1.6 billion and is divided into 11 service-based lots.
NHS SBS was created in 2004 by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and is the country’s leading supplier of corporate services to the NHS. NHS SBS procurement routes can also be utilised by any public sector organisation.
After a rigorous tender process, CPMG has been appointed to Lot 1: Architectural Services and will be designing construction projects at all RIBA stages and across various regions. CPMG will be one of 70 suppliers on this lot, with access to a project value of around £200 million.
Richard Flisher, managing director at CPMG, said: “Securing a place on this framework agreement is a great achievement for the team and will provide a simple pathway for us to be appointed directly by public sector clients.
“While this is a new framework for us, our team has vast experience in the public sector and in healthcare specifically, dealing with all manner of healthcare typologies including primary care facilities, extensions and refurbishments within live hospital settings, as well as new facilities at acute hospitals. This includes the recent award-winning hybrid theatre at Royal Derby Hospital.”
The work falls in line with many of CPMG’s typical architectural commissions, such as the successful recent AIRC Centre at Cranfield University – this commission was carried out as part of an NHS SBS team led by a consultant on the framework.
CPMG excelled in its social value and sustainability submission, subjects which the NHS SBS prioritises, the firm was able to support its commitment to becoming a carbon neutral business by 2029 with evidence of a 49% reduction in its Scope 1,2 & 3 carbon emissions since 2019. In addition, CPMG has achieved EPC ‘A’ on every new build since 2019, is a certified Passivhaus designer having designed the UK’s first commercial Passivhaus building and serving as the designer on 22 BREEAM ‘Excellent’ buildings.
Richard said: “This will benefit our growth strategy greatly, particularly in the London and Birmingham studios where the framework can open new markets. It also follows another recent win in our home territory where we secured a re-appointment to the University of Nottingham consultancy framework. We are excited to be part of such a well-established and industry critical framework with NHS SBS and are looking forward to exploring the opportunities and forging new relationships that arise through this.”
Just one week remains to make your nominations for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023!
With just one week remaining until nominations close for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023, ensure to submit your entries for the annual celebration of the property and construction industry by Thursday 31 August.
Scheduled to take place on Thursday 28 September, the Bricks shine a light on the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of our region, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the East Midlands – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. We also highlight the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes.
The glittering awards ceremony revealing winners, at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, will also offer the perfect chance to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region. The event will additionally feature Mike Denby, Director of Inward Investment and Place Marketing at Leicester City Council, as keynote speaker.
Nominations for the awards are open until Thursday 31 August. To enter your (or another) business/development for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023, please click on a category link below or visit this page:
To be held at:
- Most active estate agent
- Commercial development of the year
- Responsible business of the year
- Residential development of the year
- Developer of the year
- Deal of the year
- Architects of the year
- Excellence in design
- Sustainable development of the year
- Contractor of the year
- Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, the winner will be selected from those nominated)
Find out who last year’s winners were here.
Book your tickets now
Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 – click here to secure yours. The special awards evening and networking event will be held on Thursday 28 September 2023 in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. Connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region, and hear from Mike Denby, Director of Inward Investment and Place Marketing at Leicester City Council, our keynote speaker. Dress code is standard business attire. Thanks to our sponsors:
To be held at:
Lincoln scientists win Wellcome Trust funding to tackle health issues reelated to climate change
A Lincoln-based team of scientists have achieved first prize in the Wellcome Data Science Ideathon; a competition designed to develop and pitch ideas on how to solve urgent global health challenges using data science.
The group of experts from the University of Lincoln, UK, combined their expertise in computer science, environmental behaviour, meteorology, primary and rural health, and deep learning, to develop software for a platform which aims to improve mental health and respiratory-related challenges.
By coming first, the team conferred eligibility to receive a Wellcome Trust grant of up to £100,000 to develop a prototype mobile phone application that can monitor methane levels by locale, linked to user demographics, and alert them to any health pathways needed to help them prevent health emergencies.
Increasing changes in climate could pose a direct threat to human health – in particular, mental health disorders and respiratory problems such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – recent literature suggests there is a significant increase in the number of people requiring urgent medical attention.
Dr Harriet Moore, Senior Lecturer at the University of Lincoln, said: “Currently, there is not a great deal of research relating to methane emissions and their negative impact on health-related issues.
“Our platform aims to bridge this gap and act as a mobile phone application alert system that would notify users on whether they need to use preventative measures to mitigate a decline in existing health conditions, brought about by an increase in methane emissions.”
Professor of Primary and Pre-hospital Health Care at the University, Niro Siriwardena, said: “We are becoming increasingly aware of the serious effects of climate and pollution on health, which is now developing into one of the most pressing health issues to face the UK and the rest of the world.
“This study led by Dr Harriet Moore is a fantastic opportunity for geographers, rural health, health improvement, and computer scientists at the University of Lincoln, in collaboration with academic partners at the University of Ghana, to contribute to our understanding of this problem and its potential solutions.”
The team will continue to develop and refine the prototype, acknowledging the numerous ethical and global considerations before being released for general use.
Two-thirds of Midlands businesses stuck in a tax dispute lasting more than one year
Almost two-thirds of Midlands businesses (65%) say they are currently involved in a tax dispute with HMRC which has lasted more than one year, according to a new survey from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO.
The new figures, which come from a BDO survey of more than 500 mid-sized businesses, underline the difficulty that many businesses have in navigating the UK’s complex tax system. The delays also reflect widely reported concerns around HMRC’s resources and its ability to swiftly respond to and resolve taxpayer queries.
Those businesses embarking on formal legal disputes with HMRC also face a long wait for resolution. HMRC’s latest annual report shows there were 39,500 tax tribunal appeals ongoing on 31 March 2023, an 8% rise on the previous year. For large businesses subject to an HMRC enquiry, the average length of time taken to settle an enquiry – including those in litigation – is 36 months.
Although the vast majority (90%) of those Midlands businesses surveyed by BDO who were in dispute with HMRC said they were aware of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) routes to resolving tax issues, ADR rates remain relatively low. The latest information shows there were only 1,013 applications for ADR in 2022/23.
Lucy Sauvage, BDO partner who leads BDO’s Tax Risk team in Birmingham, said:
“The UK’s tax system can be very complex and difficult to navigate, so it’s no surprise that this can result in business tax disputes. Simplifying and modernising the system would certainly help to reduce these difficulties. There is also a strong argument for giving HMRC more resources which would enable it to offer a better service to small and medium-sized businesses, the vast majority of whom simply want to pay the right amount of tax.
“Cases in litigation can significantly increase the length of time an HMRC enquiry takes to resolve. Many businesses would, therefore, do well to explore the option of Alternative Dispute Resolution at an early stage. HMRC seeks to conclude the ADR process within 120 days which is a far shorter timescale than would otherwise be the case.”
Salman Anwar, Associate Director at BDO in the Midlands, added: “With 87% of ADR cases concluding in resolution this is an important and valuable tax dispute resolution tool. However, the later ADR is considered, the higher the risk of wasted time and high costs associated with an unnecessarily protracted dispute.”
Under the ADR process, trained HMRC mediators work with applicants and the HMRC officer dealing with their case in order to explore ways to resolve the dispute.
ADR can be used at any stage of a tax enquiry, including, but not only, after HMRC has issued a decision.
Each application for ADR is treated on a case-by-case basis. HMRC will let applicants know within 30 days of receiving an application whether the ADR route is an acceptable means of resolving a dispute.
Volunteering team lead joins Safe and Sound
Derbyshire’s specialist child exploitation charity, Safe and Sound, has appointed a new team lead to support and grow the organisation’s growing group of volunteers.
Rach Bricknell joins Safe and Sound from a children’s charity where she both volunteered her time and worked on fundraising and events having previously set up her own candle making business and worked in a variety of accounting, business administration and retail roles.
At Safe and Sound, she will support the current volunteering team who carry out vital work across the organisation from outreach sessions and youth activities to administrative and ambassadorial role.
Safe and Sound CEO Tracy Harrison explained: “Rach’s experience in the charity sector – both as a paid officer and a volunteer – as well as her entrepreneurial flair in running her own business will be a great asset to the charity.
“Volunteers are the backbone to organisations such as Safe and Sound and this appointment steps up the support and development to the wide range of people from all walks of life who give their time to help us in work with children, young people and families across Derbyshire whose lives have been affected by child exploitation.
“Our volunteers support us in a number of ways. For example, parents of children targeted both online and in person by perpetrators have progressed to become peer mentors – supporting other families through their journey.
“Our youth work and outreach teams are supported by volunteers with an array of life experience to ensure that we can reach out and engage with young people across the city and county.
“We also have a wide range of professionals who provide support for the charity – taking on roles as trustees and ambassadors and also providing their expertise to us free of charge.”
Rach Bricknell continued: “I am excited to be part of an amazing charity that does such incredible work to support and protect some of the most vulnerable young people and families across the county.
“I know from personal experience that nothing beats the feeling that you have given something back in whatever way you can. It is also the opportunity to learn more about the issues that people face in their lives and to develop new skills which are invaluable in all aspects of home and work life.
“I am relishing the role – both in working with our existing volunteers and to recruiting more people to keep pace with the growing demand for Safe and Sound’s support services. Their input really can make a positive difference to the lives of so many people in our local communities.”
Serviced apartments provider, The Stay Company, invests in digitalisation
The Stay Company, a leading serviced apartments provider in the East Midlands, has announced its recent investment in digital technology, aimed at revolutionising guest experience and streamlining operational efficiency.
The company, which has a portfolio of over 100 luxury apartments across Derby and Nottinghamshire, offer spacious and flexible accommodation for corporate clients looking for extended stays, as well as leisure travellers to the cities.
Key to this transformative initiative is the introduction of the KeyCafe – an automated key collection system that redefines the check-in and check-out process through smart key exchange. Cloud-based access control offers a 24/7 contactless arrival and departure experience, improving guest satisfaction and reducing operational costs. Enhanced efficiency and transparency are also achieved, thanks to the accompanying app that allows the business to track all keys from a single account.
In addition, the implementation of industry software Duve, has transfigured The Stay Company’s service offering. Tailored specifically for the hospitality and hotel sector, Duve provides a comprehensive system that consolidates all guest details and communication, such as reason of visit, language, interests and travel method. With its built-in location tool, guests can find directions to the property with street view imagery and links to a map, all through the new software.
Through one single, user-friendly interface, Duve allows The Stay Company to segment guest journeys, from the initial enquiry, to booking information, to check out. From personalised online check-in flows, through a tailored guest app, and with an integrated personal messaging feature through channels such as SMS, WhatsApp and emails – Duve is poised to transform guest interactions and simplify operations for The Stay Company.
“Through embracing these innovative technologies, we can elevate our entire guest experience, making a stay with The Stay Company even more seamless, convenient, and enjoyable,” says Sara Boguslawska, Guest Service Manager at The Stay Company. “Our guests deserve the best, and this digital transformation is a testament to our commitment to improving our service offering.”
“Investing in digitalisation isn’t just a choice, but a strategic imperative for The Stay Company. Our mission is to provide a home-from-home experience with our luxury apartments; these new technologies will help us shape the future of hospitality and meet the growing demand for premium, extended stay accommodation in and around the East Midlands,” concludes Dan Wilkinson, Director of The Stay Company.
Only 8 days left to submit your entries for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023!
With only 8 days left before nominations close on Thursday 31 August for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023, don’t miss out on this key opportunity to shine a light on your business’s achievements and teams, reward hard work and boost morale.
The annual event, organised by East Midlands Business Link Magazine, is an independent awards and publicity programme recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools.
The prestigious awards attract leaders from across the region and are the perfect way for businesses to promote themselves and those they work with. Indeed winning one of these awards will add considerably to a company’s or individual’s brand and enhance their commercial reach significantly.
Award categories include: most active estate agent, commercial development of the year, responsible business of the year, residential development of the year, developer of the year, deal of the year, architects of the year, excellence in design, sustainable development of the year, contractor of the year, and overall winner.
Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 28 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening that will also provide plenty of time to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region.
To enter your (or another) business/development for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023, please click on a category link below or visit this page:
To be held at:
- Most active estate agent
- Commercial development of the year
- Responsible business of the year
- Residential development of the year
- Developer of the year
- Deal of the year
- Architects of the year
- Excellence in design
- Sustainable development of the year
- Contractor of the year
- Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, the winner will be selected from those nominated)
Find out who last year’s winners were here.
Book your tickets now
Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 – click here to secure yours. The special awards evening and networking event will be held on Thursday 28 September 2023 in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. Connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region, and hear from Mike Denby, Director of Inward Investment and Place Marketing at Leicester City Council, our keynote speaker. Dress code is standard business attire. Thanks to our sponsors:
To be held at:
Brackley Property Developments reveals plans for new light industrial scheme in Leicester
Brackley Property Developments (BPD) has won the remit from Leicester City Council through a competitive tendering process, to transform a currently vacant property in Leicester into job-creating light industrial units.
The commercial developer has entered into a Development Funding Agreement with Leicester City Council for the redevelopment of the vacant Ian Marlow Centre, a former council depot site on Blackbird Road.
The scheme proposes the clearance of the existing buildings and the development of 21 small units offering a combined c.30,400 sq ft of new light industrial accommodation.
Demolition is expected to start this month (August 2023) when a full planning application for the scheme will also be submitted for approval. If planning consent is granted, BPD could start construction of the scheme later this year/early 2024.
BPD is also working with Leicester City Council to expand its existing Dock and Dock 2 workspace hub with two new Dock-style office buildings and a terrace of nine high-quality manufacturing spaces.
Both projects are being supported by funding from the government’s Levelling Up fund.
Stephen Pedrick-Moyle, managing director of BPD, said: “This development will deliver much-needed small business units for occupiers in the city.
“We plan to clear the site and develop high-quality, light industrial accommodation that will contribute to the Council’s efforts to attract and retain high-tech industries in the city. It will not only promote business growth but has the potential to create skilled employment opportunities.”
