Bassetlaw businesses welcome support to cut carbon footprint
A Bassetlaw micro-brewery is among 23 businesses to have received funding and support to cut their carbon footprint and boost their environmental credentials.
Welbeck Abbey Brewery is among those to have benefitted from a Decarbonisation Audit and Grant that has been made possible by funding from the UK Government, distributed by Bassetlaw District Council.
The brewery has used its funding to install a new copper kettle and burner, which has helped reduce its carbon emissions by over 11.6 tonnes of CO2 equivalent a year, equal to the average emissions of 11 passengers on a return flight from Paris to New York.
Claire Monk from Welbeck Abbey Brewery said: “Environmental sustainability has been high on the agenda at Welbeck Abbey Brewery for over a decade. However, in recent years we have made a further push to really reduce our carbon footprint.
“The biggest yet most rewarding project has just come to fruition by replacing a 40-year-old brewing kettle with a custom built one. We are delighted to have had both the technical advice and financial support of Bassetlaw District Council through their grant scheme, without which we may not have gone ahead with the replacement.”
Other businesses have successfully completed decarbonisation works such as installing energy efficient lighting, solar panels, or insulation after receiving grants of up to £5k from the council.
It followed a paid for audit which looked at ways businesses in the district could become more sustainable as well as identifying financial savings.
Cllr Charles Adams, Cabinet Member for Business and Skills and Ward Member for Welbeck, said: “It is great to see a local business being supported to grow and innovate through our funding. I look forward to seeing how Welbeck Abbey Brewery continues to develop and expand over the coming decade.”
Forty-five businesses have completed the energy audit with the rest expected to receive their carbon emission cutting grants in the coming months.
Cllr Darrell Pulk, Cabinet Member for Environment and Energy, said: “These Decarbonisation grants are making a real difference to businesses as not only do they help to cut carbon emissions they also save costs, a win, win scenario.
“Our Vision 2040 is for Bassetlaw to become the greenest, most sustainable district to live and work and this will help improve building efficiency for many local businesses.”
Decarbonisation grants worth a total of £60k, split over 12 businesses, are still up for grabs for micro and small businesses who are looking to introduce energy efficient measures, with funding coming from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Extra funding secured for specialist, supported housing scheme
Blaby District Council is investing an extra £57,835 to secure the future of a specialist, supported housing scheme.
At the recent Full Council meeting, it was agreed to release the funding for the project at Grove Road in Blaby village.
The 15 one-bed apartments scheme is being delivered by housing association Norton Housing and Support, and Nottingham Community Housing Association. It will provide much-needed homes for adults with mental health needs.
Together with Homes England the Council had already partially grant funded the scheme with a contribution of £75,000 approved in January 2022.
Construction was progressing well until January 2024 when work ceased due to the developer going out of business.
A new developer has been found but extra costs are involved, requiring all partners to help meet the deficit of £173,505.
Councillor Terry Richardson, Leader of Blaby District Council, said: “It was unfortunate problems beyond our control have arisen with this scheme but I am delighted that members are unanimously committed to the project and voted to make the necessary funds available.
“We recognise there is a lack of this type of supported accommodation available in the District. There are currently 101 single people on the Council’s housing register who have a diagnosed mental health condition. This makes up 33% of all applications from single people. These flats will help meet this need.”
The apartments will be let at social rent and owned and managed by Norton Housing and Support. The Leicestershire-based charity and registered housing association supports adults with mental health needs and women at risk of homelessness.
A housing officer will help residents maintain their tenancy and live as independently as possible. Advice and signposting will be available on life issues such as health, education, employment, grants and benefits.
Councillor Les Phillimore, Blaby District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community, Housing and Environmental Services, said: “We are committed to continuing to support this new housing project. It will provide specialist accommodation for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.”
The apartments are Norton’s first new build scheme.
Devolution bid eyed for the South Midlands
North and West Northamptonshire Councils have partnered with four other authorities in the South Midlands on an expression of interest to Government toward devolution.
Government announced in July that devolution would be a central strand for boosting economic growth inviting local leaders to identify regional partnerships which could benefit from enhanced powers in areas such as transport, housing, skills and employment.
Councils in Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes and North and West Northamptonshire have successfully worked together for many years as part of the Central Area Growth Board, more recently becoming the South Midlands Authorities (SMA). They have worked jointly on a submission to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
As well as enhanced powers, a devolution deal could also leverage in millions of pounds of future investment into the area.
Following on from the expression of interest, government will produce a framework which will provide more detail on how and when devolution could become a reality and what the specific benefits could be for the SMA.
Cllr Adam Brown, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council, said: “Working with our neighbours demonstrates to Government that we have the will and the means to manage greater resources more locally.
“During the first three years of our two new councils, we have demonstrated time and again that we can work together for the benefit of our residents.
“This latest step offers us the opportunity to extend that direct partnership link with our neighbours to the south.”
Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council, said: “This is an exciting step forward on working collaboratively with neighbouring unitary councils on how we can create the conditions to bring increased prosperity to our region.
“This is a very exciting time and the move towards devolution fits perfectly with our Big 50 aspirations to create a proactive, proud and prosperous area for all of our residents.”
Both North and West Northamptonshire Councils, along with the other four SMA authorities, have already approved the establishment of a Joint Committee governance model for the area as part of their South Midlands Authorities management of the former Local Enterprise Partnership functions.
The new governance model replaces the current Central Area Growth Board and in particular its decision-making powers.
Leicester Business Festival to mark 10th year
Celebrating a decade of success, the LBF 2024 line-up has been revealed, featuring over 70 events – now open for free booking on the Leicester Business Festival website.
Running from November 4 to 15 this milestone festival will deliver two weeks of insights from experts across sectors such as creative and digital, professional services, hospitality, education, and more. With topics ranging from AI and entrepreneurship to inclusive workplace strategies, this year’s LBF promises something for every business professional.
Key sessions include:
- Business Owners Masterclass: From ‘No’ to ‘Yes’ (Mon 4 Nov, 10-11am) – Insider tips on improving your chances of securing business loans.
- New Government, New Tax Rates (Mon 4 Nov, 2:30 – 4:30pm) – Explore how new Labour Government policies will impact SMEs.
- Entrepreneurship Day (Tue 5 Nov, 11am – 12:30pm) – A TEDx-style event from DMU featuring inspiring speakers.
- Leveraging AI: A ‘How To’ Guide (Thu 7 Nov, 8:30 – 10:30am) – Learn practical AI applications that can drive growth in your business.
- OMG! I’m starting a business but don’t know where to begin… (Thu 7 Nov, 10am – 12pm) – For aspiring entrepreneurs to engage with a panel of experienced business owners and experts.
- The music diet: business benefits (Thu 7 Nov, 3:30pm – 5pm) – Discover how music and evolutionary science can improve business performance and well-being.
- Sales Geek: How to Sell on Amazon (Tue 12 Nov, 1:15 – 4pm) – Expert guidance on launching and optimizing Amazon sales strategies.
- Bills, Beers, and Bowling (Tue 12 Nov, 6- 8pm) – Bring a copy of your latest energy bill and join the award-winning Assured Energy at Lane 7 for hospitality.
- Pitch Perfect with Barclays Demo Directory (Thu 14 Nov, 10am – 12pm) – Sharpen your pitching skills to thrive in a competitive marketplace.
- Neurodiversity in the Workplace (Fri 15 Nov, 12 – 1:30pm) – A workshop to empower teams to better support neurodiversity.
Henry Group strikes a decade of platinum success
Henry Group Ltd has once again had its excellence acknowledged, having been awarded Platinum Standard at the Deloitte Best Managed Companies Awards 2024 for the 10th consecutive year.
The Deloitte Best Managed Companies Awards celebrate organisational excellence and leadership across various industries, recognising those businesses that go above and beyond to foster sustainable growth, create a positive impact on their communities, and build long-term value.
With the Midlands office of Henry Brothers Construction based in Nottingham and further offices across Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Henry Group is a leading construction company, specialising in delivering innovative and high-quality projects across various sectors including education, healthcare, defence and commercial developments.
Speaking of this achievement, Ian Henry, CR Director of Henry Brothers, said: “Requalifying at Platinum Standard for the 10th consecutive year is a remarkable achievement and testament to our unwavering commitment to our people, planet, and the places we serve.
“At Henry Group, we believe in being Altogether Stronger, striving not only to consistently deliver the highest standards of service but also to make a lasting, positive impact on the environment and our communities.
“This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to driving meaningful change and consistently pursuing excellence in everything we do.”
Earlier this year, Henry Brothers received a King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development, further cementing its position as a responsible business that strives to minimise its environmental impact while maximising positive social and business outcomes.
Ian added: “Henry Group is honoured to have received this accolade, and we look forward to continuing to deliver the best results for every client, every time.”
Estama appointed as the new property manager for Britannia Shopping Centre
Estama has secured a significant asset under its growing portfolio, with Panther Securities PLC appointing the property management company to oversee the Britannia Shopping Centre in Hinckley, Leicestershire.
The 85,000 sq ft indoor retail hub, the only one of its kind in the town, is home to a diverse blend of national and independent retailers, including prominent brands such as Poundstretcher, Boots, Peacocks, and Greggs.
This appointment marks Estama’s continued rapid expansion in the retail management sector.
“We are thrilled to announce that Estama has been appointed by Panther Securities PLC to manage the Britannia Shopping Centre in Hinckley,” said George Grimes, Director & Head of Property Management at Estama.
“The centre, with its mix of retailers and its status as the town’s only indoor retail offering, holds significant potential.
“While the retail sector continues to face challenges, we see an excellent opportunity to work with Panther to drive positive change and enhance the centre’s performance,” he added.
Panther Securities PLC, a prominent player in the property sector, expressed confidence in the partnership with Estama.
Richard Swan BSc(Hons) MRICS, Joint Head of Property at Panther, said: “We are excited to see how the asset evolves with Estama’s expert management.
“Their early recommendations and proactive initiatives have already impressed us, and we look forward to further developing the Britannia Shopping Centre with their guidance,” he added.
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Last chance to secure tickets for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
With the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 taking place TOMORROW (Thursday 3 October), there are limited seats left at the event.
Property and construction professionals will be gathering in the Derek Randall Suite at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, where Business Link will be recognising and celebrating those behind the changing landscape of our region.
The event starts at 4.30pm and concludes at 7.30pm and tickets are available here.
Make use of this opportunity to network with leaders of property and construction businesses from across the East Midlands.
Complimentary drinks and nibbles will be served on arrival. Dress code is standard business attire. The event will also feature Paul Southby as keynote speaker.
Paul is a partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema in Nottingham’s Lace Market, and a longstanding trustee of environmental charity Clean Rivers Trust. He is chair of Nottingham Partners, a group of businesses that supports the work of the local inward investment agency, Invest in Nottingham, and a board member and past chair of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Limited. Paul is also a former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire (2022/23).
Attend the glittering awards ceremony to see who takes home the title of Contractor of the Year, Developer of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Sustainable Development of the Year, Deal of the Year, Most Active Agents of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, Responsible Business and of course Overall Winner.
East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
When: Thursday 3rd October 2024, 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Where: The Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground
Keynote speaker: Paul Southby, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire
Dress code: Standard business attire
Tickets: Available at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/east-midlands-bricks-awards-2024-tickets-902294566337?aff=oddtdtcreator
Thanks to our sponsors:
Shortlist for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
Architects of the Year – sponsored by Mather Jamie IMA Architects Design Haus Architecture Matthew Montague Architects Commercial Development of the Year – sponsored by Global HSE Group Brackley Property Developments – The Dock Extension, Leicester Pick Everard – Nottingham Central Library G F Tomlinson – The Air and Space Institute, Newark Contractor of the Year – sponsored by EMEC Ecology Cawarden Clegg Construction Winvic Deal of the Year – sponsored by Tutum Consulting heb Surveyors – The Oaks, Mansfield FI Real Estate Management – The Quad, Chesterfield Freeths – Former Boots factory site, Beeston Developer of the Year – sponsored by IMA Architects Vistry Group East Midlands Indurent Wavensmere Homes Excellence in Design – sponsored by Cawarden G F Tomlinson – The Air and Space Institute, Newark Design Haus – Musters Road Distinctive Developments – Woodwell and Meadow Barn Most Active Agent – sponsored by Roy Geddes Bricks Rigby & Co FHP Property Consultants Salloway Property Consultants Residential Development of the Year – sponsored by Devello Distinctive Developments – Woodwell and Meadow Barn Phoenix Brickwork UK LTD – IQ Nelson Court Chevin Homes – Chevin Close Responsible Business – sponsored by Press for Attention PR Stepnell Ltd Cawarden Cora Sustainable Development of the Year – sponsored by Viridis Building Services Ltd CPMG – Sir Peter Rubin Centre for Veterinary Education Henry Brothers Construction Ltd – Alfreton Park School Keepmoat – Gedling Green The Overall Winner, sponsored by Blueprint Interiors, will also be announced at the ceremony, who will be awarded a year of marketing/publicity with Business Link worth £20,000.
To be held at:
Senior managers to benefit from return of government-funded programme at Nottingham Business School
Senior managers looking to boost the performance, resilience and long-term growth of their business can benefit from the return of a government-funded programme at Nottingham Business School (NBS) this winter.
The 12-week Help to Grow: Management course supports small and medium-sized businesses and takes place entirely online to allow participants to complete it alongside full-time work.
It is delivered by experts at NBS, part of Nottingham Trent University, which is in the 1% of business schools worldwide to hold triple accreditation for excellence. The programme is worth £7,500 but is 90% funded by the Government.
The course covers key areas such as digital adoption, vision and values, building a brand, organisational design, employee engagement, and creating and implementing growth plans.
It includes facilitated online sessions, practical and interactive workshops, one-to-one mentor support, peer networking, and access to the regional and national Help to Grow alumni programme.
NBS has delivered the programme since 2021, engaging 260 business leaders from 230 SMEs across the East Midlands and covering a range of sectors from construction and manufacturing to solicitors and digital marketing agencies, hospitality and leisure to beauty and wellness.
Tony Phelps, managing director of medical and cleanroom consumables manufacturer, Helapet, used Help to Grow: Management to broaden his understanding of sales and marketing, improve employee retention and progression, and give him the knowledge to delve deeper into the company financial accounts.
He said: “The return on investment is multiple fold with all the information I got from the course in addition to the mentoring and networking opportunities. The delivery, support and co-ordination from Nottingham Business School was fantastic.”
Henna Shah, managing director of Attock Network Products, specialist suppliers to the networking industry, said: “The most beneficial part of the programme for me was that there are so many different modules covered, from finance and marketing to people.
“So, for me, it’s about identifying the gaps in my own knowledge and the business. Doing the course has highlighted the areas of improvement that we need to work on. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to take it up.”
NBS holds Small Business Charter status, a national accreditation awarded to business schools which excel in supporting small businesses, student enterprise, and the local economy. Over the last two years it has engaged hundreds of SMEs and their employees through its UpScaler, Small Business Leadership, and Women in Leadership programmes.
Professor Lynn Oxborrow, programme director at NBS, said: “We have been delivering Help to Grow: Management in the East Midlands for several years now and have witnessed the tangible benefits to the participants and their businesses.
“The course is designed to help them develop a tailored business growth plan to increase productivity, grow revenue, and take their business to the next level.
“Alongside this, we know that they also benefit from the knowledge of their experienced mentors and course leaders, and the opportunity to network and discuss ideas with local peers who are often facing similar challenges.”
The next cohort, which begins on Thursday 21 November, is now open for applications. Business must have between 5-249 employees and have been operating for at least a year to be eligible.
John Pye footballers push to reclaim Charity Shield in Baby Loss Awareness fundraising match
Nottingham-based John Pye & Sons is preparing to field what it hopes is its best ever team for an annual Charity Shield Football match, with the goal of regaining the winners title to take the lead in games won since the Forever Stars charity fundraiser began in 2022.
With the teams currently tied at one win each, this year’s Charity Shield – at Wollaton Football Club on Sunday 13th October – has all the makings of a highly competitive game, says John Pye’s Head of Client Account Management UK & Europe, Tom Fishwick: “With each team having one victory under their belt, everything is up for grabs this year.
“The 2022 and 2023 matches were both fantastic, and while Forever Stars does have some strong players, I am confident we’ve got a great team this year. It’s a tough result to call, but I predict a 4-2 win for John Pye!”
The Forever Stars Charity Shield is one of several highlights of the charity’s packed programme of fundraising events marking Baby Loss Awareness Week (BLAW), an annual event, now in its 22nd year, which runs from the 9th to the 15th October.
Tom comments: “Baby Loss Awareness Week is incredibly important, providing an opportunity to bring people together as a community. It offers a safe and supportive space for anyone affected by pregnancy and baby loss to share their experiences and find comfort in knowing they are not alone.
“As such, Baby Loss Awareness Week is an important week of the year for Forever Stars, and we thought a football match between Forever Stars and John Pye would be an excellent way to bring people together while supporting the cause.
“I, along with many others at John Pye, have a long-standing connection with Wollaton Football Club and they generously provide their pitch and clubhouse free of charge for the Charity Shield.
“The main event is the football match and this kicks-off off at 1pm. Alongside, there will be plenty of fun activities for families, including raffles, food stalls, and penalty shootouts, making it a great day out for everyone!
“Ultimately, the day is all about raising awareness of baby loss and money for Forever Stars – the two matches to date have raised a combined £7000 total, and we hope to boost this already incredible total amount in 2024.”
Michelle and Richard Daniels created Forever Stars in May 2014 following the stillbirth of their daughter Emily on 19 December 2013. The charity is dedicated to supporting families living in Nottingham and the East Midlands who have suffered a stillbirth or infant loss.
All funds raised by Forever Stars during BLAW will go towards its 10th birthday campaign project, Supporting 1 in 4. Richard explains: “Ward A23 at Nottingham’s Queens Medical Centre is where around 10 families per day visit when they are having a miscarriage.
“The demands on the ward are huge but the resources for families are very limited, so we want to completely revamp their treatment rooms, garden and waiting room, as part of our 10 year anniversary, to reinforce our core values of supporting local baby loss families from hospital through to the community.”
Tom adds: “Although John Pye & Sons now operates throughout the UK, we are proud to be a Nottingham-based company, with our Head Office located in the city. Social value is at the core of our business, and we actively support numerous charities both in Nottingham and across the country.
“Forever Stars is one of our chosen charities, and is a remarkable local organization. The story behind its founding is deeply heartbreaking, but what Richard and Michelle have built, driven by their tragic loss, is truly inspiring. We are honored to support their incredible work in any way we can.”
“I thoroughly enjoy supporting Forever Stars, and the activities during BLAW are always brilliant,” he adds. “Since the partnership started my John Pye colleagues and I have supported various activities, from helping paint one of the rooms at the Serenity Centre at QMC, to volunteering at the Forever Stars Serenity Garden, donating raffle prizes and supporting the events during BLAW.
“Our team have got to know Richard, Michelle and the Forever Stars’ army of volunteers, and listened to their personal stories, the heartbreak they have gone through, and how they have turned this into a positive. The whole Forever Stars are inspiring, and it’s an honor to be able to play a small part in helping raise awareness and funding.”
Forever Stars’ full programme of events for BLAW 2024 is:
- Wednesday 9th October – Chasing Stars Quiz Night, Wollaton Sports Association
- Thursday 10th October – Cake Sale, Forever Stars Serenity Centre, QMC Nottingham
- Friday 11th October – Pink & Blue Day, and One Step at a Time 26-mile fundraising walk
- Saturday 12th October – Siblings Workshops and Plant a Pink or Blue Flower
- Sunday 13th October – Charity Shield with John Pye, Wollaton Sports Association
- Monday 14th October – Make Lemonade Comedy Night, Wellbeck Hall
- Tuesday 15th October – Wave of Light; light a candle at 7pm
