Impact HR Consulting appoints new CEO

Tess Egginton
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Impact HR Consulting appoints new CEO
Impact HR Consulting Limited has appointed experienced business leader and HR professional Greg Guilford as its new Group CEO. Greg joins Impact HR Consulting with more than 20 years’ experience in senior leadership, consultancy and HR. At his previous consultancy in Northants he spent 17 years as CEO. Since leaving his previous consultancy in 2024, Greg founded a consultancy business, Aeon Nexus Growth Partners, which supports small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with business growth strategy, investment advice and practical leadership and operations support. Greg has also volunteered as a business mentor with Enterprise Nation and taken on an advisory board member role with TechSkills. Founded in 2018 as Kingswood Group, Impact HR Consulting recently rebranded following a series of acquisitions in Essex, Leeds and Leicester. Greg said: “I am delighted to be joining Impact HR Consulting at such an exciting time in its journey. The business has built an excellent reputation for delivering high-quality HR services, and the new brand reflects its ambition to make a real impact for clients, which I am a firm believer in. “I look forward to working with the talented team to continue driving growth and ensuring we deliver the very best HR services to businesses across the UK.”

Winvic achieves Net Carbonzero certification

Tess Egginton
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Winvic achieves Net Carbonzero certification
Winvic Construction has achieved Net Carbonzero certification through the Achilles Climate Impact Programme, following verification under ISO14064 Part 3. Now operating as a Carbon Neutral business, Winvic has reduced its overall carbon footprint by 71% in compliance with the Part 3 requirements. The announcement highlights the contractor’s ongoing commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and the transparency of its auditing through globally recognised and verified scheme, Achilles. An early adopter to measuring emissions, Winvic began its carbon reduction journey 13 years ago. In that time the contractor has implemented a range of measures to reduce its impact on the environment and embed sustainability across all operations – from investing in renewable energy, battery back-up generators, alternative fuels and energy sources, to waste reduction initiatives and creating its Green Supply Chain (GSC) Forum. Establishing its Sustainability Strategy in 2020, using the pillars of People, Innovation, Planet and Community, these pillars gave Winvic a roadmap to work towards its sustainability goals, including that of being a Carbon Neutral business and directly support seven of the United Nations’ Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since 2012, Winvic has been monitoring and measuring its Green House Gas (GHG) emissions, and has achieved the Achilles Carbon Reduce Programme Certification in line with ISO 14064-1 annually since 2022. This globally recognised certification is aligned with Science Based Target initiatives (SBTis) and industry best practice for carbon emission measuring and reporting. As part of Winvic’s steps to reduce Scope 3 emissions and reach carbon neutrality, in 2021 it launched the GSC Forum, a platform designed to educate and collaborate with supply chain partners on sustainability, decarbonisation, and social value. Through bi-annual workshops, one-to-one support, and monthly communications, Winvic engages its 80 GSC partners providing them with the relevant knowledge on ESG principles and decarbonisation, as part of its commitment for a Net Zero future. Winvic also plays an active role in shaping the future of sustainable construction and ESG policy at a national level. It is a project partner of the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) on a number of decarbonisation initiatives. These include updating the initial Net Zero Carbon Buildings Framework, which laid the foundation for defining Net Zero carbon buildings, the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard Pilot Testing Programme, helping to shape aligned metrics and targets, the Advancing Net Zero Workstream, to help facilitate an accelerated pathway to decarbonisation, and the Supply Chain Forum, a community of peers within UKGBC to share challenges and discuss solutions. In 2024, Winvic was invited to join the Advisory Board of the Policy Liaison Group (PLG) on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), as the sole main contractor representing the construction industry in Westminster. Arun Thaneja, technical services and sustainability director at Winvic, said: “We want to raise the bar for delivering sustainable buildings and infrastructure for our clients, while also leaving a lasting social, environmental and economic legacy. Our newly achieved Carbon Neutral status is testament to that ambition and the progress we have made to decarbonising our operations. “We are incredibly proud to have achieved the certification, and we continue on our carbon reduction journey while supporting and encouraging our GSC partners and clients on their own pathways to a Net Zero future.” Rob Cook, managing director – civils & infrastructure at Winvic, said: “Achieving Carbon Neutral status reinforces our responsibility as an industry leader to set the standard for sustainable construction and infrastructure delivery. “This certification and milestone on our journey to Net Zero is not only important to Winvic, but it enables us to support our clients, including National Highways and other public sector partners, who place strong emphasis on reducing environmental impact and achieving Net Zero targets across their programmes. “It’s a milestone we’re proud of, but it’s also a platform to go further, working collaboratively with our clients, partners, and supply chain to deliver low-carbon solutions that make a real and lasting difference.”

Nottingham set for £1.8m active travel investment

April Lara
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Nottingham set for £1.8m active travel investment

Over £1.8 million in external funding is being directed towards improving walking and cycling routes in Nottingham, as part of the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s latest investment in sustainable transport infrastructure.

Nottingham City Council will review plans to formally accept the funding, which includes £1.3 million for the redevelopment of Gregory Boulevard between Mansfield Road and Noel Street. The proposed works would enhance connectivity between the city centre, Sherwood, and nearby educational, leisure, and transport facilities, forming part of a wider active travel network.

The Gregory Boulevard scheme aims to enhance accessibility and safety for pedestrians and cyclists by upgrading crossings, resurfacing roads, and improving pathways. The improvements would reduce future maintenance disruption and provide better access to venues such as the Forest Recreation Ground, the Forest Park & Ride, and the Forest Sport Zone.

An additional £459,814 has already been allocated to explore future walking and cycling schemes across Nottingham and to continue supporting community cycling initiatives in partnership with British Cycling. The ongoing programme has already introduced thousands of residents to cycling, helping increase participation in active travel across the city.

The proposals will be opened to public consultation before construction begins.

Launch your business to new heights with Lincoln College’s Skills Bootcamps

Tess Egginton
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Launch your business to new heights with Lincoln College’s Skills Bootcamps
Got a potential superstar within your business? Do you know someone who has shown a growth mindset? Or do you just want to become a better leader yourself? Then Lincoln College’s Skills Bootcamps could be the way to develop and grow your workforce to face the challenges of the future. Director of Business Development & Partnerships at Lincoln College, Mark Taylor, says: “Delivered over 10 weeks, the Emerging Leaders Programme supports succession planning by offering those members of your workforce who aspire to be managers/supervisors an opportunity to learn the essential skills to be an effective leader. the ILM Level 3 Certificate in Leadership. “The course is designed to enhance participants’ leadership abilities, focusing on how leaders think, communicate, and act, as well as earning the ILM Level 3 Certificate in Leadership. It is a fantastic opportunity to not only identify the leaders of the future, but to level up your workforce in a very cost-effective way.” Additionally, participants will also complete the Extraordinary Leadership Programme, delivered by the leading local management consultancy, Human Alchemy. Operations Manager for We Sell Tyres and Excelr8 Motorsport Dan Zelos, who has undergone the 10-week course, said: “As an Operations Manager, I’m always looking for new ways to level up, for myself, my teams, and the business. “This course was incredibly insightful and expertly tailored to help managers like me challenge conventional thinking and drive high performance across the board. “I’d highly recommend the course to anyone in a similar role — or those with ambitions to get there.” The modules, taught at Lincoln and Newark, cover everything from communication to leadership skills, focusing on technology, strategies and much more. Individuals joining this course need to be able to give up one day a week for the full ten week course. Costs are subsidised, for SMEs (under 250 employees) the cost is £265 per learner (90% funded). For large companies (250+ employees), the cost is £795 per learner (70% funded). Newark businesses will pay £199.50 if they are an SME and £598.50 if they have over 250 employees. To find out more, visit https://info.lincolncollege.ac.uk/skills-bootcamps

UK spinout investment hits record £3.35bn in 2024

April Lara
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UK spinout investment hits record £3.35bn in 2024

Investment in UK university spinouts reached a record £3.35bn in 2024, marking a 44% rise on the previous year, according to new data from Parkwalk and Beauhurst. The figures highlight renewed investor confidence following a slowdown in 2023, with average equity investment climbing from £4.96m to £7.49m.

Life sciences remained the leading sector for capital raised, particularly in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, supported by continued interest in research commercialisation. Deep tech, AI, and data infrastructure firms also attracted significant backing, reflecting alignment with national innovation priorities.

Parkwalk emerged as the most active spinout investor during the year, completing 41 deals, or 54 when including transactions through its parent, IP Group.

The report points to a growing reliance on long-term capital and policy stability to sustain momentum in university-linked innovation. Analysts note that while the UK continues to demonstrate global strength in research translation, access to scale-up funding remains a decisive factor for future growth.

UK economy returns to slow growth in August

Tess Egginton
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UK economy returns to slow growth in August
The UK economy returned to growth in August, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Monthly GDP (gross domestic product), a key measure of economy growth, is estimated to have increased by 0.1%, following a revised fall of 0.1% in July and a growth of 0.4% in June. It reflects, across key sectors, services showing no growth month-on-month, construction output dropping by 0.3%, and production output increasing by 0.4%. For the three months to August, real GDP grew by 0.3%, compared with the three months to May, a slight increase following growth of 0.2% in the three months to July. This saw services output grow by 0.4%, production output fall by 0.3%, and construction output increase by 0.3% in the three months to August, compared with the three months to May. Ben Jones, CBI lead economist, said: “Today’s figures confirm that growth over the summer was slower than during the first half of the year. Activity remains patchy across sectors, with many businesses reporting subdued demand and higher operating costs. And firms are choosing to sit tight on hiring and investment until there’s more clarity on the policy outlook. “The Budget provides a critical opportunity for the government to reaffirm its commitment to growth. Going further on planning reform is a positive first step and firms will be looking for further supportive interventions on November 26th. “This includes delivering the strategic reforms required to simplify the tax system, positioning business to invest in the skills they need through a fully flexible Growth and Skills Levy and exploring further measures to address the UK’s high energy costs.”

Shoreditch hub expands Cooper Parry’s national network

April Lara
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Shoreditch hub expands Cooper Parry’s national network

Cooper Parry has opened a new London base at Broadwalk House in Shoreditch, extending its network of seven superhubs across the UK. The 17,000-square-foot space on Appold Street houses more than 300 staff, including teams specialising in technology, audit, law, and tax.

The new hub is designed to promote flexible working and closer collaboration between departments. It features multiple meeting rooms, quiet areas, social zones, upgraded technology, and a wellness room. The workspace also includes dedicated sections such as touchdown areas for hybrid workers, a focus zone called the Secret Garden, and a main collaborative area known as the Field of Dreams.

The site was developed in partnership with Office Principles, incorporating findings from a workplace assessment to improve usability and efficiency. Facilities include event space, grab-and-go food options, and additional desks to support hybrid work models.

Cooper Parry’s latest expansion aims to strengthen integration between teams and enhance client service by supporting faster collaboration and knowledge sharing. The Shoreditch location marks a key milestone in the firm’s London growth strategy, underscoring its commitment to modern work environments that cater to the needs of its people and clients.

Steve Leith, Cooper Parry’s regional market leader for London & South and head of tech & high growth, said: “This space is the result of five years of belief, hustle, and momentum. It’s not just an office – it’s a reflection of how we work, how we collaborate, and how we treat each other. From six desks in WeWork to 300+ in Shoreditch, this hub marks a huge moment for CP in London – and sets the stage for everything we’re building next. “It’s also a game-changer for our clients. By bringing our experts together in one space, we’re creating more opportunities to collaborate, challenge thinking, and deliver specialist value. It’s a space that helps our people thrive – and when they do, our clients feel it.”

Derbyshire firm backs calls for more women in engineering

Tess Egginton
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Derbyshire firm backs calls for more women in engineering
Derbyshire-based Acres Engineering has joined calls for more women to pursue careers in manufacturing and engineering, echoing the message of this week’s Ada Lovelace Day event at the Houses of Parliament, which highlighted the vital role women play in shaping the sector’s future. Representatives Alison Parker and Helen Rose attended a breakfast reception at Westminster, hosted by Jodie Gosling MP for Nuneaton on behalf of the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and Lloyds Banking Group. The event brought together female role models, business leaders and policymakers to discuss how the UK can reach the “35 by 35” ambition – 35% of manufacturing roles held by women by 2035. Acres Engineering is already taking practical steps to help achieve that goal through its People First Pledge – a long-term commitment to creating opportunities, building skills and supporting social mobility in engineering. The pledge underpins the company’s investment in apprenticeships, internships and local school engagement to inspire future engineers from all backgrounds. Alison Parker, co-owner at Acres Engineering, said: “Representation matters – in leadership, in the workforce and in the stories we tell about industry. Manufacturing can only thrive if it reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. We’re proud to add our voice to the call for more women to see engineering as a place where they can belong and build long-term careers.” She added: “Events like Ada Lovelace Day are powerful reminders that inclusion isn’t just about fairness – it’s about securing the future of British manufacturing. As a Derbyshire SME, we want to show that you don’t have to be a global corporation to make a difference.” Acres also used the Westminster event to encourage other organisations to sign the Armed Forces Covenant. The company proudly holds the Gold Award under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, demonstrating its wider commitment to inclusivity, opportunity and social value across the engineering community.

Micronclean begins work on £20m carbon-zero cleanroom laundry campus

Tess Egginton
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Micronclean begins work on £20m carbon-zero cleanroom laundry campus

Micronclean has started work on what it says is “the world’s first operationally carbon-zero industrial laundry.”

This £20m project is being developed on a newly acquired 20-acre site on the outskirts of Skegness, which will become home to Micronclean’s innovative Cleanroom Campus, an advanced facility designed to shape the future of the company’s UK operations over the next decade.

The campus will be developed in a phased manner to support expansion, innovation, and long-term prosperity for both the company and the community.

The multi-phase development plan includes the construction of a GMP Grade B (ISO Class 5) Cleanroom Laundry, new manufacturing facilities for medical devices and cleanroom consumables, a modern warehouse, and a new head office. Phase One is now underway and will focus on delivering the world’s first operationally carbon-zero cleanroom laundry. The initial phase is scheduled to be operational during 2028. “This project is proof of our vision for a sustainable and innovative future,” said Greg Cochran, director. “We are proud to lead the way in developing world-class facilities that align with our commitment to reducing environmental impact while maintaining the highest standards in cleanroom contamination control services.” “This investment demonstrates Micronclean’s long-term commitment to Skegness and Lincolnshire,” added Greg. “Over the past decade, our headcount in Skegness has more than doubled to 300, reflecting our continued growth and confidence in the area. This project ensures that we can continue to provide stable, high-quality employment for years to come. We are proud that our success not only supports customers worldwide, but also creates opportunities here in our local community.” Sue Bowser, the landowner, said: “We are delighted that Micronclean has chosen to remain in Skegness and expand its business on the Skegness Gateway site. This land has been part of our family for many years, and we’re delighted that it will now be used to support the development of another local family business. It gives us a real sense of pride to see the land being used to secure jobs, support local people, their livelihoods, and the wider community.”

Food wholesaler relocates to new HQ

Tess Egginton
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Food wholesaler relocates to new HQ
Family-run food wholesaler, Waterside Food Services, is set to relocate to new 32,500 sq ft headquarters in Branston. The move will be completed towards the end of the year and follows a period of growth for the food business. The new facility called Unit 4 Premier Park on Lichfield Road in Branston, means the Morgan family will now run their entire business under one roof. Chris Morgan, managing director of Waterside Food Services, said the move was strategic and would enable the business to keep supplying high-quality products across the region. He said: “Right now, Waterside Food Services operates across three separate sites and I want to bring everything and everyone together. “This is a huge operation as we close sites and gradually moved into Unit 4 Premier Park – but it is an extremely exciting time for us. “All the staff are looking forward to being in one, larger unit and I know this will benefit us all and enable the business to grow and develop.” The deal for Waterside Food Services was secured by commercial property consultants, OMEETO, which is based on Pride Park, and Salloway Burton. Chris Wright, OMEETO director, said: “This deal has been superb and I know this new unit in Branston paves the way for future expansion and growth for Chris and his team at Waterside Food Services. “This site is a premium location for warehousing and distribution due to its location and we were delighted to secure this deal. We wish Waterside Food Services all the best as it moves into their new HQ.” Matthew Wrigley of PMW Properties welcomed Waterside Foods to its property in Branston. He said: “The expansion of Waterside Foods reflects the strength and growth of the local business and this is great to see and we are proud to provide a space that supports their continued success. As landlords, it is rewarding to see our property contribute to the development of such a dynamic business and I hope the relationship is a long lasting successful one.” Phil Randle, partner at Salloway Burton, said: “It is great to see Waterside select Premier Park as their new headquarters and a base for their expanding business.”
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