Recruitment specialists appoint new CEO ahead of stock market flotation

Tess Egginton
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Recruitment specialists appoint new CEO ahead of stock market flotation

Former Gi Group Chief Operating Officer, Paul Smith has joined Aristotle Partnerships as Chief Executive Officer to direct and deliver strategy ahead of its flotation on The Alternative Investment Market (AIM).

Aristotle Partnerships is a workforce staffing solutions group formed in 2022 when recruitment entrepreneurs Nick Cragg, Craig Buckingham, Roger Frost joined together to create a business with a turnover in excess of £100m, comprising Nicholas Associates Group (NAG), Syntax and Red Rock Partnerships.

High profile brands within NAG include Stafforce, Ashley Kate HR & Finance, Nicholas Associates, The Apprentice Employment Agency, Olano, Erango, Mainboard and Cra-Cro Site Services.

Paul Smith is highly respected in the recruitment Industry and has over 24 years’ experience working across multi sectors for both global corporate and national independent agencies.

During this time, he has managed the integration strategy of several mergers and acquisitions, launched new brands, implemented process improvements and also delivered a number of recruitment outsourcing process (RPO) projects, including the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

As CEO, he will work alongside fellow members of the Aristotle Partnerships board and be responsible for all areas of the organisation. This will include building the culture and ensuring the sustainable profitability of the group, articulating and delivering the vision of growth to the management team and employees, and presenting the company to City institutions, investors, regulators, employees, customers, suppliers and external advisors.

Mr Smith said: “I am looking forward to leading the next phase of the journey for this incredible provider of apprentice to boardroom talent management solutions.

“To quote Aristotle ‘the whole is greater than the sum of its parts’ and it is my intention to build on the company’s success by creating more synergy across all brands, fostering a culture which maintains our entrepreneurial and creative environment, ensuring continuous improvement and encouraging every colleague to fulfil their potential.” 

He continued: “I have been aware of the brands under Aristotle for many years and have come to respect them as being good, ethical and trustworthy businesses with a great reputation for excellent customer service and employee values.

“This impression was further enforced when I met other members of the board and listened to their clear vison for the business. Combined with the future potential of the brands I can see a very exciting future ahead.”

The brands within Aristotle Partnerships now boast a network of more than 33 offices and branches across the UK and the intention is to float on AIM in late 2023.

Local lawyer appointed Midlands chair of insolvency and restructuring trade body R3

Tess Egginton
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Local lawyer appointed Midlands chair of insolvency and restructuring trade body R3

A Midlands-based insolvency lawyer has taken over as chair of the Midlands branch of insolvency and restructuring trade body R3.

Stephen Rome, who is a director and practice leader at law firm Thursfields, will serve a two-year term at the regional helm and will be heading up campaigns to support local businesses and individuals in financial distress.

He will be working alongside R3 and the regional committee to highlight how R3 members are able to save hundreds of companies and thousands of jobs each year, many without the need for a formal insolvency process.

Stephen has been based in the Midlands for over 15 years and has a broad range of legal experience advising on commercial litigation and contentious insolvency, covering sectors such as energy, real estate, automotive and financial services.

Commenting on his appointment, Stephen said: “We are facing one of the toughest periods in living memory for many Midlands businesses, with huge post-pandemic challenges and economic turbulence impacting heavily on cashflow.

“As a leading professional body, we are strongly committed to supporting our members as well as campaigning for businesses and individuals in crisis, their creditors and other stakeholders, in order to maximise outcomes for all concerned.

“R3’s key message for the Midlands is that it is imperative for companies and individuals in financial difficulty to seek timely and qualified advice from a professional and reputable source. Quite simply, the earlier we become involved, particularly at a time like the present, the more we can do to help turn things around.”

Urgent call made to energy suppliers: renegotiate fixed contracts for small businesses on market-peak tariffs

Tess Egginton
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Urgent call made to energy suppliers: renegotiate fixed contracts for small businesses on market-peak tariffs
Hundreds of thousands of small businesses are trapped in contracts that mean their latest bills are at last summer’s peak market rate for energy – even though wholesale prices have fallen since last winter, new research shows. The Federation of Small Businesses is urging energy suppliers to allow small firms locked into fixed tariffs from last year to renegotiate contracts to better reflect the significantly lower wholesale energy prices we see today. This comes a month after massive cuts to government support on energy bills for businesses. Since 1 April 2023, the Energy Bill Relief Scheme has been downgraded to the Energy Bills Discount Scheme, which changes support to pennies that do not touch the sides of huge bills. The downscaled government support means small firms that signed up to fixed tariffs in 2022 will see their bills revert back to last year’s peak levels. This could be three or four times what they were paying when the more generous government support scheme was in place. FSB’s latest research shows more than one in ten (13%) small firms fixed their energy bills between 1 July and 31 December 2022, during which businesses were quoted up to £1 per kWh for electricity. Of this group, 13% say they could be forced to either close, downsize, or radically restructure their businesses, equating to 93,000 small firms across the UK. A significant proportion of small firms stuck in fixed contracts are from the accommodation and food sector (28%), and the wholesale and retail sector (20%). Four in ten (42%) small firms that fixed energy contracts in the second half of last year say it has been impossible for them to pass on costs to consumers who had to tighten spending and can’t afford further price increases amid the cost of living crisis. FSB is calling on energy suppliers to allow these small firms to extend their fixed contracts but at a blended and lower rate – between their original fixed rate and the current, lower wholesale rate. The option to renegotiate fixed contracts should be made automatically available to businesses which:
  • negotiated the new energy contract between July 1 and December 31 2022
  • can confirm the level of wholesale price on the contract is above the EBRS wholesale price cap
  • can confirm the end date of the contract to demonstrate the length of exposure to higher prices from April 2023 onwards
FSB policy chair Tina McKenzie said: “Having come out from a tough winter, this Spring is supposed to be the beginning of economic recovery, but tens of thousands are still very much in survival mode because they are tied-in to sky-high energy contracts. “Many small businesses agreed to lock in energy contracts last year to ensure they qualified for the maximum level of Government support. Now, with that support largely disappearing, they are once again faced with massive energy bill hikes as rates go back to pre-Energy Bill Relief Scheme level. “If ending the successful support scheme is on the basis that wholesale energy prices have gone down, then our research sheds light on just how many small businesses have been overlooked as they are entangled in high fixed tariffs. “It’s disheartening to see a significant proportion of small firms could be forced to close, downsize or radically restructure their businesses just when we look to grow our economy. Our community shrank by 500,000 small businesses over the two years of COVID; we shouldn’t now be adding any more to that gruesome tally. “The least energy suppliers should do is to allow small businesses who signed up to fixed tariffs last year to ‘blend and extend’ their energy contracts, so that their bills are closer to current market rates. We’d also like to see the Government and Ofgem support this initiative. “There are signs that small businesses may be about to turn a corner after last year’s downturn. Giving small firms a way out of last year’s market peak rates will accelerate the progress to recovery.”

Nottingham infrastructure company expands with specialist lighting design office in Bradford

Tess Egginton
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Nottingham infrastructure company expands with specialist lighting design office in Bradford
Nottingham infrastructure company McCann has strengthened its internal lighting design function with the creation of a specialist lighting design office in Bradford, West Yorkshire. It comes alongside the hire of new lighting designer, Rachel O’Connell. Rachel began her street lighting career in 2007 after securing a role with SSE – before gaining the necessary qualifications to become a qualified lighting designer while working across a range of PFI contracts for the national energy provider. Following 15 years with the business, Rachel recently saw the opportunity to join McCann as a lighting designer and work alongside the company’s design and technical manager Michael Walker. “McCann has always been seen as a great name within the industry, so to have the opportunity to join the business is not something you can easily pass up,” said Rachel. “McCann is renowned for continually investing in its people, and the business has committed to continuing my professional development by supporting me with attaining Engineering Council Status – something I’m truly grateful for. I’m really excited about this next chapter and to be working with such a passionate, innovative and customer-focused team.” Michael Walker is delighted to be welcoming Rachel to the team, and with the addition of the new office in Bradford he can only see this specialist business function going from strength to strength in the future: “The need for our services is always increasing, so as a business we must continue to invest in order to deliver the right solution each and every time,” said Michael. “Rachel is a fantastic designer. Her knowledge is unrivalled and together I know we will make a strong team with the ability to deliver solutions that exceed customer expectations, while solving complex problems. “At the same time, our new Bradford office is perfect, with good strategic road and rail connections to locations across the UK – making it easy for us to meet with clients in order to discuss their projects and understand their needs.”

Ian Mattioli named non-executive chair of healthcare tech and medicinal cannabis company

Tess Egginton
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Ian Mattioli named non-executive chair of healthcare tech and medicinal cannabis company

Ian Mattioli MBE, co-founder and CEO of Leicester wealth management group, Mattioli Woods, and founder and non-executive director of property business Custodian Property Income REIT Plc, has been appointed as non-executive chair of Kanabo Group, the patient focused healthcare technology and medicinal cannabis company.

David Tsur, who has served as Kanabo’s non-executive chair since the company’s admission to the London Stock Exchange in February 2021, will transition to deputy chair following Ian Mattioli’s appointment.

Mattioli has also taken part in the company’s £2.54 million fundraise.

David Tsur, deputy chair of Kanabo, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ian to the leadership team as we embark on a year of growth and expansion into new markets and services. His experience and understanding of London’s capital markets will be invaluable as we work to advance our strategic goals for the company.

“Since the company’s admission to the London Stock Exchange, we have achieved numerous significant milestones, including launching two medical cannabis products, building a comprehensive supply chain, acquiring The GP Service, and launching Treat-It, our innovative digital health platform for pain management.” 

Ian Mattioli MBE added: “I am delighted to join Kanabo as a chair and am impressed with the company’s commitment to personalised, accessible, and affordable healthcare. With its leading-edge technology and disruptive products, Kanabo is poised for significant growth in the digital health sector. I am keen to contribute my experience and knowledge to support Kanabo in its future success.”

Nottingham on shortlist to be new home of the English National Opera

Tess Egginton
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Nottingham on shortlist to be new home of the English National Opera
The English National Opera (ENO) has named five cities as possible sites for its relocation – including Nottingham. The search for a new home comes after the opera company was told by Arts Council England to relocate its HQ from London or lose its public funding. It comes as the government aims to spread more money outside of the capital. On the shortlist are Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, Liverpool, and Nottingham. This will be shortened to three cities by the end of May, with a decision expected by the end of the year. Speaking to The Guardian, ENO CEO Stuart Murphy said Liverpool and Manchester were really strong contenders but that Bristol, Birmingham and Nottingham were also in the running. In April a joint statement from Arts Council England and the ENO said that, following development work by the ENO, Arts Council England had set a budget of up to £24 million investment for 2024-26 to support ENO’s phased transition to a new artistic and business model with a primary base out of London, whilst continuing to own, manage and put on work at the London Coliseum.

Financial Reporting Council commences investigation into audit of Joules

Tess Egginton
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Financial Reporting Council commences investigation into audit of Joules
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has commenced an investigation into Deloitte’s audit of the financial statements of lifestyle group Joules for the year ended 30 May 2021. The investigation will be conducted by the FRC’s Enforcement Division under the Audit Enforcement Procedure. Interpath Advisory were appointed joint administrators of Market Harborough-based Joules on 16 November 2022, with company rescued by Next and Joules founder Tom Joule in December, saving 100 Joules stores and approximately 1,450 jobs. A spokesperson for Deloitte UK said the company will co-operate fully with the investigation.

Midlands’ economic output £18bn per year smaller than expected, contributing to national underperformance

Tess Egginton
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Midlands’ economic output £18bn per year smaller than expected, contributing to national underperformance
Cities are crucial hubs in the Midlands, providing employment opportunities, higher wages and increased prosperity for their residents and those living in surrounding areas. As such, they have a vital role to play in tackling the region’s persistent productivity gap – the result of historic underinvestment and undervaluing of the Midlands – which costs the region £18 billion annually, a new Centre for Cities report highlights. Centre for Cities says urban areas should be a key focus of Government efforts to help the Midlands reach its economic potential as part of the wider objective to level up struggling regions. It publishes its latest research in a new report, All Cylinders: The role of the Midlands Engine in the British economy, in collaboration with the Midlands Engine partnership. The report identifies that if Birmingham, Nottingham and Leicester were enabled to play the same role that similar sized economies on the continent play within their local areas, the Midlands economy would be larger and more productive. Centre for Cities estimates that the Birmingham urban area accounts for £11 billion of the £18 billion shortfall in economic output in the region. Urban areas across the Midlands account for 89 percent of the total output gap. Centre for Cities identifies that focusing on Birmingham and Nottingham’s ability to attract service exporting companies into their city centres will be a key opportunity. At £70,000 per worker, the economic output of service exports in the Midlands is below the national average of £92,000 for the sector and tackling this shortfall will be of huge economic benefit to the region and the country. Centre for Cities’ research suggests that Nottingham and the Birmingham area are missing out on some of the so-called “agglomeration effects” that make city centres advantageous places to do business, particularly for service exporting firms. Strategies are already being put in place to address public transport connections and road accessibility into the cities, and to improve available skills. Centre for Cities highlights three key areas of economic policy to address to achieve the productivity potential of the Midlands:
  1. Improving skills of residents in large urban areas using skills money from the region’s allocation of the Shared Prosperity Fund, particularly targeted at residents with fewer than five good GCSEs.
  2. Making city centres more appealing places to do business with new, high-quality city centre office space that meets the needs of service exporting firms in particular.
  3. Improving public transport infrastructure and housing density particularly in areas with access to the two biggest cities, Birmingham and Nottingham.
Andrew Carter, Chief Executive of Centre for Cities, said: “If we are going to see a greater amount of access to prosperity available to people who live across the Midlands area, then addressing the performance of its cities is essential. “Government should consider the role that cities play in the wider economy if it wants to realise the Midlands’ economic potential, grow the national economy and achieve its goal of Levelling Up struggling regions. These regions should take advantage of the offer of greater devolved powers, as the Government outlined in the Levelling Up White Paper last year. “Urban economies in the Midlands were shaped by globally-competitive manufacturing industries and these are still a major part of the Midlands. Birmingham and Nottingham city centres now have a key role to play in offering the services sector access to knowledge and innovation. This includes ‘new economy’ businesses, like Fintech and advanced manufacturing – cutting edge parts of the economy that are increasingly important to the UK’s export base and present significant opportunities for economic growth in our cities. “When we picture the Midlands firing on all cylinders, it’s a region with highly skilled, knowledge-intensive jobs in the city centre.”

Fire-hit HSBC opens pop-up branch in Loughborough Town Hall

Stuart Pearcey
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Fire-hit HSBC opens pop-up branch in Loughborough Town Hall

From today HSBC is to open a pop-up branch in Loughborough Town Hall after its own building in the town’s Market Place was destroyed by fire.

The bank will be open for four days a week until further memorise, said Simon Gibson, Loughborough Town Hall manager said he was happy to be able to help its neighbour to keep a presence in the town centre following the devastating fire. “We had to close the town hall for a few weeks following the blaze and there are still some repairs to be carried out, but we are pleased to be fully up and running.” Gursh Bassi, Local Director for HSBC Leicester, said “I am really pleased we are now able to offer a pop-up branch solution at  Loughborough Town Hall for our customers in Loughborough for the immediate future, thanks to the superb support received from Loughborough Town Hall and Charnwood Borough Council. “The town hall is centrally located, right next door to the branch site which was damaged in the recent fire. HSBC remains committed to the Loughborough community. The location of the town hall and the space we will have in the building, on the first floor, will also give us the room required to serve more customers. “The venue has excellent access via lift or stairs. I would like to thank our customers and our team for being patient and everyone who has supported us since the incident at the Loughborough branch.’’ HSBC will be operating the pop-up branch at the town hall on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, between 10am and 4pm (excluding bank holidays). It will be located on the mezzanine level at the town hall.

Companies share in millions from Government to reduce energy costs and cut carbon emissions

Stuart Pearcey
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Companies share in millions from Government to reduce energy costs and cut carbon emissions
Companies in our region are to share in more than £24m from the government to reduce their energy costs and cut carbon emissions.
  • Magnavale Limited in Chesterfield is receiving nearly £372,000 to install a cutting-edge refrigeration system for food products that uses less energy than traditional systems.
  • Breedon Cement in Hope, Derbyshire is receiving over £231,000 for a feasibility study on using carbon capture technologies at their Hope site.
  • Lhoist UK Limited is receiving over £92,000 for a decarbonisation study at their Hindlow plant, near Buxton in Derbyshire, which manufactures high-quality lime.
  • Toyota UK in Derby is receiving over £282,000 to introduce new airless paint atomisers for their automotive site, which aims to reduce the amount of energy required for their painting processes by reducing the spray booth size and equipment.
  • Pioneer Foods Limited, a cereal manufacturer in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, is taking forward three different projects, with grants of over £27,000, £29,000, and £136,000 respectively. The projects include exploring reusing waste wheat products as a biomass fuel, installing a biomass combined heat and power system, and improving the energy efficiency of their ovens.
The money will be used to help clean up manufacturing processes and improve their energy efficiency, and will come from the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund designed to support businesses using high amounts of energy to reduce their fossil fuel using innovative low-carbon technologies. This will help companies save on their energy costs, which in turn will safeguard British jobs and help grow the economy – one of the government’s five priorities. Minister for Energy Efficiency Lord Callanan said: “We are leading the world in reaching net zero, having cut emissions by over 44% since 1990 – but to keep up this progress and achieve our green goals, we’ve got to transform our industrial sectors, as some of the industries most critical to our economy are also those with the highest emissions. “We’re backing them with government funding to use the latest technologies to cut their emissions and their reliance on fossil fuels – helping to future-proof these industries as we grow our green economy.”
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