Salary sacrifice seminar is your chance to stay ahead
Is your business on the road to net zero? Do you want to help your employees with more affordable and sustainable motoring? And do you want to attract and retain the best employees on the jobs market? If the answer to these questions is ‘yes’ then you need to learn about the ‘next generation’ of salary sacrifice car schemes and attend this free seminar.
Electric vehicle (EV) leasing via salary sacrifice is the employee benefit that has got the business world talking, and as a progressive employer you can’t afford to be left behind. Signing-up for a salary sacrifice car scheme with Pink Salary Exchange means your employees have access to the most extensive range of electric and hybrid vehicles, but it also means they benefit from the most expertly designed and comprehensively researched salary sacrifice car scheme available. And at the free seminar in May you can ask all the questions you need and receive great information and advice on how it works.
To be held in the Tony Waddington Suite at Stoke City’s Bet365 Stadium on 17th May 2023 between 9.30am and 2.30pm, this Pink Salary Exchange seminar will bring together the UK’s foremost experts in salary sacrifice, and present a unique opportunity to learn how salary sacrifice could transform your business.
The salary sacrifice car scheme has signed-up over 12,000 individual employees since it was first launched in August 2021, and an independent panel of accountancy and employee benefits specialists recently voted it the best EV salary sacrifice scheme currently on the market. This is because it was designed with the direct input of specialists in vehicle leasing, taxation, insurance and finance models.
This expert involvement, coupled with 20 years’ experience in vehicle leasing has produced a product that delivers critical tax advantages for the employee, as well as lifestyle flexibility and the twin appeal of cost savings and reducing a driver’s carbon footprint. Two of the UK’s leading tax advisors will be on hand at the seminar to explain how the HMRC-approved scheme works and how the employer benefits also.
If you are wanting to manage your fleet better, meet your environmental targets and also learn about the best ways to be a considerate employer offering a great remuneration package, then you can’t afford to miss this fact-filled seminar. There are limited spaces still available, but as a business local to the Pink Salary Exchange headquarters, you are invited, so book your place today and get on the road to net zero.
Register for the free seminar today: https://pinksalaryexchange.co.uk/pink-salary-exchange-seminar/
Acquisitive pub chain sets sights on East Midlands venues
A Derbyshire-headquartered independent pub company has revealed ambitious plans for the growth of its estate following new investment.
The Pub People Company is targeting the acquisition of up to 60 freehold venues across the East Midlands, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire.
The move is being financed by investment manager, Downing LLP, which has committed to expansion having acquired the business last year.Commercial property agent, FHP, has been appointed to source suitable properties to add to the Group’s estate, and is exploring opportunities with both independent pub owners and groups keen to sell.Formed in 1993, The Pub People Company has developed a reputation for cask ale and good value fresh food, underpinned by a quality estate and well-resourced central function. Its managed pubs includes an existing portfolio of 40 properties, which are based in and around Nottingham, Derby, Chesterfield, Sheffield, and Lincoln. Andy Crawford, Managing director of The Pub People Company, said: “The Pub People Company is keen to invest in further venues in the East Midlands, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire areas. We’ve got a great following in our current estate of 40 pubs and we would like to expand on those.“The pub sector continues to have its challenges but with a long established business, strong backing and well invested properties in the area, we’re keen to add to our estate. We are looking to acquire freehold pubs in community and town locations across the region and are keen to speak to individual pub owners and groups who may be looking to sell, so please do get in touch with our agents at FHP.”Doug Tweedie of FHP said: “This is an exciting time of expansion for The Pub People Company and we’re delighted to be helping them to find new freehold pub sites.“We’ve formed a strong team between the two parties, which means we are able to appraise and make decisions on new acquisitions quickly and efficiently. We’re looking forward to speaking to like-minded individual owners and pub groups about new opportunities.”
College opens Modern Methods of Construction Centre
The grand opening of the Modern Methods of Construction Centre at Stamford College was celebrated among local dignitaries, stakeholders, Inspire Education Group (IEG) staff and Stamford College students, in a ceremony that recognised the wealth of opportunities conceived from the £3.3 million facility.
The 900 sq m upgrade to the College’s existing facilities, which was designed by Waterland Architects and built by Lindum, comes after substantial growth in recent student applications; around fifteen per cent more each year.
Jointly funded by the Greater Lincolnshire LEP and Department for Education Post-16 Capital Funding, the Modern Methods of Construction Centre is now the primary learning facility for over 500 additional plumbing, carpentry, brickwork and electrical installation students, working to bridge the estimated 49,000 person skills shortage within the Eastern region.
Pat Doody, outgoing chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, said: “The LEP’s £2.1m investment in this scheme recognises the need for a skilled workforce in the construction and engineering sectors, responding to the emerging requirements of modern methods of construction.
“Not only will the project create new opportunities for future students, but it will also meet the needs of local employers, address local and regional skills gaps and directly contribute to local, regional and national economies, enabling an innovative and employer-focused curriculum and accommodating forecast high demand.”
The building itself reflects its responsibility to teach and provide learning opportunities that reflect the rapid evolution of the construction industry through automation, carbon reduction and the increased use of prefabrication.
56 solar panels were installed on the roof as a source of renewable energy within the College, air-source heat pumps heat the building, and its bricks have been sourced from environmentally friendly manufacturers to ensure the carbon footprint of the building is minimised.
The build will now house six retrofit courses, designed to prepare the construction workforce of the future to meet the UK’s legally binding commitment to be carbon neutral by 2050.
North East Derbyshire businesses could get grants of £10,000 under shopfront enhancement scheme
North East Derbyshire businesses are set to benefit from grants up to £10,000 under a new Shopfront Enhancement Scheme.
North East Derbyshire District Council is inviting businesses and landlords with street-facing commercial premises in the district to apply for grants to help improve the visual appearance of their properties. This means businesses in towns such as Clay Cross, Dronfield and Eckington will be eligible for the support.
Funded through the North East Derbyshire UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme, the Shopfront Enhancement Scheme will not only enhance the character, value and appeal of each individual property, but collectively will have a positive impact on the appearance of the district’s high streets.
Matthew Broughton, North East Derbyshire District Council’s Director of Growth and Assets, said: “The Shopfront Enhancement Scheme is an exciting opportunity for businesses and landlords to improve their properties, helping to make our town centres and high streets a more inviting and vibrant place for residents and visitors to enjoy.
“The Scheme will have a positive impact on our local communities and make a visible difference to our district whilst also providing an opportunity to make premises more energy efficient and reduce their utility costs and carbon footprints. We look forward to supporting North East Derbyshire District businesses to improve their properties, footfall and help their businesses thrive.”
Grants are available from a minimum of £500 to a maximum of £10,000, a contribution of up to 75% of total project costs.
The scheme could fund the following types of work:
- New signage, windows, doors, canopies and professional fees
- Improved energy efficiency
- Appropriate lighting
- Access improvements
- Reinstatement of historical shopfront
- Stonework repairs
- Appropriate external art-work
- External planters or seating
Businesses perceived as not doing enough on sustainable packaging
Consumer perception is that businesses are not doing enough when it comes to the issue of sustainability, a new study has found.
According to a study by accountancy and business advisory firm, BDO LLP, almost 60% of consumers surveyed believed that companies needed to do more to address sustainability.
Particular criticism was levelled at the electronics, home appliance, and fashion & beauty sectors for their use of packaging, with 60% of respondents stating that too much packaging material was used in these sectors. This compares to 40% and 50% in healthcare and groceries, respectively.
Daniel Guttmann, BDO Strategy & Commercial Due Diligence’s lead partner for industrial products, technology and services, said: “Sustainability continues to be a top issue for consumers and, therefore, has to be a key priority for corporates – packaging, in particular, is an important area which is also very visible to consumers.
“There is a popular consensus that companies use more packaging than is necessary and that they should take more responsibility for addressing this. That includes absorbing potentially higher costs, which is a real issue for many companies, but critical for their image and improving public perception.”
The UK-wide representative study, which surveyed 500 people between the ages of 16 and 25 and 35+ across all income brackets, showed that over 90% of consumers believe that businesses should carry the cost of improving the sustainability of their packaging. Additionally, more than half (51%) of respondents said they were not prepared to pay higher prices for the use of more sustainable materials. There was however a much higher willingness from younger consumers (<35 years) to shoulder some of the cost – heralding a potential step change in driving the ESG agenda.
Guttmann said: “A large gap remains between consumers’ concern for the environment and their willingness to recycle compared to their understanding of sustainable packaging materials, and crucially their willingness to pay a higher price for more sustainable packaging.
“For many years, consumers have been demanding more sustainable practices from businesses. Unfortunately, they have, and still are on the whole, unwilling to carry some of the costs associated with achieving these goals.
“What’s clear from our study, is that younger generations are more concerned, more engaged, and more likely to recycle than the general population. Critically, they are increasingly prepared to take on some of the financial burden of making more sustainable packaging a reality.”
The study highlighted that while an overwhelming number of consumers are concerned about the impact of packaging on the environment, with 96% admitting that recycling and reuse is important, more than a quarter of respondents have only limited understanding of which materials are more or less sustainable than others.
BDO’s recent Packaging Sector Insights report detailed a number of areas driving sustainability in the packaging sector, including Government regulations, taxes and incentives, such as the Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT), the availability of collection and recycling infrastructure, and corporate investment in R&D to reduce waste, maximise the use of recyclates, and develop new materials.
Guttmann concluded: “What is clear is that significant work is already being done by industry professionals to address the issue of sustainability in packaging – whether it’s innovative ways to drive improved usage and processes for existing materials (such as downgauging) or the development of new methods and substrates.
“However, investment in recycling infrastructure and technologies is absolutely necessary if we are to move to a truly circular economy. Consumer willingness is there and growing and materials are improving, but collection, separation and treatment are not quite where they need to be.”
AMETEK Land supports work of Chesterfield Foodbank
AMETEK Land has teamed up with Chesterfield Foodbank to support local families struggling with the rising cost of living.
The company’s staff recently made a donation to the food bank, which will help provide much-needed food and supplies to local families in need. The company’s donation will also help raise awareness of the cost-of-living crisis in the community and encourage others to get involved and support the food bank’s mission.
Josh Bagnall, Marketing Communications Executive at AMETEK Land, said: “We’re proud to support the Chesterfield Foodbank and help make a positive impact in our community. We know that many families are struggling to make ends meet, and we hope that our donation will help provide some relief during these difficult times.”
According to the Trussell Trust — the UK’s largest network of food banks — the number of emergency parcels distributed by its network rose by 47% in the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to the same period in the previous year. The rising cost of living, coupled with the economic impact of the pandemic, has left many families struggling to put food on the table.
Jacqueline DeVeaux, Communications, Engagement and Funding Manager of Chesterfield Foodbank, said: “AMETEK Land’s donation is a wonderful example of the kind of community support that makes all the difference to people in crisis. We’re grateful for their generosity and their commitment to helping tackle the cost-of-living crisis in our area.”
Nottingham Women in Construction event returns celebrating its 20th year
Women in the construction industry came together for the reunion launch of Nottingham Women in Construction, following a four-year hiatus.
A membership group bringing together women in the sector, Nottingham Women in Construction was originally founded in 2003 by Nicola Millward, Managing Director of Millward Engineering, a Nottingham-based integrated engineering consultancy.
Held last month at Baresca in the city, the event saw over 60 professionals in attendance, who enjoyed welcome drinks sponsored by Millwards, lunch and the opportunity to network.
Nicola welcomed guests with a speech which brought to life the 20-year history of the group and all it has achieved, including raising funds for many local charities and providing hands-on volunteering. The group is currently looking for a local charity partner to support in 2023.
In the speech, Nicola paid tribute to the lives of three remarkable members who played a huge role in Nottingham Women in Construction – Gemma Petrie, Hilary Taylor, and Dianne Allen – who have sadly passed away.
Following the event’s return, Women in Construction will be held quarterly with the next being scheduled for June. Committee members include Carrie Booth from BSP Consulting, Karen Hargreaves at KH Legal and Maria Coulter from Construction Coach.
On the successful reunion launch event, Nicola said: “20 years on, it is fantastic to see so many women in the industry coming together to work together, celebrate success and create new connections.
“Nottingham Women in Construction was born from me personally wanting to build a career in the sector, surrounded by likeminded people who understood the challenges women in the sector faced at the time, but it has become so much more than that.
“There are so many people who have played a part in this group, and I am incredibly proud of everyone who has supported us over the years – for what they have achieved professionally in such a competitive but brilliantly vibrant industry.
“Alongside celebrating 20 years of Nottingham Women in Construction and the 30-year anniversary of Millward Engineering, the event commemorated some very important women who are no longer with us, and we raised our glasses to Gemma, Hilary and Dianne, who were members of this network and who will always be remembered in our hearts.
“Looking forward to the group thriving and meeting new members along the way.”
New link road opens up new ‘community’ and thousands of jobs
A link road which will provide access to a brand-new community on the edge of Ashbourne will be officially opened next month – creating new jobs and homes, improving connectivity and reducing congestion.
The 720m road, called Harrison Way, will link the new roundabout on the A52 to Blenheim Road, which runs through the Ashbourne Airfield Industrial Estate, unlocking access to in excess of 40-hectares of brownfield development land.
The land will be developed to create Dales Park comprising a new business park, new commercial units, a pub, hotel, community facilities and more than 360 homes, providing a space where people can work, live, entertain and enjoy themselves.
The creation of Dales Park is expected to generate thousands of jobs and represents major investment in the area, which is already the largest employment location in the Derbyshire Dales.
More than 70 companies currently operate on the industrial estate employing around 2,000 people.
The development creates a piece of history for the Harrison family who run FW Harrison, which bought the land in the 1960s following closure of the former RAF Ashbourne air base.
Sixty years on, the family is finally putting its long-term purchase to good use and company directors Paul and Joanne Harrison are hailing the unveiling of the road as the moment the development can finally be declared open for business.
Joanne said: “Although the roundabout has been completed for some time, the link road has been delayed for a variety of reasons, including simple bad weather, and so we’re very excited to set a date for its opening.
“It will bring so many benefits to Ashbourne. Not only does it open up access to land for housing and commercial units, creating and securing jobs for the town, it also eases the bottleneck caused by there only being one access point to the airfield estate.
“And it also offers space for companies currently based at Ashbourne Airfield to expand. So many firms want to grow but don’t have the room, so this gives them the ability to expand without having to leave Ashbourne.
“We are very proud to have built Harrison Way for the community of Dales Park and it will be exciting to see this being developed.”
The project is being funded by the land’s owners FW Harrison Estates Ltd with support from Derbyshire County Council to enable the roundabout and link road construction.
The improvement works to the final stretch of Blenheim Road have been funded by Derbyshire Dales District Council, while a grant of £1m from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership helped towards the cost of the roundabout.
The completion of the link road scheme will deliver significant regeneration benefits for Ashbourne which is set to further benefit from the recent £13.37m Levelling Up fund award to improve the town centre.
A Derbyshire Dales District Council spokesman said: “The development of the former Ashbourne Airfield is a hugely significant regeneration project for the District Council. The site is key for economic growth in our district, providing much-needed jobs and homes. We are thrilled that ten years of work by Derbyshire Dales District Council has unlocked the regeneration of Ashbourne Airfield.
“This site is superbly located. The new link road will help address existing highway capacity problems and release the site’s enormous potential, providing expansion opportunities for local firms, serviced land to attract new firms, and local employment opportunities within the Derbyshire Dales district.”
Councillor Carolyn Renwick, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment, said: “We’re pleased to have played a key role in this project which is bringing huge economic benefits to the area.
“As well as unlocking development land to bring new jobs and housing to the area, the new road will help to reduce traffic delays in the town by easing congestion on Blenheim Road.”
Will Morlidge, Chief Executive of D2N2 LEP, said: “We were delighted to co-invest £1 million in the construction of the roundabout on the A52, and it’s great news that Harrison Way is now open, linking the roundabout to Blenheim Road. This means that the Ashbourne Airfield Industrial Estate can now be easily accessed, opening up opportunities for further investment and development.”
The official opening will be carried out on May 19 by Sarah Dines, MP for Derbyshire Dales, who has previously praised the project for its contribution to the region’s development.
Samworth Brothers agrees £150m credit facility linked to sustainability
Family-owned food producer Samworth Brothers has agreed a £150m sustainability-linked revolving credit facility to support its strategic growth ambitions while underlining commitments to environmental and social goals. This financing package will support investment across the business.
The new unsecured facility is provided by a club of three banks, made up of HSBC UK and Lloyds Bank as the Group’s existing banking partners, and bringing in NatWest as a new banking partner. The facility is linked to three of Samworth Brother’s ESG priorities, being a reduction in carbon, a reduction in food waste intensity, and an increase in the number of apprenticeships across the business.
Chairman Mark Samworth said: “With this refinancing, we reaffirm our commitment to our long-term sustainability goals on carbon emissions, food waste intensity and social impact. As a fourth-generation family business we always seek to be a long-term force for good and so it is particularly important for us to address both environmental and social initiatives.”
Lincolnshire Housing Partnership secures £30m ESG-linked revolving credit facility
Lincolnshire Housing Partnership (LHP) have arranged a £30m 7-year revolving credit facility (RCF) with Danske Bank.
The ESG ready facility includes a 15-year term option, providing further flexibility.
The new facility, as well as maintaining LHP’s strong liquidity levels, supported the removal of restrictive covenants within its portfolio.
Centrus acted as sole advisor to LHP and arranged the RCF. Anthony Collins advised on the corporate and legal aspects including security.
Kathryn Price, executive director of finance – LHP, said: “We are delighted with our new relationship with Danske. The new facility as well as helping maintain our strong levels of liquidity, has helped facilitate the removal of restrictive covenants. This leaves LHP in a significantly stronger position to deliver our planned investment strategy and deliver better homes for our customers.”
Terri McCullagh, corporate banking manager – Danske Bank UK, said: “Danske Bank has been the lead bank provider of finance to the social housing sector in Northern Ireland for many years and we have been growing our presence in the sector in the rest of the UK. We are pleased to start 2023 with a significant transaction in England which will support the provision of much needed rental and shared ownership homes to people and communities in Lincolnshire.”
Tom Miller, assistant director – Centrus, said: “We are delighted to have supported LHP during the fund-raising process. The facility has helped to unlock increased capacity that will ensure LHP are able to maintain high levels of investment in their stock. Centrus has been at the forefront of developing the RP market for ESG-linked funding, where the ability to reduce borrowing costs offers tangible benefits.”
