Northamptonshire charities to benefit from £10,000 Community Fund
Charities in Northamptonshire are being invited to bid for a helping hand as homebuilder, Miller Homes, pledges to donate £10,000 through its Community Fund to good causes across the region this year.
Local charities, community groups and other organisations across Northamptonshire are encouraged to apply to the first of two funding rounds due to take place in 2023.
The housebuilder, which is delivering new homes in Duston, has introduced a regional community fund to help local grassroots projects linked to education, wellbeing, the environment and sport across the East Midlands.
Applications for the first round of funding are open and will close on Wednesday 3rd May 2023.
Last year, 10 good causes across the East Midlands benefitted from the Community Fund, including primary schools, Scout groups and sports clubs.
Harpole Primary School, near Northampton, received a £350 donation from Miller Homes towards updating its outdoor play equipment, which had fallen into disrepair.
Alastair Parsons, area sales director for Miller Homes Midlands, said: “We are committed to building communities, in addition to building homes, and have developed a Community Fund to support local projects that promote education, wellbeing, physical activity and the environment.
“Northamptonshire benefits from a large number of small local charities and community groups that deliver great opportunities in these areas and are in need of additional financial support.
“These groups are undertaking vital work, from supporting children with medical or education needs to encouraging outdoor activities, so we are keen to help as many of these organisations as we can through our Community Fund.
“We would encourage local groups across the region to get in touch and let us know how we can help them improve their facilities or support a greater number of local people with their services.”
Applications for the first round of funding close on Wednesday 3rd May, after which donations up to a maximum of £2,000 will be awarded to the successful applicants. To make an application to the Miller Homes Community Fund visit www.millerhomes.co.uk/corporate/community-fund
A second round of funding will open for applications in September.
Plans for future of Chatsworth Estate move into next phase
Chatsworth has shared its plans for the future of the estate and its commitment to involving stakeholders and communities in its ambitious vision for the next 15 years and beyond.
Following initial engagement with stakeholders in November, Chatsworth has produced a draft of its Whole Estate Plan (WEP) and has invited feedback from the local community, key authorities and partner organisations as part of a wide-ranging consultation.
The final plan is due for publication in summer 2023, and Chatsworth will continue to share progress at regular intervals, welcoming further input from stakeholders. By doing so, Chatsworth is aiming to ensure that both the community and its partners have a genuine involvement in shaping Chatsworth’s future.
Such plans are best practice in holistic planning for large estates, giving consideration to their environmental, social and economic impact, as well as supporting the partnership between land owners, National Park Authorities, and local people. As such, Chatsworth’s Whole Estate Plan will run in partnership with, and alongside, the Peak District National Park Authority’s own aims.
The Plan will provide valuable insight into the estate while acting as a reference point for future proposals and initiatives. By sharing its vision and direction of travel for the years ahead, Chatsworth is aiming to build stronger collaboration and common goals with its partners and community.
The process to date has involved engagement with councils, charities and trusts, trade bodies, local independent businesses and neighbours, among others, and supports the Estate’s overarching vision to benefit its heritage, its people and its shared future.
Lord Burlington, Chairman of The Chatsworth Settlement, said: “We take great care to balance the needs of conservation, access, enjoyment, education, community and economy at Chatsworth. Our plan sets out our aims for achieving this balance over the next 15-20 years, and our commitment to work in partnership with stakeholders and community members who share our desire to make a lasting, positive contribution on a local, national, and global level.”
Stephen Vickers, CEO of the Devonshire Group, said: “Our Whole Estate Plan has been designed to cover the period running up to 2040, to align with the timeframe of the Peak District National Park Partnership Management Plan. It sets out a portfolio of environmental, social and economic projects and initiatives that we believe will collectively realise our vision for the Chatsworth Core Estate, while contributing meaningfully to the long-term goals and objectives of the National Park in which we’re very proud to sit.”
Phil Mulligan, Chief Executive of the Peak District National Park Authority, said: “We’re pleased to see the continued progress of this ambitious Whole Estate Plan for Chatsworth and no more so than as we embark upon the next chapter of the wider Peak District’s future with the latest Management Plan for the National Park. Partnership, collaboration and early conversations as stakeholders are the cornerstones to building upon aspirations that may ultimately allow us to be exemplars in how to take care of these protected landscapes under our collective guardianship.”
The Whole Estate Plan will act as a framework for the management of the estate, its charities and its businesses and a guide for decision making which will continue to develop and evolve over time. The Plan covers the core Chatsworth Estate, including Chatsworth House, Garden, parkland, and Stand Wood – all under the management of the Chatsworth House Trust charity – as well as farms, woods, moorland and other interests between Baslow and Beeley, plus Peak Village in Rowsley.
Two new brands sign up to £100,000 golf challenge
Two new companies have signed up to a golf challenge in order to raise £100,000 for Big C Little C – a charity which aims to help find a cure for cancer and also support vulnerable children.
Law firm Shakespeare Martineau and recruitment and retention experts Macildowie join Simple Marketing Consultancy, Fiscal Engineers, Breeze Corporate Finance and MKM Building supplies in the “2023 Three Bunkers Challenge” which is based on the format of the “Three Peaks Challenge.”
Held annually, this year’s challenge will take place on Friday 26 May and involves 24 players from six teams playing 27 holes of golf across three East Midlands Counties in one day. Starting at Morley Hayes in Derbyshire, Charnwood Forest in Leicestershire and finishing at The Nottinghamshire Golf and Country Club.
Organised by Bev Cook from Simple Marketing Consultancy, the event has been successfully held in 2021 and 2022 and has so far raised nearly £30,000. Bev has now committed to hold the event until £100,000 is raised and as a result, she was nominated and won an ‘Esther People Awards’ which was presented to her by Dame Esther Rantzen.
Bev said: “Although we have fun playing on the day, we know the serious part is to raise as much money as possible to enable Big C Little C to help find a cure for cancer and also support vulnerable children. I am really grateful to all the players taking part and their efforts to generate donations from their business associates and would like to thank them for their time, also the golf courses for providing complimentary tee-times.”
‘Big C Little C’ was established in 2018 to encourage businesses in the East Midlands to help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured and all children and young people are free to lead a happy and normal life.
Donations can be made to all teams via the fundraising page: The 3 Bunkers Challenge 2023 (give-star.com)
Plumbers warned of asbestos danger lurking in Britain’s buildings
Plumbers across Great Britain are being warned about the hidden dangers associated with asbestos as part of the Health and Safety Executive’s Asbestos and You campaign targeting tradespeople about the personal risks from asbestos that still exist in properties across the country today.
About five thousand people a year die from asbestos related illnesses, and asbestos can still be found in buildings built or refurbished before the year 2000.
But HSE is warning despite the ban on its use, many buildings still contain asbestos, and it is still a serious risk to anyone exposed to it at any age.
Tim Beaumont, HSE’s acting head of construction policy sector, said: “Asbestos can be found in things like Artex, cement boards under eaves, garage roofs, old bath panels, boiler houses and fires and even mortar between bricks can contain asbestos.
“There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure but that’s not to say it can’t be managed safely.
“All tradespeople should make sure they know the basics about identifying asbestos. Before carrying out any construction work, there’s a legal requirement to identify whether asbestos is present and could be disturbed.
“Younger tradespeople need to know the dangers behind asbestos as it could affect them in later life like it is affecting older tradespeople now.”
Asbestos is only dangerous if not maintained in a safe condition or if physically disturbed without the right measures in place to control exposure to fibres.
Craig Evans, COO of the United Kingdom Asbestos Training Association said: “I wholeheartedly support HSE’s campaign to raise asbestos awareness and the importance of training across industry.
“The dangers of asbestos are very real, with over 5,000 people in the UK dying each year from asbestos-related diseases.
“It is crucial that tradespeople are aware of the risks involved in disturbing or damaging asbestos-containing materials, as inhaling these fibres can lead to devastating diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
“UKATA members are committed to providing high-quality asbestos training, delivered by highly experienced and competent professionals with extensive knowledge and expertise in their field, to help prevent unnecessary exposure and protect the health and wellbeing of all those working in the industry.”
From the 1950s until 1999, asbestos containing materials were used extensively in the construction and maintenance of buildings in Great Britain.
When materials that contain asbestos are disturbed or damaged, fibres are released into the air. If these fibres are inhaled, they can cause serious diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestos related lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural thickening. These diseases will not affect you immediately as they often take a long time to develop, but once diagnosed, it is often too late to do anything.
It can take 20 to 30 years before symptoms appear. Symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent cough, wheezing, extreme tiredness, pain in your chest or shoulder and in more advanced cases, swollen fingertips.
If asbestos cannot be safely managed, it should be removed by a licensed asbestos contractor. Where present, asbestos should be closely managed by those responsible for the building.
Find out more about the Asbestos and You campaign
Streets Chartered Accountants covers energy bills, capital allowances, National Insurance, changes in VAT penalties, interest rates increases, and more in new news roundup
Streets Chartered Accountants covers the new Energy Bills Discount Scheme, capital allowances, National Insurance, changes in VAT penalties, interest rates increases, and more in its new news roundup.
Energy Bills Discount Scheme
The new Energy Bills Discount Scheme replaces the Energy Bill Relief Scheme which came to an end on 31 March 2023.
Spring Budget 2023 – Capital allowances
Designed in part to help offset the increased Corporation Tax main rate, the Chancellor announced the introduction of a new ground-breaking 100% first-year capital allowance for qualifying plant and machinery assets. This measure is also expected to help boost business investment and growth.
National Insurance if working abroad
If you move abroad, it can often be advantageous to continue paying your UK National Insurance Contributions (NICs) in order to preserve your entitlement to the State Pension and other benefits.
More time to top-up NICs
In some circumstances it can be beneficial to make voluntary National Insurance Contributions (NICs) to increase your entitlement to benefits, including the State or New State Pension.
Changes in VAT penalties
The first monthly returns and payments affected by HMRC’s new VAT penalty regime were due by 7 March 2023. The new VAT penalty rules apply to the late submission and / or late payments of VAT returns for VAT return periods beginning on or after 1 January 2023.
Adding employees to a workplace pension scheme
Automatic enrolment for workplace pensions has helped many employees make a start on providing for their retirement with the advantage that employers and government are also contributing to their pension pot.
Spring Budget 2023 – Pension changes
One of the key measures of the Spring Budget was the announcement that the £40,000 cap on annual pension contributions will be increased by 50% to £60,000 from 6 April 2023.
Get information about a company
There is a significant amount of information about companies that can be obtained from Companies House.
Spring Budget 2023 – Childcare changes
One of the main areas targeted by the Spring Budget was changes to childcare.
Pensioner Cost of Living Payment 2023-24
The Cost of Living support package has been designed to help over 8 million households in receipt of means tested benefits.
Spring Budget 2023 – Energy Price Guarantee
The Chancellor had previously announced that the energy price guarantee cap, which will see the average household have their energy bills capped at £2,500 a year, would remain in place until the 31 March 2023. It was announced as part of the Spring Budget measures that this cap will now be extended for a further 3-months until 30 June 2023.
Bank of England and HMRC increase interest rates
The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met on 22 March 2023 and voted 7-2 in favour of raising interest rates by 25 basis points to 4.25% in a move to tackle continued, rising inflation. This is the eleventh time the MPC has increased interest rates with rates now the highest they have been since November 2008.
Connect with hundreds of industry professionals at the Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire Expo
The UK property and construction market faces challenges on a daily basis, yet it continues to innovate and adapt to meet the changing needs of the market and remains a vital component of the UK economy.
The industry is making ongoing progress with sustainability, a focus on green buildings and renewable energy, along with the use of sustainable materials, energy-efficient designs and renewable energy sources, a trend that looks set to continue.
In terms of workforce, whilst it is still facing a significant skills gap, particularly in areas like carpentry, bricklaying and plastering, many companies are now embracing internal investment with training and apprenticeships to attract and retain the skilled workforce required in this multi-talented sector.
As time is a precious commodity in a busy working week, don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect with hundreds of industry professionals and potential clients at the Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire Expo – 26th April 2023 at the Bentley Hotel, Lincoln LN6 9NH, all in one amazing day.
With a wide range of exhibitors and attendees from various related industries, this is the perfect opportunity to expand your network and grow your business.
Free to attend, register today at https://businessshowsgroup.co.uk/register/
Additionally, why not start your day off at the network breakfast (breakfast roll & drink) available 8:30am – 9am (£12.50 plus vat). Order at https://businessshowsgroup.co.uk/product/network-breakfast-lincolnshire/
And to top it off, just by attending, you can have the chance to win big with an exclusive giveaway offer – choose between £250 cash or a space up to the value of £800 at the East Midlands Expo (13th November 2023). So don’t hesitate, register today for this exciting event!
Barwell residential scheme to go ahead following planning appeal
Planners at Harris Lamb have successfully appealed against attempts to block 51 new homes being built near Hinckley.
The development, earmarked for a greenfield site located on Hinckley Road in Barwell, will now go ahead after being given the green light by a Planning Inspector.
Harris Lamb were instructed by Barwell Capitol to mount an appeal against Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council after the authority failed to determine a planning application proposing the construction of 51 properties, ranging from two- to five-bedrooms, on the site.
The application was submitted in July 2021. It remained undetermined at October 3rd last year and a non determination appeal was made. The hearing and site visit were held earlier this year.
Although an official decision was not provided, the Council sought to resist the development on a number of grounds, suggesting the development would not provide satisfactory living conditions for the residents, and concerns over the safeguarding of protected species and the provision of a net biodiversity gain.
In responding to the issues, the inspector appointed by the Secretary of State, M Aqbal, said: “I have considered these arrangements and found that they would not result in any unacceptable impacts on living conditions. I, therefore, do not share the Council’s conclusion that these arrangements are indicative of a poor and cramped layout.”
The Inspector went on to say that an Ecological Impact Assessment had been submitted at the time of the application providing the results of relevant ecological and protected species surveys, confirming that the presence of protected species was not a statutory ecological constraint to the development, subject to recommendations for precautionary measures, adding: “As such, and based on the discussions at the Hearing, the reference to protected species in the Council’s reason for refusal was an oversight.”
In approving the plans, the inspector added that in the interests of safeguarding protected species and to enhance biodiversity, a condition had been imposed requiring that the development be carried out in accordance with recommended mitigation measures contained in the ecological survey submitted alongside the application.
Simon Hawley, of Harris Lamb’s Planning Consultancy team, said: “We are, once again, that our appeal has been successful and that this development can proceed, bringing much-needed, quality homes to the area.
“We take great care in working with our clients in preparing these plans to ensure that all proposals are submitted with ecological impact assessments and that we include comprehensive measures to ensure the buildings are sympathetic with the local surroundings and include contributions to enhance and improve the infrastructure and facilities to benefit all residents.
“We are pleased that the inspector took the time to thoroughly understand the full extent of these plans and the beneficial impact they will have on the community in making this ruling.”
First phase of new Daventry neighbourhood takes major step forward
A new neighbourhood in Daventry has taken a significant step forward after Midlands-based homebuilder Spitfire Homes and Crest Nicholson secured reserved matters approval to build 222 properties on land at Malabar Farm.
West Northamptonshire Council’s strategic planning committee has approved current proposals, representing the first phase of the development, which will comprise a mix of one- to five-bedroom homes, 65 of which will be affordable. The wider scheme will also incorporate more than 20 hectares of public open space, a new primary school, nursery and community centre, alongside food and retail units.
Located on the western edge of Daventry, the 50-hectare development already has outline planning permission for up to 1,100 new homes, meeting rising demand for homes due to employment growth, investment activity and strong connectivity links in the area.
Ben Leather, Managing Director at Spitfire Homes, said: “Daventry is a growing market with house hunters looking for accessible country living and an attractive work-life balance. Strong transport links and employment opportunities in the area make it particularly attractive for new home buyers, so we expect to see a lot of interest in these homes.
“We’re committed to meeting the rising demand for new homes across the Midlands region, supporting our vision to deliver high-quality, future-proofed homes fit for modern living. We recently made our debut in Northamptonshire, with work well underway at our nearby development in Kislingbury, so we’re really excited this scheme has also taken a positive step forward.”
Tim Brickley, Managing Director at Crest Nicholson Midlands, said: “As part of our continued commitment to invest in new homes in the Midlands, we are pleased to have been granted planning permission for Malabar, adding to Crest Nicholson’s already strong offering for home buyers in the region.
“Our other local Daventry development, Monksmoor Park, has proven extremely popular with a wide range of home buyers over the last decade. We look forward to continuing our track record of delivering high quality communities for buyers looking for quality homes in well-connected locations.”
CBI Director General dismissed with immediate effect following independent investigation into workplace misconduct
CBI Director General Tony Danker has been dismissed with immediate effect following an independent investigation into complaints of workplace misconduct.
Law firm Fox Williams was hired to investigate Danker in March after a formal complaint made in January from a female CBI employee, who alleged he made unwanted contact with her and considered it to be sexual harassment. It also followed further alleged informal reports of concerns over his behaviour.
The first phase of this investigation has now concluded and, following subsequent reports of wider workplace misconduct, the CBI Board has dismissed Danker, brought in new leadership, with Rain Newton-Smith, former CBI Chief Economist and currently Managing Director, Strategy and Policy, Sustainability and ESG for Barclays, agreeing to rejoin the CBI as its new Director General, and made changes to how it operates.
Jill Ader, a CBI Board member and Senior Adviser and recent Global Chair of the leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder, will oversee a root-and-branch review of the CBI’s culture, governance and processes, leading a new sub-committee of the Board alongside its President Brian McBride.
A new, elevated position of Chief People Officer will also be created, which will sit on the CBI’s executive committee and report directly to the Board on all matters of workplace conduct and culture.
The CBI also revealed that three other CBI employees have now been suspended pending further investigation into a number of ongoing allegations. It added that while Fox Williams continues with the next phase of its inquiry, the CBI is liaising with the police and will cooperate fully with any investigations.
A statement from the CBI said: “The allegations that have been made over recent weeks about the CBI have been devastating. While investigations continue into a number of these, it is already clear to all of us that there have been serious failings in how we have acted as an organisation. We must do better, and we must be better.
“We apologise to the victims of this organisational failure, including those impacted by the revulsion we have all felt at hearing their stories. Nobody should feel unsafe in their workplace.
“We wish to thank all those who have had the courage to speak out, through internal or external channels, and encourage them to keep doing so. Our website describes how to do so, providing contact details for specific CBI Management or for an independent third party, whichever route individuals feel more comfortable taking.
“The CBI exists to help British business flourish. This is a privilege and responsibility which we take extremely seriously and cannot take for granted. We represent our members not just in how we advocate for them, but also through our values as an organisation. It means we must be a place where colleagues are safe, valued and respected, and where there is zero tolerance for behaviour that falls short of those expectations.”
Flint Bishop unveils new flagship headquarters in Derby
Top 200 law firm Flint Bishop has acquired multi-million-pound headquarters on Derby’s Pride Park, making continued strides in its ambitious expansion plans and facilitating a strong base for further accelerated strategic growth.
Opening its doors on 11 April 2023, the fully refurbished, high tech, state-of-the-art premises offers a combined 21,900 sq ft across two sites at 2 and 3 Prospect Place. The new offices elevate both client and employee experience from its previous headquarters at St. Michael’s Court, where the firm has been based for two decades.
The newly named ‘Pinnacle Building’ at 2 Prospect Place offers some 18,000 sq ft of Grade A modern high tech office facility, symbolising the firm’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and reaching new heights, and reflects Flint Bishop’s reputation and position within the legal industry.
In addition to a comprehensive new client suite, a dedicated luxury Business Café spanning 2,300 square feet has been incorporated, which includes cutting-edge equipment and designs crafted by multiple nationally renowned teams to offer ample space for staff to relax during their breaks or have a quick meeting in comfort.
The new accommodation combines open group working areas with focus rooms and touch down desks to support agile working and interdepartmental collaborative engagement. Green spaces have also been installed to encourage natural light and mood-boosting elements.
Chief Executive Qamer Ghafoor said: “I have made significant investment into the new offices with an extensive fit-out which has taken some nine months. It was important to me that our new headquarters reflect the commitments and achievements of Flint Bishop and offer excellent environment to our staff and our clients.
“This is an exciting time for the business. Due to our continued growth and recent sharp rise in staff numbers, significant investment in our headquarters is crucial to allow for sustainable expansion, as we continue to grow and diversify our client base and services.
“The new and improved accommodation will provide a more modern, high-tech, creative, open, and collaborative working environment and offer many additional facilities for clients and staff. It has provided us with a completely blank canvas to strengthen the way we work and support each other, elevate our combined service offerings, and help to advance our position within the legal sector.”
News of the move comes after Flint Bishop announced its strongest financial results to date. End of year figures show that turnover climbed to £19m, an increase of 13% on the previous year, with significant new client wins.
2022 was also an exceptional year in terms of firm-wide recruitment and promotions, which have materialised in response to the increase in demand across all practice areas. The current growth rate has seen the firm boost its headcount by nearly 10%, with total number of employees now standing at well over 200, the highest in the firm’s history.
Ghafoor added: “Flint Bishop is in a very strong financial position, and we have made significant strides towards achieving our ambitious expansion plans. The strategic focus is growth based on targeted acquisitions, recruitment of key lateral hires and significant ongoing investment in our people and technology.
“We now look forward to welcoming staff to our new HQ and enhancing the experience and services we can provide our clients while maintaining our excellent location, right in the heart of Derby and the Midlands.”
