East Midlands Manufacturing Network reaches 150 members a year after launch
The East Midlands Manufacturing Network set up by East Midlands Chamber last March, now has 150 members keen to promote the importance of the manufacturing industry to the wealth and prosperity of the East Midlands.
The network was an initiative that formed part of the UK Community Renewal Fund-backed East Midlands Accelerator project run by the Chamber, although the business representation group always had the intention of continuing its support for the long term.
The Chamber recognised that very often, the challenges manufacturers face can be tackled via collaboration with others and engagement with the right people, through the right channels.
With its connections to Government, local authorities, landowners, the region’s other support agencies and universities, it is well placed to help manufacturers navigate a multitude of issues ranging from planning control to lack of expertise.
East Midlands Chamber deputy chief exec Diane Beresford said: “It’s a challenging time for manufacturers. More than any other sector, they’ve been hit by the meteoric rise in energy costs and raw materials, against a backdrop of recruitment issues.
“The reason the membership continues to grow is because the network offers very real and valuable support, and a safe space to share the concerns of running a manufacturing business at the present time. We’ve already seen several interesting collaborations that have sprung from the network.
“One area which we’re particularly keen to develop is the concept of technology forums. We know that digital technology is an important growth enabler for manufacturers.
“In the spirit of collaborative learning, we’d like to develop a roadshow where network members can host such forums to showcase how they have embraced technology. Sharing best practice and lessons learned in this way is undoubtedly of huge benefit to those members at an earlier stage of the same journey.”
Network meetings are held every six weeks in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.
Topics to be covered are varied, and set by the membership in that area. They might include an update from Make UK, information on the adoption of Made Smarter in the East Midlands, an outline of Digital Upscaler technology support from the Chamber, or an announcement on the latest tailored manufacturing support on offer from the universities.
Chesterfield arts charity selects new Managing Director
Charity Junction Arts has appointed Emily Bowman, the current Deputy CEO for The Mighty Creatives, as its new MD.
Emily will join the Chesterfield-based charity on April 1st, and will help the team to deliver an ambitious programme of creative events and initiatives throughout 2023. She will lead the charity to deliver its vision, support the Arts Council England’s ‘Let’s Create’ strategy and will be responsible to the Board on all matters of strategy, policy development and management.
Junction Arts has engaged communities across Bolsover District, North East Derbyshire, Chesterfield and rural areas of the East Midlands for over 45 years. Following an uplift in National Portfolio Funding from the Arts Council until 2026, the charity has aspirations for significant growth and is hoping to embark on a number of exciting partnership projects over the next three years.
Emily is currently the Deputy CEO for The Mighty Creatives, a children and young people’s charity based in Leicester and Arts Council England’s Bridge organisation for the East Midlands. She has worked in the creative sector for 20 years and at a senior leadership level since 2015. Through her background and training in performance and her work in arts leadership, she has a deep understanding and passion for arts, culture, and creativity, specifically focused on young audiences, with experience in co-producing high-quality programmes that are accessible to all.
She said: “I am thrilled to be joining Junction Arts. I am excited to be leading such a vibrant and dedicated team and will do all I can to continue to grow and develop the organisation, building on its current success and supporting more people to engage, and creativity to thrive across our communities.”
Lucie Maycock, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Junction Arts said: “Emily has all the right experience, skills, and strategic thinking to take on this exciting role. She is passionate about community arts and making a real difference. Our shared values and her experience working with children, young people and communities, developing programmes that support their cultural, personal and professional development, will enhance our new and existing programmes. Helping to make a real impact and take the organisation to the next level.”
Melton Building Society reopen Mutual House Office after major refurbishment
Melton Building Society are pleased to announce the reopening of their Mutual House offices after undergoing a major transformation.
The building society partnered with local business, Blueprint Interiors, to undertake a full refurbishment of the Melton Mowbray site, resulting in state-of-the-art facilities and an eco-friendlier environment.
The newly refurbished office space is a reflection of Melton Building Society’s commitment to providing its members and colleagues with the best possible experience. The renovation project includes a complete overhaul of the building’s interior, resulting in a modern and spacious workspace that fosters productivity and community collaboration.
Creative and Commercial Director of Blueprint Interiors, Chloe Sproston, commented on the completed project: “Melton Building Society now has a relevant workplace with the tools and spaces they need to deliver their great service. We are also delighted that the response to the finished workplace has been so well received by the team, as they continue to position Melton Building Society as a modern mutual. The delivery stage of the project has been a huge success, thanks to all stakeholders cooperating for the benefit of the joint end goal. We’ve delivered a space that future proofs the Societies operating base by creating a diverse and flexible workspace for its people, as well as creating a valuable asset for their customer communities and local business network.”
To celebrate the reopening, colleagues have been invited back in for a tour of the premises and a demonstration of the new technology and amenities. Blueprint Interiors have created a range of work and meeting spaces designed to improve efficiency and customer service.
Simon Taylor, Chief Executive of Melton Building Society, says, “We are thrilled to reopen our head office and welcome our colleagues back into this fantastic new space. The transformation of the building is a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in the project, and we’re confident that the new facilities and technology will enable us to deliver an even better experience for our members.”
The Mutual House office will serve as the hub for Melton Building Society’s operations, offering savings accounts and mortgage solutions, as well as welcoming in members and inviting community groups to use the meeting spaces for educational workshops. Local charities will also be welcome to use the facilities for free to hold fundraisers or meetings.
Robinson invests in two senior sales team members
Specialist packaging manufacturer Robinson has invested in its sales team with two new senior appointments in the UK.
Angela Doyle joins Robinson from Berry Plastics and previously Constantia Group where she worked in the flexibles sector in both the UK and Ireland in commercial sales, primarily in the food and beverage sector. Looking forward to her role as a New Business Development Manager at Robinson, Angela highlighted: “I have a strong technical and commercial skill set, working closely with customers and production on development, problem solving and meeting deadlines. I have always enjoyed being part of a team, leading innovation and out of the box thinking.”
“Robinsons has a really strong collaborative, welcoming culture and I am looking forward to playing my part in the team, creating new business opportunities and building on the strong company foundations”.
Also joining the team as Business Development Manager is Nick Hudson. His background is in UK manufacture and outsourcing of premium packaging across many substrates.
Nick commented: “I am really looking forward to creating awareness of the company’s commitment to sustainable, innovative rigid box packaging and its high standards of quality and service leading to Robinsons being the first choice for customers”.
Nottingham’s planners get access to 3D city map technology
Nottingham has been successful in securing a £375,000 Government grant to modernise the planning application process through the use of 3D technology.
The money, which has come from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, will be spent on enhancing a cutting-edge system to map the city in three dimensions.
The project is part of a national £3.2m scheme through the PropTech Innovation Fund involving 27 local planning authorities. Nottingham will work closely with Bradford Council on this particular pilot.
It will improve the planning process as applicants, planning officers, councillors and the public will be able to view accurate, real-life images of how a proposed development will look within the existing built environment. The main aims are:
- To make it easier for people to engage in the planning process;
- Increase the transparency of decision-making;
- Speed up the time taken from application to formal decision.
Lauren joins CMP Legal as Employment Director
Chesterfield-based CMP Legal has appointed Lauren Pickard as its new Employment Director. Lauren is a specialist Employment Law Solicitor and joins CMP Legal from national law firm Knights plc where she worked as a Senior Associate, previously based in Sheffield. She has a wealth of knowledge and employment law experience from managing performance, disciplinary and grievance matters to redundancy and restructuring advice, delivering training, drafting contracts and more.
Lauren said: “CMP Legal has swiftly established itself as a niche practice offering high quality advice. The lawyers at CMP Legal have a wealth of experience and this, combined with their desire to do things in a dynamic and progressive way, works strongly to the benefit of clients.”
Neil Brown, Co-Founder at CMP Legal says: “Lauren has an excellent reputation in the region and will be a fantastic asset to both our business and our clients. We are delighted to welcome her into our expanding team as we continue to deliver exceptional service to our clients.”
Multi award winning Derbyshire Architects celebrates 25 years
Matthew Montague Architects are celebrating 25 years in business. Formed in 1998 by architect Matthew Montague the business has evolved and grown into one of the largest, independent architects’ practices in the region.
The name Montague has long been synonymous with the built environment in Derby and across the Midlands. Derek Montague, Matthew’s father founded Montague Architects in 1969. Matthew worked at his fathers practice for 10 years before starting Matthew Montague Architects (MMA).
Over the past quarter of a century the practice has won over 20 awards for its designs including RIBA regional awards for housing, numerous civic and conservation awards and East Midlands Architects Practice of the Year 2019.
Back in 1998; working from his home office Matthew commenced his first solo commercial project; the refurbishment and extension of Lonsdale House for travel agents, Lonsdale Travel. The project comprised extension and refurbishment, it was at this time that the original mill building was almost doubled in size and the rotunda constructed. In 1998 the building had already been extended, an annexe was built in 1995, designed by Matthew whilst he was working at his father’s practice. The project took a year to complete and was awarded the George Larkin award in the same year for ‘Recognition of a significant improvement to the City of Derby’s Environment.’
Matthew commented, ‘I remember the time vividly, the A6 is one of the main arteries into the city and I wanted to create a visual gateway and Lonsdale Travel wanted a statement building. It was a £450,000 contract which was a healthy budget back then, I remember receiving my first cheque several months into the project, I’ll never forget it and to receive an award was the icing on the cake. Matthew Montague Architects, was off and running!’
In 2002 the practice moved to offices on Friar Gate as it continued to grow, projects in the 2000’s included St Benedicts School, the school Mathew attended, Derby Theatre, Denby Pottery, Derby County Football Clubs World Cup bid, the Clough Taylor Memorial, East Midlands Airport and G F Tomlinson builders HQ in Little Eaton.
In 2011 the practice merged with AFS Architects, the first job for Repton School also commenced in this year. The association with Repton School spans more than a decade, the practice has worked on many projects for the school including The Quad building, IT Block, the Theatre, Headmasters House and new sports facilities.
Matthew said ‘we have been working with Repton School for over a decade; the dining room at Repton Preparatory School (Foremarke as it was) is one of the buildings that I am most proud of. It was designed by my colleague Daniel Evans and is a fantastic example of the synergy between old and new; it is a modern, practical building set perfectly in a historic setting. We are currently working on several other projects for the school as part of their 5-year improvement plan, it is an association I am very proud of.’
The practice relocated to The Cheese Factory in 2013, a building Matthew purchased from the Buildings at Risk Register and painstakingly restored and converted.
2017 was a busy year for the Practice as it merged with Montague Architects once again strengthening the team and in a sense completing the circle which started back in 1969.
The practice emerged from COVID, staff returned to the office and the practice completed 100 domestic projects, in one year, the most it has ever done.
Recently the practice has worked extensively with The University of Derby on its vision of how the University intends to develop its city centre footprint and improve connectivity between its sites. The City Masterplan focuses on the development of the area around One Friar Gate Square, Ford Street, Bridge Street, Agard Street and Nuns Street, in Derby.
Matthew, said: “it has been a fantastic opportunity to be involved with the masterplan, it is ambitious, forward thinking and will help shape the future development of the University and the city, bringing new opportunities for students and businesses, it’s something we are proud to be involved with.”
Roll-Royce appoints new man to join the Board of its Small Modular Reactor business
Rolls-Royce SMR has appointed Neil Fleming, above, as a Director on its board representing Rolls-Royce PLC.
Neil took his place on the board of the Derby-based company, charged with creating Small Modular Reactor technology, to replace Ben Fidler, who resigned from the board after leaving Rolls-Royce.
Neil is the Rolls-Royce Group Mergers & Acquisitions Director, based in London. He leads a team based in the UK and Germany with oversight of all M&A activity (including acquisitions, divestments, and joint ventures) across the Group.
Neil joined Rolls-Royce in October last year with nearly two decades of global experience in M&A, strategy and partnerships across multiple sectors including energy, infrastructure, and industrial technology. Neil has previously served on the board of directors for several companies in the UK and Europe.
Rolls-Royce SMR Chairman Paul Stein said: “I’d like to thank Ben for all his hard work, support and commitment and I wish him the very best of luck as he pursues new opportunities.
“We’re glad to have Neil representing Rolls-Royce on our board; his knowledge and experience will be a vital asset at such an exciting time.”
Neil added: “Rolls-Royce SMR has real potential and is central to the delivery of several of Rolls-Royce’s key objectives including net zero, supply security, UK economic contribution and exports. I’m delighted to be involved and look forward to helping move forward at pace.”
Rolls-Royce signs MoU with Ukraine to pave the way for post-war rebuild
Rolls-Royce SMR has signed an agreement with Energoatom – Ukraine’s national nuclear energy generating company – paving the way for the two companies to work together at the possibilities of deploying Rolls-Royce SMRs in the Ukraine when the country begins its re-build.
In the document Rolls-Royce SMR makes a commitment to support the rebuild of Ukraine with its factory-built Small Modular Reactor power station – each capable of generating enough carbon-free electricity to power a million homes for more than 60 years.
The Rolls-Royce SMR CEO Tom Samson said: “The UK Government has led global efforts to support Ukraine and its people, it is an honour to support these efforts. We first began discussions with a Ukrainian utility company before the Russian invasion, after they saw how their country could benefit from a fleet of SMRs.
“Through Britain’s sovereign nuclear technology, we can potentially help the people of the Ukraine rebuild rapidly and restore their energy security and their independence.”
Petro Kotin, President of Energoatom, said Ukraine was continuing its course towards energy independence, which was impossible to imagine without advanced nuclear technology. He said: “The cooperation between Energoatom and Rolls-Royce SMR has reached a new level. Today we signed an agreement that will allow Ukraine not only to start an efficient post-war recovery of the energy infrastructure, but also to become one of the first countries in the world to attract promising technologies of small modular reactors for this purpose.”
Chance to dream becomes reality – N’hants community garden celebrates lottery funding
A Northamptonshire business centred around a community garden concept that “grows people” is celebrating after receiving a National Lottery award from the National Lottery Community Fund.
“Sol Haven”, run by Sammuel Yisrael and Natasha Caton in Moulton, hosts wellbeing projects, particularly for people who have experienced hardship and has delivered wellbeing events to over 500 people, including many vulnerable and homeless individuals.
Last year, after receiving commendation as “Points of Light” in parliament and a letter from the prime minister for their tireless work and impact, they also began to roll out these “Ploughing The Mind” workshops and projects to SMEs.
This sees employers and employers spending time at the garden with the Sol Haven team and their specialist consultants to work on wellbeing within the workplace.
Now, with the latest funding, Sol Haven will be able to treble the size and scale of their work, which co-founder Sammuel Yisrael will make a significant impact to many more people.
‘It is wonderful news that we have received this incredible support from the National Lottery Community Fund,’ explains Sammuel.
‘The work we do has the power to create and sustain incredibly positive change in people, whether they are signposted to us from health professionals and counsellors or visiting us as part of a corporate wellbeing day. We’d be honoured to welcome enquiries from any businesses that are exploring their wellness strategies and delighted to create a bespoke experience for them.’
‘Of course, this positive change cannot be achieved without a high class team and matching resources, all of which takes time and money. The funding will not only make a big difference to us as a business but to many more people who can hopefully now come and visit us to explore our concept as a “community garden where people grow”.
Prior to the funding announcement, Sol Haven also boosted their Artists in Residence programme which is run in partnership with C2C Social Action and The Hope Centre.
