The East Midlands has seen improvements in its share of employed women in full time roles, increasing from 59% to 61% in 2021, according to this year’s Women in Work Index. Subsequently, the region has seen a significant narrowing of its gender pay gap from 19% to 16%. The annual PwC report analyses female economic empowerment across 33 OECD countries and was first launched in 2010. The East Midlands had one of the most improved performances in 2021, moving from 7th place to 4th. The participation rate gap between men and women also narrowed from 9% in 2020 to 6% in 2021. However, the female labour force participation rate did not change over this time, suggesting that the gap narrowed as a result of men’s participation rate falling as opposed to progress in female participation. Alex Hudson, market senior partner for PwC East Midlands, said: “It is pleasing to see an increase in the employment of women in full time roles and the narrowing of the gender pay gap in the East Midlands. “Having gender diversity in the workplace provides real business benefits and the East Midlands has improved across every indicator this year. That said, we still have work to do, locally and nationally, to address some of the core barriers for women in work, including childcare provisions and the cost-of-living crisis. “It’s key that investment into skills continues as an important way to address inequality, creating inclusive workplaces and equal opportunities for women from all social backgrounds. For example, PwC in the Midlands supports the Tech She Can programme, developed to encourage and empower more women into technology careers. “As the Government continues to push the levelling up agenda and the Treasury considers expanding free childcare hours in England, businesses and local governments must work together to create more opportunities for women in the workplace.”

New data laws to cut down pointless paperwork for businesses and reduce annoying cookie pops-up are being introduced by the government today in Parliament with a new common-sense-led UK version of the EU’s GDPR. It’s claimed the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill will reduce costs and burdens for British businesses and charities, remove barriers to international trade and cut the number of repetitive data collection pop-ups online. Its said the revised bill will:

• Introduce a simple, clear and business-friendly framework that will not be difficult or costly to implement – taking the best elements of GDPR and providing businesses with more flexibility about how they comply with the new data laws
• Ensure the new regime maintains data adequacy with the EU, and wider international confidence in the UK’s comprehensive data protection standards
• Further reduce the amount of paperwork organisations need to complete to demonstrate compliance
• Support even more international trade without creating extra costs for businesses if they’re already compliant with current data regulation
• Provide organisations with greater confidence about when they can process personal data without consent
• Increase public and business confidence in AI technologies by clarifying the circumstances when robust safeguards apply to automated decision-making

Today’s data reforms are expected to unlock £4.7 billion in savings for the UK economy over the next 10 years, and maintain the UK’s internationally renowned data protection standards so businesses can continue to trade freely with global partners, including the EU. The Bill was introduced last Summer and paused in September 2022 so ministers could engage in a co-design process with business leaders and data experts – ensuring that the new regime built on the UK’s high standards for data protection and privacy, and seeks to ensure data adequacy while moving away from the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach of European Union’s GDPR. Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said: “Co-designed with business from the start, this new Bill ensures that a vitally important data protection regime is tailored to the UK’s own needs and our customs. “Our system will be easier to understand, easier to comply with, and take advantage of the many opportunities of post-Brexit Britain. No longer will our businesses and citizens have to tangle themselves around the barrier-based European GDPR.” “Our new laws release British businesses from unnecessary red tape to unlock new discoveries, drive forward next generation technologies, create jobs and boost our economy.” Alongside these new changes, the Bill will increase fines for nuisance calls and texts to be either up to four per cent of global turnover or £17.5 million, whichever is greater, and aims to reduce the number of consent pop-ups people see online, which allow websites to collect data about an individual’s visit. The Bill will also establish a framework for the use of trusted and secure digital verification services, which allow people to prove their identity digitally if they choose to do so. The measures will allow customers to create certified digital identities that make it easier and quicker for people to prove things about themselves. The Bill will strengthen the Information Commissioner’s Office through the creation of a statutory board with a chair and chief executive, so it can remain a world-leading, independent data regulator and better support organisations to comply with data regulation.

Expansion can signify success. It can indicate that a company is moving in the right direction. The hard work and dedication of the team behind the company have allowed the business to grow and bring new opportunities. One opportunity many businesses aim to accomplish is expanding internationally. Almost half of small businesses across the UK are planning to expand their company internationally. Expanding could be a major turning point for a small business. It could help them grow their audience reach and generate new leads. Both factors are influential in helping the company to stay in operation. If you are preparing your business for international expansion, here’s a guide on what steps to consider to help you with the process. Know Reasons For Expansion Growing a business could help a company to gain more exposure for their company. The wider audience could generate new leads, which later become sales. However, there should be more reasons for the expansion than just generating new leads. Spend time identifying the core reasons for expanding the business internationally. Ensure the expansion plans align with the company’s core beliefs and goals. In previous years, companies have been unsuccessful as they have taken opportunities for expansion that have not aligned with the beliefs and goals their company was founded upon. Staying true to the core nature of the business could work to the company’s advantage. Ensure Finances Are In Order For a successful expansion, a company’s finances are a crucial factor to consider. There are several costs involved in the expansion of a company. There are start-up costs involved in expanding a company internationally. Before expanding the company, spend time planning out the finances for the business and if the company can afford to move forward. Check to see if the company can afford to expand the company internationally. Ensure that the company will still be able to progress should it experience slower months with little revenue. Checking that the finances are in order will help a company decide if expanding is possible. Identify Opportunities In The Market When planning to expand, look for opportunities in the market. These could help the company in its plans to expand internationally. It could allow the company to move into new sectors and reach a wider range of potential clients. These potential clients would later become clients as the business builds strong working relationships. Understandably, more opportunities will likely be available in international markets compared to national ones. It can be easy to want to chase all opportunities. Instead, there might be opportunities that are not suited for the company. Spend time deciding which opportunities in the market could help the company move forward in its plans to grow. Learn How To Maximise Opportunities Expanding a company can bring with it multiple opportunities. When these opportunities come about, companies should aim to make the most out of them as they could be influential in the success of the expansion. There will likely be events and changes internationally that affect how companies operate. The past few years have proved that. When these events occur, there are often opportunities that become available. It can be worthwhile to learn how to maximise these opportunities. Spend time taking a business and international relations course to learn more about maximising opportunities. The tools and skills learned from taking a course could help make decisions on how to progress the business forward and utilise them to the company’s advantage. Conduct In-Depth Market Research Before moving forward with any expansion plans, ensure that a thorough market research plan has been conducted first. It will help to offer greater insight into the market the company is planning to move into. They can see if there is a need or a demand for the product or service they are offering. Knowing this will help companies to refrain from expanding internationally to a country that does not require or need their services. This could lead to complications further down the line. Additionally, companies can learn more about any competition in the market for the countries they are expanding into. Knowing who the competition is will be helpful when planning the expansion. They can use it to help them market the company as the preferred choice. Be Aware Of Legal Regulations Each country is different. Many noticeable differences set each country apart, from the languages they speak or how companies operate. One difference companies planning to expand internationally must be aware of is legal regulations. The legal regulations in place are designed to keep businesses and consumers safe. Any new businesses looking to set up in the country must be aware of these regulations. When choosing where to expand the company, ensure that time has been spent carefully looking through the legal regulations of the countries the business is interested in expanding to. This will help avoid unpleasant surprises and ensure the business follows the rules. It helps avoid costly issues of rectifying the mistakes made. Preparing To Grow Expanding a company can be an exciting time for a business. It marks the next chapter in a company’s story, one they will likely reflect on with fond memories – if all goes well. Keep some of the tips mentioned above in mind when preparing your business for international expansion. It could reduce the risk of issues occurring. Instead, you could enjoy the advantages that come with expanding a business internationally.

Specialist Contractor Cawarden showcased its work currently being undertaken on Agard Street in Derby by hosting a site visit for 30 final-year Civil Engineering students and apprentices from the University of Derby. The students were hosted by Principal Contractor Cawarden – who is delivering the proof digging and earthworks on the Agard Street site on behalf of its client. Cawarden completed the demolition of the former student flats on the site last year and has been awarded a follow-on scheme to prepare the site for future redevelopment. As part of their final year studies, the students have been tasked to propose and design a theoretical residential and commercial tower block for the site, so the visit provided the opportunity to look at site constraints, obstructions, access, utilities and ground conditions – all useful things to consider as part of feasibility studies. The students were able to see the full extent of the site with a guided tour led by the Cawarden team. They were shown a number of areas which are under construction and were able to stop and observe key points including a large area which is still to be backfilled and levelled. From the questions raised by the students and staff during the visit, it is evident that the University of Derby is continuing to generate competent next-generation engineers. Mitch Townsend, Civils & Groundworks Manager at Cawarden, said: “We welcomed the opportunity to host the students to our project on Agard Street in Derby city centre. As a student, it’s invaluable to see first-hand work being undertaken on a site like this. We are all for encouraging new people into the industry and wish the students all the best with the project. We look forward to seeing their proposals!” Simon Wood, Senior Lecturer in Civil Engineering at the University of Derby, said: “The opportunity to be shown around the site by industrial professionals was invaluable for our final-year Civil Engineering students completing their structural design project. “The experience for the students to work on a live project allows them to develop and enhance skills vital for entering the graduate market, as well as highlighting roles they could soon be entering. The students’ final presentation to industrial experts will encompass all their knowledge and empower them to interact within an environment they wish to engage with in the future.”

CBI director-general, Tony Danker, has stepped aside from his role as investigations get underway into complaints over his workplace conduct. According to reports in The Guardian, the decision to hire a law firm to investigate Danker comes 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 follows further alleged informal reports of concerns over his behaviour. The CBI has confirmed that in January this year it was made aware of an allegation regarding the workplace conduct of the director-general. The business organisation said:  “The allegation was investigated thoroughly and was dealt with comprehensively, in line with CBI procedure. The CBI investigation determined that the issue did not require escalation to a disciplinary process.” On March 2 the CBI was made aware of new reports regarding Danker’s workplace conduct: “We have now taken steps to initiate an independent investigation into these new matters,” the CBI said. “Tony Danker asked to step aside from his role as director-general of the CBI while the independent investigation into these matters takes place.” The organisation added: “The CBI takes all matters of workplace conduct extremely seriously but it is important to stress that until this investigation is complete, any new allegations remain unproven and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”