Boots abandons plastics in wet wipes and launches plant-based alternatives
Nottingham-based Boots has eliminated unnecessary plastic in wet wipes by not only reformulating its own brand versions, but also by committing to eliminate plastic from all wipes it sells – no matter the brand – to deliver on a pledge it made last year.
Natalie Gourlay, Head of ESG at Boots said: “Boots believes that healthy communities need a healthy planet, we have a rich legacy of operating responsibly because we recognise it is the right thing to do. Together with our customers we want to inspire positive action and encourage the little switches that make a big difference.”
Boots teams worked hard with suppliers to make the switch, ensuring all brands of wet wipes sold at Boots are now biodegradable-only without compromising on options available to customers. To support the correct disposal of wet wipes, all Boots brand wipes are labelled as “Do Not Flush”, or where we need to provide flushable wipes for intimate use, they are developed to meet the Fine to Flush standard.
Fleur Anderson, Labour MP for Putney, Roehampton and Southfields said: “A huge thanks to Boots and thanks especially to all of the staff who’ve been involved in delivering on your commitment to take plastic fibres out of Boots own brand, and then all the other brands sold at Boots.
“The damage that plastic in wet wipes does to our environment is huge, right from what they’re made from all the way through to seeing them on the banks of the river Thames as I have. I hope this move from Boots will inspire lots of other shops to do the same thing.”
Nottingham start up secures funding to explore potential of AI for aircraft safety
Nottingham-based artificial intelligence start up Blueskeye AI has been awarded £20,000 to investigate how face sensing technology can be used to obtain insights about human behaviour in the aircraft cockpit.
The research will identify the key drivers, enablers and barriers to using such technology in aircraft cockpits. It could pave the way for their adoption by the aerospace sector enhancing passenger and crew safety. The award was made by the Aerospace Unlocking Potential (UP) Programme. Aerospace UP is a £20m European Regional Development Fund project which is in its final year. It aims to help the aerospace supply chain in the Midlands unlock its innovation potential. The project is delivered by the University of Nottingham and the Midlands Aerospace Alliance. Professor Michel Valstar, founding CEO of BlueSkeye AI, welcomed the award saying: “This award shows the potential of our face scanning software in safety critical environments. Our software uses machine learning to objectively and automatically analyse face and voice data to interpret attention, engagement, tiredness and fatigue as well as medically relevant expressive behaviour and assist in the assessment and monitoring of, and the response to, health, mood and mental state.” Dr Nicola Deards, technology manager for Midlands Aerospace Alliance, said: “I am delighted to have helped BlueSkeye AI secure an innovation grant as part of the Aerospace UP programme. The company is an excellent example of a business that isn’t currently part of the UK’s aerospace supply chain but has the potential to be so. I would encourage other businesses to follow their example and explore whether they could be eligible for support from the programme.” The project is due to conclude in March.Mazars delivers 23% growth in latest annual results as East Midlands office continues to grow
Mazars, the audit, tax and advisory firm, grew 23% in the UK in the year to 31 August 2022, recording revenue of £288m. Growth was strong across all service lines and sectors, in audit and non-audit.
Meanwhile, the team in East Midlands has continued to grow, with 20 additional team members added over the year, the recruitment of new partner Hina Desai, and several promotions into director and manager roles.
The team has focussed efforts on expanding existing services, with a new, locally based Financial Services team created, as well as development of and investment into the tax capability across the corporate, private client, international, transactional and specialist tax teams.
Commenting on the firm’s growth and expansion of services in the East Midlands Steve English, East Midlands office managing partner, said: “It’s been a hugely positive year for the East Midlands team, with additional members of staff joining and a raft of promotions over the year.
“We’ve been focussed on delivering good work for our clients, and have invested in our people and capabilities across all of our service lines, including creating a new Financial Services team, and look forward to building on these successes in the next period.”
Across the UK headcount grew to 2,890, an increase of 18.5% from the previous year. The firm promoted 980 team members in FY22. The team also committed 9,000 hours to wellbeing and volunteering projects.
Phil Verity, CEO, said: “We are harnessing the firm’s positive momentum to invest in building the team of the future. From defining enhanced career pathways to creating a culture of mentorship across the firm, we are investing today to build a team with the skills, resources and support to succeed in the future.
“The business environment is uncertain, but we remain driven by our relationships with our clients, supporting them through a volatile and shifting economy, and consistently delivering quality work.”
Mazars Group, operating in nearly 100 countries worldwide, grew by 16.4%, reaching €2.45bn in fee income. The Group performed strongly across all geographies, with particularly significant growth in Africa and the Middle East (21.7%), the Americas (22.4%) and Asia-Pacific (17.1%).
Hervé Hélias, CEO and chairman of Mazars Group, said: “Despite a complex global environment, 2022 was an excellent year for Mazars across all geographies and service lines. Our performance confirms the quality and relevance of our services, as we continue our drive to offer choice and a different perspective in a highly concentrated market; providing essential competition for the healthy functioning of financial markets.”
Applications open for funding to support Derby businesses
Derby City Council is inviting eligible and experienced organisations who can help businesses to grow to bid for funding to deliver tailor-made programmes of support.
Applications are now open to experienced business support providers to apply for funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to deliver a range of programmes that will enable business growth and innovation.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund was launched in April 2022 to replace EU funding. It is a key part of the Government’s “levelling-up” agenda and is aimed at boosting communities, supporting local businesses and improving skills.
Every part of the UK is receiving an allocation from the fund, covering three years until the end of the 2024-25 financial year. Following Government approval of its Investment Plan, Derby City Council was awarded a total of £6.1million from the core fund.
Each authority is encouraged to use the money to meet the unique needs of their community and location. Taking onboard feedback gathered through a series of roundtables with businesses and existing providers, including the University of Derby and East Midlands Chamber, the Council has developed four priority programme areas:
- Early years (£345k) – Programmes to enable entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses in their first years in Derby.
- Sector opportunities (£1.13m) Programmes that champion innovation in product, process or service delivery, enabling company development in Derby key sectors.
- Inward investment (£600k) – A marketing programme to bring new key sector companies or to support new external investment into the city.
- Recruitment and skills – (300k) Up to four roles that help with 1) recruitment and skills provision 2) Growth and Scale-up advice ensuring Derby businesses can maximise relevant local and national support opportunities
Councillor Steve Hassall, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Decarbonisation, Strategic Planning and Transport, said: “We want to support businesses to grow and to recruit, to enable residents to upskill and take advantage of the city’s increased employment opportunities.
“We know that getting the right advice and support at the right time is important to business success and providing tailored, dedicated support is key to driving growth and investment in the economy.
“This funding will create programmes that will create jobs, drive economic growth and help to make Derby a great place to live and work.”
Interested providers should email spf@derby.go.uk to ask for an application pack which will include full details on the four priority programmes, guidance notes and application documentation.
Organisations must submit completed applications by 10am on 7 March 2023.
Applications will be shortlisted in March and projects are expected to start in April 2023.
Independent Derby coffee and lifestyle brand secures funding for expansion
BEAR, the independent coffee brand founded by two entrepreneurs, recently closed a round of fundraising with private equity firm Clark Group. The investment will enable BEAR to open new stores and further its growth, aligning with the founders’ original vision to establish a UK coffee and lifestyle brand.
“We’re taking Shoreditch, giving it a pair of walking boots, and taking it for a trek in the Peak District. We recognise who we are and where we have come from, and we’re combining that with all of the best bits of our collective inner-city influences. We’re proud to be from the Midlands, but we’re always keen to explore,” said co-founder, Craig Bunting.
Clark Group have a wealth of experience in the hospitality and consumer retail industries, making them a valuable partner for BEAR. The investment firm’s portfolio includes well-known brands such as ThruDark, Wild Nutrition, Press, Bike Shed, and Bremont, among others. Clark Group provides financial support, hands-on guidance, and mentorship from industry leaders, offering a combination of equity and expertise.
“We recently invested in BEAR to support them and their ambitious growth plans. They have an outstanding management team and an incredible, high quality customer offer which underpins the BEAR brand appeal. This will be complemented by the skills of Clark Group as BEAR continues to grow its number of locations,” said CFO, Ed Formstone.
The partnership with Clark Group allows BEAR to further align their strategy and link brick-and-mortar stores with online e-commerce.
Craig Bunting added: “I see an incredible opportunity to build strong relationships with our guests, moving them from loyalty to advocacy. We will do this by creating products they can enjoy everywhere, whether in-store, at the office, on the go or at home, which excites me.
“High Streets have struggled for a long time, exacerbated by the pandemic. However, I am passionate about investing in our local communities. We will do this by using our online platform to drive footfall onto local High Streets and into our neighbourhood stores through a click & collect service, creating the most hospitable e-commerce brand of the future.
“We are thrilled to partner with Clark Group Investments and bring BEAR to the next level. Our vision is to become a leading brand within the hospitality & e-commerce sector. Their experience in hospitality and retail, combined with their hands-on support, will be invaluable as we continue to grow.”
Loughborough’s Exec Director of Sport decides to step down
John Steele is to step down as Loughborough University’s Executive Director of Sport in January after nine years in which the University has seen huge success across all areas of sport.
In this time sport participation, diversity and performance have all improved and capital projects such as the Elite Athlete Centre have enhanced Loughborough’s standing in the global sporting landscape.
Loughborough has also increased its commercial income and broadened its range of partnerships and sponsors. The campus has staged major events such as the School Games, and hosted preparation camps for partners including the British Paralympic Association and Team England before the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games last summer.
Vice-Chancellor Nick Jennings said: “John’s contribution to Loughborough Sport has been significant. Through his leadership, our sporting activity has been transformed and I’m particularly delighted with the development of our activity in women’s sport and para-sport.”
During his time at Loughborough Steele has also made a major contribution to the broader sporting landscape with leadership roles as Chairman of the English Institute of Sport and currently Chairman of Commonwealth Games England. He was awarded an OBE in recognition of his service to sport in the Queens birthday honours in 2021.
Mr Steele said: “It has been a privilege to be part of an amazing era of sport at Loughborough. The collective passion and commitment of some wonderful people at the University, has driven forward sport and created a very special environment.”
He will remain involved at the University in a part-time advisory and project role including working on the new University strategy and will support the recruitment of a new Pro Vice Chancellor for Sport later in the year.
Historic mills receive six-figure boost
The Arkwright Society, which is responsible for Cromford Mills, has received a six-figure boost to conserve, regenerate and develop the historic site into a major visitor attraction.
The charity has received just shy over £250,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to deliver a number of initiatives to ensure that the mills become an even greater attraction for visitors, local businesses and the wider community – and a place that people can enjoy and celebrate its history.
Cromford Mills was built in the 1770s and 1780s by Sir Richard Arkwright – and has gone from strength-to-strength since the Arkwright Society purchased the industrial heritage site in 1979.
The Heritage Fund money, made possible thanks to National Lottery players, will support staff in activities to engage more widely with people through learning and education about the site and the society’s ambitions for its development.
Sustainability is also a key theme for the society, highlighted by the forthcoming installation of a turbine powered water wheel in one of the historic wheel pits at Cromford Mills.
The cash will also support the mills’ programme of events, creating a more diverse and fun experience.
Critical to the long-term sustainability of the site is the next phase of regeneration at Cromford Mills, which will focus on the repair and repurposing of the remaining buildings on the site, in particular the iconic ‘First Mill’ built by Sir Richard Arkwright in 1771.
With £20,000 match funding from the Duke of Devonshire Charitable Trust, a refreshed masterplan will be commissioned, with a clear roadmap for the continuing regeneration of the mills and a business plan for their future use.
Chief Executive Eilis Scott said: “The Arkwright Society is immensely grateful for the ongoing support from National Lottery players and The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Duke of Devonshire Charitable Trust.
“This funding will help make the society more resilient and deliver a bright and innovative future.
“Cromford Mills is a very special place within the Derwent Valley World Heritage Site, and we want to continue sharing and celebrating the mills and their stories with all our visitors and local businesses.
“This funding will give us greater confidence and resource to develop educational activities and plans, particularly for conservation and sustainability, with our local schools and communities; which is at the heart of what the Arkwright Society is all about.”
Streets Chartered Accountants covers tax investigations, the cost of living crisis, the Budget and more in new news roundup
Streets Chartered Accountants covers tax investigations, the cost of living crisis, gets ready for the Budget and more in its new news roundup.
Peace of mind in 2023 when it comes to your tax affairs – we are concerned that you may not be currently protectedWith the 31st January self-assessment deadline for filing returns having just come and gone, tax matters are probably very much still on the minds of many. Perhaps less so is the potential impact that a tax enquiry or investigation might have on us as an individual or on our business. Whilst we all want to ensure our affairs are in the best order, there is a real risk that the Revenue can instigate an investigation or enquiry.
Webinar: The Budget 2023 – what will it mean for you?The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, will present his Spring Budget in the House of Commons on Wednesday 15th March 2023. Following the announcements, Streets will be holding a special webinar on Thursday 16th March, 11am till 12noon. Streets will provide details of the announcements along with guidance on what they may mean for businesses and individuals.
What are your customers doing differently in light of the cost-of-living crisis?
With the rate of inflation having seemingly or hopefully peaked at a 40 year high and with Prime Minster Rishi Sunak’s announcement that he seeks to half the rate of inflation by the end of the year, we might start to feel some sense of easing in the cost of living. However, against this backdrop many households and businesses are still feeling the financial impact of the pandemic. This is aside from the fact that salaries are not keeping pace with inflation.
Watch again: Payroll & HR Update 2023Last week Streets hosted its Annual Payroll & HR Update to keep you informed of the issues and changes affecting payroll management, the tax implications around staff employment and remuneration and also some broader HR matters that may concern employers now and in the year ahead. If you missed it and would like to catch up you can watch the recording by clicking the title above.
Podcast: connections and support at the heart of entrepreneurial successThis episode of The Streets Sessions features Charlotte Kirton-Cook and Reece Leggett from the University of Lincoln’s Research and Enterprise team, who talk about the University’s work in supporting and nurturing start-up businesses and entrepreneurial scale-ups. The podcast also explores the role of a new network, ‘Entrepreneurs Connect’, set up in conjunction with Streets to support entrepreneurs and share knowledge and experience.
Entries are now open for the Midlands Family Business Awards 2023!As accountants and tax advisers looking after family businesses, Streets are once again supporting these Awards and entries are now open! Streets are continuing to sponsor the People’s Choice Award which is a category that all finalists are automatically entered into and is decided by public vote! Good luck!
Planning granted for 10,000 sq ft mixed-use development in Nottingham
Hillcrest Properties has been granted planning permission for a 4,000 sq ft restaurant and bar, four apartments, four offices and a 1,000 sq ft retail unit on the site of the former Lloyds TSB Bank at 31 Plains Road.Hillcrest, a third-generation family property company based in Nottingham, successfully secured planning consent for the site, which has a projected gross development value of around £2.25m. Work is scheduled to commence over the coming weeks and the units will be available to rent from Q4 2023.Landa Associates have been retained by the developer as letting and managing agents and have been instructed to find an operator for the new restaurant, as well as tenants for the accompanying first floor offices and ground floor retail space.Sunny Landa FRICS, director at Landa Associates who will be leading the marketing, said: “This scheme is yet to hit the market, but we are already being inundated with interest from major operators.“Demand for these sorts of properties located in affluent areas is at an all-time high. This development will help satisfy that by bringing new high-quality space to this part of Nottingham. We are confident that the prestigious location coupled with the ambitious plans our client has for the development will stimulate economic growth and job creation.“On behalf of Hillcrest, I would like to thank the planning committee at Gedling Borough Council for granting permission for this fantastic new addition to Mapperley.”EDGE is providing cost and project management services for the scheme. Elliot Holloway said: ‘‘We are proud to be a part of this development and I look forward to seeing the project complete. The plans are of the highest quality and the nature of the accommodation will be superb.”
Reserved matters submitted for 947,650 sq ft industrial and logistics development
Mountpark Logistics has submitted a reserved matters planning application to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council for a 947,650 sq ft industrial and logistics development at Stanton Lane, Coalville.
Known as Mountpark Bardon III, the proposed scheme comprises two high quality buildings of 535,955 sq ft and 411,695 sq ft, both of which have been designed to achieve EPC ‘A’ ratings and minimum BREEAM ‘Excellent’ accreditations. As part of its plans, Mountpark has designated 50% of the site as green space to support biodiversity and provide a landscaped woodland park for both employees and local residents to enjoy.
The new scheme is the third and final phase of Mountpark Bardon, which is strategically located near Junction 22 of the M1, north of Leicester and within a 4.5 hour HGV drive time of around 85% of the UK population.
“The success of the first two phases of Mountpark Bardon has demonstrated the high demand for large logistics facilities along the M1 corridor,” said Tom Kilmister, senior development director at Mountpark UK & Ireland. “By making sure detailed planning permission is in place, we can offer customers certainty of delivery to meet tight operational deadlines.
“As a business, we seek to offer our customers the best logistics property opportunities on the market, including high quality amenity space – such as roof terraces and landscaped surroundings – that will create an attractive working environment for employees.”
DTRE and CBRE are representing Mountpark.
