Unemployment’s down, but number of ‘economically inactive’ people hits record high

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Unemployment’s down, but number of ‘economically inactive’ people hits record high
The unemployment rate in the East Midlands fell slightly from 3.4% to 3.3% in the three months to December, according to the Office for National Statistics’ latest regional labour market data. And although that’s still below the national average, the figures show the region’s economic inactivity rate – measuring the number of working-age people who have dropped out of the labour market for reasons such as retirement, caring duties, long-term ill health or studying – climbed to a record high of 22.7%, compared to a UK rate of 21.4%. East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “After an upwards trajectory in the level of unemployment since the summer – albeit against a context of still being at historically low levels – it is good to see this curve begin to flatten in recent months. “As we also saw with the UK economy narrowly heading off a widely-expected recession at the end of 2022, this is another important indicator in illustrating the resilience of our businesses during what has been a very challenging three years with pandemic restrictions followed by a cost-of-doing-business crisis. “Yet we shouldn’t get complacent about a strong jobs market and our own research suggests unemployment levels may not remain so low this year. “Our Quarterly Economic Survey for Q4 2022 found there was an 8% decline from quarter to quarter in the proportion of East Midlands businesses that added to their workforce in the previous three months, while there was a similar drop-off in recruitment prospects over the coming three months.” The rising economic inactivity rate – running at 18.7% immediately before Covid-19 lockdowns – poses a cause for concern and the Chamber has urged Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to address it in the forthcoming Spring Budget, scheduled for 15 March. Scott added: “Not only are they continuing to face unsustainable cost pressures, but as the rising economic inactivity rate demonstrates, we have one of the tightest labour markets ever seen. Businesses that want to grow, and create jobs and wealth in their local areas, are unable to do so because of acute skills shortages. “This poses a major concern for the road ahead as our economy plateaus but with the Spring Budget fast approaching, there are measures the Government can take to support businesses to develop a skills base fit for 21st century industry. “In our Business Manifesto for Growth launched in Parliament last November, we proposed a series of reforms around how businesses invest in their people. “These include flexible incentives for business investment in staff training, expanding the use of the apprenticeship levy, bringing forward the introduction of the lifelong loan entitlement to support retraining and the retainment of an older workforce, and a comprehensive reform of the shortage occupation list to allow sectors facing urgent demand for skills to get what they need. “In other words, this is about ‘getting the basics right’ – removing the day-to-day barriers for businesses and ensuring the basic building blocks of economic success are in place.”

G F Tomlinson to progress multi-million-pound planetarium in Nottinghamshire

Tess Egginton
-
0
G F Tomlinson to progress multi-million-pound planetarium in Nottinghamshire

Pre-construction work has officially started on the multi-million-pound planetarium at Sherwood Observatory Science Discovery Centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire.

Midlands-based contractor G F Tomlinson has been appointed through Scape’s Beyond the Public Sector framework to complete pre-construction design and planning, with the state-of-the-art centre expected to be completed and fully operational by autumn 2024.

Working alongside SCAPE, one of the UK’s leading public sector procurement authorities, has enabled the client to accelerate the delivery of the scheme through early contractor involvement with G F Tomlinson.

The development will transform a disused underground Victorian reservoir, which was dug in the 1880s, into an education centre for school and group visits, and will feature an exhibition hall, classrooms, a café and meeting rooms, as well as the state-of-the-art planetarium.

The reservoir will have a new structure built above it, to increase the useable space and transform the existing structure into a habitable and unique building. The scheme aims to inspire interest and careers in STEM learning, as well as increasing footfall to the local area.

Plans were submitted to Ashfield District Council by Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society, in November, following aspirations to increase annual visitor numbers from 3,000 to 20,000.

Funds for the project have recently been awarded through a contribution of £3.1 million from the government’s Levelling Up Fund Round 2. Further funds were also secured through the council’s £62.6 million Towns Fund.

Craig Stopper, framework construction manager at G F Tomlinson, said: “We feel very privileged to have been chosen as the main contractor, by Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society, to lead on such an exciting and unique project, and what promises to be a pivotal tourism and educational attraction.

“The multi-million-pound scheme will attract thousands of visitors to the region and raise not only awareness of the local area and the history of the site, but STEM career opportunities for future generations. We very much look forward to bringing the vision for this planetarium to life.”

Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE, said: “The Sherwood Observatory will not only breathe new life into the local community but will provide exceptional social value by inspiring interest in STEM learning careers.

“We are, therefore, delighted to be working closely on such a special project with our partner, G F Tomlinson and Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society, via our SCAPE Beyond the Public Sector Framework. Our delivery teams will be instrumental in ensuring efficiency, time and cost savings throughout.”

Dr Steve Wallace at Sherwood Observatory said: “We have been eagerly anticipating this moment for several years and it’s great to have reached the point where we are able to have G F Tomlinson join the team. We believe that the young people in our area should be afforded the same opportunities for extracurricular enrichment as those from more affluent areas.

“The new Centre greatly increases the capacity of the observatory, to deliver outreach, and will help to inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers from across the region, thereby supporting jobs growth and prosperity.”

Cllr Matthew Relf, executive lead member for regeneration and corporate transformation, said: “This is such a fantastic project that will help supercharge the astronomical society’s brilliant work on engaging young minds with STEM subjects, lighting a fire in our next generation of scientists and engineers.

“It’s one of the many interconnected projects – covering health and wellbeing, tourism, skills and jobs and urban regeneration – that are coming to Ashfield over the next few years as part of our ambitious regeneration programme to turn around decades of neglect. These projects will benefit not just Ashfield but the broader region too. Yet another great reason to Discover Ashfield.”

Advertising Standards Authority upholds complaints against Leicester company’s Harold Shipman ad

Tess Egginton
-
0
Advertising Standards Authority upholds complaints against Leicester company’s Harold Shipman ad
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has upheld 115 complaints against a Leicester life insurance company’s ad featuring serial murderer, Harold Shipman. Know for its provocative marketing, DeadHappy came under fire in January after including a picture of Shipman in two paid-for social media ads on Facebook and Instagram, with overlaying text which stated: “LIFE INSURANCE … Because you never know who your doctor might be.” Shipman is estimated to have murdered between 215 and 260 of his patients. In a statement, ASA said that the adverts “trivialised and made light of the murders committed by Harold Shipman, such that they were likely to cause both serious and widespread offence to those who saw them.” It added: “We further considered that any reference to the murderer in advertising material was likely to be distressing, particularly for those who had lost family members or friends at Shipman’s hands and that, in the context of an ad promoting life insurance, the distress caused was unjustified. “We concluded that the ads were not prepared with a sense of responsibility to consumers and to society and did not comply with rules on issues of harm and offence. We welcomed DeadHappy’s assurance that they would not be repeated.” DeadHappy has since apologised for any offence or distress caused, saying it was never their intention to offend and that once it became clear that the ads were causing offence, they removed them. The ads went live at 2 pm on 23 January, and were taken down at 8 am on 24 January. DeadHappy confirmed that they would not run the ads again and are reviewing their processes in relation to the creation and approval of ads, endeavouring to make better informed decisions going forward.

Loughborough University director lands non-exec role with Sport England subsidiary

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Loughborough University director lands non-exec role with Sport England subsidiary

Loughborough University’s Commercial and Facilities Director for Sport Jo Simpson has been appointed a Non-Executive Director to the Sports Council Trust Company board – a subsidiary of Sport England.

Whilst remaining in role at Loughborough, Simpson will work collaboratively with the Sport England Executive Team to deliver against its agreed objectives. As part of the role, Jo will advise on nationwide investment opportunities and ensure the business is adhering to its overall strategic goals. Jo, who has extensive experience in both the sport and private sector, joined the University in 2016 and has since led Loughborough Sport’s commercial offering by generating external income and additional revenue to support the growth of its world-class sporting ecosystem. She previously spent 11 years at the Youth Sport Trust as both Finance Director of the Group and Managing Director of the Trading Company, and nine years as Vice Chair of the British Wheelchair Basketball Board. “I am delighted to be joining the board of the Sports Council Trust,” Simpson said. “The work they do to use sport to preserve and safeguard the physical and mental health of communities across the UK is hugely inspiring and impactful. “By providing access to world-class facilities they allow members of the public to play more sport helping to create communities who are happier, healthier and better connected. These facilities are also invaluable training environments for elite athletes, allowing them to perform at their best on the international stage. “The synergies with Loughborough are clear. We have created a world-leading sporting ecosystem with opportunities for all supported by multiple commercial partners. “I am very excited to contribute my commercial experience to support and grow the incredible work done by the Sports Council Trust.”

16.1% rise in insolvency-related activity in East Midlands

Tess Egginton
-
0
16.1% rise in insolvency-related activity in East Midlands

The number of East Midlands businesses experiencing insolvency-related activity in January jumped by 16.1% compared to the same period in 2022, according to new research from the Midlands branch of R3, the insolvency and restructuring trade body.

R3’s figures, which are based on an analysis of data from business intelligence provider Creditsafe, show that there were 72 cases of insolvency-related activity in the region last month, up from 62 in January 2022.

The statistics, which include liquidator appointments, administrator appointments and creditors’ meetings, show a similar picture for December 2022, with a 22.8% year-on-year rise in insolvency-related activity compared to December 2021.

The figures come on the back of a number of high-profile company administrations in recent weeks, including local high street retailer Paperchase, and the airline Flybe, which served the region from its West Midlands base at Birmingham Airport.

R3 Midlands chair Eddie Williams, a partner at PwC in the region, said: “What we are seeing here in the East Midlands is a reflection of what is happening to businesses at a national level, where annual insolvency numbers are now riding at a 13-year high.

“Statistics published by the Insolvency Service at the end of January show that corporate insolvencies in England and Wales increased by 57.3% last year to 22,109 compared to 2021’s figure of 14,059, and by 75% in comparison to 12,632 in 2020.

“Rising numbers of company directors in the East Midlands are now turning to insolvency processes to resolve their financial issues in the face of rising costs, low consumer confidence and ongoing economic turbulence.

“These issues will not disappear overnight, and we urge business owners to be aware of the first signs of financial distress and seek advice from a qualified source as soon as they show themselves. Many R3 members offer a free initial consultation to those who are looking for such help and want to explore their options.”

Administrators sell part of fibre infrastructure installation business saving 83 jobs

Tess Egginton
-
0
Administrators sell part of fibre infrastructure installation business saving 83 jobs
Following the appointment of Tom Straw and Chris Lewis of RSM UK Restructuring Advisory LLP over Light Source Design Limited on 31 January 2023, the administrators have achieved a sale of part of the Nottingham-headquartered business, securing 83 jobs and enabling the principal customer Openreach to minimise disruption to its national fibre network build programme. The sale was to M Group Services Telecom Division, giving them an increased provision of fibre build and other services to Openreach, and who will also be working closely with the company’s sub-contractor partners to maximise employment opportunities and mitigate the impact of the administration. Tom Straw, partner at RSM UK and joint administrator, said: “We are delighted to secure a partial sale of the company’s business and assets, including the right to continue using the company’s name and brand, through a complex multi-faceted transaction in a short timeframe. This has saved jobs and allows for the best possible return to the company’s creditors. We would like to wish the purchaser all the best taking the business forward.” Mark Turner, Managing Director of the Telecom Division at M Group Services, said: “We are proud to be delivering solutions for the future of UK telecommunications infrastructure. This agreement further strengthens the long-standing relationship between Morrison Telecom Services and Openreach. We look forward to welcoming our new colleagues and sub-contractors and the additional capability they bring to our business.”

Leicester projects support more than 1,700 local people and 400 businesses following £3m funding scheme

Tess Egginton
-
0
Leicester projects support more than 1,700 local people and 400 businesses following £3m funding scheme
Five community initiatives have supported more than 1,700 local people and 400 businesses after Leicester City Council helped them to bid for a share of £3million in funding. Last summer, Leicester City Council submitted the five bids from among 29 applications received to the Government’s Community Renewal Fund (CRF), a short-term funding scheme aimed at building skills, supporting local businesses and providing employment support in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. All five bids were successful, and resulted in the five projects benefitting from a share of £3million in funding. The projects were:
  • Positive Communities – a voluntary and community sector partnership of 12 local organisations led by the Highfields-based Bangladesh Youth and Cultural Shomiti, working to support people into employment and developing new skills development. It received £584,230.
  • A community ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) scheme aimed at improving language skills to help people into employment, led by Leicester-based Twin Employment and Training. It received £500,000.
  • The ‘She Inspired Business Playbox’ project – comprising five local voluntary and community sector organisations – which works to support women into employment and business. The project was led by Zinthiya Ganeshpanchan Trust, a local organisation helping women to escape from poverty and abuse, and was successful in its bid for £349,588.
  • Leicester Accelerator – a partnership of seven business support organisations led by East Midlands Chamber of Commerce. They successfully bid for £1million of CRF funds, to fund a range of support programmes for businesses, including the use of digital technology, mentoring, and grants.
  • Leicester Textiles Renewal – an integrated support programme to improve skills, support innovation and encourage best practice in the city’s textile and garment industry. The bid, led by Leicester City Council, received £500,000 of CRF funding.
The projects ran from 1st November 2021 to 30th September 2022, and so were expected to achieve results quickly. All of them involved collaborative working between a series of partner organisations, so there was considerable emphasis on joint working and shared responsibility. As well as leading on the textiles renewal project, the city council oversaw the bidding process, provided administrative support for each scheme and has evaluated the success of them all. The city council also hosted a celebration event for the projects, which was held at City Hall in Leicester on 10 February. People who benefitted from the schemes attended, along with the community groups and organisations that delivered the five projects. As a result of the projects, a total of 1,786 individuals and 426 businesses have been supported. In more detail:
  • 553 people who were previously classed as ‘economically inactive’ and a further 567 who were unemployed were helped into work or training;
  • 666 employed individuals were supported to increase their skills;
  • 391 small businesses and 35 medium or large businesses benefitted from tailored business support;
  • 477 people gained a qualification, for example in maths, ESOL or textiles training;
  • 52 businesses were supported to develop decarbonisation plans;
  • 13 new businesses were created.
Leicester assistant city mayor responsible for jobs and skills, Cllr Danny Myers, said: “It’s great to see what a far-reaching impact these agile and innovative projects have had in such a short space of time. They are a great advert for partnership working, showing what can happen when community groups work together to achieve shared goals. “The city council has played a supportive role throughout, from overseeing the bidding process and financial management of the schemes, through to evaluating their results. We also managed the textiles renewal project, which we know has resulted in more workers knowing their rights and gaining important new skills in this area via our textiles training academy. This will help to raise standards in the garment industry. “Initiatives like these are a key part of our work to help Leicester meet its potential, to become a fairer place to work. We will continue to work with community organisations who understand the need to help people develop their skills and build their confidence so that they can get better paid work with better rights.”

Former fire station sold to charity

Tess Egginton
-
0
Former fire station sold to charity
A former fire station in the north Nottinghamshire town of Worksop has been sold to a charity.The 8,700 sq ft fire station, located directly opposite the Whitworth Brothers Albion Mill, has been bought by Autism East Midlands – the organisation which provides a wide range of high-quality care, support and educational services to meet the needs of autistic individuals and their families and carers.Richard Sutton, Managing Director of NG Chartered Surveyors, said: “We had huge levels of interest in this site, and the sale was concluded to Autism East Midlands after a very strong tender process.“It’s fantastic that a charity such as Autism East Midlands, which does such vital work throughout the region, now has the chance to transform this building into another much-needed facility. Our landlord client is also delighted with the outcome, especially as the sale was unconditional.”Jonathan Bishop, director at Bishop Property Consultants, added: “This deal was a great example of teamwork between ourselves and Richard at NG. Together, our market knowledge paid off for our landlord client and also ensured that Autism East Midlands can expand their wonderful care and support for those living with autism – and those closest to them.”

University of Leicester to lead Midlands space cluster development

Tess Egginton
-
0
University of Leicester to lead Midlands space cluster development
Experts in Leicestershire have secured a share of £6.5 million of funding from the UK Space Agency to drive forward the country’s space industry. The cash boost will support high impact, locally led schemes and space cluster development managers to help the space sector grow across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Among those to benefit will be the University of Leicester, which helps lead the award-winning Space Park Leicester – the world’s first science and innovation park specifically designed for space-related companies and researchers. It will receive £284,000 to fund a Cluster Development Manager who will work with local government, businesses and academia, over three years, to coordinate space activity and encourage collaboration and inward investment in the Midlands. A further £500,000 will go to the Midland Aerospace Alliance’s Pivot into Space R&D programme. Space Park Leicester Director of Strategic Partnerships, Professor Martin Barstow, said: “We are pleased that the UKSA recognises the importance of the Midlands to the space economy and the contribution from Space Park Leicester. “In collaboration with the Midlands Aerospace Alliance, the funding will allow us to coordinate the growing cluster activities in the East and West Midlands and bring them together under a single umbrella.” The experienced astrophysicist and space scientist added: “Space Park Leicester has already established a strong cluster in the East of the region, and we know there is growing activity in the West. Bringing these activities together will increase the strength of the space economy in the region as a whole. “The cluster manager funding will be complemented by the MAA’s Pivot into Space R&D programme, which provides direct support to space businesses across the region.” Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said: “Establishing a network of space clusters and high impact projects will accelerate the development of the thriving space ecosystem the UK needs to realise the full economic potential of space across the UK. “We’ve been working with the regions to understand their strengths and the needs of their local space economies so that we can back these clusters of excellence to collaborate, grow and thrive.” The projects are focused on piloting local activity that could be scaled up and rolled out nationally and are being supported by the UK Space Agency’s delivery partner, the Satellite Applications Catapult. Stuart Martin, Chief Executive Officer at the Satellite Applications Catapult, said: “We have a long-standing commitment to driving the growth of the UK space sector at a regional level and are delighted to continue our support for the delivery of this investment, with our focus on building a coherent space community. “This additional funding will help cement relationships across the UK’s space community while forging new collaborations with those not yet utilising and benefiting from space data and technology. “We look forward to ensuring that the sector as a whole takes advantage of the opportunities presented through these locally led initiatives and supporting a connected and thriving ecosystem.” Other key partners involved in the project include the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), the University of Birmingham and the University of Nottingham, both of which are the universities working in the Midlands Innovation Space Group.

Derby-based serviced apartment provider grows its portfolio with new Nottinghamshire site

Tess Egginton
-
0
Derby-based serviced apartment provider grows its portfolio with new Nottinghamshire site
Derby-based serviced apartment provider, The Stay Company, has added another site to its property portfolio. The business, which has its HQ in Friar Gate, has secured the lease on a new, purpose-built block in Nottinghamshire. The development in Gedling, called Phoenix Court, will offer nine serviced apartments, with both one and two bedroom options all provided with private off-street parking. This new acquisition by The Stay Company takes the total number of apartments it has over the 100 mark, located across several sites in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Dan Wilkinson, director of The Stay Company, said: “It is clear there is a growing demand for affordable, extended stay accommodation in and around the East Midlands. “This latest addition in Nottinghamshire reflects this strong growth and expansion of businesses across the East Midlands. We believe the site in Gedling complements our other offerings perfectly, adding to Whitefriars House in Nottingham city centre and Devonshire Court in West Bridgford. “It is so rewarding to be able to grow the number of serviced apartments that we can offer our clients. Extending our portfolio across the East Midlands has been our plan for some time. “Phoenix Court presented us with the perfect opportunity to expand beyond our Derby and Nottingham city centre presences and grow our quality brand. Busy times are certainly ahead for The Stay Company.” In October 2022, The Stay Company launched Whitefriars in Nottingham city centre – a £2m development providing serviced apartments for corporate and leisure guests just off Nottingham’s Old Market Square. It transformed three levels of the four-storey building into 17 open plan studios, and one and two bedroomed apartments. It also added an additional floor with an architect-designed, state-of-the-art mansard roof extension. Manjas Lidder, owner of The Stay Company, said: “The standard of this new development at Phoenix has remained extremely high, as with all our properties, and we are delighted to add this site to our growing portfolio. “These apartments offer spacious and flexible accommodation for clients looking for extended and short-term stays.”
1...617618619...1,014Page 618 of 1,014