LLEP invests £90,000 in extending project to grow digital skills in Leicester and Leicestershire

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LLEP invests £90,000 in extending project to grow digital skills in Leicester and Leicestershire

Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) and De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) will collaborate in extending a project to improve digital skills across Leicester and Leicestershire.

DMU has been commissioned to lead the LLEP’s Digital Skills Partnership (DSP) in delivery of the latest phase of its Digital Leicestershire project.

The University will utilise its experience to support the project vision of bringing people and organisations together to increase digital skills.

Digital Leicestershire has three areas of focus: 

  • Upskilling digital skills of local small businesses

  • Increasing digital inclusion

  • Developing educational pathways.

The £90,000 project is the second phase of an original LLEP project which commenced during the pandemic to increase online inclusion as residents were locked down.

Many services moved online as a consequence of the pandemic, yet ONS data showed that more than 11% of the East Midlands population were non-internet users and 9% had no digital skills at all.

The new-look DSP will serve as a single portal for small businesses to access digital expertise and technical training. It will also signpost courses varying levels and lengths, as well as working to facilitate inclusion through device, skills and connectivity.

It comes after the first phase of Digital Leicestershire saw the LLEP Skills Advisory Panel (SAP) allocate £300,000 towards addressing Digital Poverty in February 2021 as part of the local Covid recovery response. 

Local partners and voluntary groups were consulted about how the money should be used, with skills, connectivity, and availability of devices identified as areas of particular need.

Seven projects were funded – providing recycled devices, laptop lending, and digital buddy schemes – with the aim of supporting more than 1,200 disadvantaged people.

DMU has now been commissioned to take forward a second phase, using repurposed Growing Places Fund (GPF) money to deliver further inclusion activities including:

  • Getting more community organisations accessing free data

  • Supporting equipment recycling and lending schemes

  • Working with partners to access hard-to-reach groups

  • Engaging more businesses through Corporate Social Responsibility plans

  • Increasing use of online learning resources

  • Seeking additional funding for a digital skills strategy for schools.

Activities under the two-year project will continue to be conducted under the Digital Leicestershire brand.

Andy Reed OBE, LLEP co-chair, said: “Inclusion is a core pillar of our regional economic growth strategy and the speed of the move to digital during the pandemic left some in our communities behind.

“Addressing that gap will help to grow our region; the Good Things Foundation has estimated that every £1 invested in digital inclusion could see a return of £9.47 for the economy.”

Research for Phase 2 showed that more than 20,000 roles requiring specialist IT skills were advertised in Leicestershire over a 12-month period. By developing local skills, the project can help to provide a workforce needed by employers.

Helen Donnellan, PVC Regional Business and Innovation, DMU, said: “Digital inclusion is a real issue in Leicester and DMU has been involved in support work for many years with the city’s communities.

“We know that employers struggle to find people with digital skills and the knock-on effect this has on their ability to grow and thrive.

“This valuable work will help address this, helping people not only to gain sought-after skills but to get them into jobs.” 

The DSP engages with more than 70 local individuals across the groups, with direction and thought leadership provided by LLEP digital skills ambassador Amit Sinha.

Amit, also chief technology officer for SME and Scale at Microsoft, said: “Digital skills are vital for the future economy and the LLEP partnership with DMU will provide people in our region with not only the basic skills needed for everyday life but also the technical skills required by the employers and industries of tomorrow.”

QUAD appoints new Chief Executive

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QUAD appoints new Chief Executive
QUAD has announced that its interim Chief Executive has been given the role on a permanent basis. Since taking on the role, Vivek Malhotra has successfully led QUAD through the uncertainty following the COVID pandemic. He also recently led QUAD’s successful NPO application process, securing £1.4 million from Arts Council England to support the cultural hub’s work over the next three years.
A registered charity, QUAD opened to the public in 2008, and since then has been at the heart of the city’s cultural scene, as well as being internationally recognised for providing quality and excellence in the arts. Its facilities include cinemas, gallery, café bar and workspaces. The venue provides contemporary art exhibitions, films and events, as well as creative participatory and learning opportunities. Mark Gregory, chair of QUAD’s board, said: “The board wish Vivek every continued success in his now permanent role as CEO, as we continue to drive QUAD’s vision through challenging times of the current economic climate. “The board of trustees has confidence that Vivek will continue to successfully navigate and drive QUAD’s future success.” Vivek said: “I am very pleased to have been appointed as the permanent CEO of QUAD and look forward to working with the board and team to achieve the goals of the organisation and to secure its future.”

M&S lets Daventry distribution facility

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M&S lets Daventry distribution facility
Logicor, an owner and manager of logistics real estate in Europe, has secured a long lease with retailer, Marks & Spencer (M&S) at DIRFT 224, Daventry. It follows the refurbishment of the c.224,000 sq ft cold store distribution facility located at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT). Anthony McCluskie, Logicor’s director, Asset Management, UK, says: “It’s great to work with M&S again to provide this refurbished modern chilled storage for our valued existing customer. The site has undergone a full refurbishment which was delivered on time, ready for M&S to occupy ahead of their Christmas peak. M&S will join a number of blue-chip occupiers at this prime distribution park.” JLL and Cushman & Wakefield advised Logicor. Alongside extending the relationship with M&S, an extensive refurbishment programme has begun on three detached warehouses within a large secure site, known as CAMPUS 450, at DIRFT which will enhance the sustainability of the current assets. As part of the work to improve the sustainability of assets across the Logicor portfolio, EV charging points, new LED lighting, and air source heating will all contribute to lowering the carbon emissions and will be targeting BREEAM Very Good.

Redundancies made at Joules

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Redundancies made at Joules
Senior redundancies have been made at Market Harborough lifestyle brand Joules, following the appointment of administrators last week. Retail Week reports that it has seen an internal memo noting that channels director Rimal Patel and brand and creative director Chloe Ward have both left the business, while chief financial officer Caroline York is set to leave on Thursday. 11 other staff were also said to have been made redundant on Monday, with more to follow. Will Wright, Ryan Grant and Chris Pole from Interpath Advisory were on Wednesday (16 November) named joint administrators of Joules Group plc and Joules Limited. At the same time, Will Wright and Ryan Grant were appointed joint administrators of Joules Developments Limited and The Garden Trading Company Limited. Joules is one of the UK’s best-known retail brands, renowned for its premium, colourful clothing and homewear products, inspired by country living. Headquartered in Market Harborough, the group currently operates a total of 132 stores across the UK, employing over 1,600 people. The joint administrators said they will continue to trade the group as a going concern while they assess options for the business, including exploring the possibility of a sale as a going concern. All stores, including the group’s online store, will remain open. Will Wright, head of restructuring at Interpath Advisory and joint administrator, said: “Joules is one of the most recognisable names on the high street, with a unique brand identity and loyal customer base. “Over the coming weeks, we will endeavour to continue to operate all stores as a going concern during this vitally important Christmas trading period while we assess options for the group, including a possible sale. “Since the group’s announcement on Monday, we have had an overwhelming amount of interest from interested parties. We will be working hard over the days ahead to assess this interest, but at this stage we are optimistic that we will be able to secure a future for this great British brand.” A South African group that owns brands such as Phase Eight and Hobbs is reportedly contemplating a bid for Joules. According to Sky News, The Foschini Group (TFG) has been in discussions with Joules for several weeks – ahead of it appointing administrators – with an offer of investing in the business in return for a substantial stake.

Newly launched roadside dining brand commits to largest unit at Rutland development­­

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Newly launched roadside dining brand commits to largest unit at Rutland development­­
UK property developer Godwin Developments has announced that Loungers, a nationwide operator of all day café-bars and restaurants, has signed a lease for the biggest unit at its new roadside retail development, Ram Jam Services. Fronting the busy northbound section of the A1 in Rutland, the restaurant will be operated under the Brightside brand, a recently announced roadside dining concept from Loungers which is being rolled out across the UK. When delivered, the 4,500 sq ft unit will be the first purpose-built Brightside restaurant which will serve c. 41,500 vehicles passing the site daily as well as residents of the local area. Ram Jam Services is positioned alongside the main arterial route from Peterborough to Grantham, next to an established petrol station, a new bakery and is only 15 minutes away from Rutland Water – one of the largest man-made lakes in Europe. The area and wider county attract nearly 1.9 million visitors every year who favour it for its attractive countryside and outdoor pursuits. A total of four units have been developed by Godwin at Ram Jam Services, of which three are currently under offer, leaving only one unit comprising 754 sq ft available. Claudine Tracey, associate director, Commercial Development at Godwin Developments, said: “We are delighted to have secured Loungers’ new Brightside brand for our Ram Jam Services development. The site has historically been a thriving roadside destination and we are really pleased to be breathing new life into it, bringing amenities and consumer choice, attracting passing motorists as well as those who are travelling to and live in the local area. “We remain very active in the roadside retail market, which is buoyant and growing rapidly. We have already built strong partnerships with all major market players in this space and we will continue to support them in expanding their networks and bringing brands closer to their customers.” Alex Reilley, founder chairman of Loungers plc, said: “We believe that Brightside will really shake up what has become an uninspiring sector and that there is potential to roll out Brightside across the UK in the coming years. Our expertise in high-quality, great value all-day dining, developed through Lounge and Cosy Club, gives us confidence that Brightside can bring proper hospitality back to roadside dining across the UK.” Ogle Property and Shakespeare Martineau acted for Godwin Developments on the deal. The remaining unit is being marketed by Ogle Property.

Research reveals strong growth in number of enterprises in Leicester and Leicestershire

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Research reveals strong growth in number of enterprises in Leicester and Leicestershire
New research from the Office for National Statistics’ UK Business Counts dataset shows that Leicester and Leicestershire have performed strongly against other English local authority and regional areas in terms of the number of enterprises and businesses located in the area between 2011 and 2021. The highlights include:
  • Space Park Leicester newLeicester had a 98 per cent growth rate in the number of enterprises in the city, ranked 5th overall and the highest outside of London in comparison with all 152 single/upper tier authority areas
  • Leicestershire’s growth rate in the number of enterprises is ranked 5th against the 31 other comparable counties
  • The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) achieved a growth rate of 46 per cent and is the fourth highest of 38 Local Enterprise Partnership areas
The wider East Midlands region saw a percentage growth of 34 per cent in the number of enterprises – the third biggest growth out of nine regions around the country. Mike Denby, director of inward investment and place marketing at Leicester City Council, said: “We are pleased to see the impressive performance of the city and county in terms of the number of businesses making the area their home, and staying and growing here. “The destination offers a high quality and cost competitive investment location and growth results like these reaffirm the message that Leicester and Leicestershire is a place where world leading businesses will thrive in the long-term.”

KPMG UK to relocate Nottingham office

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KPMG UK to relocate Nottingham office

Business advisory firm KPMG UK is set to relocate its Nottingham office, next year, to the University of Nottingham’s new Castle Meadow Campus as part of its long-term regional growth strategy.

KPMG UK’s Nottingham office supports businesses in the East Midlands with audit, tax, consulting and advisory services across a wide range of sectors – both private and public. The firm’s office, currently located on Park Row, Nottingham, hosts over 200 employees, who will move to a dedicated office at the university’s new campus, situated at the foot of the city’s historically significant Nottingham Castle.

The move strengthens the existing strategic partnership between KPMG UK and the university; and bringing a local business into the academic hub will provide an exciting opportunity to create a professional learning and working environment for staff and students. Bringing the daily business activity of the firm into the university environment will also unlock new opportunities for talent and skill development, shared facilities and services – including hospitality and conferencing – as well as the experience of a university-business connected environment.Marc Abrams, senior office partner at KPMG UK’s Nottingham office, said: “This is an exciting time for KPMG in the East Midlands as we embark on the next stage of our relationship with the university. The decision to locate within the university in the city centre reinforces KPMG’s investment in the East Midlands and our ambition to expand and enhance staff experience by providing new facilities.

“With this move our clients will benefit from greater collaboration on research and innovation projects between KPMG and the university, enabling us to deliver enhanced data driven outcomes for their businesses.”

Castle Meadow Campus is the university’s once-in-a-generation landmark investment currently in development. The new campus will enable the university to have a greater physical presence in the city centre, bringing opportunities for final year and postgraduate students studying professional practice-based courses, as well as supporting jobs, investment, and growth for the city.

Margaret Monckton, chief financial officer at the University of Nottingham, said: “We are delighted to welcome KPMG into our university community. Our Castle Meadow Campus will enhance opportunities for collaboration with local business, industry and small businesses, making it easier for partners to seamlessly engage with us and develop long-term, mutually beneficial relationships, and make a positive difference for the city, while offering the best of facilities for staff and students. KPMG is a foundational partner in this exciting new venture for the university.”

Justine Andrew, head of the University Partnership office at KPMG UK, added: “The first year of our partnership has already unlocked some exciting projects for us, the university, our clients and the region. Being located within the university’s campus will be a new step for us as we look to collaborate on talent, product development and innovation. We see the Nottingham partnership playing an increasingly important role in supporting new and innovative ways of working across the UK. The move is a hugely exciting chapter for us.”

Professor John Gathergood, associate pro-vice chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Nottingham, said: “We are thrilled to enter this unique co-location relationship with KPMG which will benefit the research and innovation activity in both organisations. Campus co-location promises new ways of working and innovating, bringing university and business talent in partnership to promote research and innovation for financial inclusivity and social good.”

The relocation announcement comes shortly after the first anniversary of KPMG UK’s strategic partnership with the University of Nottingham, a partnership which drives insight for clients and supports the economic growth agenda across the East Midlands. The move allows an additional exciting opportunity for collaboration across fintech, talent and research-based client solutions.

Student accommodation and Build to Rent apartment scheme planned for site of Leicester office building

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Student accommodation and Build to Rent apartment scheme planned for site of Leicester office building
Proposals have been submitted for purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and a Build to Rent (BtR) apartment scheme on Welford Road in Leicester.
Cheswold Welford Road Limited are seeking full planning permission to redevelop James House for the scheme. The plans involve the demolition of the existing office building at the site to make way for a student accommodation block providing 351 bedspaces, and a Build to Rent block providing 106 apartments made up of 46 one bed and 60 two bed flats. There would also be a commercial unit on the ground floor.

Clowes Developments reports record breaking turnover

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Clowes Developments reports record breaking turnover
Clowes Developments has reported a rise in revenue and profit in its latest annual accounts for the financial year ending 31 March 2022. The Derbyshire-headquartered firm achieved a record breaking turnover of £119.8 million, up from £82.9m in the year prior. Pre-tax profits meanwhile stood at £41m, growing from £22.3m. The news comes after the firm’s acquisition of Derby County Football Club earlier this year. The directors of Clowes “consider that this is a medium-term investment to return the football club to stability and add significant value to the initial cost of circa £60m.”
Since 31 March 2022, the group has acquired four new sites along with the Pride Park Stadium, and sold a number of smaller completed new build commercial properties, sold two commercial land plots and agreed further pre-sales on six commercial units where building is about to commence or has already started. Clowes says it continues to trade at increased levels compared to previous years due to the pre-sold commercial deals signed both during the year and since the year end.
Chairman of Clowes Developments, David Clowes, said: “Our latest figures tell an on-going and compelling story of robust financial management and cautious investment. Our buoyancy is testament to the hard work of our professional team and a vote of confidence from the market in our company’s ethos and commercial direction.”

Strong revenue growth for Lutterworth cybersecurity software company

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Strong revenue growth for Lutterworth cybersecurity software company
Revenue and pre-tax profit are on the rise at Intercede, the Lutterworth cybersecurity software company. According to interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2022, revenues totalled £6.1 million, approximately 24% higher than the £4.9 million reported for the same period of last year. Profit before tax meanwhile hit £620,000, up from £120,000. The news comes after Intercede’s acquisition of Authlogics Ltd, post-period end, a UK-based company bringing Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) and Password Security Management (PSM) capabilities to the Intercede Group.

Royston Hoggarth, chairman, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank our colleagues for their hard work during what has undoubtedly been a busy six months, driving strong double-digit revenue growth and working towards the completion of Intercede’s first M&A deal.

“The acquisition of Authlogics enables Intercede to deliver on its strategic vision of addressing the entire authentication pyramid from Passwords to PKI. 

“The Board is pleased to see such a focussed start to Phase 2 of the turnaround plan to push scalability and accelerate revenue growth.

“While the Board is cognisant of volatility in the current global macroeconomic environment, we remain confident in the group’s execution of the ‘6C strategy’ and that the outlook for the second half of FY23 remains in line with management’s expectations.“

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