Another successful year for the East Midlands Expo
Last Monday (14 November) the annual East Midlands Expo descended on the East Midlands Conference Centre, with Business Link in attendance as partners.
Proving once again to be a huge success, the event organisers have already received “fantastic feedback” from exhibitors and delegates alike.
Free to attend, the established event of over 20 years presents everything you require for the ultimate day of business generation.
The day of networking opened to attendees at 9am, and welcomed speakers Alex Thornton (Human Alchemy), Mark Rayers and Tony Goddard (BSP Consulting), Luke Prout (Streets Chartered Accountants), and Andrew Pritchard (East Midlands Councils), all offering some positivity on what has been a year of uncertainty.
A sold out networking lunch also took place.
The East Midlands Expo will return in 2023. For more information click here.
Nottingham Castle closes to visitors as Trust begins process of appointing liquidators
Nottingham Castle Trust has begun the process of appointing liquidators, with the Castle grounds and exhibitions closing to all visitors until further notice.
Tim Bateson and Chris Pole of Interpath Advisory have been nominated by the board to be appointed as liquidators to formally wind up the affairs of the Trust. Their appointment will take place during the course of the next ten days.
A statement from Nottingham Castle says: “We would like to thank all the Castle’s supporters, including the thousands of visitors that have been through our gates. Finally, a huge thank you to staff and volunteers who made Nottingham Castle such an amazing place to visit.”
The news follows work to transform the castle, with a £31m redevelopment project including the refurbishment of the 17th century Ducal Palace, medieval Gatehouse, and sprawling cave networks. A new Visitor Centre, located within the foreground of the remodelled landscape, meanwhile, was created to provide new guest facilities.
Visitor numbers have been lower than anticipated, while the Trust has seen a number of controversies.
Nottingham City Council’s portfolio holder for leisure, culture & planning, Cllr Pavlos Kotsonis, said: “It is a matter of huge disappointment that Nottingham Castle Trust, which has been responsible for operating Nottingham Castle, has informed us that in light of its trading performance, it is in the process of appointing liquidators and closing the site, which it will be handing back to the council.
“This is clearly a significant blow for the city and its visitor economy. The council’s immediate priority is to work with the appointed liquidators to support those staff at the Castle who have been affected by this sad news, and to safeguard the site and its collections while it is not operational.
“We appreciate the significant efforts that the employees of the Trust have put into the site and understand how devastated they must be by this news.
“We will re-open the castle as soon as possible. Once we have a clearer picture from the liquidators, we will explore all available options together with our key partners The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and others to develop a fresh business model.
“There is a real commitment from all parties to see this important cultural asset fulfil its full potential for the city and the wider region as a successful visitor attraction, playing a key part in our wider plans to bring investment, jobs, visitors and growth to Nottingham and its residents.”
Wilko enters talks for £30m loan
Nottinghamshire-headquartered Wilko is in talks to land an emergency loan as cost pressures grow for retailers as we approach Christmas, according to The Times.
Wilko is said to be looking to alternative lenders for a £30 million injection, entering the talks after being unable to agree to an extension of its revolving credit facility, due to interest rate rises.
The news follows the business agreeing a sale and leaseback deal with DHL at its Nottinghamshire distribution centre to unlock £48 million.
The company said this would be just the first of a series of positive partnership benefits that would allow the business to further improve the proposition and the customer experience across its 402 stores and wilko.com.
At the time, Jerome Saint-Marc, wilko CEO, said: “It’s standard business practice to constantly review how we manage our finances. This property deal with DHL represents long-term stability for us and our team members and is the right response to the current market conditions and our priorities.
“We’re making smart choices to trade a business and allow us to continue to invest in our long-term transformational strategy. Wilko remains family owned and continues to focus on helping hard working families to be the best that they can be, delivering great value products to our customers.”
Mobility products manufacturer secures J28 warehouse unit
Commercial Property Partners (CPP) has let a 64,002 sq ft modern warehouse facility at The Nursery in South Normanton to Pride Mobility UK Limited.
The US company, the designer and manufacturer of mobility products, recently acquired the Nottinghamshire-based rise/reclining chair manufacturer Sitting Pretty with a view to relocating its whole operation to accommodate future expansion plans.
Unit 2, which forms part of The Nursery industrial scheme, offered Pride Mobility three times the space of the previous manufacturing site, with circa 85 staff relocating to the new base, which also enjoys easy access to Jct 28 of the M1, only one mile away.
Built in 2006, Unit 2 is a detached steel portal frame unit with 10m clear working height, four dock level loading doors, two level access loading doors, a two storey open plan office with canteen and welfare facilities. Externally, the unit boasts a 40m concrete, fenced and gated yard and circa 80 parking spaces.
Wincobank Way forms part of the South Normanton industrial estate, an established commercial location which has attracted numerous key occupiers including Eurocell, Alloga UK, Radius Systems and GXO Logistics. Road connectivity and access to a local skilled labour market also help to underpin the location as a sought-after manufacturing and logistical base.
Sean Bremner, director at CPP, said: “Staff retention was a key requirement for the tenant and so finding a solution within relative close proximity to their existing premises was important. The company is very brand conscious and Unit 2 represents a high quality building to fit the profile of Pride Mobility UK Limited.
“There was a lot of interest in the facility and we’re delighted to have secured Pride Mobility UK Limited whose expansion ambitions can only be good for the area.”
Stephen Wright, operation director at Pride Mobility UK, said: “Thanks to Sean Bremner, CPP & the owners of the Building. We have been able to move into this building much quicker than we expected, which in turn has given us the space we desperately needed due to the business growing rapidly since acquiring Sitting Pretty back in July 2021.
“The new building gives us the space we need to move the whole operation under one roof, including dispatching goods from South Normanton instead of our Pride Mobility subsidiary in Oxfordshire and more importantly being able to keep all of our existing staff and their wealth of experience rather than having to relocate the business to a different area.
“From January 2023, Sitting Pretty by Pride Mobility Ltd will be running its newly polished, full scale operation out of South Normanton for the foreseeable future.”
Growth for rg+p’s planning division
The planning division at multi-disciplinary design practice, rg+p continues to grow with director, Chris Lindley reporting two new appointments alongside instructions from across the development industry including strategic land promotion, affordable housing, later living, commercial, energy and heritage projects.
“Since I joined the practice circa 18 months ago, the team and our work has evolved quite significantly,” says Chris. “Two new senior planners, Ellie Dukes and Dale Radford have joined with backgrounds in planning policy and development management respectively, meaning we’ve been able to collaborate more closely with our design colleagues, especially on the architecture and placemaking sides.
“We’ve also increased the diversity of our portfolio, undertaking several projects in historic environments involving listed building and scheduled monument consent regimes. This includes the Butterley Engineering site in Derbyshire where our work is supporting a significant regeneration project. Further diversification has seen us appointed on renewable energy schemes including solar PV installations in sensitive environments such as the Grade II listed St Mary’s College in Oscott, West Midlands.
“Of course, this is not to discount our work in the housing sector, where we remain especially active, working for five leading affordable and specialist housing providers across the UK as well as promoting strategic land opportunities including an outline planning application we have recently submitted in the Derbyshire Dales for respected land promoters, Richborough Estates.
“Looking ahead, there are inevitably challenges to navigate. Firstly, urgent reform is needed in the planning sector to rebalance resources and unblock the sheer volume of cases so that development can progress. Secondly, more effective and constructive communication between public and private sector colleagues is absolutely essential as it can overcome these resource challenges and focus professional debate.
“Unfortunately, the pandemic has exacerbated a reliance on virtual communication and this prohibits building natural rapport. There are some local authorities positively addressing this by re-introducing forums for discussion, and their officers and members should be applauded for this, but it’s needed as standard practice on a national scale to bring professionals together and promote positive dialogue.
“From an rg+p perspective, we anticipate several significant instructions maturing over the next year as we continue to support our architecture and project management colleagues and diversify further into the commercial, student and education sectors, meaning we are therefore likely to recruit in the near future. We’re also seeking to become more knowledge-led, using our expertise and awareness of legislative reform to add value for clients,” concludes Chris.
200 Degrees names Switch Up as charity partner in three-year commitment
East Midlands-based coffee roaster 200 Degrees Coffee has announced its partnership with Nottingham-based Switch Up, as part of a three-year commitment.
The roaster has created a unique Switch Up roast of coffee and brand-new coffee pods, which will be available to order across its 18 coffee shops, with £1 in every kilo roasted going directly to the charity – with a minimum commitment of £10,000 a year.
The speciality grade coffee itself is grown in Guatemala produced exclusively by female farmers, which is unusual in the typical male dominated coffee industry, under the ‘La Morena’ collective group from Volcafe Select. Since they joined the programme, the farmers have raised the quality of their coffee, increased their yields, and, as a consequence, started earning more. In teaching them best practices, their farms are turning out excellent coffee and becoming viable businesses.
Customers can request the Switch Up blend when purchasing bags of coffee in store or online, and on sit in or takeaway drinks during selected times.
Switch Up, which was founded by CEO Marcellus Baz BEM, empowers young people, children and young adults from disadvantaged communities affected by crime and violence to reach their true potential. The charity uses its five-pillar approach to help connect young people with employment, training and education opportunities.
The three-year partnership with 200 Degrees will provide much-needed funding for the charity, enabling its team of mentors to continue to offer their vital support to young people and run its sister organisation the Nottingham School of Boxing.
CEO Rob Darby said: “Life can be challenging and volatile for some young people and the incredible work Marcellus and the Switch Up team do has a direct and positive impact on young lives.
“200 Degrees is a Nottingham born business and it’s important to us to support local organisations and causes. The passion, care and impact of Switch Up is immeasurable and we are humbled and proud to be supporting them.”
200 Degrees is also hosting its annual Swap Shop event, across its 18 coffee shops, on Tuesday 6 December. The coffee roaster is asking customers and members of the public to bring new, unused and unopened hygiene items in exchange for a delicious cup of coffee. These items will then be donated to local charities who need them most, with 200 Degrees’ Nottingham Flying Horse Walk shop gifting its donations to chosen charity Switch Up.
Marcellus Baz, founder and CEO of Switch Up, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be galvanising our partnership with 200 Degrees. The support of 200 Degrees, through their amazing Swap Shop initiative, made a significant difference to the help we could provide to vulnerable families across Nottingham last Christmas.
“This year is set to be even bigger and better through the addition of the donations that will be made through the Switch Up coffee. Purchasing a few bags will make a fantastic Christmas gift or it’s a really great way for local businesses to lend their support to a worthy cause that impacts their city.
“All funds will go towards supporting those struggling with their mental health or at risk of having no food on their table or presents under their tree this Christmas. Unfortunately, with the aftereffects of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis still being felt, this will mean that we will be helping more local people than ever before.”
Since its inception in 2013, Switch Up has continued to support over 800 young people at any one time from its boxing gym in St Ann’s, Nottingham, and earlier this year, from a second location in Mansfield. The charity has further plans for expansion, to reach and support more young people and their families.
4 tech upgrades all SBEs must have before 2023
Technology upgrades may seem like the least important investment for small businesses—but there’s a good reason why they should be prioritised. Startups Magazine reveals that more than three quarters of UK SBEs fail to compete with more established organisations due to their lack of access to innovative technologies. Many SBE professionals still rely on spreadsheets and other outdated technologies, which negatively affects their growth, recruitment efforts, and cybersecurity.
Budget constraints often hold back entrepreneurs from investing in the latest technologies. Instead of purchasing every innovation, small businesses can optimise their budgets and experience their desired growth by focusing on the following technology upgrades:
Upgrade your cybersecurity software programs
Cyberthreats have advanced, which makes it easy for attackers to prey upon businesses with old hardware and software programs.
The Cybersecurity Breaches Survey 2022 revealed that two in five businesses experienced breaches and attacks in the past year, with some even getting threats at least once a week. Unfortunately, only 13% of small businesses review the security risks of their systems, making them very vulnerable to cyberattacks. To prevent these issues, the first tech upgrade small businesses need is an updated cybersecurity software program, such as SecPod SanerNow or LifeLock. These programs regularly check security vulnerabilities and block cyberthreats immediately, which are useful for small businesses.
Leverage virtual reality for recruitment tasks
It’s quite difficult for small businesses to attract candidates, especially if they’re still establishing their brand.
However, an insight on LHH regarding new technologies shares that businesses can use virtual reality gadgets like 8i to create 3D videos of the business for job postings. A survey found that these videos can increase the posting’s chance of being viewed by more than 12% and generate more applications by 34%, which is why it’s not surprising that big companies like GE and Ocado produce 3D recruitment videos. Aside from that, businesses can also utilise VR headsets for virtual interviews to make the applicant attraction and assessment process much easier.
Invest in AI for personalised marketing strategies
Marketing strategies can be difficult to execute when you have limited staff. Businesses typically have to assess thousands or even millions of marketing data to properly target their consumers.
To make this process easier, plenty of organisations leverage artificial intelligence. Our article on How to Use AI to Improve Your Marketing Strategy highlights that businesses can personalise their e-mail campaigns based on their target audience through tools like Optimail. On top of that, businesses can also upgrade from their marketing technologies to tools like Optimove, which can analyse customer data and generate actionable insights for your marketing campaigns.
Centralise your CRM technologies
Instead of juggling multiple customer service tasks, small business owners can improve their customers’ experience by utilising customer relationship management (CRM) tools.
These technologies are more crucial than ever, now that the Institute of Customer Service discovered a 16% rise in customer problems in the UK. The institute calculates that UK firms spend about £9.24bn every month to simply handle complaints from their consumers. These costly issues can be prevented by centralised CRM technologies, like Zendesk or Microsoft Dynamics. These tools organise customer data in its storage and automates interactions like calls and meetings to help businesses provide better customer experiences.
Relying on outdated technologies can lead to costly problems, like customer complaints, limited staff, and cyberattacks. Through these four upgraded technologies, SBEs can improve their offerings and optimise their operations.
Copley Scientific named Nottinghamshire Business of the Year
Copley Scientific, which designs and manufactures pharmaceutical test equipment used across the world, has been crowned the Nottinghamshire Business of the Year by East Midlands Chamber.
The Nottingham-based company – which exports about 85% of its products to more than 70 markets across Europe, Asia, Australasia, Africa, and North and South America – also won the Excellence in International Trade and Small Business categories at the Nottinghamshire Business Awards, which was held on Friday (18 November).
Established in 1946 and employing more than 30 people in Colwick, Copley Scientific has made major investments in its manufacturing capabilities in recent years to develop new products. As part of its global expansion, the company has made its website available in both English and Mandarin languages to help growth in China, while it has become a regular at trade shows in target markets.
The Nottinghamshire Business Awards, held in partnership with headline sponsor Mazars, recognised East Midlands Chamber members across 13 categories, ranging from Excellence in Innovation and Environmental Impact at organisational level through to individual honours for Entrepreneur of the Year and Apprentice of the Year, in addition to the overall Business of the Year winner.
Finalists, chosen by a judging panel of the Chamber’s senior leadership and board of directors, as well as sponsors, discovered their fate during a gala dinner attended by hundreds of people at the Nottingham Belfry Hotel. Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “The past few years have been challenging for our business community, and yet we continue to see so many shining examples of business success across our region.
“It’s always important to celebrate these achievements and shout about the great things happening right here in Nottinghamshire. We know it is a fantastic place to do business and these organisations – many of which have worked together to maximise their impact within their sectors and communities – are doing a wonderful job.
“Later this month, the Chamber will launch a Business Manifesto for Growth in the East Midlands and Beyond in Parliament that illustrates how our region is a Centre of Trading Excellence. Our Business Awards are full of companies that are living proof of this.”
The Nottinghamshire Business Awards – one of three awards hosted by the Chamber, along with Derbyshire and Leicestershire – were hosted by comedian Patrick Monahan.
A raffle was held to raise funds for East Midlands Chamber president Lindsey Williams’ three chosen charities this year – Focus, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and Treetops Hospice.
Lindsey, Chief Executive of housing association Futures Housing Group, added: “Behind every nominee and winner whose name will go up in lights are people and organisations that are truly delivering for the region. Their achievements generate employment, wealth and opportunity not just for those directly connected, but for the wider community.
“So I’m proud to see the Chamber yet again take the opportunity to bring us together and celebrate our top talent – for their success but also for what they bring to the East Midlands as a whole.”
Howes Percival strengthens East Mids commercial property team with senior appointment
Howes Percival has strengthened its commercial property team in the East Midlands with the appointment of Michelle Woolston as a director.
An experienced property solicitor, Michelle has re-joined Howes Percival where she trained and worked for a number of years, from Kemsley & Company.
Michelle deals with all aspects of commercial property work, including commercial and residential development; advising landowners and developers in relation to options, conditional contracts and promotion agreements; dealing with landlord and tenant matters, including portfolio acquisitions and management; corporate support and secured lending.
Lucy Lord, commercial property partner at Howes Percival, said: “We are delighted to welcome Michelle back. She first joined Howes Percival as a trainee in 2000 and worked from both our Leicester and Northampton offices for a number of years after qualifying. Michelle is a very accomplished property solicitor with a proven track record, a wealth of experience and a loyal client following.
“The market remains resilient, and with the addition of Michelle we have strengthened our commercial property offering to support our clients.”
University appoints OMEETO for property disposals
Commercial property consultants OMEETO has been appointed by the University of Derby to handle the sale of several surplus properties in Derbyshire and Staffordshire.
OMEETO will work alongside Tim Garratt FRICS of Blackstar Advisory in the disposal programme which includes:
- Oaklands Manor in Buxton – a former outdoor pursuits centre with 57 acres of woodland which is currently used as a leadership training centre
- Northwood House in Buxton which was originally built as a gentleman’s residence and is steeped in local history which has scope for conversion
- The Harpur Hill Sports Centre in Buxton which is currently part of the Buxton and Leek College
- A commercial retail premises in Leek
