A Midlands-based property consultancy has proved that reports of the death of the high street are premature after completing lettings to two companies.
FHP has secured the double letting in Daventry town centre on behalf of local landlord and established family business, BW Male & Sons.
The largest of the lettings has seen print services company, Rapido Print Solutions, agree a five-year lease on a 3,385 sq ft retail unit on 35 High Street, Daventry. The deal commits the company’s future to the town, where it has been based for almost twenty years.
Local start-up business, Smokey Joes Vapes Co is expanding from its Rugby base into a new 556 sq ft premises at 15 Market Square and has also agreed a five-year lease.
FHP says it is receiving “strong interest” in several other vacant retail properties in Daventry and believes that the spate of recent lettings demonstrates demand is still high for good quality town centre retail and leisure accommodation.
Ben Clinton of FHP said: “The town centre market was strong pre-pandemic and following Covid-19, it is certainly showing real signs of recovery now. BW Male & Sons is passionate about attracting occupiers to complement the existing offering and we’re seeing a real diversity in the types of businesses that are interested in coming to the town.“Typically, our high streets have been dominated by takeaways and supermarket chains, but there are operators such as health clinics, yoga studios and veterinary surgeries appearing in the market. We are marketing several properties on behalf of the landlord in Daventry, including two former high street banks, which combined would make a great restaurant space next to the recently developed Arc Cinema.”
Christopher Male, Director at BW Male & Sons, said: “It’s so important to work with reliable partners like FHP who understand the local market and can identify the potential Daventry has as a location for ambitious businesses. We have maintained a presence in the town for many years and are keen to see the area thrive. We wish Rapido Print Solutions and Smokey Joes every success in their new premises.”
Recruitment consultancy Prescient Group has donated 10% of their August proceeds to Prostate Cancer UK, which is a cause close to their hearts.
The specialist firm, which has offices in Nottingham, Manchester and London, has also fundraised throughout the year with events such as a sponsored marathon run.
Prostate Cancer UK was founded in 1996 and its top priority is funding research to stop prostate cancer killing men – approximately one in eight men, in the UK, will get this form of cancer in their lifetime. It invests millions to find better treatments and tests than can spot fast-growing cancers early and could be used in a screening programme to save thousands of lives.
Over the last two decades Prostate Cancer UK has funded and accelerated some of the biggest breakthroughs in prostate cancer care – from the use of multiparametric MRI to improve diagnosis, to the world’s first precision medicine for prostate cancer.
Charlotte Churm, founder and director of Prescient Group, said: “Collectively we chose Prostate Cancer UK as our charity, as I unfortunately lost my father to the disease in 1997. My father was only 49 years old, so this cause is very close to my heart.
“During August, we donated 10% of all our permanent role profits, towards the charity as we believe this is the least we can do.
“In addition to this, we sponsored my brother Nick Churm £500 to complete the London Landmark’s Half Marathon this year which he successfully finished.
“Prostate Cancer UK is a charity that provides incredible work to raise awareness of the disease and help those who are suffering and their families. Our donation will help the charity, as well as highlight to our network the importance of getting checked.”
The charity hosts a variety of fundraising events, every year, from 5K, 10K runs and obstacle races to half marathons and full marathons, as well as campaigning and educating people, across the country, around who could be at risk and identifying how to detect early signs or symptoms.
Alongside Charlotte, founders and directors of Prescient Group Joel Fletcher and Ed Robinson will be gearing up to complete a sponsored three peaks challenge in 2023, with all proceeds going to the charity.
Business confidence in the East Midlands fell two points during September to 9%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking – conducted between 1st-15th September, before the Chancellor’s min-budget on Friday 23rd September.
Companies in the region reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down four points at 15%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up one point to 3%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 9%.
Despite another dip in overall confidence, East Midlands businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their offering (38%), diversifying into new markets (37%) and investing in their teams (36%).
The Business Barometer, which questions 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
A net balance of 9% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, down 24 points on last month.
Overall UK business confidence stayed the same as in August during September at 16%. Despite the net balance of businesses planning to create new jobs increasing by one point to 17%, firms’ outlook on their future trading prospects dropped one point to 25%, and their optimism in the wider economy also fell by one point to 5%.
Three UK regions and nations recorded a month-on-month increase in optimism in September. London (up 12 points to 33%), the South East (up 15 points to 15%) and Scotland (up 10 points to 15%) all reported higher confidence readings with London now the most optimistic region overall. Only Wales (down five points to -4%) recorded a negative overall confidence reading in the last month.
Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Despite the drop in confidence among businesses here in the East Midlands, it’s testament to the resilience of the region’s firms that it still remains in the positive territory.
“Whatever their sector, companies must keep a close eye on working capital to ensure they have the capability to capitalise on any opportunities for growth that do arise. The array of financial products available to them, such as asset-based lending and invoice finance, can help them mitigate fluctuations in costs and demand.”
Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist for Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “It is encouraging to see business confidence stabilising after a three-month decline. Firms’ assessment of their own trading prospects also remained steady and continues to show some resilience during turbulent times. Yet, cost pressures remain, as more businesses look to raise prices to help protect their margins while wage pressures show little sign of abating at this stage. With the recent volatility in financial markets as well as the Government’s Growth Plan and energy cap announcements, it will be interesting to see how these measures affect business confidence.”
Business confidence rose by two points in both the retail and service sectors (15% and 17% respectively), however both these figures are close to 12-month lows. Manufacturing and construction firms saw their lowest levels of business confidence this year, down two points in manufacturing to 14% and down 16 points to 10% in construction. This was driven by overall falling optimism in the economy.
UK pubs have missed out on revenue of £155 million they could have enjoyed during a summer World Cup, reveals new analysis from small business insurance provider Simply Business.
Figures compiled by Simply Business found that, had the men’s England team reached the final of the World Cup this summer, an additional 38 million pints would have been consumed in the UK. With the average price of a pint in the UK at £4.07, this has resulted in pubs missing out on a huge £154,660,000 in total.
Though the winter competition will still attract punters, there is concern that the full effect of World Cup trade will not be felt, with pubs already naturally seeing an upturn in trade due to the festive period. The change in timing for the tournament has left a number of business owners concerned that they will have to choose between Christmas parties and World Cup viewings.
Alan Thomas, UK CEO at Simply Business, said: “Pubs and independent hospitality businesses play an integral role in both our local communities and the success of the wider UK economy.
“Having been hit disproportionately by the impact of the pandemic, owners are now having to contend with soaring costs and rising energy prices – for many, this summer has been about survival as their recovery from the impact of the pandemic continues.
“This makes the lack of a summer World Cup an even bigger blow. Now more than ever, small businesses needed a boost. The surge in trade – to the tune of up to £155 million for UK pubs – would have come at a critical time for hospitality owners, many of whom are working hard to stay afloat while battling the impact of a surging cost of living.
“Looking ahead, as the winter World Cup overlaps with the festive season – another crucial time of year for the industry – pub owners will be forced to prioritise. For many, profits will inevitably be down, with publicans seeing their two busiest times of the year rolled into one.”
Three new directors have been welcomed onto the Board of the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) during an in-person AGM at City Hall.
The trio were officially announced during the annual general meeting in Leicester on Wednesday evening.
They will be among 19 LLEP directors tasked with making decisions relating to the delivery of the objectives and outcomes set out in the Economic Growth Strategy.
The new directors, who take up their roles after a public recruitment exercise during the summer, are:
Gosia Khrais, commercial and marketing director, Charnwood Campus
Jo Tallack, senior general manager, Highcross Leicester
Glynis Wright MBE, partner, Nelsons Solicitors
The LLEP Board comprises 16 directors. They are ambassadors for Leicester and Leicestershire at local, national and international level. The roles are unpaid and last for a minimum term of three years.
Elsewhere in the meeting, LLEP co-chair Anil Majithia offered thanks to the two directors who stepped down from the Board over the last 12 months.
Former LLEP chair Kevin Harris, Leicester managing partner for RSM UK, and Jaspal Singh Minas, who served as president of the Leicestershire Asian Business Association (LABA) and led the formation of the National Asian Business Association, were each recognised for their work over the last eight years.
Mr Majithia said: “We thank Kevin and Jaspal for their commitment and leadership since 2014 and also welcome Gosia, Jo and Glynis to the LLEP Board.
“Each is a well-known and respected local leader with a deep knowledge of their sector and of regional and national networks.
“We know that they will contribute a great deal to the LLEP and look forward to them getting started.”
Seven existing directors were reappointed to serve further three-years terms on the Board. They are:
Andy Reed OBE, founder, Saje Impact
Anil Majithia, chair, Regional Advisory Board East Midlands, Canal and River Trust
Emma Anderson, director, Freeths LLP
Dr Nik Kotecha DL OBE, chairman, Morningside Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Neil McGhee, Chief Executive, Sempervox Ltd
Chas Bishop, Chief Executive, National Space Centre
Verity Hancock, principal, Leicester College
The National Local Growth Assurance Framework requires all LEPs to meet minimum diversity requirements. The LLEP must have a minimum of one third female representation. This week’s changes mean that it now has nine female directors and 10 male.
Elsewhere at the AGM, LLEP co-chair Mr Reed presented the LLEP’s Annual Report while Mr Majithia described the annual Financial Statement.
Loughborough University updated on progress at the £9m SportPark 4, which is being part-funded through the Getting Building Fund and is nearing completion.
There was also a public Q&A which included an update on the ongoing County Deal talks, with Mr Reed noting that any future devolution would take several years to introduce.
He closed the meeting by thanking directors and staff for their ongoing work and commitment through uncertain times.
Board Members play a key role in helping the LLEP to shape the local economy by influencing local and national government, as well as providing effective governance to the partnership.
They shape and deliver the Midlands Engine Strategy and the Government’s Levelling up agenda, acting as ambassadors for Leicester and Leicestershire at a local, regional and national level and making key local investment decisions.
Cost, a lack of time, and inflexibility are the leading challenges faced by SMEs when it comes to managing their digital tools, according to the British Chambers of Commerce.
After a survey of more than 900 firms, the BCC says the results come at a time when SMEs are already facing an uphill battle to survive with rising inflation, spiralling energy costs and low growth risking long-term prosperity.
The management of digital tools stood out as a significant cause for concern for SMEs, with almost four in ten believing they did not have the capacity to effectively manage multiple ICT suppliers, contracts, and licences.
A quarter did not feel that their digital tools were resilient enough to help protect their business from emerging trends; just over a fifth did not feel that their digital tools were secure, whilst 17% disagreed their current suppliers of connectivity tools enabled them to adapt to changing circumstances.
BCC Director General Shevaun Haviland said:“In an environment where businesses are facing spiralling energy costs, record inflation and a declining economy, firms must feel confident in the technology they rely on to serve their needs and carry them into the future.
“Our Connectivity Survey has highlighted significant areas of concerns for businesses, with firms expressing particularly low levels of confidence in the flexibility and value for money offered to them by suppliers.
“With BCC data highlighting the huge challenges businesses are facing in the current economic environment, now more than ever, they need help wherever they can find it. Finding the right connectivity tools for firms can not only save time and money, it can also help future-proof businesses against further challenges down the line.
“Suppliers of digital tools and services must work with businesses, in particular small and medium sized businesses, to ensure that they find their right fit and reap the benefits of a flexible and secure connectivity offering.”
High street retail group Frasers has announced major investment plans into a Global Headquarters Campus at Ansty in Rugby, Warwickshire, in the heart of the country.
The company, which owns household names such as Sports Direct, House of Fraser, Game and Evans Cycles say the project will support the continued growth of the business and allow the business to drive productivity, growth, and innovation across the UK and globally.
However, the investment also raises questions over the future of the company’s current Shirebrook base.
A spokesperson for the company states: “Frasers Group is proposing to deliver an exceptional campus environment, reflecting quality design, operation, and sustainability. It will be landscape-led, driven by responsible and sustainable design principles. Where possible it will retain, reinforce, and enhance the existing landscape character and features.
“The proposals will also benefit the community, with several features open to the public. This will include a gym, swimming and sports hub, with bookable courts and pitches, and conferencing and training facilities. The enhanced landscape features will also include open space which will be accessible to all.”
The new Global Headquarters Campus is planned for land at Junction 2 of the M6 sitting adjacent to the strategic motorway network – connected to all regions of the UK by road, rail, and air.
Leicester has committed to developing more green policies and making better changes, which is reflected by the people and businesses of the city. Businesses looking to succeed in the city should look to go green and make changes where possible. Read on to learn about four reasons Leicester-based businesses should do this.
It Will Match The Environment City
The first reason Leicester-based businesses should go green is that it will suit the city. That’s because the city of Leicester was Britain’s first Environment City. The city’s greening was praised during the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio.
On the international stage, Leicester is considered at the forefront of urban nature conservation with a strong emphasis on sustainable development. If you are looking to open a business in Leicester or have an existing business in the area, going green would be an important part of your business strategy.
It Can Lead To Extra Cash
An unexpected reason to go green in Leicester is that it can lead to extra cash. This can be obtained in a few different ways. Leicester-specific businesses may be eligible for up to £7k if they go green through certain schemes. This relates to reducing their carbon emissions and general energy efficiency. This works by ensuring the businesses use more energy-efficient changes such as solar panels or heat pumps.
Businesses can also save extra cash by changing their supply chain. They can find a more sustainable supplier that reduces the number of trips they take, allowing you to get more of what you need and reduce the amount of money you’re paying for the service.
If you manage to go greener with energy use, you should spend less overall. This is because you will use less energy, reducing your bills. If you use effective green policies, then you should be able to attract more modern customers.
It Will Allow The Business To Do More Good
One of the most important reasons Leicester businesses should look to go green is that it is ethically the right thing to do. All businesses should be looking to reduce their waste and carbon footprint to help protect the planet and act in the best interests of the local and global environment.
The world is changing, and you need to learn how to guide your business correctly and navigate strategic opportunities that may have been presented by climate change. You can sign up for specific courses that educate you on how to combat climate change within your business. The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership offers an online short course that can help you gain insight into the risks associated with climate change and how to manage them. This can help you create a plan that looks to build upon a profitable business model while being sustainable. Not to mention, you will gain valuable and relevant skills that will allow you to make more informed decisions in the future.
Businesses within Leicestershire should be looking to make sustainability a part of their corporate identity. This should start from the top, as it will encourage everyone to do more to enact change. A business can change its culture and be more sustainable by getting more people involved at all levels.
It Can Improve Brand Reputation
An added bonus of a green business within the Leicestershire area is that it can help improve brand reputation. Consider the recent green investments that have occurred within the city of Leicester: the addition of bicycles around the city that you can rent has been a success, with the e-bike share scheme undergoing a major expansion. This led to a major reputation boost for the brand, as it provides a useful service while being green.
The same result could be obtained for your business. It depends on what industry you are operating in and where your business is situated. If you are looking to start any green policies or launch any green products/services that will interest your customers, then you should advertise them and market them in the right way.
Consider what your options could be and what is practical to do. Remember, the reasons that you go green shouldn’t be focused on improving your reputation. It should be done for the right reasons. It’s also worth pointing out that if you are doing it in a disingenuous way, this will harm your reputation, and it could be hard to repair.
Ensure you are doing all your research regarding climate change and work hard to create a plan to transform your business to be greener. Leicester is a city at the forefront of environmental change, so you should do all you can to adapt to the changing world and gain more insights to rewire your business model.
Tom Copson will step up to managing partner at Leicester-based chartered accountants Rowleys, after re-joining the firm two years ago as a partner.
Tom spent five years at Rowleys as a trainee, prior to joining an international accountancy firm as an auditor. He re-joined the firm in early 2020 after 14 years, his ongoing relationship with some of the partners, coupled with Rowleys’ independence, innovative outlook and agile approach being the key factors in his return.
Tom will officially take up the role of managing partner on 1st October and will take the reins from Robert Radford who has been managing partner for the last 15 years. At the same time Craig Shevas, who is the longest standing partner, will step up to senior partner.
Craig and Tom will work closely with Paula Swann-Jones and Mark Hook on the strategic direction of the business. The ambition of the partners continues to be the growth of the firm, remaining independent and ensuring clients and its people are at the heart of everything they do.
Commenting on his appointment, Tom said: “I’m delighted and proud to be appointed as manager partner and to lead the firm through the next phase of its growth.
“Rowleys played a significant role in my early career and I have many fond memories of those first few years. A number of people I worked with back then are still here today, which is testament to the great culture we have.
“I want to ensure that we continue to build and develop our team of people, be pro-active as our industry continues to evolve and maintain the friendly and personable culture that we are known for.”
Robert adds: “Since joining the firm in early 2020 Tom has brought energy, enthusiasm and a true passion to deliver a great experience for our clients and our people. Tom, working with the other partners and Rowleys’ strong management team, will take the firm to the next phase in its succession.”
Craig commented: “With Robert retiring in 2023, myself and the other partners decided that Tom is the ideal person to step up as managing partner. He is extremely dedicated to developing the firm and I’m excited to see what the future holds for Rowleys and our clients.”
trentbarton and Kinchbus Managing Director Jeff Counsell is to retire in February 2023 after 24 years with the company and almost half a century in the bus industry.
And in March trentbarton group commercial director Tom Morgan will step up to the newly created role of Managing Director (buses) for all the bus operators of trentbarton’s parent company Wellglade.
Jeff started as a 15-year-old engineering apprentice at Lancashire United Transport in the 1970s. He joined trentbarton in 1999 as engineering director and progressed to director of service delivery before becoming Managing Director in 2009.
His role directing both operations and engineering also encompassed the two companies’ relationships with national and local government, an aspect which has been of prime importance during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond.
Jeff said: “Throughout my years the industry has seen many opportunities and challenges including deregulation, recessions and the pandemic. But our industry is all about people and our people at trentbarton and Kinchbus always pull together.
“It’s a great team – from the bottom to the top. Our frontline staff are always impressive. Our drivers, our engineers, everyone, they never flinch from the challenges. I’m deeply proud of them and will miss being with them.”
Wellglade chairman Brian King said: “Jeff has played a key role in keeping trentbarton and Kinchbus at the forefront of the bus industry.
“They have won numerous awards from not only the bus industry but also the business community. When he retires next February, he will be able to look back proudly on his career in buses.
“Tom’s new role will cover the commercial, operational and external relations activities of our bus companies. He knows the businesses and the area well from his current and previous positions.”
Tom Morgan joined Wellglade in 2009 to work on the Nottingham Tramlink project and has subsequently been trentbarton’s assistant operations manager for Derby and the general manager at Kinchbus.
Tom Morgan
Tom said: “I’m very grateful to Jeff for his guidance and faith since bringing me into the business in 2009 and for the chances to progress in my career. I’m incredibly excited about what lies ahead.
“The bus industry has gone through a difficult time, but the future is full of opportunities which we are well placed to grasp by listening to our customers, maintaining our high standards, continuing to innovate, embrace new technology and by investing in and empowering our dedicated and passionate team members.”
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