For more information on exhibiting at the event click here.
To register to attend the event for free click here.
To secure tickets for the networking lunch click here.
East Midlands Expo welcomes BSP Consulting as sponsors for 2022
Business Shows Group are welcoming longstanding exhibitors BSP Consulting as sponsors to the 2022 East Midlands Expo, taking place on Monday 14 November at DeVere’s East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham.
BSP have exhibited at the event for over 15 years and Business Shows Group have celebrated many business birthdays with them along the way.
Having sponsored the event previously, Carrie Booth and the team are already organised with directors Mark Rayers and Tony Goddard lined up for this year’s seminar, presenting ‘Sustainability and how engineering plays its part’.
Attendees can also join BSP’s Managing Director Carl Hilton and business development manager Carrie Booth at the day’s network lunch, for which tickets are available by pre order only at https://businessshowsgroup.co.uk/product/network-lunch-nottingham/
The East Midlands Expo, for which Business Link is a proud partner, will open to attendees at 9am on Monday 14 November, with a seminar taking place between 10:45am and noon, a special networking lunch taking place between 12:15pm and 2:15pm, and the exhibition closing at 3:30pm.
City Taxis return as partners of the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k
City Taxis are returning as partners of the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k, including reprising their role as Title sponsors of the City Taxis Fun Run which takes place on the 10k race day 16th October 2022.
The Fun Run forms part of the race day activity, and anyone can take part on the 1Km course around Queens Park which will start after the 10k race has left the park at 10 am.
Sacha Skinner, Marketing Manager of City Taxis, said: “We are so excited to be back sponsoring the City Taxis Fun Run at the Chesterfield 10k for 2022.
“The event last year was a fantastic day where we saw so many inspirational people taking to the course with the aim of helping worthy charities and the incredible work they do.
“We are so proud to support the event, helping to raise its profile and in turn benefit the charities. It’s important to us that we give back to the communities we serve, and this is such a great event to do that.
“City Taxis will also be returning as sponsors of the Fun Run, which sees families and children get involved in the action. You can even bring the family dog!”
John Timms, Event Director, added: “Last year City Taxis were integral to the success of the event, from providing the lead vehicle to their sponsorship of the City Taxis Fun Run.
“It’s a much-loved part of the race day, and we welcome everyone to join in. It’s open to all regardless of age or ability and you will go home with a well-earned specially designed medal.”
Once again City Taxis are providing the lead vehicle for the 10k race. This year the vehicle is a hydrogen-powered second generation Toyota Mirai with water as its only emission. Not only will it contribute to the event being more environmentally friendly but will also benefit the crowd of runners behind the vehicle.
Runners in this year’s 10K are fundraising in support of local charities including Ashgate Hospice, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and The Redbrik Foundation.
Entry is just £5 for the City Taxi Fun Run on race day at the race information point, or you can register in advance for the Fun Run or the 10K at www.chesterfield10K.com
East Mids solicitor recognised with national accreditation
Senior Associate and solicitor, Gemma Hopper, from the Court of Protection department at leading law firm Nelsons, has been recognised with a national accreditation for her expertise in providing legal support for older and vulnerable clients, their families and carers.
The accreditation is awarded by SFE (Solicitors for the Elderly) – an organisation setting the standards for the highest quality legal advice in specialist areas, such as wills, powers of attorney, deputyships and elder abuse.
To achieve the accreditation, Gemma completed an assessment to demonstrate a solid understanding of the specific needs and considerations required when safeguarding and protecting older clients’ interests.
Since joining Nelsons in 2019 as a Court of Protection solicitor, Gemma provides specialist support to clients who lack the mental capacity to make decisions in relation to their property and financial affairs. She brings a wealth of experience and focusses on supporting and empowering Nelsons’ elderly clients. This has given her a unique understanding and insight that allows her to approach all clients sensitively and provide advice on what is sometimes a life-changing decision.
Gemma said: “I am delighted to be an SFE full accredited member and hope it will enable me to support more clients and their families.
“At Nelsons, we strive to give a voice to everyone who needs it, and in my case, it is so important for more vulnerable or elderly clients. Being accredited marks a great milestone in my career and I am very proud of the accomplishment.”
Craig Staten-Spencer, legal director and trust manager at Nelsons, said: “Becoming an SFE full accredited member is a great achievement for Gemma, but also for the court of protection team and firm as a whole. Guiding our more senior or vulnerable clients is an important part of our work at Nelsons, and I am pleased to see Gemma’s contributions have been recognised.”
Lakshmi Turner, chief executive of SFE, said: “When it comes to planning ahead for later life, getting the right advice is essential. An SFE accredited lawyer is an expert in this area of the law and understands the wider, often sensitive, issues around health, care and family that may need consideration. SFE lawyers understand the issues affecting older and vulnerable clients and follow a strict code of practice with respect and dignity at its heart.
“Ultimately, choosing an SFE lawyer means you’ll be guided through this complex and sensitive area of law and will enable you to lay solid foundations to protect you and your loved ones in later life.”
Interest rates rise to 2.25%
The Bank of England has further raised interest rates, from 1.75% to 2.25% – seeing the base rate grow to the highest level in 14 years.
It comes as the Bank of England continues to battle severe inflation, a top business concern in the East Midlands impacting investment intentions. The decision however will increase the risk for firms exposed to increasing mortgage costs and debt burdens.
“Raising the base rate to the highest level in 14 years is further evidence the Bank of England is taking a hard line on tackling inflation,” said East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) Chief Executive Scott Knowles. “Our Quarterly Economic Survey shows that unrelenting inflation, largely driven by rising energy costs, is by far and away the top business concern at present and is hampering investment prospects.
“But the Bank faces an increasingly tricky balancing act. The interest rate is a very blunt instrument to control inflationary pressures that are largely driven by rocketing energy costs and global supply chain disruption. Its decision to raise rates will increase the risk for individuals and organisations exposed to rising mortgage costs and debt burdens – dampening consumer confidence.
“Recent energy price cap announcements will have provided some comfort to businesses and households alike and should place downward pressure on the rate of inflation.
“[Friday’s] fiscal statement by the Chancellor is now a critical moment. He has the unenviable task of shoring up the economy while avoiding additional inflationary stimulus.
“The Bank, looking to dampen consumer demand, and Government, looking to increase growth, could now be pulling in opposite directions.
“What businesses will want to see is a plan to address the short-term drivers of inflation, as well as a long-term strategy to promote investment that gives them confidence for the future and counteracts the recessionary pull of rising interest rates.”
World first as Nottingham car marketplace helps sell first Ariel Atom supercar with Bitcoin
AutoCoinCars, the Nottingham-headquartered car marketplace that allows dealerships to advertise their cars for sale to cryptocurrency users, is celebrating after the first ever sale of an Ariel Atom in Bitcoin.
The deal for the iconic Ariel Atom 3.5R model was sealed by one of its partner dealerships, Supercar Clinic on Halliwell Road, Bolton, which completed the sale of the supercar to an undisclosed client in a deal worth £64,995 (circa 3.6 Bitcoin at the time).
Luke Willmott, co-founder and COO of AutoCoinCars, which has over 850 dealerships using its platform, is also the owner of Castle Gym which recently announced it has been forced to close.
Luke says: “There’s no secret that business has been challenging of late with Castle Gym and that has taken a huge amount of my resources, both financial, mental and emotional but that’s the life of an entrepreneur.
“Thankfully, I have diverse business interests and a fantastic team behind me and with AutoCoinCars we are constantly involved in new developments. I am still working hard behind the scenes on something with regards to Castle Gym but in the meantime, to have a world first with such an iconic UK brand is pretty awesome.
“We now have over 850 dealerships on our platform as more and more people seek the flexibility of buying with cryptocurrency. There has often been criticism of cryptocurrency in that it is not tangible. However, we can now help people to unlock the potential of their portfolio by converting their Bitcoin into physical assets and we’re delighted to be part of this world first.”
New home for water industry experts at Friar Gate Studios
Water industry experts, Invenio Systems, have relocated to Friar Gate Studios, part of the Connect Derby managed workspace scheme.
The company was founded in 2015 by Stephen Tooms and Stuart Trow to provide innovative solutions to the water industry.
Invenio Systems’ main focus is on developing new techniques to collect and analyse data, which will provide better information on which to make investment decisions, and to guide routine operations.
Since being acquired by Halma in 2019, the company has grown rapidly and now operates offices in Cwmbran, Washington, Tyne and Wear and Newport.
The move to Friar Gate Studios was to enable expansion of the Data Science team and centralisation of some operational support activities. It is designed to support the rapid growth in services and systems offered to water companies across the UK.
Commenting on the move to Friar Gate Studios, Keith Hilson, director of Invenio Systems, said: “We are very happy with our new office space at Friar Gate Studios, which is perfect for our needs. The facilities are great, especially the large meeting rooms which we use regularly to meet and plan with clients.
“The Connect Derby staff are always on hand to help with any queries and issues we have and have made us feel at home here.
“Being located in the Midlands will enable us to service our clients quicker and more efficiently, which will improve the level of service we provide.”
Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby, added: “We are delighted to welcome Stephen, Stuart, and their team to our flagship building at Friar Gate Studios. Their innovative business is a great addition to the range of creative and non-creative businesses already based here.
“Friar Gate Studios’ city centre location is proving increasingly popular with businesses looking for a flexible working environment and we are now proud to boast a dynamic and diverse community of new and established businesses.”
Global logistics firm takes 45,000 sq ft unit in Castle Donington
On behalf of Urban Logistics REIT Plc, M1 Agency LLP in conjunction with joint agents FHP Property Consultants have let a speculatively built 45,000 sq ft unit at Willow Farm Industrial Estate, Castle Donington.
The 45,000 sq ft distribution unit has been let to Nippon Express, one of the top five global logistics services providers.
The letting was completed by Toby Wilson of M1 Agency LLP who said: “It was a pleasure to deal with Nippon Express here and find them a building that complemented the company’s expansion strategy and continue their presence at Castle Donington, where they have been situated for the last 15 years. Their investment in the building will no doubt create success and new jobs in the region.”
John Barker, head of development at Urban Logistics REIT Plc, said: “The funding venture with Wilson Bowden Developments has worked well and they have completed the buildings to a high standard.
“The East Midlands element of the portfolio was recently completed and this unit has let quickly which is a testimony to the location, demand for industrial space in the area and quality of the build.”
Fred Brustal, asset manager at Urban Logistics REIT Plc, added: “We’re pleased to welcome Nippon Express to the ULR portfolio and look forward to working with them going forward.”
Blueprint Interiors strengthens team with three new appointments
Workplace consultants and commercial office fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors has strengthened its support team following the appointment of two apprentices and a quantity surveying graduate.
Joining the firm are pre-construction assistant, Kwaku Kwarteng, accounts apprentice Muhammad Anas, and project administrator apprentice, Francesca Curry.
The appointments are part of Blueprint Interiors’ commitment to supporting the education of young people and preparing them for their chosen career. For many years, the company has sponsored awards that promote education in business, and also act as mentors and enterprise advisers within local schools.
Commenting on the new appointments, Rachel Biddells, operations director, said: “We recognise the benefits that come from investing in young talent. They have already had a huge impact by bringing in new ideas and approaches and this insight helps to ensure we remain at the forefront of understanding the needs of future generations in the workplace.”
She added: “As we continue to secure better and bigger projects our clients have been particularly interested in our workplace consultancy expertise during the feasibility stages as this insight helps them understand what their offices need to provide.”
Kwaku, who is from Derby, has a Bachelor of Science with Honours Quantity Surveying from University Of Derby. He also has a Construction and the Built Environment Level 3 from New College Nottingham. In his new role help the commercial team collate costings as well as scope of work for various projects.
Kwaku said: “I was looking for my first breakthrough role with an employer in the built environment. I feel really lucky to have the opportunity to earn my stripes as part of a growing and expanding company.”
Muhammad is from Burton on Trent and he already has a distinction Btec Business. His day-to-day role will include supporting the accounts team and other finance and administrative duties. His finance apprenticeship was arranged by EMA Training.
Muhammad said: “Having visited the offices for the first time, I instantly wanted to be a part of such a friendly and welcoming environment. The office is very vibrant and you are never allocated to one specific desk. This creates a relaxed working environment that I have not experienced before. It was the key and deciding factor as to why chose to join the company.”
Francesca is from Swadlincote and, as junior project administrator, will study for a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship through DBC training. In her new role Francesca will provide admin support and deliver a high quality after care service to clients.
She said: “The culture is very positive and cheerful, and overall a nice place to work. Having attended my interview and done my research, it was definitely a place where I could see myself enjoying work and hopefully progressing further.”
Blueprint Interiors recently celebrated its 21st company anniversary and so far this year has completed a number of high profile projects for clients including Worldline in Beeston, Futures Housing Group at Castle Donington, Yu Energy in Leicester, new offices for Roythorne Solicitors in Birmingham and a BUPA healthcare centre in Cheshire on behalf of Enigma Wellness.
Plans to convert Nottingham’s British Waterways Building into flats approved
Plans to transform the British Waterways Building in Nottingham into a residential scheme have been approved.
H2O Urban, a joint partnership between The Canal and River Trust (current owners of the building) and specialist developer bloc Ltd, are behind the proposals.
The grade 2 listed building would be converted to provide 95 residential units (12 studios, 42 one bedroom apartments and 41 two bedroom apartments) including construction of a rooftop extension providing 8 apartments.
The building, constructed in 1919 as a canal transit warehouse for the Trent Navigation Company, is currently partially occupied by a comedy club (Glee), however the lease for the space is coming to an end and will not be renewed. The other areas of lower floors were previously occupied by a pub and the upper floors by a gym but are all currently empty.
A design statement says: “The proposal to convert the listed British Waterways building into a residential apartment scheme will provide a viable repurposing of this prominent landmark to protect its long-term future.”
Renovations begin at Sutton’s old Yorkshire Bank
The next project to breathe new life into Sutton has begun as the renovation works have started in the dilapidated former Yorkshire Bank on Low Street, Sutton.
The building, located in Sutton town centre, is being transformed to create two new commercial units on the ground floor, and two new apartments on the first floor, as part of the £6.27m of Future High Streets Fund. The works are expected to be completed in spring 2023.
The refurbishment of the former bank will bring vibrancy back into the long-term derelict part of Sutton, whilst creating good quality homes in the town centre. The building will meet modern energy efficiency standards to ensure lower bills for tenants and will contribute to the Council’s net zero ambition.
Cllr Matthew Relf, executive lead member for regeneration and corporate transformation, said: “This project on Low Street is just one of the dozens coming to Sutton that will transform the town centre.
“Residents may have already seen clearance works starting at Fox Street which will be become a vibrant pop-up food area and car park linking Asda and Portland Square. We released the initial plans for Portland Square’s redevelopment a few months ago and the final plans are now being drawn up.
“Ashfield District Council worked hard to secure this funding so we are working even harder to ensure we make the most of this once in a lifetime opportunity for our residents.”
