< PreviousOUT OF OFFICE SME productivity programme re-purposed SMEs in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire can now benefit from fully-funded University of Nottingham expertise through a programme which has been re-purposed to help businesses prepare for economic recovery following COVID-19. Productivity Through Innovation, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), gives SMEs within the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership region the opportunity to access the University’s postgraduates who work remotely for their organisation through 100-hour or 200-hour project placements. Companies from any sector can receive strategic planning and operational insight in areas such as business continuity, future markets research, product development support, digital technologies and digital marketing strategies. Dr Megan Ronayne, Programme Manager, said: “Productivity Through Innovation was first launched last August, building on our highly-successful Postgraduate Placement Scheme which delivered over 1,000 placements for SMEs in the East Midlands, so we know this is a model that works for business.” She added: “With the immediate challenges presented by COVID-19, but also now firmly thinking about economic recovery as we hopefully emerge from the pandemic, we wanted to give SMEs a high-impact, low-cost intervention to develop their organisation, enhance a project or take a fresh look at their business processes. Our postgraduate students are available to help firms navigate through this difficult period, and support their future planning by examining how innovation can enhance productivity.” Wathall’s brings forward support programme for local charities Family-owned funeral directors, Wathall’s, has brought forward its year-long community support programme in light of the pandemic to ensure local charities have the support they need now. A Wathall’s Wish was originally launched in January and planned to support a different charity every month with money, volunteering or donations of goods and services. The company earmarked charities operating in and around the communities in which it has branches – Derby’s St Peters Quarter, Alvaston, Ashbourne, Burton-on-Trent and Borrowash. However, because of the impact of lockdown preventing charities from fundraising, Wathall’s has brought forward their offer to each charity of £1,000 each or equivalent goods and services with an offer of potential further support in the future. Charities supported by A Wathall’s Wish include First Steps ED, QUAD, Me & Dee, The Hardy Group, YMCA Derby, The Laura Group, Street Food Burton, Ashbourne Community Transport, RSPCA Derby, Ready Call in Ashbourne and Derby Women’s Centre. Safe and Sound had already received their donation before lockdown – receiving money raised at Wathall’s memorial service in December. Helen Wathall MBE, who is Managing Director and the fifth generation of her family to head the company, said: “The common theme in all the charities we have chosen to support is that they help local communities cope with social isolation, bereavement, poverty and ill health. “We had originally planned to focus on one charity a month but, as the effects of the pandemic lockdown tightened, we contacted all the charities and asked if they would like the donations and support up front.” 50 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk CityFibre breaks ground on Leicester’s digital transformation Leicester has reached a new milestone in its digital transformation as work begins to extend its full fibre network to reach almost every home and business in the city. As part of a £80m private investment from CityFibre, Leicester will benefit from a state-of-the-art full fibre network roll-out. Once activated, full fibre network services will be available from an increasing range of broadband providers. Construction work has officially commenced in the Belgrave area, with neighbouring areas soon after. Granemore Group is delivering the construction programme on CityFibre’s behalf. James Cushing, CityFibre’s City Manager for Leicester, said: “For people across Leicester, this is a major step for their digital future. Work is now underway on our £80million investment, full fibre connectivity can boost the local economy by up to £640 million over the coming years. “Full fibre broadband will help households access services and all the latest entertainment at lightning speed, but the benefits are far deeper than that – from enabling smart home technology to giving people the freedom to work from home with ease. “Lockdown has demonstrated how essential a fast, reliable broadband service is for businesses and residents. During the current crisis, we are motivated to maintain progress and play our part in providing the digital infrastructure that will drive economic growth, support home-workers in their day-to-day lives and enable residents to keep in touch with loved ones and access important online services.” Construction work on Leicester’s next-generation full fibre network is due to last up to five years. The project will bring almost all residents and businesses in the city within reach of the network and gigabit-speed broadband services. Mark Lee, Director at Granemore Group, said: “This is now the fourth city that the Granemore Group are operating in on behalf of CityFibre as part of its Gigabit City programme. Our partnership with CityFibre has solid foundation for longevity and is strategically aligned in order to realise both companies’ ambitions, one milestone at a time.” Dr Megan Ronayne Helen Wathall 50-51.qxp_Layout 1 03/07/2020 15:53 Page 1Snibston Colliery regeneration project on track A £3m regeneration scheme to transform the former Snibston Colliery site is on track for completion in late autumn. So far, construction company Fortem is in the process of building a new environmentally-friendly café. Once finished, the café will aim to become a plastic-free zero waste hub. Meanwhile, work has started on the mountain bike trails, cycle route and equipment has been installed in the children’s play area. The country park is currently open while work is ongoing. Nick Rushton, Leicestershire County Council leader, said: “Work has been carried out safely and within government guidance during this Coronavirus pandemic and I’m delighted with the progress that has been made so far. “Not only will this redevelopment make the park more attractive for families, dog walkers and cyclists to explore, but it will also reconnect the site with the town and in the future provide much needed housing to the area. “We want Snibston Country Park to be an asset for the community, which stays true to the site’s mining heritage roots.” Once finished, the site will also feature solar panels and electric vehicle charging points. Rushton added: “We are a green council and tackling climate change is one of our top priorities. We take our commitments to reduce carbon very seriously and this redevelopment will help towards our goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.” A new heritage trail, improved country park, open space and picnic site are also planned. Mick Williamson, Managing Director at Fortem, said: “Despite the COVID-19 challenge, site wide production at Snibston Country Park has been maintained to great effect. Our on-site teams and subcontractors have rigorously adopted Construction Leadership Council guidelines, allowing significant progress to be made across the park.” OUT OF OFFICE www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 51 Half of businesses admit current cyber security policies not fit for home-working Despite the widespread shift towards homeworking over the lockdown period, a significant number of businesses have admitted current cyber security policies are not fit for home-working. Almost half (48%) of business decision makers have admitted that their existing cyber security policies are currently not suitable for maintaining a 100% remote working model. This increased risk has led to nearly two thirds (65%) anticipating an increase in phishing and breach attempts, according to a new survey from Centrify, a provider of Identity-Centric privileged access management (PAM) solutions. The survey, conducted by independent polling provider Censuswide on behalf of Centrify, polled 200 senior decision makers in large-and medium-sized businesses on how they are adapting to the impact of the Coronavirus outbreak. In response to their own concern, three-quarters (75%) of those surveyed revealed that they have issued formal guidance or training to staff about how to operate securely whilst working from home. Similarly, 50% are planning to hire in new IT staff or security experts to improve security processes. Furthermore, 59% of business decision makers said that outsourced IT and other third parties are being treated as an equal cyber security concern as 100% remote working employees. This closes an important potential security gap, especially given that IT personnel often have privileged administrative access to infrastructure and other critical resources. “Acknowledging the security issues posed by remote working is essential during this difficult time,” said Andy Heather, VP of Centrify. East Coast Main Line to become Britain’s first mainline digital rail link The East Coast Main Line is set to become Britain’s first mainline digital rail link with £350 million of new investment to install state-of-the art electronic signalling designed to cut journey times and slash delays. The cash injection – on top of £1.2 billion already earmarked to upgrade one of the country’s most important rail arteries – will fund the replacement of conventional signalling with a digital system that allows trains to talk to the track. This will smooth the flow of trains, make journeys safer and reduce signal failures that every year result in thousands of hours of delays. The upgrading of the line is just one element of a plan for a 21st century rail network. A third of the United Kingdom’s population lives within 20 minutes of an East Coast Mainline station and together they produce 41% of GDP. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has accelerated the roll-out of digital signalling to speed up Britain’s economic recovery as we climb out of the COVID-19 crisis. It’s part of a wider national plan aimed at introducing digital signalling on to the entire rail network. The new technology allows signallers to know exactly where each train is at every minute of every journey. The East Coast Main Line is a mixed- use railway, with trains of different sizes and speeds, both passenger and freight, all using the same tracks. This smart signalling recognises these different trains, allowing train and track to talk to each other continuously in real-time. This ‘in-cab’ system will mean an end to conventional signalling at the side of tracks – first used in the Victorian era. © Shutterstock /karin claus © Shutterstock /Sharomka 50-51.qxp_Layout 1 03/07/2020 15:53 Page 252 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk opportunities amongst contractors and suppliers at this event. For more information visit https://www.lincs- chamber.co.uk/events/lincolnshire- construction-and-property-network- september/ HR Forum Wednesday 16th September Venue TBC, Chesterfield The HR Forum provides a platform for HR Professionals to get industry updates, share best practice, hear about the current thinking on a range of topics, network with other delegates responsible for HR in their organisation and receive an update on the latest changes in employment law. For more information visit https://www.emc- dnl.co.uk/connecting-you/business- focused-workshops/hr-forum6/hr- forum7/?VariantID=2860 How to Handle Conduct Issues and Grievances Wednesday 7th October Harrowden Hall, Wellingborough Gain the knowledge and practical skills Open House, Open Minds - Global Business Event Friday 11th September Leicester Marriott Hotel While technology reduces the importance of physical distance, and there are huge opportunities for companies of all sizes to sell goods and services across the world, trade has become a battleground in international politics. At this IoD event delegates will learn how to navigate this complex world with the help of trade experts and global business leaders holding unique perspectives on international issues. For more information visit https://www.iod.com/events- community/events/event- details/eventdateid/18812 Lincolnshire Construction and Property Network Tuesday 15th September Windmill Farm, Lincoln With up to 60 construction related businesses in one room, from sole traders to large housing associations, keep up to date with project news and new business and tendering events to handle conduct issues and grievance in the workplace at this workshop day. Aimed at line managers with HR responsibilities, or employees required to handle conduct issues for their team and participate in disciplinary or grievance hearings, the event will cover how to handle matters informally, offer an overview of the law of unfair dismissal, present how to carry out an investigation and whether or not to suspend, and consider fair procedure, how to have a fair hearing, gross misconduct vs misconduct, questioning techniques, and sanctions and outcomes. For more information visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/workshop © SHUTTERS TOCK.C OM/ WRIGHT S TUDIO © SHUTTERS TOCK/RA VIOLI BRO THERS Resilience in Change Forum Wednesday 30th September Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham Adapting to change is a key skill for colleagues, managers, and leaders alike. At this forum topics including how to lead through change in a VUCA world, how generational differences are impacting change programmes, how to become a Change Enabler and not a Derailer, how to build resilience in your workforce, and where the ‘wellbeing’ agenda fits in, will be discussed. For more information visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/resilience-in-change-forum-tickets- 93471095563?aff=ebdssbdestsearch 52-53.qxp_Layout 1 03/07/2020 15:54 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 53 East Midlands Property & Business Expo Monday 9th November De Vere, East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham Attend this free expo for a solid day of networking and business generation. Targeted and aimed at the Construction, Property, Business, Investment, Finance, Professional Services and related B2B markets, the event has been established for over 20 years. The show will be followed by a network lunch. For more information visit https://businessshowsgroup.co.uk/nottingham/ -how-to-handle-conduct-issues-and- grievances-7th-october-2020-tickets- 98994985667?aff=ebdssbdestsearch Leicester Business Expo Tuesday 13th October King Power Stadium, Leicester Featuring business growth seminars, speed networking sessions, and 75 exhibitors, the Leicester Business Expo offers opportunities to hear from experts Leicester Business Festival Monday 2nd - Friday 13th November Across Leicester The annual, two-week, Leicester Business Festival returns in November, featuring hundreds of business events run by local organisations. Each year around 7,000 attend the event, which acts as Leicester & Leicestershire’s annual economic showcase. For more information visit https://www.leicesterbusinessfestival.com consequences. The day will help delegates promote equality in the workplace and recognise issues before they escalate. Aimed at line managers and those with HR responsibilities, case studies will be used to look at the protected characteristics, harassment and victimisation, disability discrimination, equal opportunities, and defending claims as a company. For more information visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/workshop -discrimination-awareness-14th-october- 2020-tickets- 89023584939?aff=ebdssbdestsearch in marketing, sales and business development and presents a chance to develop new contacts. For more information visit https://leicesterbusinessexpo.com/ Discrimination Awareness Wednesday 14th October Harrowden Hall, Wellingborough This workshop will provide attendees with the knowledge and awareness of discrimination, the forms it takes and the © SHUTTERS TOCK.C OM/ RA WPIXEL.C OM 52-53.qxp_Layout 1 03/07/2020 15:55 Page 2Here’s Frazer’s collection of the weird and wonderful ‘news’ that came his way over the last few weeks. And finally The world of Frazer The importance of punctuation A colleague of Frazer’s recently detailed how a local council has faced criticism after putting up a perplexing sign. Reading ‘COVID 19 NO PARKING ENFORCEMENT IN OPERATION’, one would assume that there are no traffic wardens in the area, and one is free to stop there. However, many innocent parkers found themselves fined, and flummoxed as to why. It was ultimately revealed a simple full stop had been overlooked. The sign was intended to display ‘No Parking. Enforcement in operation.’ The shamed council has since apologised for the confusion and those fined have been allowed to appeal. While one may scoff at pedants pointing out poor punctuation, a missed comma or full stop can get a business in a whole heap of trouble. A couple of years ago, a dairy company settled a court case for $5m as a result of a missing Oxford comma, after lorry drivers claimed they were owed unpaid overtime, while in a less serious case in 2019, the British Library received backlash on social media over a billboard which missed out an Oxford comma. 54 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk © SHUTTERS T OCK/ L YNDEN C A VEN- SMITH Nottinghamshire leads the way In a Zoom chat last month, Frazer heard of an event which has leant Nottinghamshire new fame. The county has become the first UK location to hold a socially distanced rave! The local council even approved the event, which took place in a forest near Nottingham and featured a number of artists, with guests keeping two meters apart. Just 40 people were allowed to attend the rave, and all were given face masks and hand sanitiser, while DJ equipment was cleaned regularly. After digging further, it turns out the event is part of a documentary delving into socially distanced events in the UK, and how the hospitality industry may shift to restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Though this may offer a nice template for future distanced raves, Frazer can’t imagine in the long run that groups of drunk people with impaired depth perception will be able to maintain distance. Plus, one just cannot get over the anxiety of dancing with so much space and no-one to hide your questionable moves. © SHUTTERS T OCK/ ONEINCHPUNCH Fancy swimming in bleach? A colleague in Derbyshire recently brought Frazer’s attention to a new wave of idiocy plaguing the area. Over the past couple of months, thanks to the warm weather, local ‘beauty spot’ Hoffman Quarry has attracted swarms of visitors, with many jumping into the water at the flooded former industrial quarry. Now, if you don’t know anything about the ‘Blue Lagoon’, its alluring bright water is actually rather dangerous, with a PH level similar to bleach. Its colour in fact comes from toxic deposits seeping from the quarry stone, and the water is often dyed black to deter swimmers - it’s that serious. There are also additional hazards lurking below the surface like cars, and those which make Frazer rather queasy - animal carcasses. Despite the dangers of the water being clearly highlighted by signs, people have disappointingly not been discouraged from taking a dip. When radioactive Nessie attacks they might reconsider. © SHUTTERS T OCK/ ROGIS T OK 54.qxp_Layout 1 03/07/2020 15:56 Page 1Flexible Office Space Huntingdon House is located just a few minutes’ walk from The Lace Market area of Hockley and the Victoria Centre in Nottingham. The building was constructed in the 1950’s with shops to the ground floor and offices on the first and second floors. We have a professional and friendly business community and strive to maintain high standards throughout the Centre and its facilities which are supported by our reception staff. Offices to Let At the moment there are a range of offices available which vary in size from approximately 150 sq. ft. to 1000 sq. ft. some of which can be occupied on a monthly rolling licence (subject to contract), our terms are very competitive. We offer flexible working solutions for small and start-up businesses and can provide you with a professional presence in Nottingham at very affordable prices. Subject to agreement, the licence fee can include all utilities, telephone connection and broadband; meaning your only additional costs would be for telephone calls made and use of Reception support services. Virtual Office We can also provide a Virtual Office for your company - an address away from your home, a dedicated telephone line, message taking – calls answered in your company name – which all adds up to being able to give a professional image not to mention supporting you whilst you concentrate on work! Costs vary depending on the services required, but can include message taking, call diverting to accommodation address facility and mail forwarding etc. All our business support services such as mail franking, photocopying, meeting room hire can be used when required (at an extra cost). Meeting and Conference Rooms area available for hire by the hour, day or week for you to meet your clients in professional surroundings. Meeting Rooms We have two meeting rooms available at competitive rates; one to accommodate up to 14 persons with desks or 25 theatre style; the layout can be changed to suit your needs, the other to accommodate 6 persons. Both have air conditioning and equipment can also be provided for example projectors and note pads. Both rooms are close to kitchens or if you prefer, refreshments can be provided. Huntingdon House Business Centre 278-290, Huntingdon Street, Nottingham, NG1 3LY T: 0115 9934200 E: reception@huntingdonhousebusinesscentre.co.uk W: huntingdonhousebusinesscentre.co.uk 55.qxp_Layout 1 03/07/2020 15:56 Page 1LINCOLN PROPERTY & BUSINESS INVESTMENT EXPO NOW ON 24th February 2021 A well targeted event aimed at the Construction, Property, Business, Investment, Finance, Professional Services and related B2B markets. It has everything you require for a great day of networking and business generation. Face2face route2market – the opportunity to meet more potential clients in one amazing cost effective day, than it would take months out on the road. As the exhibition closes (circa 2pm), we will roll directly into an informal network lunch, with paybar – tickets are just £25 plus vat and can be ordered and paid for directly online. For further Information contact tina@businessshowsgroup.co.uk Register now businessshowsgroup.co.uk NOW ON 24th February 2021 The Bentley Hotel, Newark Rd, South Hykeham, Lincoln LN6 9NH Exhibition & Network - Property & Construction related industries - FREE TO ATTEND 56.qxp_Layout 1 03/07/2020 15:57 Page 1Next >