< Previous50 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk RECYCLING AND WASTE MANAGEMENT England, who are not licenced to carry waste and therefore cannot guarantee a legal duty of care or able to demonstrate sustainable recycling and waste management. With landfill taxes increasing, businesses facing hefty fines or prosecution for fly tipping or illegally dumping waste and the financial as well as reputational costs for causing pollution or environmental damage, it is essential to work with a trusted provider with established credentials. Sustainability is at the core of operations. We aim to recycle one hundred per cent of the materials we collect and are one of the few firms in the industry to be ISO accredited. As a fully licensed waste carrier, we’ve signed the Pledge to Net Zero and joined the UN’s Race to Zero through our evidence-based approach to carbon reduction and we’re committed to supporting businesses in the region to help reduce environmental impacts, improve recycling rates and even find ways to turn waste into potential revenue streams through our waste management solutions.” Indeed myriad businesses are now looking to improve their recycling rates, and in turn minimise carbon emissions whilst also supporting a circular economy, as they aim to enhance waste management. But first, though recycling is important, slashing waste in the first instance is just as crucial, such as by implementing electronic systems to eliminate paper use. By conducting a waste audit one can gain a fuller understanding of a business’s different waste streams, amount created, uncover new recycling opportunities (seeing what percentage of waste is recyclable), and potentially reduce general waste usage, while also creating a more effective supply chain, improving ordering, minimising wasted materials and saving money. Further, a waste management provider can advise businesses so that they do not just discard waste, to give it value, and help maximise rebates. A valuable resource, waste can be reused, recycled, and incinerated for energy recovery, holding a different value depending on type of waste, with scrap metal sellable at high rates. In addition, within a business, on a colleague level, to boost recycling, employees should be educated and provided with clear information to ensure they understand what materials can be recycled, for instance by placing clear labelling and signage at collection points, also helping to avoid contamination. Another simple way to optimise business recycling is with bin placement - bins for electronic waste can be positioned near printers, those for paper and cardboard near desks, food waste and packaging bins in kitchen spaces and communal areas. Well placed bins make recycling easier and more convenient, and removing personal bins is a good encourager for increased recycling in a workplace, making staff think where their waste is actually going. Ensuring that any products produced are recyclable and utilise recycled content, where appropriate, will also only become more essential in the next year with Government policies such as the plastic packaging tax, in which (in April 2022) a tax on plastic packaging that does not meet a minimum threshold of at least thirty per cent recycled content will come into force. Concerningly, a recent study by Veolia has found eighty-three per cent of businesses are “not aware” of the plastics packaging tax. The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regime, dealing with business packaging waste, will also be of concern, which proposes brands and importers take full responsibility for the cost of managing, recycling, and disposing of packaging waste, with greater fees imposed if packaging is hard to reuse/recycle. Due to come into force in 2023, the aim is to encourage producers to use less packaging and more recyclable materials, reducing the amount of hard to recycle packaging placed on the market. Waste management firms themselves are also committing to greener practices and innovation, with the Environmental Services Association (ESA), which represents eighty-five per cent of the UK’s waste management industry, revealing a sector-wide commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2040, through a £10 billion investment in new recycling infrastructure, to drive up recycling rates and cut down waste, and technologies capable of capturing methane emissions, increasing capture of the most potent form, by eighty-five per cent from landfill by 2030. Using zero- emission vehicles is also on the agenda, phasing out petrol and diesel entirely by 2040 in favour of sustainable fuel sources including biofuel and electric. The ESA has also committed to decarbonising non-recyclable waste treatment and rolling out carbon capture technology across energy from waste facilities by 2040 where feasible. Investment in waste management and recycling infrastructure in the East Midlands specifically is expanding with two major recycling facilities in Lincolnshire and Leicestershire introducing new technology for recycling a greater percentage of waste within the UK. The facilities are being built to meet the need for plastic recycling infrastructure in the country with the aim to minimise the reliance on landfill and support the UK’s circular economy. Meanwhile in March an advanced recycling plant opened in Swadlincote following a £10 million investment. The commercial collection and recycling centre uses three stages of shredding and a sophisticated system of shredding, screening, air separation, magnets, and near-infrared technology, to extract every piece of recyclable material. What is left is made into Solid Recovered Fuel which 48-51.qxp_Layout 1 02/09/2021 16:34 Page 3www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 51 RECYCLING AND WASTE MANAGEMENT UTTSOLS GGMANAM ASTEAWW AA G SUSTS IONS GEME E NT E INABLLEI UTTSOLS susstainabilityy and speciontact our spCo Dooes it meet yyou wheo you know wDo IONS prove yourd how to imp ialist team tto discuss are obligaur Duty of Ca ere your wasste goes? r ations? ? reccycling ratees. cward.comw 0337345 3 y andstainabilitysus 7 00000 d how to impprove your r is then used by manufacturers. In addition, the UK’s first carpet recycling facility is now under construction at Northamptonshire’s Chelveston Renewable Energy Innovation Park, and plans are moving forward for a new energy recovery facility to be built on land within the Ratcliffe-on-Soar power centre that will be able to manage at least 472,000 tonnes of residual waste per year. Poor waste management could prove costly to businesses, whether as a result of the legal implications of non-compliant disposal, an inefficient approach, or losing out to competitors promoting their green credentials. The time is now to engage with a waste management partner that is focused on sustainable solutions, from offering cost-effective recycling to waste to energy options, to gain the benefits of an improved reputation and bottom line and reduced environmental impact. © Shutterstock /PhotoByT oR 48-51.qxp_Layout 1 02/09/2021 16:34 Page 452 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk As the first major PPMA live event since September 2019, following the postponement of all live events in 2020 and early 2021 due to the COVID pandemic, exhibitors and visitors are getting ready to do face-to- face business. With a focus on supporting the processing and packaging communities with sustained business recovery following the challenges of the last year, PPMA Show 2021 will bring together over 250 exhibiting companies, offering businesses a long- overdue opportunity to see emerging technologies and explore the latest trends in the industry. PPMA Show 2021 The PPMA Show is the UK’s leading production line event for processing and packaging machinery. Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 28th-30th September 2021, the exhibition showcases the latest innovations in processing and packaging machinery and is attended by manufacturers of food, pharmaceuticals, toiletries and FMCG, contract packers and more. PPMA 52-53.qxp_Layout 1 02/09/2021 16:40 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 53 Recent research conducted among PPMA’ audiences reveals a strong appetite for the live event, with 70% of respondents seeing trade shows as an essential platform for reviewing and making future product purchases. Leading exhibitors at the show include: Winkworth, Ulma, AVE, Evolution Bottling and Packaging, Mettler-Toledo, Ilpra, Holmach, Stellar-Technik, Endoline and Brillopak. Richard Little, Show Director of PPMA Show 2021 comments: “Although online platforms help people to gather information about products, our research shows that visitors want to move on from virtual product launches and events to get closer to the technology- hands-on and to speak face-to-face with product and application experts. The appetite for investment is definitely there, as well as the enthusiasm to resume business as usual. We’re setting out to support our community’s business recovery.” Renowned by the industry as a platform for launching new products, the 2021 show will be no exception, with multiple exhibitors announcing plans ahead of the show: COVID precautions Participants can rely on all the necessary health and safety precautions relating to COVID and, to reassure visitors with regards to cleanliness and safety, the NEC has introduced advanced cleaning measures and hand sanitising stations are located at all entrances of the NEC and at numerous locations around the venue. Physical touchpoints will be reduced throughout the show and there is also ample outdoor space at the NEC for visitors wanting to get some fresh air and to take a break from the exhibition floor during their visit. There will, of course, be differences in the way the 2021 event runs compared to previous years. For example, on-site catering provisions have been modified and we’re also advising visitors travelling to the show to limit what they bring. Pre- registration will be compulsory for all visitors this year register and visitors should follow the latest local guidance at the time of the show with regards to face masks, isolating and symptoms to ensure the safety of themselves and others in attendance. PPMA To register for your free visitor badge, visit the PPMA Show website at: www.ppmashow.co.uk. 52-53.qxp_Layout 1 02/09/2021 16:40 Page 254 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK Business and pleasure So often do we say that the two shouldn’t be mixed, and yet there are exceptions to every rule. We take a look at some stunning motors, any of which are sure to turn heads. Bentley Flying Spur Mulliner 54-56.qxp_Layout 1 02/09/2021 16:42 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 55 AUTOLINK Bentley Flying Spur Mulliner The proclaimed ultimate in four-door luxury Grand Touring and Mulliner’s first electrified Bentley. Whether enjoying the technically advanced V6 Hybrid powertrain, the emotional V8 or endless waves of torque from the W12, customers will still benefit from the exquisite detailing offered by the latest Mulliner product. The luxurious Diamond-in-Diamond interior quilting involves an embroidery process that alone took 18 months to develop. Each diamond contains exactly 712 individual stitches – each one aligned to the exact centre of the diamond it creates. Modern craftsmanship and breath- taking luxury combine in the diamond milled technical finish that is applied to the centre and rear consoles. The centrepiece feature on the dashboard alongside chrome bullseye vents is a stunning, brushed silver Mulliner clock. Audi Skysphere The Audi Skysphere is at the moment a concept and not for sale, but it’s a glimpse into the future of what may come. The Audi skysphere concept shows how the brand is redefining luxury in the future – it’s no longer just about driving. The concept car was designed with the clear objective of offering its occupants captivating and world-class experiences. To give passengers the maximum amount of freedom, the Audi skysphere concept was designed for two different driving experiences: a grand touring experience and a sports experience. With the touch of button, the driver can take advantage of their freedom and choose their own driving experience – either they pilot their 4.94-metre-long e- roadster themselves in “Sports” mode with a reduced wheelbase, while the rear- wheel steering ensures that the vehicle 56 Á Audi Skysphere 54-56.qxp_Layout 1 02/09/2021 16:42 Page 254 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK remains extremely agile despite its dimensions. Or they can choose to be chauffeured around in a 5.19m GT in the autonomous “Grand Touring” driving mode while enjoying the sky and the scenery, maximum legroom, and the services offered by a seamlessly integrated digital ecosystem. In this mode, the steering wheel and pedals move into an invisible area; the feeling of space in the concept car opens up completely new realms of possibility for such a sporty convertible. Meanwhile, the Audi skysphere automatically keeps an eye on the road and traffic with its sensor system and drives the occupants safely to their destination. Jaguar XF R-Dynamic Black The appeal of the award-winning Jaguar XF is heightened further with the introduction of new R-Dynamic Black model. the XF’s Black Pack has been enhanced, with the Gloss Black finish applied to the door mirror caps and side sills in addition to the grille, grille surround, side window surrounds, fender vents and rear badges. The luxurious interiors are enriched with beautifully crafted veneers, with Satin Charcoal Ash for XF. Bright metal pedals add a further finishing touch. The sense of serenity and refinement within XF is heightened still further by the enhanced Premium Cabin Lighting feature, which offers a choice of 30 colours in place of the previous 10. On the road, the XF continue to set the benchmark with their ideal balance of agility, handling and ride quality. The engaging, rewarding drive they deliver is second to none, and is matched to inherently low levels of cabin noise, which are further reduced on XF using Active Road Noise Cancellation technology. Mercedes-Benz C-Class The new C-Class already looks to be in motion at a standstill with its dynamic proportions, thanks to the combination of short front overhang, long wheelbase and rear overhang. The sporty bonnet with power domes accentuates this urge of forward motion. The windscreen and passenger cell have been moved to the rear for these classic proportions known in the industry as “cab-backward design”. The preceding model was already a great step forward in terms of a high-value appeal in the interior, and the new C-Class goes even further with respect to modern luxury. The interior adopts highlights from the new S-Class, adding a sporty touch. Like the new S-Class, the new C-Class is equipped with the second generation of MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). The vehicle interior becomes even more digital and intelligent, as both the hardware and software have made great strides: Brilliant images on the LCD screens make it easy to control vehicle and comfort functions. The four-cylinder M 254 petrol engine with a second-generation starter- generator with an additional output of up to 15 kW and 200 Nm more torque is also celebrating its première in the C- Class. Thanks to energy recovery and the ability to “glide” with the engine switched off, the petrol engine is highly efficient. Jaguar XF R-Dynamic Black Mercedes-Benz C-Class 54-56.qxp_Layout 1 02/09/2021 16:42 Page 3FEATURES IT & Communications Spotlight Legal Services Warehousing & Distribution Supporting Business Growth Facilities Management Bricks 2021 REGULARS Commercial Property Corporate Hospitality Motoring Watch out too for the latest news from across the region in every sector Next month in October 2021 - Deadline 22nd September Visit us at www.ea stmidlan dsbusine sslink.co .uk where you’ll find the latest news as it breaks – and why not subscrib e to our newslett ers so you can have. the latest news emailed to your inbox 57.qxp_Layout 1 02/09/2021 16:44 Page 1OUT OF OFFICE National Stone Centre to be transformed into “world-class visitor experience” The National Stone Centre near Wirksworth in the Derbyshire Dales will be transformed into a “world-class visitor experience” as it reveals a new partnership with industry body, the Institute of Quarrying. The National Stone Centre officially opened in 1990 to inspire people to engage with the origin, industry and the history of stone. It is set within six former limestone quarries on a 40-acre Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It has now been agreed with the trustees of the National Stone Centre (NSC) that the Institute of Quarrying (IQ) will provide the resources and capability required to further develop the NSC as a compelling visitor destination and an internationally significant centre of excellence for the quarrying and mineral products industry. In addition, the site will become the new home of IQ, which is relocating from its current offices in Chilwell, Nottingham. Ian Thomas, original founder and director of the National Stone Centre, said: “The aim of the NSC is to be a Centre of Excellence at national, regional and local scales, in all aspects relating to learning about stone and allied matters in the United Kingdom. The aim of IQ is to advance the science and practice of quarrying internationally in the interests of the public at large. By merging each organisation one can support the other in delivering on its respective ambitions. “This is very much about building upon the 30-year legacy of the NSC. It’s about securing a bright and impactful future for the organisation, bringing lasting benefits in the form of personal development, awareness-raising, memorable experiences and local revenue growth. Plus, with support from the extractives sector, the NSC will move into a new era of success, driving forward the vision of its founders. I’m personally delighted that the Institute of Quarrying is now able to call the NSC its permanent home.” First recipient as Friends of Derby 500 reaches half- century Fifty people have signed up to a new group which has the sole aim to help those in need in Derby. Now The Friends of Derby 500 hopes to encourage many more to join them in spending just a pound a week to help change lives for the better. The ambition is to reach 500 members so that £500 can be given to a worthy cause every seven days. One member has already given ten years of contributions upfront, allowing for payment to the first recipient. Nominated by club member Tracy Harrison, the teenager, from a very deprived background, needed help to get him back on his feet after several traumatic incidents. The club has given him a new bike which will allow him to get to work, attend important meetings and make new friends. The Friends of Derby 500 was the brainchild of Rachel Morris who was already a member of a similar successful national project. She said: “I had seen how just contributing a pound a week had helped people who have so little. The Derby community is so supportive of good causes that I thought we could translate the model to the city. “I am delighted that 50 people have signed up and there has been so much enthusiasm that I am sure many more will follow. It would be wonderful if we could reach the golden 500 figure to ensure a donation every week. “People should be clear that every penny we raise goes to those in need who are nominated by the members. In the event of several nominations, we have a panel who will decide how the money will be distributed.” Tracy, a former police superintendent, said: “I was delighted to join the club because it is such a simple way of raising funds to help people. Most of us would not miss a pound a week but that money can help transform lives. I certainly know it has in the case of the first recipient.” 58 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Double the money for Silverstone Fleet Management’s second football tournament The second ever Silverstone Fleet Management fundraising football tournament has raised more than double the amount of money than the first. Twelve businesses from across Northamptonshire took part in the five-a-side charity competition on Sunday 15 August at Daventry Football Club, organised by the car and van leasing specialist, in aid of Cynthia Spencer Hospice. The event launched with a hugely successful inaugural contest last year just before the pandemic hit and is the brainchild of Silverstone Fleet Management sales manager Ryan Bishop, who wanted to use his local business contacts and love of football to raise money for the hospice – the company’s Charity of the Year for the past five years. Prior to the event, Silverstone Fleet Management set up a landing page for registrations and Ryan contacted numerous local businesses who all paid to take part. On the day, more than 150 people turned up to enjoy the football and support the fundraiser, which also boasted an inflatable dart board game and a much- coveted raffle with top prizes including signed Northampton Town FC shirts. The overall tournament winners were Euro Building and Maintenance Contractors Limited and YMD Boon Architects received the runner up trophy. An impressive £2,096 was raised during the day – more than doubling the £732 raised at last year’s event. Scott Norville, Managing Director at Silverstone Fleet Management, said: “We are thrilled at the success of the second Silverstone Soccer event. Cynthia Spencer Hospice has been our charity of choice for the past five years now. “There’s a lot of members of the Silverstone Fleet Management team who have had personal involvement with the hospice. We are very lucky to have such a wonderful charity local to us in Northamptonshire and we want to do our bit to support it.” Rachel Morris and Tracy Harrison 58-59.qxp_Layout 1 02/09/2021 16:45 Page 1 Digital Space’s Big Sleep Out challenge raises £3,300 for charity Newark-based IT provider, Digital Space has raised more than £3,300 for homelessness charity, Newark Emmaus Trust, following its first ever Big Sleep Out event. More than 20 employees participated in the charity challenge on 26 August, swapping their cosy beds for sleeping bags to spend the night sleeping outside in Digital Space’s head office car park. The fundraisers managed to raise an incredible £2,348 in sponsorship between them, and with Digital Space promising to price match £1,000, this took the final total to £3,348. All the money raised will now be able to support the Trust in providing accommodation, support and training to young homeless people aged between 16 and 25, including pregnant teenagers, young parents, and their babies. All accommodation is provided in Newark and includes shared houses for young people, self-contained flats and houses for parents and their babies or family units. Clare Cater, head of communications and engagement at Digital Space, said: “At Digital Space, we have always been committed to supporting local community and charitable causes and when we heard about the fantastic work that Newark Emmaus Trust was doing, we knew that we had to do something special. “Sleeping outside in a car park wasn’t easy for any of us but it highlighted just how difficult it is for young people who don’t have a home to go to. We are delighted that we were able to raise an incredible £3,348 for the Trust and we are already looking at how we can support the Trust further in the future.” Nicola Burley, Chief Executive Officer of the Newark Emmaus Trust, added: “If it were not for organisations like Digital Space, we would be unable to provide the comprehensive support that we do for our residents. Life at the Trust is richer because of the generosity of the team at Digital Space as well as their families and friends – and we thank them wholeheartedly.” OUT OF OFFICE www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 59 Derby BIDs back environmental and business support initiative Derby’s Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) have teamed up with the international social impact company Too Good To Go to help and support more city centre businesses to reduce their food waste. Hospitality and food retail businesses in the two BID areas are able to sign up to the scheme free of charge for the first year, by virtue of their BID membership, and be part of the free mobile app to sell surplus food and drink at the end of service rather than throwing it away. There are currently 6.2m UK users of the app of which 400,000 are Derby-based and the Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter businesses will be joining nearly 20 city-based outlets who are currently using the app. Customers pre-order a bag, the contents of which are a surprise, and then businesses put together their ‘magic bags’ of what is essentially, surplus food. Research shows that food waste is directly responsible for 8% of greenhouse gas emissions. However, by selling three magic bags a day for a year, it is estimated that a business would reduce food waste by nearly 11,000kg, save 27,000kg of CO2 and save £30,000 in waste disposal costs. Martin Langsdale MBE, chair of the Cathedral Quarter BID and Helen Wathall, chair of St Peters Quarter BID explained that, as well as taking tangible steps to help the environment, hospitality and food retail businesses would also have access to new customers and additional income streams – further boosting their post- lockdown recovery. They said: “Joining forces with the increasingly popular Too Good To Go initiative and enabling businesses in the BID areas to join free of charge for the first year makes perfect sense both in terms of business recovery and in reducing the environmental impact of throwing away perfectly good food.” M-EC staff put best feet forward in double fundraising challenge Staff at M-EC, the consulting development engineers, have been cheering on their colleagues Caroline Rands and Nathan Allen as they each take on individual fundraising challenges for charities close to their hearts. Caroline is running 1,000 miles during 2021 to raise money for the Leicester Children’s Hospital, a charity closely linked to her family as, in 2015, staff at the hospital battled successfully to save her youngest daughter’s life. Caroline’s daughter Alice was admitted to the Leicester Children’s Hospital at the age of 3 with an incredibly rare digestive condition. However, thankfully she made a speedy recovery as a result of the efforts of a very dedicated team of doctors and nurses. Commenting on her fundraising attempt, Caroline said: “As a family we are so immensely grateful for the sheer determination and high levels of care shown by the whole team at Leicester Children’s Hospital in saving our little girl. I’m following in Alice’s fundraising footsteps as last December she managed to raise over £1,000 in a 50-mile running challenge, despite being only 10!” Also getting the steps in, Nathan is undertaking a ‘virtual’ walk covering 874 miles, the equivalent distance of walking from Lands’ End to John O’Groats. Nathan’s chosen charity is Mind, an organisation that has impacted Nathan personally. Commenting on the inspiration behind the challenge, Nathan said: “Having experienced difficult times with my own mental health both recently and as a teenager, I wanted raise money for a charity that supports people with their mental wellbeing.” Caroline Rands and Nathan Allen completing the Garendon Gallop 10k 58-59.qxp_Layout 1 02/09/2021 16:45 Page 2Next >